/ Editor's Note, Summer 2006

by Anokhi Admin

Editor’s Note, Summer 2006

Aug 06, 2013

There has been a lot of buzz lately about the waning of mainstream mass culture. That, in fact, people are seizing control of their own cultural experience of life, in other words, unleashing personal creativity and spunk, branding one’s own identity based on the brands (or non-brands) they choose to wear, the foods they consume and how they disseminate information. Empowered by today’s technology, these ‘boutique individuals’ build communities around these new and different ways of thinking.

This year’s summer issue celebrates stories about the bottoms-up culture that has emerged and the boutique individuals that have made it happen in unimaginable ways.

The fashion pages relay tales of two unique designers who ignited their own robust spirit. Swati Argade, a dancer-turned-fashion designer had her creative energy flowing from costume design to her own clothing label (Dreaming in Silks, p.26).

For Inder Bedi, founder of Matt & Nat, creating a cruelty-free product that didn’t sacrifice style was his priority and philosophy. He came up with a fashion-forward vegan purse (and eventually shoe) line. Matt & Nat hopes to inspire people to follow their own path, and perhaps travel the path less traveled…to a vegan purse store as opposed to your typical leather store (Fashion Meets Philosophy, p.40).

Our beauty pages reveal the growing multicultural, multi-coloured landscape which has opened up a market for cosmetics that match yellow skin tones. New companies have come into the mix and are filling this niche catering specifically to women of colour. And mainstream makeup lines are taking note. (Putting your Best Face Forward: Make up for Yellow Skin Tones, p.52)

Our wellness section this issue talks about detoxing and making smart food and lifestyle choices to reduce your exposure to toxins. Read ANOKHI’s guide to clearer, glowing skin, higher energy levels and a handful of healthy habits that might just stick. (Detox for Summer, p.89)

In our perspective section, we explore the college/university scene whereby a growing movement of second-generation Canadians or Americans have ‘Gone Greek’, so to speak. This South Asian body of students added its two spoons of turmeric to literally ‘spice up’ the great social brother and sisterhoods left by the Greeks, otherwise known as fraternities and sororities. (A Gang, A Clique, A Step Forward: South Asians go Greek! p.104)

Our cover story is about supermodel Ujjwala Raut, whose adventurous spirit took her away from the runways of Mumbai and straight to Paris. Highly successful in one of the toughest industries in the world, read about her glamorous yet disciplined career.

Happy summer reading! Hope you enjoy.