Manjit Bawa, 1988, Untitled, Acrylic on Canvas, Rs 5-7 lakh; (left) French clock, 1910, Rs 25,000-40,000; (bottom) silver spice box, 1920, Rs 1.4 lakh

Auction house Bowrings will conduct its first sale in Mumbai at The Oberoi Towers on March 20 and 21. Works of art and paintings will go under the auction hammer in two phases. The first day will offer "Works of Art, Carpets and Textiles" and the second, "Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings". Patrick Bowring, deputy chairman, Bowrings, says it will be the first time in India that there will be an auction of carpets, rugs and shawls, also the first time
the Tanksalwalla collection will be up for sale. It includes marbles, ceramics, bronzes and clocks from the personal collection of
the late Dr Medioma Tanksalwalla. Highlights include late 19th and early 20th century Italian marble busts. More: Oriental ceramics, Burmese bowls with figures from the Jataka Tales, an Osler glass candelabrum, a French liqueur set, and Indian and Burmese silver. On the second day: Art Deco panels by Polish artist Stefan Norblin depicting Indian maidens. Other works-from Jamini Roy, A. R. Chugtai, M. F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, Jehangir Sabawala, Anjolie Ela Menon, Subhash Awchat and Jitesh Kallat-will also figure. Auction starts at 6 p.m. sharp. Call: (022) 2356107 or (011) 4357000.

SHELF LIFE

Silver Giftables: Episode's new bridal silverware line throws up contemporary ideas for the trousseau. Silver trays, ring boxes, tea sets, even silverplated brushes, combs and mirrors. For the groom: bar accessories like retro ice buckets, table coolers and cock-tail stirrers. Price: from Rs 1,200 to 4 lakh. From the house of Whorras, who have been silver suppliers to Indian royalty since 1882. At N-10, GK-I, Delhi. Call: (011) 214-8582.

Porcelain Forms: Lladro's handcrafted Spanish figurines are now in India. Besides the usual, look up the porcelain version of Ganesha, available only in India (Rs 69,000). At 17, Om Chambers, A.K. Marg, Kemp's Corner, Mumbai, and Ispahani Centre, N. H. Road, Chennai. Call: (022) 368-6374.

GenXers: Get watch major Tanishq's FQ line of funky sterling silver jewels with stones, starting at Rs 199. Only at Shoppers' Stop.

TREND SPEAK

Corporate suits will continue to rule. So will lehengas and saris. The summer colours will be happy pastels, and the fabric, cotton and silk. Check out my summer line at the Oberoi in Mumbai end-March.

RITU KUMAR, FASHION DESIGNER

Bazaar News

Guess what gold and diamond crazy Chennai is digging into these days? Platinum! A platinum expo, called Platinum Poetry, at Prince Jewellery last week, witnessed a stampede. Mitr-My Friend star Shobana cut the ribbon. Tamil actress Simran launched the Pinky Ring Collection, a platinum and diamond line for women starting at Rs 3,500. Other lines: His and Hers (rings), and Vibe (tops, chains and pendants).

If you are in India mid-summer, it would be a good idea to wisen up to airy couture. The racks spill cool cottons at Fab India, GK-I, Delhi. Breezy shirts, skirts and kurtas in free sizes add to the trendy look. Lucknowi (chikan) suits also help. Check out the new line at Shoppers' Stop, Delhi.

-Compiled by Methil Renuka