A bright pick from Soni's breezy new line

Varma's animal print sari (second from above); draped skirt

For a change, it's the male designers who have been the buzz all week. Delhi designer Suneet Varma rushed forth the smart new catalogue of his new line, which he calls the "international collection" showcased in London last week. For those who missed it there, it's available at his Delhi studio (133-A, Saidulajab, West End Marg, Mehrauli. Call: (011) 685-5250/251). The range comprises tunics, trousers, bold animal print saris, bustiers and draped skirts "to be worn the way they look". No zardosi, but all thread. "It's all about style," says Varma. Another designer who enjoyed reviews for his new menswear line was Ashish Soni. Soni's smart Summer Collection 2002, displayed at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE) on Janpath, has actually given the CCIE a new, chic look. Lots of cool cottons, and day clothes in twills to checks to stripes. The rates are down-to-earth too. Breezy shirts, kurtas, pants, even sherwanis in a stunning variety of bright colours like oranges, reds, blues and greens. To sum up, a slew of refreshing options if you're choosing an Indian summer.

SHELF LIFE

Gold and Gems: Frazer and Haws' new 'Navratna' designer jewellery collection, inspired by tradition and astrology, traces intricate Indian designs. Each gem is cosmically related to the nine planets. Exquisite stuff. Call: (011) 651-1999.

Watch and Wear: Indian watch major Titan has just launched what it calls "the world's slimmest watch"-Titan Edge that is just 3.5 mm slim (most watches are between 6mm to 10mm thick) and has a wafer-thin movement of 1.15 mm. Water-resistant with a state-of-the-art silicon chip, Titan Edge is available in 13 variants in prices ranging from Rs 4,495 to Rs 4,995. Check out Titan stores.

Sassy Slipwear: Kolkata designer Suman Nathwani calls herself a pioneer in the lingerie section. Her speciality? Slipwear. For those who love to lounge around in lacy lingerie this summer, it would be a good idea to stock up on Nathwani's new nightwear line, in satin, silks, chiffons and georgettes, at Ose by D.J., at R-55, Greater Kailash-2. Call: (011) 643-6915.

BAZAAR news

Goan Rhapsody: Fashion designer and die-hard socialite Malini Ramani might be based and working out of Goa (she relocated from Delhi last year), but she sure hasn't forgotten the capital's clothes scene. Check out Ramani's new line at Ogaan at Santushti Complex.

Eye Therapy: If you are into meditation and your eyes need rest, here's something you could add to your spiritual kit. Mumbai's Silkworks sells Silk Eye Pillow eye cushions filled with a combination of herbs and natural seeds in varied fragrances to help ease the stress around the eyes as you nap, unwind or meditate. Call: (022) 369-6173, 430-1127.

TREND SPEAK

"The look this season is surely sophisticated, elegant and stylish without being loud. The chic, sleek look with the most basic, minimum layering is in."

Leena Singh, Delhi fashion designer

-Compiled by Methil Renuka and Stephen David