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Thinkstock photo Dig in, you gold-digger! We all love a bit of gold in our banks. But Sohini Das Gupta discovers that it has wiggled its way onto our plates too Elementto Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd. t's the time of the year when an gold on your plate! A lot of signa- agreeable nip in the air gets us ture dishes bank on gold to ele- to chuck diet plans and dig in. vate the recipe from fine to Many of our favourites—mith- grand”. Toshin is no exception, as ai, biryani or foiled paan, con- his Chocolate Praline, and Ba- tain vark, a thin metal foil used nana Mousse with Salted Cara- Iin food for decorative purposes. mel both count on gold-leaf em- Dhanishta Shah shows Vark, varak or warq is a thin bellishment to seal their positions pure metal sheet (gold or silver), as gastronomical excesses. "I use you how black can add given form by hammering it be- it as a sort of marker, to identify elegance and charm tween pads of leather or paper. A my signature dishes," he says. lot of South Asian desserts, in- Even though popular opinion to your home cluding Indian sweets like barfi, holds gold vark to have no addi- laddoo, gajrela, use silver foil to tional taste-value, “there is a sub- add shimmer to sugar. Gold foil, tle metallic flavour that it can on the other hand, is used inter- impart, if used in large quanti- nationally to impart that final ties,” Toshin tells us. “It is how majestic flourish to a chef's spe- cial (think not just desserts, but Reigning 'golden' burgers too). While etymology traces the word ‘vark’ back to Sanskrit (swarna-varaka/tara-varaka), it was apparently brought to promi- nence by the Mughals, who, be- your your ice cream will taste a lieving it to be an aphrodisiac, little different, if you eat it with used it in abundance to garnish a metal spoon. But the amount of their dishes. Le Cordon Bleu gold we use as garnish is too min- alumni, Chef Toshin Shetty of ute to be tasted. It only adds col- Toshin Chocolatier Patissier, at- our and elegance.” tributes the familiarity of gold Gold leaves, flakes or dust are vark in India to Awadhi cuisine. easily available online on Ama- "Gold leaf has been used through- zon and eBay. The chef also men- out Mughal history as an appear- tions that while the cost of gold ance-enhancer for dishes served leaves or sheets are expectedly mainly to kings, ministers and steep, adding the element hardly ophisticated, elegant, dark and mysterious… black decorative pillows. An upholstered headboard pin- the upper-caste elite,” he says. ups the net cost of the dish in Bhas many sidesl to it. You’lla find elements ofc the col- stripedk in charcoal-grey and white, or sporting Ikat Of its role in contemporary reality, as only a nanogram of it our in spaces of utmost refinement and class. “Black with the same coloration would be a great way to desserts, “think about 22-carat goes into the garnish. has always been symbolic of luxury. It lends sensual- anchor the bed in the room,” she remarks. ity and a sense of intrigue to a space like no other colour,” says Reshma Chhabria Kumar, Interior De- Little black decor signer and Founder of HIIH—an artefacts and decor Black accents are the perfect luxury touch. Rohit design brand. It comes as no surprise then that the suggests using black on the accent wall with match- La Kairos La COLOUR ME FRESH well-heeled are incorporating black generously into ing accessories such as a bedspread, rugs and arte- S their homes. facts. The colour also works around the dining and From foundation to eyeshadow, add bar areas. “In an entertainment section, this colour The power of black sets the mood. Black raw-silk finish wallpaper is these products to your make-up kit According to Rohit Gupta, Managing Director, Ele- quite impactful and completes the look,” he tells us. mentto Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd., black is very powerful A combination of black with white is evergreen. and used to achieve a polished look. If you fancy Combine the colour with light, pastel colours for a Bobbi Brown black-kissed walls, there are several options—the contemporary and chic look, or with silver for a daz- For luscious lips, try Bobby Brown’s obvious ones being paint, wallpaper, tiles and clad- zling effect. “The use of dark or funky artwork, Luxe Lip Color. Available in 30 ding. One is spoilt for choice with the varied finishes black mirrors and a few silver highlights, as well as shades of subtle pink, bright orange and options available in each of these categories. industrial objects of art and furniture also work and deep red, it delivers bold and “When considering black as your decor, ensure well,” says Rajkumar Jain, Founder, Anemos. maximum-coverage in just one your space has the ability to let in natural light, swipe. Its pointed tip makes it easy whether through windows or glass-block walls,” Light it up to define the lips’ outer edges—like a states Reshma. It’s even more important if you want You get home after a long day at work, the lights in built-in lip liner, while the flat to take the colour seriously with black walls, your black space are dimmed low; this soothing am- rounded tear-drop shape of the ceiling, floor and rugs. Lots of sunlight bience is ideal to unwind with a perfectly chilled bullet creates an effortless even coming into the room makes it glow. glass of wine. “Black interiors set a mood, so glide of colour. The lip colour visibly If that’s too much black for your liking, lighting is vital. The lighting in the room needs Anemos reduces the appearance of fine lines you could incorporate the colour on one to be controlled through dimmers and indirect and relieves flaking, while a blend of element—wall, furniture or ceiling. For light,” says Rajkumar. “In order to achieve sophis- moisture-boosting ingredients work that extra oomph, play with textures. tication and depth, a black space needs yellow lights. to keep lips soft and conditioned. “Black gives you the freedom to explore White light would just add glare and make it look and highlight textures. Combine a black too jarring. Pendants, wall scones and floor lamps room with wooden flooring, add a few lend a warm glow to a dark space and give it accent pieces in metallic or bright col- depth and character,” adds Reshma. ours, or bring out the good old black and A commitment to black is a strong one, and Deborah Milano white duo,” emphasises Reshma. you should be prepared for a long-term re- Formulated with an age-proofing ingredient, Deborah When the whole room is black, the lationship with it. If you can’t resist its Milano’s light-weight DD Daily Dream is a creamy fluid furnishings play a vital role in dress- allure yet it’s a bit too much, there are that features biologically complementary pigments ing it up. According to Sarita Han- other options. “The idea of a living and a radiance corrector that helps skin look plumper da, Creative Director and Founder room or bedroom all in black, how- and instantly perfects its appearance and texture. It of the eponymous brand, it’s best ever sexy it may sound, might turn covers and conceals imperfections, moisturises and to keep it simple, in a black-walled out to be too overbearing in the long protects skin, prevents and minimises discolouration bedroom. “Use a mix of charcoal run. However, the colour would work and dark spots, illuminates and revitalises the or greys and whites for soft fur- out great in a lounge or powder complexion and makes skin look younger. Now you can nishings and play with a pop room,” says Rajkumar. So….play with step out with a smoother, fine-grained and more even- of bright colour on throws or black….it will not disappoint! photo Thinkstock toned complexion. Reshma Chhabria Sally Hansen Sally Hansen has launched 20 Add colour to your trip Stay with the classics Miracle Gel colours and a Miracle Gel Top Coat, which create fuller- If you’re travelling on business, you can never go wrong with looking nails with a mirror-shine Blue seems to be the colour this season, whether in browns, greys and blacks. Corneliani offers an exquisite finish. Apply two coats of colour solid tones or prints. Travel in style with Tumi’s vibrant Style your travels selection of bags, wallets and holders for the suave business and one Top Coat. Exposed to travel accessories, inspired by the old-world charm of the traveller. For instance, the Nappa Calfskin carry-on case with natural light, the result is a Mediterranean, and the brand’s Moorish Memoirs collection From leisure vacations to important an extendable handle has classic charm. You can combine manicure that resembles a UV/ that offers a vivid palette—Moroccan blue, cayenne, stone business trips, it with the Nappa Calfskin holdall with multipurpose inside Givenchy LED-cured gel polish with up to 14 and gold. Moorish muqarnas—striking hexagonal Avril-Ann Braganza compartments. Montegrappa’s calf-leather cabin trolley Soft and silky to touch, Prisme days of colour and shine. architectural ornamentations, applied to the picks out the latest travel gear for you with its net-cut handle, all-round metal zip and deep front Quatuor eyeshadows glide onto underside of domes or arches—provide inspiration pocket is perfect to flaunt on that overseas team-bonding the skin and leave a veil of even for the season’s prints with strong neutrals such trip.

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