Verve ushers in the New Year with scintillating buys

WRISTY SOPHISTICATION

There is nothing more stylish than a man's watch adorning a woman's wrist. Christian Dior, with its exquisite amalgamation of haute jewellery and elegant timepieces, has created the La D De Dior Steel. Set with a steel bezel, it is crowned with brilliant diamonds and a sun-brushed dial. Telling time with class.

JEWELLED PRECISION

A trendsetting watch company that surprises the discerning buyer with each new collection, Jaeger LeCoultre's range of timepieces under the Idealé collection, exclusively for women, has a timeless appeal. A throwback to the classics of the '20s and the '30s, the watches tell time in stainless steel, white, and yellow gold. Studded with a precious stone, time has never looked this good.

PRICELESS TIME

A perfect marriage of jewelled excellence and technical superiority, Vacheron Constantin watches have always given their clientele the best of both worlds. The brand's latest timepiece, clocking its way into the consciousness of the loyal connoisseur, is from the ultimate Kalla Rome range. A visual delight, the watches sparkle with diamonds set on white gold bracelets. An invaluable treasure for watch buffs.

FESTIVE SPARKLE

A stunning combination of white diamonds and south sea pearls that unite in a dazzling creation of chandelier drops, Thakorlal Hiralal's Arhan collection enhances the festive look this season. Glorious glitter.

CUPID'S CHOICE

Luxury giant, Piaget, has added its sparkle to the festivities surrounding Valentine's Day with a cupid collection that celebrates the spirit of romance. Kaleidoscopes of colour, the Valentine's Day pendants, part of Piaget's Limelight range, add their special dazzle to the glow of young love. Guaranteed to make hearts go aflutter, designer style.

STRAPPED ELEGANCE

A chronograph of superior quality and detailed design, Girard-Perregaux, peerless watchmaker, has created the Richeville Lady Chronograph for women, characterised by large numerals and elongated horns. With a choice of dials ranging from silver and white enamel to mother-of-pearl, the watch is available in strappy leather or jewelled versions. A classic way to read time.

SCENTED ALLURE

The Indian market was the destination of choice for another intoxicant, with French fragrance, Balmain, making a splash with their heady delights. Balmya, the perfume for the chic femme, is a sensual mix of passion fruit combined with coffee blossom that leaves a lingering whiff. A perfume that brings out the coquette in you.

Balman, a scent evocative of sheer masculinity, combines a fresh, woody essence that envelopes the wearer in an aura of inimitable sophistication. Sublime redolence.

BOTTLED EXOTICA

A perfume that scores high on the must-haves this season is Max Mara's fragrance for women. A delight to the olfactory senses, it is a melange of contrasting essences forming a perfect mix of the floral and the teasingly tangy that supplement the exotic woody scent. A charismatic offering for the fairer sex.

YOUTH RECAPTURED

The essence of youth packaged in a cream, La Prairie's Cellular Microdermabrasion cream, offers intense exfoliating treatments that rejuvenate the skin, allowing it to breathe freely. Combining nature's resources, an elementary facial massage is all that it takes to win the race against time and ageing. A fitting protection when age comes calling.

GLITTER GLAMOUR

Drama is in the air, with cosmetic giants, Bourjois, unveiling their Suivez Mon Regard line of eyeshadow in four different hues. In warm tones of lilacs and electric blues, this loose powder comes with an integrated brush. With eyeshadows that create extraordinary effects of light and colour, the range is a cosmetic boon. Guaranteed to bedazzle at the evening soiree.

CREAMY SECRETS

A natural prevention against the onset of epidermal disasters, dryness and uneven texture, Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Moisture Network Night Cream, works its wonders through the night to re-hydrate the skin and enhance its natural protective barrier. Healthy, glowing skin, always.

IN FRAGRANT COMPANY

A perfect complement to its elegant garments, Mango's MNG Eau De Toilette, is a perfume that naturally accentuates a stylish woman's fashion statement. The delicately contoured bottle holds a bouquet of aromas with underlying notes of sandalwood and musk. A scent that unleashes the femme fatale within.

VINTAGE WEAR

Invoking the bygone era of timeless classics and understated style, designers, Ashima-Leena, enthralled the gathered glitterati with their Fall-Winter 2004/05 clothes. Exquisitely embroidered bustiers coupled with volumes of chiffon drapes shared centrestage with opulent designs and gypsy prints. A royal extravaganza.

COLD COMFORT

Winter clothing that draws its inspiration from the vibrant warmth of the flora dominating the landscape of French city, Vermont, Lacoste's winter collection is an explosion of colour that contrasts to the icy chill of the season. The range of apparel for both men and women comprises of the usual suspects required to make a warm winter, from polo-necked tops and sweaters to trousers and shirts. Bundled up in style.

DESIGNED TO SHOCK

CR2 was the destination of choice for the brand of clothing, Aftershock for its inaugural Asian store. A much-awaited treat for the fairer sex, Aftershock, as the name suggests, specialises in garments sure to take one's breath away. With its beaded dresses and intricately crafted accessories, here is a brand for the lady out to create a stir. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.

BLUES FOR KEEPS

Levi's has provided its cross-cultural clientele with yet another reason to don these stylish denims. The Indian woman can now breathe a sigh of relief at the new range, Levi's RED TAB Slim Jeans that celebrates her curvy figure,

Giving the illusion of endless legs. Available in three finishes, these immortal blues are permanent inhabitants of the wardrobes of the uberstylish. Fit to perfection.

FIT FOR A KING

Louis Philippe's collection of Gods and Kings shirts ensures that the maharajas and emperors have now made way for the regally garbed modern man. This range weaves sartorial spells with its exquisite fabric and ornate designs embellished with mother-of-pearl buttons. These formals are sure to create a stir at black tie dinners. Clothes that maketh the man complete.

ESSENCE OF STYLE

Roberto Cavalli made a splash in the Indian market with the unveiling of his fragrance for men and women. The Roberto Cavalli woman is imbued with a fresh, flowery essence, underlined by an unmistakable woody scent with a touch of musk. The male fragrance is an invitation to flaunt convention. Fragrance for those with an impetuous desire to live life to the fullest.

HEALING TOUCH

The Franck Provost Salon & Spa offers the stressed out Mumbaiite an opportunity to indulge one's senses. With treatments ranging from facials to aromatherapy and massages, this soulful experience is not just restricted to women. The metrosexual male can avail of a special package, complete with a facial and manicure. Therapeutic luxury.

TO THE MOON AND BACK

Time first travelled into space when man set foot on the moon, adorned with an Omega watch. Apart from this infamous intergalactic journey and its numerous achievements, with over 150 years of pursuing excellence in creating innovative timepieces, Omega has now launched twin flagship stores in Mumbai. A brand that boasts an enviable list of patrons, Omega has is craftsmanship and technical mastery exemplified. And excellence personified.

STIRRING SPIRITS

All set to tug heart strings this Valentine's Day, winemakers, Moët & Chandon, in collaboration with leading hotels and restaurants, will be celebrating the spirit of love with a weeklong extravaganza. Romantics can now celebrate with an opportunity to win two gifts with each bottle of the bubbly ordered. A special champagne dinner on the occasion when Cupid strikes his fatal blow is another Valentine treat from the global masters of tasty spirits. A love potion, guaranteed to succeed.

FOUNTAIN OF LOVE

Montblanc has dipped its very fashionable label into the tradition of writing, celebrating the long forgotten art with the Bohème Je t'aime Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen. With a variety of embellishments in precious black resin, sterling silver or white gold, the clip is set with a heart-shaped gemstone, with an individual serial number. Adding the colour of love is the red, rose-scented 'Love Letter' ink captured in a bottle or packaged in cartridges.

TURQUOISE TREAT

Earmarked as the fashionable woman's latest jewelled necessity, Notandas & Sons' MSK creation, made of brilliantly cut diamonds and turquoise stones, the ever-popular chandelier earrings add a precious shimmer to the season. A jewelled delight for the woman with taste.