Elite Zone Appeals Most

Elite Zone appeals most

HYDERABAD,

JAN. 30.

Elite Zone, who is in great heart, appeals most in the Golconda Derby Stakes (2,400m), the star attraction of this afternoon’s meeting.

There will be no false rails.

1 12-30 Affable Plate (D.II)

1,100m, Cat. II, Md. 3/y/o only (Terms)

1*300Artist (Deshmukh) A. Joshi3 55.0

2*032Cannon Target (Raju) D. Singh5 55.0

3*00Greeku Veerudu (Vatsalya) Ritesh8 55.0

4— Muscat Ranger (Rafaat) M. Narredu4 55.0

5— Shikra (Netto) A. Imran Khan7 55.0

6*03Achernar (L. D’Silva) Christopher2 53.5

7*00Blazing Rhythm (Prasad) B. Shinde10 53.5

8*00Favourable Terms (Vatsalya) Harish9 53.5

9*32Freak Fantasy (Prasad) Rutherford6 53.5

10*0Pure And Simple (Satheesh) B. Prakash1 53.5

CANNON TARGET: Found Mirbat Battle too good over 1,100m in his last start; working well. MUSCAT RANGER: First run; sharpened up well. ACHERNAR: Comes into the reckoning on her third to Punjab Regiment (1,100m). FREAK FANTASY: As a favourite ran Albuquerque to 1-1/4 lengths over 1,100m; sporting blinkers now and should be given another chance.

1. Muscat Ranger, 2. Freak Fantasy, 3. Achernar

2 1-00 Affable Plate (D.I)

1,100m, Cat. II, Md. 3/y/o only (Terms)

1*04Adoring Star (Satheesh) B. Prakash7 55.0

2*000Australis (Vatsalya) N. Rawal3 55.0

3— Gallant Commander (Deshmukh) Aadesh9 55.0

4*000Money Care (Shamsuddin) A. Imran Khan2 55.0

5*000Royal Bond (Prasad) Rutherford10 55.0

6— Wind Breaker (Prasad) B. Shinde4 55.0

7— Fille La Belle (Netto) Sequeira5 53.5

8*00High Lands (Raju) D. Singh6 53.5

9*0Thrust Two (Rao) Jagdale1 53.5

10*0War Blue (Netto) Anil8 53.5

ADORING STAR: Has come to hand after his fourth to Albuquerque (1,100m); now running with tongue strap on. GALLANT COMMANDER: First run; looks fit enough. MONEY CARE: Unplaced in all the three starts; tracking well. ROYAL BOND: Runs with an upsetting chance.

1. Adoring Star, 2. Money Care,

3. Gallant Commander

3 1-30 Deccan Prince Cup (D. II)

1,400m, Cat. II, 4/y/o & over, rated up to 75

1*004Native Glory (Satheesh) Nishanth2 60.0

21*14Exclusive Run (Prasad) Rutherford5 59.0

3*002Red Key Point (Deshmukh) Srinath4 58.0

4*043Rock Breaker (Prasad) R.B. Shinde7 57.5

5*224Secret Champ (Shamsuddin) Harish1 55.0

6*030Manchester Babe (Vatsalya) M. Narredu8 52.5

71*00Rare Insight (Netto) A. Imran Khan3 51.5

8*044Shannon (L. D’Silva) Christopher6 50.0

EXCLUSIVE RUN: After winning a 1,200m, comfortably finished fourth to Camarero over 1,200m; in fine nick. RED KEY POINT: Warming up in the last 200m finished an impressive second to Classical Song over 1,400m; in fine fettle. MANCHESTER BABE: Ignore her last run. SHANNON: Finished fourth in her last two starts; at a tidy weight.

1. Shannon, 2. Red Key Point, 3. Manchester Babe

4 2-00 Deccan Prince Cup (D. I)

1,400m, Cat. II, 4/y/o & over, rated up to 75

1*200Miami Gold (L. D’Silva) Joseph4 60.0

2*002Bon Vivant (S. Abbas) Chauhan9 58.0

3*003Famous Tribute (Vatsalya) Aadesh5 57.0

4*030True Blue (Srinivas) B. V. Krishnan7 56.5

5*002Royal Shine (Faisal) Harish6 55.5

60*10Fashion For Ever (Netto) A. Imran Khan1 52.0

7*334Ashatamasha (Srinagesh) R.B. Shinde3 49.5

8*031Simply Fabulous (Habibullah) Sk. Sharookh2 49.5

9*000Cosmic Run (Prasad) N. Rawal8 48.0

FAMOUS TRIBUTE: Has come on after her third to Belper (1,400m). TRUE BLUE: Did not reach the frame in Awesome Win’s 1,400m; earlier finished a close third to Great Combination over 1,400m; in fine condition. ASHATAMASHA: A consistent runner; continues to shine in the trials. COSMIC RUN: Appeals on weights.

1. True Blue, 2. Cosmic Run, 2. Ashatamasha

5 2-30 Godolphin Barb Stakes

1,400m, 3/y/o only (Terms)

1*410Star Kid (Satheesh) Gallagher4 54.0

212Yes Es Yes Ses (Deshmukh) Srinath7 54.0

3*313Adams Madame (Srinagesh) Aadesh1 52.5

41Glorious Breaker (Darius) Harish5 52.5

5*1Muir Of Ord (Rafaat) M. Narredu3 52.5

6*21Trade Fair (L. D’Silva) Christopher6 52.5

7*42Citi Storm (Habibullah) D. Singh2 50.0

YES ES YES SES: An impressive second to Velvet Rope (second win) over 1,400m in his last start at Mumbai; in great heart. GLORIOUS BREAKER: A fluent winner over 1,100m at Bangalore; in fine trim. MUIR OF ORD: Justified the favouritism by winning a 1,200m in a facile manner; retains form. TRADE FAIR: Came out of the maiden ranks in a resolute manner over 1,200m; may score again.

1. Yes Es Yes Ses, 2. Muir Of Ord, 3. Trade Fair

6 3-00 Squanderer Cup

1,600m, Cat. II, 4/y/o & over, rated up to 75

111*0Irish Nip (Prasad) B. Shinde1 60.0

2*014Copenhagen (L. D’Silva) Joseph6 59.5

3*244King Challenger (Laxman S.) Ritesh9 59.5

4*112Running Fantasy (Habibullah) Abhinay5 57.5

5*403Brown Star (Satheesh) Ravinder2 54.5

64*30Suryarath (Prasad) Rutherford7 54.5

7*023Diesel (Vatsalya) Harish3 50.5

8*011Flying Knight (Netto) A. Imran Khan4 50.5

9*030Virennele (L. D’Silva) Laxmikanth10 49.5

10*003Lady At Peace (Silvester) Chary8 47.0

COPENHAGEN: A failed favourite in Cannon Reef’s 1,600m; should be given another chance. BROWN STAR: Has improved since his third to Wellhams (1,800m). FLYING KNIGHT: Poised for a hat-trick. VIRENNELE: A handicap possibility.

1. Brown Star, 2. Flying Knight, 3. Virennele

7 3-40 Aristocrat Cup (D. I)

1,600m, Cat. III, 5/y/o & over, rated up to 50

1*400First Crush (Netto) Joseph13 60.0

20*01Neo Opinion (Shamsuddin) Sk. Sharookh3 59.0

3*021Rare Gift (Habibullah) D. Singh9 58.5

4*000Divine Perfection (Prasad) Rutherford11 58.0

5*000Intonation (Rao) Chary10 57.0

6*000Intercity (Faisal) G. Sandeep6 56.0

7*300Ferrari (Rafaat) B. V. Krishnan4 55.0

8*002Starry Eyes (Satheesh) Gallagher1 52.5

9*013Bukhara (Srinivas) Christopher7 51.5

10*004Zulu Dance (Vatsalya) Aadesh5 50.5

11*400Gran Canaria (Sk. Kassam) Joshi2 49.5

1200*0Mahseer (Deshmukh) Harish12 49.5

13*000Secret Archives (Silvester) N. Rawal8 48.5

NEO OPINION: Won well over 1,600m in his last start; retains form. DIVINE PERFECTION: Working well; may spring a surprise. STARRY EYES: A good second to Neo Opinion; in fine nick. ZULU DANCE: Deserves following on his fourth to Sincerity (third win) over 2,200m.

1. Starry Eyes, 2. Zulu Dance, 3. Divine Perfection

8 4-10 R.W.I.T.C. Cup

1,200m, Cat. I, 4/y/o & over

14*33Picture Me (Netto) Joseph8 61.0

2*323Classic Ten (Raju) D. Singh1 55.5

3*211Master Prospect (Prasad) Rutherford4 54.5

4*000Raise The Prize (Prasad) G.B. Khade5 52.0

5*402Cool Deal (Satheesh) Gallagher10 51.5

6*040Blue Falcon (Shamsuddin) Ritesh2 51.0

7*042Bruno Magli (Faiyaz) B. Shinde7 50.5

8*000Treasure Gift (Rao) Aadesh6 50.5

9*140Fire Brigade (Sk. Kassam) Harish9 48.5

10*403Burjo Fire (Prasad) N. Rawal3 47.5

CLASSIC TEN: A consistent performer; should be persisted with. MASTER PROSPECT: Won his last two starts impressively in lower class; may make it three in a row. COOL DEAL: With a late run finished a game second to Shakira (first win) over 1,200m; well tuned. BRUNO MAGLI: A fair second to Onnu Onnu Onnu (second win) over 1,200m; moving attractively in the morning trials.

1. Cool Deal, 2. Master Prospect, 3. Classic Ten

9 4-40 Golconda Derby Stakes

2,400m, 4/y/o only (Terms)

10Ardmore (I.A. Sait) C. Alford3 57.0

2410Connaught Square (Darius) Badel1 57.0

313Elite Zone (Ganapathy) B. Prakash7 57.0

4*020Elusive Prince (Vatsalya) Rutherford2 57.0

5*241Friendly Fire (L. D’Silva) A. Imran Khan5 57.0

6244Smart N Noble (Ganapathy) Gallagher6 57.0

711Staranzano (Dhariwal) O’Donoghue10 57.0

8*133State City (Vatsalya) Harish9 57.0

90*12Aryanoush (Rafaat) M. Narredu4 55.5

10*400Luxury Cruise (Satheesh) Ravinder8 55.5

ELITE ZONE: Third To Full Speed in the Harvins Bangalore 2000 Guineas; in pink of condition. SMART N NOBLE: Fourth to Bollinger over 2,000m in his last start at Bangalore; well prepared. STARANZANO: Made every post a winning one over 1,600m in his last start at Bangalore; maintains form. ARYANOUSH: An eye-catching second to Yutai in the Colconda Oaks (2,400m); may trouble the best.

1. Elite Zone, 2. Smart N Noble, 3. Aryanoush

10 5-15 Aristocrat Cup (D. II)

1,600m, Cat. III, 5/y/o & over, rated up to 50

1*140Golden Waltz (Prasad) Rutherford12 60.0

23*04Prerna (Laxman S.) O’Donoghue6 58.5

3*000Royal Guest (Faisal) Ritesh5 58.5

4*013Sky Heights (Srinivas) B.V. Krishnan1 57.5

5*000Maid For Eachother (Deshmukh) Aadesh4 56.5

6*302Dancing Butterfly (S. Abbas) Ramana7 55.5

7*000Royal Hollo Way (Sk. Kassam) Christopher11 53.0

8*001Racing Is Fun (Shamsuddin) Harish2 52.5

910*1Noble Empress (Thompson) B. Shinde9 51.5

10*000Port Royal (Silvester) G. Sandeep10 49.5

11*000Royal Dream (Faiyaz) Sk. Sharookh3 49.0

12*030Fantasy Girl (Vatsalya) N. Rawal8 47.0

GOLDEN WALTZ: Her run in Cannon Hope’s 1,400m is best ignored; the extra 200m may suit her well. ROYAL GUEST: If she takes a level start may upset the calculations. SKY HEIGHTS: After winning a 1,400m, finished a close third to Chickluckchic over 1,400m; in fine fettle. RACING IS FUN: A gutsy winner over 1,600m; retains form.

1. Racing Is Fun, 2. Sky Heights, 3. Golden Waltz

Day’s best: Elite Zone

Double: Yes Es Yes Ses — Cool Deal

Jkt: 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10. Treble (i): 2, 3 & 4; (ii): 5, 6 & 7; (iii): 8, 9 & 10. Tanala: All races.

Hindu On Net

Blair, Chirac Call For Solidarity To Tackle World Problems At Davos Forum

DAVOS, Switzerland : In successive appeals to some of the world’s business and political elites, Britain’s Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac of France called for a concerted international effort to stem the twin ravages of disease and poverty hobbling the poorest nations.

President Chirac pressed for an international tax to help finance the fight against AIDS, saying a levy for instance on certain financial transactions or airline tickets, could raise billions of dollars a year.

Prime Minister Blair, opening the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos, pledged to champion the drive against climate change and poverty.

They were speaking on the first day of the annual meeting here that brings together 2,250 people to the snow-covered ski resort nestled in the Swiss Alps to ponder the world’s most pressing problems.

Adding to what organisers here say is a mood shift in the corporate world, participants cast aside the global economy and trade to vote for poverty and equitable globalisation as the issues leaders should tackle most urgently.

Citing the response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, Chirac told the meeting via a video link — poor weather prevented him flying here — that at least 10 billion dollars (7.7 billion euros) a year was needed for the fight against AIDS, against six billion dollars annually at present.

“We are failing in the face of this terrible pandemic,” he said.

He proposed options including: a “contribution” on international financial transactions, a tax on aviation and maritime fuel, a levy on capital movements in or out of countries that practised banking secrecy, or a “small” surcharge such as a dollar on the three billion airline tickets sold every year.

“What is striking about these examples,” Chirac said, “is the disproportion between the modest efforts required and the benefits everyone would reap from them.”

Blair said he would press poverty and climate change during his presidency of the G8 group of leading industrial countries this year and of the European Union in the latter six months.

On climate change, he put the emphasis on harnessing science and technology to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions thought to trigger climate change.

While acknowledging a divide over the causes of global warming, an allusion to US doubts, he said the G8 had to send a “clear signal” of unity in cutting emissions.

“Business and the global economy need to know that this isn’t an issue that will go away,” he added.

On Africa, Blair said the G8 would work with African nations to build good governance and root out corruption. At the same time, trade reform must enable them to sell their produce at fair prices.

Other key themes at the forum, which runs to Sunday, range from the Middle East and China’s growing clout to ethical dilemmas caused by globalisation.

This year’s gathering clashes with the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a conference of greens, economists, libertarians and union activists, often at odds with the free-market approach generally favoured here.

The Davos A-list is due to include new stars such as President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine, while Executive Vice Premier Huang Ju will symbolise China’s growing global presence.

Palestinian premier Mahmud Abbas is also due to attend, say organisers, but it is uncertain if he will actually come. The US presence is low key, with trade representative Robert Zoellick the main figure.

On the name-spotting front, though, are actors Sharon Stone, Angelina Jolie and Richard Gere and Irish rock star Bono — here to push for debt relief and poverty reduction — and fellow musicians Lionel Richie and Youssou N’Dour.

– AFP

Channel News Asia

Blair, Chirac Call For Solidarity To Tackle World Problems At Davos Forum

DAVOS, Switzerland : In successive appeals to some of the world’s business and political elites, Britain’s Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac of France called for a concerted international effort to stem the twin ravages of disease and poverty hobbling the poorest nations.

President Chirac pressed for an international tax to help finance the fight against AIDS, saying a levy for instance on certain financial transactions or airline tickets, could raise billions of dollars a year.

Prime Minister Blair, opening the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos, pledged to champion the drive against climate change and poverty.

They were speaking on the first day of the annual meeting here that brings together 2,250 people to the snow-covered ski resort nestled in the Swiss Alps to ponder the world’s most pressing problems.

Adding to what organisers here say is a mood shift in the corporate world, participants cast aside the global economy and trade to vote for poverty and equitable globalisation as the issues leaders should tackle most urgently.

Citing the response to the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, Chirac told the meeting via a video link — poor weather prevented him flying here — that at least 10 billion dollars (7.7 billion euros) a year was needed for the fight against AIDS, against six billion dollars annually at present.

“We are failing in the face of this terrible pandemic,” he said.

He proposed options including: a “contribution” on international financial transactions, a tax on aviation and maritime fuel, a levy on capital movements in or out of countries that practised banking secrecy, or a “small” surcharge such as a dollar on the three billion airline tickets sold every year.

“What is striking about these examples,” Chirac said, “is the disproportion between the modest efforts required and the benefits everyone would reap from them.”

Blair said he would press poverty and climate change during his presidency of the G8 group of leading industrial countries this year and of the European Union in the latter six months.

On climate change, he put the emphasis on harnessing science and technology to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions thought to trigger climate change.

While acknowledging a divide over the causes of global warming, an allusion to US doubts, he said the G8 had to send a “clear signal” of unity in cutting emissions.

“Business and the global economy need to know that this isn’t an issue that will go away,” he added.

On Africa, Blair said the G8 would work with African nations to build good governance and root out corruption. At the same time, trade reform must enable them to sell their produce at fair prices.

Other key themes at the forum, which runs to Sunday, range from the Middle East and China’s growing clout to ethical dilemmas caused by globalisation.

This year’s gathering clashes with the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a conference of greens, economists, libertarians and union activists, often at odds with the free-market approach generally favoured here.

The Davos A-list is due to include new stars such as President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine, while Executive Vice Premier Huang Ju will symbolise China’s growing global presence.

Palestinian premier Mahmud Abbas is also due to attend, say organisers, but it is uncertain if he will actually come. The US presence is low key, with trade representative Robert Zoellick the main figure.

On the name-spotting front, though, are actors Sharon Stone, Angelina Jolie and Richard Gere and Irish rock star Bono — here to push for debt relief and poverty reduction — and fellow musicians Lionel Richie and Youssou N’Dour.

– AFP

Channel News Asia

Aishwarya Rai – Tanpa Solekan Dalam Raincoat

AISHWARYA Rai adalah antara pelakon wanita paling cantik dan popular dalam industri perfileman Bollywood. Dengan solekan yang cukup teliti dan aksesori penghias diri, kecantikan Aishwarya sentiasa terserlah setiap kali dia muncul dalam filem-filem yang dibintanginya.

Tetapi berlainan dengan kemunculannya dalam cakera padat video (VCD) Raincoat, Aishwarya tidak menggunakan walau sedikit pun alat solek atau aksesori yang sarat.

Malah watak yang dilakonkannya pun berbeza daripada filem-filemnya sebelum ini. Kalau dalam filem-filemnya, Aishwarya sering ditampilkan sebagai seorang gadis, tetapi dalam Raincoat, dia muncul sebagai Niru, seorang surirumah yang menjalani kehidupan seharian secara sederhana.

Penampilannya juga berbeza dalam Raincoat. Bukan seorang wanita yang langsing. Tetapi menerusi Raincoat, Aishwarya muncul sebagai wanita yang badannya agak berisi. Dia terpaksa menambah berat badannya untuk menjayakan Raincoat.

Untuk itu, Aishwarya dikatakan terpaksa mengambil makanan yang berlemak dan tidak seperti kelazimannya yang penuh dengan diet.

Pun begitu, Aishwarya tidak kekok melakonkan watak Niru yang begitu janggal dengan penampilan dirinya sebelum ini. Ini kerana, pengarah Raincoat, Rituparno Ghosh banyak membantunya. Selain itu, Aishwarya sendiri banyak melakukan usaha peribadinya untuk menghayati watak Niru.

Sebulan sebelum memulakan penggambaran, dengan bantuan kawan-kawannya, dia telah bercampur dengan masyarakat golongan sederhana yang terdiri daripada penduduk luar bandar.

Usahanya itu berbaloi apabila lakonannya mendapat pujian daripada Rituparno Ghosh dan juga majalah Variety.

Menerusi Raincoat, Aishwarya berlakon bersama Ajay Devgan yang juga bertindak sebagai pelakon utama.

Para peminat berpeluang melihat penampilan Aishwarya itu melalui VCD Raincoat yang kini berada di pasaran dengan harga RM19.90.

Utusan Malaysia

Burgeoning Thai Film Industry Attracts Growing International Interest

BANGKOK : The Bangkok International Film Festival has drawn welcome attention to Thailand, shining a spotlight on its movie industry and attracting revenue to supplement its tourist sector.

Alongside the festival, whose third edition wraps up on Monday, runs a successful film market which was launched by organisers last year.

The market, which opened on Monday and closed on Friday, was set in the five-star Shangri La hotel, where festival-goers were feted and filmmakers held press conferences, creating an ideal mixing-ground for the two events.

“It is already a smash hit, we have more than tripled attendance over last year and have three times as many firms exhibiting,” said market director Christine Rush.

“The final tally of exhibitors is passing 300, compared to just 100 in January last year,” she said.

“Our film market crowd include the business sorts who actually make the movies happen: producers, attorneys, bankers and development executives.”

Thailand’s big assets include its high-quality digital animation teams, production capacity and magnificent natural scenery.

“The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, or more recently Oliver Stone’s “Alexander” were both largely filmed in the steamy Southeast Asian nation, famous for its lush islands and stunning coast.

“Thailand is one destination that film crews immediately say ‘yes’ to,” said Ian Smith, producer of “Alexander”.

In 2004, more than 100 million dollars of contracts were negotiated in Bangkok. “That figure should easily pass 250 million dollars this year,” said Rush.

Apart from its remarkable scenery, Thailand has also developed important post-production infrastructure to lure filmmakers.

The Kantana studios, in a Bangkok suburb, not only include traditional film studios but also digital audio and animation laboratories capable of creating special effects.

The Kantana group, 100 percent Thai-owned, enjoys annual turnover of more than a billion baht (about 26 million dollars). Seventy percent comes from local clients, with teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam topping the list of international customers.

“We owe this success to the low costs offered in Thailand: labour is cheaper, the hotels are less expensive and of very good quality if you have to send a team on location, and the studios are integrated with a laboratory of a very good technological level,” said John Galvin, head of post-production group Oriental Express.

Oriental Express, a Kantana affiliate, counts Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai’s acclaimed “In the Mood for Love” among its credits.

“Tropical Malady” by Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul also won the jury prize at Cannes last year, giving Thai technicians and artists new respect and confidence.

Rush also believes Thailand’s burgeoning film industry will not be affected by last month’s deadly tsunami disaster, which killed more than 5,000 people in the country.

“Our attendees kept their plans to come because they saw that Thailand’s recovery effort was transparent and professionally done,” she said.

– AFP

Channel News Asia

Designer Sunny Ang Cites Sarah Jessica Parker, Maggie Cheung As His Inspirations

SINGAPORE : Dressed in an Adidas T-shirt, jeans and trainers, Sunny Ang looks worlds apart from the ethereal dresses he designs.

The 29-year-old, who counts celebrities Jolin Tsai and Michelle Saram among his customers, joined the fashion world after studying music for two years in Taipei. When he returned to Singapore in 2000, he worked as a brand manager for a local couturier.

“The stint fuelled my interest in fashion design. A lot of my training was on the job – understanding cuts, styles, fabrics, productions, and most importantly, creating clothes to enhance the female form,” Sunny said.

And he certainly knows the female form – and psyche. He set up his first boutique in 2003 and then moved into a corner in Hemispheres Designers’ Gallery last January.

Two months ago, he opened his second boutique at The Heeren to cater to a growing clientele that ranges from 16-year-olds scouting for their prom dresses to 60-year-old tai tais looking for evening gowns.

Using mainly silk chiffon, his limited-edition pieces lend the wearer glamour and luxury “without having to pay an arm or leg for it”.

His made-to-measure creations start from $600 while one-of-a-kind, ready-to-wear pieces are priced from $399. For those with a tighter budget, the Sunny Ang label offers embellished tops from $49 – but even these come in limited pieces. Sunny has also been asked to create one-off pieces for events such as Star Search 2003 and NKF Charity Show 2004.

“I don’t follow trends and prefer to create clothes that are modern yet classic. My designs are very Sex and the City,” said Sunny, who cites Sarah Jessica Parker, Maggie Cheung and his mother as his inspirations.

These would include a ’30s-inspired lace capelet, a minimalist halter-neck gown adorned with only a sequined hibiscus corsage and a dreamy turquoise chiffon slip with a handful of fabric roses on the bodice.

Said Sunny: “Women who wear my creations are not afraid to express their femininity – my foreign customers tell me that back home, they will dress up even if they are just popping by the supermarket. Hopefully, Singapore women will enjoy the art of dressing up, too.”

So why did Sunny decide to set up shop at Far East Plaza and The Heeren – malls that are traditionally perceived as streetwear havens?

“For me, Far East Plaza is an institution and one of its major attractions is its broad client base. I can cater to hip young teens, urban executives, tourists and even tai tais who go there to do their hair and buy jewellery,” Sunny said.

“As for The Heeren, there’s a growing crowd of young adults there, too. I once had a customer who bought $1,000 worth of clothes in one visit at The Heeren!”

That should be a good enough indicator that Sunny has made the right decision to cross over from the music industry to the fashion trade. Is there any difference between designing outfits and composing music?

“Composing music is ‘free’. You just need a pen and a piece of paper, but designing an outfit involves more money as you have to buy the fabrics and manufacture the outfit. There are similarities too – structure and form are very important in both music and fashion and it is the unique accents that make or break a piece of music or an outfit.” –

Channel News Asia

Britney In New Avatar

Britney in new avatar

Britney Spears reveals all about her past, future, and her new album

THE LOLITA school-girl who stormed the music scene with Baby One More Time is this time around sporting a mature in-your-face image and strong electronic- sounding music in a CD release of her greatest hits album, My Prerogative (Sony Music; CD Rs. 399; cassette Rs.135 ).

Read on as Britney gives straight, short and sweet answers to questions that Metro Plus shot to her.

Recently, the video of Me Against The Music was much talked about. The Press alleged that you diverted people’s attention to your videos rather than music. How would you reassure your fans?

That single was received well because it was a great song. People buy CDs to listen to music, not watch videos. I let my music speak for itself.

After your first two albums, the music in the album Britney was strikingly different, which marked the arrival of a more mature Britney. Is this the sort of music your fans should be expecting in the future as well?

I haven’t really planned my future projects. Right now, I’m concentrating on just taking a break, which I need very badly now!

These days, we see a lot of collaborations in the pop music world in order to sound different. Do you feel that you are at risk of sounding stereotyped if you do not collaborate with other artistes?

I always wanted to collaborate with Madonna, hence I did. She is a great artiste and I admire her a lot.

If you were to preview the new singles in your greatest hits album to your fans, what would you tell them?

They’ve all got a new sound, listen to the record and you will know what I mean.

You have a considerable fan base in Asia, even in India. Can your Indian fans expect you to tour the country sometime?

I certainly hope so. it’s a very beautiful country. I’ve heard a lot about the place and would love to come there sometime.

What is your message to your fans in India?

India is a beautiful country and I would love to perform for all my fans there one day – very soon. And thank you for all your support.

A. VISHNU

Hindu On Net