Fashion’s political statement on the Paris ramp
Fashion house Balenciaga seemed to pay a tribute to the refugee crisis with their recent showcase at the men’s fashion week in Paris. The collection shed light on Europe’s migrant crisis and the dreams of thousands seeking a new life there.
Designer Demna Gvasalia — a child refugee himself who fled to Germany from war-torn Georgia in 1993 — has made his name selling the clothes of the poor to the rich. The enfant terrible of the Paris scene sent out more than 60 models in various charity shop looks for the luxury brand, with plastic shopping bags bearing the legend “Europe Europe Europe” remade in slick soft leather. Some models carried children and expensive Balenciaga luggage bags with ‘The Power of Dreams’ written on a square of cloth stitched to their hoodies.
Others wore lifevest-like squares with “Europe” written on them, while still more sported plasticated jackets and ponchos
The summer heat is slowly giving way to monsoon humidity. While rain is welcome, it also brings with it health ailments. Flu, common cold, skin infections, and problems related to digestion are common around this time. How can you prevent it? Be careful of the water you drink. Make sure you boil the water, or make use of water purifiers. Also, vegetables must be washed properly, and steamed before consuming. Avoid raw salads, cold food and re-heated food, to keep the harmful bacteria at bay. Should there be major dietary changes? Not really. The body is already busy coping with the emblazoned with “Europa! Quality. Experience. Professionalism.”
However, Gvasalia, known for his ironic reclaiming of unfashionable or “naff ” 1980s looks, made no reference to the refugee crisis as a source of inspiration. He chose a number of fathers from the Swiss banking capital of Zurich — to where he is moving his studio — to model with their children in his al fresco show in the Bois de Boulogne park on the edge of the French capital.
“As Balenciaga man... bypasses fashion on the way... to the dry-cleaner and a trip to the off-licence,” he wrote in his notes to the show. His clothes seem to have picked up a laminated Europa sign. changing weather and immunity isn’t at its strongest. Eat pigmented fruits like mango and papaya, as they are rich in antioxidants.
What about fried food? Our body creates a false dehydrated environment. This is because we prefer to stay indoors in an air conditioned environment. So, it’s important to step out and break a sweat. This helps the body feel hydrated, and also cleanses it. Drinking a lot of water is also suggested.
How can one avoid infections? Simple steps like maintaining cleanliness and taking a bath every day help a lot. If your skin comes in contact with muddy rain water, wash thoroughly with clean water to get rid off any possible bacteria that can fester and cause skin problems.
(With inputs from Dr Supriya Bali of Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket and Dr Anjali Hooda of Fortis)