Christmas in India – how does that work? For many people (including me), it was difficult to imagine at first: Christmas trees, snow and presents - accompanied by warm climate, cows and monkeys? I asked friends, colleagues, shopkeepers and people on the street about it. How do they celebrate this festival? Is it as grand and pompous as in Christian countries? I got various answers, but one can be said for certain – Christmas is enjoyed by everyone!

Continue reading "Christmas the Indian Way"

Ever since I started working in Shahpur Jat in the southern part of Delhi, I have been inspired by the particular atmosphere pervading the small galis of this neighbourhood. However, it took me more than two months before I took to the streets to explore whatever they have on offer. One spring afternoon after sitting through several successive power cuts I decided to leave my desk and go out looking for adventure. For the last two months I have been hearing about how the place is full of design shops catering for the tastes of the urban and the fashionable, but on my way to the office I did not see anything like that, only the main market filled with small grocery shops offering the usual knick-knacks and the carts of the vegetable and fruit sellers.

Continue reading "Empowering the Back Lanes of Shahpur Jat"

"After exploring Milano and London, coming back to India made me feel that I know the place for the first time."

Norwegian photographer Roger J. Renberg (www.renbergphoto.com) and Indian fashion designer Ankur Gupta (www.ankurgupta.co.in) both based in New Delhi, compose their art in an own way. Working with each other, they put all their talents together and created a sum that is larger than the individual parts. We talked to them about intercultural collaborations in the fashion industry, the sources of their inspiration, and what it takes to reach professional fulfillment.

Continue reading "Interview: Intercultural Collaboration in the Indian Fashion Industry"