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India Today
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Channapatna, barbies and now labubu: What our dolls say about us
When I was seven, my best friend wasn't human. She had no eyebrows, a bobbled head, and wore a hand-stitched lehenga made from an old dupatta. Every Sunday, I'd gather all my dolls-Channapatna wooden ones with clacking limbs, a bald plastic baby from Chandni Chowk, and that one prized Barbie knockoff-and host elaborate tea parties. My mother's steel katoris doubled as cups, Parle-Gs became biscuits, and the dolls sat in perfect formation, waiting for gossip and imaginary chai. We didn't have Pinterest-perfect dollhouses or curated Instagram shelves. Our dolls lived in shoeboxes. They travelled in schoolbags. They wore mismatched earrings made from fevicol and sequins. Most importantly, they were ours-silent witnesses to our dreams, dramas, and the days we wished we were to 2025-and things have gotten... kids and increasingly, young adults-aren't playing with dolls. They're collecting them. Enter Labubu: a bug-eyed, snaggle-toothed, slightly creepy creature with the cult appeal of a K-pop idol and the resale value of a Supreme hoodie. Born in the art labs of Hong Kong and sold through limited-edition "blind boxes," Labubu isn't made for tea parties. He's made for shelfies, unboxings, and envy-soaked Instagram Reels. Forget pink ball gowns and tiaras-Labubu wears skull-hoodies, devil horns, and an expression that says "I bite." And yet, Gen Z has embraced him like a totem. He's strange, edgy, and oddly adorable in a voodoo-doll-meets-mushroom-spirit sort of way. The shift is stark: from dolls that mimicked real life to dolls that reflect a surreal inner world. If our dolls were stand-ins for the people we aspired to become, Labubu is more like a plushy moodboard-part monster, part meme, part misunderstood alter happened to innocence? To hand-lathe toys and monsoon tea parties? Maybe nothing. Maybe, just like us, our dolls grew up-and got CLICK-CLACK OF WOODEN ANKLETS CHILDHOOD IN CHANNAPATNA Long before plastic turned playrooms neon-pink, Indian childhoods rang with the woody clatter of Channapatna dolls. In Karnataka's 'Gombegala Ooru' (Toy Town), artisans still spin hale-wood on hand-lathes, rubbing sticks of vegetable lac until the grain gleams like honey. The craft—patronised by Tipu Sultan in the late-18th century and protected today by a Geographical Indication tag—has survived wars, cheap imports and, lately, algorithmic 1980s and early-'90s kids, a Channapatna doll was more than a souvenir; it was the guest of honour at every bed-sheet tea-party. Fabric scraps became sarees, bindis were punched from notebook labels, and the doll sat primly while we poured imaginary chai from a plastic Milton flask. Play was slow, tactile and, in hindsight, wonderfully analog."When you dress a wooden doll, you're putting a story on a blank slate," recalls 52-year-old Bengaluru homemaker Meera K., who still keeps her lacquered couple in a glass case. Yet even in Toy Town, change was brewing. A 2024 field survey found only 1,500 full-time artisans left-and most of their children dream of coding bootcamps, not chisels. ENTER BARBIE: PINK PLASTIC & ASPIRATIONAL PLAY In March 1986, Barbie sashayed into Indian toy stores-initially an import for NRIs returning from the Gulf, soon a must-have at every kiddie birthday. Mattel localised fast: by 1992 we had "Navratri Barbie" in ghagra-choli, and later Katrina-Kaif-endorsed Bollywood 2023 Barbie film super-charged that nostalgia. The movie grossed ?1.44 lakh crore globally, spawned 100+ brand tie-ups, and spiked U.S. Barbie toy sales by 25 per cent within two months of release. Indian metros turned pink: cafs threw "Barbie-core" nights; college fests hosted best-dressed Kens and Barbies. Even Mattel's CEO admitted India is "one big collaboration we're courting next".But something subtle shifted. Our childhood dolls were props in stories we wrote; Barbie came with a biography, a Malibu Dreamhouse and a social-media afterlife. "Play began to look outward," says Delhi psychologist Dr Vandana Rao. "Children stopped serving the doll tea and started serving her content."advertisementTHE GEN Z PIVOT: LABUBU & THE RISE OF "VOODOO-CUTE" Fast-forward to 2025. The hottest doll on Instagram is Labubu-a gremlin-like, nine-toothed sprite born in Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung's sketchbook and mass-marketed by China's Pop Mart. With blind-box drops, 1-in-720 chase figures, and celebrity boosts from Rihanna to Dua Lipa, Labubu turned Pop Mart's revenue into a HK$310 billion juggernaut and pushed plush sales up 1,200 per cent last year. Walk through any Gen Z hang-out in Mumbai or Seoul and you'll spot a Labubu key-chain dangling off a Balenciaga tote. The aesthetic is a deliberate "ugly-cute": stitched scars, jagged grin, gothic colourways. It is as far from Barbie's symmetry as Channapatna is from molded plastic, yet the core impulse-projecting identity onto a tiny companion-persists."Labubu feels like a pocket mascot for grown-up anxieties," says 23-year-old Pune collector Ananya Patil, who unboxes her blind-bags live on Twitch. "He's creepy-cute, just like adulthood."advertisementWHY DOLLS KEEP EVOLVING (AND WHY WE KEEP BUYING) Economists call it the "Play-Value Arc": as disposable incomes rise, toys evolve from utility (rattles) to identity tokens (collectibles). Social media accelerates the cycle-every new doll comes with a built-in fandom and a secondary market. A 2025 StockX report ranks Pop Mart above Nike in daily trades. THE COUNTER-CURRENT: WOODEN TOYS 2.0Ironically, Barbie's sustainability pledges (100 per cent recycled plastics by 2030) echo the very virtues Channapatna never lost. A rising eco-parent cohort is now buying back into wooden toys-sometimes commissioning artisans to carve custom figures that nod to contemporary pop culture (think Spider-Man in lac-red and indigo).Start-ups like Bengaluru's "Toylogue" blend Channapatna techniques with Montessori principles and ship worldwide. In 2024, their turnover doubled, helped by EU regulations on micro-plastics in kids' products. FULL-CIRCLE CUPS OF TEASo, where does that leave the next generation? Perhaps at a crossroads where the sound of a spinning lathe meets the ping of an app notification announcing the next blind-box drop. Yet when eight-year-old Ira Sharma throws a tea-party for her Barbie in Gurgaon, she still invites a hand-painted Channapatna elephant as "chief guest." And on her backpack swings a miniature Labubu in bubble-wrap armour, waiting for its Instagram after all, has always been a mirror. From lacquered wood to plastic glamour to voodoo-cute vinyl, dolls simply reflect the eras we grow up in-our hopes, our fears, our aesthetic rebellions. The tea set may be silicone now, the guest list more eclectic, but the ritual remains: we gather our little effigies, pour an imaginary brew, and practice being credit: Generative AI by Vani Gupta - Ends
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Love cars? Love bikes? You will surely want to live in this Kerala home made of old auto parts
In Kerala, a resourceful man is redefining home decor by ingeniously upcycling scrap car and bike parts. His home showcases a remarkable transformation of automotive remnants into functional art, including a Chetak scooter sofa and a dining table made of spanners. This unique residence, celebrated in a viral video, reflects his lifelong passion for automobiles and mechanical ingenuity. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In a world of mass-produced furniture and Pinterest-perfect homes, one man in Kerala has taken home decor to a whole new level—using nothing but scrap from cars and bikes. Turning spare parts into style statements, this riding enthusiast has transformed his house into a living, breathing tribute to all things automotive. What started as a humble dream is now grabbing eyeballs online, thanks to a viral video with about 100 million views shared by Instagram user Priyam documented his visit to the unique home in Kerala, dubbing it the 'House of a Riding Enthusiast.' The video begins with him stepping through the gate, immediately spotting a bright red Yamaha fuel tank reimagined as a letterbox. It sets the tone for what's inside—a wonderland of upcycled parts from iconic Indian homeowner, a self-taught mechanic and former JCB operator, walks viewers through his personal museum of memories and machines. A dismantled Ambassador car has been cleverly converted into an outdoor seating space, while old tyres now serve as quirky window frames. Just above the entrance, a headlight setup made using the handle of a classic Bajaj Chetak lights the living room features a repurposed Chetak scooter sofa—complete with a glowing headlight—and a centre table crafted from a bike engine. There's even a wall clock built from a Maruti Swift's pressure plate and a chandelier made from a cycle wheel's rim. The home is more than a creative marvel—it's a deeply personal tribute to a lifelong passion for the ingenuity doesn't stop there. In the open kitchen, a round dining table made of spanners, nuts, and bolts leaves Priyam in awe. There's also a wash basin with a petrol pump nozzle as a faucet and a Mahindra steering wheel used to hang towels. A Swift car's shock absorber has been turned into a handheld lamp. And the most jaw-dropping of all? A Volkswagen car part turned into a refrigeratorThe homeowner, who once had no access to bikes or cars in his childhood, taught himself how to repair vehicles and now runs his own bike do you think of the interiors of the house?
Buzz Feed
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Affordable Clothing Pieces That Look Expensive
A pair of sneakers that are serving serious Adidas Samba vibes — minus the $100 price tag. With a rubber outsole for grip and breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool, these are the shoes you'll throw on for coffee runs, wandering the flea market on a sunny Sunday, or that one casual date where you want to look effortlessly cool. (Because yes, they go with literally everything.) An embroidered gown if you've ever wanted to wear a Lirika Matoshi, but recoil at the $400 price. Its dreamy tulle, floral detailing, and puff sleeves will have heads turning when you're tearing up the dance floor at your friend's wedding. Plus, the lace-up back lets you customize the fit, while the built-in bra keeps things comfy. A sleeveless halter bodysuit so you don't have to splurge on one from Zara or Skims. This versatile piece goes with everything, and I mean everything: shorts, skirts, jeans, sweatpants, leggings, you name it. And it's slightly compressive (similar to shapewear), but without being too restrictive! Honestly, you might just want to stock up on a few colors now. A strapless, drop-waist maxi dress that's basically a dead ringer for that $120 Abercrombie one — just way easier on your wallet. It's got pockets (yes, real ones), silicone lining up top so it actually stays put, and a breezy fit that makes it perfect for hot, sticky weather. An affordable longline sports bra made from a very soft, stretchy material that's pretty similar to the Lulu Align tank. It's quickly become a staple in a ton of reviewers' wardrobes (with 30,000 5-star ratings to prove it), and many say they don't even wear a bra with this because of the supportive padding. It's so good, people are snagging it in different colors — and you'll probably want to as well. 😉 And a pair of lightweight legging-style joggers to complete your Lulu look. And just like the Lulu ones, these are breathable with a wide waistband for maximum comfort. You can wear them to work out, run errands, or just lounge in! A striped sweater set that not only feels like your favorite blanket but also looks straight out of a high-end boutique. The oversized top and high-waisted knit shorts are soft, breathable, and just structured enough to pass for "I tried" when you definitely didn't. It's the kind of set you throw on for a lazy Sunday, but decide it's stylish enough to wear out to brunch. An A-line midi dress with the same corset back as the House of CB version — but this is about four times cheaper! Now, you can live your cottagecore dreams in this Pinterest-perfect dress without spending a large chunk of your paycheck. A pair of knee-high boots that'll have people ooh-ing and ahh-ing, thinking you spent hundreds of dollars on the Staud Wally ones. But, no — you were smart and snagged an almost identical version for well under $100. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress if you've always wanted to try the Skims version but just don't have the budget for it. It's soft and breathable, and some reviewers even like it more than Skims! It's the kind of dress you throw on for a last-minute date and somehow end up looking like you had it planned all week. And a scoop neck top that's also giving Skims a run for their money. It's super soft with the perfect amount of thickness and stretchiness, making it the perfect versatile staple for your closet. A gorgeous open-back dress with a smocked bodice, ruffled bottom, and light, flowy fit that looks like something a mermaid would wear in human form. It's similar to dresses you'd find in a fancy boutique, and it's so breezy and swishy that you won't be able to resist twirling around. Cushionaire slides that you don't have to break in (I'm looking at you, Birkenstocks) — the flexible cork footbed and cushioned insole means that they are comfortable right out of the box! But if you don't believe me, look at the over 50,000 5-star over 1,000 reviews comparing the support to Birks. A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings made with a stretchy, buttery-soft fabric reviewers compare the quality to Lululemon's Align! If you've been looking for affordable, dependable leggings you can comfortably wear to the gym, running errands, and relaxing at home, then your search is over! Plus, a pair of popular cross-waist leggings that are lightweight, buttery soft, and stretchy — just like the Aerie ones, but without the Aerie price. These went viral for being an elevated version of the classic yoga pant thanks to the cute slits at the bottom and, of course, the iconic V-shaped waistband with a hidden pocket. A ridiculously comfortable oversize hoodie you might as well call your second skin, considering you'll never want to take it off. Reviewers love how it's warm without feeling stuffy and compare the quality to brands like Aritzia and Skims. A seamless shapewear bodysuit because Skims can be pretty pricey and this one comes impressively close to the OG in both quality and fit — all without making your wallet weep. It's made from thick, supportive fabric with four-way stretch and offers just the right amount of compression without feeling restrictive. A waffle weave "shacket" that's just as stylish as the one from American Eagle. It's the kind of thing you'll be glad to have when the sun sets and suddenly everyone's pretending they're not cold, while you're snuggled up in this. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes with the same elegant silhouette and pleated bow as those $$$ Loeffler Randall heels you've been eyeing. 👀 Reviewers have worn them to prom, weddings, engagement parties — one said they even wear them to church — so it's safe to say you'll definitely get more than your money's worth out of these. A pair of beloved stretchy faux-leather leggings that'll get you the chic leather pant look without the stuffy, constricting feeling. They'll be a huge lifesaver when your friend texts 'dress cute' before dinner and you've got 12 minutes to figure it out. They're comfy, sleek, and way more versatile than they have any right to be. A leopard-print slip skirt because the runway version is simply too much money. It's one of those rare pieces that somehow works for every occasion. The bias cut gives it the perfect drape, and the elastic waistband means it's as comfy as it is stylish. A ribbed button-up tank people will definitely think you got from Abercrombie & Fitch. It's the kind of elevated basic that turns a quick errand into a mini fashion moment — so don't be surprised if a stranger asks where you scored it while you're sipping your coffee. A cropped ruffled blouse with a tie in the back and (what I like to call) cottagecore sleeves. It looks great with all kinds of bottoms and even layered under a corset for the full fairytale look. The expensive boutiques that sell essentially the same shirt have some competition 👀. A pair of faux leather shorts for when a last-minute concert invite lands in your lap and you want to look effortlessly cool without stressing about your fit. The waist has adjustable strings, and the pockets are deep enough to hold a cellphone! If you want, you can lie and tell people you got these from Zara (we won't tell). A vintage-inspired bustier that looks like it's from House of CB, but nope! — good ol' Amazon. It's the top you pull out when you're headed to a friend's birthday dinner and want something that feels special without turning into a whole production. A pair of running shorts so you can save money *not* splurging on the Lululemon, Nike, or Under Armour versions. These are made from a soft, breathable fabric and have a thick, stretchy elastic waistband, and zippered pockets big enough to hold your phone, cards, and keys. A high-quality oversize cropped puffer jacket that has the Aritzia version shaking in its boots. It has insulation to help keep you toasty, elastic cuffs to help keep cold air out, and an adjustable waist drawstring so you can adjust the fit. Normally you'd have to spend some serious cash money for a coat this good, but this beauty is an exception! A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt just perfect for cute athleisure 'fits. It has a sturdy elastic waistband so you don't have to keep pulling it up throughout the day *and* secret pockets built into the attached shorts. A fuzzy loungewear set with a matching top, pants, and cardigan, i.e. the perfect cozy outfit for relaxing indoors on chilly days. Reviewers say the material is soft and stretchy, making it *very* comfortable — many even compare the quality to Skims!
India.com
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Sara Tendulkar breaks the internet with her gorgeous and bold pics at...
Sara Tendulkar recently took to Instagram to share a breathtaking photo series from her serene cruise experience in Sydney. Clad in a vibrant yellow dress, she exuded grace and sophistication. Her caption added a lyrical flair that struck a chord with her followers. Alongside her elegant portraits, Sara also showcased a colorful spread of fresh fruits enjoyed during the outing, blending wellness with luxury. The stunning Sydney skyline and sun-drenched waters provided the perfect backdrop, adding to the visual appeal of her post. The dreamy photo set continues to captivate viewers and draw admiration online. Draped in a vibrant yellow outfit, Sara Tendulkar stole the spotlight aboard her Sydney cruise, sparking a surge in online interest for "Sara Tendulkar yellow dress" among fashion enthusiasts. Sara Tendulkar's poetic and nostalgic caption struck a chord with desi followers, boosting the post's popularity and showcasing her graceful connection to cultural roots. The post shows Sara Tendulkar enjoying a peaceful cruise in Sydney, with blue skies, sparkling water, and a calm, classy vibe all around. Sara Tendulkar posted detailed photos of the fresh fruits she had during the cruise. Combining wellness, beautiful imagery, and vacation vibes. Sara Tendulkar's fresh, radiant appearance without intense cosmetics connected with fans who admire her easygoing elegance and relatable appeal. Against the Sydney cityscape and ocean backdrop, each image exudes "Pinterest-perfect" vibes, driving up shares and saves.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 Popular Design Tips Designers Are Begging You to Ignore This Year
It seems like anyone these days can be labeled as an "interior designer" without the actual accreditation thanks to social media. And just because a certain creator has thousands of followers and a picture-perfect collage of DIY-projects-gone-great, that doesn't mean every idea you see posted is worthy of being copied. But how do you know which tips and trends to avoid from your favorite creators versus the ones to consider? We asked several interior design professionals for the top popular design trends they wish you'd ignore, and here's what they had to Jacobs is an interior designer and home stylist at Allisa Jacobs, LLC. Erin Sullivan is the senior product design manager at James Martin Vanities. Kathy Kuo is CEO and founder of interior design studio Kathy Kuo farmhouse style has definitely had its time to shine, and designers say now it's time to put it to bed. While it traditionally styles your home with rustic charm, the aesthetic has undergone a big change for a warm modern approach. With the new farmhouse style appearing more personal and cozy, our experts say its time to stop copying the once-popular all-white farmhouse rooms. "I would encourage people to take the Pinterest-perfect look with a grain of salt, because that's not real life," says designer Kathy Kuo. "It's easy to create a beautiful scene for a social post; it's harder to create a nuanced, personal, and unique interior design that will be both soulful and practical day in and day out." Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more! If you haven't heard, color drenching is a big trend to try this year. Designers say color-drenching will dominate the interior design world this year, but while it's great for adding bold color to your home, it shouldn't be used in every room... like the bathroom. "While color-drenching with dark jewel tones is on trend at the moment and makes a bold statement in other living spaces like family or dining rooms, it might not be the best trend for bathrooms especially those without natural sources of light," says product design manager Erin Sullivan. "Color drenching can lead to monotony and lack of interest in a space leading to a clinical feel [as opposed to] warm and inviting." So, while you may seem a post from a notable creator this year who's color-drenched their bathroom, take a professional's advice to skip the idea for your own space. Maybe it's the rise of DIY television we have to thank for this trend or the go-getters on social media who love showing off their own demo projects, but interior designer Allisa Jacobs cautions you to think twice before deciding to copy a demolition project from your favorite creator. "When I see creators delving into the world of construction, I hope followers proceed with caution," she says. "I come from a family of construction workers and see two majors issues: creators are unaware of safety concerns (like breathing in toxic dust) and secondly, modifying their home in ways that will never pass building codes." For heavy projects that require making significant changes to the layout and structure of your home, consider hiring a professional to tackle the job so the bones of your home stay safely in place. Transforming your bathroom into a minimalist at-home spa retreat is certainly an envious luxury, but there's one aspect to this trend that Sullivan doesn't want you to copy: no-storage vanities. "While a sleek, floating vanity with no drawers looks beautiful, they can lack storage space, which can lead to cluttered countertops and defeat the original purpose of minimalism," she says. Instead, try searching for floating vanities that keep the clean lines of the minimalist aesthetic but have built-in drawers to conceal your toiletries and towels to keep the space visually clutter-free. This is a tough one, but according to Kuo, it's important to be wary of dupes of popular, high-end brands. "I understand that budget needs to be top of mind for many people, but cheaply-made fast furniture is often made using un-sustainable manufacturing processes," she explains. "In the long run it's going to cost you more to keep replacing low-quality pieces than it would have to just spend a little more up front on an artisan-quality piece." If you're dead-set on having some dupes, just ensure that they're not big pieces like couches that would cost even more to replace if something goes wrong down the line. Open shelving is a double edged sword: On the one hand you get to show off lovely decor pieces, but on the other it's just begging you to put clutter on display. However, while Sullivan says open shelving is definitely okay to keep up in your home, it doesn't mean you should go above and beyond with them. She explains that they require constant tidying from dust moisture, and sometimes aren't the best medium for practical storage. Having a stunning statement sink in your bathroom can be a great focal point. But while decor-wise these sinks nail their purpose, they're not always that practical to have. "Vessel sinks or uniquely shaped basins may be visually striking, but they can be difficult to clean and aren't always user-friendly. Homeowners often regret prioritizing aesthetics over function," Sullivan says. Read the original article on The Spruce
