Asian Lifestyle - London show

After the incidents in London on the 7th of July, 2005, people needed something to cheer them and bolster their spirits, The Asian Lifestyle Show held in Olympia, London did just that. The terrorism did not stop people from celebrating life. They bounced back and attended the Asian Lifestyle Show held from Friday 8th – Sunday 10th July, 2005 and organised by Tony Lit, Managing Director of Sunrise Radio Group and Vijay Saggar, Managing Director of Excel Café Bars Limited. Last year this UK event attracted in excess of forty thousand visitors over a weekend and was recently nominated for the “Best Launch” at this year’s Association of British Events.



The show featured a dazzling array of exhibitors from all aspects of life.
Asian food is an art that has been relished and passed on from generation to generation and is known for its colour and richness throughout the world. Bearing this in mind Cobra Beer brought the mouth-watering "Cookery Theatre" hosted by celebrity chefs to demonstrate the artistic side of Asian culture as well as the do's and don'ts of Asian cooking.

The health features at the show entailed ayurvedic massages by Eastern Tranquility, Laughter Yoga, the British Heart Foundation and South Asian Health Foundation. Other highlights were the astrology readings, makeovers, Reiki, Shahnaz Herbals, business and employment booths - all under one roof.

Besides the regular shoppers this place was an ideal haunt for fashionistas, as it included breathtaking fashion shows firing up the catwalk and showcasing the latest and the hottest summer trends from the East worn by A-List models who not only sizzled the catwalk but also made the fashion gurus rethink their wardrobes and realise the power of "Ethnic Chic!"

Among the bevy of couture designers to grace the ramp, were Frontier Bazar, CTC Plaza and Monga's with unique designs that have made them the ultimate destination for designer wear. Bombay looks made a debut with its ethnic range.

Ever pushing the boundaries of style was Aftershock, the only UK designer to span the entire style spectrum from cutting edge couture to discreetly classic.

If the fashion shows and the models were not enough to satiate your celebrity appetite there were top Bollywood stars flown in all the way from Mumbai, India to grace the red carpet; including the suave Saif Ali Khan, sexy and sultry Kareena Kapoor and last but not the least the ever charming heartthrob "Jassi" from the popular T.V. Serial "Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin".

Amongst the noise and the hustle and bustle lay an Oasis of Peace - Meditation Room - a Gift of Peace Wall and some of the latest, most exciting products showcased by the 'Brahma Kumari's World Spirituality University' and
'Forever Living Products'. Said Vijay Saggar, "Recognising the importance of inner peace in today's busy world we have introduced a new feature to the show - the Mind, Body & Soul Seminar theatre."

The Make a wish foundation, UK was introduced as the official charity for the Asian Lifestyle Show this year.

In the last few years Asian culture has exploded onto the streets of London. The Cinemas and theatres are full of Bollywood music, Bhangra. Fusion music beats are spreading through the nightclubs. The fashion gurus flock to the Indian ethnic shops of Southall and gourmet Asian restaurants are having the same impact on fine dining that the curry house once had on high street. The Asian Lifestyle Show is not only the ultimate British-Asian experience offering the best of fashion, music and entertainment from England and the Indian sub-continent but it also is a tribute to the Lifestyle of people in different countries and their cross cultural influences.

By Nidhi Kaushik - London
Greener Magazine Staff Writer


runway photos

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Brahma Kumari's World Spirituality University has over 5000 centres in more than 90 countries. It offers people of all cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds a wide range of self-development lectures and courses. Including meditation, positive thinking, stress free living and anger management. As a service to the global community all courses are free.

Forever Living Products operates in the health and nutrition market with unique products made from its own organically cultivated aloe vera plants. Their products are available in over 100 countries around the world.

Make-A-Wish Foundation, UK is the leading UK wishgranting charity with one simple aim - to turn the wishes of children, 3-18 years of age living and with life threatening illnesses, into reality. With the help of 800 volunteers, corporate, celebrity and individual sponsers around the country, this foundation has granted 3500 wishes since it began in 1986 and is currently granting 10 magical wishes a week. Originally founded in The United States this foundation now works in 32 countries on five continents.

Reiki Body & Soul. Reiki is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. This ancient system can be experienced by either "hands on" or by distant healing. It encourages physical, mental and emotional healing and spiritual growth. It can also be used to heal troubled areas of Earth.

Eastern Tranquility specialises in Indian head massage, Thai foot massage and Reiki for your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. These techniques relieve muscular and emotional tensions by harmonizing and promoting internal healing -leaving you with a feeling of balance, peace and tranquility.

Shahnaz Herbals, is an eminent manufacturer and exporter of herbal and ayurvedic products and cosmetics to the likes of Harrods, Selfridges and Galeries Laffayette.