Subtle tones and new materials define the new crystal collection for women from Swarovski, in which the elixir of life forms the theme for the season.

Three variations are available: Beauty Drops, the Marina Blue, and Sea, Light and Fun. In the Beauty Drops range, the “Liquid’’ necklace features a lengthy chain highlighted by droplets of crystal, with a cut crystal in a casing that creates a flowing effect.  “Levity’’ (see Page 6) with its wavy line of beading, mimics the continuously changing shape of the jellyfish, Swarovski says. Opalescent and coral-coloured crystals dot the length of the chain. The Marina Blue necklace has been inspired by corals and shells.
 

TEXT KAPILA BANDARA

It is not easy pigeonholing auteur Takeshi Kitano. He is a painter, comedian, TV show host, film director, screenwriter, novelist, a film editor and an actor.

More popularly known as “Beat’’ Takeshi, a throwback to his days as a novice comedian in the 1970s - having tried a variety of odd jobs - he hit the big time with some risqué skits and became wildly popular among young Japanese. His comedic partner at the time was Beat Kiyoshi. Stints in television, radio, stage, and writing followed. Then he landed a cop’s role in Nagisa Oshima’s 1983 movie Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (Senjo No Merry Christmas) and gained attention beyond the shores of Japan. As if by fate, in the mid-90s, he crashed his motor scooter and that led him to paint, while he landed a few film roles along the way. Many of Kitano’s followers had the opportunity to see his art works in Hana-Bi, the 1997 Golden Lion winner in Venice. Kitano turned his hand to film directing first in 1989 with Violent Cop.

Feasts of traditional dishes ripe with symbolism and prepared according to time-tested recipes, family reunions, homes dressed up with tangerines and freshened up, herald the beginning of a new year, the Year of the Tiger. The most important of all festivals, the Lunar New Year is a time of merriment and reflection. It is also time when dancing lions and writhing dragons represent wishes for prosperity and perform to drive off unwelcome spirits.

As they usher in spring, children, adults and the elderly will exchange gifts and express wishes of good luck and good health.