Fusion Wear

There is an exiting, beautiful new fashion trend sweeping through India: Fusion Wear. Fusion wear is a combination of "Asian and Western clothing", according to BBC. The Indian fashion market is embracing this new style of design that is expected to be worth $3.4 billion dollars by 2020. Cat Moh, a travel correspondent for BBC, explores Delhi to highlight this trend that started on the streets of India and in now displayed on couture runways. It all started with women buying textiles, finding, or creating their own designs, and bringing them to tailors who make their visions a reality. Now, the fusion wear has expanded to include men's clothing too. The colors and designs are vibrant and innovative. The Western fashion industry should take notes about this new fashion trend because it would be a shame if this beauty isn't widely embraced by the rest of the world. For more info check out the video in the link.

Link:https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-46125995/fusion-wear-fashion-revolution-takes-india-by-storm    

China Concedes to Preassure

After international outcry and pressure applied by environmentalists, China's State Council temporarily reinstated "a ban on the use of rhinoceros horn and tiger bones in medicine." Initially, wildlife advocates inferred the main reason for repealing the ban was to help the traditional-medicine industry. Although, most traditional doctors use herbal remedies, rather than animal parts. If the ban were to remain in place, then the efforts to save the fewer than 30,000 wild rhinos and 3,900 tigers would have been greatly hindered. China's reversal is important to protect rhinos and tigers, but as I was reading the article I noticed that there was no mention of the animals being used as "antiques", or cultural objects. China, and other countries involved in illegal animal trafficking, have to be held accountable for there part in environmental degradation. Animals are an important part of the worlds ecosystem and must be protected in balance with respecting different cultures.
  Image taken by Fred Dufour.

Link:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/12/world/asia/china-rhino-tiger-ban.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fasia&action=click&contentCollection=asia&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

The Maharajas' Express

What is described as a "regal" travel experience, the Maharajas' Express offers its riders to spend eight days living in luxury, while seeing the beauty that India has to offer. The Maharajas' Express is a train that has been "billed as... the opulent hotel-on-wheels" that goes from Jaipur to Jodhpur, which is in the northern Rajasthan region. The train travels on seven routes, but the 'Heritage of India' seems to be the most notable because it takes travelers to key destinations, such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, and the Taj Mahal, "running from Mumbai to Rajasthan to Delhi."

As you travel along the route of your choice, you will be catered to by an attentive staff, including an executive chef. The interior of the train is replete with lavish "Indian aesthetics." For example, peacock motifs and rich fabrics are featured, as well as décor that are tinted with golden hues. Also, the cabins start at "112-square-feet in size- each with modern amenities such as LCD TVs, king size beds, and bathrooms." If you choose to stay in the Presidential Suite, then you will have a whole train carriage to yourself, along with "two bedrooms, a private living area, bathtub," and even more regal décor. In addition, the train has two dining cars, two bars, and a lounge within the 23 carriages for up to 88 guests. Lastly, depending on the route that you choose, you will have an opportunity to have a rich experience filled with Indian culture.

Although the Maharajas' Express offers a wonderful travel experience, I think it does play into the Western idea of what India is, rather than giving it's riders a more holistic sense of the entirety of India.

Images and a video are on the article website.
     
Link:https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/maharajas-express-rajasthan-india/index.html