Shoe-makers are now kick-starting the Indian market with a range of shoes that simulate a walk in the clouds. And the first in the race is ADIDAS with its three models of soccer shoes. Featuring its latest innovation in soccer technology, the company introduces Equipment Predator Accelerator shoes designed on the lines of the Feet-You-Wear technology. Equipment Predator Accelerator, which the company claims is the most revolutionary footwear in soccer, was launched during the 1998 World Cup in France. And if you just want to have a ball, over the last three months, ADIDAS has introduced 30 models of shoes for activities like running, tennis, basketball, training and adventure. Included in this range are nine models of Feet-You-Wear shoes. These boots are no longer made for walking!

Broadcast India'98, at the World Trade Centre, till Oct 31. Time: 11.00 am to 7.00 pm.

House proud

Yamini, a house of interior furnishings, has opened its fourth outlet at the PantaloonShowroom at Gokhale Road, Thane. Yamini, which retails all kinds of household and kitchen furnishings and accessories, started its first store in Bangalore and followed it up with two more stores in Hyderabad and Calcutta. To its Mumbai outlet it brings its wide range of quilts, bed spreads, cushion covers, throws, aprons, gloves, napkins and table mats in various fabrics, textures, designs and styles. The store is also planning to introduce glass, tableware, stationery and gift items. Now those living in the suburbs no longer need to make the trek into town to give their homes a touch of class.

Yamini for Pantaloons, Gokhale Road, Naupada, Thane (W).

Like a virgin

Despite the recession, music companies are still willing to sing for their supper. The latest entrant to the country was EMI's Virgin Records a few months ago. And in an attempt to go about their business with a bang, Virgin has announced a talent search competition. The `Virgin Voice Choice Hunt' (VVCH), organised inassociation with Channel [V] offers an opportunity for singers to sign a recording contract with the company. Channel [V] will shoot a video for the winner and will air it extensively. The winner will also make a guest appearance as a presenter at the Channel [V] Music Awards in Delhi. So, if music is your voice, VVCH has your tune.

For more details contact Virgin Records at: 422 2803 / 432 9450.

Star show

Incidentally, we have the last word on the Channel [V] music awards. The music channel is planning such a mega event that they promise people will be talking about it long after the show is over. To be held in Delhi on November 21, the star attractions of the evening will be live performances by Sting, Def Leppard, Aqua and 911. Yes, it's true. A channel spokesperson said that the artistes have sent in their confirmations -- the capital is going to witness once again a concert on the lines of the Amnesty International one where Peter Gabriel, Sting and Tracy Chapman shared the stage. Wepredict that for once, Mumbai's oh-so-blase beautiful people will lose their cool and head to Delhi in droves.

Anyway, in the run up to awards, Channel [V] has announced its nominations for three more categories. Aqua, Backstreet Boys, Boyzone, Junoon and Prodigy have been nominated for the Best International Group category. On the Indian front the five nominees for the Best Indian Group are Bali Brahmbhatt / Zeba, Silk Route, Aslam / Shibani, Roop Kumar / Sonali Rathore, Instant Karma and Partners in Rhyme. And the five artistes vying for the Best Indian Newcomer award are Kamaal Khan, Shiamak, Bhupi, Milind Ingle, Silk Route and Instant Karma.

Wale of a time

In town this week was Tony Lewis, a former English cricket captain. But he was not in Mumbai to promote cricket. Instead, he was in town to sell his motherland Wales. The British Tourist Authority, Emirates Airlines and Foster's have tied up to increase awareness of this green country. In over 50 restaurants in Mumbai and Pune, customerswill receive a brochure and contest form with a crossword competition to fill out. And the lucky winners will win a three-night stay, with accommodation paid for, in Wales. They also get grandstand seats for the World Cup cricket 1999 match between Australia and New Zealand, next May. So look out for the forms in participating restaurants.

Colour of water

Melange, Sangita Kathiwada's chic boutique, has just taken Rohit Gandhi into its stable. This young Delhi designer, known as much for being a party animal as a designer in his home town, is in Mumbai with his collection of shirts. His shirts have been available here for several months, at Allure, the lifestyle store in Crawford Market, where they were selling like hotcakes. Titled H2O, Gandhi's label provides shirts for all occasions. His USP is specially-sourced fabrics and impeccable finish. Available in white, beige, cream, blues and grey, this Delhi boy hopes his shirts become as vital as drinking water for his Mumbai clients.

Spot light:Model No One

We all know about models and their starry aspirations. But here is a case of the reverse. A film star has a model hang up. Our Hero No One Govinda, as you all know, is cutting a music album. Given his talent, chances are that it will be a hit -- definitely with the masses. Anyway, he is not so sure, which is why Chichi is paying great attention to the music video. Being shot in Switzerland by numero uno director Kunal Kohli -- of `Laung Gawacha' and ` Chhui mui si... fame -- the film star chose the model for his video himself. And Model No One for our top-ranking hero is Aditi Govitrikar. The one-time medico-in-training has quietly been making waves in the glamour world. With top campaigns like Roopam under her belt, Aditi is also quite a favourite on the ramp. Known for her simple and unassuming manner, the lissome lass is on the route to stardom. After all, if she is Govinda ke pasand then she is the junta's man pasand.