RING BLING
In Punjab, its not unusual for the rich to flaunt their wealth with flashy, over-the-top acquisitions. One of the biggest luxury goods markets in India is in Ludhiana, where one businessman can boast of a house with pure silver doors and another, who has gold-plated taps in every bathroom. No, we’re not kidding. A popular electronics store in Ludhiana called Ethos has recently started stocking Vertu, the titanium-plated, super-exclusive mobile phone from Nokia. This stylish phone comes in several models and can cost upwards of Rs 30 lakh. Sources tell us 15 Vertus have sold in Ludhiana since May this year. The company has now decided to launch their coloured diamond collection here; the phone is made of a combination of 18-carat gold, pink sapphires and rubies of the best quality. Apparently, the Vertu is the hottest gift at glitzy weddings for the bridegroom.
— Raakhi Jagga

SPENDERELLAS
The truly trendy lady-of-leisure-with-bucks has set her sights a lot higher than mere Indian designers; In swank Mumbai parties, rich girl chic includes vintage clothing by Dior, Roberto Cavali jeans, and Valentino dresses, that can cost upwards of Rs 1 lakh. In Delhi and Mumbai, it’s not unusual for ladies to get make-up applied professionally, before a night out on town. A Delhi-based make-up artist who charges an astounding Rs 15,000 for “party make-up” reasons, “What is Rs 15,000 when the cost of your clothes and jewellery is Rs 50 lakh?”

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