Beautiful and bizarre things to buy: From Sari by 11.11 to Top and skirt by Eka

Gift box: Sari by 11.11

This handspun Khadi Ahimsa silk sari with a zari border and pallu comes as a gift pack, along with a Bandhani blouse, a petticoat, Purearth cosmetic products and some trinkets. At 11-11.in; Rs89,000.

Needle Work: Co-Existence by Purvi Doshi

A sheath dress embroidered with aari work along with a handcrafted Khadi jacket, from the designer’s summer-resort collection in Khadi and Ahimsa silk. At Purvidoshi.com; Rs26,150.

Lace Love: Top and skirt by Eka

This delicate top and skirt in Khadi by designer Rina Singh has some lovely detailing, like hand- block-printed lace insert in the skirt. At Eka.co; Rs7,500 for the skirt, Rs11,000 for the top.

Go Boho: Act Your Age by Runaway Bicycle

Staying on trend with the Ultra Violet colour pick by Pantone this year, this deep purple Khadi dress is detailed with a scalloped collar and brass buttons at the back. At Runawaybicycle.in; Rs3,900.

Drape Diary: Sari by TaanBaan

Led by textile historian Rta Kapur Chisti, TaanBaan is one of the oldest champions of Khadi saris. This handspun-handwoven organic cotton sari is made with a three-shuttle silver zari border. At Anandakhadi.com; Rs20,000 onwards.

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blk, premium alkaline water.

By Invitation: Vanities

An ode to things you don’t need but must have

This week: blk, premium alkaline water

It is evident that the world is becoming acutely acidic. Socially, politically and even from a culinary perspective.

Rather than constantly drink from this tumbler of toxicity, on occasion I treat myself to blk, an alkaline fulvic mineral water.

It has 77 trace minerals. And it is basically a combination of fulvic minerals and Canadian spring water. The minerals that are infused in the water are black, which imparts a mysterious quality to the drink.

It is alkaline and has a pH level of 8-9. It also has a smattering of powerful electrolytes and 0 mg of sodium per 500ml. And, it has no carbs, calories, sugar or caffeine.

Now why does one need alkaline ingredients in one’s diet? Because our acidic diets confuse the pH levels in the body.

Alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 puts acid reflux on edge because the high pH level kills pepsin, an enzyme involved in breaking down food proteins, which is the main cause of acid reflux. It also trips the acid in our bloodstream, which then leads to increased levels of oxygen, energy and metabolism. Finally, it has abundant antioxidant properties, cleanses the colon, makes the skin beam and reduces body fat.

In his book, Alkalize Or Die: Superior Health Through Proper Alkaline-Acid Balance, Dr Theodore Baroody traces the very cordial relationship between sugar intake and alkaline. He writes, “The pancreas is highly dependent on a correct alkaline diet. In return, it produces alkaline digestive enzymes and sodium bicarbonate. All aspects of pancreatic function reduce excess acidity. The pancreas also regulates blood sugar balance."

There’s more to its dark forces. Alkaline water is said to help fight cancer, which thrives in an acidic environment. The alkaline balance prevents the growth of malignant cells.

Now, as in all matters of the world, there are always a bunch of doubters. So I suggest you consult your doctor as well.

(blk is available at www.getblk.co.uk. A case of 12, 500ml, bottles costs £24.99, or around Rs2,200)

Swapan Seth is CEO, Equus.