'Style and fashion are not the prerogative of the rich'

S Saraswathi brings us the lowdown on the Transcend Academy, a first of its kind grooming institute in Chennai.

One of South India's leading fashion designers and winner of Femina Miss India's 'Designer of the Year Award' 1996, Rehane is the driving force behind the Transcend Academy in Chennai. A grooming and etiquette institution, Transcend is her brainchild and has been in the pipeline for many years. 

"It has been my dream for a really long time. I was waiting for the right set of people and things were just not happening, but finally everything came together this year. We have put together a great team of like-minded professionals who are just as passionate as I am about this concept," says Rehane Yavar Dhala, Founder and Chairman, Transcend Academy. She graduated in design and photography from the European Institute of Design and Calligaris in Rome, Italy and formally launched her brand 'Rehane' in 1996; today, her collections are sold in boutiques across Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hong Kong, Kuwait, the Middle East and Canada.

"Transcend is all about grooming, etiquette and poise," explains Rehane. The academy is the first of its kind in Chennai and provides both grooming and etiquette solutions under one roof. It has been set up to address the needs of modern-day corporate professionals, college students, brides-to-be, homemakers and aspiring entrants to the fashion industry.

"Anyone who wants to enhance their personality and gain an edge over their competitors is welcome. A well-groomed and attractive person automatically exudes an aura of confidence, which is so important in both the social and business atmospheres. You can make a statement without saying a word," she states.

Aditya Ramaswamy, Managing Director and the youngest member of the staff elaborates upon some of the programmes at Transcend. "The Personal Presentation Programme is comprehensive and covers all aspects of grooming and etiquette. This will include eight three-hour sessions spread over four weekends. Wardrobe and Styling are handled by Rehane herself. Fashion choreographer Sunil Menon teacesh the participants all about posture and poise. Mahitha, who is trained in international business etiquette and protocol will train them in etiquette. And there will be two sessions each with hair experts Tony&Guy and makeup specialists M.A.C. We also have Dr Chandan, a dermatologist coming in to give the participants his professional advice on skincare. Besides all this, we have many other attractive packages to choose from. Recently we introduced a short three-day package for brides-to-be. We also have packages for corporates, but these are more personalised and are designed according to their needs."

"I met Rehane at a time when both our careers were just taking off," recalls fashion choreographer Sunil Menon. "Rehane and I have been friends since 1996 -- we share a wonderful rapport and our common base in Chennai has helped us keep in touch. Earlier I used to travel a lot, but nowadays I prefer to be in Chennai. I am working on a lot or projects here and it keeps me quite busy."

Dressed in simple jeans and kurta, Sunil talks about his journey into the glamorous world of fashion. "Most of what I learnt was from observing the masters at work. I have had the opportunity of training under ramp gurus such as Achla Sachdev of Mumbai and Prasad Bidapa of D&PG Bangalore." Sunil has trained numerous models for the Miss India beauty pageant and at Transcend he will train participants to walk confidently and with the right posture.

"If you are an aspiring model, you will most definitely benefit from a session with Sunil Menon. He has worked with and trained some of the top models in the industry," says Rehane.

Mahitha Suresh is a professional life skills coach and theatre artist who has been working in the field for the past 12 years. She too is a longtime friend of Rehane. "I have known her for almost 10 years now and her plans for Transcend go way back. I have joined the academy as a faculty member and will be handling business, social and dining etiquette," she explains.

"We have a lot to offer and believe that the Transcend Academy has been launched at just the right time. Chennai is a very happening city right now. More and more people today are realising the importance of being well-groomed," adds Rehane.

She believes that style and fashion are no longer the prerogative of the rich and famous. "An extensive wardrobe and a vast collection of accessories may not necessarily make you look good. Just today I was complimented on a clip that I purchased at a local department store. So not everything has to be pricey or have a designer label. It is just a matter of knowing what is right for you."

The designer believes that it is better to arm yourself with every possible advantage in this highly competitive world. "The corporate world is like a jungle -- 'survival of the fittest' is the latest mantra. Come to Transcend and you will evolve into a new, beautiful, confident person who is ready to take on the world," she promises.

Transcend Academy will operate out of 17th Avenue Studio, 107 Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai 31. For more details on courses and fee structure visit transcendacademy.in.