MAM
Future lies in internet and wireless: Time Warner’s Parsons
MUMBAI: Global media giants have suddenly got serious about internet. The mood is reflected in the recent buys News Corp and Viacom have done, gobbling up internet assets like mySpace.com, propertyfinder.com, Neopets and iFilm at valuations that have surprised many.
Drawing inspiration from its rivals’ aggressive internet strategies, Time Warner’s chairman-CEO Richard Parsons refuses to jettison his plans on the internet and wireless front. Irrespective of the fact that Time Warner burnt its fingers with its 2001 merger with America Online Limited (AOL), Parsons feels the convergence of traditional media and the Internet is inevitable with online advertising holding an “exciting potential”.
“We are the only media company with a major stake in the Internet”, Parsons said during an interview with New Yorker media columnist Ken Auletta. However, he acknowledged the ongoing talks with competitors to sell off a stake in AOL. According to Parsons, Microsoft, Yahoo and a partnership of Google and Comcast have expressed interest in buying or partnering with AOL in recent weeks.
Parsons expressed Time Warner’s interest in retaining some control over the division even if a deal goes through. “We want to help our other companies to take advantage of the Internet and it would be easier if we retained part of AOL after a deal goes through,” he said during the interview.
When queried by Auletta about areas where Time Warner was not active presently, Parsons singled out Wireless and gaming. “Games online and computer games are becoming a huge, huge business, with young males aging 18 to 35.”
Parsons hinted at Time Warner’s plans to attempt some acquisitions or deals on the wireless front. The company has already made its foray into wireless as it joined Comcast, Cox and Brighthouse in a wireless-cable venture with Sprint Nextel to develop a way for consumers to watch cable TV through their cell phone
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
