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2021 05 01 Harpers Bazaar India

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2021 05 01 Harpers Bazaar India

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Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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APRIL-MAY 2021, `200

DELENG/2014/59909

Model & Mother


LISA
HAYDON
LALVANI
ON THE
WORLD SHE
WANTS FOR
HER CHILDREN

THE
GREAT
OUTDOORS
FASHION &
WANDERLUST

BAZAAR
SHORT
STORIES
TALES OF
HOPE AND
HAPPINESS
APRIL MAY 2021

131
HIGHLIGHTS
Cover Look
APRIL-MAY 2021, `200
DELENG/2014/59909

Model & Mother


LISA
ACTOR

HAYDON
LALVANI
ON THE
WORLD SHE
WANTS FOR
HER CHILDREN
ON THE
HORIZON
Lisa Haydon Lalvani on
THE
GREAT
OUTDOORS
the world she wants for
FASHION &
WANDERLUST

her three children


BAZAAR
SHORT
STORIES
TALES OF
HOPE AND
HAPPINESS

On the cover: Lisa Haydon


Lalvani is wearing a Bikini Top,
Maje, and a Skirt, Christian
Dior. Zack is wearing a Shirt
and Shorts, both Dior Kids.
Photographer: Ruby Law.
Stylist: Justine Lee. Hair:
Peter Cheng. Make-up:
Omix. Photographer’s
assistant: Kyle Cheung.
Production: Marina Fairfax.
Videographer: Kim Hung.

Gucci Sandal with


Bejewelled Horsebit,
`86,275 (approx)

100 144
IMAGE: COURTESY JEFFREY WESTBROOK/STUDIO D. STYLING: WENDY SCHELAH

A HAND
TO HOLD
Leading business
stalwarts and
creative artists pay STORIES OF
SUMMER
ode to their mentors
Five celebrated
authors pen a short
story for Bazaar

6
APRIL MAY 2021

FEATURES
RETURN TO ROOTS 36
THE SECRET MESSAGE 76
KABIR BEDI: ON FORGIVENESS
& LOSS 118

Givenchy
Mini Antigona
Vertical Bag,
`1,20,200
(approx)

FASHION
PURE SHORES
152
Photographs by Arjun Mark
IMAGE: COURTESY DON PENNY/STUDIO D. STYLING: MIAKO KATOH

THE CLASH
170
Photographs by Quentin Jones

GEM’S TABLE
186
Illustrations by Taro Mizutani

7
APRIL MAY 2021

BAZAAR STYLE
15 Shades Of Summer
Photographs by Bhaskar Sancheti
25 Super Bloom
42 Best Of Both Worlds
44 A Question Of Colour
46 24 Hours With Malaika Arora Chanel Mini
Drawstring Bag,
`2,40,450
BAZAAR ACCESSORIES
53 Au Naturel
60 Colour My World

BAZAAR
JEWELLERY &
WATCHES TALKING
65 Cool Kids POINTS
With Pearls 114 The
Photographs by Sound Of
Cho Giseok Music
70 Otherworldly 112 At The
Delights Museum
Photographs by 113 Scripting
Peter Langer His Life
82 Generation 114 Let It Go
Game 116 Flight Of Fancy
Photographs by
Turi Lovik BAZAAR BEAUTY
Kirknes 200 New Ritual,
92 Time Keepers New You
208 La Dolce Vita
BAZAAR AT WORK
110 Women Are Made BAZAAR ESCAPE
For The Greatest Things 214 Beyond The Sea

IN EVERY ISSUE
10 Editor’s Letter
127 Horoscope
218 How Bazaar

8
advocate. On page 100,
This issue was
planned at a
time when A WHOLE our contributors
underline this view by
sharing stories of
India was in
the clutches
of a Covid-19 NEW their own mentors,
who benefited their
careers through

WORLD
maelstrom... advice, support,
a furious, and networking
ferocious opportunities.
second wave I hope their
that ravaged the experiences
country and its encourage you to
people. Now, a few enrol an adviser.And, it
weeks later, the Tiffany & Co.
must be emphasised, if
death-toll statistics Earth Necklace,
price upon request you are in a leadership role,
show marginal signs I hope you will use your
of dissipation, at least position and experience to
in some states. mould another woman’s future.
But we are certainly not out The future...and that of our
of the woods...far from it. children is certainly on the mind of our
And what has tied many of us together enigmatic covergirl, Lisa Haydon.
in this traumatic time is a sense of The model is expecting her third child in
collective grief...and stories that June, and has been captured on camera
brought solace, largely owed to the just weeks before she is due to deliver,
acts of kindness carried out by enjoying a day at the beach with her boys
ordinary citizens of Zack and Leo.“The world is in such a
our country. tumultuous state right now,” Lisa tells
In many ways, this issue of Bazaar Bazaar.“But I can’t simply wish for a
considers the idea of a more better world; I have to do my part to
thoughtful way of being. A call for create it. I think it starts with the little
more compassion, better ideals, and things, the values and virtues children
greater optimism. learn at home.To be kind-hearted, to be
The theme makes itself seen, on page brave, to be tidy...because if they don’t
142, where Bazaar invites five talented appreciate the concept of something as
writers to explore the concept of hope, elementary as good hygiene, they won’t
through a special, short story each. understand the importance of keeping
Their moving words come fortified our oceans clean.”
with the reassurance that, in the end, I leave you to enjoy this issue of
things will be okay. Bazaar India, with the words once
DIGITAL EDITOR
This month’s Bazaar AtWork section also HARPER’S BAZAAR INDIA said byVincent van Gogh, which
carries an especially significant feature—about hold momentous meaning in their
IMAGE: COURTESY PIXELATE

the merits of mentorship. Numerous experts simplicity:“Great things are not done
agree that working women can rise faster if they by impulse, but by a series of small things
are guided and encouraged by a capable brought together.” Q

10
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
AROON PURIE
GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
RAJ CHENGAPPA
PUBLISHER
KAREN WILSON KUMAR

DIGITAL EDITOR
NANDINI BHALLA
HEARST MAGAZINES INTERNATIONAL
SVP General Manager & Managing Director Asia
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
& Russia SIMON HORNE SVP/Editorial & Brand
AKANSHA BAHADUR
Director KIM ST. CLAIR BODDEN
Executive Editor ELÉONORE MARCHAND
ASSISTANT EDITOR
RADHIKA BHALLA
INTERNATIONAL EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
SALES AND OPERATIONS
Arabia Argentina LUCY LARA Australia
Senior General Manager (National Sales) CONTRIBUTING EDITORS EUGENIE KELLY Brazil PATRICIA CARTA Chile
DEEPAK BHATT General Manager (Operations) MEGHNA SHARMA China SIMONA SHA Czech Republic NORA
VIPIN BAGGA Deputy General Manager (North) HUMRA AFROZ KHAN GRUNDOVA Germany KERSTIN SCHNEIDER
RAJEEV GANDHI Deputy Regional Sales
Greece ELENI PATERAKI Hong Kong XAVEN
Manager (South) S PARAMASIVAM Senior Sales
MAK Indonesia RIA LIRUNGAN Japan KAORI
Manager (East) PIYUSH RANJAN DAS CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR
TSUKAMOTO Kazakhstan LARISSA AZANOVA
ZUNAILI MALIK Korea SEKYUNG CHO Latin America LUCY LARA
CONSUMER MARKETING SERVICES
Malaysia NATASHA KRAAL Netherlands MILUSKA
Deputy General Manager (Operations) CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER VAN ‘T LAM Poland ANNA ZALESKA Romania
G L RAVIK KUMAR SATENDER SHARMA ANDREI IOVU Russia DARIA VELEDEEVA
MANDEEP SINGH Singapore KENNETH GOH Serbia PETAR
VINEET SINGH JANOSEVIC Spain YOLANDA SACRISTÁN Taiwan
ELAINE LIAO Thailand DUANG POSHYANONDA
Turkey GULEN YELMEN UK JUSTINE PICARDIE
Ukraine ANYA ZEMSKOVA Vietnam HUONG
TRAN NGUYEN THIEN

Louis Vuitton
B Blossom bangles
and ring, prices
upon request

VOLUME 8 NUMBER 3 HYDERABAD, 500 082; PHONES: 331 1657, 339 0479; TELEX: 0425-2085 THOM IN. FAX:
PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., BY PERMISSION OF HEARST 040-339 0484. • 39/1045, 1ST FLOOR, KARAKKAT ROAD, COCHIN 682 016; PHONE: 0484-
COMMUNICATIONS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. EDITORIAL 2377057, 2377058; FAX: 0484-2377059 • 2C, “SURYA RATH BLDG” 2ND FLOOR, BEHIND WHITE
OFFICE: LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., INDIA TODAY MEDIAPLEX, FC-8, SECTOR-16A, FILM CITY, HOUSE, PANCHVATI, OFF. C.G. ROAD, AHMEDABAD-380 006; PHONES: 656 0393, 656 0929;
IMAGE: COURTESY THE BRAND.

GAUTAM BUDH NAGAR, NOIDA-201 301, UTTAR PRADESH; PHONES: (120) 4807 100; NEW FAX: 656 5293. • COPYRIGHT 1996, LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DELHI • FOR SUBSCRIPTION ASSISTANCE CONTACT: CUSTOMER CARE INDIA TODAY GROUP, THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY MANNER IS PROHIBITED. • PRINTED AND
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2479900 FROM REST OF INDIA. HYDERABAD, PUNE, NAGPUR & BHOPAL: 9622-111144, FAX: AT THOMSON PRESS, INDIA LIMITED, 18-35 MILE STONE, DELHI MATHURA ROAD,
0120-24078080; E-MAIL: [email protected] • IMPACT OFFICES: 1201, 12TH FLOOR, TOWER FARIDABAD-121007, (HARYANA). PUBLISHED AT F-26, IST FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, NEW
2A, INDIABULLS CENTRE (JUPITER MILLS)SB MARG, LOWER PAREL (WEST) MUMBAI-400013. DELHI – 110 001. EDITOR: NANDINI BHALLA. CORPORATE OFFICE: FC 8, SECTOR 16A, FILM CITY,
• INDIA TODAY MEDIAPLEX , FC-8, SECTOR- 16A, FILM CITY, NOIDA – 201301 • 98-A, DR NOIDA (UP) - 201301. HARPER’S BAZAAR DOES NOT TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR
RADHAKRISHNAN SALAI, 2ND FLOOR, MYLAPORE, CHENNAI 600 004; PHONES: 28478526-41; RETURNING UNSOLICITED PUBLICATION MATERIAL. • ALL DISPUTES ARE SUBJECT TO THE
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1922; FAX: 033-2282 7254, CABLE: LIVING MEDIA. KOLKATA • 6-3-885/7/B, SOMAJIGUDA, REPRODUCTION IN ANY MANNER IS PROHIBITED

11
Bazaar
CONTRIBUTORS
G E E TA
CHANDRAN

A widely-feted Indian
classical dancer and
Padmashri awardee,
Geeta uses her
mastery in
Bharatanatyam to
explore the
connection between
the body and mind, TISHANI
artist and society, and DOSHI
abstract notions of
J A N I C E PA R I AT Tishani publishes
joy, beauty, values,
aspirations, myth, and poetry, essays, and
A writer, soap maker,
and cat mum to spirituality. In this KABIR BEDI fiction, and her fourth,
RUBY LAW full-length collection
Vincent, Janice issue, she pens a
Kabir’s career spans of poems, A God at
Ruby Law is a fashion teaches Art History heartfelt tribute to
Bollywood and the Door, was
and portrait and Creative Writing her mentor and guru,
Hollywood. In Europe, released recently.
photographer based at Ashoka University. KN Dakshinamurthy
his greatest success For 15 years,
in Hong Kong. Her Her last book, The in A Hand To Hold.
was Sandokan, an Tishani worked as
work often features Nine-Chambered Geeta shares, “Guruji
Italian-German- a dancer with the
subjects in intimate Heart, is a bestseller, recharted my destiny,
French TV series, Chandralekha Group
settings and poses. In and has been and I am forever
which catapulted in Madras. She is a
this issue, she translated into indebted to him for
him to global fame. visiting associate
photographs our 10 languages. In this giving me the
And in June 2010, professor at NYU and
covergirl Lisa Haydon issue, she writes a courage to take up
the Italian Republic Abu Dhabi, and lives
Lalvani with her sons, delightful short tale in dance as a career.”
bestowed Kabir with on a beach in Tamil
Zack and Leo, for On Stories Of Summer. its highest civilian Nadu. For this issue,
The Horizon. Ruby Janice shares, honour, the Cavaliere. Tishani writes a tale
shares, “It was “I couldn’t get her out Kabir is also a voting for Stories Of
absolutely wonderful of my head—the story member of the Summer. The author
to shoot with Lisa, of a Russian artist my Academy of Motion says, “My summer
who is a few weeks father met in Sohra, Picture Arts and story became a love
away from her due Meghalaya. She was Sciences, which story because
date, and to spend a living in the small presents the Oscars. summer is eternity;
day with her village of his In this issue, he speaks it is days that go on
wonderful children on childhood, and about overcoming and on, and nights
the beaches of Hong painting. Why? grief in Kabir Bedi: On that simmer...time
Kong. Everything Because she had read Loss & Forgiveness. drips like one of
came together for the that the best place to He shares, “I have Dali’s clocks on the
shoot, from the paint fog was in the lived a life of triumphs branches of a tree,
weather to the mood, wettest place in the and tragedies, great and all around is an
and I am very happy world. The story loves and losses. endlessness. Summer
to be part of this issue I wrote for Bazaar My essay for Bazaar is a season of
of Bazaar India.” India was inspired by India is based on a transformations,
her quest for cloud lifetime of experiences and what is love,
and light.” that shaped my if not that?”
outlook on life.”
GEETA CHANDRAN’S PORTRAIT BY INNEE SINGH.

12
PETER CHENG
JUSTINE LEE
Peter has worked as a
A fashion stylist hairstylist for almost
based in Hong Kong, 10 years, ever since he
Justine is a freelance graduated from
stylist and consultant University of the Arts
with clients including London. He likens the
NISHA SUSAN
Chanel, Jimmy Choo, craft to an art form,
and FarFetch. She Nisha Susan is the and believes that
was the former co-founder of the hairstyling is like
Fashion Director of award-winning media creating a sculpture.
a leading fashion company, In this issue, Peter
magazine, and is The Ladies Finger, styles the hair for
renowned for her SAMANTHA and writes non-fiction covergirl Lisa Haydon
unique sartorial vision. KO C H H A R that is focused on Lalvani in On The
In this issue, she culture, gender, and Horizon. Peter shares
The dynamic force
styles the striking Lisa politics. Last year, saw his experience: “It is
behind Blossom
Haydon Lalvani on a MIMI MONDAL the release of her my pleasure to have
Kochhar Group of
beach in Hong Kong critically- had the chance to
Mimi is a speculative Companies, Samantha
in On The Horizon. acclaimed debut work with Lisa.
fiction writer who is instrumental in
Justine shares, “One collection of short She is a beautiful
grew up in Kolkata growing the beauty
of my first internships stories, The Women woman and her
and currently lives brand to reach an
while I was attending Who Forgot to politeness delighted
in New York. Her even wider, global
college in New York Invent Facebook & me. It is evident that
novelette, His audience. Along with
was at Harper’s Other Stories. For this she is passionate
Footsteps, Through her work, she pursues
Bazaar. Having the issue, Nisha authors a about everything she
Darkness and Light, many other passions:
opportunity to style piece in Stories Of does, and I admire her
was nominated for the painting, horse riding,
this shoot with Lisa Summer. Nisha very much.”
Nebula Award in 2020. trekking, and
for Bazaar India is like shares, “Bazaar India
In this issue, she writes designing. In this
coming full circle.” found me in the
a tale about young issue, Samantha
shares the lessons she doldrums in the early
love in Stories Of summer, and asked
Summer. Mimi states, has learnt from her
mother, Blossom me to write a very
“My story Aparajita is short story. I was
Kocchar, in
a snapshot of a immediately
transient moment of A Hand To Hold.
Samantha says, “It is reminded of the
hope. It is, perhaps, popular Malayalam
too soon to write always a pleasure to
collaborate with magazine form of the
fiction about the mini katha. Writing
pandemic... Drafts Harper’s Bazaar,
which is not just a this story, of an
I began writing in imagined post-
March 2020 have torchbearer of the
latest trends and pandemic time,
already turned cheered me up at
obsolete. Reality will fashion, but also a
cheerleader of a time when there
outgrow this story, was little to feel
too. But what do we personal style and
expression.” cheerful about.”
hope for, at the
present moment?
I wonder what keeps
us going through
each of these
never-ending days?”

13
Follow @bazaarindia on
INSTAGRAM
for the latest in fashion, beauty and celebrity news.
STYLE

Intrecciato Mules,
price upon request,
Bottega Veneta.
Dress, `18,900, 431-88.

Photographs by
Bhaskar Sancheti.
Styled by Juhi Taneja.

The
SHOE
Weave a happy pattern
wherever you go with
sandals in bold yellow.

SHADES OF SUMMER
Bright, happy tones meet muted, earthy hues to present
wardrobe essentials that are perfect for the season.
Bazaar
STYLE

The
TRENCH
An artistic landscape
with abstract patterns is
a stylish way to cover up.
Jacket, `32,900,
Kshitij Jalori.
Earrings, `11,500,
Misho. Shirt and
shoes, prices upon
request, Gucci.
The
SUNGLASSES
A pop of colour is one way
to ensure that you view the world
through rose-tinted glasses.
Sunglasses, `65,500,
and earrings,
`44,000, both
Louis Vuitton.
Interwoven Bustier,
`18,500, AKHL.
Bazaar
STYLE
The
JACKET
A pristine A-line dress is
perfect for the summer, when
paired with shades of blue.
Dress, `18,500,
Dhruv Kapoor. Jacket,
`12,500, Nece Gene.
Saddle Bag, `2,70,000,
Christian Dior. Rings,
prices upon request,
Bvlgari. Shoes,
price upon request,
Christian Louboutin.
The
DRESS
A delightful play of form
and texture come
together to create an
impactful outfit.
Dress, `1,29,500, Rahul
Mishra. Earrings, `66,700,
Tallin Jewels at Ogaan.
Ring, `7,000, Misho. Shoes,
price upon request,
Christian Louboutin.
Bazaar
STYLE

The
SKIRT
A patterned design
that grazes the ankles
is both elegant
and flirtatious.
Nebulous Top, `32,950, and
Nebulous skirt, `58,950,
Shivan & Narresh. Earrings,
`7,125, and ring, `4,500,
both Olio Stories. Shoes,
price upon request, Hermès.
The
SILHOUETTE
Embrace a form-fitting dress
in bold pink to make the most
of summer at home.

Dress, `18,900, 431-88.


Rings, `7,500,
Studio Metallurgy.
Intrecciato Mules, price upon
request, Bottega Veneta.
STYLE
Bazaar

The
SLEEVE
Connect with nature with a
ruffled sleeve that brings in
the magic of mushrooms.

Dress, `1,29,500, Rahul


Mishra. Earrings, `66,700,
Tallin Jewels at Ogaan.
Ring, `7,000, Misho.
The
DRAPE
Bright and bold
does it when you
decide to don
a plain black dress.
Dress, `22,000,
Arjun Saluja. Silk Twill
Scarf, price upon request,
Hermès. Earrings, `4,999,
and rings (from left),
`7,500 and `7,800, Studio
Metallurgy. Shoes,
`45,000, Bally.

Model: Meenakshi
Rathore at Runway
Lifestyle. Make-up: Banny
Choudhary. Hair: Nitin
Sankla. Assistant stylists:
Ben Jamir and Saloni Kohli.
Wait

Harry Winston
Winston Candy Ring

PHOTOGRAPH BY KYOKO HAMADA; SET DESIGN: NOEMI BONAZZI.

SWEET TREAT
Showcasing a jumbo tsavorite stone with pink sapphires, peridots,
and yellow diamonds, this cocktail ring from Harry Winston’s Candy Collection
is the ultimate jewelled confection.

24
1 SUPER BLOOM
In a bouquet of offerings, both whimsical
and playful, let these fresh florals be your
best buds this season.

Nidhi Yasha
2

Geisha Designs
4
Gauri & Nainika
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. SOME PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE. COMPILED BY MANVEEN GULIANI.

8
1. Dolce & Gabbana Chiffon Top with
Camellia Print, `98,785. 2. Ted Baker
Tie-neck Top, `10,000. 3. Forever New
Blouse, `4,800. 4. Rahul Mishra 6
Embroidered Shirt, price upon request.
5. Gucci Ken Scott Silk Shirt, `98,800.
6. Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Tote Bag, 7
9
`1,92,400. 7. Oceana Clutches
Treasure Box, `7,500. 8. Versace
Medusa Handbag, `2,72,200. 9. Duet
Luxury Asymmetric Grasshopper
Clutch, `12,000.

25
Wish

Fendi Woven
Baguette Bag,
price upon
request

THE CRAFT
Fendi’s grassroot partnership ‘hand in hand’
celebrates local artisans across Italy, whose
time-honoured skills—from lace work to
goldsmithing—have been harnessed by the
brand for a collection of exceptional, one-off
Baguette bags. We love the woven wicket
PHOTOGRAPHY: EFRAIM EVIDOR. STYLING: ANNA CASTAN

iteration, crafted in the Marche region


of central Italy from soaked willow branches
and inspired by the baskets of local fishermen.

30
WHAT TO BUY:
Michael Kors Round
Frame Sunglasses,
Fendi Promenade
`36,825
Booties, `86,775

A MIX OF
COLOURS
Rosy path
Rose-tinted view

Moschino Chinese
New Year Handbag,
`1,03,530

Misho Interlink
Choker,
`16,200

Chain reaction
Bull’s eye

Hermes Pegase Reebok Kamikaze II


Paysage Shawl, Wavy Train white/
`80,180 black/white Sneakers,
`9,999

Horse around
Ride the wave
LOUIS VUITTON

Ikka Dukka
Multicolour
Pillow, `2,450
Gucci
Silk-faille bow
tie, `13,120
Chase rainbows
K E E P
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. COMPILED BY ANANYA BANERJEE

In a knot • Psychadelic prints


• Chain links
• Graphic scarves

Rara Avis
Wanderer’s
Bohemian flair
A good read R E C Y C L E Clutch,
`30,128
• Snake prints wanderers’
clutch,
• XXL bags 30,128.

• Chunky headbands
CMYK Book Store Bombay Art Deco
Architecture by Navin Ramani, `1,995
27
Bazaar
STYLE
3

18 4

17 6

8
Limerick

16

IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. SOME PRICES ARE UPON REQUEST. COMPILED BY AARUSHI GARG.
9
14 12

15
11

MINT CONDITION
The icing on the cake is the frosting-inspired trend that comes
13 10
with a generous helping of retro references.

1. The Line Mismatched Ombre Tourmaline Loops, `52,500. 2. Prada Symbole Sunglasses, price upon request. 3. Longchamp Brioche
Quilted Crossbody Bag, `83,300. 4. Urban Suburban Three Tiered Short Dress, `2,499. 5. Ani Mint Scallop Bell Shirt, `5,499. 6. Simon
Rocha Green Cluster Drip Earrings, `19,999. 7. Shruti Sancheti Floral Dress, `10,500. 8. Paio Green Solid Heels, `3,499. 9. Versace
Argyle Intarsia Knit Silk Polo Shirt, `1,10,300. 10. Outhouse The Oh V Bird Phone Bag, `19,400. 11. Charles & Keith, Textured Drawstring
Backpack, `6,499. 12. Latique Kaya Earrings, price upon request. 13. Bottega Veneta Stretch Chain-detail Sandals, `77,000. 14.
Swarovski Nirvana Ring, `13,900. 15. Gucci Viscose Linen Single Breasted Jacket, `1,61,100. 16. Bellofox Green Bertalocks Earrings,
`696. 17. Scotch & Soda Abott Mid-rise Chinos, `11,650. 18. Deme by Gabriella Crossover Shimmer Dress, `16,500.
Valentino Roman
Stud Ballet Shoes,
price upon request
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: BOSCO GARCIA. MODEL: LUCIA LOPEZ (THE COOL MODELS).
PHOTO: FEDE DEL IBES. STYLING: BEATRIZ MACHADO. TEXT: CELIA CUERVO.

WHY DON’T YOU...


Do as the Romans do by stepping out in a pair of bright-red sandals
that boast Valentino’s iconic Roman studs in shiny gold?

29
Bazaar
STYLE Chanel Visor
Jaipur Gems Hebe Sunglasses, price
Diamond Ring, upon request
price upon request

Aanchal Sayal
Mint Blossom
Sliders, `3,200

Perona Aura
Bag, `6,100

Malie Fleur
Top, `18,000

Bottega Veneta
Ribbed Wool
Blend Mini Dress,
`1,85,150

Max Mara
Stretch
Cotton
Blazer,
price upon
request

IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE. COMPLIED BY AARUSHI GARG.
Urban Suburban
Short Dress
with Elasticated BUBBLE
STRUCTURE
Back, `2,499
Ports 1961

A bit of flounce is always a good idea,


to help you live life on the grander side.
Scotch
& Soda
Voluminous
Christian Dior
Organic
Dior Tribales
Cotton Mini
Earrings, `60,725
Skirt, `9,850

30
Must

Skirt, `87,700, and shoes,


`61,800, both Gucci. Socks,
`250, Calzedonia.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY IULIAN NAN. DIRECTED BY VERONICA NOJAC.

COLOUR
CORRRECTION
A pair of red socks may seem unimportant, but they matter.
Welcome sensuality with a touch of innocence.
Lust

PIN UP!

Wear your
message on your
head with pearl-
and crystal-
encrusted clips.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOI-SEOK JO. STYLING: NOUR BOU EZZ. WORDS: DEVINDER BAINS.

(Clockwise from centre)


Salvatore Ferragamo
Rhinestone-embellished
Hair Clip. Sacai Gold
Hairclips. Gucci Crystal
Hairpin. Hermès Stud-
embellished Coloured
Hairpins. Chanel Pearl-
embellished Hairpin.
Celine Cursive Hair Clip.
1 SOFT POWER
Suit up in pastel tones for a feminine yet
businesslike approach to working from home.

Basque
2

Balmain
3

Gigi
Hadid
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. COMPILED BY MANVEEN GULIANI.

6
1.Perfectly Average Tailored Blazer
`4,500, and Straight Pants, `1,999.
2. Scoth & Soda Linen Blazer, `17,295,
and Chino Pants, `8,610 3. Tom Ford
Twill Deconstructed Jacket, `1,82,790,
and Straight Leg Pants, `94,695.
Sruti Dalmia

4.Nappa Dori Sling Bag, `11,800.


5. Emblaze Satchel Bag, `2,500.
6. The House of Ganges Crossbody
Bag, `3,500.
4

5
33
Bazaar
STYLE

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS C. CARD; FASHION EDITOR: AMANDA ALAGEM. STYLING: MIAKO KATOH. PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE.

PORTRAIT MODE

DOUBLE FEATURE
Layered shirting looks twice as nice with a set of unconventional pearls.
(Top left) Thakoon Blouse, `12,000. Uniqlo Turtleneck, `2,000. Buccellati Necklace, `8,68,725, and Pendant, `4,27,125.
(Top right) Equipment Shirt, `16,650, and Turtleneck, `23,525. David Yurman Necklace (above), `8,68,725. Monica Rich
Kosann Pearl Charm Chain Necklace, `2,79,425. (Bottom right) Loro Piana Shirt, `50,675, and Turtleneck, `70,950.
Tiffany & Co. Necklace (above), `1,80,975. Le Vian Pearl Pendant (below), `97,575. (Bottom left) The Row Shirt, `90,500,
and Top, `86,150. Pomellato Necklace (above), price upon request. Mateo Necklace (below), `48,850.

34
Edgability Swarovski Sparkling Dance
Aubrey Marble Earrings, `8,725
Bag, `4,000
Bottega
Veneta Curve
Sandals,
`1,36,715

Charles &
Keith Croc
Effect Mini
Sculptural

CALL FOR Bag,


`6,499

THE BASICS
Take note of summer’s love
for the cool staple: separates
in shades of white.

Tizora
Crystal
Bracelet,
`3,650 Chanel
Nylon Visor
Sunglasses,
price upon
request

United
Colors of
Benetton
Flared
Trousers,
`6,999

Rahul Mishra Satin


Slip Dress, price
Fendi

upon request
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. COMPILED BY AARUSHI GARG.

Scotch &
Soda
Organic
Cotton Top,
`10,350

Mio Borsa White PU Vanilla Moon Strappy


Crossbody, `3,000 Sandals, `3,000

35
Bazaar
STYLE

RETURN
TO ROOTS
In an ode to authenticity and self love, 10 creatives from the diaspora community share
the evolution of their personal style through a special photo series, exclusively for Bazaar.
By Radhika Bhalla

M A DA ME
G A NDHI
A R T I S T & A C T I V I S T,
TO PA N GA

“I feel like a global child, but my


fashion consistently pays homage to
my Indian heritage. For instance,
wearing a bindi with a simple, cotton
outfit from James Perse is a seamless
integration for me. I have grown up
with organic cotton fabrics, bright

FOR MADAME GANDHI: PHOTOGRAPH BY LINDSEY BYRNES IN TOPANGA, CA. HAIR: LAUREN BENSLEY. MAKE-UP: ANTHONY MORRISSEY.
colours, and hemp clothing, and
I have noticed an increasing interest in
Indian fabrics and styles here in
Topanga, where I have been living for
the past year during the pandemic.
I usually wear small, gold, hoop
earrings with my dailywear; they
serve as a reminder of my childhood
in Mumbai in the late ’90s. I also
wear a gold necklace that says “Own
Your Voice” that was created for
me by Bhindi Jewelers in Artesia,
which is essentially the Little India
of Los Angeles. And I always
accessorise with several gold bands
on my fingers, as they keep me
connected to my grandparents, who
are of Indian origin. 
I take after my mother and
grandmother in my love for merging
the different aspects of my culture. My
family has always, actively-encouraged
fashion and self-expression, and
I consider that truly special.”

36
Z A IN SH A H
M O D EL , LO N D O N

“I have an obsession with traditional jewellery from South Asia.


Some of the pieces in my collection have been handed down to
me by my family. This particular bronze choker and earring set is
from Bangladesh and was gifted to me by a friend. Whether it is
a bindi or a traditional garment, I always like to add something to
my attire so it feels authentically ‘me’. 
While growing up, I didn’t want to associate with my South
Asian roots because of the negative stereotypes that surrounded
them. However, I realised that underplaying my heritage
would not help me to connect with others, and it has been a
long journey towards accepting myself and my culture.
While I feel most comfortable in western wear, I recently
wore a kurta with military boots for a shoot, and that opened
my mind to the endless combinations I could try. Wearing my
culture so visibly gives people an opportunity to start a
conversation. I think my clothing and jewellery translate as
confidence and help me to connect with others who are
fascinated with South Asian culture.”

H A M E L PA T E L
D I G I TA L C R E ATO R ,
RALEIGH

“I truly enjoy merging my desi and American


sensibilities through fashion. My favourite way of
blending my heritage into my daily life is by
accessorising with a statement piece of jewellery...
it makes for a great conversation starter.
When I was younger, I felt the need to change
who I was to fit in. However, over time, I realised
that the different cultural backgrounds I grew up
with was truly unique and it is what made me,
me. And so, when content creation was just
starting out a few years ago, I decided to show
others that there are many ways to embrace the
various aspects of your background. For me,
fashion goes beyond the clothes I wear; it is a
representation of where I come from and being
proud of that.
Inspiration comes from different sources. I love
looking at old photos of my mom, nature, even
artwork. The most satisfying aspect of what I do
is knowing that I can inspire the younger
generation to not hide where they come from.”
Bazaar
STYLE
R AVJOT MEHEK
SINGH
F I L M M A K E R & A C T I V I S T,
B O STO N

“My personal style is adventurous. I am a bit


of a style chameleon because I play with my
look to explore new aesthetics. For instance,
I often drape a phulkari or net dupatta with my
outfit when attending parties. And I always
wear bangles with my clothes—even with
sweatpants and a hoodie. Sometimes, I wear a
fake nath (nose ring) with a casual look to
make it pop. Along with the compliments
I get on how unique and ornate my style is,
these pieces invite conversations around
culture and contemporary issues regarding the
diaspora. I see fashion not only as a form of
self-expression, but also as a means to educate
others about South Asian traditions.
My childhood was spent resenting my
Indian heritage and Sikh religion because of
the racism I faced in the small, suburban
community I grew up in. Luckily, as I grew
older, I moved to cities where I saw diversity
and people like me. Since then, I have been
A DITI M AYE R an advocate for anti-racism and anti-
S U S TA I N A B L E FA S H I O N B LO G G E R bullying and empower people of colour to
& J O U R N A L I S T, LO S A N G E L E S proudly take part in their cultures.”

“Being a daughter of the diaspora, one is always


subconsciously merging cultural identities—whether
through style, worldviews, or daily practices. However,
it is not about being Indian or American; rather, it is
about embracing a hyphenated identity and reclaiming
new ground as the two co-exist.
For me, sustainability is culture. In the West, this is
often reduced to a consumer act of buying something
‘sustainable’, or technology that will somehow fix the
current climate crisis. However, when you understand
that sustainability isn’t what you can buy, but what
you embody, embracing one’s cultural heritage
becomes paramount.
My personal style gravitates towards natural fabrics
like khadi, jute, or linen, and pieces that allow
movement. I see fashion as a product of land and
labour, so I ask questions about the agricultural roots of
the fibre and textile, or the artisanship behind a certain
weave, embroidery, or block print. My grandfather,
who was a farmer in Punjab, instilled the principle of
land stewardship in me, and my grandmother, who
was brilliant at handicrafts like knitting, instilled the
idea of slow-fashion production.”

38
SUNDEEP SINGH BOPA R A I
H E A LT H C A R E A D M I N I S T R ATO R , N E W Y O R K

“My personal style has emerged as a blend of masculinity and


femininity. I do not fit into a specific box; I like to call myself a
unicorn. I love to mix styles and currently, I am thriving on
making a statement towards de-gendering fashion.
There are times when I have worn I have worn lehengas,
blouses, and skirts for a day out; I enjoy the fabrics of such
pieces. I always wear necklaces, bracelets, and rings with my
outfits, and I sometimes accessories with jhumkas and
maangtikkas. And I love to wear kohl under my eyes... I feel
liberated and beautiful when I look at myself in the mirror.
The vision I had in my mind since I was a child has finally come
to light, and that is truly revolutionary for me. 
Growing up in NYC was difficult... I was a young, queer man
navigating the city, trying to stay true to my Punjabi and Sikh
roots. Many places and people told me I did not fit in. However,
being bullied and targeted in high school made me stronger and
more determined to express myself, which is why I created the
KingSunnyB platform. I began to form a queer family across the
world, and as a result, I no longer felt alone and misunderstood.”

A NTHONY O. G OMES
D A N C E R , P H OTO G R A P H E R , & D I G I TA L
C R E ATO R , N O R T H C A R O L I N A

“I play with non-traditional ideas of masculinity through my style


by blending elements of traditional, royal aesthetics with Indo-
western influences. I like challenging the mainstream perception
of fashion, especially regarding ideas of masculinity, by including
saris, lehengas, and Bharatanatyam or Odissi jewellery in my
outfits. Even as a child, I was mesmerised by the colours, fabrics,
and prints of my mom’s saris and, now, I use them to inspire my
looks and creative vision.
My family moved to the US from Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2006.
Growing up here, I felt that I never had enough room in my
closet for both my traditional wear and my everyday, western
outfits. This helped me get creative and allowed me to combine
both the aesthetics together. I often wear simple kurtas as tops by
tucking them into a pair of jeans or slacks. I drape shawls with my
everyday looks and often pair my outfits with juttis as statement
footwear. People love seeing the unique, traditional pieces styled
with western outfits.
My heritage serves as a canvas for this fusion of style and culture
in my daily life. I look up to designers like Sabyasachi, Abhinav
Mishra, and Manish Malhotra because their works tell a story and
create a fantasy. As a visual storyteller, I study their photoshoots
and intricate outfits to create royal and elegant looks.”
Bazaar
STYLE

PA Y A L S H A H
F O U N D E R , L’ D E Z E N ,
H O N G KO N G

“My love for layering comes from my Indian


heritage: the idea of mixing colours, patterns, and
textures. For instance, I might wear a silk sari with a
cotton beaded blouse to add an interesting element
to my look. And, of course, I always accessorise.
I truly enjoy combining street style with bold
colours and patterns from India. Sometimes,
I pair beautiful, handcrafted, Indian fabrics with the
hyped, activewear lifestyle in Hong Kong. In my
own way, I believe I am ‘spicing up’ my looks with
the best of both styles.
I am an Indian-Gujarati, who grew up surrounded
by both Indian and Chinese cultures in Hong
Kong. The cross-over has been extremely
interesting for me, with much to celebrate between
the two. Both cultures appreciate rich fabrics and
heritage pieces, and value the artisan behind the
exquisite pieces. I consider such style not only a
form of fashion, but also art.”

40
R AV E E N A
S I N G E R & S O N G W R I T E R , PA S A D E N A

“My style is dreamy and mostly inspired by the ’70s and ’90s. I
love cropped tops that remind me of sari blouses, and wear
a lot of Indian jewellery and bindis with western pieces.
Whenever I am in Delhi, I buy accessories in bulk because it is
so expensive to buy it here in the US. My grandmothers
and mom have also given me some heirloom necklaces and
rings, but I only wear these pieces for special occasions.
I enjoy wearing clothes that are made of light cotton or
silk, with intricate embroidery. You will usually see me in a
two-piece outfit, with blouses as cropped tops and flowy
skirts or loose pants. And whenever I step out, people usually
stop me on the streets to appreciate my look.
I consider it my life’s work to try and bridge the gap
between the Indian and American cultural influences that
I have grown up with. This is a chance to reimagine one’s
identity and be a potential pioneer at affecting change. Yes, it
is daunting, but it is equally exciting and liberating.” Q

BA BNEET
L A K HESA R
A RT I ST @ B A B B U T H E PA I N T E R ,
TO RO NTO

“I would describe my style as Indian-heritage-meets-


street-style-meets-pop-art. However, growing up was a
constant journey of trying to ‘fit in’. In the early 2000s,
butter chicken was considered smelly food, and turmeric
masks and amla [Indian gooseberry] oil were not trending
as yet. Like many others, I went through an identity
crisis and eschewed my culture because I was embarrassed
by it. In my late teens, I auditioned for a bhangra team,
got selected, and even began competing. This provided
me with a safe community where I did not have to
FOR BABNEET: HAIR AND MAKE-UP: JASMINE LAKHESAR.

pretend to be someone else.


Once I joined university, I felt like I was living a dual
life. I wanted to merge the two, and my artistic journey
helped me achieve that. I began creating hand-painted
jackets with Indian references. Our ‘Bakwaas Aunty’
denim jacket was even worn by Mindy Kaling, which
was such a fan-girl moment for me!
My inspirations have always been the women in my
life and real-life experiences. I also turn to actor Rekha,
Yayoi Kusama, Wes Anderson, and Hayao Miyazaki.”

41
STYLE
Bazaar

BEST OF BOTH
WORLDS
As label AMPM turns to pichwai art
for its latest collection this summer,
Bazaar speaks with designer Priyanka Modi
about her inspiration.

Photographer Ashima Narain


(left) and Filmmaker
Ruchi Narain

Artist
Jai Khanna
Chef
Chinu Vaze Artist Rhea
Gupte
Potter Karuna
Reddy

I
“ can trace my first brush with art to when
I was all of six-years-old,” designer Priyanka Modi tells Bazaar
as we discuss her label AMPM’s Spring ’21 collection, Aarthai
(from the art-i-culate series). “It was an oil on canvas that my mother had
painted back at our home in Kanpur... a white horse with a lion on its back
“We have recounted the
trying to make it its prey. My mother had used earthy hues to portray this artists’ journeys and
composition. Every day after school, I would eagerly return home because I was
most curious to see her progress on the canvas. Her patience, dedication, and given a glimpse into
precision deeply inspired me.” their personalities.”
This early introduction left a lifelong impact on Priyanka, as she returned to
various art forms through her collections, season after season. For her recent —Priyanka Modi
range, the Delhi-based designer has turned to the pichwais created by Jaipur-
based artist Jai Khanna as a source of inspiration: motifs of playful monkeys, majestic horses, lush
banana trees, and temple façades, among others.
“The artworks have been used in the form of re-imagination, interpretation, or adaptation,”
Priyanka explains. “How you present it to your audience in your own, unique voice is where the
magic lies,” she adds, when asked about how she strikes the balance between her brand’s aesthetic
and the inspiration. The arts have, after all, been an abiding source of motivation for Priyanka, as she
has worked with the techniques, imagery, and processes of age-old crafts in her signature, minimal
oeuvre. “I enjoy simplifying and modernising art forms, playing with abstract concepts to create
unique patterns,” she reveals.
This collection is a portmanteau of two words in two different languages: ‘art’ in English, and
‘athai,’ which is a Marwari-origin word that means ‘here’. Together, they form ‘Aarthai’. And to
celebrate the artistic talent and creative landscape of the country, the label created a special campaign
with six creators from different fields. This included filmmaker Guneet Monga and
her powerful visual narratives, Karuna Reddy and her meditative pottery,
photographer-filmmaker Ashima and Ruchi Narain, Chef Chinu who is recognised
for her epicurean delights, Jai Khanna, and the multi-disciplinary artist Rhea Gupte.
“This collaboration with artists from different disciplines has been most special Filmmaker
for me, and articulating their profound stories has been a deeply satisfying Guneet Monga
experience. We have recounted their journeys and been able to give a glimpse into
each of their individual personalities,” Priyanka says with a smile.
The range of cowled jackets, tunics, palazzo pants, pre-draped saris, and more are
dedicated to the summer as they flirt with soft chanderi and silks, and feature embroidery
in satin silk, appliqué dori work, and gold faux leather embossing. The pieces announce
personal style and comfort while revelling in the satisfaction that comes from being in the
presence of good art. ■
Bazaar
STYLE

A QUESTION OF
COLOUR
As the Indian fashion industry debates the nature of sustainability, where we source our
dyes and pigments from becomes even more important. By Varun Rana

L
ast October, for their Festive 2020 collection at
Lakmé Fashion Week’s ‘phygital’ presentations,
Delhi-based label 11.11/eleven eleven showed a
beautiful short film that charted the journey of raw
cotton fibre spun into yarn, dyed indigo, and then knit into a
jumper, all by hand. It was, perhaps, the most meaningful of all The proof is around us. Hidesign, one of India’s oldest
digital presentations yet, as it spoke volumes about what Indian homegrown luxury leather accessories labels, has been
fashion brands have to offer, as well as the valuable skills India committed to using natural materials like wattle bark and
possesses. More poignantly, it highlighted the process of indigo Myrobalam seeds since its inception in 1978. Brands like
dyeing, an art form that goes back to the Indus Valley Bodice, Eka, Good Earth, Injiri, péro, Raw Mango, and  11.11/
Civilization itself. eleven eleven, among many others, have
Today, as the industry is involved in regularly used natural dyes and pigments—
multiple discourses about sustainability, fast even if not exclusively—in their collections.
fashion, as well as the idea of consumerism They have proved that the slightly higher
in the midst of a global pandemic, it is the costs incurred here can be offset with
Shantanu & Nikhil

idea of natural dyes and pigments that superior design value, longevity, and the
shines out as one of the key answers to the luxury associated with owning a fashionable
fashion riddle. garment, dyed or printed through a
Why? Because we are moving towards a sustainable, artisanal process.
world that will soon face a water shortage. What also works in favour of organically-
The cheapness of chemical dyes—that have extracted pigments are the health benefits.
been the norm around the world for more German chemists broke India’s hegemony
than a century, now—will cost the planet of natural dyes by the mid-1800s. In 1868,
more and more dearly. Chemical dyes are synthetic madder became the first chemical
already polluting our rivers and groundwater, dye to be proposed as a substitute for a
in addition to wasting huge amounts of this vegetable dye. But it took almost a century
precious resource. for medical research to establish that the
It is here that Indian designers can make a difference.With skin could absorb a few of the carcinogenic amines found in
about 500 plant species that are known to yield colour—apart synthetic dyes. In 1996, Germany—the country that had once
from animal, insect, and mineral sources to augment the championed this—became the first in the world to ban the
variety—India could make a serious dent in the world’s import of select Azo dyes.
chemical dye consumption. This is both in terms of sheer This started an important conversation about colour in the
numbers as well as becoming a global inspiration, with some West. And this is why they began asking for more naturally-
research and innovation. Our wealth of flowers—marigold, dyed and -printed garments by the turn of the millennium.
crocus, poppy, butterfly pea, tesu—along with beetroot, Indian markets, meanwhile, were flooded with brightly-
turmeric, pomegranate, and henna, as well as ochre, madder, coloured pieces championing chemical dyes and pigments. 
IMAGES: GETTYIMAGES.COM

Prussian blue, manganese, and iron from minerals and metals, It may have taken us over two decades to consider this
can bring the use of chemical dyes down significantly. knowledge carefully, but the silver lining is that many Indian
designers seem to have realised that one of the pillars of
sustainability in fashion, going forward, will be the process of
obtaining colour. From natural sources, much like our
ancestors did. Q

44
(Inset and right)
Looks by Good Earth

(Clockwise from right) A creation


by péro, Eka, and Raw Mango
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS.
Bazaar
STYLE
24 Hours with
MALAIKA ARORA
The actor and entrepreneur shares her day with Bazaar.

7:00 A.M.

WORDS BY RADHIKA BHALLA. IMAGES: COURTESY INSTAGRAM AND THE BRANDS.


I’m a morning
person. The first thing
I do when I wake up is sit in my
balcony to soak in the rays of the
rising sun. While there, I say my prayers
and do around five pranayama exercises.
When I was a child, my parents always
encouraged my sister and me to take in the sun
rays, for Vitamin D, and the habit has stayed with
me. 7:45 A.M. I begin my day with a teaspoon of
ghee, followed by a daily ritual of drinking one litre
of warm water with honey. Then, I take my six-year-
old dog Casper for a walk. Every morning, he sits by my
bedside with his leash, waiting for me to wake up. I miss
him so much when I am travelling. 8:15 A.M. I cleanse
and tone my face, and make sure to use a Gua Sha as well.
Also, I swear by dry-brushing the body for a few minutes.
9:00 A.M. Since I do not take any phone calls for the first
few hours of the day, I now begin to check my e-mails
and call my mother and sister to say hello to them. If I am
working, I leave for the shoot. Since I am home these days,
I make a beeline for the kitchen to fix the menus for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner. 10:30 A.M. I work out for an hour, no
matter where I am. I never miss a session. I tackle big tasks
in the first half of my day because that is when I feel most
alert and productive. These days, I undertake a rigorous,
online yoga session with
my trainer. I always begin
the routine with a few
Surya Namaskars. I don’t
keep the fan on because
I feel like I need to sweat
out all the toxins. So,
I keep my window open
instead. On regular days,
I go to the [Diva Yoga]
studio to work out.
Sunday is the only day
I take a break.

Malaika with her son Arhaan


and their dog Casper
46
“I tackle the big tasks in the first half
of my day because that is when
I feel most alert and productive.”
11:30 A.M. Since we
are all at home, I catch up with
my son [Arhaan Khan]. We chat, joke, and fool
around. I truly enjoy our time together. If I am on set
for a television show, the whole day goes into shooting,
which is around 14 hours. Once I am on set, I only break
for meals; I don’t take frequent breaks to go to my vanity van
because I am very good at taking power naps in between. 12:30 P.M.
I eat my first meal of the day since I practice intermittent fasting for
16 hours. I break the fast with nuts and seeds, which are a powerful
source of protein and good fats. 1:00 P.M. I eat my lunch at the same
time every day. This includes a protein dish, vegetables, rice, and salad. I had
turned completely vegan a few years ago, but ever since I recovered from
Covid recently, I have included eggs to my diet. My meal is very balanced.
2:30 P.M. There are always some clothes that need to be finalised for a show
or shoot, so I schedule my fittings for this time. My stylist has the outfits ready
and we discuss what works. 3:00 P.M. I absolutely love napping. Everyone
makes fun of me for it. Whenever I can, I squeeze in a shut-eye for half an
hour. My guilty pleasure is an afternoon siesta, and I make sure I indulge in it.
4:30 P.M. Since we are in lockdown, I go right outside my apartment to move
around. I play badminton or cricket with my son. I am pretty good at it. Otherwise, I would head to the office,
which is close to home, sit with my team and figure out what needs to be done. Or, I would brainstorm with
my business partner on what needs to be planned with all our instructors. 7:00 P.M. I eat dinner at a fixed
time, every day. And it is usually alone, since no-one eats that early! [laughs] But I do eat lunch with my son.
7:30 P.M. This is my binge-watching time, and I do not like being disturbed. Not even a knock on my
door. I often watch a few shows or movies simultaneously; my son says that I am not loyal to any series!
But I keep returning to classic rom-coms, and shows like F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Game Of Thrones. 8:30
P.M. This is when I like to unwind and spend time with my loved ones. My son and I have been
playing board games or cards, of late. On a regular day, my friends, sister, or mother might come
over for a small party. 10:00 P.M. Lights out, time to sleep. Only on the weekends do I stay
up a bit later. I am very particular about my night-skin routine, I make sure to apply
an under-eye cream and serum. I light a few candles in the room, apply a hand
and foot cream, and read a few pages of a book before bed. These days, I am
reading COVID and Post-COVID Recovery: DoctorVee’s 6-Point Plan by
Dr Vishakha Shivdasani, as well as Passionate Marriage – Sex,
Love,& Intimacy in Emotionally Committed Relationships
by David Schnarch.

M A L A I K A’ S E S S E N T I A L

Ras Luxury Oils Rose


Quartz Gua Sha, `1,701

Passionate Marriage—Sex, Love, & Artisan Lab Lapis Lazuli


Re-runs of F.R.I.E.N.D.S Intimacy in Emotionally Committed Candle, `1,590 onwards
Relationships by David Schnarch
47
Bazaar
STYLE

Runway looks from


POWER CELEBRATION the Gucci Aria
collection
Celebrating its 100th year, luxury label Gucci has
embraced the spirit of connection by releasing a striking
range in collaboration with another powerhouse,

FASHION
Balenciaga. The one-of-a-kind pairing—Gucci
Aria—pays ode to a revelry of colour, texture, and
silhouette, featuring oversized, embellished sleeves,
a riot of colours, and the unmistakable logos of both
the prestigious houses. Here is a collection to invest in,

IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS


for its sheer novelty, creativity, and the resounding
All you need to shop, see, and read this season.

NEWS
message it stands for...that great things can be
achieved when we come forth and join forces.
Available at the brand’s boutiques in Delhi,
Mumbai, and Kolkata from September onwards

Designs from the


Gemini Series that
was showcased at
Lakme Fashion
Week Fall 2021

FRESH FOOTING
After the success of their first
capsule collection, couturier
Rahul Mishra and homegrown
jutti brand Fizzy Goblet have
now launched a second range of
flower-inspired shoes.
The styles are an extension of
the designer’s signature floral
motifs, with hand-embroidered
and appliqué designs by local
artisans. Each pair takes
90 hours to be crafted, and is
treated to double-cushioning
for extra comfort.
Rahul Mishra X Fizzy Goblet
Available at fizzygoblet.com Guldasta juttis, `3,690

48
Tissot
Tissot
T-My Lady
Watches,
Abraham & Thakore Amla Shirt
`1,73,000
Dress Co-ord Set, `7,900 (left),
(left) and
Patchwork Print Shirt Kurta,
`1,08,500
`6,500 (right)
(right)

QUALITY
TIME
NEW BEGINNINGS Feminine, elegant, and sturdy, the
Delhi-based duo Abraham & Thakore’s Tissot T-My Lady watch is a reflection of the
latest offering is an elegant appraisal of modern woman. Crafted with an 18-carat, solid
the season. Say hello to summer-friendly gold burnished bezel, a diamond index, and dials
shirts, jackets, trousers, and saris in
in shades like blue-, silvered-, opaline-, or
handwoven cottons, voile, and silk cotton
anthracite-sunburst, this precious design makes for
mixes. The separates are well-suited to
Zoom meetings where you’d like to exude
a graceful addition to any look. Add this watch
feminine strength and style, and the pieces to your style to make an impression in any
include the brand’s most-recognisable gathering, be it in person or digitally.
patterns of the line, dot, and circle. Available at tissotwatches.com
Available at abrahamandthakore.com and
leading multi-designer stores

MIDAS
TOUCH
Reimagining Dior’s iconic styles from
previous collections, its Creative
Director Maria Grazia Chiuri has added
a touch of gold to the dreamlike pieces
that spell femininity and modern appeal
at once. Think ethereal skirts in tulle,
silk, or multi-coloured mesh, and
jewellery with details that marry the
contemporary with the classic. And,
then, there are delightful, subtle updates
to classic bags in the metallic shade like
in the Lady Dior, the Saddle, and the
Dior Caro. These covetable styles are a
must-have for the Dior collector, and
pieces from the Spring 2021 Dior Gold
Capsule range are available on special
request from the brand’s boutiques.
For details, contact 9910744211
Christian Dior Styles from
the Spring 2021 Dior Gold
Capsule collection

49
(Left to right) Christian Dior Dior
Book Tote, price upon request;
Gucci Marmont GG Zebra-stripe
Loafers, `64,650, Burberry
Marsett Icon-stripe Silk-satin
Shorts, `37,600

Harmonia range
Styles from the
Tibi

(Left to
right, below)
ASHISH
Halterneck
Hand-
sequinned Swarovski
Dress, Chroma
`1,93,110; Choker,
Balenciaga `43,900
Striped
Cotton-poplin Swarovski
Midi Skirt, Chroma Clip
`1,06,975; Earrings,
Marni `23,900
Brushstroke-
stripe Frayed
Top, `53,950
Chola

CROSS CRYSTAL CLEAR


THE LINE Things have a way of coming full
circle, much like the latest jewellery
It is a straight route to collection by Swarovski that is based
high fashion this season, on the original technical drawings by
as stripes make a major its founder, Daniel Swarovski. Large
comeback across the crystals in geometrical shapes
runways. But unlike its comprise the ‘Collection I’ range,
nautical precursor, the designed by the brand’s Creative
Director Giovanna Engelbert.
modern stripe has
Likened to a ‘Mathemagical Garden’,
embraced a more artistic the necklaces, earrings, rings,
personality. Think bracelets, and body jewellery
multi-coloured designs channel the hyper-expressive quality
with varying thickness of of crystal. For those who enjoy
bands. And, as is the case playing with grandeur, this collection
with Marni, a bit of paint allows the wearer to experiment
spilling out of the with size, unabashedly.
boundaries is complletely Available at swarovski.com and the
acceptable as well. brand’s stores across the country

50
Fabindia Styles
from the Smitten
By The Sea range

SUMMER HOLIDAY
Blush pinks, dustry roses, and dreamy greys...summer calls for soft, balmy shades, and
Fabindia’s second capsule under its Fab Summer of 2021 range presents a delightful palette of
these hues. The flowy silhouettes for women and men—including skirt sets and kurtas, box
tops and handcrafted saris—lend a flirty vibe to the styles, while focusing on soft cotton and
sheer cot-silks. The ‘Smitten By The Sea’ range is inspired by a vacation on the shores,
and is perfect to satiate one’s deep sense of wanderlust.
Available at fabindia.com

Guapa SWEET
SENSATION
Simple staples with pretty flowers on
them—as part of Uniqlo and JW
Anderson’s Summer 2021 collection—
are a reminder of happier days that we all crave
for right now. The t-shirts, blouses, shorts, and
dresses are perfect to lounge about in, without
compromising on the innate desire to dress
up, every now and then...
Available at uniqlo.com
Uniqlo X JW Anderson
T-shirt, `1,990, Sleeveless
Lapel Dress, `3,990, and
Sleeveless Shirt, `2,990

COAST IS CLEAR
After the year that 2020 was, homegrown
resortwear label Guapa decided it was time for a
bit of indulgence with a new range of swimwear
and accessories. A distant dream, but one that
Samant Chauhan

offers hope, comes in the form of bathing suits,


dresses, scarves, hats, and bags that are made from
biodegradable and upcycled fabrics. The eco-
conscious line is every bit summer-worthy.
Available at guaparesortwear.com

By Radhika Bhalla
FOR THE
EXCLUSIVE
Follow www.bridestoday.in for
the latest in fashion, beauty and
celebrity news.
ACCESSORIES

A U
N A T U R E L
Take your cue from fresh
florals to adorn yourself
in a gilded manifestation.
FLOWERS: COURTESY FLOWERBX. PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL ZAC. STYLED BY HOLLY GROST.

Saint Laurent
by Anthony
Vaccarello
Necklace
ACCESSORIES
Bazaar

KNOCK
ON WOOD
Stay riveted with the juiced-up version
of the Seventies footwear staple.

Hermès mules,
`79,500
(approx)
Kokommo The
H Necklace, `4,995
Rara Avis The
Antique Bucket
Bag, `25,200 Reebok Kung Fu
Panda Instapump
Woods Camel Pumps,
OG Shoes, `15,999
price upon request

Duet Luxury Burgundy


Sting Strap, `12,000
Zariin Raw Nectar
Hoop Earrings,
`3,050

Stem Urbane Mighty


World Handbag,
`9,999

Saint G Snake Mix chocolate


Embossed
Pumps, `6,600 shades with a hint
of gold for a
luxurious effect.

Misho The
Frost
Flower
Earrings,
`16,800
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. COMPILED BY ANANYA BANERJEE.

Fendi Multicolour Silk


Pequin Foulard, Mio Borsa Eva
`39,615 Bucket Bag, `5,200 Audemars
Piguet at Kapoor
Watch Co.
Millenary Hand-
wound Watch,
`28,74,000

Scotch & Soda Scalloped Bottega Veneta Dot


Edge Belt, `6,220 Thong Sandals, `85,945

55
Bazaar
ACCESSORIES Duet Luxury
Wristlet, `15,000
Papa Don’t Preach by
Shubhika Hot Pink Belt Forever New
Bag, `10,030 Samantha Floppy
Bow Hat, `2,200

Floral patterns
in shades of
pink ensure
a top spot on the
style charts.
Saree Sneakers
Pink Sneakers with
Floral Detailing,
`6,000
Ted Baker
Embellished
Buckle Mule Court Satya Paul
Shoes, `15,500 Floral Print Silk
Stole, `2,595

Deepa Calvin Klein CKJ Pebble


Gurnani RK Jewellers Flap Crossbody Bag,
Edyn Diamond Ring, price `7,100
Earrings, upon request
`21,600

Vanilla Moon
Ballerinas, `6,990

Chalk Studio Baronne Berry Block


Heels, `3,999
Esme Crystals by Aashna Dalmia
Ballet Ring, `5,700

Tann-ed Carrie
Blush Bag, `9,800

Chanel Slingbacks in Neon Pink, `65,500

Perona Naomi
Bag, `13,900

PP Jewellers Diamond Butterfly


Brooch, price upon request
Olivia Dar
Marguerite Earrings
(large), `4,800

56
Dolce &
Gabbana
Floral-motif
Sandals,
`80,850
(approx)

OUT IN
BLOOM
Cultivate a flourishing ensemble with
bright, horticultural heels.
ACCESSORIES
Bazaar

Gucci Jackie
1961 Bag,
`1,66,500
(approx)

GREEN
POWER
Supercharge your wardrobe with an
energising shot of verdant styles.
Bottega Veneta Kaeros The Octagon
Belt in Padded Box Bag, `8,500
Paper Calf, `56,800
Kohinoor Jewellers
Agra Emerald in
Diamonds Earrings,
price upon request

Dolce & Gabbana


Mordore Sandals
with Lily Embroidery,
price upon request

L’ Dezen
Da Milano Croco Davina Yellow
Effect Satchel Bag, Gold Earrings,
`11,499 `9,42,500

Chopard Happy
Diamonds Joaillerie
Watch, price
upon request

Louis Vuitton
Dhami London Natalie Shivan & Narresh Rose des Vents
Heels with Swarovski Olive Velvet Knob PM Handbag,
Crystals, `62,000 Clogs, `24,950 price upon
request

Mix
glorious,
grassy
shades for
your very
own garden
party.
KNGN Kawaii
Miniature Bag, Fabindia
`6,500 Metal
Green
Princess
Fendi Peekaboo Necklace,
Iconic Large `4,290
Interlace Bag,
`5,83,030
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS

Myaraa By Namrata Lodha Perona Dianne Clutch,


Oh La La Hat, `2,199 `9,500
59
Photographs by LYNETTE GARLAND
Styled by LEITH CLARK

COLOUR my WORLD
With the promise of sunny days
and flowers in bloom,
Alexa Chung welcomes the outdoors
by showcasing Gucci’s classic
Beloved Handbags, reimagined
in a kaleidoscope of bright
jewel tones.
THIS PAGE: Alexa Chung
wears a sequinned tulle
dress, price upon request;
Dionysus Bag, `1,92,200;
gold, onyx, and diamond
earrings, `2,10,900; gold
and diamond ring (left
hand, bottom), `1,26,750, all
Gucci. Gold and citrine ring
(left hand, top), `7,74,100;
gold and grosgrain ring
(right hand, top), `1,84,925;
yellow, pink, and white gold
ring (right hand, bottom),
`3,34,525, all Boucheron.

OPPOSITE PAGE:
GG Marmont Bag, `1,00,775;
suede blazer, `2,92,975;
matching trousers,
`2,01,550; silk crêpe shirt,
`71,685; leather and bamboo
heels, `72,200; sheer socks,
`10,375, all Gucci.

61
Bazaar
FASHION
ACCESSORIES

Right: Jackie 1961 Bag, `1,74,500;


tweed jacket, `2,47,185; tweed culottes,
`1,19,435; printed vest, `89,835;
Crêpe de Chine shirt, `1,10,100; leather
heels, `63,350; cotton socks, `12,000;
white gold, aquamarine, and diamond
ring, `5,68,100, all Gucci. Gold ring,
`1,84,875, Boucheron.

Below: Gucci Horsebit 1955 Bag,


`2,03,000; poplin shirt-dress, `68,550;
roll-neck, `68,550; sheer tights, `10,385;
gold, tourmaline, and diamond ring
(below), `2,01,450, all Gucci. Gold and
grosgrain ring, `1,84,825, Boucheron.

62
Dionysus Bag, `2,10,830;
lamé roll-neck, `81,500;
linen trousers, `89,810; gold,
sapphire, opal, amethyst, and
diamond earring (sold single),
`1,83,780; gold, tsavorite, and
enamel bangle (left hand),
`7,43,375, all Gucci. Gold
and mother-of-pearl bracelet
from a selection, price upon
request, Boucheron.

Hair: George Northwood,


using George Northwood.
Make-up: Florrie White at
Bryant Artists, using Gucci
and Code 8. Manicure:
Sabrina Gayle at the Wall Group.
Stylist’s assistant:
Eden Hurley. Production:
Lucy Watson Productions.
Model: Alexa Chung at Next
Management London.
JEWELLERY & WATCHES

COOL
KIDS
WITH
PEARLS
Guitbol earring
(worn on right ear),
`7,350, and Triple A luminescent take on the
Pearl Necklace
(worn across the
accessories that will brighten
face), `14,000. your look this summer.
Chanel Drop-style
pearl necklace, Photographs by
price upon request.
Portrait Report CHO GISEOK
Charm Decorated
Pearl Necklace,
Editor SEO DONGBEOM
`19,400. Le Bleu
Drop Earrings,
`8,695. Eenk Pearl
Necklace, `16,000.
Bazaar
JEWELLERY & WATCHES

Dior Dior Tribales


Earrings, `35,000.
(From top) Portrait
Report Pearl
Bon Bon Necklace,
`19,900. Mulberry
Secret Garden
Squirrel Necklace,
`25,825. Celine
Sweater, price
upon request.
Fred Baie Des
Anges Necklace,
price upon request.
Bazaar
JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Le Bleu Classic Pearl
Earring, `28,700.
Celine Homme by
Hedi Slimane Beanie,
`1,52,350. Givenchy
Hoodie, `1,48,000.
Chanel Fine Jewellery
Perles Matelassé Ring
(in mouth), `8,70,975
for medium size.
Tasaki Cove Earrings,
price upon request.

Model: Hoyeon Wang.


Hair: Hyeyeon Jang.
Make-up: Lee Sook-
kyung. Assistant:
Gyeong-hoo Kim.
Bazaar
JEWELLERY & WATCHES

OTHERWORLDLY
DELIGHTS
Photographs by PETER LANGER
Edited by AMANDA ALAGEM

Gleaming with diamonds and colourful gems, the most striking necklaces
from Spring’s Couture Collections are flights of fancy made real.

70
Cartier Necklace
from the
[Sur]Naturel
High Jewellery
Collection, price
upon request
Bazaar
JEWELLERY & WATCHES

Bvlgari
High Jewellery
Necklace, price
upon request
Van Cleef & Arpels
Centura Necklace, price
upon request
Chanel High
Jewellery
Constellation
Astrale Necklace,
price upon request
Dior Fine
Jewellery
Rose Dior
Necklace, price
upon request
Eina Ahluwalia (From left) Eina
Ahluwalia Venus
Necklaces from
the Paradisiac
Collection, `9,850
each; (below)
Merangels
Necklace, `10,850

EINA
AHLUWALIA
Founder, Eina Ahluwalia

“Talismans are, in my opinion, the mother of all jewellery.


I am fascinated with the 200 Venus figurines from antiquity, the first
of which—Venus of Hohle Fels—is dated to around 35,000 B.C..
These were often made of mammoth bone, ivory, stone, or clay, and
Eina Ahluwalia modelled on women with big breasts, protruding stomachs, and wide hips.
Guardian Of The Soul
Lariat, `9,950
In our 2015 collection, Paradisiac, we created necklaces around four, historic
Venuses of different body shapes, serving as totems of self-acceptance and
a celebration of all body types.
We have also used other motifs in our jewellery over the years: goddesses as
symbols of power, swords for strength, skulls as
memento mori, griffins as guardians of precious treasures, sacred
geometry as symbols of perfection, hands and the heart for love
and kindness, paper boats as symbols of innocence, and most powerful of
all, words as symbols in themselves.
I realised early on that treating jewellery as a personal totem can be
very powerful. Something that is worn frequently on the body is

THE
a perfect container for messages, reminders, and meaning.
Therefore, over the years, it has become my tool for
activism and social impact, and each piece is
imbued with strong emotional content.”

SECRET
MESSAGE
Talismans, as symbols of protection and luck, have been afforded special status through
the ages. Exploring the power of these pieces, Bazaar speaks to nine, leading jewellery
designers about the symbols that have inspired them. By Radhika Bhalla

76
Natasha
Khurana

NATASHA KHURANA
Founder, The Line

“It is always the emotion that a particular piece of


jewellery holds that I consider powerful and protective.
My late grandmother’s bangles, passed down to my
mum, and then me, carry the touch of the two most
important women in my life. I will, one day, hand them
over to my daughter.
I always wear the very first ring I ever made for
The Line; it represents pure joy in discovering this path
I have embraced. Our designs include many references
that people derive strength from.
Our Zodiac medallions, for instance, have become
a part of our core collection...I grew up reading
Linda Goodman and so, I always felt a special connect
to my zodiac sign, which is Scorpio. I also keep The Line Zodiac
Pendants (far left)
returning to the circle motif, which I consider and Enamelled
unending yet always fresh. That is also what I want Initials (left), prices
our jewellery to feel like.” upon request

MAMTA & VIDHI


Founders, Zariin
GUPTA Vidhi and Mamta Gupta

“Knowing that our life paths are beyond our destiny, jewellery can
serve as an important reminder that we can change and grow.
A beautiful and well-thought-out piece can help the wearer
create stories with symbols that hold
personal significance.
Our Chakra Collection is an example of this
belief: we designed motifs for each chakra of
the body, along with the stones that represent it.
And, interestingly, we heard from customers
from across the globe that wearing a piece from
this collection caused an immediate, positive
shift in their lives.The evil eye and Hamsa hand
motifs from the Protect Collection have also
made wearers feel safer and guided them
through difficult times.
Ultimately, jewellery is a very intimate
accessory.Through touch, vibrations, or even by
just being there in front of our eyes, it can serve
as a reminder of the goodness, love, and grace
that is within us and others.That is how, we
believe, positive energies are manifested.”
Zariin (from top) Daughter of God Necklace, `2,880; Power Of The
Eye Bracelet, `2,249; Eye Keep It Simple Cuff, `2,249
Misho Rings and necklaces,

SUHANI
Suhani prices upon request
Parekh

PAREKH
Founder, MISHO

“I find great interest in the


various histories of ancient jewellery
pieces as well as their powers to
protect and heal. However, what I am
most drawn to are personal totems:
objects that find their way into our
life through loved ones, pieces that
evoke a particular feeling and
emotion, or creations that
inadvertently become second skin.
While our designs have a very distinct
language, they are inspired by
everything from modern architecture
to ancient artefacts, and I enjoy seeing
what each of these elements brings to
our creations. I believe jewellery is Roma Narsinghani
one of the most transformative and Nataraj Earrings,
`8,500
meaningful items you can have in
your wardrobe. For centuries, it has
been worn as an identifier of origin,
of belonging. I consider jewellery an ROMA
emotion, a medium to express the
way we feel. Once you wear a piece NARSINGHANI
Founder, Roma Narsinghani
long enough, it becomes a part of you
and accompanies you through life’s
many adventures.” “I am deeply inspired by the Third Eye: it is a constant in our
collections. I have always felt that it gives the brand an invisible
strength.The Third Eye holds different meanings across religions—
Buddhists view it as a spiritual awakening of wisdom, whereas Hindus believe
Roma it to be a channel to inner power. For me, it is an abstract concept that signifies
Narsinghani a higher and truer sense of consciousness, a state of enlightenment that brings
personal, spiritual strength.
Another symbol I am drawn to is the Shiva Shell, also known as the Pacific Cat’s
Eye, which we create in-house using enamel techniques. This stunning
gemstone resembles an actual eye, and is believed to open the Third Eye chakra
of the wearer, transforming and removing all negative energies.
Our Shiv Eye Ring—set in brass with intricate meenakari details—is one of our
bestsellers. I make sure to wear it (or keep it in my bag) for all important
events in my life, as it provides me with a sense of strength and good luck.
In fact, we recently created refillable, santiser pods in brass, with an
embossed version of the Shiv Eye. I believe that while we sometimes
need to leave things to a higher power (which is within us),
certain meaningful objects can psychologically help turn
one’s attention to the tangible.”
Roma Narsinghani (from left) Sun Eye Ring, `4,500,
Eye Studs, `4,500, and Shiv Eye Ring, `4,500
Sneha
Olio (clockwise from Saksena
below) Nazar Battu and Aashna
Locket, `5,300, Singh
Taveez Choker,
`12,500, and Amulet
Choker, `10,900

AASHNA
SINGH &
SNEHA
SAKSENA
Founders, OLIO

“At Olio, we have often turned to


regional, Indian talismans for inspiration.
The Amulet Choker, for instance, is
inspired by the Banjara and Gadoliya tribal women of Rajasthan, who wear metal
plaques bearing an image of a diety. Such amulets are called madaliya, which can be
rectangular, square, round, in the form of the yoni (vagina), or the shape of a temple.
Similarly, the Taveez Choker is based on the talismanic, three-dimensional casing called 
ta’wiz, the Nazar Battu Locket has an evil eye, and the Devi Pendants can be worn to
invite luck and victory. Our customers have told us stories of how they have worn
our lockets, with photographs of their loved ones inside, when they feel they need
protection and love. In a way, this is a subconscious attempt of paying reverence to ancient
Aavitri Jain knowledge and culture. Our earliest ancestors ascribed meaning—and magic—to things
around them. And we continue to do so.”

AAVRITI RFounder,
JAIN Dhora

“I believe in the power of the moon and the


sun... I grew up in a Jain family, and many of
my aunts would follow fasts and diets
according to the phases of the moon, stating
that it had an impact on the water in our body.
As a result, I am very intrigued by this celestial
body; to me, it represents the rhythm of time,
an ebb and flow in nature and ourselves,
fertility, rebirth, and the darker side of our souls.
I also developed a deep interest in animal
motifs from a young age—teeth, claws, horns,
and bones—because our family holidays were
often visits to sanctuaries, to get away from the
desert land in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In fact,
I created the Afrotribe Snake Cuff as a symbol
of strength—the snake signifies renewal, vitality,
and endurance—as we work through our
inner fears to find our path through life.”

Dhora (clockwise from above) Shibori Choker, `3,200,


Cow Tube Necklace, `2,800, Snake Cuff, `4,500,
and Meena Trunk Necklace, `3,500
Tribe Amrapali
Kimaya Set, `25,235

Tarang Arora TARANG ARORA


Creative Director, Amrapali Jewels

“I believe that when you wear a piece that


you have faith in, you radiate a sense of
positivity because of the association. Many of
our customers bring in heirloom pieces that
hold special meaning for their family or are
a part of personal experiences...such jewellery
works as talismans for them, reaffirming their
beliefs.While growing up, I was particularly
taken in by Navratna jewellery, made from
coloured, precious stones to gain the favour of
Legend Amrapali
planets, astrologically.We introduced such Enamelled Hamsa
designs into our collections, and they have Necklace, `1,27,000
become our bestsellers.We also have a dedicated
range with sacred symbols like the evil eye and
the Hamsa hand under our sub-brand Legend
Amrapali. And there are over a thousand, antique
patris or pendants at the Amrapali Museum, that
were once worn for protection.This faith in a
higher power has kept human civilisations going
and, truth be told, I believe that it works.”

NITYA
ARORA
Founder, Valliyan
Nitya Arora

“I grew up hearing the term buri nazar [evil eye] very often. As a result,
the significance of the evil eye took precedence over any other talismanic
symbol in the jewellery I have created, and I interpret it as the Universal Eye
that sees through all negativity. Another symbol I have always been drawn to is
the serpent, which is a symbol of fertility, rebirth, and creative life force.
My pieces also include the motif of the six-pointed star, which is commonly used
both as a talisman and for conjuring spiritual forces in diverse forms of occult
magic. I have included this symbol in bracelets and over-sized earrings that were
inspired by Gothic architecture and churches. And recently, we designed a modern
talismanic collection of words like Blessed, Grateful, Calm, and Love.Words hold
the power to heal, protect, attract, and manifest.
I wear my grandmother’s heart-shaped necklace at all times, which was passed Valliyan (left) Cistine
down to me by my mother. I believe it holds a special power, and I layer it Chapel Earrings,`7,500,
with a ‘Divine’ necklace from my collection because that is the energy (right) Chapel Temple
Necklace, `9,500
I am channelling at the moment. I also wear a kada [bangle] from
the Golden Temple that belonged to my grandmother. It is a
simple, thin, steel bangle but I never take it off...I even
sleep with it on. I believe it protects me.” Q

80
81
GENERATION
GAME
Fabled watchmakers cultivate the cherished traits of treasured
timepieces to celebrate a future of heirlooms.
Photographs by TURI LOVIK KIRKNES
Styled by TILLY WHEATING
Edited by KIM PARKER

Cartier White gold and


diamond watch

Cartier’s recently-updated
Pa sha Watch still features the iconic
circular ca se, glossy bracelet, and
cabochon gem stone crown of the
sporty 1985 original.
Dior White gold
and diamond
watch

Hublot
Titanium
and diamond
watch

Chanel Haute
Horlogerie White
gold and diamond
watch

The unique shape of Dior’s latest watch wa s in spired by the way Chri stian Dior pinned
swatches to paper in hi s 1950s atelier, while Chanel ’s sparkling Camellia i s an ode to the bloom
that f irst adorned one of the designer’s dresses in 1923. Hublot, meanwhile, can trace the bold
outline of its latest Cla ssic Fu sion timepiece back to the heady 1980s.
Breitling’s modern Chronomat
honours its heritage with a di stinctive
bracelet that’s been a hou se signature since 1984.
Richard Mille’s state-of-the-art R M-1701 i s a daring
take on a design introduced ju st 10 years ago,
and i s already con sidered a cla ssic.

Richard Mille Red gold and


diamond watch

Breitling
Red gold watch
Rolex
Oystersteel
watch

Though some details of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual are new, its design is descended f rom the watch that
accompanied Mercedes Gleitze, the f irst woman to swim the English Channel, on her 1927 feat.
Audemars Piguet
Pink and white gold watch

Hailed a s a moder n ma ster piece, Audemars Piguet’s Code 11:59 features an octagonal ca se a s a tr ibute to
another of the watchmaker’s era- def ining design s, the Royal Oak f rom 1972.
W ith dazzling mother- of-pearl and a glamorou s
satin strap, Piaget’s latest Limelight Watch hark s back to the di sco era
of the 1970s, when the model wa s created. Meanwhile, the pleated pat ter n on
Vacheron Con stantin’s elegant Egér ie ha s been engraved u sing the
same time-honoured technique since 1904.

Piaget
Rose gold,
diamond and
mother-of-pearl
watch Vacheron Constantin
Pink gold and diamond watch
Omega
Gold watch

Omega’s ultra-feminine Trésor actually owes both its elegant


shape and preciou s name to a men’s dress watch f rom 1949.
Thi s iteration marries cla ssic styling with a new mesh bracelet
and a sprinkling of white diamond s.
The delicate numerals on Jaeger-LeCoultre’s
Rendez-Vou s nod to its Art Deco design experti se, while the
moon-pha se dial incorporated into Blancpain’s latest V illeret
Watch ha s been a brand speciality for four decades.

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Pink gold and diamond watch

Blancpain
Rose gold and
diamond
watch
Patek Philippe’s understated Twenty-4
timepiece shares its metallic cuf f bracelet and
contoured ca se with the bestselling original,
which debuted over 20 years ago.

Patek Philippe
White gold watch
Breguet
Rose gold and
diamond watch

Longines
Stainless steel
watch

While Longines’ angular Dolce V ita Watch features the clean lines of Art Deco,
the cur vaceou s silhouette of Breguet’s Reine de Naples i s in spired by the world ’s ver y f irst wri stwatch.
Bazaar
WATCHES

Rado DiaMaster
Automatic Open
Heart Diamonds

TIME KEEPERS
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS

Presenting, the most glamourous watches from the


digitally-held Watches and Wonders 2021 exhibit,
which showcased the best of the world of horology.
By Nirja Dutt
92
Gucci Grip
Green Panerai Luminor
Glashütte Marina eSteel
Original
PanoMaticLunar Jaeger
LeCoultre
Reverso Tribute
Green

Breitling
Premier B09
Chronograph 40

Bvlgari

NE
Divas’ Dream
Divissima

utdoors
ACHI
nature.
e to the o
ades of
Blancpain

homag
Green
Bathyscaphe

ant sh
Chronographe

N M
Flyback

, pay
e verd
insp live green
by th
IWC Pilot’s Watch EE
Chronograph 41

ired
nd o
es t mint a
GR
are
wa ald to
hat

Tag Heuer
Carrera Green While shades
E
er

Special Edition of blue have


tch
em
TH

held a secure
m

position as
Fro
th
wi

a favourite over
the past few years, this
year saw a healthy
sprouting of green on
the dial, strap, and
ornamentation of timepieces.
Classic watch designs were
re-edited to match lush tones,
such as Chopard’s Imperiale,
Chopard
Imperiale Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual
Watch Datejust, and Panerai’s
Audemars Speake Luminor Marina...time truly
Piguet Royal Marin Dual is greener on the other side.
Oak Jumbo Time Mint
Extra Thin 42mm
93
Chanel J12
Cartier Electro Star
Libre Watch
A Lange
& Söhne
Little Lange1
Moonphase

Chopard
Esperanza
Watch

Jaeger
LeCoultre
Reverso One
Nothing

Precious
Flowers Purple
that dou

Gucci Dionysus
Arums
RIS

Watch
surpas

IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS


ble up
ses th

Audemars
as sta

E &

Piguet Royal
e ma nt piec

Oak Jumbo
Extra Thin
teme
gic o
f jew to let
els a
SH
es
nd
hor wrists
you
olo
IN
r
gy.. do a
.spa ll th

Diamonds
rkl
E

are forever,
ing talk

but so are the


cre ing

many other
e
ati

precious stones that


on

can add some


s
.

much-needed glamour to
a watch. We love how
Bvlgari’s Serpenti Misteriosi Piaget
Limelight
Cleopatra encourages the wearer Gala High
to view time through 10-carat Jewellery
Black Opal
rubellites, and how Chanel lights up its
classic J12 with baguette-cut diamonds and
a rainbow edge so you can marvel at the piece
from every angle. For those who prefer understated Rolex
Oyster
styles, Rado’s True Square in white ceramic presents a Perpetual
mother-of-pearl dial and four discreet diamond Day-Date 36
markers. And if pure elegance is what you seek,
Breguet’s Reine de Naples is for you.

94
Panerai
Submersible

ECO-WARRIORS
eLAB-ID

Ocean, animals, and trees take centre stage this year,


with brands consciously incorporating materials and
practices that are kind to the planet.

Presenting, some of our favourite,


conscientious pieces that are worth
their time. Panerai’s Submersible Carl F. Bucherer
eLAB-ID is made from 98.6 percent Patravi ScubaTec
Maldives
recycled materials, Cartier’s Tank
Must promises a strap made of
40 percent plant matter, and IWC
has taken it upon themselves to make
vegan watch straps that are available
with most of their creations. Carl F.
Bucherer invokes the philanthropist
in you by donating proceedings from
the watch to the Manta Trust in the
Maldives, and Swatch presents an
all-new material that combines
bio-sourced plastic with ceramic.

Cartier Tank Swatch Big Bold


Must Bioceramic
IWC Portugeiser
Automatic

Louis Vuitton
Take a CR
with wat ront r Y S
f
Tambour Moon

tha sea T A
Flying Tourbillo
Purnell ches ow
Escape II
Absolute tw tt
elc o

L at go to the
Sapphire
Gucci Grip om
wh e you
C L es on ir inner
Sapphire

E A behind thwe socrekniensg, s.


R

While skeleton watches still hold a


special place in the world of horology, it is
the completely-sapphire glass creations that
have caught our eye this year. Enter,
Hublot’s Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full
Sapphire with a case, movement, and bracelet
completely made out of sapphire. Gucci and Chanel follow closely
Chanel J12
Hublot with the Grip Sapphire and J12 X-ray respectively, including pieces that X-Ray
Big Bang are also crafted in sapphire glass.
Integral Full
Sapphire
95
Carl F. Bucherer
Heritage
Bicompax
Annual
Rolex
Oyster
Perpetual
Explorer

Breitling

VIN T AG E
Premier B09
Chronograph 40

Jaquet Droz
Grande
WOND E RS
Seconde Moon While reminaging classics is
Ivory Ename
tricky business, these styles
modernise them with ease.
Chopard
Happy Sport Much like fine wine, a good watch only gets better over the
years, like these definitive classics that have stood the test of
time. For instance, Breitling’s Premier Chrono was first seen in
the 1940s, with many iterations over the years. Its contemporary
Tag Heuer avatar is a masterpiece that houses the B09 movement that stops
Aquaracer
300
and starts time to suit your needs. And the Longines Avigation
BigEye, which was first seen in the 1930s, still maintains its Longines
cathedral hands with a state-of-the-art chronograph movement. Aviation
BigEye

Zenith Defy
A Lange & Extreme
Söhne Chronograph
Triple Split Trilobe Nuit

IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS


Fantastique

Carl F. Bucherer
Manero Minute Audemars Piguet
Repeater Royal Oak Offshore
Symphony Flying Tourbillon
Chronograph

COMPLEX
CRUSH
Intricate and delightful
at once, these multi-taskers do
Bvlgari Octo
Finissimo
all the heavy lifting.
Perpetual While timepieces are predominantly instruments of precision, it is the complications they
Calendar Bovet Récital
Titanium come with that make them truly special. Over the years, some brands have made a mark 26 Brainstorm
with pieces that serve more than one function. Jaeger-LeCoultre, for instance, is Chapter Two
Red Gold
celebrating the 90th anniversary of its iconic Reverso Series for which it has created the
Hybris Mechanica that has not two but four faces, and boasts 11 complications.
Meanwhile, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar is one of the slimmest in this
category, and the new Carl F. Bucherer Manero comes with a minute repeater as well.
96
Hermès
H08 Watch

Y
H portions.
Hublot Big
Bang Steel
Diamonds
ro
W il es
in
p
f th O
N watch
ct
rfe e
ic o S
ep
mag A
oo small R E
, the
3 8

The secret to a perfect watch is in


the dial size...the golden rule here, is
ot t

one that lies between 38mm to about


n

40mm. This sublime in-between diameter


big,

ensures the right balance, making it the most


Not too

Omega
Speedmaster 38 Co-
flattering size to adorn. While most timekeepers make
Axial Chronometer renditions based on this principle, 2021 presented many
Chronograph must-have styles: the Panerai Piccolo Due Madreperla,
Hermès H08, Longines Silver Arrow, Omega Speedmaster
38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph, and the Hublot Panerai
Big Bang Steel Diamonds. Piccolo Due
Madreperla

Rolex Oyster Perpetual


Datejust 36

LINK E D IN
Panerai
HE AV EN
Luminor The versatile bracelet strap
Chrono
is an essential for any
discerning wardrobe.
Spell sophistication without
saying a word with the help of a
sturdy yet graceful watch that
boasts a linked strap. Crafted in
steel or gold, these are perfect
extensions of the timepiece
itself, often meshed in links that
can be adjusted for an ideal fit.
Think the iconic Rolex Jubilee
Bracelet on the Oyster
Perpetual Datejust 36, or the
latest, flushed look of the Tag
Cartier
Pasha de
Heuer Aquaracer 300. If
Cartier something more minimal
appeals to your taste,
look no further than the
Favre Leuba
Raider Sea
Omega Pasha de Cartier. Q
Seamaster
Bird
Diver 300M
‘Beijing 2022’
97
.IN

Follow www.cosmopolitan.in for


the latest in fashion,
beauty and celebrity news.

2
AT WORK

Gucci Eyeglasses, Tiffany & Co.


Ritu Kumar Printed `24,800 Paloma’s Studio
Long Scarf, `4,250 Bar Earrings,
`5,74,125 (approx)

The best way to


grow your influence?
s
our kin Take inspiration from
er y

ove
our Bazaar contributors
Pamp

rnight
to use your voice for
change and pay a good
deed forward.
Cartier
Panthere de
Cartier Watch,
`15,00,725 Satya Paul
The Meru
Handbag,
`15,995

Estée Lauder
Advanced Lune
Night Repair Sidereal
Serum, Period Opal
`3,900 Necklace,
`25,000

Daniel Wellington Elan


Unity Bracelet, `4,999

Michael
Kors
Carmen
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS. COMPILED BY AARUSHI GARG.

Medim
Wallet,
`6,000

SPEAK
YOUR TRUTH
Seven trailblazers pay ode to their mentors, and
actor Katrina Kaif challenges gender stereotypes.
Hidesign Croco
Maroon Wallet,
`2,295
AT WORK
Bazaar

A
HAND
TO
HOLD

PHOTOGRAPH BY TARUN VISHWA.

India’s leading business stalwarts, performers, and creative


artists talk about their mentors—teachers, gurus, and
guides—who motivated them to fulfill their professional destiny.
By Humra Afroz Khan
MALIKA
SADANI
Founder and CEO,
The Moms Co.

M
“ y journey to becoming an entrepreneur
found its genesis in a personal struggle,
when my one-year-old daughter
developed a skin reaction to the
chemicals in her moisturiser. That was when I realised
that there was a dearth of natural, safe, and effective always encouraged us to think big, and constantly pushes
skincare, haircare, and babycare products in India, and so the company to achieve the next milestone.
I decided to create them myself. I am a firm believer in seeking people whom you can
I met Nandu Nandkishore when The Moms Co. was turn to for support. It can truly aid your growth, both as
still an idea in my head. My husband and I were looking a businessperson as well as an individual. Nandu has
to start the company, and were wondering how to raise been that person for me since the very beginning.
our first round of funds to get it off the ground. We had One of the best pieces of advice he has given me is to
been speaking to family and friends, and someone put stay focused on what I stand for, since that is crucial to
us in touch with Nandu. He had recently retired as a building a powerful brand. And that, above all else, you
global board member at Nestlé, after having spent more must always believe in yourself.”
than 30 years building consumer brands in countries
around the world.
I remember, when I first met him, he made me
write down all my struggles and why I wanted to
launch The Moms Co.. I wondered how that would
help, only to realise later that the exercise had made me
even more determined, and my desire to start the
company, stronger.
Nandu went on to become one of our first angel
investors, and is now a mentor not just to me, but the
firm as well. The confidence that he showed in me
during moments of doubt provided tremendous clarity
to my vision, and instilled a new wave of zeal in me.
The Moms Co. was founded in 2016, and in the past
five years, Nandu has guided us through everything—
from team structures to scaling up the business.
His expertise and business acumen have been
immensely helpful in our journey. There have been
times when, like every entrepreneur, I would feel stuck,
or not have the answers.
Nandu was always there,
to help us find solutions
and, most importantly,
stay true to our mission.
PHOTOGRAPH BY SUMEET BALLAL.

What I truly admire


about him is that he has

NANDU NANDKISHORE
Advisory Board, Vyntelligence
Bazaar
AT WORK

constant, comparisons made between my mother and I. People


SAMANTHA failed to see that we were two different individuals, with
KOCHHAR different temperaments and unique ways of working.
Managing Director, While my mother had been my go-to counsellor for
everything, it was during this phase that she became my
Blossom Kochhar
absolute rock. She came out of her retirement to help me
Group of Companies navigate the journey, and pushed me to do things I didn’t even
know I was capable of.

I
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt from my mother is
“ began dabbling
in hair and
beauty when
to keep my femininity, my softness, intact. That I can be myself
and still be a successful businesswoman. She has also taught me
I was all of 11. to keep learning, and to never get carried away with
From then till now, my mother, Dr Blossom achievements—you must always have the urge to accomplish
Kochhar, has been my guru and my guide. She more. Another thing I admire about her is that she knows her
is an icon in the field, and simply observing her mind, and is extremely focused and single-minded. She knows
at work has been a huge inspiration for me— what she wants and how to get it.
moulding me into the person and the Even though I have learnt the ropes of the trade well now,
professional I am today. I still consult her whenever I feel indecisive or uncertain. It is
After I completed my education and entered always a good idea to get a different perspective, one that
the hair and beauty industry professionally, comes with experience and wisdom. And it is always helpful to
I worked in the film and the fashion industry, have a pillar of support, who assures you that even if you fall
before becoming a trainer. And I thoroughly down, it is alright...you are not alone. You need someone to
enjoyed that environment. However, 10 years pull you up when you feel like you are falling apart.
ago, my father fell ill and passed away and As a little girl, I loved watching movies. And I would be
I decided to join the family business...about shattered and sob endlessly if a character died in the end. My
which, I had absolutely no idea. I had to shift mother would simply say, ‘It is okay, baby. They will be alive in
from an artistic aesthetic to an analytical bent of the next movie.’. I used to find that such a heartless thing to
mind—to do number-crunching and deal with say! But when I think about it now, it makes so much sense. It
different aspects of business. It wasn’t easy. means that even when you hit rock bottom, always know that
This was also a tough time at Blossom you are going to get up, and get through it.This, too, shall pass.”
Kochhar, as things weren’t
going too smoothly. So here
I was: a novice who did not
know how to even make a
business plan, suddenly
carrying the responsibility of
reviving the organisation.
Soon after I joined,
I discovered that there was
something called a ‘man’s world’
in business. Women were
supposed to act and be like
men—and even wear business
suits—to establish their place.
But I didn’t want to be a man.
I wanted to be a woman and DR BLOSSOM KOCHHAR
still be a successful part of Founder & Chairperson, Blossom
the system. Kochhar Group of Companies
To make matters worse,
there were numerous, and

102
GEETA
CHANDRAN
Padma Shri
Bharatanatyam
Dancer, &
Vocalist


W
hen I was five, my mother took me
to meet Swarna Saraswathy, the
famed Bharatanatyam dancer
who hailed from the traditional
Isaivellar community.
My foray into dancing began that day. And until
I presented my arangetram at the age of 12, my world
was entirely infused with the profound learnings of
this magical dance form.
Later, as Swarna amma aged and fell ill, I began
taking lessons from the fiery KN Dakshinamurthy.
So, while Swarna amma was my first guru, KND,
as I called him, was my first mentor. He taught me
stagecraft and pushed me to acquire new skills.
Even though he came from a traditional mindset,
he understood that times were changing and that
dancers needed to embrace the change to be able
to keep up. So he encouraged me to increase my
dance vocabulary, learn nattuvangam, and even
begin teaching.
Classical dance is an extremely fragile career
choice, simply because there are no established

goalposts. Just because you are in top-form doesn’t guarantee that


you will get performance opportunities, scholarships, or tours. All
that happens by chance. This is why I still hesitate to encourage my
students to take up dance full-time...particularly now, since there are
so many dancers and not many opportunities. And the pandemic has
certainly not helped.
Guruji recharted my destiny, and I am forever indebted to him for
giving me the courage to take up dance as a career, eschewing my
formal education in Mathematical Statistics and Communications.
The uncertainty of what lies ahead can lead to deep mental
insecurities. But Guruji’s support was vital and stood me in good
stead in those years. His unrelenting belief in my talent helped allay
my fears, and focus only on the creative work.
Guruji passed away in April, 2005. I miss him every day. One of the
values I have imbibed from him is generosity; he shared everything
PHOTOGRAPH BY SUMEET BALLAL.

he owned. In fact, he was generous to a fault. His belief that ‘failure


doesn’t exist’ has also fired me up all my life. And his optimism and
the will to live in the moment have always stayed with me.”

KN DAKSHINAMURTHY
Bharatanatyam Guru

103
Bazaar
AT WORK

PHOTOGRAPH BY TARUN VISHWA.


TASHEEN
RAHIMTOOLA
Founder,
Taste Retreat

I
“ launched Taste Retreat during the
peak of the Covid-19-induced
lockdowns, last year. We curate an
ecosystem of renowned chefs, quickly—turning to social media to grow her business, curating
skilled patisseries, passionate home bakers, online experiences for clients, creating a buzz around product
local artisans, and a team of over 100 launches, and engaging with the right influencers—she encouraged
different vendors to create experiential me to put the same values and ideas to use at Taste Retreat, as well.
gourmet food experiences for customers. Tanisha taught me how to successfully market my products amidst
It was a major risk to embark on a new this crisis. She helped me hone my social media skills, and today, in
venture at that time. The market was less than a year, we have acquired over 12.7K followers on social
extremely competitive, with a whirlwind media, all thanks to her.
of new offerings. For one, I couldn’t build Even as our sales have soared, they do not take away from the
a team due to the lockdown, and had to magnitude of obstacles we have faced in the past months. However,
run the brand completely by myself. my sister was there all along to cushion the blows, and she continues
Then, soon after launching, many other to be my advisor on several matters. We may not always be on the
brands began replicating the same business same page (you know how siblings are!), but even the arguments and
model. However, I didn’t give up, and disagreements invariably result in something constructive. I know
kept striving. Thankfully, the risk and the she is always going to be by my side, no matter what. And that she
hard work both paid off.Taste Retreat has always has a Plan B. She is the yin to my yang.
been receiving an overwhelming response, Tanisha has taught me to have unshakeable conviction in myself...
and has grown from a one-person team that there is nothing I can’t achieve once I decide to give it my all.”
to a much bigger, better-orchestrated
entity now.
In this entire course of
time, the one person who
has stood by me like the
Rock of Gibraltar is my
sister Tanisha [Rahimtoola
Agarwal]. She has strong
work ethics, and she
inspired me to honour
my instincts and follow
my dreams.
Tanisha had started her
own business from scratch,
and managed to survive in
the retail market during
the pandemic, which
wasn’t easy. However, she TANISHA RAHIMTOOLA AGARWAL
stayed resilient, and kept Entrepreneur
her business afloat with
skill, tact, and
determination. As she
adapted to the times, fairly

105
Bazaar
AT WORK

SONAL SINGHI
Co-Founder &
Director, FITTR


I
grew up in Canada, before relocating to a phone call away. Also, he recognises the humanity behind
London to study. I went on to work the business which is truly refreshing. To me, a good mentor
there as a Strategy and Ops consultant at is someone who knows when to push and motivate in certain
Deloitte, for years, when—swamped instances, and be more supportive in others. Rajan strikes this
with student loans, and a feeling that balance exceptionally well.
something was amiss—I decided to move to Exploring the fundraising landscape can be tricky.
India. So, in 2015, I landed in Delhi, without You want to make sure you take the right decisions,
a plan or any savings. I worked as a freelance as they directly impact not just your company’s future but
consultant for a year, and, eventually, became also the lives of many people who depend on you. At times,
part of FITTR in 2016. you need a sounding board, to be able to take some tough
I was completely new to the Indian business decisions. The final call is, of course, yours, but knowing that
and start-up landscape, and most people someone you respect and admire has your back, makes a
thought I was insane for wanting to be an world of a difference. Rajan is that person for me, always
entrepreneur with such limited experience. cheering me on.
But once FITTR started making waves, due Some critical life- and work-lessons I have learnt from him
to its impressive, organic growth and are to value relationships—spend time building bonds, and
community-led approach, many venture think about what you can do for people, not the other way
capitalists began reaching out. We spoke to around; focus on the work culture—it is the bedrock of
many funders, but finding the right partner— success; and stay calm and collected—it can be easy to lose
who would genuinely support the company your patience when things aren’t working out, but take a step
and its growth—seemed impossible. I didn’t back, and compose yourself, before reacting.
know anyone with the required expertise, If Rajan is reading this, I would like to tell him, ‘Thank
whom I could count on for advice. you! When I grow up, I would love to be like you.’”
It was around then that we got into
Surge, which is the venture capital firm
Sequoia Capital’s scale-up programme. And RAJAN ANANDAN
soon, everything changed. We were now Managing Director, Surge
part of a community of supporters,
underpinned by a culture of respect,
transparency, and collaboration.
Rajan Anandan is the Managing Director of
Surge, and has been my mentor since the first
day. He has played a monumental role in
helping me navigate this path, both
professionally and personally. His guidance and
support have been instrumental in my growth.
Entrepreneurship is exciting, but it is also a
daunting and isolating journey. What I find
truly inspiring about Rajan is that despite
being one of the busiest and most well-known
people in the start-up ecosystem, he never
fails to make time for people. He is always just

106
and focus on painting as a career, while she took care of
everything else for me.
ARPANA I made my first oil painting when I was nine, Mother and
Daughter—inspired by Amrita Sher-Gil’s Hill Women. Even
CAUR when I was a child, my mother was my biggest inspiration,
Contemporary as well as my strongest supporter.
Artist Painting is like walking on a razor’s edge...it can be a very
difficult path to take. Over the past few years, the art world,
especially, has faced a major recession. Artists need

M
“ y mother, Ajeet Cour, is a Punjabi tremendous aid, both moral and monetary, in their years of
author, with 22 books to her credit, struggle—and the struggle can last for long periods. Many
and a Padma Shri awardee. She was a even end up taking other jobs, like teaching, to generate
single parent to me, always income. Fortunately for me, my mother didn’t let my spirits
encouraging me to follow my heart, and has been sink, even during the tough times.
my guiding light every step of the way. She is still rather possessive of my artworks, and hates it
Painting has been my favourite medium of when I put up a piece for sale. For every work I sell, she tells
PHOTOGRAPH BY SUMEET BALLAL.

expression for as long as I can remember. Even as a me, ‘You sold my favourite!’. Each one of my paintings is
child, it was canvasses and oil colours that brought her favourite.That said, she is also one of my greatest critics,
me the greatest joy. I remember using charcoal to and gives honest, valuable suggestions, which I take seriously.
draw everywhere...on newspapers and walls, but my What awes me the most about my mother is her
mother never reprimanded me. Even later, she was determination. She has, all by herself, launched a cultural
the one who motivated me to quit my teaching job, centre called Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, in Delhi,
which features three free museums: one, with 200 antique
miniature paintings, registered with the Archaeological
Survey of India; another, with 800 folk paintings and
sculptures; and a small one with my works from different
periods. For the last 40 years, she has been running a free
vocational school for girls from slums, without any
government, corporate, or foreign grants. In addition, she
supports several widows, offers free langar to the poor, and
works actively for the environment.
For all the sacrifices my mother has made for me, ‘Thank
you’ is a very small gesture.What can I say to someone who
is my entire universe? Who is so brave?”

AJEET COUR
Author

107
PHOTOGRAPH BY TARUN VISHWA.
SHEHLA KHAN
Designer


I
grew up soaking in the glamorous
works of Valentino, Dior, Schiaparelli,
and others, as my father’s company
created embroideries for these brands.
And I always wanted to be part of the label, Shehla Khan, about nine years ago. A number of
fashion world. So, after receiving a degree people have contributed to my growth, and mentored me,
in fashion, I took up my first job, with along the way. [Film director and producer] Karan Johar
designer Manish Malhotra. He was an and [actor] Karisma Kapoor are two people who have
extremely encouraging boss, and truly stood by me. Karan is like a brother to me...the most
helped me hone my skills. Manish gives selfless person I know. And Karisma was kind enough to be
his team the liberty to learn and evolve, the showstopper for my first-ever ramp show, at Lakmé
and that instilled a lot of confidence in me, Fashion Week 2013. I have always idolised her, so it was a
regarding my own creative capabilities. coming-of-age of sorts, for me—it made me feel like I had
For anyone starting out, it is crucial to finally achieved something! My father is another person
have the right guide—someone you can who has been with me though thick and thin.
trust and rely on.You need that one person Over the years, I have had to face numerous challenges,
who sparks hope in you, who makes you but I haven’t let them hold me back. That is one thing
believe you can make your dreams a reality. I have learnt from my mentors—‘Survival is for the strong;
And Manish truly motivated me. growth, for the wise’. Sometimes, even when I do face a
I eventually went on to launch my own creative block, I ask myself what my mentors would have
done in such a situation, and I revisit the various teachings
they have shared with me. I look up to each one of my
mentors, and want to tell them that I hope to make them
proud of who I am becoming, every single day.” Q

Shehla (in pink)


with Karan Johar
(extreme right)

MANISH MALHOTRA
Designer

109
Bazaar
AT WORK
“WOMEN
ARE MADE
FOR THE
GREATEST
THINGS”
Actor Katrina Kaif has an exclusive
conversation with Bazaar about
challenging gender stereotypes and
celebrating one’s uniqueness.
By Humra Afroz Khan

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERRIKOS ANDREOU


Harper’s Bazaar: If you could change any one thing
about this world, to make it a better place for women,
what would it be?
Katrina Kaif: I have always championed women’s right
to education. Bridging that gap is most important for
any kind of progress—both boys and girls should have
equal access to quality education. In several rural areas,
there are many deserving and meritorious young girls
who don’t get to attend school, unlike their brothers.
I hope we can work towards creating a system that is
fair and free from discrimination.
HB: You are Reebok India’s brand ambassador. Tell us
about their latest campaign ‘It’s A Man’s World’.
KK: This is an important and relevant campaign as it
speaks about celebrating the uniqueness of women
and men. Equality and respect come from embracing
the fact that we are different from each other.
Ultimately, that is what makes us truly special.
HB: What are some gender
stereotypes that you have
noticed, even in 2021, that that each individual is unique, and there can’t be a set path that everyone is meant
disturb you? to follow.
KK: I have noticed that, HB: And the one practice you believe women should pursue more actively?
sometimes, women feel KK: I think women need to be encouraged to believe in themselves and what
apologetic for asking for they are capable of. A strong sense of self helps one be brave and overcome
things that they genuinely moments of uncertainty. There will be times when the
deserve. We need to world will try to bring you down, but it is important to
inculcate a strong sense of tune in and listen to your gut instinct...and fearlessly
self, and not forget that we “I would urge pursue what you truly want to.
are made for the greatest every woman HB: What are some of the things that are worrying
things! One only needs to Katrina Kaif these days?
look around to find to be fiercely KK: The same concerns that are worrying the rest of
women who are shining independent the world: the pandemic. I truly hope and pray that
examples to take and to voice we continue to keep ourselves and our families safe
inspiration from. There by ensuring that we always wear a mask and use
are countless women from her opinions.” hand sanitisers.We all need to be responsible. Although
different backgrounds and all protocols pertaining to Covid-19 are being followed
walks of life excelling on film sets [before Mumbai went into lockdown],
across various fields and I continue to have a lingering fear in my mind. I truly hope we are all
carving a niche for themselves. careful and safe.
That, in itself, should be HB: What is your advice to those who are struggling to come into their own?
motivating enough for us to KK: Self-believe and self-love are critical, because each one of us goes through
come forward and work hard moments when we don’t know where we belong or what we want to do in our
to achieve our goals. Change lives. However, the truth is that we are capable of achieving anything! It is very
and strength should come easy for the world to attach labels to us. I would urge every woman to be fiercely
from within, regardless of independent, and to voice her opinions. Let us be gentle and kind to ourselves...
people’s support or opinions. and to each other. ■
HB: Are there any beliefs that
women are expected to follow,
that you think are overrated?
KK: Women are often expected to match up to the
expectations, and follow norms, set by society. And
these compulsions are not only imposed on women,
but men as well. However, it is important to understand

111
A L L T H E I N S P I R AT I O N
Visit BridesToday.in for all the beauty,
fashion, and planning advice for your Big Day
TALKING POINTS

Edited by RADHIKA BHALLA


IMAGE: COURTESY PALETTE ART GALLEERY

HANGING BY A THREAD
An insight into Girish Karnad’s life, an excerpt from Jhumpa Lahiri’s new book,
and a conversation with the filmmaker winning accolades, Chaitanya Tamhane
On The Edge by Gigi Scaria, acrylic on canvas, 2020, on view at paletteartgallery.com
Talking
POINTS

THE
SOUND
OF MUSIC
Ch
In a special conversation

aita
with Bazaar, the movie’s

nya Tamhan
director Chaitanya
Tamhane shares the
With Marathi film The Disciple making inspiration behind the
e
story: “I had written and
history at the Venice Film Festival, Bazaar directed a full-length play
has an exclusive conversation with its called Grey Elephants In
Denmark in 2008, which is the
director Chaitanya Tamhane. tale of a magician who wants to
By Radhika Bhalla break out the clichéd idea of magic that is performed with top
hats and colourful-but-childish looking props. It was a journey
similar to The Disciple, where the character knows what good
FILM magic is, what good art is, but doesn’t have the talent to
actually achieve it. I found this theme, this conflict, to be very
fascinating, even after all these years,” he says.

A
s notes of the tanpura resonate through Around five years ago, Chaitanya felt the urge to explore
the opening scene of The Disciple, to Indian classical music, and he began travelling across the
the sonorous voice of Pandit Vinayak country—Kolkata, Delhi, Benaras, Pune, Ahmedabad, and
Pradhan [essayed by Dr Arun Dravid, Mumbai—to discover its vibrant subculture, rich history,
exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana secret ragas, and tales about musical geniuses. Gradually, the
and the first disciple of the Padma story of the film emerged, which took two years to pen down.
Vibhushan awardee, late Kishori Amonkar], the film sets “Nobody in my family listened to Indian classical music,
the tone of a journey that is meditative, soulful, and which is not the case in many Marathi homes,” Chaitanya tells
deeply-stirring. us. “In fact, in my early 20s, I had an issue with its inherent
This award-winning feature—the first Indian feature to idea of extreme reverence and not questioning authority.
win the best film award at the Venice International Film I had a political problem with these concepts, so I stayed away
Festival—is the tale of a budding Hindustani classical from the music. It was only around five years ago that I learnt
vocalist, Sharad Nerulkar [essayed by Aditya Modak] who to separate the music from the rituals, and began appreciating
dreams of carving a niche in the field, but struggles to the musicians for the mastery they have achieved.” The
realise his potential. This is the untold story of the 34-year-old director befriended musicians and “stalked” them
everyman and -woman, grappling with the stark, ground on social media.“Ultimately, it became a very personal journey
realities in the pursuit of idealism. for me,” he reveals.

114
(Opposite page) Aditya Modak as Sharad
Nerulkar, (below) Dr Arun Dravid as Pandit

O
Vinayak Pradhan
nce things
settle down,
The films communicates an authenticity of space and hopefully soon,
personhood, where scenes have been shot in situ with you may want
many non-professional actors who have trained in music to consider a staycation.
[Aditya Modak is a Hindustani classical artist-turned-actor A delightful space in the heart
as well as a chartered accountant].The decision to film it in of the capital is Mizpah Delhi
Marathi was another endeavour to preserve the truth of the in Safdarjung Enclave: a B&B
narrative. “For me, language is a matter of texture. I felt and Café that offers the
Marathi would be the correct language to use here because perfect escape with its relaxed,
it made the film culturally-specific, lent a unique texture to modern, Anglo-Indian
the story, and, in a way, made it even more insular.” aesthetic. The brainchild of
The film pays attention to creating visceral experiences, by Caroline Gabriel and her
evoking emotions or specific memories.“Realism, however, husband Shaun Bowden— who migrated from Australia a
is quite subjective because everything is an interpretation,” few years ago—the space is homely and intimate, offering a
he states. “Nothing on camera is real, everything is planned personalised local experience. The spacious rooms on the
and designed, at least in my films. It becomes a rendition; first floor are complete with furnishing in cotton, rattan, and
almost like a journalistic process. I find humour in everyday wood, while the living room, dining area, and café abound
moments...the small conflicts, the little plays unfolding, the with greenery. For the creatively-inclined, Mizpah also
promotes local artists by displaying their works... An oasis
away from the daily grind.
Mizpah Delhi is located at B2/139, Safdarjung Enclave,
Near Sara Mathew Road, Delhi. For bookings, contact
011-41023764

AY
O
H

M E AW
M H O M
O
R th n
e hustle a
m bu
d

E
s
F
ro

f of life
An escape in tle
dramatic situations in the mundane.There are many beautiful t
he

stories and dignity in an ordinary life.”


ea
h

The Disciple went on to make history by bagging the rt o


FIPRESCI International Critics Prize for Best Film, as well STAY f Delhi.
as the Best Screenplay Award at the 77thVenice International
Film Festival. However, this is not Chaitanya’s first global
recognition—his debut film Court also received two awards (From top) The café at
at the same event in 2014. Despite that, when he learnt that Mizpah Delhi on the
top floor, a welcome
his recent-most feature had been selected for the main snacks at the café,
competition—the first time in 20 years since Monsoon and The Jasmine Suite
Wedding—Chaitanya was left “stunned”. “I did a double
take just to make sure I had read it right,” he recounts.“We
flew down to Venice in the midst of the pandemic—the
situation was not as bad back then—and it was truly surreal
to watch the film on the big screen with a real audience.”
The future looks bright and Chaitanya is hopeful.
“These awards are special not only for us, but also for
what they mean for Independent Cinema in India,” he
concludes, on a happy note.
The Disciple can be viewed on netflix.com

115
Talking
POINTS (Left) Life On Mars by Vibha
Galhotra, trinkets, fabric,
plyboard, and wood, 2021

ART mixed medium on paper


sketches and Anju
Dodiya’s pensive female

IN IT studies are charged with


symbolism, Jagannath

TOGETHER
Panda and Riya Komu
confront our fears with
piercing realism. But
there is escape as well, such as in the oils on canvas by
A digital group show by some of India’s most Thukral & Tagra, as well as the digitally-created lightbox
celebrated artists addresses our collective by Manjunath Kamath. Other artists on display include
G.R. Iranna, Gigi Scaria, Sudarshan Shetty, and more.
psychological states. On view at paletteartgallery.com
(Below) Dominus Aeris Windborne-111 by Thukral &

O
ur currrent Tagra, oil on canvas, 2020; (left) Webbed by Anju
subjective Dodiya, acrylic on fabric, 2005
and collective
realities can
be difficult to
come to terms with, but art can
be a powerful medium to help
express them. An online group
show by Palette Art Gallery,
titled Collective 22, helps
unpack the psychological
impact of our circumstances
with the works of some of
India’s most renowned artists.
While both Atul Dodiya’s

EASY READS BOOKS

New releases to help you uplift your mood.

Embrace your inner Queen Revisit the work of the Follow the life and advice A light, romantic read
with the third sequel by masters with 41 short of the inimitable food set in Mumbai, between
Julie Murphy (following the stories, by Nobel Laureate writer, Anthony Bourdain, a young engineer
success of Dumplin’, which Ernest Hemingway, through essays by friends, from Gujarat and a shy,
was turned into a Jennifer Edger Allan Poe, Guy de colleagues, and family.The studious girl from Punjab.
Aniston starrer film). Maupassant, and Anton book is authored by Laurie Miscommunications follow,
A fast, happy read about Chekov...a classic read that Woolever, who spent nearly as does the potential of a
drag, prom, and self- will leave you satisfied. a decade assisting him. blossoming love. [Penguin
acceptance. [HarperCollins] [Westland Publications] [Bloomsbury India] Random House India]

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117
Talking
POINTS

KABIR BEDI:
ON LOSS &
FORGIVENESS
KABIR BEDI’S PHOTOGRAPH BY PARVEEN DUSANJ

The actor pens a heartfelt


essay about his life learnings
in an inspiring essay
for Bazaar.
L
“ ove has many meanings, loss has only one: grief.
We grieve for what we have lost. Today, we are ESSAY
suffering a pandemic of loss. Every
one of us is mourning the death of
someone we knew, loved, or admired. Loss is in
the ethers around us. In the heart-wrenching
tragedies in the news and on television, in the
suffering of friends and families, in the aching
desire for a return to normalcy. But loss has ‘Whether it grinds you down or polishes you
become the new normal, an ongoing sorrow up depends on what you’re made of’. We
that refuses to go away. must rise above adversity, and give strength to
When someone we love dies, we can tend to others, too. Our lives are but gleams of light
feel guilty. We wonder what we could have between two eternities. The dead will not
done to prolong their life or prevent their death. forgive those who forget to live.
Or said what we wanted to say to them before Many of the wrongs in life are unforgivable:
they passed away. I was painfully aware of the murders, rapes, grievous injury to others,
collective guilt of friends and family at the betrayals of financial trust, and so on. But we
funeral of my son in Los Angeles after he have a remedy for them. Laws and courts
committed suicide in 1997. When I spoke, Kabir Bedi’s newly-released exist to right those wrongs. Even if it takes
I said we shouldn’t feel guilty. But I felt the autobiography long, we can hope for justice in the end. But
pain of guilt most of all. I had looked after him when we lose a loved one, there is no recourse.
Our sadness is deeply felt, and our happiness seems far away.
That is understandable. But what ruins the everyday happiness
of many are not the great sorrows or unforgiveable crimes. It is
“We must rise a bove the lesser wounds to their egos: she said this about me, he did
adversit y, and g ive streng th that to me, they made fun of us. A chain reaction begins. Soon,
it starts to consume us and rules our lives. It seems as if our
to others, too. The dead image, our reputation, even our lives are at stake. Small slights
become cosmic causes. But is it really worth the price we pay?
w ill not forg ive those who As Thoreau said, ‘The cost of a thing is that amount of life
forget to live.” which must be exchanged for it’.
As I have grown older, I have realised that our greatest capital
is time.To spend it on perceived injuries to our egos is to punish
ourselves. Life is so much more than righting the wrongs of
in his final days as we battled his schizophrenia. How could people who shouldn’t matter.There are careers to build, journeys
I not feel guilty at the time? With the passing of years, I forgave to share, greater sorrows to survive. Focusing on negative
myself. I knew I had done everything I could to save him. The emotions is a whirlpool that draws us away from achievements
guilt receded, the pain lessened, but his loss still scars my soul. and pleasures. Forgiveness liberates us from that fate. It frees our
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. But I have learnt to live mind to seek more rewarding pursuits. Life can be a cornucopia
with it. of delights: books to read, plays and films to enjoy, recipes to
All of us have to find ways of coping with suffering and death cook, places to discover, hobbies to explore. In the end, forgiveness
in this pandemic. It isn’t easy, even in normal times. Mourning might even be the best revenge. As Oscar Wilde said in his
is natural and must be given its time. We need to express our inimitable style, ‘Always forgive your enemies, nothing annoys
grief, accept our sadness, and share it with others. Blame and them so much’.
anger may follow, too. Life, said the Buddha, is full of suffering. The forgiveness of foes and the loss of loved ones are reflections
But it shouldn’t run our lives. We have jobs to do, families to of the complexity of the lives we lead, the emotions we feel, and
raise, dreams to fulfil.‘Life is like a grindstone,’ I read somewhere. our desire to rise above all that depresses us when life needs to
be affirmed. The purpose of our lives is the evolution of the
human race, and becoming the best we can be.”
‘Stories I Must Tell: The Emotional Life of an Actor’ is
available at leading bookstores and online. Q

119
Talking
POINTS

BOUTIQUE

TREASURE
(Clockwise from
top left) Lakshmi
Menon modelling

TROVE
for 280 Siolim
(photograph by
Sheetal Mallar), the
wooden rocking
horse that is the
boutique’s mascot,
Designer Savio Jon turns his home in Goa kitchenware on
display
into a sanctuary of all things delightful. (photograph by
Winona
Fernandes), and

B
eauty not only lies in the eye of the beholder, but interiors of the
also in the joy and happiness that an object can boutique
elicit. Ask Goa-based designer Savio Jon, who has
made this philosophy his way of life, having spent
a lifetime collecting unique artefacts, fashion accessories, Savio Jon
home décor items from across the world.
Recently, Savio decided to curate all his treasures under
one roof: 280 Siolim. “Having been born, raised, and lived
most of my life in Goa, I felt it was time I set up a boutique
here. 280 is my house number, and Siolim is the name of my
village, and so, that is where the name comes from,” he shares
with Bazaar. The boutique retails vintage objects, home
SAVIO JON’S PORTRAIT BY WINONA FERNANDES

décor items, rugs, lamps, and more, along with his signature
resort- and travel-friendly outfits. And the mascot of this
boutique is a simple, wooden, rocking horse for children
that Savio restored with parts from a scrapyard in Mapusa.
“I have been collecting pieces that have caught my fancy for
years. The idea of putting together the clothes with the
objects seemed fitting to me,” Savio shares.
Visit by appointment only, through Whatsapp on 9820067796
and 9764111804

120
Y THIS
T R
G O U DA SNACK

Curated cheese platters HIGHER


make for a delicious treat at GROUND
small gatherings with friends. NATURE
Intimate
gatherings will be the The exuberant lotus
norm, once again, when we can flower can work
finally meet up with friends and family.
And when that happens, make sure to try the wonders for your skin
new trend of pre-plated, bespoke cheese platters, that and stress levels.
come complete with different types of cheese, nuts,
fruit, dips, and even charcuterie.The Theatric Platter, based
out of Mumbai and Delhi, offers a range of servings in
eco-friendly packaging, while Asorté and Monika Mahajan,
both in Mumbai, curate gluten-free and vegan platters on
request. For a personalised hamper to be delivered in Delhi, The striking lotus flower,
consider Cheeboard for their fresh, artisanal selection that that resolves to bloom inspite
is paired with the perfect bottle of bubbly. of its surroundings, has
Orders can be placed via Instagram at inspired poets, authors, and
@thetheatricplatter, spiritual practitioners for
@asortegourmet, centuries. Not just a sight to
@curatedcuisinesbymonika, behold, the lotus is said to be
and @cheeboard packed with relief-giving
properties for the body as well.
Experts suggest that it can
relieve one of stress with its
high Vitamin B and Zinc
content, balance the skin’s oil
levels and thereby reduce acne
(brew it with green tea and
apply it to your face), and even
build the skin’s collagen levels.
And consuming lotus tea is
said to reduce inflammation in
the body, as well as improve
digestion (which, in turn,
impacts the way we look and
feel from within). However,
since the flower can alter the
blood sugar levels of the body,
check with your health
practitioner before ingesting
this happy bloom.

121
Talking
POINTS
Jhumpa

E
ven though it’s right next to the train station, in the Lahiri
midst of perpetual crowds, my favourite museum is
almost always empty.
I like to stop by in the late afternoon, after work;
I recognise the guards who spend all day on folding chairs, chatting
among themselves in front of mosaics, friezes, frescoes, tiled floors.
The museum features a number of houses from antiquity.They were
excavated, pried from their surroundings, removed, relocated, displayed
to the public.They’ve reconstructed a few bedrooms, with walls
painted red, or a dark hue of yellow, or black, or sky blue. Rooms in
which, centuries ago, people slept, dreamt, were bored, made love.
The most beautiful room—it belonged to an emperor’s consort—has
a garden painted onto the walls, teeming with trees, flowers, citrus
plants, animals. Pomegranates have split open and birds perch on the
branches of the trees.The scene is fixed, faded.The trees, with their
thin branches, seem to bend as if from the soft breeze that courses
through the landscape.This semblance of a breeze is what makes the
painted nature tremble, rendering everything paradoxically alive.
In the middle of this room there are two soft benches covered in black
leather. I sit down to observe the sun.
It penetrates the glass roof and filters the light, causing the tonalities
of the trees and shrubs in the fresco to change.The shifting light
brightens and darkens the room in turns. It’s a panorama that makes
me think of the sea, of swimming in a clear blue patch underwater.
Jhumpa
Lahiri
Today an elegant woman about my age walks into the room.
She looks like a foreigner. I bet she’s in the city by chance, maybe
tagging along behind her husband, who’s here for work and busy
all day. She has a resigned air, and she looks a bit put out.
She’s obligated to be a tourist.
She knows nothing about this room and doesn’t seem AT THE
MUSEUM
particularly impressed. Maybe she’s thinking, as she sits in this
stunning space, about how much she’s had to walk today, and
how tired she is. Maybe she’s thinking of her house in some
other part of the world. She’s already missing that ordinary SHORT STORY
dwelling. She’s seen her share of churches and fountains and
by now she’s saturated. She’s got a tiny hotel room, it’s either An excerpt from Jhumpa
too hot or too cold. She sleeps poorly due to jet lag.
She sits down on the comfortable bench. She’s sick of setting out
Lahiri’s latest self-
each day and studying the map of the city to find the roads translated book,
she needs to follow. After taking in the four walls of the room Whereabouts.
she looks away, lowers her head, looks down. She studies her swollen
feet, her shoes, and thinks about all the streets she’s walked
in the past few days, in a vast city, alone, disoriented all the while.
She’s not moved by the beauty of this room. She takes advantage
of it to restore her energy.
She closes her eyes and stretches out on the bench without paying J HU M P A L A HIRI
W I N N E R o f T H E 2 000 P U L I T Z E R

any attention to me. She lies down on her back, her eyes closed. PRIZE FOR FICTION

That’s how she manages to fully inhabit and possess this room, Wh er eab ou t s
crossing a certain threshold I’ve always respected.
The cover of A N OV E L

Whereabouts [Penguin Random House] is available online Whereabouts


and at leading bookstores. Excerpted with permission from by Jhumpa
Lahiri
Penguin Random House India.

122
(Right) The cover Girish
of the memoir, Karnad
This Life At Play

A
sublime
aspect of
Girish
Karnad’s
storytelling has been
the nuanced study of
human realities and
frailties. But while his
characters have lived
with us years after we
first made their
acquaintance, few have
known about the life of the
award-winning playwright and
SCRIPTING
HIS LIFE
actor. For, until now, his
autobiography was in his native
language, Kannada (which was
also the language of choice for
many of his plays). MEMOIR
However, last month,
enthusiasts finally got to pore Noted filmmaker Girish Karnad’s
over Girish Karnad’s
autiobiography offers a
autobiography, as the award- his life across the many cities he
winning translator Srinath Perur comprehensive look at the events resided in, the family dynamics
[of Ghachar Ghochar fame] has that shaped his beliefs and vision. he and his siblings dealt with,
interpreted it in English. education at Oxford University,
This Life at Play: A Memoir by and details about the plays and
Girish Karnad [HarperCollins] is a richly-crafted movies Girish Karnad helmed, which featured luminaries
account exploring the many experiences that shaped like Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, and
the filmmaker and Ratna Pathak Shah, among others.
playwright’s life— Here is a memoir that is introspective and visually-
beginning with his descriptive at once, with storytelling
mother, Krishnabai’s that is honest and inviting. Turn to
second marriage to this book to understand the journey
Dr. Raghunath and contemplations that made
Karnad, which flew in Girish Karnad one of the leading
the face of social lights of Indian cinema.
mores but followed This Life At Play… is available
the children like an online and at leading bookstores
unspoken stigma. The
memoir also follows By Radhika Bhalla

(Above)
Naseeruddin Shah
and Ratna Pathak
(Above) Amrish Puri and Tarla Shah in
Mehta in Satyadev Dubey’s Bali (1984)
production of Yayati (1967); (right)
Girish Karnad (centre) with Raj
Kapoor (left) and Satyajit Ray (right)
123
Talking
POINTS

LET
IT GO
Could screaming be the most
unlikely trend of 2021?
By Devinder Bains

124
WELLNESS

E
ver feel like just shouting at the top of your of raw, negative emotions, so it can be helpful... as long as
voice to let out the anger from a bad day at you are not screaming at your boss or colleagues.”
work? Or want to scream obscenities into Reem believes that 2021 is the ideal time to perfect your
your pillow because your partner and the kids scream game. “The pandemic has been associated with
are driving you up the wall? Maybe you just feelings of uncertainty and helplessness. These feelings
want to yell into an open space about the frustrations of generally create a sense of frustration and loss of control,
living with a year of pandemic-induced restrictions? Well, and releasing those intense emotions can be very helpful
you could be onto something—screaming and shouting for many people.”
might be just what the doctor ordered for a healthier mind It is not just your mental health that a good shout and yell
and body in 2021. could benefit. As Personal Trainer and Adidas Ambassador
The concept comes from the very clever ‘Let It Out’ Jay Christie explains, “As well as helping release pent-up
advertising campaign by Promote Iceland, inviting tourists muscle and emotional tensions, shouting, yelling, and
to visit the country and scream their lockdown frustrations grunting during training can actually improve your energy
into the scenic expanses of wilderness levels.” As well as using the method
that the country is famous for. Can’t “ S C R E A M I N G I S A with his PT clients, Jay encourages
make the trip? The campaign’s website screaming and shouting in a group at
encourages you to record your scream, R E L E A S E O F R A W , his bootcamp sessions at Barry’s Dubai,
upload it, and they will share a video of NEGATIVE where he is a coach. “In a group
it being released into the wilds. environment, it is more about
The website comes with tongue-in- E M O T I O N S , S O I T camaraderie—everyone shouting and
cheek instructions on how to create the CAN BE yelling as a unit, to help each other get
perfect scream, and tips include: ‘Stand through the pain of a difficult session,”
with your feet hip-width apart, a slight H E L P F U L … A S he explains. “Screaming can also help
bend in your knees’, as well as a few LONG AS YOU’RE to get a greater release of endorphins or
words of science from Therapist and happy hormones, giving you that smug
Mental Health Consultant Zoë Aston: N O T S C R E A M I N G post-workout feeling. Shouting and
“Screaming as a therapeutic tool was A T Y O U R B O S S O R screaming together as a group, in a safe
developed in the 1970s as a way to environment, is something we should
release pent-up emotion,” she explains. C O L L E A G U E S . ” all consider embracing for 2021.”
“Wanting to scream lights up a part of Yelling can even benefit those who
our brains called the amygdala.” And stay away from more ‘aggressive’
apparently, letting that scream out allows workouts such as boxing and weights...
your amygdala to release that stress and Enter Rage Yoga by Yogi Lindsay
then move forward. Istace, who is swapping breathing
So, could screaming and shouting techniques in favour of screaming,
really be a viable option to dealing shouting, and the odd profanity while
with stress and anxiety? And, if so, why performing an asana.
REEM SHAHEEN
are we not encouraged to yell more Psychologist & Managing “The idea came about during a
often? “From a young age, we are Director, BE Psychology really painful break-up,” she says.
taught to manage our emotions and, in Center for Emotional “Suddenly, I was shouting and swearing
most cases, repress them,” explains Wellbeing, Dubai during my sequences, and although at
Reem Shaheen, Psychologist and first I felt like a crazy person, I found it
Managing Director of BE Psychology Center for to be incredibly therapeutic,” she explains. So, Lindsay
Emotional Wellbeing in Dubai. “Over the years, decided to introduce ‘rage’ to the classes she teaches in
those emotions become intensely entangled within the Calgary, Canada, as well as her online video classes, which
individual and, in many cases, cause emotional turmoil. are available globally—all of which have seen a surge in
Scream therapy can provide a release for some of these growth since the pandemic. “I think that combining
pent-up emotions.” physical training with emotion can be a very powerful
There might just be something about shouting alone in tool,” she says.
a deserted place, as the campaign suggests, that actually It seems unanimous—screaming could be the natural
works.“When in an open space, we tend to be less inhibited, antidote we have been waiting for. Where 2020 was the
and more connected to nature, allowing for more raw year we all had to hold back, maybe 2021 is the time to let
emotions to be released,” says Reem.“Screaming is a release it all out...Q

125
FLIGHT OF
FANCY
Luxury House Gucci celebrated its 100th anniversary with (From top)
A display
an immersive, fantastical, digital exhibition. of the
Alchemist
EXHIBITION Garden,
a partial
view of
Graffitied across the wall of a narrow staircase and room were statements the 1,400
cased
like ‘The Power Of Imagination’ and ‘Happiness Is A New Idea’. With the butterflies

WORDS BY RADHIKA BHALLA. IMAGES: COURTESY GUCCI.


click of a button, you navigated what appeared to be an underground that
art-space-meets-techie’s-lair. But there was reason to reconsider that...This reference
the Fall
was, in fact, the immersive, multimedia presentation for luxury House 2018 Gucci
Gucci’s 100th anniversary: the Gucci Garden Archetypes.And in true Collectors
fashion of what one has come to expect of the Maison’s Creative Director campaign,
the
Alessandro Michele, it was anything but the expected. imaginary
This phantasmagorical exhibition explored six years of Alessandro’s garden in
kaleidoscopic vision, which has spotlighted the spirit of inclusivity, art, the Gucci
Bloom
music, travel, and pop culture. For instance, in a room filled with screens, Room
we were greeted by the now-famous, wide-gapped smile of punk singer
Dani Miller [for Gucci Beauty’s lipstick launch], which flew in the face of
conventional beauty standards. Explore a bit further, and you would find
yourself in an ’80s nightclub bathroom of the Berlin-set, Spring 2016
campaign, or enter a mirrored-labyrinth inside a stately home
like in the Cruise 2016 campaign.And, then, there was the circular
projection with the pioneering, all-black cast from Pre-Fall 2017,
which responded to the need for representation.
This prismatic journey continued by referencing the Fall 2018
Gucci Collectors campaign: a room filled with 1,400 cased butterflies,
110 period wigs, 420 pairs of sneakers, and 182 cuckoo clocks, displayed
from floor to ceiling. It was natural to want to sit down and soak it all in,
and we headed to the hidden, imaginary garden for Gucci Bloom—
a reference to the campaign that offered actor Dakota Johnson,
feminist artist and photographer Petra Collins, and actress, model,
and trans woman Hari Nef a space of solace.
A grand celebration may not be a physical reality at the moment, but it
continues in the collective, digital estate that we consider ‘home’. Q

126
HOROSCOPE
C C
GEMINI
ANCER APRICORN
JUNE 22-JULY 23 DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 20
Any rivalry between you and friends By turning your attention to business
or colleagues should be seen as healthy issues, you will curry favour with the other
competition rather than a potential MAY 22-JUNE 21 interested parties. However, don’t ignore a
problem. But if you are afraid of a rift, call special someone. Close, loving relationships
a halt to safeguard the relationship. You may feel sure that call for nurturing too, don’t they?
LUCKY DAY 27th—a simple yes or no LUCKY DAY 10th—frank, candid talks
response avoids a controversy. those encouraging you clarify a complex issue.
to head off in a different

L EO
direction mean well. A QUARIUS
JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 19
JULY 24-AUGUST 23 However, the more
It may be a case of full steam ahead when
New innovations within your work or information you glean, the it comes to money changing hands or the
private affairs might seem threatening at acquisition of property or possessions.
first. However, remind yourself that there
more confident you can be
Hiccups can be likely unless you take a
is much to be gained from inventiveness about moving forward. pragmatic approach. Remember, good
and originality. LUCKY DAY 19th— planning makes perfect.
LUCKY DAY 3rd—doing your sums and LUCKY DAY 1st—fulfilment of major
paying your dues solves a dilemma. honesty proves to be the
goals boosts your ego.
only policy—to your relief.
V IRGO P ISCES
FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 20
AUGUST 24-SEPTEMBER 23
Much as you might be inclined to defend
As you encounter a tense situation revolving
controversial projects, you will have to
around your reputation or ambitious goals,
admit that there could be some looming
you must find the solution. Think of it as
problems. Be glad that you have the good
a challenge rather than a chore and try to
sense to call a halt before any cash has been
allay other people’s insecurities.
wasted or harm done.
LUCKY DAY 21st— invitations arrive,
LUCKY DAY 23rd—several opportunities
and one is especially welcome.
open up before you.

L IBRA A RIES
MARCH 21-APRIL 20
SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 23

Even if you are approaching self-care or Financial discussions with certain people
long-term obligations optimistically, be might be awkward, but nothing is forcing
mindful of a few set-backs. Unless you you to remain as you are. Reframe your
manage expectations, you may end up attitude as these individuals who would
over- extending yourself. greatly prefer to have a fruitful exchange.
LUCKY DAY 25th—inventive ideas Orra 14-carat LUCKY DAY 24th—personally and
Rose Gold professionally, the sky is the limit.
satisfy your needs. Gemini Pendant,
`37,175
T AURUS
S CORPIO S AGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 21
APRIL 21-MAY 21
OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 22 Money-related matters may become
Since it is important to pay attention to Differences of opinion regarding a challenging. Although others may want
IMAGE: COURTESY THE BRAND

a formal or financial arrangement, you partnership or domestic set-up might seem to take charge, you should still be able
will be drawn to discussions about a get- far more dramatic than they really are. to navigate your way by showing that
together. You must, after all, decide where Don’t let your imagination run wild; strive you can take control and bring about
your main priorities lie. to see things as they really are. positive outcomes.
LUCKY DAY 2nd—something you LUCKY DAY 11th—remaining calm, you LUCKY DAY 5th—thinking before you
uncover helps turn the tables on authority. impress all the right people. act saves a lot of trouble.
PREDICTIONS BY PETER WATSON
127
Follow @bazaarindia on
INSTAGRAM
for the latest in fashion, beauty and celebrity news.
SO

On Lisa: Blouse and Skirt,


both Matteau at Net-a-
Porter. On Zack: Shirt and
Shorts, both Dior Kids.

Photograph by Ruby Law.


Styling by Justine Lee.

CIRCLE
OF LIFE
Covergirl Lisa Haydon Lalvani
speaks about childhood—
her own and that of her
HAIR: PETER CHENG. MAKE-UP: OMIX. PRODUCTION: MARINA FAIRFAX. PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: KYLE CHEUNG.

children, while five leading


authors pen short stories about
a summer of hope, for Bazaar.
Bikini top, Hermès;
earrings, Bottega Veneta

ON THE
HORIZON
Shot on a beach in Hong Kong, covergirl Lisa Haydon Lalvani
looks ethereal surrounded by her sons, Zack and Leo. As she
prepares for the birth of her third child, the model and actor pens
a heartfelt essay for Bazaar about her hopes for her children.

Photographs by RUBY LAW


Styling by JUSTINE LEE
In Conversation with NANDINI BHALLA
THIS PAGE: On Lisa: Top and Skirt, both Matteau at Net-a-Porter.
OPPOSITE PAGE: On Lisa: Bikini Top, Maje. Skirt and Visor, both Christian Dior. On Zack: Shirt and Shorts, both Dior Kids.
On Lisa: Blouse and Skirt,
both Matteau at
Net-a-Porter. On Zack:
Shirt and Shorts,
both Dior Kids.

THIS PAGE: Bikini Top, Maje. Dress, Zimmermann at Net-a-Porter.


OPPOSITE PAGE: Bikini, Hermès. Earrings, Bottega Veneta.

138
Dress, Safiyaa at
Net-a-Porter. Earrings,
Bottega Veneta.
“I
believe nothing can truly prepare you for the arrival of a child. Physically, the last few weeks
come with aches and pains, and the usual sleeplessness and breathlessness. Emotionally,
I can always tell when I am close to delivering, because I am suddenly filled with a surreal
feeling. It is almost like I disconnect from the stresses and issues of everyday life. I notice
myself spending a lot of time at flower markets, and cooking slow, elaborate meals for my
family.I feel like I am in a meditative state...as if I am carrying something otherworldly inside
of me, and it is getting bigger and bigger... I don’t know how else to describe it, except that it feels surreal.
Our third child—a daughter—is due to arrive on June 22, but I can already feel the contractions, so it might
happen sooner.When Zack was born, Dino and I were like,‘Where did this angel come from?’And when Leo was
born, he was a force of nature, and we were like
‘That’s our child, the other one’s an angel!’.
Zack, who is four now, is very excited about the been different. I wake up before my kids do, so I can stop chasing my tail.
prospect of having a little sister...I think he was a bit But the truth is, I am always chasing my tail. I do the school runs, cooking,
jealous when Leo came along, but he is now looking grocery shopping, play dates... Zack really enjoys tennis, and I take both
forward to being a big brother. the children to all their classes. I feel like precious time is passing by, it is
Leo is 16 months today, and he was born on the day fleeting. I truly want to make the most of these moments, and embrace life as
of the Chinese New Year, when the pandemic had a full-time mom. Zack has gotten so used to me being around, that I wonder
just begun to unleash its damage. So, he has been raised how he will cope when I go back to work. I think he might be a bit shocked.
in a nurturing ‘bubble’. Leo isn’t aware that he has At the moment, Zack and Leo share a room, so we have converted the guest
a family beyond Dino, Zack, and myself. And he room into a nursery for my daughter. I have done it up with carpets and curtains
doesn’t know a world without masks, hand sanitisers, in neutral tones because she is going to receive many blue hand-me-downs.
and thermometers. Anywhere he goes, he puts out Which is fine, because pink isn’t my favourite colour. I much prefer life in neutral
his hand for some sanitiser, and he automatically touches colours—beiges and creams and browns—so she will have a gender-neutral room.
the touch-less thermometer. I like the idea of a large family. I grew up as one of eight siblings, and there was
How will I explain to him the world that existed no room for us to feel jealous, or any of that nonsense.
before the pandemic? I just hope, as the years pass by, As a child, having so many siblings was a great blessing, because it didn’t
my children become so close and inseparable that this matter what the world thought of you...you went home to your own gang.
time becomes just another phase in their lives. It was impossible to bully any of us because we didn’t care if someone didn’t like
I don’t think Leo really understands that he us.We had our own team waiting for us, at home. My siblings were like my
will have a sister soon. I think he just feels an energy ‘fortress’, and I grew up feeling very secure.
shift, and that is making him slightly insecure. He is As a little girl, I was fairly outgoing, but it wasn’t necessarily an authentic
quite clingy at the moment. expression each time. If no-one was speaking in a room, I felt the need to
My husband Dino and I always knew we wanted to make conversation, break the ice, and make others feel comfortable. I think
have a third child,we always knew it.In fact,our goal was it is normal for kids to want to please everyone, and I see a lot of that in my son
to have four, but I think it will have to be a firm stop at now. I don’t know if it is a good trait; it is probably a personality type and maybe
three...unless there is an act of God! even something you have to unlearn as you grow older.
Years ago, I remember wanting to have At home, we were encouraged to speak our truth.There are some families
a husband, so bad. And wanting kids, so bad. As a where the parents speak, and then there is silence at the table. Our home was
child, I would hold a doll under my shirt, and walk never like that...we had lots of conversations. I would always want my children to
around pretending to be a mother. Sometimes, I think feel free to speak their mind and think independently.
I have what I have today because I wanted it so badly. The one thing I have always had an issue with is an authoritarian
Your heart is like a magnet, and it will always attract approach. A ‘My way or the highway’ attitude. If I noticed that at school, it
your deepest desires. I have noticed a recurring theme invoked a rebellion inside of me, a determination to be super-independent.
in my life, that the more I have chased something, I think that was a very ’80s and ’90s way of raising children.There was this attitude
the more it has evaded me...a boyfriend, a husband, that adults had the authority, and children simply had to obey. I just remember
a career... But the more I practiced faith, patience, and thinking,‘The day I am 18, I am out of here!’
gratitude, the more things worked themselves out. It is interesting to think back to your childhood when you are raising your
These days, my schedule functions around the own children. Now, when I look at Leo, I notice that he has some of that
children’s. If there wasn’t a pandemic, things might have rebellious streak in him, too. My own experiences make me realise that I never
want to beat the character out of my children. I want them to be independent,
but to also learn to yield at certain times. Because life is about balance, there
has to be self-reliance, but also compromise and surrender.
I hope Zack, Leo, and their sister are always there for each other. I want them
to be a gang, to share a special camaraderie...to feel as though they always have

141
something to come back to, to hold on to. And I want them to grow up believing that their family is
a fortress, that they will always be surrounded with love and acceptance at home.
Sometimes, I wonder, what world do I want my children to grow up in? Our world, today, is in such a state
of turmoil, with pandemics, political wars, natural disasters... And it doesn’t seem to be getting better.
But I realise that I can’t simply wish for a better world, without doing my part to create it.
I believe it begins with the little things. I don’t
want to force my kids to turn vegan,because it won’t
help unless they understand the compassion that Most parents give advice based on the paths that they have walked. Our beliefs
comes with it. It is important to have conversations are often a reflection of our experiences. But to be an honest parent means stepping out
with them because they need to understand the‘why’ of your own mind and understanding your child’s dreams.
before anything else. I want my children to know that they should be brave. One of them already has
I believe that creating a better world begins with bravery built into him, and I will encourage the other one to be more courageous.
the values and virtues that children learn. The I believe being brave is essential to charting any path in life or making a difference.
little things matter, like teaching them to be And I think confidence and courage can only come from security.You can’t ask
diligent about something as elementary as better an insecure child to step into uncharted territory. As a parent, it is important
hygiene...if they don’t understand that,how will they to create a strong sense of identity, family, and faith, so your children know
care about cleaning a beach or an ocean? I know who they are and know that they always have a loving space to come home to.
I am being really ‘momsy’ right now, but I believe These days, ‘Hitting is hurting’ is a much-used statement in our home. I talk to
that teaching your children to be disciplined,to work Zack about the importance of kindness, and I encourage him to think from other’s
hard for the things they want, and be tidy and clean perspectives. If he cries when Dino and I are going out for dinner, I ask how he would
are the foundation stones for bigger things. I have an feel if I didn’t let him play with his friends. Children are naturally kind and innocent and
amazing Caribbean nurse who often tells me, sweet, but sometimes you have to encourage them to think with empathy.When
‘Remember that we are bringing the children up,we they feel secure, loved, and recognised, they automatically give back.
are not dragging them up’. I love that expression. Yesterday, we took the children to the beach...Hong Kong has some beautiful beaches
I hope my children grow up knowing that it is that get dirty very quickly. Zack is very in-tune with nature and he wants to know why
okay to make mistakes...and that they learn from people litter.So,I have bought him a pair of big,metal tongs,and when we visit the beach
them.They must know that honesty is imperative. next, we will clean up some of the trash before getting into the ocean. It is about teaching
There is a saying:‘A wise man learns from his own him the little things about life, about what belongs in nature and what doesn’t.
mistakes and a wiser man learns from the mistakes of We still make salt scrubs at home, and always choose homoeopathy before
others’. I have seen this first-hand because my older allopathy. And we are big believers in prayer...we encourage our children to pray
sister made the mistakes, and the rest of us benefited and have faith, and ask whether they feel better in the morning.
by learning from her lessons.As a parent, it always The truth is that nothing sobers you up faster than having a child. I began paying
comes down to acceptance. My children can make more attention to the kind of people I spent time with, and the kind of influences I had
mistakes, and I will accept and love them, regardless. in my life. It is almost as if your world transforms...it collapses and then rebuilds itself.
When I look back at my own life, leaving home Suddenly, you ask yourself what you stand for, what your values are. It is possible
when I did was a gamble, as was my decision to not that the people who knew me then think I am a different person now, because I was
get a college degree.I was in America in my late teens, living the life, having fun, and owning the ‘free spirit’ title. I don’t think I am less free-
and I decided to return to India and do aTV show... spirited now, but my perception of living life and chasing butterflies has changed.
which was a risk, too.Those early decisions were Last week, Dino took me away on a staycation, because I hadn’t been out of the house
crucial, and even though my parents supported me, in two years, and we got ourselves a lovely room, a Michelin-star dinner, and a spa session.
they were certainly worried that I had chosen a career I joked with him,‘When are we telling the kids we aren’t coming home?’
with such high failure rates. Getting married and Over the last few years, my life has changed dramatically. Before taking that final
leaving my friends, family, and career to move to flight to London, to give birth to Zack, I remember telling my sisters and girlfriends,
London was, in many ways, a risk as well. But ‘I can feel it in my heart that everything is going to change’.And everything did change.
sometimes, you just have to take that leap of faith. I remember being in London after delivering Zack, and thinking that there was nothing
And so, when my children decide to take risks in familiar around me. It was a brand new life. Of course, your husband can be incredibly
their own lives, I know I must be balanced. supportive, like Dino was, but you have to go through those lonely moments alone,
to build a new life. I remember telling myself that one day, I would look back at this time
of transition and uncertainty, and truly cherish it. Because such moments signal
new beginnings. And sure enough, I have my baby shower coming up in a week,
and I have so many friends coming for it...life is beautiful.” Q

Hair: Peter Cheng. Makeup: Omix. Production: Marina Fairfax. Photographer’s


Assistant: Kyle Cheung.

142
Bikini top, Maje.
Dress, Zimmermann
at Net-a-Porter.
So
BAZAAR

STORIES OF
SUMMER
As we navigate unprecedented times, we asked five authors
to pen an exclusive short story each, centred around themes
of love, courage, longing, and more, to inspire Bazaar
readers...and fill them with hope.
Compiled By Meghna Sharma
PHOTOGRAPH BY SHEETAL MALLAR
So
BAZAAR

MINI K ATH A So
right had Naz
to frown? Bad
what

By Ni sh a Su san enough that


the dhakkan
Other people never stopped pointing out that (buffoon) from
Mini was very short, particularly because the boutique hotel
she hung out so much with tall, slender was frowning.
Nazneen. Pointing and laughing. Nazneen “You think you
looked wintry and Mini laughed along. are so amazing?!
This is how they always dealt with it. But I bet you pose with
2020 had withered Mini’s self-deprecation the neighbour’s
muscle. She had started the year with her Alsatian for your
staff of five and at least one rich client. Tinder photos,”
She had ended the year with no staff, she thought
no clients, and having to redeem half to herself. Her
of her mutual funds to pay rent. No-one training kicked
wanted her elaborate, fantasy-inspired in and she was
chandeliers right now. People were being about to smooth
secretive about holidays and parties. over their frowns
So, honestly, another mini-and-maxi joke with a smiling
from a good-looking man was the last thing comment about
she needed. her big, almost-
Naz and she were pitching themselves as sneeze, giving
relatively cheap design consultants.The good- the chance
looking man from the boutique hotel looked to Boutique
stoned. She had thought it was just his eyes Dhakkan to
until he gestured with two fingers, while still revisit his great
holding the coffee cup, and said the ‘mini-maxi’ thing. Mini was joke. But there was that damn sneeze again, tickling her nose. She
about to make the usual, practised remark but a sneeze arrived caught her breath again,wishing they were still wearing masks and
just then. She didn’t want to splatter the table and all their white not pretending the pandemic was over.And in the mirror behind Naz
linen shirts with the coffee in her mouth so she sucked in the she saw her own face. Small, yes, but it was the face of a grown-up.
coffee and the sneeze. By the time she had recovered, it was too It was a serious face. Why should she smile? Why should she
late to laugh at his joke. He was looking at her with a tiny frown. smile and smooth the world’s brow like she was their mommy?
Was he angry that she hadn’t laughed? And in the breath of that second almost-sneeze, she dimly
She saw an equally tiny frown on Naz’s face. Was she registered Naz thawing her wintry face into an elegant smile
annoyed that Mini hadn’t held up her end of the social bargain? and small talk. Boutique Dhakkan leaped at it with the relief
This was how they had hustled through their twenties, right? of a man who was drowning. His face was turned towards Naz
Wearing spotless clothes, being dependable and easy to get along but his eyes darted back at Mini, still a bit worried. Still, Mini
with. They were both dependable but Mini brought the cheer, remained silent. She was smiling, but only on the inside. This
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAY SUKUMAR

made the small talk. Part of the small talk was handling the summer was going to involve rather less sweating than usual.
short talk—everyone thought they were the first ones to make
that joke. Even in her twenties she hadn’t screamed, “I have a Nisha Susan is the author of ‘The Women Who Forgot
f*cking mirror in my house. I also have a stool in every room. To Invent Facebook and Other Stories’, co-founder of feminist
Do you have a brain?”. Though she had wanted to. Spotless media company ‘The Ladies Finger’, and co-originator of the
shirts, spotless behaviour. Pink Chaddi Campaign

146
SU M M E R :
A LO V E ST O R Y
By Ti sh an i Dosh i

It is a squalid time.The body grows


tired of being a body. Sweat. Always.
A thin film of it on the skin. Do
not say dewy. Do not say glisten.
I dream of endless green. Of wet.
Of rain hammering the Earth. Of
buds sprouting. I want to insist on
life but there is so much wilting.
Only the sturdiest show themselves.
A wall of heaving bougainvillea.
The African tulip with its candelabras of orange. Shrill harbingers. We bronzed and pinked in the heat. Around us, mountains
Say how much like love it is, go on. The first burning. Say it. and cliffs, the spill of cool turquoise water.
Orange. Heat. Say sweetness. Say can you bear the sweetness From the window I see a bird taking a bath in the clay pot.
of mangoes? Or do you prefer the tang of its pickle? Season of Jumping in and out of the water, ruffling its feathers. Mynah,
burning tongues. cuckoo, buttonquail. I want to know everything about birds, but
What does [Søren] Kierkegaard say? Hope is the new attire, they remain a mystery. Isn’t it enough that they are winged,
stiff and starched and splendid. Still, since it has not yet been feathered creatures with winged, beating hearts?
tried on, one does not know whether it will fit. I have never felt as close to my breath as I do now. It is
Look at me quoting Kierkegaard. Look at me putting on summer and you are separated from me, but I am making my
my oldest dress. Soft from so many washes and so much sun. way over to you. Between us, acres and acres of burnished land,
My body feels hopeful in it.Your starched white shirts sit on the a set of train tracks. Gardens erupt at dusk with starry white
top shelf. I cannot bear to see them crumpled. jasmine. Does it sometimes occur to you—this stray thought—
We speak of finding hope as though it were hiding under of imagining a life different from the one you have? Can you
a rock. I lift the rock and find a worm. I lift the worm and remember all the people you have been? In every life I live, I want
find a petal. to find you. How was I so lucky to have found you?
I have flowers on my mind, forgive me. The hibiscus bush Summer is always summer. It is every summer rolled into
blooms relentlessly. But the flowers only last a day. They open this one, rolling out timelessly into a howl of bare skies and dust
in the morning. By evening they droop into themselves and fall clouds.The world must sometimes be a desert.We voyage across
softly into mud. it. The cracks, the empty pots and wells, the animals and their
PHOTOGRAPH BY PRATCH SIRIDHARA

We grow tired of hope. It is inevitable. We want the new tired bones. Remember the Earth turns. And with it comes a
thing. The chase. We tire. Still, we move towards it. Up and greening again.What is pillaged is restored. It is summer. Come.
down, near then far, always trying to keep hope in sight. If we Let us take our bodies to the river, and sing.
could manage to stay still for a while, we might remember, we
are not alone. Tishani Doshi is a poet, journalist, dancer, and the author of
I spoke of love, didn’t I? There was a beach once. We were ‘Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods’ and ‘Small Days and
younger than we are now. We had no umbrella, only towels. Nights’, among other books

147
So
BAZAAR
Y E A R NING FOR
SUMMER
An entire year after the first coronavirus lockdowns
happened across the planet, looking back at the year we
By Ni k i ta Sin g h
have survived feels like a bizarre dream. It can feel like it
happened just yesterday, but also a decade ago. So much our days, without the commute, the social engagements,
has changed in the world around us, and in the world the constant manic movement around us. Eventually,
within us. magically, the time it used to take us to do the smallest
We all experienced this year in our own isolated things expanded, filling up this gifted time until it
bubbles, but also together. Little boats on the same river, disappeared.
flowing in the same direction. A lot of our experiences When we began relaxing a little too much, the guilt
were universal. settled in again, followed by the even deeper guilt of the
This is where I was in March of 2020: after living position of privilege we found ourselves in—those of us
with my family in Ranchi practically all of 2018 who didn’t contract the disease or suffer from a direct,
and spending 2019 travelling to various, previously- tangible consequence of it.We saw people around us lose
unexplored lands as a digital nomad, I moved to their lives, their loved ones, their livelihoods.
Montréal in October of 2019, with a plan to find some We have spent the past year in pursuit of balance.
stability, a (temporary, in the scheme of things) home base, Some kind of routine, to help us endure this new reality.
catch my breath and write the books I had been carrying Small acts of self-love.Turning off the news every once in
in my head. Only, the brutal Canadian winter couldn’t a while, longer calls home, reconnecting with dear friends,
appropriately inspire creativity and before the snow had a cooking, (re)discovering hobbies—all the little things that
chance to melt, the pandemic hit. nourish us.
My first reaction was to remain calm and simply avoid The things I have done during the pandemic year are
mentioning coronavirus in conversation. On the phone different from what I have done any other year. I spent
with my mother, we would say it is coming for the longest the first three months completely alone and learned to
time, from December to March, before accepting that it be okay. For the first time in my life, I reached out and
is here.When our governments could not ignore it any received professional help for my mental health. I built
longer, it was time to face the music. Everything froze. an online reading community, in the form of a book
Lockdowns across India began at the same time as they club. I wrote something very different from my previous
did in Canada.We didn’t know what to think, couldn’t published work; my books in 2020s will certainly look
fathom how this happened or how long it would last. significantly different from my books in 2010s.
We took a collective breath in and held on... Now, a year later, we have good news to cling to: the
Naturally, from our isolation bubbles, we turned to our vaccines. Because what else, if not science, can salve the
screens. At first, the loudest voices on the Internet told wound when a pandemic of this magnitude strikes?
us to use this time.To be productive, achieve the dreams At last, we can exhale.
we had put on hold due to lack of time, somehow excel For me, the vaccine means I can finally go home
at life while all that was familiar crumpled around us. without endangering my family as well as every
Thankfully, those voices were soon drowned by even other person I come in contact with. Right after my
louder voices that told us that it was okay to slow down grandparents got vaccinated, and my mother scheduled her
and take a break. appointment, I booked my flights. After so long, I have
By this stage, every e-mail in our inbox contained the something to look forward to.
word unprecedented.We were still holding our breaths, When Bazaar India reached out to me with a request
but we also let ourselves enjoy brief moments of to write a hopeful piece about the summer of 2021,
relaxation.We had taken a break from our I knew I had to write about my own hope for the
busy lives, and every free hour felt like upcoming summer: going home.
a gift.We noticed the extra time in

Nikita Singh is the author of


‘Every Time It Rains’ and
‘The Promise’, among other books

148
PHOTOGRAPH BY HASHIM BADANI

149
So
BAZAAR

More than a year later when classes reopen,


a vine of aparajita flowers (Asian pigeonwings)
has thrown a blanket of purple petals over the
arching school gates. Sharini’s classmates—
hungry-eyed, giggling tenth-graders—spill under
the floral canopy to be reunited with the last
of their school days before they would dissolve
again. She wades through the sea of uniforms
until she locates Aman, her best friend.
When she finds him, his gaunt face and the
stubble on his chin makes him look strangely
like a young man, much older than the boy
of fifteen in his grey-tied school uniform.
Aman never comes alone to school; before
the disaster year, he would always be flanked
by his older sister, Aysha. Aysha should be in
the twelfth grade now—a crucial year to prepare
for college entrance.
“Where’s your sister?” Sharini asks, after
she is done leaping at Aman and pulling him
into a bone-breaking hug. Aman chuckles
delightedly, but is snuffed at the question.
“She’s not coming back to school,” he replies,
sullenly.“You remember our Abbu passed away in but she’d never had the occasion to put it to test. How do
April, right?” you test if someone is a jinn (genie), anyway? Aman never
How could Sharini not. Her best friend’s father—her seemed particularly inclined to grant her even one grandiose
favourite storytelling Azaad Uncle—was one of the earliest wish, leave alone three. What was that all about, Sharini did
casualties of the pandemic that wrecked through the world, once ask in the beforetimes.“Only for the pure of heart, brother,
and their lives, the year before. Sharini and her parents hadn’t only for the true of faith. Nothing for you!” Aman had cackled.
even been allowed to go to the funeral. “Now go get me ice cream, it’s your turn.”
“Well, how do you think we have managed since? Aysha Aman isn’t cackling anymore. Shaking his head, he replies,
got a job as an administrative assistant at Abbu’s workplace. “Abbu wasn’t.”
Usually they only hire college graduates, but everyone loved Right, Sharini remembers. It was their absent mother who
Abbu, and Aysha had an exceptional school record.” had been the jinn, who once fell in love with a human man. But
PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEXANDRA SOPHIE.

Sharini’s own grandmother had passed in the winter, then, both the siblings—“We’re jinn, Rini, not time travellers,”
but while the ache still wrenched at her heart once in a while, Aman laughed bitterly. “Aysha may still be able to sit for her
nothing of her family’s livelihood had been threatened. board exams, but her office is at the same time as school.”
“But an exceptional school record is for going to a great Brilliant, sharp-witted Aysha, who always came at the top
college! Not to be an admin assistant!” of her class in Chemistry and Math. Long-legged Aysha,
“What are you going to do about it?” their school’s 100-metre sprint champion. It makes Sharini’s
“I don’t understand. I thought you guys were...Jinn eyes hurt to think of Aysha donning a plain salwar kameez
(genie)!”. Azaad Uncle had once told the story over dinner, and spending her youth at a dull day job.

150
A PA R A J I T A
By Mim i Mon d a l

“You wouldn’t dare to tell her,” says Sharini,


suddenly feeling the blood throb in her ears.
“Promise me, Aman, you wouldn’t!”
“Relax, I wouldn’t!” he pats her on the back.
“That would be seriously cool, though. I know
I never had a shot—no girl even looks at me.
Y’all missing out all this jinn magnificence, what
can I say.”
Back home, Sharini cannot fall sleep at night.
Her heart beats a constant tattoo inside her
ribcage. Aman is the ride-or-die sort of friend; if
he promised, he would never say a word to his
sister. Would it be better if he did? But Sharini
can’t bear to imagine Aysha’s face crumpling
with contempt, of her best friend’s sister never
“You need to get over your crush on my sister,” Aman teases. talking to her again. Aysha would be delighted?
“She’ll be fine. We’ll be fine. Lots of people have had worse But what does Aman know? The past year had already dealt
this past year.” Aysha enough heartache. This is better, whatever it is.
Why are there aparajitas all over the school gate today, now In the morning, there is a crumpled handful of aparajitas
that its brightest student would never return to admire them? on her windowsill. Some of the petals are bruised, staining the
Their classrooms are recently sanitised and sparkling, all white surface the softest purple.
students sitting six feet apart as if terrified of a rerun of last Sharini stares in horror from her nineteenth-floor window,
year’s nightmare. The teachers drone on, but nothing makes gazing down at the people and vehicles crawling toy-like about
sense to Sharini. On her way home she absent-mindedly their lives an impossible depth away. No burglar or roadside
plucks an aparajita off the vine at the gate, but by the time Romeo had ever made their way to this window. No-one could
she gets home the flower has crushed in her fist. scale this height, if not—only for the pure of heart. Only for
“Is it a problem?” the next day she asks Aman. She wishes the true of faith.
she didn’t have to ask him. Sharini slowly touches a petal, feels it flutter. Then she
“What is?” scoops up the aparajitas and stuffs them in her pocket, and
“If I have a crush on Aysha?” The words come bubbling goes off to find what’s for breakfast.
out of her. “I mean, she’s not even at school anymore. She’ll
never have to know!” Mimi Mondal is the author of ‘His Footsteps, Through
Aman’s eyes turn like saucers, followed by the impish curl of Darkness and Light’, which was shortlisted for the
his mouth. “Hey! I think Aysha would be delighted.” Nebula Award in 2020

151
So
BAZAAR

NE W WOR LD
By Jan i ce Par i a t
This was her first summer in the wettest place on Earth.
Unlike any summer she had known elsewhere—at
home, back in Moscow, or in London, as a student,
or another in Rome, where she had spent her days
looking at art. What kind of summer would this be?
Rainy, for certain, but also, she hoped for fog.
After all, it was why she was here. A funny
story, really.
She’d been in Rishikesh, a month ago, when it
struck her that she liked painting fog.
Fog on the river, in the early morning, and early
evening, whispering above the water, but gone all too
soon, and it was never quite the same painting from
memory, or from the pictures she took on her phone.
So, she Googled. Fog India. And her search led her
here. To the eastern tip of the country she’d come to
explore for a few months—at the edge of a plateau
that overlooked the vast plains of Bangladesh. She’d
have never planned on including this in her itinerary
otherwise. Only Jaipur, and other more popular places,
and ancient Rishikesh by the river. Her new friends
there had thought her quite mad.“Why leave, Inessa?”
they’d teased. Here where the hash flowed freely, where
the company was loose and varied, where there was
music, and talk of enlightenment everywhere.
She’d smiled, and nodded, and gone on her way, “Now,” she’s told by the locals, “they all disappear.” You
carting her canvasses and paints eastwards, through must wait.
Kolkata, the city of love, where she stayed a few days. And so she did. Making her way only to Nohkalikai Falls,
Something special resounds in this space, she wrote in which, on the contrary, were ever-inexhaustible even in the dry
her posts, two hundred years’ worth of conversations season. With a guide, she went right up close, seeing how the
between freedom fighters,revolutionaries,and bohemians. waterfall fell dramatically in three steps, with the final leap being
At the India Coffee House, she met students who over 300 metres long, and frothing into a deep mystic pool, emerald,
watched her work curiously. and undefined in depth.What a mysterious place of power!
“Why do you paint?” One asked her. “Art,” said She had never painted like this before. In a frenzy.
Inessa, “is my life.” In plein-air. How to capture that colour? That shade of blue-
And then on to Sohra. A short flight to an airport green she’d never seen before. It kept her soundly occupied,
in Assam, then a long drive up into the hills, and until, one day, the skies darkened, and the rains came, and she
into a land of sudden deep gorges. Endless valleys, awoke to the sound of water, and when she looked out of her
pleated hills, touched by light and shadow. “What window, the world was white. It had disappeared. Perfect, she
are you looking for here?” the taxi driver asked thought, everywhere now was her canvas.
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAY SUKUMAR

her. Fog, originally, but now she didn’t quite know.


The place seemed to offer beauty but also...dryness. Janice Pariat is a poet and author of ‘The Nine-Chambered
Slopes of dry sedge grass, trickles of waterfalls, Heart’ and the award-winning book ‘Boats on Land’,
beautiful yet diminished. among others. Q

152
FASHION

DREAM
COME
TRUE
Satiate your desire for
travel by stepping into
a stylish retreat.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ARJUN MARK. STYLING BY WHO WORE WHAT WHEN.

Pankaj & Nidhi Silk


Fringe Embellished
Cocktail Dress with
Encrusted Bodice,
price upon request.
Outhouse Enchanted
Keshi Pearl Choker,
`20,500.
Bazaar
FASHION

Yousef Aljasmi Handmade


Sequinned Mesh Dress with
Crystals, `4,39,500.
Beg Borrow Steal Earrings,
`5,000 and Head Mesh,
price upon request.
PURE
SHORES
A distant dream, the setting sun, and the lull of waves...
Wanderlust takes on a fresh meaning with an almost
surreal visit to the pristine Maldives.

Photography by ARJUN MARK


Styling by WHO WORE WHAT WHEN
Valliyan Skull Long
Earrings, `9,500.
Falguni Shane
Peacock Bodysuit
with Glass Beads on
Tulle, price
upon request.
Amit Aggarwal
Hand-moulded
Polymer Blouse with
Hand-embroidered
Metallic Stones,
`70,000.
Bazaar
FASHION
Amit Aggarwal Hand-
moulded Polymer
Blouse with Hand-
embroidered Metallic
Stones, `70,000.
Bazaar
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Belinda Bawa Feathered
Headgear, price upon
request. Valliyan
Beaten Heart Silver
Earrings, `6,500.
Outhouse Riviera Pearl
Necklet (with detachable
pendant), `16,500.
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FASHION
Deepa Gurnani
Griselda Luxe
Headband, `1,79,500
(approx), and EDYN
Earrings, `32,950.
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Deepa Gurnani
Finella Luxe
Headband, `1,79,450.
Euremme Jewellery
Dancing Heart
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Dual Interlinked Chain
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Star Gold Sequinned
Hand-embroidered
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Bazaar
FASHION

Aadnevik French Lace


Gown, `8,15,000.
Belinda Bawa Feathered
Headgear, price
upon request. Valliyan
Beaten Heart Silver
Earrings, `6,500.
Outhouse Riviera Pearl
Necklet (with detachable
pendant), `16,500.
The Source Hat,
price upon request.
Deepa Gurnani
Czar Earrings, `7,150.
Rohit Gandhi + Rahul
Khanna Pure Silk
Embellished Galaxy
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Bazaar
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Bloni Heather Dress,
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Gurnani Griselda Luxe
Headband, `1,79,500
(approx), and EDYN
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Model: Eugeniya Belousova. Make-up: Savleen Manchanda. Hair: Arvind Kumar. Production: Studio Gaaba.
THE
CLASH
Cast off the matchy-matchy in favour
of colourful pattern-and-print
perfection this season.
Photographs and Artwork by QUENTIN JONES
Styled by CATHY KASTERINE
Cotton Shirt, `84,500; Lycra
Bra, from a selection; Lycra
Shorts (worn underneath),
`18,500; Silk Satin Trousers,
from a selection; Calfskin
Sandals, `89,000, all Versace.
Ribbons (worn throughout),
stylist’s own.
THIS PAGE: Pleated T-shirt
Dress in Crêpe de Chine,
`1,92,850; Cotton Raincoat,
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Celine by Hedi Slimane.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Cotton


Parka, `3,01,490;
Silk Crêpe de Chine Shirt
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`81,350, Louis Vuitton.
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FASHION
THIS PAGE: Anorak, `5,73,600;
linen shirt, `1,56,400; trousers,
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OPPOSITE PAGE: Sequined


T-shirt, `1,34,550; matching
trousers, `1,42,890, both
Ashish. Cotton jumper,
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THIS PAGE: Crêpe de
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OPPOSITE PAGE: Claus


Striped Sweater Vest,
`29,200; Print Camisole (worn
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Suede Shoes, `33,350,
Ugg X Molly Goddard.
THIS PAGE: Hand-painted
Dress, from a selection;
Cotton and Leather Shoes,
`58,350, both Marni.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Silk Shirt,


`1,12,580; Matching Skirt with
Chain, `2,36,110; Leather Bag,
`1,79,299; Wedges, `32,300,
all Givenchy.
Jersey T-shirt, `67,765;
Tulle Skirt, `3,63,825;
Canvas Trainers, `36,475,
all Alexander McQueen.
Bazaar
FASHION
THIS PAGE: Twill Top,
`5,27,150; Satin Shorts,
`1,88,550; Lambskin Belt,
from a selection, all Chanel.

OPPOSITE PAGE:
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Dress, from a selection,
price upon request;
Metal Earrings, `48,000,
both Louis Vuitton.
THIS PAGE: Cotton Vest, `12,500;
Cotton Shirt, `54,225; Matching
Dress, `90,730, all Philosophy di
Lorenzo Serafini. Wedges,
`32,325, Givenchy.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Jacquard Jacket,


`2,45,075; Matching Trousers,
`1,51,200, both Giorgio Armani.

Hair: Maarit Niemela at Bryant


Artists, using Maria Nila. Make-up:
Georgina Graham at MA World
Group, using Chanel. Manicure:
Marie Louise at Caren Agency,
using Morgan Taylor. Stylist’s
assistants: Holly Gorst and Eden
Hurley. Production: Lucy Watson
Productions. Model: Aishwarya
Gupta at Viva London.
Bazaar
FASHION

GEM’S TABLE
Presenting, a shining ode to the power of nature,
as exquisite creations from the Earth highlight
glamourous jewellery pieces.

Photographs by TARO MIZUTANI

CHANEL
Diamond leaves and creepers
entangling themselves around
your earlobes are a wonderful
expression of your love for the
outdoors. The asymmetrical design
of the earrings gives these classic
creations a fresh perspective.
Diamond Earrings,
price upon request
BVLGARI
A large, colourful flower
that blooms with diamonds,
turquoise stones, pink
tourmalines, and amethysts
reflects the brilliance of the
pigments that surround us.
Diva Dream Necklace,
price upon request

67
Bazaar
FASHION
LOUIS VUITTON
Much like the meticulously-
manicured gardens of the finest
palaces around the world, the
geometric beauty of this creation
is a labyrinth that casts an
enchanting spell.
Diamond and Onyx Ring,
price upon request
TIFANNY & CO.
The circle is the symbol of perfect
harmony, as it encapsulates all
possibilities within itself. This choker
adds a delicate line of diamonds to
the neck, making for an effortless
statement at any time of the day.
Diamond Choker,
price upon request
Bazaar
FASHION

DIOR HAUTE
JOAILLERIE
Yellow and pink sapphires are
reminiscent of the gardens of
Versailles in bloom, with hints of
emeralds for foliage and
diamonds to command brilliance.
A powerful combination.
Earrings and rings from the
Dior à Versailles collection,
prices upon request
CHAUMET
The luxury brand’s first muse,
Empress Joséphine is gracefully
imagined in this elegant diamond
and pearl tiara, that is designed to
grace the soft waves of a royal mane.
Joséphine Aigrette Impériale
Diadem, price upon request
Bazaar
FASHION
TASAKI
Organic forms are adorned
with Akoya and South Sea pearls,
and colourful stones like diamonds,
amethysts, pink tourmalines,
and chalcedony...there is beauty in
the rhythm of life.
Earrings from the ‘Living Nature’
collection, price upon request
BOUCHERON
The second generation of the Maison,
Gérard Boucheron‘s cat Wladimir first
made a global appearance in a 1979
advertising campaign. He soon
became a lucky mascot. Here, the
feline muse is seen in the form
of a diamond, black sapphire,
and quartz ring.
Boucheron Vu de 26 Wladimir II Cat
Ring, price upon request
Bazaar
FASHION

GRAFF
A necklace with alternating
pear-shaped diamonds and
radiant-cut yellow diamonds
adds brilliance to any gathering.
Diamond necklace,
price upon request
PIAGET
Like a flower that blooms
powerfully in the fields, the
‘Piaget Treasure’ rings capture the
fire of precious stones like
diamonds, emeralds, and yellow
diamonds, in all their glory.
Rings from the Piaget Treasure
collection, prices upon request
Bazaar
FASHION

VAN CLEEF
& ARPELS
From the French luxury brand’s
Heritage Collection, this
brooch—with four overlapping
leaves—offers fresh hope that
resides in the spouting of
new life beginning at every age.
Quatre Feuilles Clip,
price upon request
CARTIER
The panthère that symbolises
the Maison first appeared in 1914.
Here, it rests atop a circle-shaped
onyx pendant, with diamonds
and emeralds that sway into
the vast openness.
Panthère de Cartier necklace,
price upon request

Styled by: TAMAO IIDA


Realised by: KAYORI MORITA
BEAUTY

A
NEW
BEGINNING
The products and tools to consider for
your new beauty ritual, and actor
Radhika Apte shares her minimalist
approach to skincare...
PHOTOGRAPH BY HORACIO SALINAS
Bazaar
BEAUTY

NEW
RITUAL,
NEW YOUSmall steps in your beauty routine can result
in a giant leap towads your quest to achieving
healthy, luminous skin.
By Meghna Sharma

1 Sephora
Nourishing
Cuticle Care,
Happy `900

Hands
It only takes a couple of
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hands’ lost glory. If dry
O.P.I Nail Envy cuticles have been bothering
Original Nail you, include a special oil
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[Hand], `190 bay. And if you are in the 2
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in Mint, `745
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Hansen is non-negotiable, and if you
Nail Growth
Miracle,
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about bacteria infesting your
gums.Want whiter teeth? Try
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4. Plum
E-Luminence
Simply Supple
Cleansing Balm,
`545
5. Bioré Makeup
3
Cleanse and Wash
Remover Moisture
Cleansing Liquid, You might think that double cleansing doesn’t hold
`1,200
any relevance since most of us aren’t wearing any
make-up while at home. But if you slather on a
generous amount of sunscreen every day, you need to
cleanse twice: first with a micellar water or make-
up remover (in case you are wearing foundation or
eye make-up), and then with a gentle cleanser. Make
this part of your daily night-time routine to dislodge
impurities from pores, and prevent breakouts.
2

1
3 1. Laneige Multi
Deep-Clean
5 Cleanser, `550
2. Givenchy Le
Soin Noir Cleanser,
price upon request
3. Murad
Hydration
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PORUS VIMADALAL.

Refreshing
Cleanser, `3,400
4. Cetaphil Gentle
Foaming Cleanser,
`880
5. Glutaweiss
Glutathione
Foaming Cleanser,
`2,995

201
The Body
Shop Drops
Of Youth
Youth
Concentrate
Sheet Mask,
`595

Etude House
Moistfull Collagen
Deep Cream,
`1,600

4
Counter Ageing
There are two kinds of anti-ageing products:
preventative and repairative. Whether you want
to smoothen out fine lines or reverse wrinkles
that have set in deeply, including a specialised
cream or serum into your beauty routine
will leave you with a tauter complexion.
Treat your skin to products formulated with
collagen, retinoids, antioxidants, hydroxy acids,
niacinamide, or peptides for a youthful glow.

Avène
RetrinAL 0.1
Intensive
Cream,
`2,500

Innisfree Olay Eyes


Clinique Smart Perfect 9 Farsáli Ultimate Eye
Custom-Repair Repair Haldi Eyes, Cream, `1,699
Serum, `5,850 Cream EX, `3,500

6
`3,400

5 Under-Eye Care
Daily Hydration Being constantly glued to a screen
No matter what your skin type (dry, oily, or (laptop or mobile) can result in
combination), it is imperative to keep your skin dark circles and puffy under eyes.
hydrated. Consider a multi-tasking formula that And because the skin around the
is suited to your needs and offers additional eyes is a lot thinner than the face’s,
benefits like skin-clearing properties, cooling you need a more potent formula to
agents, and SPF. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, handle this situation. Incorporating
for instance, was created to instantly prep and an eye cream in your A.M. and P.M.
transform models’ skin before the shows. Infused routines should help, and on days
with a matrix of eight oils and SPF15, it instantly when you have XL bags under your
moisturises and rejuvenates tired, dull skin. eyes, indulge yourself with a home
spa featuring cooling eye masks.
Charlotte
Tilbury
Charlotte’s
Magic
Cream,
`8,800 La Mer The Eye Concentrate,
price upon request
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
202 Eye Concentrate Matrix, `5,500
Kama
Ayurveda Rose

7
Jo Malone London Lime Jasmine Bath &
Basil & Mandarin Body and Body Oil, `975
Hand Lotion, `4,100

Tack le the
‘Tech Neck ’
There is another downside
to staring at your phone
and laptop: neck lines,
or worse, a ‘crepey neck’
that resembles paper.
8
Fortunately, skincare brands The Goddess Glow
have whipped up novelty Using a fragrant body oil doesn’t just
formulas that firm up and hydrate your skin, it can also uplift
Dermalogica
lift the skin on your neck Neck Fit Contour your mood. Slather some on post-
and chest area, smoothing Serum, `6,000 shower, or pour a few drops of your
out fine lines and wrinkles. approx
favourite oil into the bath water for
a delightful, lingering aroma all day
long. If you don’t have the luxury of Dior
time for that (why not turn this into J’adore
a self-care Sunday ritual?), use a rich Dry Silky
Body Oil,
cream or lotion to relieve dryness price upon
Clarins Extra Firming Youthful Lift
and get luminous skin. request
Neck & Decollete Care, `4,400

The Body Shop Spa Of


The World Japanese
Camellia Cream, `2,995

Peter

9
Thomas
Roth 24K
Gold Pure
Luxury Lift & Nurse Jamie Uplift
Firm Body Sonic
Hydra-Gel Dr. Dennis
Massaging Beauty
Eye Patches,
`5,600
Gross DRx
SpectraLite
Tool Up Roller, `11,800

(approx) FaceWare Pro, Navigating the world of at-home


`32,400
tools can be intimidating for some.
When it comes to their efficacy,
these derm-approved tools are
primed and tested to offer visible
results. Whether you want to refine
your skin’s texture, firm up, banish
puffiness, or smooth out ‘orange
peel skin’ (cellulite bumps), there is
a tool out there for
Jillian all your needs.
Dempsey Aceology
Gold The Original Foreo Bear Facial
Sculpting Blue Ice Globe Toning Device,
Bar, Face Massager, `25,950 at
`19,700 `3,700 (approx) lookfantastic.co.in
(approx)

203
(Clockwise) Kérastase
Genesis Anti Hair-Fall
Intense Fortifying Masque,
10 `3,000; Anti Hair-Fall
Fortifying Blow-Dry Fluid,
ENN Pucker
Hydrating
It’s All About `2,300; Daily Anti Hair-Fall
Fortifying Serum, `4,500;
Lip Mask
with Hydration and Ampoules Anti Hair-
Fall Fortifying Cure, `6,000
Hyaluronic
Acid, `900
Chapped lips are not
flattering on anyone.
11
Staying hydrating from Protect Your Mane
within and eating a Stress-induced hairfall is one of the most
nourished diet are crucial common hair issues. If your strands feel
to keeping your pout weakened at the root, switch your routine to a
plump and pretty. But specialised haircare range that can strengthen
along with this, stock up on hair follicles, and also improve texture and
a balm that treats your lips manageability. Kérastase’s Genesis range is
to moisturisng ingredients. well-suited to this concern, as it comprises
And don’t forget to Edelweiss Native Cells (that hydrate and
exfoliate once a week. Jo Malone reduce breakage); ginger root (which
London
Vitamin E Lip stimulates microcirculation); and 1.5 percent
Conditioner, Aminexil (which preserves hair nutrition).
`2,400
Clinique
Moisture
Surge Lip
Hydro-
Plump
Treatment,
Dior SkinCeuticals
`1,700
Dior Antioxidant Lip
Addict Repair, `3,000
Lip approx
Sugar Kama Ayurveda
Rose Lip Balm, Bath & Body
Scrub, Works
`3,300 `590
Anti-Bacterial
Hand Spray in
Eucalyptus
Organic Mint, `599
Harvest Beetle

12
Hand Sanitizer,
`125

Sanitisers
That Care
Dry, flaky hands will
no longer be an issue,
thanks to these caring
formulas that guarantee to
disinfect your palms while
keeping them supple.
With ingredients like aloe Dot & Key
Hand Cream
vera, eucalyptus, lavender, Sanitizer +
peppermint, cherry, and Moisturizer in
more, these multi-taskers Lavender &
Peppermint,
also ensure that their `395
subtle scents keep your
spirits high all day long.

Plum Hello Aloe


No-Stick
Hand Cleansing
Gel, `150

Sugar Swipe Right Hand Rub in


204 Bold Berry, `149
The Earth
Collective
Scalp Tonic,
The Cosmetic
`37,500

13
Republic Root
Concealer,
`1,225

Moroccanoil
Don’t 14
Oily Scalp
Treatment,
Forget Cover Up Greys
`2,700
the Scalp Yes, salon appointments are
If you have been focused not an option at the moment.
solely on your hair health, Enter, coloured hair sprays.
it is time to divert some The micro diffusers release
attention to your scalp. just the right amount of tint to
Clogged pores due to cover up greying roots.
product build-up can lead Plus, these sprays are available
to hair loss and, in some in a host of shades, so you can
cases, even seborrheic select the one closest to your
dermatitis. A scalp scrub hair colour, ensuring that your
Aveda Invati
can promote hair health, Advanced ‘cover up’ is well executed.
while a revitalising serum Scalp
or treatment will help Revitalizer,
`4,400
control inflammation,
and add nourishment.

L’Occitane en
Provence Roses
et Reines Extra
Gentle Soap, `450 Chanel N°5
The Bath
Soap, price L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root
upon request Concealer Spray, `299

16
Kama Ayurveda
Rose, Cinnamon &
Orange Soap, `525

Lash
Drama
Dior Joy By
Dior Pearly
Courtesy face masks, our
eyes have taken centre-

15
Bath Soap,
`2,500 stage. And while loading
up on a volumising
mascara might be the last
Switch to a Perfumed Soap thing on your mind right
Be it to cleanse hands or take a bath, a fragrant soap with now, you can always
a pleasing scent can work as a silent, self-care ritual. For an work on making your
indulgent spell, consider iconic fragrances such as Chanel lashes extra luscious.
N°5 or Dior Joy, or enjoy the sweet whiff of flowers with A serum can help boost
L’Occitane and Kama Ayurveda’s soap bars. volume and strengthen
lashes, and this Ayurvedic
formulation by Forest
Essentials can be used on
Moroccanoil the brows as well.
Body Fragrance
Originale Forest Essentials Nayantara Clear
Cleansing Bar, Lash & Brow Serum, `1,225
`1,170
Forest Essentials
Luxury Sugar
Soap, `595
205
Bazaar
BEAUTY
“I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A
YEAR OF TRANSITION”
Actor and Clinique India ambassador, Radhika Apte, shares her minimalist beauty regime,
her hopes for women in cinema, and how hitting pause last year changed her life.
By Meghna Sharma
Harper’s Bazaar: Are you a minimalist
or a maximalist when it comes to your
beauty routine? HB: 2020 was a tough year, how is 2021 looking for you?
Radhika Apte: I am definitely a minimalist. RA: Last year was actually really good for me. It felt amazing to have
I drink a lot of water, get enough sleep, and that ‘pause’ enforced on me to review my priorities. I have a few
moisturise twice a day. I also ensure I take off announcements to make in the coming weeks regarding upcoming
all my make-up before going to bed. And, projects. Simultaneously, I am also working on projects of my own.
I remember to stay happy! I have made a conscious decision to not work constantly and, instead,
HB: You are Clinique’s first Indian brand focus on other aspects of my life as well.
ambassador. How has the journey been? HB: How do you see cinema evolving in the near future?
RA: The last two years with the Clinique India RA: Content creation and consumption is rapidly evolving.With the
family have been wonderful.The beauty brand has rise of OTT platforms, there was an equal opportunity presented to
always advocated empowering women with the talent, worldwide. It is truly wonderful that so many different ideas
knowledge that good skin can be achieved. This and concepts are being explored, but we still need to push harder. Our
truth resonates with me as I, too, believe in being quality of work needs to match the world’s.
natural, real, and authentic in everything that I do, HB: What changes would you like to see in how women are
from my skin to my portrayed in films?
life choices. RA: Through my work, I have tried
HB: How has to portray a diverse range of women
Clinique’s new and characters, each with a different
launch, the voice and story. I believe there are some
Moisture Surge films that are on the right path, where
variant, affected the female characters are strong and
your skin? inspiring. However, there is still a lot
RA: My skin is on of work to be done in ensuring that
the drier side, so women are well-represented, across
I need to moisturise the board.
it often. I have been HB: What are your hopes for
using Moisture yourself, in the coming times?
Surge for a while RA: I have always wanted to be a part
now, and I love the of films that I would enjoy watching
new version as it myself.When I consider a new project,
suits my needs well. I think about how it would contribute
It feels similar to to my growth as an actor and a person.
the old formula— It is not always easy to get the kind of
lightweight and oil- work that inspires you, so I am trying to
free—but with the work on my own projects alongside—
PORTRAITS BY MARIE BAERSCH.

added benefit of which is difficult but also exciting! I feel


giving the skin an like this year is a year of transition, and
immediate moisture I am hoping for a positive outcome. Q
boost and keeping
it hydrated for
100 hours. Clinique Moisture Surge
100H Auto-replenishing
Hydrator, `2,950
206
Bazaar
BEAUTY

D O L C E VIT
L A r
g e o f fragranc
es—Allegr
an c Italian sojourn, sans
i
a an
p
d th A
eM
w t a
ne oman ssp ag
i
e
n ar o rt. nif
v n A celebrated name in the By

yin egh
o
ke di

u world of haute jewellery and

g e na S
l ta i’s

M
yo

horology, especially for reinventing rules,


wil lgar

sse har
Bvlgari brings the same decadence and precision

n ce
Bv

to the art of crafting fragrances. Over the years, the

s— a
Italian Maison has offered us many olfactory gems, but
none so precious as the new Allegra range, for it comes with

m
the promise of infinite possibilities.
Layering fragrances is still secret knowledge, and
Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier turned his vision into reality
by creating a complementing range of Magnifying essences that
allow you to create your own version of a Bvlgari scent
by layering it with the essence.
The Bvlgari Allegra range comprises five fragrances that embody
the colourful Italian lifestyle and glamour. Starting with Riva
Solare, that will whisk you away to the Italian Riviera with its
fresh, citrusy notes. Meanwhile, Fiori D’Amore, a blend of
Turkish and Bulgarian red roses, with its sweet-yet-intense notes
is perfect for a night out. The powdery Dolce Estasi is a striking
daywear scent, and the fruity-floral Rock’n’Rome is inspired by
the incandescent sunsets of Rome. The final eau de parfum in the
Allegra series—Fantasia Veneta—is a decadent delight.
With notes of red peach accord and a hint of vanilla scent,
it envelops your body in enchanting energy...much like
Venice’s legendary carnivals.
Bvlgari’s collection of five Magnifying essences is equally
impressive. The exquisite, single-note distillations in Bergamot,
Rose, Patchouli,Vanilla, and Musk can be worn on their own or
layered with any of the scents, allowing you to customise your
fragrance by enhancing your favourite notes. Each Magnifying
essence contains rich concentrations of precious raw ingredients
distilled from the best harvests. The gemstone-hued, cabochon
flacons also echo Bvlgari’s motto of responsible luxury,
with 96 percent of the bottle made of glass.
Bvlgari Allegra EDP, `16,450/100ml each,
and Magnifiers, `13,150/40ml each

208
.IN

Follow www.cosmopolitan.in for


the latest in fashion,
beauty and celebrity news.
Bazaar
BEAUTY Schwarzkopf
Professional Ultime
Rose Finishing Oil,
`1,750

ROSY DELIGHTS

Balmain
Balmain
If your hair has been feeling
stressed of late, consider
Schwarzkopf's Finishing Oil
to add to your beauty arsenal.
A blend of precious rosa canina
fruit oil and damascena flower
oil, the formula envelopes hair
strands to soothe and nourish
them. The lightweight oil is a self-
evaporating formula that boosts
shine without weighing the hair
down. And the multi-tasker
works equally well on dry or
damp hair to tame frizz, as well
as a heat protector to apply
before using styling tools.
FLAMING HOT L'Oréal Paris
Rouge Signature
Scarlet lips were the centre of

BEAUTY
Matte Lipstick
attention on the Spring 2021 runways. in Empowered,
Dolce & Gabbana, for instance, `650
continued its love-affair with the iconic
hue. True to its DNA, the couture
house married the whimsical with the
classic, pairing sharp wings with a bold
All that's fresh in the world of beauty right now

NEWS
red mouth. Meanwhile, Balmain
brought out the playful side of this
shade by overdrawing the lip line just
a smidge to create a hint of unstated
drama. And models at Max Mara
sported a similar look paired with
Sugar
luminous skin. It is worth noting that Matte As Hell
rather than creamy and glossy finishes, Crayon Lipstick
matte lips got the kiss of approval. in Pepper
Anderson,
`799
Dolce & Gabbana

CREAMY
Max Mara

COMFORT
Laneige's new range, Cream Skin
Line, is perfect for summer. Formulated
using the brand's patented Cream Blending
Technology, the products are lightweight and
offer long-lasting hydration, which results in a
fresh, dewy glow. The main ingredient is White
Leaf Tea Water, formulated with green tea—
a heritage ingredient from their own green tea
fields in Jeju Island. Harvested only once a year
IMAGES: COURTESY THE BRANDS

in late April and early May, the end result is


an amino acid-rich ingredient that
strengthens the skin's barrier and
offers deeper hydration.
Smashbox Always
On Liquid Matte (Clockwise) Laneige Cream Skin Quick Skin Pack, `2,010;
Lipstick in Bawse, Cream Skin Milk Oil Cleanser, `2,150; Cream Skin Refiner
`2,100 Mist, `1,680; and Cream Skin Toner and Moisturiser, `750

210
Dolce &
Gabbana
Dolce
Shine EDP,
`7,100/75ml

(Top) Anastasia Beverly Hills


Iced Out Highlighter, `3,800;
(right) Brow Freeze, `2,800

ICE QUEEN
Anastasia Beverly Hills' latest launches will keep you looking cool even
as the temperature soars. The Iced Out Highlighter is packed with
golden pigments that blend effortlessly and deliver a multi- BAZ AA R L OVE S .. .
dimensional, wet-effect glow. Brow Freeze, on the other hand, is a clear This summer, Dolce & Gabbana has introduced a
wax formula that tames and sculpts the brows for a 'lifted' look, citrusy-floral scent that is as sparkling as the bottle it is
awarding you with full-bodied arches. housed in. Reminiscent of the gardens of the Amalfi Coast,
the colourful opening notes of mango with grapefruit essence
will charm you. Moments later you will discover the bright
FOR A bouquet of jasmine mixed with a supple accord of
YOUTHFUL GLOW sun-drenched blond woods, which make this irresistibly fresh
If your skin has been craving extra nourishment, fragrance a must-have this season.
iS Clinical has an innovative solution for you. These
two luxurious, science-backed products—Body Complex
and Youth Body Serum—don't just hydrate the skin KEEP IT FRESH
and keep it supple, but also provide potent antioxidant
protection, increase the skin's cellular integrity, and To make your beauty
improve signs of ageing. Generosity in a bottle. products last longer,
consider investing in a
beauty fridge.
A favourite with celebrity
make-up artists, use this
to store your
moisturisers, eye creams,
sheet masks, and
gemstone-clad tools.
The low temperature
protection heightens
product performance,
prevents bacterial
growth, and preserves
potent ingredients.
StylPro 4 Litre Beauty Fridge,
iS CLINICAL Youth Body `6,999, at glowbytressmart.com
Serum, `11,590/200ml, and
Body Complex, `6,950 By Meghna Sharma

211
212
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Make a trip to Hydra Islands in Greece, where Leonard Cohen once dedicated
songs to his lover, and artist Niko Ghika hobnobbed with the literati.
IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES.

An enchanting sunset
over Hydra Island
Bazaar
ESCAPE

(Clockwise from
above) The Paros
Island is en route
to Hydra Island;
outdoor restaurants
at Hydra Island;
an old street with
a flush of
bougainvillea
flowers; a vintage
photograph from
circa 1900; the
Historical Archives
Museum
214
BEYOND
THE SEA
Take the ferry to Hydra, a car-free idyll where
peace, food, music, and love weave a seductive
Hellenic spell. By Juliet Nicolson

golden outline of the town’s clock tower: the long-


appointed meeting point for lovers and lost children.
Steep steps cut into the hills rise up from all three sides
of the port, coiling and snaking their way through the
narrow, bougainvillea-hung streets.
Hydra has strict rules concerning the construction of
new buildings and there are no large hotels on the
island, but though the town feels completely unspoilt
by mass tourism, its undeniable attraction for the
owners of sleek yachts is evident in the gentle sway of
masts in the harbour. Indeed, the island has, for many
years, been a laid-back honeypot for the glamorous and
sophisticated, attracting world-famous artists, writers,

T
o visit Hydra is to travel Tardis-like to a and musicians. The painter Niko Ghika, whose family
time long ago, to a place where the had lived there since the 17th century, would often
complete absence of motorised wheels invite his friends, the authors Lawrence Durrell, Patrick
lends an unmatchable peace. Hydra belongs Leigh Fermor, Norman Mailer, and Henry Miller, to
to the Saronic group of islands and lies about an hour stay. In the 1960s, one of Hydra’s most romantic
and a half across the sea from Athens. After a brief stop associations began in the port when Leonard Cohen,
at the pretty island of Paros, our ferry approached a a young Canadian poet and singer, spotted a beautiful
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

horseshoe-shaped harbour humming with cafés, Norwegian girl. Her name was Marianne and their life
delectable shops selling floaty sundresses, honey, and on the island, where birds still balance on the telephone
mouth-watering spinach pies, and purring with a wires, inspired some of the 20th century’s most
thousand indigenous cats. Elegant 18th-century sea- hauntingly-beautiful love songs.
captains’ houses ring a port dominated by the graceful, As we disembarked, a fleet of mules and donkeys was

215
Bazaar
ESCAPE
One of Hydra’s most
romantic
associations began
when Leonard
Cohen spotted
a beautiful
Norwegian girl,
Marianne, and their
life on the island waiting to carry our luggage to our hotel, while we
boarded one of the taxi-boats that dash across
inspired some of the the bays. Ten minutes at speed along the coastline at
Plakes sits the tiny Four Seasons hotel. Its open-air
20th century’s most restaurant remains one of the island’s most sought-after
hauntingly-beautiful lunchtime meeting places, known for its discreet staff
—we dined there at the same time as Kate Moss, in the
love songs. company of a privacy-loving rock star.
The rhythm of the week depends on whether you
choose the option of sunbathing with a good book
followed by a swim in water that seems to have been
distilled for clarity, or something a little more
adventurous. We spent a joyous day on a beautiful
boat, pampered by a wonderful crew as we sailed
past a scattering of tiny outer islands dotted with
miniature, white-painted chapels, before diving for
rainbow-coloured sea-urchin shells and picnicking
on cake and olives as shiny as black marbles. One
morning, we rose in darkness, before the heat of the
sun made the long climb up to the imposing Profitis
Ilias monastery—too swelteringly-daunting—and
(Clockwise from
were eventually rewarded top left) The old
with a fountain of icy-cold Ypapanti Church
water and an invitation by and its bell
tower;
the resident monks to help holidaymakers
ourselves to a box of their and sunbathers
own Turkish delight, nutty on a resort
island in Hydra;
with home-grown water taxis to
pistachios. ferry passengers;
In the evening, the donkeys are still
employed to
intoxicating scent of carry luggage; a
jasmine drifted towards us traditional
on the warm breeze as we bar-restaurant;
the village ice
took the long path, that cream shop
meanders high above the
IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

Aegean, into town for


dinner. Luscious, pink-
centred figs tumbled from
trees as we passed ladders built into the rock-face,
leading down to tempting inlets, should one decide on

216
an impromptu dip.Walking through the delightful hamlet of Kamini—with its
distinctive, sadly-abandoned, terracotta-coloured café—the scorched ruin of
Ghika’s 40-room childhood mansion-with-a-view sat high on the hill above
us, burned almost to the ground by a drunken, negligent servant in 1965.
Arriving at the port, the evening began with a drink in Bratsera, the chicest
hotel in town, followed by dinner at Blue Chairs, our favourite restaurant,
which was perfect for people-watching. Finally, we visited Melisses Gallery, for
its tasteful local souvenirs, and Turquoise’s hopelessly seductive clothes shop.
Long after a red-bronze sun had fallen beneath the horizon and the dusk
had deepened into night, a taxi-boat took us back to the hotel where a full
moon guided us down to the water’s edge. As we swam out into the warm sea,
we suddenly found ourselves engulfed by a shimmering cloud of tiny
phosphorescent fish. At a time when travel has never felt so precious, Hydra’s
magical Tardis spirit is reliably enchanting.
‘Frostquake: The Frozen Winter of 1962 and How Britain Emerged a Different
Country’ by Juliet Nicolson is available at leading e-bookstores Q

217
BAZAAR
How

The May
1948 cover
of Harper’s
Bazaar US

D R E A M S O F S U M M E R

Resting hope in a brighter tomorrow

The covers of Harper’s Bazaar in the 1940s, many of which were photographed
by one of America’s leading female lensmen Louise Dahl-Wolfe, celebrated the
THE MAY 1948 COVER OF HARPER’S BAZAAR US

spirit of freedom with the use of natural light and outdoors settings. Louise
introduced a new ambience for fashion imagery, offering a visual relief for readers
with beautiful, exotic locales...creating an escape and a sense of hope for the future.
Today, we turn to that very spirit of movement and sunnier days by paying ode to
this cover from May 1948, where we see an elegant lady soaking in the sun,
enjoying her time sans any pressing situations to tend to. Until our world returns
to a state of normalcy, we take this as a reminder that dark days always turn
a corner to make way for brighter times ahead.

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