Innehållsförteckning för March - April 2024 från Cosmopolitan India

It’s five in the morning when I am woken up by the dawn chorus of mynas nestled in the lush leaves of the mulberry tree next to my bedroom window. Like clockwork, their call signals my pact with self the night before to write the edit note today. When I peer outside, the air carries with it the intoxicating fragrance of spring as the sun rays dance around my desk, giving me the equivalent of a kaleidoscopic colour rush that is synonymous with the onset of a new season and a new mood. The constant reminder at this hour (even though winter has always been my jam) is that I can’t be mulling over the loss of it, with summer already finding a spot on my back. Instead, I just…

1. You’re at a high-stakes business meeting, and suddenly a dance-off breaks out. How do you handle the unexpected twist? a Stand awkwardly in a corner and wait for the dancing to be over. b Join the dance-off, and show my ability to adapt to any situation. c Take charge of the dance-off, turning it into a team-building exercise and a memorable meeting. 2. Reflecting on your ability to handle unexpected situations, let’s imagine that your business mirrors the intense dynamics of Succession, and you’re faced with a hostile takeover attempt by someone from your family? How would you strategise to maintain control? a ‘Cousin Greg’ my way through. b Get all the shareholders on my side, have their vote of confidence. c Much like Logan Roy, I would plan…

GLAZE SLICKED The slickback style, which stands out for its moisture and smooth texture, is trending this spring/summer 2024. The hairdo, swept cleanly without a single error, has been used this season by numerous fashion brands such as Valentino, Hermès, and Loewe. When creating a slicked-back look, make sure to comb the hair perfectly without leaving any shine, fix it so that there is no loose hair, and finish with some hair spray to revive the moist hair texture. WOW BOW This is the season when the presence of ribbon, which completes the girly mood, explodes! The one that stood out the most was at the Christian Siriano show, which was part of the balletcore trend itself. BRAIDS & TWISTS Braids are expected to be a hit this season as…

Welcome to another great year of making questionable yet impactful leaps in fashion. The year 2024 might be remembered as one when this endeavour got a little too ambitious—things have ‘literally’ started going berserk. Stealth wealth? Quiet luxury? We beg to differ. Cosplay conventions aside, there is no arguing that fashion absolutely loves an extreme moment. Embracing the otherworldly aesthetic, designers have crafted the kookiest of creations in visually eccentric, breathtaking shapes that play with the idea of wearability and resonate with the current mood of larger-than-life, dramatic dressing. Here’s a frontrow view of every single way runways embraced and reflected chaotic energy this year. BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION A champion of sustainability, Duran Lantink is never one to shy away from silliness. And that is exactly the vibe the…

Intricate filigree patterns, futuristic work, or edgy designs—no matter what you visualise in the jewellery department now, shall be done thanks to the infinite potential of 3D printing. This evolving technology, which is intertwined with the future of jewellery, allows designers to push boundaries of shape, material, and craft to create unconventional pieces. The advantages, too, are many…think faster production, error reduction, accessibility and modification to name a few. “3D design is the future because it has become more sustainable, and reduces waste. It creates a whole new depth in the designing process,” says Pradhyuman Maloo, the creative director at Mumbai-based Nornament, House of Bespoke Luxury Jewels. With the right software skills and a creative vision, anyone can reap the benefits of this new-age technology and the possibilities are endless.…

FACETS OF A PRISM After a glorious showcase at Paris Fashion Week ’24, couturier Gaurav Gupta leaves us in awe yet again. His latest Spring/Summer ’24 collection, ‘Prism Blur’, brings together forces of form and colour to then radiate them as light—just like a prism gathers light to make it glow again in many dimensions. The mesmerising visual language of the campaign for this collection reflects the evolving fashion landscape, and showcases the contemporary faces of the industry. THE CINDERELLA DREAM British luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo is set to unveil their latest masterpiece: The Crystal Slipper. Yes, an actual crystal slipper with hand-applied Swarovski crystals all over, making it a perfect fairytale-worthy fashion statement. Incorporating meticulous craftsmanship, this new accessory is sure to evoke the memory of the 18th…

“When it comes to an emotionally demanding scene, and I have to go to a certain place in my life that might not have been comfortable, I do that by connecting through music.” In the world of fashion, it is routine for the life cycle of trends to repeat or metamorphose into newer, cooler forms. However, in the world of cinema, it is routine to wait for the arrival of a ‘superstar in the making’ every time a new crew of actors makes their debut, although it is almost impossible to determine who will shine the brightest. Ultimately, the way the audience responds to the ‘object of their affection’ serves as the litmus test that finally seals the fate of an actor. FACTS: the 23-year-old Vedang Raina must be aware…

I am the ultimate pick-me-up pro. I’ve jumped through hoops to grab male attention. But gosh! Admitting it to someone you know? That’s a whole another challenge. I spent three years in a relationship realising that my boyfriend was emotionally draining. Each day felt like a broken record and I could not help but daydream about breaking free from the monotony. As the universe gives you what you wish for, I got an opportunity to break free. I met Rahil*at a wedding. He checked all the boxes: tall, handsome, mature—and a decade older to me. The only hiccup? He was married. But you know what they say about the forbidden fruit right!? It’s always irresistible. Here’s the thing you have to understand about Rahil*, he wasn’t a prick of an…

It was almost four o’clock on a Sunday evening when I returned from my mother’s funeral. I hadn’t met her in nearly a year, but here’s the kicker: I didn’t exactly feel sad when she died. It is a secret I’ve never dared to tell anyone. My mother’s words had a way of cutting me deep, she was sharp-tongued [she could slice through steel with those words of hers] and quick to anger. It’s not like I didn’t spend years to win her approval. Like any good daughter would, I did everything she expected me to. But, it was like chasing a rainbow—nothing ever seemed to sparkle enough for her. Her snide remarks about my hair, body, clothes and even the choice of my friends—she controlled everything. My relatives expected…

Model: Claudia Martín (Mad Models Management). Make-up and Hair: David Carreiro (NS Management). Styling assistant: Daniela Urrutia. Production: Marta Sánchez…

The triangle of happiness Get the look: Begin by sculpting a striking triangle on the lid—you can angle the scotch tape on the outside corner of the eye to use as a stencil. Embrace the colour spectrum by applying a hybrid shade of deep dark blue, bright blue, light blue, and a touch of white eyeshadow on your lid. Use a blending brush to create a seamless gradient along the lid and crease. Don’t forget to line your waterline with a light blue shade. Complete the aesthetic with a rustic orange lipstick to create a look that commands attention and exudes confidence. All that drama Get the look: Nothing serves better than a dramatic eye make-up look. Apply a sweep of warm, bright orange across your lids to set the…

From being the nation’s small screen heart-throb to portraying the complexities of a junior police officer in Punjab’s hinterlands—in the Netflix show Kohrra (2023)—to perfection, Barun Sobti has done it all in the last 15 years. For those of you who still haven’t seen or heard about him [erm…have you been living under a rock?!], here’s our first impression for you—Barun is lovely. One would think that, as someone who doesn’t like socialising, vanity has consumed him. But there’s considerable distance between this statement and reality. As a child, Barun never thought that he would dabble into acting…he was enjoying school and having the time of his life. On a Zoom call—he’s wearing a light green sweatshirt with headphones, and looks like the boy next door—I notice the 39-year-old has…

Heartbreak High S2 April 11, Netflix The teenage tumult of Netflix’s Australian show, Heartbreak High, is back for season two. Get ready for some serious twists and turns as this season, BFFs Harper and Amerie finally make up after a season-long feud. On the romance front, Amerie’s relationship with Malakai appears to be fizzling out. Follow for new adventures, heartbreaks, and moments that will leave you wanting more. Monkey Man April 19, In Theatres Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel makes his directorial debut with this action-packed tale of heroic pursuits. Monkey Man is the story of one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to victimise the poor and powerless. Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, Monkey Man stars Dev as the protector of…

DIVYAK D’SOUZA STYLIST & COSTUME DESIGNER “My personal style is focused on comfort and utility, but when I need to add some festive flair to my wardrobe, I look to Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna. This jacket is a statement maker on its own, so I have paired it with an all-black palette. The separates are relaxed yet tailored, so I feel unfussy. The satin texture on the shirt coupled with a wet-look fabric for the trousers makes for my perfect high-shine, after-hours look.” EESHA AMIN CELEBRITY STYLIST & DESIGNER “To me, layering this oversized rhinestone blazer with an edgy matching fishnet dress is a bold fashion statement that screams confidence and flair. To elevate the glam quotient, I have added chunky diamond jewellery, statement rings, layered neckpiece, and hand…

90s BABY A day in the life of a non-functional but cute bag. DANCE THE POLKA Let these playful dots remind you to not take yourself too seriously and have some fun this season! BACK IN BLACK You can never go wrong with this eternal favourite. OUT OF THE BLUE Or should we say in the blues? While peach struts as Pantone Color of the Year, it’s blue that’s stealing our hearts. LEGS FOR DAYS You know what they say—the shorter the hem, the bigger the heart. They don’t say that? They should! NO PANTS? No sweat! The hottest trend of the season is here to liberate you from those endless laundry days. IF THE SHOE FITS… Slingbacks are the mullet haircuts of shoes—business in the front, party at the…

Toying with an idea you think has great potential? A good business concept is always followed by a leap of faith to translate into something commercially viable. Although working out the logistics can (usually) overpower dreams of rolling in piles of cash. As an entrepreneur, you often find yourself in uncharted territory, unsure what the ‘right’ answers are. Launching a start-up in a world that is rapidly evolving is no easy feat, but you have to agree there’s never been a better time to act on your instincts. FOOD & WELLNESS VIBHA HARISH AND SOORYA JAGADISH CO-FOUNDERS, COSMIX WELLNESS Cosmo: What inspired you to start Cosmix Wellness? Vibha Harish: Imagine this—You are scrolling through Instagram, bombarded with pictures of ‘perfect’ bodies and quick-fix wellness solutions. You know the drill: drink…

You could say that I’ve had my fair share of sexual encounters—by which I mean that I have slept with women and men my age, as well as men who’re older, dominant, and sexy [and have more money!]. I’m not exactly what you’d call ‘promiscuous’, rather, I am very experimental. Or at least I thought so, until I found myself in a bed at a five-star hotel with my best friend and a 56-year-old man. It looked like we jumped right out of a dirty Wattpad story involving the most sordid clichés. It started the way a normal night out usually does—my friend and I dressed up to go to a club that had recently opened. Liquor is insanely priced at clubs, so we pre-boozed in our kitchen and set…

Hair: Romina Manenti at Home Agency using May11 Hair Oil. Make-up: Vincent Oquendo at The Wall Group. Manicure: Elizabeth Garcia using Gucci Beauty in Lucy Baby Blue.…

ANNA O by MATTHEW BLAKE It’s been four years since Anna O hasn’t opened her eyes—ever since her friends were found dead besides her, sparking murder suspicion. Dr Benedict Prince, a sleep expert from London, sees this situation as his big break. He’s all about cracking open the mind’s vault, digging into dreams, memories, and the creepy crime scene. But what he finds is a rabbit hole of secrets and a mystery that’s way deeper and darker than he imagined. HARD GIRLS BY J. ROBERT LENNON Jane Pool likes her suburban life—a house, family, an annoying MIL, and a meh job at the local college. But it is not all rainbows and sunshine for her, she’s got a closet full of family skeletons—she’s haunted by her absent mom’s past, and…

TREND ALERT: FAUX FRECKLES The whimsical beauty trend once made popular by make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury—as early as on the spring 2009 runways—that makes one look like they’ve spent a day frolicking in the sun (minus the UV exposure) is back. *Trust social media to turn our insecurities into a trend!* If you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon, we have a fun technique for you to embrace this youthful, sun-kissed look. Use a brow pencil or liquid formula to dot on freckle-like marks across your cheeks and nose. Be it subtle splatters or bold constellations, this is an easy way to add some playfulness to a regular make-up routine. HELLO ARCHES! Need something that provides maximum hold without drying out your brows? We suggest you try the latest Brow…

Ananya Panday Corsets and blazers—what wardrobe dreams are made of. Ananya effortlessly shows you how to get the best of both worlds—boardroom fashionista by day and dance floor diva by night! Shanaya Kapoor Get those whites and silvers out of the closet (yes, once again)! It’s time to seamlessly morph from the girlnext-door into a showstopper like Shanaya. Kriti Sanon It’s either florals or solids, there is no in between. Kriti shows you that florals for spring are groundbreaking (sorry for the overuse, Miranda Priestly)…and so are monochrome pantsuits! Hailey Bieber Coquette trend or quiet luxury… take on the night effortlessly. Is it cute or is it just Hailey? Let’s find out. Get your hands on these pocket-friendly supermodel outfits, stat! Dua Lipa In a world of colour, be a…

SIDDHI MEHTA, 32 Embracing streetstyle is more than a fashion choice for me. Every outfit is a brushstroke on the canvas of my personality, a fusion of urban grit and individuality. From high-low pairings to curated vintage finds, each ensemble narrates a chapter of my style journey. Streetstyle is a language, a dynamic expression of self in the bustling rhythm of the city. Through diverse textures, bold accessories, and confident silhouettes, I celebrate the raw and unfiltered essence of urban culture. Streetstyle isn’t just what I wear; it is poetic rebellion etched into my daily existence. ANUSHKA YADAV, 19 I was in the fourth grade when I fell in love with fashion. Streetwear makes me feel confident. But, I also enjoy giving it my own twist. In this look, I…

Buzz. Snooze. Repeat. Grab my phone, then fall into a scroll-hole. Each morning begins the same way. As soon as I manage to pry my eyes open, I receive a barrage of emails, Instagram, news, and WhatsApp messages—all before I have even cleaned my teeth. When the screen time reminder pops up, telling me I’ve already used 25 of my allocated 30 minutes for social media, I just press ignore. Instead of filling up my happiness meter, the endless and incessant scrolling (often done without conscious intent) makes me feel icky and gross…and it happens regularly throughout the rest of my day, too. But could the latest wellness buzz phrase dopamine fasting—which is the idea of eschewing quick happiness hits, found in the likes of notifications, Nutella, and Netflix, in…

I’ve grown up in two worlds. There’s the world of fiction, doting on the likes of perfectly imperfect leaders and ambitious women like Barbie, Jessica Pearson, and Andy Sachs, wanting to be them every step of the way and aghast yet mesmerised by the portrayal of characters like Miranda Priestly. I’ve also grown up in a world vastly different from the make-belief one—of Indra Nooyis, Jacinda Ardens, and Michelle Obamas—female leaders whose journeys have challenged ageold stereotypes. While the fictional world brought me solace and inspiration, things are only now seeming to add up in the real world. I, like several others, saw an evident gap in the number of women in leadership positions across industries, until Falguni Nayar of Nykaa, Divya Gokulnath of Byju’s, and Vineeta Singh of Sugar…

I say as my friend holds up her phone. We are having lunch and she’s showing me a screenshot taken from a chat with a man she met online. We do this all the time: sharing receipts from conversations we’ve had on dating apps, laughing, or cringing at the weird things strangers say to us. And it seems fine, because we are only showing each other, in person or in our private chats, and everyone does it. It is no big deal, right? Maybe not. But does the moral code change when you go public? These days, our lives are inherently lived online. And we share almost everything—whether intentionally or not—with millions of strangers on the internet without much thought. So it is no surprise that in recent years we’ve…

• Emotionally intimate: The toxic thing is so 2000-and-late. Yes, we all want that in our more obtuse, sunny-side-up years, but when it comes to relationship golden hour, it’s an available, vulnerable man we’re after. • Pro-therapy: A man that’s sorting through his trauma is less likely to cause yours. Bonus: if he’s open to working on himself, he’s open to working on your relationship. • Staying active: A six-pack isn’t necessary (though appreciated), but sloth isn’t kosher either. It all comes from the same root; taking care of yourself and putting in the work. Nobody wants a partner who stops trying to deserve them. • Stability: Not even the white-picket-fence kind. We mean that special brand of emotional steady-handedness that makes you feel safe—no matter what crazy adventures you…

It was a slow Friday morning, and I was preparing for my Biology class. As the term was just beginning, a lot of my friends, including my roommate, were bunking classes. My seminar hall was 25 minutes away from my dorm, so I was rushing out of my room when Sneha*, my roommate, called my name. When I looked at her, she had a funny look on her face and was covering her lower body with a towel. “A cucumber’s stuck inside me. Please help me take it out.” You’d be lying if you said that a revelation as such wouldn’t disgust you to the core. However, I unwillingly agreed to help her. As she laid back in the bed, I could not help but think: Was there an aphrodisiac…

Face access is a privilege Nothing to see here, just a matching nail-veil situation that’s radically cool in a you-don’t-follow-trends-you-set-them kind of way. Keep things simple(ish) with a press-on mani (we love the Kiss set: see right) and a claw clip that holds your hair along with this vampy net headpiece in place. Meet the eyeshadow stack We are going to skip the part where we convince you to try it (because…see right), although it is super easy and also iconic. All you need is two creamy pencils—we recommend Fenty Beauty’s Flypencils in Lady Lagoon (below) and Bad Bride. Trace one above the other from your lash lines up to your brows. Give your dress a run for its money They used to say take one thing off before you…