Innehållsförteckning för April/May 2022 från Harper's Bazaar India

It is a question that has enthralled—and plagued—humanity since the beginning of time…what is the secret to this elusive concept we know as happiness? Some might argue that any attempt to chase happiness would be counterintuitive…and they might be right in thinking so. It was the wise philosopher Henry DavidThoreau who had once declared over a hundred years ago,“Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder”. And yet, how can one disregard any opportunity to unriddle this glorious puzzle? For in a world infatuated with success and ubiquitous with disappointments, if we can magnify our joys even marginally, it would be a pursuit worthwhile.…

The SHIRT Classics have a way of enduring shifting trends. Let the effortless ease of a crisp, ivory, collared shirt speak for the power of simplicity. The PAIRING Style fine lace with a solid-coloured ensemble. The result? A contrast that creates just the flair for a summer soirée. The SILHOUETTE Comfort is key… So why not invest in an oversized coat in a cheery hue that takes you through the seasons? The HEMLINE Long summer days call for pieces that are even longer… Consider a dress that ends on the shins to help you lounge around, stride about, or put your feet up to cool yourself down. The COLLAR A triangular collar is such a sharp way to draw attention to an attenuated jawline. Remember to smile! The SLEEVES When your urgent desire to hit the…

When Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski, Artistic Director of Hermès’s womenswear, was 19—or maybe 21; those years, she says, are a bit blurry—she put together a look she was really proud of: “I wore huge, baggy, really oversized Levi’s with tiny, tiny, skinny black T-shirts,” she tells me. “I had really short, short hair, and I used to wear these white clogs.” At the time, Nadège was a student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium, the Antwerp fashion school renowned for producing such talents as Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, and Dries Van Noten. She describes her collegiate aesthetic back then as “sort of techno, with mystique”. She was really into Britpop; as a teen in Lille in northern France, she and a friend wrote for a music zine as a…

What is the most beautiful thing a woman can wear, one that will make her sparkle? It’s 2022, and it’s safe to say that we’re looking beyond the trinket box. And so, we’ll venture to say it’s her power, confidence, and most of all, her happiness…concepts that were the bedrock of the first-of-its-kind Women’s Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020, created in collaboration with Cartier. This special exhibit, followed by a daylong seminar, was dedicated to the achievements and travails of women, across history and the world. Bazaar India spoke to one of the key driving forces behind the Women’s Pavilion—Sophie Doireau, Cartier’s CEO for the Middle East, India, and Africa—about the Maison’s commitment to the female force, empowering women in their teams, her own journey, the timeless appeal of…

The circle of life is complete only when women extend the guidance and mentorship to other women, and help them realise their full potential.…

In Greek mythology, the nymph Minthe was transformed into the cooling leaf that is much-loved for its ability to uplift the spirits of a drink, the body, and even the skin. Apply a paste of mint leaves to your face to contain heat acne or dehydrated skin, as the antioxidants in it help neutralise fee radicals. A mere whiff of mint can also calm fatigue and anxiety, but along with it, consume it for its high source of Vitamin A for better eyesight, or a happier, stronger digestion.…

It’s the 1920s, and the newly-wed, headstrong Kaveri turns detective—in a sari—when someone gets murdered at a party. [Simon & Schuster] Seven supernatural short stories range from a haunted orphanage to an otherworldly woman rising from the grave… Keep your lights on when you flip the pages of this award-winning read. [Hachette India] In the search for the evolution of north Indian music, this book will take you on a journey that fills your soul with reverence for the artform. [Penguin Random House India] A memoir about Kashmir in the ’90s, that was taken over by violence… But, the author secretly dances to pop songs on banned radio stations, writes her first love letter, goes to the cinema for the first time, and more. [HarperCollins India]…

GEMINI MAY 22-JUNE 21 Don’t assume that people urging you to scrutinise documents or travel plans are making a fuss over nothing. If you take unnecessary chances, you could find yourself paying a high price. LUCKY DAY 21st —attention from afar lights up your life. CANCER JUNE 22-JULY 23 You might wonder whether to embrace group activities, but you’ll soon realise that someone you trust is urging you to invest in a worthwhile experience. Any risk is minor compared to the likely benefits. LUCKY DAY 15th —acquiring vital data means you stride ahead. LEO JULY 24-AUGUST 23 Have faith in those reassuring you that an ongoing property or family matter will soon be resolved. True, they may have said something similar in the past, but focus on newly-discovered statistics to…

POWER MOVE This season, let the enthralling energy of intense black, bohemian prints, and radiant colours put you on the right side of style.…

In 1913, Gabrielle‘Coco’ Chanel was photographed with a camellia tucked into the belt of her tunic dress on Étretat beach in France. Reputedly, it was her lover, Boy Capel, who first gave her camellias, and the flower became as powerful an emblem in her life as it was in her designs. Gabrielle decorated her apartment on Rue Cambon with camellias adorning the Coromandel screen and chandeliers—and they continue to inspire today’s collections, with every gift fastened with a fabric bloom. In fact, the new N°1 de Chanel beauty line honours this heritage with an innovative collection comprising skincare, make-up, and fragrance, all powered by camellia’s potent revitalising properties. After a decade of research, Chanel’s scientists discovered a rare molecule unique to a variety of red Camellia Japonica, named‘The Czar’. “This…

SEEMA ANAND Seema is a storyteller, mythologist, and a Kama Sutra expert who lives in London with her husband and three children. She specialises in female narratives by blending ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas with academic know-how. Also a narrative practitioner, Seema teaches storytelling and has developed educational resources for several organisations. For this issue, Seema reveals her secrets to “sexy hair” in Root of the Matter. Seema adds, “Writing this piece for Bazaar India reminded me what magazines bring to the world—a useful and beautiful product with integrity, that enhances the lives of its readers and make a cultural contribution.” RAKSHANDA IRANI Born and brought up in Mumbai, Rakshanda is a hair and make-up artist who learnt much of the craft while pursuing a…

Finally, we can dress up again! And it feels good; there is something so joyous about the entire process of getting ready for a special occasion. I admit, I enjoy donning beautiful clothes, having my hair blown out, and putting on a bright swipe of red lipstick. That is the thing about being a more mature woman (yes, I will be 50 in 16 months and am proud of it)—you are confident and make no apologies for being the person you are. In many ways, I am bolder when it comes to my fashion choices, more willing to experiment, yet understand that there is beauty in being graceful and effortless. So, it horrified me when recently someone asked me if I would still wear short cocktail dresses or a cropped…

NATURAL SELECTION When your conscience becomes clear regarding the ethicality of fashion, the only choice is to invest in eco-friendly creations. Label Vanaras has aligned itself with the cause, with a vacation-inspired collection of easy-breezy dresses, crop tops, trousers, and more. Each piece is made from 100 percent certified organic materials and is completely Azo-dye free. The label also follows fair trade practices, and a design aesthetic that is slow and long-lasting. Turn to the casual and semi-formal designs for a wardrobe you are proud of. Available at vanaras.com THE MASTER’S ATELIER Couturier JJ Valaya has been reinventing himself over the past few years, and his new boutique called The World of Valaya at JW Marriott Aerocity, in the capital, is a tribute to his craft. Spread over two floors,…

We have been paying a heavier price than we may have realised for our diamonds, rubies, and gold. While there is a distinct buzz in the air about sustainable fashion, the jewellery industry has, by and large, and perhaps even deliberately, been left out of the conversation. Enter, homegrown label Aulerth, that is doing its bit to ensure your jewellery does not cost you, well, the planet. Founder Vivek Ramabhadran seems to be asking some pertinent questions about what really constitutes as the true value of a piece of jewellery in today’s world: the alluring glitter of its gold and gemstones, or the pollution generated in acquiring it. “I discovered that in the pursuit of perfection of a material, a lot of destruction is done to the planet. I find…

From being banned access to their own earnings in 13 colonies under the British rule in 1769, to officially joining the workforce during World War I, and today, heading some of the biggest companies globally—working women have, indubitably, come a long way. Unfortunately, the fight for equal rights is far from over. You’d think almost 200 years after the first all-women union was formed in 1825—demanding more parity and fairer wages—the world would have warmed up to the idea of women equalling men. Not yet. Just last year, LinkedIn’s Opportunity Index reiterated that women continue to face gender-based discrimination at the workplace, despite proven skillsets and equal qualifications as their male counterparts. In the survey, 85 percent of the female Indian respondents claimed to have missed out on a raise,…

What is it about artisanal pottery that elevates the mood so? One may never know, but there’s still every reason to stock up on designs that speak of the Earth. Bengaluru-based brand Ta.Da creates whimsical portraits and sceneries on plates and bowls, that will transport you to an imaginative folktale. Meanwhile, simpler and more abstract creations are the forte of Minimal Indian and Studio Nendo (the latter makes each ceramic piece by hand), both embodying the mantra of‘less is more’. And then, White Hill Studio creates ceramic tableware with art techniques that resemble Japanese ink paintings, with a range dedicated to the famous tigress of Jim Corbett National Park, Paro.…

When I first met my husband Gundeep, he would tell me tales of his travels in India on a scooter. I was always transfixed by the photos he showed me of Ladakh, the province in north-eastern Kashmir. With its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling green meadows, it looked like paradise, and so different from my native West Bengal. The more I learnt about the region’s food, the more I wanted to go. Having changed hands betweenTibet, India, and China over the centuries, Ladakh is a tapestry of cultures whose cuisine reflects Afghan, Mughal, and central-Asian influences, offering a wonderful fusion of traditions, techniques, ingredients, and flavours. Green and black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and fennel are often combined to create deliciously aromatic dishes. When I finally visited Ladakh, I…

There’s a current of authenticity that seems to run through Anushka Sharma. It shows up in the way she greets the Bazaar India team, how she cracks a self-deprecating joke about the oversized pants she has on, and when she candidly discusses the guilt she experiences as a working mother and her struggles to achieve that most elusive concept of them all…work-life balance. Over the last five years or so, much has changed for the 34-year-old actress. She married cricketer Virat Kohli. She took a break from movies (and deprived her countless fans of some truly unconventional, beautifully-portrayed roles). She gave birth to her daughter Vamika (“My first trimester was awful,” she had revealed in another interview, with an honesty that she has become synonymous with). She decided to step…

This magic potion will leave you looking fresh BAZAAR LOVES EYE SPY A NEW ICON If your under-eye area appears stressed and fatigued, Dior has concocted a powerful solution to help. The Cell Energy Super Potent Eye Serum boasts 92 percent natural-origin ingredients, with the stars of the formulation being the re-energising longoza and firming rye extract. The serum comes with a patented applicator, which helps massage the eye region, and the serum corrects, lifts, and reverses signs of ageing around the eyes. ALL GLOSSED UP We agree that the ’90s had some questionable beauty trends doing the rounds, but the one redux from the decade that we are thrilled about is glossy lips for summer. The backstage pros took the look up a notch by combining glazed skin with a…

What better way to celebrate the turn of seasons than embracing one’s ownbeauty, and age, with confidence? That has been the vision of Harper’s Bazaarsince the start, as is evident in this elegant cover shot by American photographerLillian Bassman for the June issue of 1954… Lillian, whose family emigratedfrom Ukraine, was best recognised for the graininess in her images as well as theplay of geometry and angles in the framing of her models. What is most interestinghere is that we are presented with the female gaze—a graceful, self-assured figurewho shields herself from the harsh rays of the sun. Could this be an analogy for thespirit of the modern woman? We certainly hope so.…

The PATTERN Play with a range of dots by pairing them together from head to toe. Nothing dotty about that, we assure you!…

LET’S PLAY PEEK-A-BOO Whether or not you are planning to spend this summer by the sea (or pool), you can still dress the part. The runways presented a bevy of options, ranging from crop tops in muted tones to embellished bralettes, and metallic bikini tops to lacey underpinnings, all fit to be worn as is or layered with a cover-up. If it is too hot to wear a blazer, layer your favourite piece over a white shirt for a practical, yet glamorous, approach. FREE SPIRIT For Spring ’22, the designers revamped bohemian patterns, with special attention to craftsmanship. Featuring a versatile palette, the nouveau bohemian trend is rooted in one’s need to escape to an exotic locale. Don’t be fooled by the breezy styles, for they are constructed in a…

Nestled in the leafy bylanes of Sundar Nagar sits a new jewellery store guarding a 60-year-old legacy of crafting fine gemstone jewellery. The Alok Lodha moniker and flagship has come a long way since its gaddi in the narrow Chandni Chowk, that was initially set up in 1968 and gained a stellar reputation for its sparkling chudis [bangles]. The two-storey edifice, that has been launched this year in Delhi, has been deliberately fashioned to resemble a traditional Maison, “to evoke a certain mood of opulent luxury.” Nouveau, as it is in its establishment, the 4,800 square feet store holds venerable pieces that have been formed from precious gemstones, patiently waiting to come alive into stunning bijouterie. “I firmly believe in not rushing to design a piece when we buy stones,”…

UNEXPECTED SUSPECTS Forget all you know about horology, because some of this year’s watches present a peering case of ‘is that even possible?’. Usher in a new wave of creativity with Cartier’s Coussin de Cartier Innovation, which features a 3D printed dial, studded with diamonds, that you can literally squeeze! Van Cleef & Arpels, on the other hand, has decided to change the way we look at time, with the Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisie that features ‘blooming’ flowers that are meant to be counted by the wearer to know the hour. At Czapek & Cie, the dial of the Antarctique S Frozen Star is made out of osmium, the most uncommon noble metal on Earth—only about 30 grams of osmium are found per every 10,000 tons of mined platinum…

If you’ve never blinked away tears or felt your lip quivering in front of your boss, you may be tempted to flick past these pages. But I implore you don’t. If The Office Criers are to feel safe expressing their emotions at work—the place where we spend most of our waking hours—without feeling like total losers, they need help from The Non-Criers. No-one likes crying, but studies show that if we’re allowed to cry at work, it’s less likely we actually will—which is good news for everyone. “Women crying at work remains both routine and taboo,” writes Anne Kreamer in her book It’s Always Personal: Navigating Emotion in the New Workplace. The American journalist and author specialises in business and women’s work-life balance, and devoted a whole chapter of the…

Including a little monkey or giraffe made from scrap fabrics from the fashion industry is such a lovely way to liven up your child’s playtime. These adorable pieces are hand-crafted by the women of theWarli tribe in Palghar district, Maharashtra, contributing to the livelihood of the artisans and their families. Under the NGO Padukas, these toys—and artworks, jewellery, bags, and rugs—help in preserving a centuries-old craft of India. Available at baromarket.in…

When Marc Jacobs underwent a facelift last July, he took a selfie the very next day—wearing a gauze head wrap with plastic drains coming out from either side—and posted it to Instagram with the caption “#f*ckgravity”. The fashion world did a collective double take: someone of Marc’s stature actually being honest about the fact that self-care could go beyond yogic breathing and a gratitude journal? And also, Marc Jacobs got a facelift?! Unlike Botox or plumping fillers, facelifts just haven’t received the same widespread acceptance in recent years, which is why many people’s perception of the procedure is frozen in time. One of the last major celebrities to be so open about having a facelift was Joan Rivers. (“I fart through my ears,” she said back in 2013.) The reality…