Innholdsfortegnelse for July - August - 2024 i Cosmopolitan India

During my wonder years of growing up, uniformed attendance ensured that my fellow batchmates and I looked like we were cut from the same cloth. I remember though how impactful the transformative power of personal style was when it would be on full display during recess. Raised collars would find a spot on the playing field, socks rolled down or folded carefully given what was trending would make a sudden appearance, skirts meticulously tucked in place with safety pins while a few found it fitting to turn them into midis, oversized jumpers would be cinched in, a plait would turn into a pony…basically, everyone who cared about how they perceived themselves outside the annals of homogenised clustering, or how others saw them, were quick to metamorphose into versions of themselves…

1 Where are you most likely to be found on a Saturday night? a Underneath a disco ball, dancing the night away. b Snuggled up eating a home-cooked meal with my partner. c Thinking of smart ways I can show my ex I have moved on. d Somewhere I probably shouldn’t be (the less said, the better). 2 What’s your favourite season? a Winter, because it is the social season. b Autumn, for cosy vibes. c Spring, for new beginnings. d Summer, with its warm days. 3 Where’s your dream holiday destination? a Mykonos or Marbella, because I like to party hard. b A serene staycation in a sleepy village. c Anywhere far away from here. d New York, of course. 4 How do you deal with your problems? a…

HEELS, BUT MAKE IT COMFY NGL! There’s nothing more versatile than a pair of kitten heels; it can elevate the most basic outfit and is also perfect to strut in from day to night. Cosmo Tip: Team this up with mesh co-ords or even a classy LBD. THE NAKED SHOE TREND IS HERE! It’s balletcore, but bold! Swirl your way into comfort and confidence with a sleek pair of mesh ballet flats. Cosmo Tip: Don’t just limit yourself to a basic pair; try everything, from Mary Jane to ankle-wrapped.…

Label: Lobomar- Based in: London, Amsterdam Founder(s): Marcella Lobo and Marco Lobo Launch year: 2020 @lobomar__ Twins Marcella and Marco, born to Indian-Italian parents, built Lobomar- by placing their parallel cultures at the core of their creative vision. The brand makes use of carefully sourced saris from Mumbai (shoutout to their aunt!) to create stunning pieces that combine statement T-shirts with oh-so-chic pleats of cotton and silk saris. Talk about a cultural mashup! Label: Rescha Based in: Paris Founder: Charlotte Chowdhury Launch year: 2022 @rescha.paris Rescha—derived from the word ‘resha’, meaning yarn in Hindi—is a brand that mixes Indian and French vibes—they’ve got carroty gamcha-inspired trousers and even pieces that reflect French silhouettes decorated with jazzy zardozi work. The founder takes great care to work with local artisans and use…

NISHTHA SHARMA, 26 My corduroy corset-like top has a dungaree-style front closure, which adds a trendy twist to it. I’ve paired this with a sleek black skirt. The look is completed by my sporty chic black Puma sneakers, black sunglasses, quirky silver earrings, and an antique silver necklace worn as a bracelet. To me, this look is bold and effortlessly chic. ASHNI MEHTA, 31 I love finding statement pieces and pairing them to create a visually intriguing ensemble. For this look, I’ve paired beige crochet knit pants with a denim corset that features a rosette accent. I’ve accessorised with trendy sunglasses and an oversized clutch…I feel it is the perfect day-to-night street style outfit. ANANYA JAIN, 19 My basic white crop top is effortlessly elevated with a pair of flared…

Kink tests: Take one; and make your partner(s) take one too. It is good to have a clear idea of where you land on the dom-sub switch scale. Toys: Do you want them involved? What excites you? What terrifies you? Discuss. Aftercare: BDSM is incredible when its done right—and respectfully. Part of that respect is aftercare; TLC that connects your partner(s) and you and restores you after the intensity of your session. Safe Word: It is just a simple word agreed upon that tells your partner when to stop. Consent: It’s key. And in a situation like this, you and partner(s) constantly need to listen and watch for it. WHERE TO TURN BDSM can feel like a daunting maze to navigate. This can be your roadmap… Inkbunny, KinkTalks: Forums and…

When Rachel (played by Jennifer Aniston) from the American sitcom Friends would step into a new season, we’d see her don a fresh haircut. I think to push myself to start a new szn too, all I need is a fancy hairdo. For instance, when I knew I’d bump into my ex for the first time after our break-up at a mutual friend’s birthday party; or when I landed an internship at my dream company; or even every time I feel stuck in life, I turn to change (read: a new haircut). And if I were to ask others, most of them (99 per cent, too much?) will shout: ‘yes, a hair-cut is life-changing’! Hairstylist Zingranwon Shatsang shares, “A haircut makes you feel like a main character. Anybody would want…

Model: Ainhoa Larretxi at The Industry New York; Global Editorial and Brand Director: Chloe O’Brien; Hair and make-up: Rachel Singer-Clark at The Only Agency using Chanel Summer 2024 Makeup Jardin Imaginaire and No.1 de Chanel Eye Serum; Production and casting: Sophie Leen Photographer’s assistant: Jem Rigby; Fashion assistant: Courtney Smith; Location: Ser Casasandra Holistic Home, Isla Holbox, Mexico @sercasasandra. With thanks to: British Airways…

Nic Kaufmann is the man into finance, 6’ 5”…you’ve been looking all over the Internet for. Although, he does confess: “I wouldn’t say 6’ 5”, but the rest of them, I can relate to,” on a Zoom call. The 23-year-old—he has walked for the Italian fashion label Dsquared2—with more than 19 million followers on TikTok, joins from Berlin. He is warm, welcoming, and also happens to have great hair (definitely the genes). The TikTok ban in India might have made us a little oblivious to talents like him. But fret not, we’ve got you. Born in 2000 to a German father and an Indian mother, Kaufmann (@nic.kaufmann) grew up in Singapore with his mom, ever since his parents got divorced. Although never one to play it by the book, he…

I had the mother of all break-ups in the 12th grade. Somebody snitched on us to my class teacher, who then—in true Indian aunty fashion—let me know she wouldn’t hesitate to set fire to my teenage romance by contacting my parents, both of whom disapproved of me dating till I cleared my board exams. I bawled in the school bathroom, then went home and sobbed in my own bathroom, and finally cried to my best friend on my Nokia phone (yes, it had buttons, sue me). It wasn’t long after that I ended up breaking up with my then-boyfriend. At the time, TBH, I wanted nothing more than to lie down and be one with the Earth. In fact, I remember crossing roads and ignoring the part where one looks…

For those working behind-the-scenes in the fashion industry: Stylist Devki Bhatt says, “Easy pants or bottoms paired with breathable tops, with an element of layer (denim jackets, bombers, cardigans) for those freezing sets.” If you work in a legal firm like Pearson Specter: Andhyarujina says a defined work wardrobe is the solution. “That should include smart jackets, shirts, and trousers. The colour palette is usually black, grey, and navy blue.” Those in the social sector: Kristine Rodricks, a senior associate at the non-profit called Saturday Art Class, says dressing simply is the key in this field. “Your choices must be formal and respectable to the space that you’re in. Palazzos or salwar kameez are usually a safe bet.” We didn’t forget the men: Shashwat says not much has changed. “But…

HAIR OIL Serum Shampoo…

TREND ALERT: DOLL BLUSH Get ready to hop onto the ‘more is more’ beauty trend that’s taking over! Always wanted to channel doll-like perfection? This trend is for you. And if someone says you’re wearing too much blush, simply bookmark this page and pass it along. WET HAIR, DON’T CARE Want straight hair without the hot plates and heat damage? Get Dyson’s newest Airstrait™ straightener—it can straighten sopping wet strands no matter the hair type. With dry, wet, and cool modes available, the Dyson Airstrait™ straightener has a built-in intelligent heat control, like all of its other hair tools. Not to say this straightener cares about your hair, but we are saying that! WHO’S THAT GIRL? Watch out, beauty brands, there’s a new girl in town (for just two months!)…

Label: Echo Studio Founder: Tanya Arora City: Noida Launch year: 2018 @echostudio.in Imagine bias-cut dresses, fierce minis, and ruffled tops—all comfy enough for Netflix binges and hot enough to turn heads at the club. Delhi-based brand Echo Studio is nothing short of a total slay fest. We’re talking bold colour-blocking with contrasting threads that scream ‘extra’. Basically, Tanya Arora’s label is your one-stop shop for drool-worthy looks. Label: The Terra Tribe Founder: Charmee Ambavat City: Mumbai Launch year: 2019 @theterratribe Dig earthy vibes and amazing clothing? The Terra Tribe’s your new fashion fam! This crew creates clothing that are both kind on mother Earth (yes, recycled fabrics) and even kinder to your look. Their latest collection titled ‘Indigene’ features African mud house-inspired threads and gender-neutral pieces—comfy, chic, and for everyone!…

What does Prada, Victoria Beckham, and Tamara Ralph have in common? Each one has collaborated with a watch brand in a capacity that lends to their design language, something that was unheard of till a few years ago. Italian luxury house Prada created nylon straps for a plethora of Panerai watches that are thought to be gentle additions to their otherwise masculine appeal, and Victoria Beckham collaborated with Breitling for their quintessential Chronomat series that brightens up the ease of a bracelet watch—and Tamara Ralph has collaborated with Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet to create a series of reimagined classics in their Royal Oak avatar. All of this can’t just be a coincidence, there has to be more to the story…Deloitte claimed last year in their Swiss watch report that the…

Blow-Up (1966) The classic psychological mystery by directing legend Michelangelo Antonioni had more sex appeal than it could handle; and the slit dresses on Jane Birkin tipped it over. Grease (1978) This film had men wearing Danny Zukoesque leather jackets and Sandra Deeesque black spandex bodysuit through the better part of the decade. Top Gun (1986) Aviators and olive jumpsuits practically sold themselves when this Tom Cruise trailblazer came out. Chandni (1989) Sridevi’s chiffon saris were iconic enough to make this fabric wildly popular through the 90s. Rangeela (1995) We have Urmila Matondkar’s crop tops and skater skirts to thank for truly ushering in the era of audacious ‘Western’ dressing for Indian women. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) Kat’s cargo pants, Doc Martens, and combat boots, and Bianca’s…

Making ‘connections’, going to networking drinks, and ‘reaching out’ to contacts… Anyone else just throw up a little in their mouth? While professional networking might do wonders for your career, the idea of putting yourself out there with strangers (heck, even people you know), to further your trip up the professional ladder, can be more nerve-racking than meeting a Hinge date for the first time. This explains why many of us steer clear. In fact, according to a recent Cosmopolitan UK poll, 77 per cent of you don’t feel comfortable networking, and only half of you have ever attended a networking event. On the other end of the spectrum? Enter Los Angeles. Now that’s a city that knows how to network without shame. Ordering your morning matcha at the local…

POCKET-FRIENDLY YET PROFOUND This updated TWS from Beats gives you a snug fit and will last you up to 36 hours of listening time. It also has Active Noise Cancelling. A minus: the physical buttons instead of touch controls. Studio Buds +, Beats, ₹19,900 GET ’EM CARIBBEAN VIBE Marshall and streetwear imprint Patta have paid homage to Caribbean Soundsystem culture and collaborated for a portable speaker that will guarantee an immersive experience. Emberton II Multi, Marshall X Patta, ₹15,900 approx MADE FOR AN AUDIOPHILE Dyson’s out with their second set of headphones sans the air purifier. We bet this one is going to be an audiophile’s dream come true. OnTrac™headphones, Dyson, ₹45,000 approx JUST ANOTHER COVETED PIECE For those of you who are looking for that perfect phone for your…

Hair stylist: Umang Thapa at Anima Creatives; Make-up: Karma Choezom; Styling assistants: Smriti Mishra and Sakshi Jain; Set design: Janhavi Patwardhan…

Step 1 REMOVE YOUR NAIL POLISH Get rid of the remnants from your last pedi by soaking a cotton pad in an acetone-free nail polish remover (it is gentler and won’t dry out nails as much as acetone ones). Try On the go nail laquer remover wipes, Colorbar, ₹199 Step 2 SOAK YOUR FEET Create those spa vibes by lighting a few candles and pouring yourself some wine. Then, and only then, fill a bath tub (or a really big bowl) with warm water and add a liberal scoop of skin-soothing bath salts (or use a cup of Epsom salt). Let your feet soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Try Rose bath salt, Amala Earth, ₹330 (for 100g) Step 3 GET RID OF ANY DEAD SKIN After patting your feet…

ARIES You will feel great energy coming to you with the Sun’s annual trip to the constellation Leo on July 23. From that moment on, there will be no plan that you reject or an event that you miss due to fatigue or laziness. It will be as if the stars itself are transmitting its strength to you. LEO During your season, which lasts almost the entire month of August, you will have an excuse for that inflated ego that you possess. But when Mercury passes through your constellation, there will be no excuse that will save you. Be careful who you are with—they will affect your words. SAGITTARIUS As the popular song goes: You can’t see behind the smoke, even though you’ve been trying to solve a problem for…

ROYAL HERITAGE HAVELI, JAIPUR If you’re craving personalised hospitality in your retreats, this boutique hotel is a dream destination. Run by the niece of Jaipur’s Maharaja and her husband, this haveli boasts of 19 opulent suites, lush lawns, and serene courtyards. We bet you’re going to indulge in the bygone era of royals and experience unmatched ambience at this luxury hotspot. ANVAYA, DELHI Just a 40-minute drive from the capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, this private luxury retreat is nestled in the outskirts of the Asola landscape. This architectural marvel offers lush green views and a serene poolside experience. Want a relaxing getaway with delicious spreads? Anvaya is where you’ve got to be. AURIKA, MUMBAI At this luxurious spot, mid-century modern design meets Mumbai’s rich heritage—and it’s just minutes away…

THE LITTLE GUIDE TO YVES SAINT LAURENT: STYLE TO LIVE by ORANGE HIPPO, HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP This little book tracks French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s wild ride in fashion—and it is packed with fun facts and quotes about the legend. There’s no doubt, YSL was a game changer, flipping traditional men’s styles into fierce looks for the 60s ladies. Think the iconic tuxedo suit or the safari jackets, this Parisian couturier helped democratise fashion—his was one of the first houses to have a ready-to-wear line. Despite battling personal demons like depression and addiction, YSL reigned supreme in fashion for 50 years, with his initials now standing for pure style legacy. COCO CHANEL: THE STYLE PRINCIPLES by HANNAH ROGERS Imagine if you had a book that’d help you slay your…

It Ends with Us August 9, In theatres Book nerds, rejoice! Colleen Hoover’s TikTok-famous book has been adapted into a highly anticipated movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The story follows Lily Bloom who moves to Boston to open a flower shop (very true to her name), where she falls in love with Ryle, only to be interrupted by her first love, Atlas. In a conversation with an American magazine, Lively said the team has done their best to honour the book and that the movie works even by itself. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice September 6, In theatres The 1988 quirky horror-comedy-fantasy Beetlejuice is getting a sequel after 36 long years. Tim Burton’s latest project will star an impressive cast, including Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Monica Bellucci, Justin Theroux,…

When I was 12-year-old, I refused to step out of the house without a pair of white oversized sunglasses and the littlest of denim shorts (a few, unfortunately, bedazzled with rivets on them). It was mostly paired with a hideous crossbody, and flip flops from a print heavy collection of very many. That disastrous outfit—eventually it became a uniform—was the beginning of my tryst with fashion. Growing up, I observed my grandma pair her chiffon saris with a strand of pearls and a well-done bouffant at all times. This made me realise how everlasting personal style is. Wearing extravagant white sunglasses at 9pm on a Wednesday night—I would know! In today’s world, the importance of having your identity reflected in your outfit is undeniable (no matter if it is for…

HAPPY TO FEEL (PALE) BLUE Blue—especially the cutesy kind—is going to be your best friend. Fret not, girl…we’ve got a bunch to add to cart. LILAC THIS, LILAC THAT Pastel lilac is the new femme-friendly hue on the block. Incorporate this shade into your wardrobe this season because it’s destined to go viral! GET THAT NUTTY FIX Crushin’ on apricot brown? We’ve got you! Dress up in this soft and season’s hottest hue; (shhhhh) it’s a secret weapon you need to stock in your wardrobe.…

Amit Aggarwal “As we look ahead to 2050, the brand will be pushing the boundaries of fashion, merging art, technology, and avant-garde aesthetics. Our designs will not only captivate visually but also incorporate practical functionalities through embedded sensors and interactive elements, enriching the wearer’s experience. Every design will be a marvel of innovation and artistic expression, creating a sense of wonder. Amit Aggarwal in 2050 will embody visionary fashion, blurring the lines between imagination and reality, and set new standards in futuristic design. Nature and architecture have always been eternal muses, inspiring me with their beauty and resilience. Together, they create a dynamic dialogue and drive our design language that celebrates beauty, sustainability, and innovation.” Gaurav Gupta “By 2050, we [Gaurav Gupta’s eponymous label] will continue to honour our roots…

The quickest way to kill the overbearing nature of perception is to throw judgement out in the cold. Here’s context: when you have a cover date with the former Miss World who brought home the title after 17 long years, was launched by Yash Raj Films, and managed to clear the very competitive medical entrance exams (that require years of discipline and single-minded focus) in the first attempt, you expect a certain ‘I am too cool for school’ disposition. Twenty seven-year-old Manushi Chhillar dispels any notions that I held on to from the get-go. For a 7:30am call time, she comes in five minutes early, bright-eyed with a spirited energy, and the most infectious smile that gives stiff competition to the neon lights of the gaming arcade in a very…

The term ‘BDSM’ has been whispered for an epoch. The practice of ‘Bondage, Discipline (or Domination), Sadism, and Masochism’ was once a sexual subaltern; one that piqued curiosity but was never ‘for us’, the ‘normals’. ‘Kink’ in itself had a problematic connotation at its heart—a synonym for ‘flaw’ or ‘imperfection’; a thing that deviated from the sexual median, othering it from mainstream sex. Until, of course, the mainstream decided to co-opt it. To be fair, BDSM was always laced through the archives of literature and cinema, should we have chosen to find it. It tried to roam free among us, shunned by a society that could not fathom the power of this extremity-based dynamic. John Wilmot’s Sodom, or the Quintessence of Debauchery (1684) or Justine by Marquis de Sade (1791)…

Dom is getting ready for the day and, like a lot of people in their early twenties, she’s recording her routine on TikTok. As she combs her hair, she reveals that she’s looking to leave her toxic living situation and is quietly putting money away to make that happen. She titles this her ‘Get The F*ck Out’ (GTFO) fund—her secret stash of savings to help her quite literally get the f*ck out of a sticky situation. When JoJo sang Get out, leave right now in 2004, we felt that…but in 2024, having financial independence has become a luxury. The past few years have been, well, a struggle. From endless unprecedented times (no more! Precedented only from now on, pls) to soaring energy bills, rising food prices, and skyrocketing rents, our…

Models: Shafaque Eqbal, Agou Hengoulal Sitlhou, Aman Pal, Chirag Khanna, and Ikisvon Jamang; Make-up and hair: Kajal Sood and Nancy Nishad; Styling interns: Vaishnavi Nambisan and Kopal Agrawal; Location: 24sq Studio, Delhi…

Model: Simon Sharma; Make-up: Angelina Ngullie; Hair stylist: Drishika Chhabra; Photography assistant: Sanchit Tripathi Clothes and accessories: stylist’s own…

Much like Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City’s Samantha), I hate to be in a ‘situation’. However, whenever I find myself in one—more often than not a self-inflicted mess that’s hard to talk my way out of—I simply blame it on my MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality type. According to the MBTI test, I’m an ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), and I feel obligated to mention that so are Lana Del Rey (American singer) and Jungkook (Korean singer). We’re supposed to be adventurous, kind, passionate, and unpredictable, among other things. It is almost comforting to have these labels to fall back on, as if they provide an explanation for our quirks. Let’s find out if they really do. The MBTI—developed by an American mother-daughter duo during the Second World War—is…

CINNAMON, BENGALURU The experience here goes beyond just dining—it is a delightful blend of culinary delights and shopping. With a curated selection of gourmet foods, chic home goods, and trendy lifestyle items, you can indulge in a delicious meal while discovering unique treasures. We’d like to call this one a charming escape that makes every visit feel special. CREPDOG CREW, MUMBAI (ALSO IN DELHI) Besides a unique sneaker collection, the Crepdog Crew store offers a ‘Coffee & Kicks’ experience at their coffee bar by Dope Coffee Roasters. Craving more? How about an add-on of half-court outdoor basketball experience—yes, this is the ultimate hangout spot for sneakerheads and streetwear lovers alike. AMETHYST, CHENNAI This experiential gem urges visitors to explore its vibrant offerings. With the charming Wild Garden café and Bloom…

NEIL VAREL @neilvarel In the last few seasons, Varel has brought not just his boyish features but also his saunter to major fashion capitals. Other than strutting down the runway for major names including Emporio Armani, Fendi, and Hermès, this 6’2” charmer has also played muse in the campaigns for Benetton, DSQUARED2 and Dhruv Kapoor. ANUGRAHA NATARAJAN @anugrahanatarajan Natarajan has a charming smile and distinct features that help expand her repertoire of international brands each season. Her first tryst with fame: the Burberry campaign. Soon, she was seen walking for designers Sandy Liang, Prabal Gurung, and Meruert Tolegen. We’re looking forward to seeing more of her in the fashion scene. PRATIK SHETTY @pratiksshetty The year 2020 saw the rise of Pratik Shetty—he was born and raised in Mumbai—who was touted…