Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Harper's Bazaar India

September marks that pivotal moment when everything starts to feel profoundly real. As we transition into the final stretch of the year, there’s an unmistakable sense of anticipation and significance in the air. With a crispness in the breeze and a flutter of both excitement and nervous energy, we, at Bazaar India, are busy gearing up for a major milestone: the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year event is coming to India next month, and preparations are in full swing. Simultaneously, we’ve been diligently crafting this special issue, The Icons Issue. When we convened to discuss the cover, the unanimous choice was Kareena Kapoor Khan—such is the magnetic power of our cover star. She embodies the essence of an icon for our generation. As a long-time fan of Kareena, getting…

CARTIER, PANTHÈRE In 1913, painter George Barbier was commissioned to draw an image to reflect a modern, worldly, and alluring woman for an invitation card for a Cartier jewellery event. The result? Dame à la Panthère—an image of an elegant model, adorned with sautoir necklaces and pearls with a sleek black cat at her feet. This was the first connection between Cartier and its iconic animal: the panther. Legend has it the fine jewellery director of Cartier, Jeanne Toussaint (known to have famously worn a full-length coat made of panther fur), and Louis Cartier were inspired after spotting a panther on a safari. Over the years, Cartier’s history has become spotted with references to the majestic feline. From The first three-dimensional Cartier Panthère created in 1948 for the Duchess of…

The GG Milano bag, a timeless piece from Gucci, first graced the fashion scene in 2010 as part of the Spring/Summer collection. And soon it became a pie, everyone wanted a piece of. Crafted under the creative direction of Frida Giannini, this handbag seamlessly blended traditional Gucci elements with a contemporary twist. The iconic GG logo, a symbol of the brand’s heritage, was prominently featured, lending its name to the bag. This interlocking “G” motif, introduced in the 1960s, quickly became synonymous with Gucci, signifying its identity and quality. Over the years, the GG Milano has evolved into a symbol of refined elegance, valued for its versatility and exceptional craftsmanship. It has been a staple in the wardrobes of countless fashion enthusiasts, from celebrities to everyday women. The bag’s enduring…

The coming together of people around a table to share food, art, and culture is one of society’s oldest traditions—a ritual as ancient as it is sacred. In the stillness of lockdown, homes became a canvas for expressing creativity and the age-old art of ‘tablescaping’ was revived as we found solace in the mundane. Disposable incomes had a new outlet—vases in organic shapes and texture, maximalist linens, coloured glass candlestick holders, and kitschy objects. The emergence of house-proud humans, along with the rise of social media, led jewellery designers to turn their attention to the world of interiors. Jewellery, as we see it, is a wearable object, but the mark of a true designer lies in the ability to work across disciplines while maintaining their signature style. For many designers,…

From Cartier’s panther to Bulgari’s serpent, the natural wonders of the world have long been a source of inspiration for global jewellery houses. These diverse creatures and botanical motifs not only connect us to spirituality but also possess a timeless evocative power. As our yearning for a deeper connection to mother earth and a sense of protection intensifies, the themes of fauna and flora continue to thrive. This genre, often seen as ‘Art Jewellery,’ showcases the artistry and craftsmanship needed to bring such intricacies to life.…

The term ‘icon’ is often overused, applied to anyone or anything that creates a stir, exudes authenticity, or has an enigmatic quality. But to grasp its true meaning in today’s social media-driven world, we must look beyond the surface to find the extraordinary in the unassuming. While fame on social media can be fleeting, it’s those who build lasting momentum that genuinely stand out, committed to crafting a legacy. We scoured the internet, following these rising stars closely to uncover what makes them unique. RHYTHM & WORDS IRFANA Growing up in Kodaikanal, emcee and singer, Irfana found a deep connection with the written word, often immersing herself in books and writing poetry. A strong foundation in music complemented this early love for language, as she received Carnatic vocal and veena…

I was lucky to catch the Judy Chicago exhibition, titled Revelations, at the Serpentine Gallery in London’s Hyde Park before it closed on September 1. Adjectives often used to describe Chicago range from influential to groundbreaking to inspirational; and of course, iconic. But it begs the question what does it mean to be iconic, especially as a woman in the arts? The Oxford Dictionary of English defined the term icon as a noun meaning, “A person or thing that is considered to be a symbol of something”. The term iconic, is derived from this definition, it refers to someone possessing the qualities of an icon or someone who is “widely known and acknowledged especially for distinctive excellence”. The etymology of the term made me question the social factors that go…

UNDER THE HAMMER If you are looking to add a new element to your art collection, head to Saffronart’s event in New Delhi. This international auction house will celebrate the centenary of modernist FN Souza at The Oberoi on September 14. Some of Souza’s iconic works, which are part of a private collection, will be auctioned. A central figure in modern Indian art, Souza’s method reflected a blend of Eastern and Western influences drawing inspiration from Romanesque art, Indian sculpture, and the folk traditions of Goa. AN EMOTIONAL INTERPRETATION A solo show, titled Elsewhere in Northeast India, by Chandan Bez Baruah is a must-visit if you are like the artist who finds solace in the forests and wants to escape the urban congestion. On display at Latitude 28 gallery in…

Who do you look up to when you’re the one name-checked as the first, the best, the source of inspiration? That’s the question everyone at the vanguard of things contemplates at one time or another. South Side Chicago native Chaka Khan once sang “I’m Every Woman,” but alas she is not—a fact made abundantly clear by a singular career in music that has spanned five decades. Chelsea Clinton was the first First Child of the internet era, and she has used the platform that has come with growing up in a famous political family to advocate for health equity and reproductive rights, both in the US and abroad. Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights director Jon M Chu, who tackles a tale of two witches this fall in the…

Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream. Clinique’s Black Honey. K-18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask. Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm. Every beauty enthusiast knows this isn’t just a catalogue of merchandise, but a list of beauty products that have gone repeatedly viral everywhere. But since the last few years, this list has been seeing more homegrown names than international ones. Indian beauty consumers have been demanding more from local brands and they’re delivering it. We don’t need to rely on global brands to provide us with top notch formulas and textures anymore. From pearlescent blushes to pH lip oils and holographic eyeliners, India has the best of beauty at its fingertips now. A video of Indian beauty creator Shweta Vijay Nair using Diam Beauty’s viral Glass…

KARISHMA JHALANI, WRITER “My maternal grandmother—impeccably dressed in pearls and a white coif. I’ve always called her my very own Karl Lagerfeld. Nani has a threshold for pain that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She has little patience for small talk and diminished self-confidence. She does not know how to mince her words, brings her wild imagination, blue painted nails, and old Hindi songs to the conversation.” AKULA MADHU, PHOTOGRAPHER “Steven Meisel, one of the most influential photographers in the fashion industry, is my icon. I admire his ability to weave diverse cultural narratives into his work, and his unique storytelling style continues to inspire me.” ANAITA SHROFF ADAJANIA, STYLIST “For me, the true icon is, and always will be, the sari. It’s a recurring theme in my work—this year…

After independence, India was understandably in the middle of an existential crisis. Years of British rule had established a new reputation for India, it had become a well-known exporter of raw materials. Born out of a subcontinent that was so deeply rooted in its crafts that were systematically targeted by colonial powers, the traditional and folk arts of the country were suffering and vanishing. The partition-induced violence resulted in the displacement of craftspeople, leaving them as refugees and torn away from their homes and livelihoods. But Indian crafts were ready to make a comeback. Over the years, Indian textiles would go on to significantly impact global fashion trends and inspire iconic collections. With a rich heritage dating back millennia, India’s intricate designs, luxurious fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen, and…

Crafting a collection as a love letter to a city is perhaps the most heartfelt way a designer can express their appreciation. In her latest collection, Mumbai-based designer Surily Goel views Jaipur through her rose-tinted glasses. Named Jaipur, With Love, the collection boasts pearls, mirror work, clusters of motifs, and bright shades of pink—an obvious choice for the city. “The old city’s cheery shade of pink is etched in my memories and so is the iconic City Palace, where I celebrated several Holi. Inspired by this nostalgia, the motifs used in the collection are derived from the palace’s sculptures and carvings.” Goel shares. But, why Jaipur? “Anyone who admires art is sure to frequent the city,” says Goel. “As someone who draws inspiration from places and people around her, I…

Bonda tribe—the muse behind the creative force for Anamika Khanna—is one of the oldest and most isolated tribes in India, primarily residing in the hilly regions of Malkangiri district in Odisha. Renowned for their unique culture, language, and lifestyle, the Bonda people have resiliently maintained their traditional customs despite external pressures. Building on last year’s Bonda-inspired clothing line, Khanna has introduced an exquisite jewellery collection that continues to honour this remarkable tribe. The AK-OK’s collection showcases a range of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, meticulously crafted from a blend of brass, copper, silver, and rhodium, finished with an antique polish. In an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, Khanna shares insights into this collection and the inspiration behind it. Harper’s Bazaar: What inspired you to focus on Bonda tribe culture for this…

Inspired by the totem poles of indigenous cultures, modern jewellers are reimagining these sacred symbols in the form of necklace, pendants, and dangling earrings. Each piece is crafted with profound respect for tradition, connecting the wearer to the spiritual realm and reflecting their identity. Often rendered from materials like wood, bone, metal, and gemstones, the jewellery embodies the essence of totemic symbols, offering protection, guidance, and a deep sense of cultural heritage.…

It was the early ’90s. Rohit Khosla and Tarun Tahiliani had opened Ensemble, the country’s first multi-designer boutique a few years ago, and Mehr Jesia was modelling for Khosla’s collections as his muse. “Rohit was my best friend,” Jesia recalls. “I used to go to Delhi for shows and hang out with him. One day he told me, ‘Mehr, there’s a new photographer I want to work with. Stay back and we’ll do a shoot with him.’ I asked, ‘What’s his name?’ and he said ‘Prabuddha Dasgupta’.” Slightly bemused by the long name, she thought he would be an elderly man, she laughs. “I’ll never forget that first shoot. There was a black bolero jacket with fringes, and I just put my hand on my forehead. I remember Prabuddha telling…

Women have traditionally used literature to examine and communicate the complexity of the human experience, especially the subtleties unique to the experiences of the gender. Women’s writing has demonstrated their resilience and agency via themes of identity, relationships, and societal responsibilities, particularly during critical junctures of social and political upheaval. For instance, the early 20th Century saw significant change brought about by campaigns for peace, women’s suffrage, reproductive rights, and better working conditions. Women authors played a significant role in influencing public opinion throughout this period of time with their novels, essays, and other literary works in addition to their journalism. Classic writers like Sylvia Plath, Zora Neale Hurston, and Virginia Woolf paved the path, and expressed their thoughts through their writing. Woolf highlights in A Room of One’s Own…

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 23  Work will be on a roll, and you will feel more confident and powerful about your decisions. If you are looking for a new job, expect good news in the second half of the month. Love life will be exciting as you will get to enjoy quality time with your partner. If you are single, you will feel attracted towards someone you recently met, but don’t expect much movement this month. ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 20 September will be challenging in terms of getting things done but it will also give you some time to align and self reflect. On the love front, don’t over commit and under deliver, else you might chase someone away. Keep a check on your temper with loved ones. If you are…

Jacqueliene Fernandez’s every response speaks volumes of how aware she is of her surroundings, the cut-throat nature of the entertainment industry, the unsolicited judgments that come as a package deal, and rising above the controversies. She has undeterred faith in everything that life has in store for her. “I believe in God. I never really fear anything,” she says. Here are excerpts from our conversation. Sonal Ved: For the last few months now, you’ve been in the news for something that is not connected to your work and it’s negative in nature. How do you grapple with that kind of attention? Jacqueliene Fernandez: Positive and negative are always going to be there. And they will be discussed in life, among people and groups and more publicly, especially in our profession. But…

In our apartment, on a sticky August afternoon, I floated in the abyss that enveloped my brain after giving birth. It might have been two weeks since the delivery, but could’ve just as easily been six. My body, which at the time I hated, waged a war against me. My darkened nipples bled a deep crimson, my field of vision blurred into a perpetual Rorschach test; and my back, hunched over with heavy breasts and guilt, froze in a concave coil, refusing to stand straight. The landscape of my mind had been transformed by the fog of time. In the distance, wisps of the past teased my present. Not too long ago, hadn’t I experienced… joy? I remembered walking through a market when I was pregnant. Crowded places in Delhi…

NEW BLUSH ON THE BLOCK If you want a blush that can easily blend with your fingers, provides hydration to your skin, and is enriched with Niacinamide and pomegranate peel extract, get your hands on the Blurring Serum Blush by Anastasia Beverly Hills. Bonus: the pointed needle-tip applicator releases the perfect amount of the product. It comes in five shades, and each promises to give a naturally flushed effect. ONE-OF-A-KIND If you are on a diet and can’t savour those pretzels, worry not. Auntie Anne’s, the iconic pretzel shop in America, founded by Anne F Beiler and her husband, has come up with a unique fragrance called Knead. Capturing the nostalgic scent of freshly baked pretzels, the perfume is infused with notes of salt, buttery dough, with hints of sweetness—a…

The journey, not the destination, matters…”, poet TS Eliot very rightly said. Long before the days of private jets and first-class flights, trains were the only way to travel in style. Almost synonymous with the bygone era, the joys of slow travel are reminiscent of simpler times and the perfect companion for unhurried holidays. Think cavernous suites adorned with ornate furnishing, opulent carriages, and exquisite culinary experiences to afternoons that can be spent unwinding at Thakore, Saira the spa, along with rolling panoramic views. Want to relive the nostalgia of yesteryear and indulge in the art of old-fashioned conversation and exploration? From catching the northern lights from the comfort of your carriage to watching zebras trotting across lush green pastures, there’s something about a train journey. Here’s a list of…

TRUE COLOURS Turn to quirky hues for your essentials. KEEP THE CHANGE Be open to additions that will make you stand out. STAPLE DIET Rewear these pieces with your everyday fits.…

A true visionary artisan, Elsa Peretti revolutionised the world of jewellery design with her aesthetic genius and consistent pursuit of perfection. It all started when Peretti picked a bud vase from a flea market and rendered it in sterling silver—the creation made its runway debut as a necklace for designer Giorgio de Sant’Angelo in1969. She went on to challenge the status quo and democratise materials through her historic collaborations with Tiffany & Co., starting in 1974. She inspired women to wear diamonds everyday and for every occasion, elevated the status of sterling silver to luxury, and projected her organic, feminine, and talismanic symbols as icons of female empowerment. Throughout Tiffany & Co.’s storied history of collaborating with designers and artists, Peretti stood apart. Her passion for nature, combined with her…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a great tool to move forward, believes Indian music icon and Oscar winner AR Rahman. He admits to using it to speed up his work, but emphasises that it does not take away the creativity. He goes on to explain how the human element, awareness of the brain, the ability to learn and unlearn cannot be replaced. “There are many tasks that AI is doing efficiently which took us ages. For example, researching for words when you are writing a song. You have a word and you can find out the connotation of it, the historical reference. These things, according to me, have become lightning fast,” Rahman tells Bazaar India. Here’s more from our conversation on how technology is reshaping the music landscape in India, his…

This issue, we bring you books that rise above the rest, and are iconic for their powerful narratives, cultural significance, and the indelible mark they leave on the readers. Starting the list is Manu Dash’s The Big Book of Odia Literature. This anthology is a careful curation of stories, poems, and plays that capture the essence of Odisha’s people and culture. It features the works of over 100 poets, 30 short story writers, two playwrights, and 23 essayists. The collection also includes poetry in 10 lesser-known languages and Sanskrit poetry written in English by Odia authors, showcasing the state’s rich literary history. The next book is Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada by Shahu Patole, originally titled Anna He Apoorna Brahma before its translation. This book is a groundbreaking work to first…

Imagine this: I’m sitting in Mumbai’s Mehboob Studio, eagerly awaiting our September cover girl’s arrival. I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, trying to maintain my composure. Suddenly, the buzz in the room shifts—Kareena Kapoor Khan is stepping onto the set. I stand up, adjust my shirt, and mentally prepare to introduce myself. Before I can say a word, she smiles and says, “Hi Rasna, how’s it going? It’s so exciting to be here today.” I’m taken aback. Noticing my stunned reaction, she adds, “We met in Jaipur, remember?” As if I could ever forget a meeting with her, but for her to remember me is a testament to why Kareena remains an unparalleled icon of our generation. Born into the illustrious Kapoor family—the first family of Bollywood—Kareena is…

Couture in India melds luxury with the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Beyond its role in fashion, couture is a vital force in maintaining the art of handcrafting, standing in stark contrast of prioritising speed over quality. Couture in its simplest form means high sewing or high dressmaking. It is about pushing boundaries of creativity using the finest materials to create wearable art. “Couture, to me, is meticulous craftsmanship and bespoke tailoring,” says Amit Aggarwal, the designer who received a lot of admiration for his latest presentation at the India Couture Week in Delhi. “In India, couture is often associated with special occasions. It remains relevant today due to its emphasis on personalisation and artistry. So anything created to evoke emotion, inspire creativity, and transcend the conventional, is couture.” Celebrating the…

Diana—an icon for many reasons—shaped a new era of pop culture and tabloid media. On the evening of June 29, 1994, Diana chose to wear a daring off-the-shoulder black dress, now famously known as The Revenge Dress, for a gala at the Serpentine Gallery in London after Prince Charles’ confession of infidelity on national television. She had kept the dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, tucked away for three years, thinking it might be too ‘revealing’. But upon hearing of the confession, she decided to make a powerful statement, abandoning the Valentino dress—she had initially planned to wear—for the little black dress.…