Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i Harper's Bazaar India

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this burning desire to write an editor’s letter, and now here I am doing it for the very first time as the Editor of Bazaar India! It’s incredible to think that I started my career as an intern for this iconic brand, and now I’m writing my debut editor’s letter—a full-circle moment. For those who know me well, you will know I’m an avid quote collector and use them to express my feelings. One quote by Lailah Gifty Akita perfectly captures my emotions: “The excitement of dreams coming true is beyond the description of words.” Throughout the years, I’ve read countless editor’s letters, and while writing this one, I aimed to be authentic and genuine—no filters, just me. My goal is…

Consider pairing the athleisure staple with a crop top or an oversized T-shirt for a casual day out. KEEP ON WALKING…

On a balmy Wednesday evening in the last week of July, fashion lovers from across the city had gathered at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi. It was the second day of the FDCI x Hyundai India Couture Week and there was palpable excitement for the show that was about to begin. Not surprising, considering it was the grande dame of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar’s return to couture week after a gap of 10 years. As the show began and models sashayed down the ramp in heavily embroidered classics like the Anarkali kurta, printed saris draped in several ways, lehangas and shararas, along with western styles like bodysuits, short jackets and gowns, all elevated by statement-making footwear, think knee-length boots and broad heels, you knew the OG (incidentally the name…

Touted as one of India’s youngest couturiers, Rimzim Dadu’s signature style is all about experimentation—she deconstructs non-traditional material to bring new textiles to life. The nonconformist designer’s creative process has evolved with time, “Over the past few years, I’ve understood my clients and the market better. So, while I ensure my designs are according to my sensibility, I also know that, at the end of the day, these have to be part of someone’s wardrobe. Since I convert non-textile materials into textiles, I am extremely particular about both functionality and technicality—two aspects that you keep refining as you understand your audience better. Also, for your art to be bigger in the world, it needs to make commercial sense as well.” It was in 2019 that Rimzim expanded into the menswear…

Cartier envelops itself while staying true to its heritage. The brand’s dedication to design excellence has transcended eras and fashion trends, ensuring that their creations remain not just relevant but coveted across generations. While their signature dress watches continue to adorn wrists with unparalleled grace, Cartier has evolved to offer much more. From exquisite jewellery collections that dazzle to artisanal accessories, the brand’s offerings have expanded to encompass a world of opulence. In the ever-evolving world of luxury, few brands have managed to transcend time and trends as effectively as Cartier. Renowned for its iconic collections, such as Tank, Trinity, Juste un Clou, Santos, Love, Panthère, and Ballon Bleu, Cartier has solidified its position as one of the few Maisons capable of creating truly unique and cult-like jewellery and watch…

Is the fashion industry neglecting the needs of petite women? Petite women—typically defined as those with a height of 5’4 or shorter, face numerous challenges when it comes to finding clothes that fit well and complement their unique figures. The fashion industry’s oversight of their needs has led to a missed opportunity—an untapped market with immense economic potential, as this demographic represents approximately 25 per cent of the female population. A study by US-based Coresight Research reveals that the petite apparel market globally is estimated to reach $48 billion by 2025, demonstrating the substantial revenue opportunity for fashion brands. Those investing in petite-exclusive collections have witnessed a surge in sales and positive brand sentiment. For instance, UK-based fashion retailer ASOS experienced a 25 per cent increase in sales after introducing…

Working in the health and wellness industry can be demanding, both physically and mentally. Women in this field often find themselves putting their clients’ needs before their own, which can lead to burnout and exhaustion. We interview leading women entrepreneurs on how they prioritise self-care and recharge their batteries so that they can be better equipped to help others. By sharing their own self-care routines and strategies, through their personal experience and professional expertise, we explore the balanced approach towards nutrition, fitness, and self-care. Rhea Nihal Singh, Co-Founder at Flexnest “Having grown up in a supportive environment, I’ve always had a positive outlook and appreciated my body. Fitness has been a way for me to connect with my body, feel good, and stay healthy rather than trying to change how…

Amidst post-Babri Masjid demolition chaos in ‘90s Mumbai, Lindsay delves into lives shattered by bigotry—a timeless retelling of the Ramayana resonating with the present. [Penguin Random House India] Koel takes you on a vibrant journey through Paris, where diverse lives intertwine. Celebrating friendship, resilience, and the power of belonging in a chic yet hidden world. [Rupa Publications] Revealing the secrets of Indian cooking, Masala Lab by Krish Ashok is a delightful exploration of science, tradition, and creativity [Penguin Random House India] Ever feel overwhelmed by big goals? Luke Coutinho’s Small Wins Every Day has you covered! Discover how simple daily victories can lead to a healthier, happier life. [Penguin Random House India]…

Yasmin Karachiwala’s fitness journey began with a nudge from a close friend—a seemingly simple invitation that transformed her life. “When you are 18 you generally get peer pressured into doing things. My best friend said, ‘If you’re my friend you will work out with me.’ So that’s how I joined a health club,” says the 53-year-old. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows at first. “I hated doing anything that required me to move a muscle, or an arm. Even in school, I would never go for athletic training; I would opt for things like shot put or javelin because that requires strength, and not movement. I went into the dance studio, which was actually an aerobics class, and I realised that I was completely uncoordinated. If the class was…

“I put myself out there and became better at taking the risk of rejection. Being open to collaboration, and trusting yourself to see it through is the key” Sobia Ameen is a multi-talented individual, encompassing roles as a content creator, model, architect, and baker. While she embraces labels like “plus size,” “body positive,” and “bubbly,” Sobia wants people to recognise the depth of her identity beyond these tags. She belongs to a growing community of creators striving not just to find a place at the table but to construct an entirely new one. Her work reflects a diverse identity, a refusal to be pigeonholed, and an authentic voice that remains unshaken by criticism. Throughout her journey as a creator and influencer, she fearlessly embraces mistakes and aims to grow on…

hunky boots, unorthodox shapes of bags, leather-padded shoulders, turtle necks, puffer jackets and windbreakers in bold colours, and snug woollen fits made up for most of the Louis Vuitton Women’s Pre-Fall 2023 Collection that showcased in Seoul, South Korea this summer. The collection was just like Seoul’s weather that day, unpredictable. Once the light rains stopped in the city, the best of the fashion world gathered under the evening sky, as the sun set over the Han river. The iconic Jamsugyo bridge echoed with traditional Korean music and songs by K-pop stars. The blue lighting, stark and almost eerie, reminded us of an episode of Squid Game. And rightly so. The visual resemblance to the 2021 Netflix series was expected—its director Hwang Dong-hyuk served as the creative advisor for the…

Harper’s Bazaar: In an ever-changing landscape, how has your definition of beauty evolved? Malaika Arora: “I believe that beauty is inner health. If you are healthy and good from within, you can take on any new change or trend and ace it.” HB: What are your three thumb rules when it comes to beauty? MA: “I have three fundamental rules when it comes to beauty. Firstly, I advocate embracing uniqueness. It means recognising that beauty cannot be confined to a single standard but rather stems from embracing and celebrating your distinctiveness and unique attributes. Secondly, I emphasise the importance of prioritising self-care, both physically and mentally. It plays a crucial role in exuding inner beauty and confidence. Lastly, I encourage individuals to be kind, compassionate and understand that genuine beauty…

THE NEW WOMAN Iconic covers transcending time. The concept of the female body and its autonomy and agency has always intrigued Harper’s Bazaar. This arresting cover by Harry Whitney McVickar, for the March issue of 1896 showcases a thoroughly modern woman, riding a bicycle which—by many at the time—was seen as an instrument of feminism that redefined Victorian ideas of femininity and played a role in sexual liberation. What’s more interesting is that there were trepidations amongst sexists which feared for women to have a ‘bicycle face’ and the extremely scandalous ‘hysterical paroxysms’, that threatened the male hegemony. This cover serves as a powerful reminder of how women broke the shackles of restrictive societal norms that were imposed on their bodies and continued pedalling through life…never looking back like the…

ROHAN SHRESTHA “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Harper’s Bazaar India again. A big thank you to the entire team. Everyone was so cooperative and collaborative. I’m proud to be included in this team. This was Rasna Bhasin’s first cover. Having seen her journey over the many years of knowing her, it’s very special to be shooting her first.” SUSHANT CHHABRIA “It was quite easy shooting all these lovely women, each one with such a distinct yet strong personality. Mumbai’s cloudy weather at first seemed to be a technical challenge but we decided to work with what we had. The lack of natural light created a dark grainy texture for the images, overall making things look more organic and natural, just what the story needed.” SPARDHA MALIK “Part…

KEEP • Biggie Sunglasses • Shoulder Bag • Platform Pumps RECYCLE • Wrap Dress • Oversized Shirt • Scalloped Shorts…

What do (curvy) women want? More than oversized, baggy clothes or just a few options stowed away on a corner shelf. The idea of fashion as a form of self-expression being limited just to sizes falling on the lower end of the scale is hypocritical. More so, in a country where the average woman is curvier than her Caucasian or Asian counterparts. According to data platform Statista, the plus-size segment—those who wear beyond sizes 0-12—constitutes about half of the total consumers in India. Even so, this customer is often left wanting. Lack of variety or thoughtful design are top concerns, as is the dearth of versatile cuts to complement their bodies. There is, however, a crop of designers, looking at the bigger picture, and walking the inclusivity talk. We speak…

Production: Beatriz Martinez Velasco. Photography Assistant: Angi Andreo. Fashion Assistant: Eduardo Cuevas.…

Last year, it was a slap that hogged the headlines at the Oscars; at this year’s awards show, it was all about a weight-loss drug. Host Jimmy Kimmel joked about it in his opening monologue: “Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder, ‘Is Ozempic right for me?”’ It is an open secret that Ozempic is the reason for many Hollywood luminaries’ newly svelte figures. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Mindy Kaling, and Rebel Wilson are rumoured to have used it to shed pounds within a very short space of time, though none of them have confirmed this. The few who have admitted to using it include tech mogul Elon Musk, and TikTok influencer and plus-size model Remi Bader. Bader, who was pre-diabetic,…

REKHA RODWITTIYA I am a woman—do not whisper it! The artwork celebrates the ideals of womanhood and explores the multiple avatars that a positioned stance of female empowerment embraces. “The female figure as a central image is consciously placed as an endorsement of female victory—almost as a totemic trophy of the self for the self—to reinforce the embodiment of the female spirit as a vital axis to life itself. In my representation of the woman, I iconise the female figure by diagrammatising her body—thereby removing the palpable corporeality so that it does not become a commodity for lustful consumption. My art is a commentary about life through my existence in this world. It allows me to search and find myself and my space of belonging. I believe that it is…

Harper’s Bazaar: How did your journey with food start? Garima Arora: “Coming from a Punjabi family, my journey started at our dinner table at home. Food has always been a big part of my family, somebody is always cooking or eating—it’s just how we grew up.” HB: Share your earliest memory of cooking. GA: “My dad used to travel a lot when I was a kid and return with ingredients and recipes that we would try together. I recall sitting by him in the kitchen and watching him cook, he’s the kind of person who does things thoroughly and earnestly, and those are some of the things that stuck with me.” HB: What kind of stories are you telling through your food? GA: “The story of India. We are located in…

Motherhood: A transformative, awe-inspiring journey and profound experience that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of women. It is a chapter filled with boundless love, joyous moments, and cherished memories, but it also comes with its share of challenges and insecurities. Weight gain, stretch marks and the way you look impacts the way you feel. However, the things women worry about at that moment seem so insignificant in the long run. This is the story of every mother who has taken a few moments to pause and consider her weight before jumping onto the treadmill of motherhood, where she just never stops. However, when she catches herself in the reflection of the thousands of mirrors she passes by every day and sees herself as unsexy or not so beautiful,…

With a chequered past, India’s body art history holds diverse narratives, found in historical texts and indigenous communities. The term ‘tattoo’ stems from the Hindi word tatau or tatu, once powerful symbols of identity, spirituality, and status. The 20th century brought changes, associating tattoos with taboos. Recently, body art is again being embraced as self-expression. Icons like Rihanna and Angelina Jolie too, use their bodies to tell stories, etching moments and beliefs. Against this backdrop of resurgence, Bazaar India spotlights three indomitable women with inked tales, each a veritable artist sharing their journey through tattoos and piercings. ISHA SINGH SAWHNEY “For me, it all started with a simple star tattoo on my stomach, funded by my supportive father, when I was just a teenager. Little did I know that this…

GLOSSY, WET HAIR LOOK When we talk about hair trends, layered bobs and beach waves are staples on the list. However, numerous designers this season sent models down the runway in glossy, slicked-back locks that brought out their facial features. And let’s face it, nothing says runway ready better than the gelled-back wet hair look. At Fendi, Schiaparelli, Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta and Elie Saab models walked down the runway in glossy, slick up-dos. And while this hairstyle is not exactly an everyday look, we think it deserves all the attention it garners. GET READY TO PUCKER UP IN STYLE Kate Spade New York joined forces with Clinique to create a collection that has us very excited. This collaboration includes some of Clinique’s cult-favourite lip glosses with fresh packaging designed…

Model: Serena Abousefian at Local Vice Management. Hair: Remah Jammoul at Local Vice Management. Make-Up: Sharbel Hasbany. Photographer’s Assistant: Ragheed Alameh. Stylist’s Assistants: Wael Frangieh and Imogene Legrand…

Perfect for any season, mini skirts offer endless styling possibilities—pair them with cozy sweaters or breezy crop tops! DON’T LOOK BACK…

Hair: Hiroshi Matsushita; Make-up: Victoria Bond, using Clé de Peau Beauté; Fashion Assistant: Freya Watson; Model: Mavaro at Elite Model Management…

Womanhood (n.): It’s a tale as old as time, layered with the subtleties of pretended frivolity, gnawing physical pain, emotional turmoil, falling in love with the body and mind, falling out of love with it, hating it, berating it, healing from it, defining the self, and finally challenging the status quo that is left in unforeseen shock. These notions, over time, became the common universal thread that bound women no matter where they came from. Still, each phase of womanhood remains a lone and personal battle to navigate through for each one who experiences it—discovering and rediscovering themselves, a little more each time, exploring the inner femininity, braving a lop-sided world and mustering the courage to grow with love. OF PERIOD PAIN AND PEER PRESSURE WITH CHEF RITU DALMIA The…

In two days, I will be taking the Eurostar to Brussels where, on arrival, I’ll hop across to Platform 19 and board a 35-minute train to Antwerp. But this isn’t your average European city break. I am Antwerp-bound because it is the home of 2Pass, a specialist clinic offering gender affirming care to the trans community. From facial and body feminisation surgeries to various aesthetic treatments, 2Pass does it all. Think of it as the trans destination of Europe. This will be my 14th trip to 2Pass as a trans woman. There, I will submit myself to a session of electrolysis, a form of permanent hair removal that involves eight hours of my face being injected with lidocaine, before each individual hair follicle is electrocuted with a fine metal probe.…

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari is a writer, director and now a producer, basking as she is in the success of the Huma Qureshi-starrer Tarla and the Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra-film Bawal. Right from the beginning of her career as a filmmaker, she has ventured into narrating stories that inspire change. Her films that include Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga, among others, have strong female protagonists who encourage the audience to follow their dreams, regardless of the circumstances they come from. Harper’s Bazaar: You moved from advertising to directing films and now producing them. Could you take us through your journey? Ashwiny Tiwari: “So I started working in advertising at Leo Burnett in the year 2000. Over a period of 16 years I worked with some of the best…

Kabeer Kathpalia, the 32-year-old musician better known as OAFF started his musical journey in high school in Ahmedabad when he picked up the guitar and formed a punk band with a friend (the friend too has gone on to achieve fame as artist Savera). As with most teenagers, it started out as a desire to impress and attract attention. But soon his interest in music grew. “I was always fascinated with the theory of music, but then I started exploring its inner workings, eager to create my own unique sound,” he says. As a youngster, OAFF was captivated by numbers and studied mathematics and physics with the intention of becoming a mathematician. The analytical mindset developed during his academic journey greatly influenced his approach to music. “Although you can’t directly…