Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Harper's Bazaar India

And here we go, onto issue number two! It seriously feels like we released our first one just yesterday and boom, here’s another one in the mix. As I sat down to write my second letter, the office was buzzing with a mix of excitement and just a hint of jitters (pretty much like the feeling before I hand over a fresh issue to all of you) - we were all in countdown mode for the launch of Chandrayan 3! And as the clock ticked down and it nailed a perfect landing on the moon’s dark side, there was a major case of goosebumps, applause and an electric surge of pride and joy, not only in the office but all across the nation. Now that’s what I’d call an absolute…

It seemed like an impossible task. The biggest luxury fashion brand in the world, whose menswear division for the past few years has been a cultural hotrod when it was spearheaded by Virgil Abloh, the visionary disruptor, needed someone new in the driver’s seat. In his time there, Abloh broke down countless barriers and redefined what luxury looked like, along the way making space for people who’ve never been given a seat at the table. How do you fill shoes as gargantuan as that? The position of men’s creative director was left vacant for almost two years after Abloh’s passing while the House considered names from every corner of the industry. In the end, and in the spirit of Abloh, the brand went with a left-field choice in Pharrell Williams,…

Hair by Yoshitaka Miyazaki, using ghd Professional. Make-up by Nina Sagri, using Tom Ford Beauty. Manicure by Shannon Elias. Stylist’s Assistant: Hannah Akande. Model: Lotta Kaijarvi at Premier Model Management…

Sohaila Kapur’s inclination towards art came about at an early age. “I was extremely enterprising as a kid; I started writing my own scripts as a five year old, and also directed and acted in them while schoolmates and neighbours starred as co-actors. I even typed out tickets for these shows…and yes, I charged 25 paise per entry! My dad was instructed as to where he’d have to shine the table lamp light during a scene, and he would oblige,” she recalls. Sohaila, whose maternal uncles were the iconic actors/directors Chetan, Dev, and Vijay Anand, mentions that there were a number of creative moments that inspired her during her formative years, “As kids, we eagerly watched shoots and films by the trio. My trips to Bombay [now Mumbai] were extremely…

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) by Mary Wollstonecraft A reaction to Edmund Burke’s reflection on the French Revolution, this book is a seminal work of feminist thought that wields a powerful quill against gender inequality in the 18th Century. In her book, Wollstonecraft challenges societal norms and advocates for women’s education. The Castle (1926) by Franz Kafka Through bureaucratic absurdity, Kafka dissects human longing, alienation, and the labyrinthine struggle for meaning. A masterpiece that echoes the disquiet of the human condition in a bewildering world. Mrs Dalloway (1925) by Virginia Woolf Woolf’s intricate writing explores the inner landscapes and societal facades, connecting characters and time. Through lyrical prose, she delves into memory, mental state, and human connections, creating a tapestry of consciousness that mirrors the fragile beauty and complexity of…

A vivid recollection of Koel Purie gracing the red couch lingers in my memory. On the Couch with Koel was a binge-worthy show where she masterfully revealed celebrated individuals in their unguarded moments. Seated across from her in a conference room, the scene had shifted, but Koel’s effervescent persona remained intact. Notably, her zeal was not just for her debut novel Clearly Invisible in Paris, but for life’s very essence. A cosmopolitan citizen navigating diverse avenues, Koel brings an infectious joy to all her endeavours. As we settled with iced lattes and cappuccinos, our conversation ventured into the world of her debut novel and the tapestry that makes Koel distinctly remarkable. Exploring the Tale of a Global Citizen Koel’s life is an intricately woven tapestry that spans across cultures and…

“When I was a young woman living in Los Angeles, my parents kept insisting that I should return to India and get married. I told them I would return to India only if I got a job as a news anchor,” says Anu Ranjan with a twinkle in her eye. That never happened but her love for television and the community led to her setting up the IndianTelevision Academy in 2001. “That was also over a conversation with friends. We were discussing how television did not have proper awards and they said that maybe I should consider doing it,” says the President of the IndianTelevision Academy. It took her around 18 months to do her research and she realised she needed a strong governing council as everyone she spoke to…

The term ‘icon’ evokes images of legendary, celebrated, and prominent individuals—masters of their craft who influence and inspire many. This distinction is not casually bestowed, evident when you delve into the pages of Bazaar India’s ‘Icon’ issue, dedicated to celebrating luminaries across various domains. In India, two realms hold unparalleled reverence and followership: Bollywood and cricket. Here, luminaries receive accolades for their outstanding work, with their style and demeanour serving as templates for many. Bollywood has consistently produced superstars, from Raj Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan to Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Priyanka Chopra, among others. But what sets them apart and grants them‘icon’ status? As the saying goes, “We don’t know the name of every star in the sky; we only know the brightest ones.” Regardless…

“When I landed in ‘planet’ Mumbai from London as a 15-year-old, to become an actor, I did not even know a single person who is remotely connected with the industry. I had no mentors, no guides, no godfathers, or godmothers. I had to learn how to navigate this new terrain, how to avoid the pitfalls, and circumvent the craters, all on my own. I didn’t always succeed, and it was always by ‘trial and error’. To make matters worse, I wasn’t even fluent in Hindi,” shares the veteran actor, producer, and director. Passion, she reflects, can act as a pair of blinkers that blocks out obstacles and impediments, allowing one to focus solely on the end goal. Her goal was to act in Hindi cinema, and this drove her to…

Model: Tharushi Stephen at M+P Models. Make-Up: Lizzie Edwards. Hair: Clare Hurford. Photographer’s Assistant: Jessica Simmonds. Stylist’s Assistant: Katy Jarvis. Hair Assistant: Alex Morton…

Every single time I step intoTarunTahiliani’s atelier, I witness a sense of calm, pride, and joy amongst the people inhabiting this space. I guess because at its core, the atelier’s ethos revolves around the fundamental principle of treating every individual within its walls with unwavering respect and equality. As the couturier says, people should feel happy when they create these beautiful pieces; if the creator doesn’t do it with joy, then what’s the point? As I make my way up to the second floor, the larger-than-life veteran greets me with a welcoming grin, playfully christening me a “fashion chameleon”. His innate understanding of the way Indian women seamlessly transition from casual morning wear to glamorous evening attire paints a vivid picture of the myriad choices we relish. Sitting down with…

Harper’s Bazaar: You have finally launched in India, has this been a long-standing plan for you? François Roberge: “I made my first trip to India back in 1997. We saw great potential in the Indian market but decided to seriously explore it only around 2014. Typically, these things take years, but the Covid situation slowed down our progress further. Nevertheless, we’re prepared now. The process took nine years, but in the world of business evolution, patience is essential. It’s important to take your time, but we’re fortunate to have a fantastic partner. I believe the future holds amazing things.” HB: Who is your target customer? FR: “Our focus is primarily on middle-class women aged 25 to 40. This market demographic offers a lot of potential. There are many such women not…

PIECE DE RESISTANCE Worn around the neck, or adorned skillfully on the handle of a bag. Louis Vuitton has recently launched its Celebrate Silk campaign that creates a versatile feminine allure. The precious details reinterpret the Maison’s beloved heritage in a depth of bright colours and colourful designs. Available in three sizes, the collection offers contrasting bright colours to be worn in different ways. A DASH OF SPLASH Want to add a piece of timeless aesthetic to your outfit? Then incorporate Blancpain’s Ladybird Colours collection specially curated to meet the wishes and expectation of contemporary women. Following the introduction of the Ladybird Colours in the spring, the manufacture has now adopted an entire spectrum of hues with colourful hour markers and replaceable straps that can be swapped to suit the…

Nothing provides that haute treatment to one’s ensemble better than the addition of a statement accessory. Apart from bijoux that make for perfect everyday wear, most women are keen on acquiring timeless high jewellery and watches that make for covetable pieces to store in the jewellery coiffret. We take a look at five iconic powerhouses that have created a lasting legacy by continuing to craft spectacular collections. CHOPARD Craftsmanship and state-of the-art technology remain the primary highlight of Swiss watch and jewellery maison, Chopard. Innovated by three generations of gentlemen of the Scheufele family, the most recent Alpine Eagle collection is a modern retelling of the heritage St. Moritz watch, the first creation of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in the late 1970s. The newly-launched timepieces combine precision, polish and power, and feature…

The new High Jewellery Collection illustrates the richness of Cartier’s style, at once singular and plural. Recognisable and multifaceted. Always true to itself, and constantly evolving,” reads the Voyage with Cartier book handed out to all the invitees in Florence attending the maison’s jewellery show. Named ‘Le Voyage Recommence’, the show, set in the garden of the Palazzo Corsini and with the likes of Elle Fanning andVanessa Kirby in attendance, is a coming together of precious architecture, heritage, and relentless innovation on a nippy summer afternoon in Italy. At the heart of this lies the philosophy celebrated and ingrained by Pierre Rainero, Director, Image, Style and Heritage at Cartier, who chats with us post the show about his personal creative processes, his journey with the house, and more. Harper’s Bazaar:…

Blending the art of storytelling, intricate footwork, and cultural richness, Kaushalya Reddy, a doyenne of the Kuchipudi dance form, has captivated audiences worldwide with her grace, precision, and expressions. Her journey began when she came to Delhi from Hyderabad [nowTelangana] as a little girl to live with her sister (Radha Reddy) and her sister’s husband (Raja Reddy). It was in Delhi that she built the foundation of her career. “Performing on stage and teaching dance gives me a lot of happiness…because I am extremely passionate about it,” she says. Kaushalya also loves the opportunity to travel the world, which allows her to interact with various people and grow as an artist. “People love classical dance because of the beautiful attire—silk fabric, temple jewellery—and the spirituality of the dance form…it is…

The trio of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa has demonstrated magic that can only be created when talents from various backgrounds converge. “The entire 28-year-old journey that we’ve had together as Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy has been a memorable experience in itself. Three different people from three different backgrounds, different musical ideologies, and individual personalities coming together is amazing,” says Shankar, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019. The maestro’s creative process, he reveals, is sparked not solely by inspiration but also by triggers that emerge from the world around us. “You don’t need actual inspiration but a direction for an idea. Anything can be a trigger—from something playing on the radio, a sound, a song, or certain words. It influences our thinking, where any sound can be the trigger…

When the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opened in Mumbai’s slick BKC neighbourhood earlier this year, it brought the crème de la crème of the entertainment and cultural circles in one place for the launch—from Zendaya and Tom Holland to Gigi Hadid, all decked up in Indian couture to celebrate the best of the country’s art and craftsmanship. Since its opening, NMACC has become a hotspot for all things culture and entertainment, and has been providing the city’s residents with a regular dose of internationally-acclaimed plays, exclusive art exhibitions, and much more. What the Centre had been lacking though was a spot for visitors to enjoy a meal post their tours. The newly-opened Amadeo by Oberoi fills that gap. The restaurant by The Oberoi Group is serving up a…

REDEFINING THE ART LANDSCAPE Challenging the norms of traditional galleries, Artix is a groundbreaking hotel art exhibition. Born from the collaboration of Jahan Luxury and Arushi Arts, it is a trailblazing fusion of art, fashion, and luxury. Showcased at the Taj Palace, New Delhi from 25-27 of August, Artix not only presents captivating collections but also champions India’s textile traditions, tribal arts, and artisans, with charitable contributions. NAVIGATING CINEMATIC WORLDS Priyanka Bose is known for her diverse roles in both Indian and international cinema. Her portrayal of Kamla Munshi in Lion garnered immense acclaim. “With Kamla, I had to study her journey, visualising her neurosis and really putting myself at a place of losing someone.” she shares. Her journey has transcended borders, demanding a flexible approach to cinematic styles. Her…

As far as I can recall, the best stories are narrated by women. As children, one remembers a wrinkled face keeping us spellbound by means of stories till we fell asleep almost every night. Women have stories written on their faces. They carry their own pain and also, the pain of others. The classic novel, Umrao Jaan by the poet, Mirza Hadi Ruswa begins with “what is more enjoyable, the story of my life, the life I have lived, or the world I live in. Or the story of the world”. An actor lives these stories…creating characters into legends, and, in the process, becoming legends themselves. They are the muses for writers and composers and, of course, directors. I have always been inspired by women as carriers of culture, symbols…

NAFISA ALI ACTOR & SOCIAL ACTIVIST A prominent Indian figure embodying the essence of versatility and resilience, Nafisa Ali emerged as a notable actress in the Indian film industry during the 1970s and ’80s, with performances in movies such as Junoon [1978] and Major Sahab [1998]. Looking back at her younger days, she recalls that her father and mother doted on her and gave her the opportunity to follow her dreams and aspirations. “I excelled in sports and arts but I was not a topper in school…I believe that everyone can’t have everything in their lives,” she laughs. Luckily, her parents didn’t push her on the academic front as long as she slipped on a banana peel from class to class. “My father [Ahmed Ali] learnt from his father [S…

MOMENT 1 MCQUEEN FOR GIVENCHY For his GivenchyAutumn/Winter 99 Fin de Siecle collection, Alexander McQueen created glow-in-the-dark pieces and shirts made out of circuit boards complete with battery-powered flashing LED lights. The show began with laser beams flashing and robot-looking models walking down a mirrored runway. The designer sought to showcase how he imagined the future of fashion to be, and it was not a reassuring vision. MOMENT 2 ANREALAGE’S UV ALLURE For the presentation of Andrealage’s Autumn/Winter 23 collection, a bar of ultraviolet light was lowered before the models on the runway. The light beams instantly ignited mesmerising chromatic patterns on their initially all-white clothing. The use of cutting edge technology, such as heat reacting fabrics, has become a trademark of the brand’s designer Kunihiko Morinaga. MOMENT 3 BARBARELLA Paco Rabanne’s avant-garde…

…about how this March 2009 cover of Harper’s Bazaar US captures the essence of the show Sex and the City which portrayed an honest perspective of womanhood, relationships, and self discovery. Premiering in the late ‘90s, the show depicted women as multitudinal individuals with diverse aspirations. The characters, with complex lives and desires, challenged myriad societal norms—be it female friendship, sexual autonomy, careers, dating, body image, female empowerment, and even infidelity. The show covered it all, allowing its characters to confront these subjects without judgement. The show thus, created a space, where women could see themselves, their aspirations and their struggles reflected on the screen, fostering a strong connection with the female audience. And just like that, our aim—just like the iconic show—is to build a sense of community among…

1 Mix and match 2 Hold on 3 Leave a mark 4 Turn in a twirl 5 Make a case 6 Tune in 7 Raise the bar 8 Wear the art KEEP • Brooch • Diamond Danglers • Hardware Ring RECYCLE • Sheer Fabrics • Fringes • All Things White…

Think of Bhutan and immediately the towering mountains, pristine landscapes, monasteries, and monks flash in front of you. Bhutanese textiles may not be a top-of-mind recall but they symbolise a rich cultural heritage. ‘kira’—a large, rectangular textile that is wrapped around the body, folded into a wide pleat in front, and fastened at the shoulders with ornate silver and gold brooches—worn by women and ‘gho’—a multi-coloured, striped knee-length cloth, tied at the waist with a cloth belt—traditionally draped by men, reflect the country’s identity, values, and spirituality. While the world is well-acquainted with fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, London, and New York, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered! And one such well-kept secret is Bhutan, whose fashion industry remains relatively unknown on the global stage. Despite the…

America Ferrera was never a Barbie girl. Born to Honduran parents in LA, the actress wasn’t interested in the blue-eyed, blonde-haired doll. ‘I didn’t play with Barbies for a number of reasons,’ she says. ‘We couldn’t afford them. And they just didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t see myself reflected in that world in a way that captured my imagination.’ It seems curious, then, that the actress, who is known as a champion of inclusivity, takes top billing alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Goslinginthenew Barbie film, one of the most-hyped releases in cinematic history. But, as she explains, ‘What’s exciting about being a part of this movie about such an influential icon in our culture is getting to expand and shift the narrative to include more of us, so young…

Throughout history, pearls have held an unparalleled allure, captivating the hearts and minds of iconic figures from Cleopatra to Queen Elizabeth, and modern-day luminaries from Audrey Hepburn, Maharani Gayatri Devi to even Michelle Obama. The very first recorded mention of pearls is in the ancient Mahavamsa which mentions eight varieties of pearls being gifted to Emperor Ashoka. For thousands of years, pearls were exclusive treasures retrieved from the seabed by skilled divers making them an indispensable part of every Indian woman’s jewellery collection. The Kings of Malabar were said to wear a necklace of 108 rubies and pearls that was passed on from one ruler to the next. The appeal of pearls is not restricted by borders or time periods. Cleopatra, the legendary Egyptian queen known for her unparalleled beauty…

USHA UTHUP Playback Singer Lovingly known as didi, Usha Uthup opted the not-so-easy path to success and, over time, built a reputation of being a versatile artist who dons more hats than one—she’s a playback singer and actress. Usha believes that every genre of music and each aspect of film and theatre are interconnected. “My journey has been truly remarkable. The timing of my entry was serendipitous; in 1969 there were few singers like me who were performing in clubs. My entry was made smoother as I sang bothWestern music and Hindi songs [especially at nightclubs] until I received the opportunity to sing in Indian film industry.” Radio played a pivotal role when Usha started her career about 54 years ago. “My inspiration in music,” she recalls, “was primarily drawn…

Donning the director’s hat after seven long years, actor Konkona Sen Sharma showed the world a different side of desire in The Mirror, one of the four short films from Lust Stories 2. Over the course of her career, Konkona has delivered performances that range from the morally upright, and ‘perfect’ to characters who are “real, flawed and going through transition”. It was, thus, no surprise to see how perfectly imperfect her characters are. The actor got behind the camera to co-write and direct The Mirror. It was the intriguing tale of desire and pleasure, and of feeling seen, illustrated in the short that made us realise just how much Konkona loves to narrate an untold story. And we’re all for it! Harper’s Bazaar: What was the inspiration behind your…

There’s a case to be made that it was during the pandemic that the internet finally subsumed us—which is precisely whenAmala Dlamini, a.k.a. Doja Cat, became a global pop star. Dlamini, 27, was born in LosAngeles and spent time as a child with her mother at an ashram led by jazz musician Alice Coltrane. But she is also a member of the connected generation whose creative DNA is defined not by a record collection as much as by a swirling torrent of songs, sounds, clips, and memes. She has been releasing music for more than a decade, but her mainstream breakthrough came in late 2019 with “Say So,” a masterful mash-up of disco, hip-hop, and funk vibes that became a left-field sensation on the eve of lockdown, inspiring aTikTok dance…

In today’s digital world, the only thoughts that come to mind when one mentions the word‘icon’ would be that of a graphic symbol of an app, a file, or even a function as seen on a computer screen. However, the said word has another meaning that is not lost to the world yet. We are referring to a person who is widely admired for having great influence or significance in a particular domain. Among the many icons we know of in India, are the yesteryear actresses who ruled the Indian cinema industry for over four decades. Let’s start with Devika Rani—the First Lady of Indian Cinema. The grand-niece of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore schooled in England, locked lips with her husband, Himanshu Rai, in the 1933 film Karma in what…

Neetu Kapoor was just about five years old when she started working in films. “I was too young to look up to anyone. Movies were just a part of my life,” she says when asked if she had any icons in the industry. However, as she grew older, she began to admire women such as Gayatri Devi, Waheeda Rehman, and Nutan for their grace and elegance. “For me, elegance is simplicity. I admire these women—the way they’d speak and how they would project themselves,” she says. For Neetu, ‘iconic’ is anything with longevity. It could be music, a performance, even films—something that people remember. Iconic to her, would be, RD Burman’s music and Raj Kapoor’s films. Talking about her stint in films—she was the leading lady in more than 60…

LATTE LOVE Make-up is probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of latte. But it has captured the imagination of celebrities, make-up enthusiasts and professionals alike, giving rise to the ‘Latte Make-up Look’. At its core, it is a celebration of earthy tones and subdued radiance—think velvety browns and toasty tans to gentle creams and hints of caramel. These warm and inviting hues serve as the palette for creating a style that seamlessly transitions from day to night. A SKIN SPA A long-held secret ingredient, artichoke, has now been crafted into a range of products by L’Occitane designed to elevate your skin’s well-being, enhance microcirculation, minimise water retention, and reduce swelling. Beyond its skin-rejuvenating prowess, this scrub and cream also bestows a sense of…

Luxury fashion maisons are venturing into the age of branded cafes and people are, quite literally, eating the idea up. Embarking on a journey of sweet indulgence fashioned by the most creative minds, these iconic brands are blending stunning ambiance with exquisite artistry and timeless storytelling to offer their top spenders a taste of an all-encompassing special experience. Here’s your guide to the must-visit couture eateries across the globe. Next time don’t just shop, eat too. But remember to make a reservation well in advance. GUCCI OSTERIA FLORENCE, ITALY Helmed by star chef Massimo Bottura, Gucci Osteria is a series of Italian restaurants that embody Gucci’s legacy. Tucked away in the Gucci Garden—a three-floor multi-sensory space in Florence dedicated to well, all things Gucci—it interlaces the colours and flavours of…