Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2025 i Harper's Bazaar India

It feels almost strange to wish you a happy new year as you pick up Bazaar India’s first issue of 2025—because, personally, January itself has felt like a year-and-a-half. We hit the ground running with the second edition of LuXperiences, and even now, it all feels surreal. The scale, the energy, the people—it was a whirlwind. But above all, I’m grateful to my team, who pulled it off with such grace and grit. One of the pinch-me moments? Welcoming Pierpaolo Piccioli to India for the very first time. A fashion visionary I grew up admiring from afar, suddenly sitting across from us, sharing his thoughts, inspirations, and even anecdotes from the Kumbh Mela—yes, his second day in India was spent at the Kumbh! LuXperiences gave us a fascinating deep dive…

It’s not everyday that you get an unassumingly simple, yet profound, life lesson from a fashion designer when asked about creative reinventions to measure relevance. I have been privy to first-hand accounts and anecdotes of inventive approach, calculated experiments, and pushing boundaries in fashion. But when the monarch of Indian fashion, JJValaya says, “If you don’t lead a content life, trust me, no amount of money is going to make you happy. Peace and joy are closely linked to contentment,” you pause to crosscheck the question you have asked as a fashion journalist. But the designer and couturier continues, “I can’t please everybody. I am going to move forward with the fact that maybe 50 per cent of this country’s buying audience is not my customer. Out of the balance…

There’s a ghost in the Gucci archive. On a tour of the space, a 15th-century palazzo located on the left bank of the Arno River in Florence, Italy, I’m told that the ghost is thought to be the house’s founder, Guccio Gucci. Strange noises have been reported emanating from unoccupied rooms in the building. To be sure, this site has stories to tell. The former Gucci factory and workshop now contains primary artifacts from the house’s 103-year history, including Guccio Gucci’s Horsebit loafers, artist VittorioAccornero’s Flora drawings, Tom Ford’s red velvet suit, and Alessandro Michele’s Dionysus bag. Taken together, they paint a picture of a globally renowned luxury brand. Currently at the helm, tasked with writing the next chapter for Gucci, sits 41-year-old Sabato De Sarno, now one year into…

Growing up with a deep admiration for anime and manga, artist Takashi Murakami has consistently surprised his audience with innovative techniques and his unique ability to blend Japanese traditions with popular culture. Over the years, he has collaborated with various influential artists and designers, including Virgil Abloh, Supreme, Kanye West, Billie Eilish, and J Balvin, winning the hearts of art lovers worldwide. One collaboration that proved transformative for Murakami was his groundbreaking partnership with LouisVuitton, initiated 23 years ago. In 2002, Marc Jacobs, who was the creative director for the French design house at that time, invited Murakami to reimagine LouisVuitton’s iconic monogram collection using his distinctive colour-pop palette. This collaboration, which debuted on the Spring/Summer 2003 runway, featured an array of items—from bags to accessories. The LouisVuitton X Murakami…

In a world that exists at the intersection of art and jewellery, there is only one name that comes to my mind—Ana Khouri. As a writer, there are a handful of people one dreams of interviewing, and Khouri has been at the top of my list since our first encounter years ago. Despite the pre-holiday whirlwind, I was determined not to settle for an email exchange. After what felt like a masterclass in polite pestering, I secured a Zoom call with the Brazilian-born designer. Khouri, 43, appeared on screen, radiant and refreshingly unfiltered. “I just got to Brazil,” she shares. “It’s very hot! I put on some sunblock, that’s why I’m all shiny!” The Khouri on my screen felt different from the polished persona, which glimpses through a carefully curated…

ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 20 You may receive recognition at work. This is a great month to bond with your teammates. If you are single, a meaningful connection may develop. For those in a relationship, draw boundaries to protect your energies. Karmic tip: Be open to both giving and receiving help. TAURUS APRIL 21-MAY 21 Your ability to remain calm under pressure will help you make wise decisions. Feel free to step into a leadership role. When it comes to your love life, look for emotional support in those closest to you. Karmic tip: Think both logically and emotionally before making decisions. GEMINI MAY 22-JUNE 21 Multiple career opportunities may come your way, but take time to evaluate your options carefully. In the matters of the heart, clarity is needed. Karmic…

You’ve likely encountered angrakhas, anarkalis, and kamarbands more often than you realise. These timeless pieces aren’t just beautiful; they hold a rich history, deeply woven into the fabric of Indian sartorial heritage, with their roots steeped in Kathak. I vividly remember stepping into my first Kathak class. I was nervous, knowing absolutely nothing about the art form, and intimidated by the sight of graceful dancers twirling effortlessly while the teacher counted beats. I sat awkwardly in a corner, my dad by my side, fumbling with my ghungroos. Neither of us knew how to tie them. Thankfully, a woman next to us came to our rescue, helping me secure the tiny bells around my ankles. As she worked, she smiled and said, “These bells have a history.” At the time, I…

FEBRUARY Event: India Art Fair Dates: February 6-February 9 Venue: NSIC Grounds, Delhi Event: Gstaad Art Festival Dates: February 14-February 16 Venue: Gstaad Palace, Switzerland Event: Frieze Los Angeles Dates: February 20-February 23 Venue: Santa Monica Airport, LA MARCH Event: Collectible Brussels 2025 Dates: March 13-March 16 Venue: Vanderborght Building, Brussels Event: TEFAF Maastricht Dates: March 15-March 20 Venue: Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre, Netherlands APRIL Event: SP-Arte Dates: April 2-April 6 Venue: Ibirapuera Park, Sao Paulo Event: Art Paris Dates: April 3-April 6 Venue: Grand Palais, Paris Event: Art Dubai Dates: April 18-April 20 Venue: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai MAY Event: Independent New York Dates: May 8-May 11 Venue: Spring Studios, New York Event: Market Art Fair Dates: May 15-May 18 Venue: Across Stockholm Event: Photo London Dates: May 15-May…

ANWESH BANERJEE, WRITER “Abanindranath Thakur, most definitely! He had a way of seeing things, through a calibrated lens of beauty and humanism, that I believe is a rare gift, and something I would definitely love to learn and imbibe.” FABIO IMMEDIATO, STYLIST “I am looking forward to a project with Tilda Swindon and a shoot with Steven Meisel. I had met Avanti a long time ago and I vividly remember telling her that it would be only a matter of time before she would become a top model.” ON THE ARTIST THEY WOULD LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH MANSI SHAH, WRITER “Frida Kahlo. I love everything she stands for—the fierce feminism, the irreverent attitude, and of course, her work. I imagine it would allow me to peek into the person she…

When Sabyasachi Mukherjee debuted his first collection, Kashgaar Bazaar, at Lakmé Fashion Week in 2002, the event was hardly surrounded by the bated breaths and collective high expectations that now follow the designer. His models made their way down the runway dressed in textiles that celebrated India’s rich and diverse craft traditions, with a nod to the intellectual and poetic reputation of his home city of Calcutta coming via models styled with stacks of books and horn-rimmed glasses. The collection was seamlessly and inextricably both Indian andWestern, and served to announce Mukherjee as one to watch on both Indian and international shores. A quarter of a century since that debut show, Mukherjee’s eponymous label has scaled the heights of fashion glory, as evidenced by an impressive list of accolades and…

An auto whizzes past with ‘Good Luck’ scrawled on its back. A transwoman smiles as she sits on the edge of a terrace, her long dupatta trailing off her lap, rhinestoned bangles glistening on her wrist. Designer Priya Ahluwalia took the first photograph while visiting Panipat to explore the second-hand market. Photographer Nick Sethi took the second in India in 2016 and published it in his book Khichdi, a collection of 846 images. In their first meeting, the two creatives discuss referencing India in their work, their creative processes, and avoiding derivativeness in fashion and imagery. Nick: Hey, how’s it going? Upasana: Hey, good! Priya, you had a shoot right before this? Priya: It went well—at least, I think so! Let’s see when the pictures come out. Nick: If it…

Gold Rush Warm up your late-winter wardrobe with elements of contrasts. Wild Child Pack treasures from the past as you step into the future.…

Nothing hits harder than childhood nostalgia. Think school time shenanigans without a care in the world. Designers are revisiting their childhoods with pieces that transform cherished memories into bijoux. From Marie Lichtenberg’s Magic 8 Ball offering whispers of fortune, to Nadine Ghosn’s Crayola-inspired bangles, there is a new-found whimsy and wonder in our adornments. It’s a reminder that fine jewellery doesn’t always have to take itself too seriously.…

What do an unconventional and bold interior designer, an underperforming architecture student, and a celebrated art director and magazine editor have in common? Seemingly nothing. And yet, their epochal work has probably graced your vanity at some point. French designer Hervé Van Der Straeten’s furniture is known to be bold and so it is only fitting that the perfume bottle he created for Dior’s J’adore has become iconic. The signature tear drop shape and the stunning gold rings on the neck—Van Der Straeten’s design has patronage even before the first spritz. Pierre Dinand abandoned his architecture course (he wasn’t very good at it anyway, by his own admission) and stumbled onto perfume bottle designing entirely by accident. He went on to create Opium’s bottle for YSL, a perfume bottle that…

Can’t resist the call of the wild? Here, all roads lead to some of India’s most captivating wildlife retreats. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, safari lodges offer an unparalleled way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. The lush jungles, teeming with flora and fauna, promise a tranquil stay, not to mention the thrill of sighting a big cat—whether during an outdoor shower or while lounging on the bed. These unique, light-footprint properties, in hand-picked scenic locations, shelter an astounding diversity of rare and elusive species, boast breathtaking scenery, and offer a choice of intimate lodges for romantic getaways; secluded, off-grid trail camps for adventurers; and fully (From staffed, top) Khadi exclusive bush dress by Abraham & villas for families. Millions of travellers check April into…

For nearly a century, Schiaparelli has shaped the landscape of fashion—on magazine covers, red carpets, and runways—by transforming silhouettes into wearable art. Under Creative Director Daniel Roseberry, the house continues to honour Elsa Schiaparelli’s fearless vision, fusing surrealism, craftsmanship, and sculptural boldness. But to understand its impact, we turn to where it all began: The 1930s, when Elsa Schiaparelli turned fashion into an avant-garde art form. Inspired by surrealism, her collaboration with Salvador Dalí resulted in iconic creations such as The Lobster Dress (1937) and The Tear Dress (1938). And no visionary’s legacy is complete without a signature hue—Schiaparelli’s ‘Shocking Pink’ became an enduring emblem of audacity and innovation. Harper’s Bazaar has always championed this marriage of fashion and artistry, honouring designers who push boundaries, redefine beauty, and embrace the…

PAIR IT… WITH DENIM No matter the season, denim is always trending—like a best friend you can count on. Whether it’s a perfect pair of jeans, a stylish jacket, a chic shirt, or a trendy dress, denim offers endless options to suit every occasion. Pair it with heels and a blazer for a polished look, or opt for sneakers and a t-shirt for a casual vibe. PAMPER… YOUR LIPS A pretty pout requires just as much care as the rest of your skin. Bookmark these three lip balms to revitalise the natural skin barrier. Take your pick with Laneige’s Glowy Lip Balm combines hydration with a touch of luxury; Dr Jart’s Ceramidin Lip Balm provides the much-needed moisture boost and has a semi-gloss finish; or Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Kiss…

I went for a job to the Taj Hotel in Bombay,” recalls Suzanne Sablok, a semi-finalist at Miss Universe beauty pageant in 1990. “The general manager told me a designer was auditioning models and suggested I try out. At 17, I had no clue what it was. I don’t know why, but they chose me—and the designer was Pierre Cardin.” In the late 1980s, Indian fashion was undergoing a major transformation. The country’s first multi-designer store, Ensemble, was launched by Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahiliani. With globalisation on the horizon, Cardin was poised to be the first international designer to enter the Indian market, designing clothes from Indian textiles. The first Lakmē Fashion Week was still nearly a decade away, and a new generation of models emerging from beauty pageants…

AN ODE TO WHIMSY The inimitable style icon Iris Apfel redefined fashion with her quirky signature style including chunky jewellery, oversized glasses, and an eclectic mix of colours. Now, Christie’s is celebrating her legacy with Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel, an online auction running until February 13. With over 200 pieces—from her vibrant wardrobe, statement accessories to home décor items and decorative art—this auction offers a rare chance to own a piece of her world. Fashion highlights from this auction include a feather coat by Dior haute couture and a colour-block shirtwaist gown by Carolina Herrera. GILDED GLAM House of Masaba collaborated with Amrapali Jewels to launch their first-ever fine jewellery collection. Inspired by the iconic mascots—‘The Nandi’, ‘The Palm’, ‘The Toffee’, and ‘The Camera’—that have defined the…

Serpenti is Bvlgari is Serpenti is Bvlgari is Serpenti is Bvlgari is Bvlgari is Serpenti… Thus unfolds, amidst swirls and coils, the mantra imagined by Harper’s Bazaar to pay tribute to the Chinese New Year and the Serpent, a symbol of the coming year and distinctive icon of the famous goldsmith brand, a sign among the most revered and represented since Antiquity. Serpenti is Bvlgari is Serpenti is Bvlgari: a kind of magic formula with an enveloping and persuasive sound, which creeps in to frame these pages on the example of the cartouches of Egyptian hieroglyphics. A snake of words that come to life by reading them one after another, without a beginning and without an end. Just as in the bas-reliefs depicting the Ouroboros, the legendary serpent bites its…

In an era where jewellery transcends mere adornment, designers are seamlessly merging fine art and fashion, crafting pieces that feel equally at home in a gallery as they do on the wearer. The world’s leading auction houses—TEFAF, Sotheby’s, and Christie’s—are increasingly spotlighting contemporary jewellers, elevating their creations to collectible status.…

A palpable sense of movement swept across pre-Independent India, a nation on the cusp of freedom. Amid political upheaval and cultural resurgence, this movement—for expression, rebellion, and liberty—found a voice in art. Art became not only a bridge between a subjugated people and their vision of a nascent nation but also a catalyst for its liberation. Three cultural addas emerged as the humble cradles of this expression. Today, these addas stand as India’s most revered galleries, transcending time to preserve the essence of humanity. These galleries are more than repositories of art; they are custodians of India’s collective consciousness. Their founders, perhaps unaware of the magnitude of their contributions, gifted India the institutions that serve as centres of discourse, reflection, and inspiration. With 77 years of independence behind us, these…

Without any fault of my own, my beauty regime now reads like a food menu. Brands are using appetising names—glazed doughnuts, honey, jelly, gummy bears—to sell products that appeal to Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s craving for novelty. Skincare and make-up are being repackaged to suit a social media-driven world. As a beauty enthusiast who spends (read wastes) far too much time online, my feed is filled with beauty trends that have got an edible rebrand to make everything look ‘almost good enough to eat’. First came glazed doughnut skin (thanks to Hailey Bieber), followed by latte girl make-up, cinnamon cookie butter hair, and blueberry milk nails. The inevitable debate started: Why the sudden obsession with food-themed beauty? The answer is simple—nostalgia is trending. Food’s smell, taste, texture, and look…

RETHINKING INDIAN CRAFT IN FASHION DESIGN The Indian fashion scene is celebrated for its rich craftsmanship, deeply rooted in heritage. In the session, Karishma Swali, Director, Chanakya International & Founder, Chanakya School of Craft; Maximiliano Modesti, Founder, Les Ateliers 2M; and Sanjay Garg, Founder, Raw Mango, delved into how this legacy often leans toward maximalism, and if Indian craft is overshadowing other possibilities within the Indian fashion design scene. BUSINESS OF LUXURY The luxury retail landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by e-commerce, personalisation, and experiential shopping. In conversation with Thomas Dobrowolski, Associate Director—Global Brand Development, Hearst; Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director, DLF; and Richa Singh, Managing Director (India and Middle East), Natural Diamond Council, the session explored how they blend digital and physical spaces, adapt to new expectations,…