Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Harper's Bazaar India

Legacy, identity, and values—these words have been on my mind in recent weeks. Fashion is in a state of flux, reshaping itself just as the world around us does. And yet, one word keeps resurfacing: Identity. How true do we stay to it? How do we evolve without losing sight of who we are? As we worked on this 16th anniversary issue of Bazaar India, these questions led us to reflect on what Bazaar truly represents. As the world’s oldest continuously published fashion magazine, now in its 158th year, there’s a deep sense of both pride and responsibility in carrying its legacy forward. Being part of this institution means preserving its essence while pushing it toward new possibilities. This month, we feature Alia Bhatt on our cover—a woman who needs…

I t’s an 8am call time! I am on Dhruv Kapoor’s schedule, except I didn’t meditate for an hour but chugged a cup of Americano, and rushed to meet him at his newly built atelier in Gurgaon. The multi-storey expansive space seems like stepping inside a wellness centre or a top-secret laboratory straight out of a sci-fi film. It’s white as far as my eyes could see, minimally designed with white tables and chairs, the glass doors add to the space, clothes on the racks offsets the ‘white’, and larger-than-life portraits from his previous collections adorn the walls as accents. The massive ‘Kapoor’ signages in Hindi and English at the reception desks could act as portals to his world, the silence is deafening (one could think out loud), and my…

Harper’s Bazaar: Gallery G has established itself as a powerhouse for both historic and contemporary art. How do you navigate the balance between preserving tradition and embracing modern artistic movements? Gitanjali Maini: At Gallery G, our philosophy is simple: Art is a continuum, not a division. We present Indian masters alongside modernists and contemporary visionaries, allowing each work to inform the other. Our curation isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about relevance. The classics provide a foundation, and the moderns push the dialogue forward. By contextualising legacy within today’s conversations, we ensure that the past remains dynamic and the present deeply rooted. HB: Your global network has played a pivotal role in placing masterpieces in prestigious collections. Can you share insights on how India’s art market is evolving internationally? GM: India’s art…

Think coloured stones, two stone rings, and antique-cut stones with a storied past, today’s rings are less about conformity and more about character. Designers are redefining the language of love with asymmetry, unexpected settings, and mixed metals—catering to a generation that values individuality over convention. As we prioritise self-expression in our everyday lives, the classic solitaire is no longer the only symbol of forever.…

I step into our shoot location—a serene bungalow tucked away in the heart of bustling Bandra. Its charm is understated, much like the woman at the centre of it all. Inside, Alia Bhatt moves effortlessly between roles—one moment, a mother playing with her daughter, Raha, rollers still in her hair; the next, a consummate professional, ready for the camera. Bhatt, 32, hardly needs an introduction. From the fresh-faced ingénue of Student of the Year (2012) to the powerhouse performer in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), she has carved a unique space in Indian cinema. But acting is only one facet of her ever-expanding world. Today, she is a global icon, a fashion muse, and an entrepreneur whose brand equity has placed her on the international stage with Gucci and L’Oréal. As the…

This is not a story about how women’s wellness is the next big travel trend. It is a reflection of what it means for women when we talk about women’s wellness. It is about why they are travelling to heal and how retreats in India are responding to their changing needs. “Currently, we are prioritising masculine principles of productivity, achievement, and burning ourselves at the stake to claim power—women too. And when you do that, the feminine principles of receptivity, intuition, and emotional resting are deprioritised, creating an imbalance within us,” says Meher Malik, who runs Moksha in the Mountains with Rahul Goswami. Priyanjali Das, Co-founder of Suki Suki, echoes the belief that female wellness needs to be redefined as inner harmony balanced with the outer world of roles and…

ALIA ALLANA, WRITER One issue I want to address: Women struggle to be heard. Through my work, I’d like to give them a voice and redress imbalances. One thing that works in my favour: I’ve always celebrated my womanhood, professionally and personally. Be it reporting from war zones or covering fashion weeks, I am fortunate to have not encounter a gender bias. RADHIKA SOMAIA, WRITER One issue I want to address: There’s still a tendency to frame women’s creativity through a “passion project” lens instead of acknowledging its role in shaping culture and commerce. One thing that works in my favour: My emotional intelligence allows me to see beyond convention, to tap into cultural undercurrents, and to introduce something unexpected yet deeply resonant. UPASANA DAS, WRITER One issue I want…

Model: Huda Shahin; Make-up Artist: Emily Clayton; Hair Stylist: Shindesu; Retoucher: Abdel Kabdani…

ARTISTIC EVOLUTION To commemorate its 10th anniversary, homegrown label CORD debuts its most ambitious retail space yet—a 1,500 sqft concept store—in Chattarpur, Delhi. Inspired by vintage train stations, the space invites visitors into a world where art, travel, and heritage converge. Alongside, its Spring/Summer’25 collection embraces surrealism, weaving whimsical prints and bold hues into timeless silhouettes. NEW HORIZONS Hazoorilal Legacy steps onto the global stage with its first international flagship store in Dubai. A bastion of Indian fine jewellery since 1952, the maison now brings its 73-year-old heritage to the Middle East, blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary opulence. Each piece at this 2,500 sqft boutique, nestled in Dubai Hills Mall, is an ode to meticulous design and innovation. GILDED GLORY MISHO forays into high jewellery with its debut collection ‘Jaipur’,…

Hair: Chris Sweeney at One Represents, using Living Poof; Make-up: Nina Sagri, using Egptian Magic; Manicure: Ami Streets, using Chanel Le Vernis in ‘Ballerina’ and Chanel La Crème Main; Stylist’s Assistant: Freya Watson; Set Design: Anna Sbiera-Paléologue at Swan Management; Model: Phoebe Matthews at The Hive Management…

Designers from Milan to New York are reimagining utilitarian elements into everyday jewellery staples. Whether it’s Cartier’s signature screws or Marla Aaron’s pulley charms, the world of hardware is being dipped in gold and encrusted with diamonds. This trend reflects a broader cultural movement towards the unconventional, where function meets ornamentation, and industrial grit becomes a thing of beauty.…

It was a cool Monday afternoon when couturiers Tarun Tahiliani and Pierpaolo Piccioli boarded a private jet in New Delhi. It was the Italian designer’s maiden voyage to India and he joined Tahiliani’s merry band of travellers on a journey to the Kumbh Mela. “And then we’ll ride to the Ganga in a chariot,” Tahiliani said animatedly as they took off with a veritable list of who’s who. Their destination? Prayagraj. In Prayagraj, hordes of people walked along the banks of the Ganga. Aluminium plates transformed the sandy banks into temporary pathways. Barefoot men and women dodged puddles of water while balancing their belongings atop their heads. The chants of mantras from speakers, calls for free food from akhada (monastic) kitchens and the banter from the pilgrims illustrated what the…

I join our Google Meet link 10 minutes early, nerves coursing through me. No amount of Googling can prepare you to greet a true legend—something my father reminded me a thousand times the night before. As I channel my cold feet into frantic texts to my mother, my screen shifts—and there he is. Javed Akhtar, punctual to the minute. His snow-white hair is neatly parted, a soft pink kurta drapes effortlessly over his frame, and joyous mischief sparkles in his smile. Behind him, uncountable pitch-black Filmfare trophies line the shelf—a sight that humbles even the toughest hearts. His warmth puts me at ease, his humour has me in splits every 15 minutes, and his humility proves I am in the presence of true greatness. Few films in Indian cinema command…

This year’s Women’s Day theme—Rights, Equality, and Empowerment—feels more urgent than ever. It calls for a future where these core values are not just aspirations but a reality for women. Literature—as it always has—played a crucial role in times of change—acting both as a mirror and a map; which is why Susan Sontag’s On Women serves as a visceral starting point to this list. A provocative collection of essays and interviews, Sontag’s work examines the hardships and indignities women encounter as they age, and it investigates the interplay between women’s liberation and class struggle. Sontag reveals her relentless curiosity, meticulous historical insight, and robust political perspective that makes her writing intricate and wholesome. Following Sontag’s examination of women’s struggles and societal roles, Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions by…

Harper’s Bazaar: Welspun Living has been at the forefront of transformative home solutions. Elaborate the key initiatives undertaken by the brand to lead textile revolution towards sustainability? Dipali Goenka: Sustainability isn’t just a commitment—it is a responsibility that drives every decision at Welspun Living. To shape a future of sustainable living, we are using cutting-edge innovation, promoting responsible manufacturing and inclusivity. Our most important, and the very first partnership as a home textiles company is with our farmers. To source 100 per cent sustainably sourced cotton, our Wel-Krishi programme supports over 29,000 farmers across 2.2 lakh acres of land. These farmers are revolutionising cotton farming, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing crop productivity. When it comes to manufacturing, we are focused on adoption of Green energy. Currently, 20 per cent…

FASHION Model: Monica Cima at IMG; Hair and Make-up: Celine Exbrayat at Call My Agent, using Sisley Paris; Light Assistant: Quentin Farriol; Producer: Clément Daugabel; Consultant: Refined Consultancy by Rawan Kattoa. Special thanks to Hotel Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy.…

Make-up, once mere embellishment, has metamorphosed into a visceral language—a blend of colour and light that expresses identity and emotion. Using war paint as a tool for storytelling; Gaurav Gupta’s collaboration with MAC for his Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Couture Collection truly brought his vision to life. The ethereal beauty of the collection, Across the Flame, found its mirror in the make-up artistry, which turned models into celestial beings, embodying the essence of astral projection and mysticism. MAC Cosmetics’ Global Senior Artist, Marieke Thibaut, sculpted faces into luminous canvases, breathing life into Gupta’s vision of cosmic transcendence. The models became otherworldly entities, adorned with celestial symbols and metaphysical storytelling. A golden third-eye sun, painstakingly painted on foreheads, radiated divine consciousness. Preciosa crystals danced across faces, refracting light like shattered constellations. One…

READ ….THE DREAM HOTEL It’s always a good time to get lost in a book! Grab The Dream Hotel in which author Laila Lalami imagines a future where even dreams are monitored, raising unsettling questions about technology, privacy, and freedom. Lalami’s latest work is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the power—and the perils—of surveillance. STYLE IT ….WITH A BASEBALL CAP From vintage-inspired logos to bold, oversized designs, brands are reimagining baseball caps. Whether you’re pairing one with a breezy dress for a night out, or throwing it on for a casual daytime look, a cap instantly adds a cool, confident edge to your outfit. With options ranging from sustainable materials to cozy wool, there’s a perfect pick for everyone out there. WATCH ….SNOW WHITE Disney is bringing back a…

It’s noon in New York and 10:30pm in India when Saturn appears on the screen, wearing a black shirt dotted with white circles, creating the illusion of a sinewy silhouette. “This is from MISBHV,” he mentions as Saysha enters. “Divyam actually knew about your brand,” Saysha recalls, referring to Saturn’s label whathappenedtogod. “It’s really cool.” Saysha Chopra, Divyam Jain, and Arnav Ahuja founded Outbreak Lab right out of school and are possibly the youngest Indian designers to showcase at Paris, off calendar. “It’s dope seeing other Indian designers,” says Saturn. “There are only a few in my space in New York.” The young generation drives the fashion machine. Dialling across time zones, Saturn, Saysha, and Divyam share the excitement and hope of being young in the fashion world. Upasana Das:…

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia; Assistant Photographer: Kaustubh Khare; Assistant Stylist: Armiya Khan; Location Courtesy: Ssurup Bonsai and Garden…

Rarely does significant wealth and refined taste converge at one location. But when you enter the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, you experience a sense of awe and deep appreciation for the celebration of culture, art, and history that is embodied in the museum’s architecture, its galleries, and even the gift shop. Nestled deep within the galleries is a special collection—including gemstones, jewels, and incredible artefacts—that stands as an ambassador of the 17th and 18th century period when India was ruled by the Mughals. A tumultuous chapter in India’s long history with many battles fought between the Mughal emperors and the Hindustani Rajas and Maharajas. Challenging times, but contained within those chapters are pages of exemplary artisanship—born from the patronage of Mughal emperors as well as Hindustani royalty…

Photography Assistant: Worarat Chui Panich Assistant Stylist: Kanlayarat Pitanik…

TAURUS APRIL 21-MAY 21 Fresh starts are on the horizon. A bold career move or creative opportunity will ignite passion in your professional life. In love, exciting new beginnings are likely—whether it’s a spark with someone new or a fresh perspective in an existing relationship. Karmic tip: Take the leap of faith and trust your instincts. GEMINI MAY 22-JUNE 21 Structure and balance will define your career this month. Authority figures may guide you, but fairness is key—advocate for yourself if needed. In love, choose logic over heart. Karmic tip: Advocate for yourself where needed. CANCER JUNE 22-JULY 23 You’re stepping into a powerful cycle of completion and stability—career goals are aligning and financial security is improving. In love, commitment and long-term plans may be in focus. Karmic tip: Keep…

Model: Xiwel; Hair: Doyeon; Make-up, Lee Jun-seong; Nails: Im Mi-seong (Liem)Stylist: Go Donghwi; Assistant: Park Jinkyung; Design: Jin Moon-ju…

In tandem with the empowerment theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, it is worth reflecting on the 1960 Harper’s Bazaar US cover that spotlights the strength needed to balance the delicate equilibrium between life’s dualities—work and play, strength and grace, responsibility and freedom. Much like the woman on this cover, Harper’s Bazaar India encourages women to embrace both the vibrant and the challenging aspects of life with elegance and confidence. We have always celebrated the intersection of fashion and the deeper currents of modern life. As we celebrate yet another Women’s Day, let this cover be a reminder for you that balancing the diverse roles we play is key to true harmony in life.…