Table of contents for November 2025 in Harper's Bazaar India

Of all the things I do at Bazaar, writing my editor’s letter is perhaps the hardest. For someone who has never shied away from voicing her opinions, often too loudly and too freely, this letter somehow demands more reflection, restraint, and heart. This month’s theme, The Voices, feels especially close to what Bazaar India stands for. At its core, our magazine has always aimed to be more than just pages of fashion and culture. It is a space where people from all walks of life can share their truths, perspectives, and passions. We strive to bring together voices that deserve to be heard—sometimes loud and defiant, sometimes quiet yet unshakable. Our cover star, Deepika Padukone, embodies this spirit perfectly. She lets her work speak for her, and that, to me,…

When I started 431-88, it was like my child. I was taking care of everything and getting it all together. It has now entered the late teenage phase, where it has a personality of its own,” laughs Shweta Kapur. It has been over a decade, and she has successfully positioned her brand in the ready-to-wear category designed for the quintessentially modern Indian woman. She has expanded into menswear and has recently launched her bridal line. The ethos has always been the grounding value—to work with separates and dress someone who’s on the go. The vision stemmed from the need to create a lifestyle brand and prioritise convenience. “Getting dressed should not feel like an ordeal. We have enough stress in life regardless. This should be the least of your concerns,”…

WHAT WAS FOLDED, STAYED FELT Every morning in my grandmother’s house began with the rustle of fabric. She would lift a linen sari from the chair, still carrying the heat of the iron, and fold it neatly before the day started. The room smelled of rose powder and starch mixed with the faint scent of coconut oil from her hair. Her clothes grew softer with each wash, the edges fraying just enough to show use, not neglect. Inside the wooden cupboard, every fold seemed to hold a trace of her patience, the way years of small, careful gestures can turn routine into devotion. SOFTNESS IS THE NEW STATUS SYMBOL In India, softness was never a fashion choice. It came from the way people lived with their clothes. Linen and cotton…

ART MEETS COUTURE LouisVuitton partnered with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for a surreal collection, which was unveiled at this year’s Art Basel Paris. The Artycapucines VII-Louis Vuitton X Takashi Murakami collection includes 11 interpretations of the brand’s iconic Capucines bags and collector pieces by Murakami. An eight-metre-high sculpture of an octopus, inspired by Chinese lanterns, is one of the many highlights of the collection. From Capucines Mini Tentacle and Capucines MM Eye adorned with a miniature version of the octopus’ features, to the Capucines Mini Mushroom that boasts of over 100 vibrant mushroom characters crafted using 3D resin printing, the collection reimagines the brand’s classics. These 11 creations offer visitors the chance to explore Murakami’s kaleidoscopic universe once again. FUNCTIONAL FALL This Fall, our wardrobes are in for an exclusive…

Have I ever truly eaten for myself?” It’s a question I have scribbled at the back of my journals since I was 14. I treat it like a promise—one I hope to fulfil someday. When I look back to my childhood, I see my amma on a summer afternoon. She hums under her breath, her bangles jingle to that tune. I walk and hide behind the curtain, watching her silently. “Rice is what makes a home,” she says to me as she washes rice until the water runs clean. That sentence stuck to me like my fate. It made me wonder the ways in which I would build my home. It doesn’t matter if there’s anything else, there should always be rice. Two decades later I was making my home…

When I speak to Kiran Desai, she is at her mother’s house, resting for a brief moment between continents. The tour for The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny (TLOSAS) has taken her from city after city, and tomorrow she leaves for Pittsburgh, followed by a brief spell in Ashland City, Tennessee, before coming to India in January 2026. Though her voice carries the warmth of familiarity, it also carries fatigue: the kind that comes from stepping back into a world of attention after years of solitude. “It’s difficult,” she admits softly, her black locks lining her face in the warm glow of her room. “Publishing a book after so long, I forgot how public the act of publishing actually is. It’s just constant exposure.” Despite this paradox of solitude and…

ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 20 You’re shedding the weight of old fears and preparing to start anew. Professionally, a second chance may appear; emotionally, forgiveness clears the path forward. Karmic tip: Trust what’s resurfacing, it’s your cue to realign with your truth. TAURUS APRIL 21-MAY 21 A passionate project reignites your motivation, bringing structure to your dreams. Keep communication open and intentions pure, your efforts are about to be rewarded. Karmic tip: Let practicality guide your growth. GEMINI MAY 22-JUNE 21 Fast-paced changes test your patience, but they also awaken creativity. Balance intellect with empathy; your words have impact now. Nurture what’s blooming instead of chasing the next idea. Karmic tip: Maturity means knowing when to pause. CANCER JUNE 22-JULY 23 You’re standing in your truth, clearer and stronger than before.…

If the roster boasts more than 20 designers, you know it’s time for fashion’s favourite playground, the capital, to Lakmē Fashion Week. This year, LFW celebrated its silver jubilee—25 years of giving golden opportunities to cohorts of homegrown designers. This year was no different—the backstage hassle, the front row fuss, and the endless days of playing dress-up—except, the spotlight went beyond the usual headliners. Guided by purpose over pomp, these seven designers drove me into the direction of wearable, edgy, and statement fits, a direction I don’t see myself straying from anytime soon. From denims having a moment, waste turning into wonders, to artistic visions, this edition went beyond spectacle. ANAM HUSAIN, THE DENIM DEBUT This year’s GenNext winner Anam Husain’s victory felt personal, especially for women. Titled ‘Cut-Putly’, the…

The Amazon often echoes mystery, terrifying creatures, impenetrable wilderness, and a certain sacredness that demands respect. Experiencing a sliver of this dense ecosystem over the course of four days, sailing in the comfort of Aqua Expeditions’ state-of-the-art Aqua Nera vessel, a luxurious 20-room cruise ship, presents an unrivalled experience for any traveller. Following a two-hour flight from Lima, the capital of Peru, to Iquitos, a gateway city to the Peruvian Amazon, and a 90-minute drive north to the town of Nauta, we arrive at our embarkation point. As heavy rain pours down, Aqua Expeditions guides swiftly distribute rain jackets and usher guests onto skiffs. Within minutes, the rain clears, and the 205-foot Aqua Nera ship appears before us: a charcoal-coloured vessel with a sleek design featuring oversize windows, framed by…

For almost a century, Maya Angelou’s words have shaped the landscape of literature, activism, and art. Her voice echoed from classrooms to world stages, reminding generations of the power that lives within themselves. To truly understand her impact, we return to where it all began. As a young girl, Angelou stopped speaking after a trauma, believing her words had caused harm, and in that long stillness her voice found its strength. When she finally spoke again, it carried a depth and clarity that could never be silenced. From I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to On the Pulse of Morning, her work redefined what it means to speak with truth, courage, and grace. At Bazaar India, where storytelling meets self-expression, Angelou’s journey serves as a timeless reminder that finding…

ON HER FAVOURITE JEWELLERY TREND RADHIKA SOMAIA WRITER “The brushed gold trend is my favourite because if you’re not investing in gold right now, you’re missing out. I love how brushed gold feels understated yet luxurious. It’s less blingy, more wearable, and has this quiet confidence about it.” ON HER TAKEAWAY FROM FRIEZE LONDON TAHIRA CHAWLA WRITER “Frieze acts as a barometer for the art world, and this year it signalled a cautious yet optimistic shift. It suggested the city’s art scene is regaining its rhythm and confidence.” ON HIS EXPERIENCE OF THE COVER SHOOT ANDRÉS JIMENEZ PHOTOGRAPHER “Shooting in India was intense—fast rhythm, noise, light, everything at once. A raw, creative experience that reminds me why I do this. Hopefully, the first of many.” ONE INDIAN DESIGNER SHE WANTS…

As the world wakes up to India and its incomparable craft prowess, it has created a bridge for homegrown brands to make grand international crossovers. The buzziest phrase in Indian fashion right now? Going global. Blueprints are all around us: Rahul Mishra holding court on the Paris Couture Week calendar, Gaurav Gupta dressing the likes of Beyoncé and Cardi B, Sabyasachi outselling international brands at stores abroad, and Manish Malhotra’s Dubai takeover. So far, so good. But the real test is in cultivating the staying power. “Going global can have many iterations, it’s a loaded conversation,” says Anjali Patel Mehta, Founder, Verandah—a conscious resortwear that was last spotted on the cast of cult social satire, The White Lotus. “Are you looking for commercial or editorial success? What’s the category you…

HANNAH KHIANGTE We first heard Hannah Khiangte’s name the way many now do—via a viral post of Kareena Kapoor Khan describing one of her ensembles. A sharply cut silhouette in a weave that carried its own quiet authority. It made people ask the right questions: who designed this? And why haven’t we been paying attention sooner? Hailing from Lunglei in Mizoram, Khiangte has emerged as a designer whose work is rooted in heritage yet fully alive in the contemporary. She does not see the fabrics of her homeland—the iconic puan weaves—as artefacts to be preserved. Instead, she treats them as living narratives, ready for reinterpretation. As she puts it, “It’s never been about simply juxtaposing the old and the new but letting them speak to each other.” Khiangte watched her…

The satin gold finish, with its softly textured, matte surface and gentle luminosity, is redefining modern luxury. Its allure lies in restraint: a warm, diffused glow that pairs seamlessly with stone, wood, and neutral tones without overpowering them. This move towards brushed gold mirrors the growing embrace of “quiet luxury” and the understated elegance of everyday jewellery—where texture replaces gloss, and subtlety feels more indulgent than shine.…

It’s no secret that the art market has been struggling, and that galleries have taken a big hit, with a slew of closures making headlines over the past year. So, the energy leading up to London’s most coveted art event (Frieze 2025) was definitely weary. But alas! There was a break in the clouds, and London showed off its best self after a long time. The lead up to the event, which was held from October 15 to October 19, has been strong, with many noteworthy exhibitions at major institutions across the city. On September 20, the RoyalAcademy opened The Histories, an exhibition of Kerry James Marshall’s work. It was one of the most talked about shows in a long time. It has been years since contemporary painting of this…

Satyajit Ray’s 1984 Palme d’Or–nominated Ghare Baire (The Home and the World) opens with leading lady Bimala’s prophetic words: “I have passed through fire. All that was, now stands reduced to ashes. And what remains, has no end.” These lines echoed in my mind as I read Salman Rushdie’s illfated memoir, Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder (2024), written soon after his near-fatal onstage attack in upstate New York in 2022. The book unfolds as a haunting meditation on mortality, art’s redemptive power, and the artist’s place in a fractured world like ours. In his lucid yet layered prose, Rushdie turns the weapon of his assault—a terror-inducing knife he describes as alive—into a symbol of fear and creation alike. What emerges is not merely an account of survival but one…

I ’ve never been one to get nervous around people, yet there is something about Deepika Padukone that makes you pause. She carries that rare blend of calm and command that instantly draws you in. When I joined Bazaar India more than two years ago, I remember saying I wanted to have her on our cover one day, to celebrate her as the global Indian star she has become. Today, I find myself on set, waiting for her. I haven’t interacted with Padukone much before, just the occasional brief exchange and mostly observing her from a distance, whether on the ramp, on screen, or at some event. What strikes me most about her is the ease with which she moves. There is an aura to her presence, something that reminds…

…SWITCH TO FACE OILS With winter coming, face oils are the perfect amount of warmth your face needs. Creating a protective barrier, and offering deep hydration with their healing properties is how face oils manage to win over your winter skincare routines. The Noni Glow Face Oil from KORA Organics, Kumkumadi Face Oil from Shankara and Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil are our top picks. …EMBRACE YOUR WILD INSTINCTS Animal prints always find a way back into our wardrobes. This fall/winter, channel your untamed energy in maximalist options—from Saint Laurent, Fendi to Sabyasachi dressing up Kareena Kapoor Khan in a contemporary animal print sari. Think leopard, zebra, dalmatian, or even cow prints—the trend is getting a stylish nod in polished iterations this time. …STEP UP…

There’s something undeniably poetic about Gucci returning to Florence—the city where its story began. Inside the Palazzo Settimanni, which houses the Gucci Archive, the Maison showcased its Cruise 2026 collection as both homage and evolution—a reimagining of heritage. Since 1921, this city has been the brand’s compass: the place where leather met luxury, and craftsmanship found rhythm. Now, in the cradle of Renaissance, that rhythm plays anew—softer, sharper, and somehow more human. The show opened with a look that left little room for guessing—a studded leather mini skirt, lace top, oversized fur coat, monogrammed tights, and a flash of violet at the feet. It was the kind of outfit that speaks before it walks—confident, sensual, a bit mischievous—reminding us why Gucci’s version of glamour has always been gloriously undone. The…

Modern-day pearls appear mismatched, baroque, and beautifully irregular—strung on leather cords, set in molten gold, or worn solo against bare skin. With their organic shapes and soft iridescence, pearls today celebrate individuality—the quiet confidence of pieces that feel lived-in, intimate, and entirely one’s own.…

SHEETAL DEVI Chasing the Bullseye “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it,”—said Maya Angelou once, a sentiment that resonates well with paralympian archer Sheetal Devi’s empowering journey. For starters, she refuses to see hers as a sob story, instead prefers to label it as that of strength. I began with asking what made her choose archery. “I believe archery chose me,” she contradicts. She shares that it wasn’t an epiphany, rather a turn of events and opportunities that landed her on the global stage. “Honestly, even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined this. Growing up, I always thought I’d become a teacher, that was my dream. And then, suddenly, I found myself on the world stage, wearing the Indian…

Being a former student of history, I’ve always had a strange fascination with forts. There’s something about the way those old, uneven, stone steps twist and climb upward, making you slow down and breathe the past in. Forts don’t give themselves away easily. They make you work for the view, almost like it’s a power game and the forts are testing your patience. And maybe that’s the whole point. This year, artist and film-maker Sarah Singh chose Kangra Fort for her latest art salon, titled Ten Nights By A Lost River. Fittingly, the theme was power. “It just seemed natural with the mountains and this ancient military fort to explore the theme of power,” Singh says. “The mountainous landscape lends itself to the theme of power as it has an…

Four friends walk into a set. It is not their first rodeo of course. He is still one of India’s most scalding male beauties—a bonafide supermodel, actor and entrepreneur with a smile that can defrost theTundra. Sea-secrets tucked in her cascading curls, she stands before the camera, after going away from it at the pinnacle of her career. She laughs with the innocence of a child, her candour belying the many landmark conversations she has started in the country about women’s body autonomy. And she stands unmatched—her grace, only further underscoring the epic highs of her decades-long career. As photographer Soujit Das clicks his camera, an image of the four friends appears on the monitor in the image-maker’s signature saturated shades. As their lined faces burst into peals of joyous…