Table of contents for June-July 2025 in Hello India

‘IN ONE OF OUR BIGGEST EXCLUSIVES YET, OUR ICONIC COVER STARS ARE CAPTURED IN AN IMMERSIVE, FASHION-FORWARD, SUPER LUXE MODE’ We are already more than halfway through the year. The past couple of months have been quite tumultuous, with the world going through the churn of looming wars, attacks and uncertainty. The recent unfortunate events in India and the Middle East have given everyone a jolt, and pushed all to introspect on how fragile and unpredictable life is. So, value your relationships and make time to indulge in what you’ve always wanted to do! At HELLO!, it’s all about the brighter and beautiful side of life — people, passions and places. After a hugely successful relaunch, where we sold out as soon as we hit the stands, we are back…

‘I have a natural gift for timing and comedy – touchwood! So no complaints so far!’ ‘Acting has no rules. That’s both magical and scary, and I love that’ ‘I like to add my voice to everything, to come prepared to the set in a way I think the director would appreciate’ We’re in a tropical jungle setting, surrounded by an explosion of colours and patterns, at an upscale restaurant in the heart of Mumbai. The place is buzzing with people, thanks to an impromptu fire drill. And amid the near chaos is Vihaan Samat, at the ready with his wisecracks. “They’re here to see me,” quips the charming actor. Laidback and playful, at ease before the camera, Vihaan doesn't come with the self-assured hubris one may expect from a…

In a time and age plagued by trends that come and go, there’s a quiet power in spaces that stay true to their roots. This thoughtfully curated apartment designed by Anand Bhagat of Metaphors represents just that — a modern Indian home that is not only visually appealing and functional but also deeply personal and culturally grounded. Conceptualised for a young urban family, the home strikes a delicate yet confident balance between innovation and tradition, everyday living and emotional resonance. At first glance, the apartment radiates calm, with a sense of visual unity that feels both intentional and organic. Yet, it’s in the details, those subtle layers, that the richness of the home truly begins to unfold. Every aspect has been designed with meaning. The palette, for instance, takes cues…

Jayesh Sachdev “For me, masculinity has meant unlearning years of conditioning, peeling back layers of inherited stoicism, shame around emotion, and the pressure to perform in strength. It’s been about confronting my own insecurities, recognising my flaws, and doing the quiet, necessary self-work. That’s where I’ve found my own sense of masculinity — not in perfection but in presence.” Kaustav Dey “My journey with masculinity has been an arduous one of selfdiscovery. I went from trying to be as invisible as possible in my younger years because I couldn’t fit the singular, narrow definition of what a ‘real man’ was, to finally waking up to the simple realisation that I could never hide who I really was, so I may as well celebrate it. It’s our differences that make us…

DEEPIKA PADUKONE GETS A NEW STAR Deepika Padukone is all set to become the first ever Indian actor to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was named as part of the Class of 2026 in the Motion Pictures Category, along with international icons like Demi Moore, Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, Rachel Mcadams, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The star marks another feather in Deepika's international hat. She made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with xXx: Return Of Xander Cage, with Vin Diesel. This followed two global ambassadorships with Cartier and Louis Vuitton, besides her Cannes and Met Gala appearances. BTS RETURNS TO THEIR ARMY It's official: BTS is back! Confirming their highly-anticipated comeback, the South Korean band said they have a new album scheduled for release…

AN ODE TO LEGACY A true tribute to artistry and heritage, this collector’s item from Vacheron Constantin marks 270 years of craftsmanship, with a special limited-edition of just 270 timepieces in 18-karat 5N pink gold. price on request; vacheron-constantin.com ROYAL REFLECTIONS The Reflection de Cartier timepiece by Cartier features a quartz movement adorned with 95 brilliant-cut diamonds. Vibrant chrysoprases, obsidians, emeralds, and Paraiba tourmalines accentuate the design, besides the 18-karat white gold dial with 106 brilliant-cut diamonds. price on request; cartier.com THE GREEN ABYSS The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms, a Blancpain x Swatch collab, honours Blancpain’s very first true diver’s watch. The new Green Abyss avatar is the perfect balance of colour and seriousness. The shade complements the vintage-hued cream Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers, and the watch…

Nearly a decade ago, Ronak “Roni” Madhvani came across a striking Vacheron Constantin timepiece from the early 1950s, distinguished by its elegant Cornucopia lugs — a true collector’s gem. But he was most intrigued by the inscription on the caseback: “Dolly, 1954.” Given the unmistakably masculine style of the watch, the engraving was all the more captivating. As with many pieces in Roni’s collection, the story unfolded in the most unexpected way. A fellow watch enthusiast from New York reached out via Instagram, claiming he knew who Dolly was and had even attended his wedding in the 1970s. “Dolly,” it turned out, was the nickname of one Adolf, a Jewish émigré who fled Nazi Austria in 1937 resettled in Manhattan, where he built a life as a jeweller in the…

During the pandemic, Prateek Gupta was “trying to impress a girl.” While everyone was making dalgona coffee, he made hand-rolled pasta at home, wanting to be different. This garment exporter and owner of SRM Clothing found it cathartic to work pasta dough by hand. “During the lockdown, when the world felt uncertain, working dough by hand brought a sense of calm and creative joy,” he recalls. “It was my way of travelling to Italy from my kitchen — a deeply tactile, comforting craft that reminded me that beauty can be created with the simplest of ingredients, patience, and love.” As fate would have it, the grand gesture soon blossomed into a passion, eventually metamorphosing into the creation of Café Dali — now celebrated as one of Delhi’s finest Italian restaurants.…

‘If Jamini Roy, Picasso, and Frida Kahlo had a threesome, I’d be the by-product!’ “Liberation is one of the core ideas of my work. When somebody wears a Bobo Calcutta outfit, I want them to be able to explore themselves. They should be able to feel sexy and enjoy being stared at. When you wear something from my brand, everyone's most definitely going to look at you. So, enjoy the gaze!" This sentiment as good as sums up the ethos behind Bobo the brand and the artist. Dynamic, vivid, unapologetic, and fierce is how he describes his designs, but he may as well have been talking about himself! Although his brand celebrates 10 years this year, Bobo was introduced to the world in 2018 as a Lakmé Fashion Week GenNext…

Founded in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan, Kala Johare has a legacy spanning over 30 years. Born out of a passion for preserving India’s timeless craftsmanship, the brand has grown into a trusted name among custom jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers. Kala began in a small village, with the founder handcrafting traditional gold jewellery using his innate skill and dedication. What began as a humble craft grew into a respected art form that built trust and repute across generations. As Kala Johare evolved with growing global exposure, they introduced fine polki and gemstone jewellery with a modern appeal. THE REBIRTH The brand’s fourth-generation owners, Satyam and Shivam Kumar, are now taking their family’s jewellery legacy forward, armed with a contemporary vision. Drawn to the magic of jewellery-making from childhood, they spent…

Some journeys begin with a plan. Others, like the path Kanika Chawla carved for herself, begin with a quiet speculation: “What if I made it myself?” While preparing for her own wedding, Kanika — the founder and designer behind accessories label Beau Monde — found herself with a challenge commonly faced in the bridal world but seldom met with a solution. When she couldn’t find a bag that felt right for her trousseau, she fuelled that moment of doubt to transform it into a turning point. “Everything felt either too Indian or too Western,” she shares. “There was nothing that struck that perfect balance in my mind.” In that moment, the idea grew into a label that is today celebrated for its sparkle, spirit, and statement-making style. COMING INTO BEING…

FIT FOR A KING The Maharaja Crest kalgi by Raniwala 1881 unites heirloom gemstones and meticulously crafted diamonds with striking emeralds and rubies. It’s a piece meant to be passed down generations. price on request; raniwala1881.com COLLAR COUTURE These majestic Lion Collar Pins from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery make an effortlessly sharp yet quietly powerful statement, adorned with brilliant diamonds and emerald eyes. price on request; manishmalhotra.in EAGLE EYES The Alpine Eagle Cufflinks from Chopard can jog awake the dormant confidence in any man. Crafted in silvertone metal, the textured green accents make it the perfect finishing touch for a gentleman’s wardrobe. price on request; chopard.com EYE OF THE TIGER Representing strength and grace, this Regal Brooch by Ena J Singh Fine Jewellery — crafted in yellow gold with yellow…

PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN What it is: PRF is the upgraded version of PRP (platelet-rich plasma, derived from your own blood but without the use of anticoagulants). PRF forms a natural fibrin matrix that traps platelets, white blood cells, and even stem cells to create a slow-release system of healing factors. Why it works: “Unlike PRP, which releases growth factors in one quick burst, PRF delivers them slowly over several days or weeks,” explains Dr. Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder of ISAAC Luxe. “This prolonged effect helps with deeper, longer-lasting rejuvenation of the skin and scalp.” How it's done: Once a small amount of blood is drawn, it’s processed using a single, slow-spin centrifugation system, which allows the formation of the fibrin scaffold. The resulting PRF is injected into target areas like the…

Picture this: vine-laden pockets of land, the air rich with the scent of fermenting grapes, miles of rolling countryside steeped in history, and an enduring passion for wine. That’s Bordeaux in a nutshell. For every oenophile, the very idea of a trail in one of the world’s most popular wine counties is intoxicating. So, of course, I was thrilled to be part of the In Vino Ladies Red Wine Group, the first of its kind in India that organised this memorable experience. Armed with the expertise of Mohit Jain — founder, ideator, creator and CEO of Gran Cru Club — we set out to explore one of the most exquisite wine trails there is. An entrepreneur extraordinaire and a seasoned wine collector, Mohit’s decadelong association with Bordeaux’s top vineyards opened…

How to calculate your number Begin with your date of birth. Reduce the date to a single digit, if you’re born on a double-digit date, by adding the digits involved. For example, if you’re born on the 12th of a month, your number is 1+2 = 3 1 Take your time to evaluate the decisions you make this year. If you’ve been thinking about shifting jobs or taking a relationship to the next level, the signs may feel stronger now; just ensure you’re acting out of clarity. Financially, there’s potential for gains, but Mars can tempt you into impulsive behaviour. A disciplined approach will help you earn more and also hold onto it. Overall, July offers the chance to make confident moves, as long as you stay grounded. 2 With Cancer (No.2)…

LOEWE RAISES A TOAST TO THE ICONIC PUZZLE To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the cult favourite Puzzle bag — the brainchild of the former legendary Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson — Loewe has unveiled 19 archival edits, along with a dazzling new iteration embellished with thousands of leather sequins. Linking back to the house’s collaborations with various artists and art movements, expect to see appliqué, embroidery, embossing, printing, crossstitch, patchwork and leather marquetry among the many techniques applied to the bag over the years as a feat of artisanal engineering, thanks to its novel cuboid construction. CRYSTALS FOR CLEATS? YES, SAYS SWAROVSKI To the delight of sneakerheads and jewellery connoisseurs alike, Nike has collaborated with Swarovski for its most rutilant release yet. The sports brand has reimagined the Air Jordan…

Who doesn’t revel in the celebrations of a royal wedding — especially one imbued with sartorial statements from the bride, venues with legacies and heirloom tiaras? The union of Her Royal Highness Princess Aisha Bint Faisal of Jordan and Kareem Al Mufti gave the world regal nuptials poised to go down in the books of modern royal history. A STATELY AFFAIR The ceremony unfolded within the holy halls of Zahran Palace. A setting of indelible national significance, it was the venue that bore witness to the wedding of Their Majesties Queen Rania and King Abdullah II. Constructed in 1957, Zahran stands tall as the fourth royal residence, succeeding Raghadan, the Little Palace, and Basman Palace - the latter housing the king's offices. Conducted with adulation, aristocratic elegance, and contemporary minimalism,…

They started their careers in the '90s, a time where strong, middle-class values were etched on the screen and across starry fashion silhouettes. Then came the 1995 blockbuster, Rangeela, where Urmila Matondkar was styled to be artfully sensuous, like a desi Bo Derek. It was one midas touch that took the once gaudy Indian femme fatales to glorious high priestesses of style, as knockoffs of their on-screen garb flooded the high streets. That visionary, who worked with just two tailors and loads of instinct, who often found film producers suspicious when he wanted to understand the movie script, and who often found his paycheques bouncing… That intrepid game changer was Manish Malhotra. Then you have the bratty, sassy Karan Johar, scion of Dharma Productions, who legitimately inherited a portmanteau of…

Let's set the record straight, shall we? Before the world was divided by borders, ballots, and binary beliefs - before fashion was filed into "his" and "hers" - there was flair. There was flow. There was fabulousness, especially in the Global South. In India, masculinity didn't mean monotony. It meant majesty. It shimmered, strutted, and sashayed. Our men were magnificent. Our kings wore pearls with pride. Our gods posed with poise. Our warriors went into battle wearing silk, sequins, and − if the mood allowed − anklets. Masculinity was not minimal. It was maximal. And no one called it "feminine." They just called it fierce. Then came the colonial fashion police with their beige sensibilities, and suddenly, being a man meant being emotionally constipated and chromatically cautious. Jewellery? Suspicious. Colour?…

‘Good grooming is integral, and impeccable style is a must’ — Daymond John…

Sam, we believe your new book, focussed on the five partitions of the British Indian Empire, was rooted in Project Dastaan, which connected people with friends and family from pre-Partition days… I grew up in Delhi, a city where the partition sits in the background of every conversation. It was around the last year of university. My friends Sparsh and Amina were talking about how ridiculous it was that an Indian and a Pakistani could meet in Britain, but not within the subcontinent! Amina had better access to see Sparsh’s ancestral home, and Sparsh, Amina’s. And that was where Project Dastaan began. Using virtual reality, we spent about three years reconnecting people whose families had been separated. We were able to connect four to five childhood best friends who hadn’t…

Wearable art is how one would describe Bvlgari timepieces. Their Serpenti watches intertwine the signature craftsmanship of their jewellery with functional watchmaking, and the Octo Finissimo — the Ultra COSC variant is the thinnest mechanical watch ever made, with an astonishing thickness of 1.70 mm — altered the field of mechanical movements forever. “We take care of the movements, dials, or cases in our watches the same way we take care of the aesthetic of a bracelet,” shares Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Product Creation Executive Director of Bvlgari, as he doodles a rough sketch of the Octo Finissimo. Bvlgari shines in horology just as much as it does in high jewellery, fusing the brand’s signature Italian savoir faire with Swiss watchmaking prowess. It’s their attention to detail and out-of-the-box thinking, says…

There was a time when receiving an old HMT hand-me-down was par for the course for every 12-year-old. But for Gaurav Mehta, it meant tremendously more — the moment set him down a path that changed his life forever. “This gift from my father ignited my curiosity around timepieces, leading me to dismantle and reassemble watches to understand their mechanics,” he shares. “Simultaneously, my interest in numismatics also grew, and I began collecting various kinds of coins, particularly those from the British India era.” Now over 40, Gaurav has melded his passion for watches and collecting coins to make personalised timepieces with his Jaipur Watch Company (JWC), established in 2013. The turning point: A colonial coin he received with a hole in it. "Inspird, I affixed the coin onto a…

An entrepreneur in his prime, Abhimanyu Jakhar's life is all about making an impact and elevating experiential hospitality with each of his restaurants. Spearheading India's everevolving service industry, he is one of the few names from the next generation leading with creativity. This young mogul not only built his restaurants as places to dine but also environments where design, emotion and energy converge. A stickler for detail, texture and structure, he is drawn to the quiet satisfaction of building things that matter and possess a unique value. MOTIVATING FACTORS Abhimanyu moves through life with a certain rhythm — often unhurried, observant and purpose-driven. Recognised for leading with precision, scale and systems, he utilises his background to apply a creative lens to everything he does. Travel, on one hand, adds a…

Can you walk us through the journey of building your brand? What nudged its inception, and how has it evolved since? The brand began as a personal expression to translate emotion into form and stories into heirloom jewellery. I was searching for jewelley that truly spoke to me, something that felt like me and not just beautiful. So I began by creating what I wished had existed. I started by designing pieces for myself and my close ones, and it naturally grew into a brand that’s resonated with women who wanted something soulful yet striking. It was never just about adornment, but about confidence, connection and the power of self-expression. The journey since then has been wild, humbling and full of learning. I’ve always believed jewellery holds energy. Over time,…

‘I’ve always been told to enjoy the little details and moments — that I don’t need big things to be happy’ ‘I’ve worn unique outfits that are impossible not to love, but the most special item in my closet is a jacket that belonged to my grandfather’ Her natural ease in front of the camera would make you think Gara Arias has been on the other side of the lens since childhood. However, this young woman from the Canary Islands — but based in León — never imagined such a path for herself. She confides in us that she feels the pull of acting, and who knows, maybe one day we’ll see her on the big screen. With a meteoric rise in the modelling world, Gara balances this fulfilling career…

There’s a seismic shift about to shake fashion. Perhaps not quite like the worldwide furore Christian Dior unleashed in 1947 with the New Look. Or when Coco Chanel loosened the shackles of corsetry with a boucle suit inspired by men’s tailoring. Not even like when Giorgio Armani gave tailoring a Grecian tilt, all ease and gleaming insouciance… Even so, this shift promises to refine the very vocabulary of dress, and with it, the way fashion seeps into how we live, wear, and express ourselves. While last year, there was buzz around Sarah Burton taking over at Givenchy and Louise Trotter being appointed Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, come fall, five new designers will unveil their debut collections on the runways of Paris and Milan. Each has been appointed to the…

How did Seva Home come into being? What did you have in mind when you founded the label? Seva Home was born out of a desire to blend purpose with premium home living. I envisioned a brand that not only offered luxurious, thoughtfully designed home fragrances but also empowered underprivileged women through employment and training. Each product reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, conscious living, and creating a positive social impact. Was there one profound turning point in your life that inspired you to link wellness with social impact? Yes, there was. It was when I visited a remote tribal village near Mumbai and met elderly folks struggling with preventable blindness due to untreated cataracts. It was a deeply emotional experience. I realised that while we chase wellness in the form…

The whiff of a powdery attar your grandmother's from carefully stored saree. The aroma of your father's freshly laundered linen shirt. The smell of ink mingling with the soft, nostalgic scent of fountain pen nibs scratching across paper. Or the sensually scented environs of a flower market, surrounded by heaps of mogra and marigold… Fragrances tend to transport us to a vivid world of unimagined desires. And lately, it's begun to claim a new place in our lives. No longer confined to pulse points and special occasions, it now surrounds us worn, diffused, burnt, and layered. It fills the home. It follows us from room to ritual. It has become, in many ways, a marker of identity. "Fragrance is increasingly seen as a language, a way of expressing mood, intention,…

It all began in 2010 when The World’s 50 Best Restaurants crowned Noma the top spot - five times over. Then came Geranium, which also clinched the No. 1 spot. As the regional chair of the panel, I had a front-row seat to this culinary revolution in Copenhagen. Since then, the city has only soared, now glittering with Michelin stars. Noma sparked the movement, making it the cradle of New Nordic cuisine and sustainable gastronomy. Each restaurant here boasts a unique identity - Geranium is a detail-driven artist; Alchemist, a theatrical conjuror. But it’s not just about stars; the city’s DNA pulses with creativity, craftsmanship, and devotion to seasonal, local ingredients. I fly in for Spora, the mind-bending innovation lab by Rasmus Munk of Alchemist (René Redzepi of Noma is…

FINE ART MARRIES JEWELS IN NEW TIFFANY LAUNCH Heralding innovation and one-of-a-kind creations, Tiffany & Co. has collaborated with artist Daniel Arsham for yet another launch — the limited-edition Bronze Eroded Penny Vessel and Tiffany & Arsham Studio HardWear. Taking inspiration from the Great Seal of the US from 1885, the objet trouvé entails an oxidised bronze vessel in striking teal — a Tiffany trademark — along with a HardWear necklace in 18k white gold with diamonds and tsavorites. This culmination of fine art and jewellery comprises 39 handcrafted sculptures that reinvent the ordinary penny as an ancient artifact, each accompanying the reimagined necklace set with more than 1,000 diamonds and over 500 tsavorites. HERMÈS FORAYS INTO LUXURY TECH In the digital age, luxury seldom feels complete unless it integrates…

How exciting was it to open for Ed Sheeran during his 2025 tour of India? And your Lollapalooza performance, too. Opening for Ed Sheeran in front of his biggest audience during his India tour (40,000 people in Delhi!) was incredible. It was an entirely new camp of listeners, who, perhaps, would have never heard my music otherwise. We were so overwhelmed by their response… Performing at Lollapalooza was a dream come true because it was my homecoming show. Lollapalooza is from Chicago, and I’m from Chicago. I dreamt of performing at the festival my whole life. I got to merge my two worlds — my home in Chicago with my home in Mumbai. What is it like working between Chicago and Mumbai? What are the primary differences between the two…

‘When Dennis Hopper lived here, everyone from the Rolling Stones to The Beatles visited’ If the walls of Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s home in the West Hollywood Hills could talk, they’d have plenty of fascinating stories to tell. The stylish hideaway owned by the interior designer to the stars has been home to music legend Tina Turner, pop artist Andy Warhol and Hollywood hellraiser Dennis Hopper, and has also seen its fair share of parties and famous visitors — including Martyn’s own celebrity friends and clients. “So many people have been in this house,” British-born Martyn tells HELLO! as he opens his doors for this exclusive interview. “When Dennis Hopper lived here, there was everyone from the Rolling Stones and The Beatles to Jane Fonda and even a bunch of Hell’s…

Growing up, I was bad at everything I was supposed to be good at: I walked with a slight swing in my hips; my voice was high-pitched; I was terrible at sports; I didn't make male friends easily … Looking back, I'm surprised by how little I let any of this affect me. Perhaps the biggest reason for that was my parents - they didn't think of these as "anomalies." Instead, they focussed their attention on things I was good at − writing, languages, music, painting… They spent their meagre resources on honing those skills. I was asked to try harder to write better, rather than go out and play cricket every evening. That is my story, and it is evolving as I make my way through the world as…

In the world of luxury real estate, some names are built over time, brick by brick, generation by generation. And then there are visionaries like Prateek Madaan, who not only inherit a legacy but recalibrate it for the future. As the second-generation director of the Skyland Group, a pioneering force in real estate across Delhi, Punjab and Haryana for over four decades, Prateek is at the helm of a remarkable journey, one that blends tradition with transformation. Raised amid architectural drawings, site visits, and strategy meetings, the business of building was never foreign to him; it was familial. However, Prateek, has never been one to sit on tradition. Armed with an MBA in International Business from the UK, his current focus is on using innovative technology, new talent, and forward-thinking…

‘One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art’ — Oscar Wilde…

There aren’t many royals you’d find cycling across London — but then again, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones isn’t your average member of the royal family. As she arrives on her bicycle for our exclusive photoshoot at a beautiful mews house in London’s Notting Hill, her fashionable vintage dirndl immediately evokes the spirit of her grandmother, Princess Margaret, after whom she was named. Margarita, who was a bridesmaid at the age of eight for Prince William and Kate Middleton, tells us she is influenced by her elegant grandmother and yet remains very much her own person. "I think she was an international influence of style and fun,” says the 28th in line to the throne, the daughter of Margaret’s son David Armstrong-Jones, now 2nd Earl of Snowdon, and the Hon. Serena Stanhope,…

Breguet Grande Complication − the "Marie-Antoinette" US$30 million Famously revered as the “Marie Antoinette” watch, Breguet N°160 was commissioned in 1783, purportedly by a secret admirer of the French queen. This extraordinary timepiece, crafted in the watchmaker’s Paris workshop, took 44 years to complete — long after both the queen and horologist Abraham-Louis Breguet had passed. It features 823 components, including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, thermometer, and chime. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Complication US$10.1 million This platinum timepiece is a masterclass in horological artistry, seamlessly integrating a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and split-seconds chronograph — classifications that, according to the brand, have defined a 'Grande Complication’ since 1882. Each watch is assembled by a single watchmaker over six to eight months, ensuring unparalleled precision and craftsmanship. The movement comprises…

He dresses like a fashion icon, looks like a scientist, thinks like an inventor, and invents like an artist — breaking all preconceived notions about an intellectual property rights lawyer. One of India’s most acclaimed legal luminaries, Safir Anand is a man of many roles. He’s a brand evangelist who catches the pulse of a business in a jiffy, a celebrated speaker who holds his audience in a spell, a bestselling author who has penned three extremely diverse books, an erudite thought leader and instinctive investor with a strong understanding of the market. In short, even if you know him well, it’s tough to keep abreast of his many evolving personas. “I want to be the person I aspire to be. And I want to be the guy who thinks…

Haute in HELLO!…

What defines "masculine" fashion today? Is it Harry Styles in rules, or pearls; Timothée Chalamet in a backless, halter-neck jumpsuit; Ranveer Singh in skirt-life silhouettes; or Vijay Varma in a reimagined saree? Traditionally, men’s fashion meant sharp tailoring, muted tones, or black tuxedos with a crisp, white shirt, tied together with polished oxfords. But today’s style eschews such rigid norms. As designer Mayyur Girotra says, in 2025, clothes aren’t gendered — they’re mediums of expression. Chunky chains, handbags, scarves, silks, florals… None of these are off-limits to gents anymore. And history supports this shift: Indian maharajas embraced jewels, velvet robes, and embroidery; Louis XIV's wardrobe was filled with lace, corsets, and heels. Pink was once for boys, blue for girls. While Maison Margiela and Telfar were always known to blur…

In an era dominated by fast fashion and digital churn, Katha is a quiet yet resounding rebellion that celebrates heritage, mindfulness, and timeless elegance, all while preserving craftsmanship by reimagining it for today’s discerning consumers. Co-founded in Kolkata by Suchandra Sengupta, a global technology leader and creative visionary, the brand promotes the rich heritage of Bengali handloom textiles, weaving a rare harmony of innovation and tradition into the landscape of contemporary fashion. SPINNING A TALE The vision is clear and compelling: To reimagine Bengal’s storied Jamdani weave — a textile tradition honoured by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage — as a modern emblem of slow, conscious luxury. Elevating the fabric from an archival element to a symbol of iconic luxury, Katha transforms the narrative around the textile through sartorial…

Haute in HELLO!…

LONDON, UK London fuses centuries of queer rebellion with today’s dazzling diversity. It’s where drag royalty reigns in Soho and queer Muslim collectives thrive in East London. Safe spaces bloom across boroughs, bolstered by public support, progressive laws, and visibility in everything from punk gigs to parliament. For here, every story finds a mic. NEW YORK, USA NYC remains the quintessential queer capital. From the historic Stonewall to voguing balls in Brooklyn, it’s a city where LGBTQIA+ rights were fought for and won. Here, Pride Month is a citywide spectacle, but safe spaces like the Leslie-Lohman Museum and queer-owned bars make it a haven all year round. PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO For over six decades, this Pacific Coast gem has been a beloved LGBTQIA+ sanctuary. Known as Mexico’s San Francisco, roughly…

THE NEW & ROCKING EPICURUS Brand new and packed already, Epicurus is the sleek gastro-jazz venue that has me swinging. I do so right after dinner on its first floor, even as Chef Oliver Bergholt delivers Nordic-French plates that hit familiar notes with finesse. The world’s best jazz musicians perform here. On this particular evening, I enjoyed the globally renowned jazz band led by singer and songwriter Camille Sledge. UDTRYK Charming and intimate, it’s a creative universe filled with taste, art and empathy. Here, each dish is presented personally by the chefs, fusing Asian creativity with Nordic precision — all whipped up with the finest ingredients by the ever-smiling Hong Kong-born Chef Edward Lee. INDIA SHINING STUFFED - BAR & BITES This hugely popular bar by Pune boy David Selvam…

WHAT: Taking her holistic lifestyle to the masses, Mira Kapoor has launced Dhun Wellness in Mumbai. Touted as India’s first in-city luxury wellness sanctuary, this urban retreat aims to redefine everyday wellness with a soulful, science-baced approach to longevity. BUZZ: Nestled in the heart of Bandra on Mumbai's bustling Linking Road, Dhun Wellness spans over 6,000 sqft. It's a well-thought-out space, offering signature seven-day wellness programmes. The launch was a star-studded affair, and among the high-profile guests were Karan Johar, Ishaan Khatter, Neha Dhupia, Aditi Govitrikar, Malvika Sitlani, Rekha, and Reshma Merchant, besides Shahid Kapoor, of course.…

WHAT: Avas Wellness, in collaboration with A&H Colab, an art and design consultancy, celebrated the "Golden Hour," an evening of design, elevated living, and art. At the Mumbai event, Avās unveiled its newest project, Ananta, featuring a world-class Racquet Club and unparalleled amenities. BUZZ: Held at the stunning Design Qandy, a personalised luxury interiors and furniture consultancy in Marine Drive, Hina Oomer Ahmed and Amrita Kilachand of A&H Colab showcased an edit for an exclusive new showing, titled "Abstraction in Motion." The "Golden Hour" soirée was attended by the who's who of Mumbai. On the guest list were Shobhaa De, Mallika Parekh, Gayatri Rangachari Shah, Nayantara Thakkar, Parizad Kolah Marshall, Aditi Dugar, Mamta Kilachand, Reshma Vazirani, Jaya Buxani, Penny Patel, Radhika Ruia, Ishna Byramjee, Vasavdatta Gandhi, Trupti Bellad Hermans, Parthiv…