Table of contents for August 2025 in Hello India

‘THIS INTERIORS SPECIAL IS DEDICATED TO THE ART OF TABLESCAPES — THE MOST POPULAR TREND EVOLVING IN THE REALM OF ENTERTAINING AT HOME’ Homes are more than just living spaces. They are your identity. They reflect your personality. They define who you truly are. In the past five years post-pandemic, the focus has moved entirely towards good living — transcending material fulfilment to include our personal wellbeing. For many, homes have become the primary source of indulgence — from designer furniture and exorbitant art, to swanky chandeliers and other décor fixtures, purse strings are exponentially loosened when it comes to interior expenditures. At HELLO!, we pride ourselves in presenting beautiful homes of even more beautiful people. This interiors special is dedicated to the art of tablescapes — the most popular trend…

THE HELLO! STYLE Everything about Sanya’s lavish tablescape for HELLO! spells decadence. Table linen in custom double-layer cotton poplin adds weight and structure to the layout, while hydrangeas in various hues infuse a dramatic charm to her otherwise elegant choices, including the custom monogrammed napkins. "Besides the exotic flowers, I layered the table with tall, tapered candles, and my favourite whimsical touch: a tiny martini olive pyramid!” she says. The overhead light bulbs add a rustic touch to the look, and for the crockery, Sanya chose the exquisite craftsmanship of Hermès. THE ALLURE OF AESTHETICS A beautiful table, says Sanya, always begins with balance — a harmonious blend of textures, tones, and height. She gravitates towards layering neutral linens in white or off-white, and brings in colour, movement and charm…

BEDSCAPING It’s the art of styling a bed like a mini showcase to create visual intrigue by layering eclectic pillows, throws, linens, etc, in patterns and unexpected textures. Much like a curated garden. PLANTSCAPING In a nutshell, it’s interior landscaping, where plants are used to style indoor spaces both aesthetically and functionally. Beyond merely placing plants around a room, it involves strategic plant selection and placement to complement architectural features and create a desired mood. CEILING SCAPING As the name suggests, this design trend makes the ceiling the focal point. Bold patterns painted onto a ceiling, textures reminiscent of the waves or clouds you spotted on your travels, statement chandeliers or wallpapers, eclectic lighting, mouldings, mirrors… All fall under ceiling scaping. CLOFFICE That’s closet plus office. This pandemic-era design evolution…

Some 25 years ago, Kapil and Sandy Khurana designed invitation cards as a favour for some of their friends’ weddings. Little did they know that this simple gesture would fill a lacuna in the market, one invite at a time. Before they could wrap their head around it, wedding invitations became a regular feature in their lives, and the Delhi-based duo went on to establish the Entertainment Design Company as India’s first couture invitation atelier. "Our first card was for a close friend. No budget, no references, no Pinterest!” recalls Sandy. “It was just our imagination and the urge to make something beautiful. That card is still on our mantle, framed like a memory.” In these two decades, EDC has evolved into a comprehensive design house spanning bespoke invitations, luxury…

The double-height living room makes a powerful first impression, our eyes immediately drawn to the arresting chandelier, the green glass moulded to resemble foliage, with gilded accents. “It became a centrepiece around which we built the rest of the room — strong, artistic, and a little unexpected," says Sarah Sham, Principal Designer at Essajees Atelier and the creative genius behind this palatial property. Sweeping views of the Arabian Sea from the outdoor deck steal our attention momentarily from the 10,500 sqft interiors, till we make way further indoors. Tucked away on one end of the living room is a reading nook, where the symmetry of the shelves balances the asymmetry of the accessories, sculptures, and other trinkets styled with finesse. Home to Bhagyashree and Ashwin Damera, "a dynamic couple with…

What motivated you to launch your brand, Prithviraj Jewels? I was inspired by a deep-rooted love for Indian heritage and a desire to make timeless jewellery more personal and meaningful. Coming from a family with a strong jewellery background, I saw a gap between traditional craftsmanship and the modern woman’s evolving taste. Prithviraj Jewels was born out of a vision to create bridal and occasion wear that tells a story — where every piece reflects authenticity, emotion, and heirloom value. Your signature aesthetic? Our signature aesthetic is heritage with a modern soul. Prithviraj Jewels combines uncut diamonds (polki), intricate meenakari, and rich gemstone detailing with clean silhouettes and thoughtful design. Alongside this, our minimal-yet-striking diamond jewellery line has become a favourite among modern women looking for investment-worthy everyday luxury. Whether…

A trailblazer and leader of the herbal beauty care movement based on Ayurveda, Shahnaz Husain is a name to reckon with. Receiving unprecedented international acclaim for taking India’s herbal heritage worldwide with a crusader’s zeal, she’s the Founder, Chairperson, and Managing Director of the Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies. She heads the largest organisation of its kind in the world, with a global network of franchise salons, spas, beauty training academies, retail outlets, as well as 375 formulations for beauty and healthcare. The Padma Shri winner has marketed India’s 5,000-year-old ancient civilisation in a jar and created an international market for Ayurvedic beauty care. GLOBAL ACCLAIM It is not only her franchise-based enterprise, but also her marketing strategies that are truly unique. Even at a time when the demand for…

GUCCI PAYS A DAZZLING HOMAGE TO NATURE With its latest collection, titled ‘Labirinti Gucci’ the Italian house has reinterpreted the country’s iconic labyrinth-like gardens. The new 140-piece collection comes with unique pieces that draw from vintage symbols and patterns, all vivid and sculptural. One of the most striking designs of the lot is a choker-like neckpiece that’s reminiscent of a fountain concealed in a maze. It features precise diamond lines broken up by a 5.94-carat Paraiba tourmaline and a 24.75-carat tanzanite. LADY DIOR TAKES AN ARTISTIC SPIN — AGAIN To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Dior Lady Art project, the French luxury house has invited 10 artists to reinvent the iconic Lady Dior. While one design was unveiled in April as part of the 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams'…

EROS CINEMA, MUMBAI The most distinct example of Art Deco in Mumbai, Eros is known for its stepped façade and use of red Agra sandstone. The magnificent theatre also bears the marks of vertical lines and geometry, resembling a tiered wedding cake. CLARIDGE'S HOTEL, LONDON, UK This landmark underwent an Art Deco redesign in the 1920s and 1930s. The interiors, especially the caged lift, beautifully reflect the movement’s signature geometry, symmetry, and glamour, featuring black-and-white marble floors, mirrored panels, chrome accents, and bespoke lighting. AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, CANBERRA Constructed to commemorate all Australian soldiers who have died in battle, the monument has a more sober, reserved design lacking detailing and sculptures. Yet, it personifies the bold, austere marks of the Art Deco style. SARDAR SAMAND PALACE, JODHPUR A hunting lodge…

Celio Saab and Zein Qutami tied their lives together forever as they said ‘I do’ in a majestic ceremony straight out of a One Thousand and One Nights fairytale. About 1,500 guests, family and friends, many of whom travelled from far and wide, joined in celebrating this romantic union. Elegance, luxury, boundless creativity, and love defined the three-day lavish wedding, held in Faqra — an exclusive mountain destination northeast of Beirut, surrounded by unspoiled nature, Roman ruins, and breathtaking views. The couple’s love story began in June 2021, in Dubai, and three years later, they got engaged. The youngest son of the renowned Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, and his wife Claudine, Celio is a senior portfolio manager within the family business, while Zein Qutami, of Jordanian origin, holds an executive…

‘We’ve layered jute with linen, characterised by a bold stripe to bring in a touch of modernism to complement the silverware by Rezon’ THE HELLO! STYLE Anuja’s old English-style tablescape for HELLO! can be summed up in three words: maximal, abundant and raw. Vivid is the contrast among the greens, earthy vintage crockery, and silverware, each adding its own touch of understated glamour. There’s a rustic edge from all the organic, dry arrangements, which also reflect the factor most important to her: using layers to add texture and a sense of abundance to the design. “My way of doing things is always to add that extra unexpected element,” she explains. In this case, it’s perhaps the use of apples in a regimented manner, along with grapes that look sculpted and…

THE HELLO! STYLE Lalima’s fruity-floral tropical tablescape began at her local market. Curated artistically over a monochrome runner are tulips and pincushion flowers interspersed between bananas, custard apples, sponge gourds and gooseberries. Also conspicuous amid the flora are animal figurines completing the 'forest.’ "My formula is simple: theme equals colours plus texture," she explains. "It’s greens and oranges with metals and textiles for this table. This is how I add method to the chaos of a tablescape. The contrasting black-and-dark gray striped fabric adds character without taking away from the colours." The heroes of her design are the tomatoes, strawberries, artichokes and grapes she’s used for ornamentation, thanks to the cultural property that these 'décor’ elements carry in the Indian context. THE ALLURE OF AESTHETICS Flowers as her go-to would…

It was the late 1980s, long before the internet era, before most of urban India had begun to globe-trot, or chase international brands and styles. And yet, Sahil Malik took a leap of faith and decided to launch an Indian leather brand with the “sophistication of Italian design.” Da Milano was born in 1989 with its first store in Connaught Place, Delhi, in a wellplanned and executed move. “As the demand for leather garments began to dip by the late 1990s, we saw an opportunity in leather accessories — something that could blend both utility and luxury,” says Sahil. “Soon, we opened our second store in the city’s South Extension Market.” Hailing from a family of leather manufacturers, Sahil wasn’t new to the industry, but his idea was a game-changer.…

What began as a casual conversation over coffee between two friends snowballed into the birth of a design firm focussed on crafting transformative, educational spaces. Founders Shweta Subash and Abarna Saravanakumar identified an often-overlooked gap in how children experience space — from classrooms to common areas — and set out to address it through thoughtful, functional design. This vision laid the foundation for The Burrow Design, a boutique studio rooted in spatial intelligence, collaborative learning experiences and a deep respect for how children grow within their environments. AT THEIR CORE The studio has carved a niche in educational spaces and has spread their wings across Tamil Nadu — from the capital city all the way upto Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns like Coimbatore, Tiruppur Villupuram and Udumalpet — reimagining…

What drew you to the world of fashion? How did you add to your skill set along the way? Fashion has always existed around me. My mother was incredibly stylish — bold, experimental, and ahead of her time. The real turning point came when I moved to study at London College of Fashion. From styling internships to building brand marketing strategies, to pitching ideas at the head offices of global fashion houses, it was all surreal to my 21-year-old self. That environment gave me confidence and clarity, and taught me that fashion is all about strategy, identity, and storytelling. Describe your personal style in three words. Power dressing. Elegant. Absolutely authentic. What is your approach towards styling and content creation? My approach to both is deeply intuitive and authentic. I’ve…

There are vacations, and then there are Tuscany moments. The ones that rewire your taste buds, slow your pulse, and remind you what life is supposed to feel like. If you’ve ever wanted to eat your way through a dream — with a bit of wine, a lot of wonder, and no pressure to “do it all” — let this be your sign. From fire-kissed steaks to poetic dumplings, these four unforgettable dining spots are reason enough to book a flight from India to Italy and lose yourself (only to find yourself again) in the rolling hills, stone villages, and the kind of comfort that doesn’t just feed you — it frees you. And if you’re wondering how I found these places, it’s because I was lucky. Lucky to eat…

WHAT: Vicram Sharma celebrated his milestone 50th birthday with a glamorous party, surrounded by the glitterati of Delhi. BUZZ: The jungle-themed party came to life as the who’s who of the city converged to celebrate Vicram’s special occasion, for which the hotel was transformed to showcase the British Raj. The grand set-up included exquisitely tiered tables serving delicacies from every continent and the island bar overflowed with cellar-door spirits, fine wines, and limited-edition craft brews. Among the prominent names who attended the party were Laila and Farhan Furniturewala, Kalyani Chawla Saha, Sethu Vaidyanathan, Priya Paul, Gauri Karan, Nainika Vadehra, Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Khanna, Dilip and Devi Cherian, Mansi Jhunjhunwala, and Adil and Armana Akoi, among many others.…

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 With Leo season igniting your Sun-driven energy, you may feel an unstoppable urge to start something new — whether it’s a project, a passion, or even a relationship. Your natural leadership will draw people, making this a month of in?uence and visibility. The financial front looks encouraging, but avoid making impulsive choices. The first half of the month supports bold action, while the latter is better suited for refining strategies and tying up loose ends. A word of caution — being confident is…

The enfant terrible of design, Vincent Darré was born in Paris and began his career in fashion, working for top houses such as Moschino, Yves Saint Laurent and Prada. But it was only when he moved to interiors that he found true fulfilment, giving free rein to the baroque, sometimes surreal and always playful style for which he's become renowned. Now, as he welcomes us into his flamboyant new apartment near the Eiffel Tower, we enter the epicentre of his "little dream palace," as he calls it. Famous for his parties, Vincent constantly throws his home open to his “chosen family” of friends, the huge circle of artists which, over the years, has included personalities including Karl Lagerfeld, Sir Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol. Joining him for the shoot are…

What does the name Gauri Khan evoke? Elegance? Yes. Poise? Certainly. Sophistication? Indubitably. She’s a quiet, creative power who rarely courts the spotlight, yet commands it when she enters a room — even when on the arm of her global superstar husband, Shah Rukh Khan. Chic in monochromes or neutrals, which betray her design sensibility, she’s spotted at design weeks, on art panels, or launching new collections, or experience centres — like her latest interactive store in Delhi, designed as a curated living space, not a typical showroom merely showcasing her furniture alongside curated art. Hers, however, was not an overnight success story. There was a time she may have been known just as SRK’s wife. But slowly, steadily, she carved her way out of that seemingly ignominious ‘star wife’…

ALI BALDIWALA Baldiwala Edge Recommended By: Apoorva Shroff, Founder & Principal Designer at Lyth Design Why: “Ali has shown consistent talent, and his quirky work frequently pushes boundaries, experimenting with unique and bold styles,” says Apoorva. Creative Approach: “A site should tell the story of the homeowners, which is why the client’s brief is so important,” says Ali. “I enjoy weaving their personal anecdotes into the design narrative. Having said that, I love experimenting with materials and textures, layering them to create depth and drama within a space. Bold statement pieces and colours set the tone and concept for a bespoke home.” Best Project: “I’ve always been fascinated by Brutalist architecture, its bold forms, textures and form play, which became the design foundation for La Danza, a project close to my…

The wall is his smorgasbord and the world, his inspiration. A thoughtfully created colour palette is his weapon, and his superpower, the innate talent pool he was born into. A third-generation artist who has carved his own niche with his skills, Vikas Soni enjoys the tag of being one of India’s finest muralists. The 42-year-old artist is known to bring colour and life to mundane living-room walls and public spaces. He’s not only sought after by aesthetes like Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and the Ambanis, he also has a number of overseas prestigious projects to his name. Some of these were high-profile collaborations with international artists, which made them a confluence of Indian skills and European sensibilities. Also among the brick-and-mortar structures he’s brought to life abroad is Kama Ayurveda’s London…

Once reserved for the sanctum walls of temples in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, Pichwai art is now experiencing a remarkable renaissance across global galleries and curated homes. With its roots tracing back over 400 years, this devotional art form, which originated to honour Shrinathji, a cherubic incarnation of Lord Krishna, is now being reimagined for modern interiors and audiences. Traditionally hand-painted on cloth using natural mineral-based pigments and intricate iconography, Pichwai paintings served as spiritual backdrops depicting scenes from the life of Shrinathji and the changing seasons. However, by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the style began to languish. ‘As awareness grows, so does demand — Pichwais now appear at global fairs, on curated textiles, and across the interiors of modern homes’ Several factors contributed to its decline, including the…

Following the incredible success of the inaugural edition of Design Milestone, Kolkata is ready to host its second leg in December 2025 with even more innovations and immersive experiences. An engaging platform for ideas and insights, Design Milestone is the first-of-its-kind design showcase in East India, organised with the aim to reflect the country’s ever-growing luxury landscape. “Design Milestone 2.0 is where retail therapy will meet the community. For the first time, we’re bringing together architects, designers, and the audience in an open-air setting that spans over 30,000 sqft," shares Deep Gupta, co-founder of Design Milestone, as well as PR firm Media Milestone. In 2024, the three-day event was launched with an idea to build a new design ecosystem. With over 80 coveted brands participating, it brought together some of…

Making a resounding splash at the recently concluded Paris Couture Week, the ‘Radiance in Rhythm’ collection by Tanishq — India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata — was back on the runway as the official jewellery partner for renowned designer Rahul Mishra. Their third consecutive feature at one of fashion’s biggest events, the dazzling edit was an ode to design intricacy and innovation, setting a new global benchmark through the brilliance of natural diamonds. In this seamless collaboration, each intricate design merged beautifully with the designer’s visionary ensembles, creating a romantic harmony of fashion and fine jewellery. The couture collection took inspiration from the seven stages of love — the first bloom of attraction, traversing through infatuation, surrender, reverence, and devotion, and culminating in obsession, and the…

With global design sensibilities at our fingertips, Indian hosts no longer need to rely on heirlooms or NRI relatives to find elegant, well-crafted tableware. Studio Earth, a new-generation conscious luxury tableware brand by entrepreneur and aesthete Lata Kedia, is reshaping the dining landscape, offering elevated, design-forward alternatives that feel both worldly and rooted. Born from the love of hosting and the idea of uplifting seemingly menial everyday rituals into special moments, Studio Earth has emerged as a ubiquitous gifting choice. With their bespoke customisation services — from monogrammed heirloom sets to one-of-a-kind pieces for weddings and other meaningful celebrations — they’ve had the privilege of creating custom tableware for distinguished families in the Gulf, where design meets legacy in the most personal way. THE CREATIVE FORCE Lata Kedia, who launched…

SABYASACHI JEWELLERY GLITTERS AT HARRODS After making a splash in New york with a swanky flagship store, Sabyasachi has made it to London’s Harrods with their high jewellery. The two collections showcased were the Bengal Royale and Bengal Byzantine Broadway, both enriched by Northern Kolkata’s goldsmithing tradition. Bengal Royale evokes the world of royalty, theatre, and architecture — featuring tourmalines, emeralds, and enamel work, married with traditional Indian techniques. Bengal Byzantine Broadway blends the theatrical with the sacred, fusing Byzantine opulence with the glamour of vintage Hollywood and Bengali stagecraft. GUCCI BRINGS BEAUTY TO DELHI Gucci Beauty has made its way to India with a collection that’s right out of every beauty lover’s dream, giving Indians access to the house’s complete range of makeup and fragrances. On the shelves are…

You have Indian roots, were born in Malaysia, and are now based in Singapore. How have these geographies shaped your creative identity? Growing up in this multicultural tapestry where three dominant cultures coexisted, all festivals and fasting periods were celebrated with equal grandeur and mutual respect. The inclusiveness itself became my greatest inspiration. These traditions, often rooted in nature, surrounded me with colours, forms, fragrances, and sounds, and left profound impressions on me, gradually shaping my artistic philosophy. Much of your work revolves around the scarlet hue. Can you tell us its significance? The scarlet hue is my connecting thread. Every shade of red carries a story. Growing up, I was immersed in it — the hibiscus flowers I collected for our family altar, the garlands woven for deities, the…