Table of contents for August 20201 in Harper's Bazaar India

KEEP • Chunky heels • Classic sunglasses • Silver dress RECYCLE • Boyfriend blazer • Neon shoes • Collared shirt…

‘With my best friend Tracee Ellis Ross’ ‘Celebrating my birthday on my front stop’…

MIDDLE GROUND The hemline falls lower this Fall, with the midi skirt continuing its sway. Recycle last year’s pieces to wear under a blazer or buttoned-down shirt, and pair the look with ankle-length boots or sneakers to stride away into the new season. Steer clear of the length grazing your ankles, and add a pair of stockings to stave off the cold. HIGH TIME Fendi’s Fall 2021-22 collection of watches is an ode to minimalism and elegance for the modern timekeeper. Along with fresh designs, classic styles have been reimagined from the Forever Fendi and Fendimania lines. Take the entirely-black 19 mm version, for instance, that flaunts the Karligraphy logo along with 60 black diamonds on the bezel. There are others in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel to…

There is something about Julia Robert’s smile that will have your spirits soaring in an instant. Testament to the power of her exuberance is the recent short film released by Chopard, where the award-winning actor sports the new Happy Sport 33 mm watch. In an exclusive conversation with Bazaar India, the Co-president and Artistic Director of Chopard, Caroline Scheufele shares her memories of designing the watch that revolutionised the industry in 1976, her creative process, why Julia Roberts makes the perfect ambassador for the new launch, Chopard’s commitment to sustainability, and more. Harper’s Bazaar: As a little girl, you made your first watch from aluminium foil as a present for your parents. Tell us more… Caroline Scheufele: The first thing my father taught me to do, before I learned the…

The mantle of stoytelling has traditionally been borne by peripatetic folk artists, across centuries and the world. In an age when the Internet has consumed our senses, and reduced our attention span to sit through a good tale, the Gauri Dancers of Mewar, Rajasthan, have continued their centuries-old performance art tradition. For the first-time ever, the entire series of the dancers’ studio portraits are being displayed at Galerie At Museo, photographed by Udaipur-based artist Waswo X. Hand-painted by Rajesh Soni, the compelling portraits showcase the all-male cast dressed as women, wearing bangles and jewellery (which add to the female roles they essay). This artform is popular amongst Mewar’s rural communities, and the dancers performs folk tales as well as religious retellings of the Bhagavad Gita or the Puranas. Visit the…

Harper’s Bazaar: What inspired you to launch the YOLO Foundation? Jacqueline Fernandez: The ‘You Only Live Once’ (YOLO) Foundation—which is a platform to inspire people to do good, become aware of their rights, help animals, and share stories of kindness—has been a lifelong dream. In fact, it was part of my New Year’s resolutions for 2021. I am a firm believer in the adage ‘You only live once’, but I used to believe that it only translated into living your life to the fullest, partying it up, and chasing your goals… I still believe that these pursuits are great, but over the years, I also began to question whether living a good life should also include giving back to society. That, to me, equals the ultimate, fulfilled life. So finally,…

At some point during lockdown, I had not gone outside for four days and I could feel my body’s rebellion. My partner pushed me out of the door and I walked and walked, and it felt euphoric: the cool breeze; my muscles moving, alive with purpose; my thoughts keeping pace with my steps. It was a seized opportunity to nurture that primordial mind-body connection from which everyday life before lockdown often distracted me. In the face of a global pandemic, we have been united by our fallible, fragile biology, and the idea of well-being has taken on deeper meaning. What has been put into sharp relief is not how we look, but how we feel within. The tyranny of performative and elitist wellness trends has shifted to a gentler, more…

KIRTI KULHARI Kirti is an actor who has has been lauded for her powerhouse performances in both films and OTT. Some of her work includes films like Pink, URI, Mission Mangal, and Shaitan along with the series Four More Shots Please!. In this issue, she shares her views about her nose in Heaven Nose. Kirti says, “It so happens that I had been obsessing over my nose over the past few months. I consider my shoot with Bazaar India a sign from the universe to change the way I view it.” NIKITA SINGH Nikita Singh is the bestselling author of 11 novels, including Every Time It Rains and Like a Love Song. Born in Patna and raised in Indore, Nikita worked in Delhi for a few years before moving to…

On April 24, 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which housed five garment factories, killed 1,132 people and injured over 2,500. This disaster woke up the world to the poor labour conditions faced by garment workers in Bangladesh. In the years proceeding it, there has been an awakening amongst consumers, across the world, to ask questions regarding the importance of ethicality in production, and to create a more conscious wardrobe for themselves…one that matches their moral standards and the desire for sustainability. Kriti Tula, Creative Director of homegrown, upcycling brand Doodalage met with Orosola de Castro, founder of the #whomademyclothes movement, to discuss the importance of accountability. Kriti says, “The movement played an important role in connecting consumers in the west with how and where…

Like a scene straight out of the 1957 musical comedy Funny Face, in which a Diana Vreeland-ish fashion editor exhorts women to “Think pink!” as an antidote to everything down, dreary, dull, depressing, dismal, and deadly, the Fall 2021 digital runways were awash in rosy colour. Take your medicine in the form of a Pepto Bismol pink power-suit from Thebe Magugu, a bubblegum puffed-sleeve dress from Carolina Herrera, or a cerise marabou-trimmed jacket from Gucci. “Colour is life, joy, fun!” says Donatella Versace, who sent out a trio of A-line minis paired with tone-on-tone monogrammed tights in fuchsia, lemon, and coral. “I wanted the three looks to go out together to make a statement. We’re looking at the future with a new sense of positivity. As we slowly get our…

ONE BOY’S JOURNEY Born on the 4th of August 1821, Louis Vuitton, the boy, was just a few months shy of 14 when he decided to leave home in pursuit of making it big in the big city. Home was a little hamlet called Anchay in the French Jura area, a harsh, isolated, wooded mountain region located between France and Switzerland. The big city of his dreams was Paris. Louis came from five generations of carpenters, millers, and farmers, and was himself a skilled carpenter, a trade that was to be his ticket to success. Although Paris was 292 miles away from home [470 kilometres approximately], the distance didn’t deter the determined boy’s pursuit of a new life. So, in the spring of 1835, with but a few meagre belongings…

Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele has a penchant for the fantastical. And the second haute joaillerie collection proves the point, yet again. The Hortus Deliciarum range—which means Garden of Delights in Latin—brings together a love for idealism, romanticism, nature, and the mysteries of the kaleidoscopic universe. The changing skies and its myriad colours find resonance in the pavé-set gemstones, mint-hued tourmalines, rosy rubellites, orange sapphires, tanzanites, garnet, and more. Think Rococo bows and flowers, animals and stars as the hero motifs, coming together in the 18th-century technique of en tremblant (French for ‘to tremble’). The result: a delicately-crafted, bold range of over 130-pieces that celebrates the modern woman, and man, who revel in their individuality and power. Jewellery aficionados will appreciate the mix of consistency and asymmetry in the designs,…

Not just a burst of sunshine, the sunflower is generous with many health benefits as well. Add a fistful of its seed to your diet to boost energy levels, improve immunity, bring calm, as well as reduce inflammation in the body. The zinc content can also help heal wounds, as well as improve your metabolism. Feeling sluggish mid-afternoon? Swap the cup of coffee for sunny seeds, as the Vitamin B6 in them can perk up the brain, improve your mood, and enhance your concentration levels. And finally, who would say no to clean glowing skin? Sunflower seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E and flavonoids, for improved skin health. Plus, they can help with the production of collagen and elastin, for a clearer, healthier complexion.…

Ruskin Bond kept himself busy during the pandemic by writing vignettes and essays that seek out the joys of life. Read this gem for an uplifting perspective on life and a balm for your anxiety. [Aleph Book Company This book revisits the role of women in the Ramayana by affording them agency and celebrating their ambition, love, devotion, and courage…Who run the world, again? [Westland Publications] Poetry is music to the soul, like the tanka verses that originated 1,300-years-ago in Japan. The five-line lyrical form, in this book, celebrates the simple pleasures and the beauty in humanity. [HarperCollins] Honour the story of the remarkable Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh and Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi who sacrificed their lives for freedom from the British Rule in the 19th century. [Penguin Random…

Women born at the dawn of the 1980s were among the last generation to live an analogue life and the first to see themselves reimagined in digital. Beyoncé’s childhood coincided with the rise of home-recording equipment—video cameras, stereo systems that let you record your own voice, keyboards that let you find whatever sound you wanted, personal computers to synthesise it all. The girls before her had mirrors and the echoes of the trees and magazines with cartoon approximations to reflect themselves. Her generation was the first to regularly experience the dizzying accuracy of playback. It could be a destabilising force; there’s your voice as you think it sounds, and then your voice when it comes back to you, after you have hit ‘record’. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter came of age during that…

Harper’s Bazaar: In what ways does Hermès Twilly Eau Ginger capture the quintessence of the Twilly series, while retaining its individuality? Christine Nagel: The boldness of youth is still my major source of inspiration. Like its two predecessors, Twilly Eau Ginger was inspired by the young women of today—who embody burgeoning femininity and love playing with convention. After the original and piquant versions, this is the sparkling option—the same tribe, the same boldness, but a new attitude. Twilly Eau Ginger is the dazzling facet of the Twilly spirit—one that is also typical of Hermès. It is the olfactory expression of a sunny, joyful personality. It goes further than its predecessors, asserting its uniqueness with unshakeable joie de vivre. Twilly Eau Ginger is transgressive…a liberating invitation to take nothing seriously, neither…

KA-SHA Founder Karishma Shahani Khan celebrates artisanal techniques and craft traditions to create stylish, modern outfits. The brand has also introduced a sister label called Heart To Haat, where artisans upcycle, recycle, and mend old clothing and textiles to give them new meaning, drawing from techniques of craft through innovation. GRASSROOT BY ANITA DONGRE In keeping with designer Anita Dongre’s longstanding support to the artisan community, her label Grassroot focuses on providing sustained work to artisans, and not just seasonal orders. Mindful, artisanal- and -socially-sustainable, the pieces honour local traditions across craft clusters. CHAMAR Founded by artist-activist Sudheer Rajbhar, Chamar is named after the historicallyostracised Dalit community in India, which is also involved in the process of creating covetable handbags. Made with recycled rubber—a material created from waste that feels…

“I have always been a worker bee,” says Samira Nasr from her apartment in New York City’s Park Slope, a picturesque neighbourhood of tree-lined streets and classic brownstones, in Brooklyn. It has been a year since Nasr was named the Editor-in-Chief of the US edition of Harper’s Bazaar after almost three decades in the fashion industry. “My first-ever boss sat me down and handed me a book that I still have—Passage by Irving Penn—and she said, ‘Study this, I am going to give you some advice that will serve you your entire career: be impeccable with your word and work hard.’ And I was like, ‘Noted’.” Nasr was raised in the modest Montréal suburb of Pointe-Claire along with her older brother. “I come from parents who were immigrants and always…

Indian craft is everywhere. From the humble earthen tea cup and the ubiquitous straw mats, copper vessels, and cane muddas, to the Rajasthani Kalbelia women’s patchwork lehengas. It manifests itself into objects of our homes—and our wardrobes. But it took one person with one vision to turn the craft experience into one of luxury, where the expertise of artisans from all over India would result in sleek, modern products with an international appeal. New Delhi-based Anita Lal, Founder and Creative Director of Good Earth, began her mission 25 years ago, when she opened her very first store in Kemps Corner, Mumbai, in January 1996. “I wanted to create beautiful things for everyday living, and elevate artisanal products to their original level of luxury,” she says. As a studio potter back…

Fine FORM The Oyster Watch marked a milestone in the history of watchmaking in 1926 with its first-ever waterproof case. Its modern iteration secures the title of a luxurious essential. Contrasting TONES A chocolate brown dial? Add a delectable touch to your ensembles with this combination of rose gold and glistening diamonds. Heavenly BODIES A star in the watch cosmos, the Constellation houses a half-moon facet in a rose-gold mix, named after the dwarf planet Sedna. Private CASE Whether quilted, embossed, or made of tweed—thanks to the interchangeable bracelets—our love affair with the ‘Boyfriend’ continues. Spirited REALM The spirit of the Big Bang shows that beige, too, can look bold with the in-house, King Gold alloy teamed with a diamond-set bezel.…

An increasing number of studies are throwing light on the fact that leadership can no longer function in a world of ‘tough boss’ values…the one who demands and pushes hard. In fact, in a white paper published by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), “Many leadership theories suggest the ability to have and display empathy is an important part of leadership”. And according to several researchers such as Bar-On &Parker (2000) and Salovey & Mayer (1990), among others, empathy—which is central to emotional intelligence—is crucial to being an effective leader. But how does one strike the balance between performance and expressing kindness? Three female businesswomen share with Bazaar India how they have achieved the delicate balance, and also how they have benefited from it it. Accenture India, for instance, have…

For your next gathering at home, turn to the delicious range of artisanal cheese created specially by Chennai-based brand Käse for homegrown wine label Fratelli. The products are handcrafted by women with disabilities to provide them with a sustainable means of livelihood, and each cheese is aged with the wine leaves or brine for a unique twist. Available at fratelliwines.in…

“So, Dayanita, tell me, how are you going to make these still photographs speak?” This was noted architect B.V. Doshi’s inquiry to leading photographer Dayanita Singh when they first met in May of 2018 in Ahmedabad for a commissioned project. And this question sparked a creative exchange between the two pioneers, a dance of expression, if you will, that has culminated in the picture book Portrait Of A House: Conversations With BV Doshi by Dayanita. Photographed in B.V. Doshi’s home, Kamala House, explores the private moments of his family with him, along with his architecture, bringing to life the black-and-white photographs that Dayanita is famous for. In a conversation with Bazaar India, she explains, “Architecture is meant for people, we have just got used to seeing it without the people…

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 23 Be careful not to over-promise when negotiating financial matterss with someone. It’s more vital than ever to make accurate assessments of money coming in and going out. LUCKY DAY 4th—once you obey your heart, a crisis is averted. SCORPIO OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 22 When people want to invade your space, you’ll wonder whether you should tolerate the intrusion. But you’ll quickly realise that, in the end, no-one would be happy with the outcome if you showed your resentment. LUCKY DAY 29th—with things in perspective, peace of mind is yours. SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 21 Although there’s nothing wrong with taking it easy for a while, you might become restless if you’re no longer part of the action. Some individuals would like nothing more than to collaborate with you…hear…

“Gentleness is disarming… So much more can be achieved with it.” ADITI RAO HYDARI Actor On the Virtues of Gentleness “I believe there is great strength in being gentle, and so much more can be achieved through a tender spirit. It’s a quality that is disarming…it makes the other person feel comfortable—not in a manipulative way, but in a way where they are seen as a human who deserves respect. I believe the root of gentleness lies in empathy—for another person’s journey, their mind, opinions, and experiences. It involves looking at things from different points of view. Gentleness and empathy also lie in the willingness to communicate… I think communication is the most underrated quality in the world…whether in relationships between countries, people, or professional teams. While it is important…

ANUSHK A MENON, 36 FASHION & BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHER “I have what we call at home the ‘Boomla nose’, named after my father’s side of the family. And it ends with me because I don’t have any children. I used to worry that it would grow bigger and become hooked like a witch’s, but now I am very proud of it. My dad passed away when I was 15, and this is his legacy that lives through me. I do wish sometimes I had a straighter nose—I ran into a few walls when I was a child—but I also believe it adds character to my face. Many describe it as ‘strong’, but they also appreciate it, and I’ve grown to love it. In school, I got bullied a bit for having…

POWDER PERFECTION If the idea of swiping on foundation during warmer months does not appeal to you, the backstage pros have devised the perfect solution. This season, ‘subtly perfect’ skin is trending, which requires minimal to no make-up. Replace your thick, full-coverage formulas with powder compacts that offer the best of both worlds—a thin layer helps cover-up imperpections and offers a matte finish. Plus, the new-age, intelligent formulas don’t just combat shine, they also keep your skin hydrated. And these compacts make touch-ups on the go extremely easy. FOR A HEALTHY HAIRCARE ROUTINE Kama Ayurveda’s Bringadi Hair Oil is one of the most sought-after potions to treat hair loss, premature greying, and flaky scalp. And now, the Ayurveda-inspired, homegrown brand has launched a hair cleanser, formulated with bhringraj and amla,…

“I found everything I wanted as a writer: sun, sea, mountains, spring water, shady trees, no politics…” wrote the British poet Robert Graves about Mallorca, the Balearic island he adopted as his home in 1929. Today’s visitors—mostly in-the-know Spaniards—visit it for its unspoilt countryside, with excellent hiking opportunities in the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, bountiful vineyards for wine-tasting, and beautiful beaches that are the ideal launch pad into the brilliant, blue Mediterranean Sea. And then, of course, there’s Palma, the capital founded in the Roman period, that blends its beguiling history with a progressive attitude to the arts. One of the best examples of this is the Sant Francesc Hotel Singular. Open to guests since 2015, the refurbished 19th-century manor house in Palma’s old quarter takes its name from…

The hope to restore peace for humanity With the talented artist Erté illustrating covers for Harper’s Bazaar from 1915 onwards, a new era was ushered in of evocative, glamorous imagery. Here were women with a heightened presence, surrounded by the forces of nature, exploring the world with a decided confidence. In this special cover, we see an almost empyrean woman holding an orb up to the skies, its magic floating to the heavens to fulfil its destiny. Today, we turn to this captivating image as a hope for the world…a wish for a miracle to ease the pain of the innocent and heal the anger of the ignorant.…