Table of contents for October 2021 in Harper's Bazaar India

What does it mean to be aware? Of the self, and of those around us? To live in awareness—in the truest sense—means so much more than merely existing within the confines of our daily timetables. An aware existence is being mindful of life’s pleasures…and its miseries. A conscious life means awakening to truths, paying attention to one’s inner voice, and understanding how our actions impact our environment, our people, our planet. In a world that seems to be in a chronic, tearing rush, the pursuit of authentic consciousness can feel like a formidable attempt. And yet, awareness is central to our well-being, and that of the community. Awareness can propel social movements. It can build advocates for global change. It can revolutionise everything. In the words of Aristotle, “The ultimate…

CINCHED IN Pair an oversized coat with a piece that is adorned with golden accents…the perfect addition that doubles up as jewellery.…

There is an old Japanese proverb: “Experience the beauties of nature, and in doing so, learn about yourself ”. Actor Dia Mirza, who is a strong advocate for nature and conservation, has incorporated this wisdom and its truth in her very home. We are in her Mumbai apartment, which she bought at the age of 19, two decades ago…her sanctuary as she calls it. The sun-soaked space is a fine example of walking the talk, with every corner embodying principles of sustainability and repurposing. “The first place where you can act on your commitment towards sustainability is the home; it is the most personal of one’s decisions,” Dia tells Bazaar India, dressed in a bandhini kaftan that spells laidback luxury. “Six years ago, I decided to renovate the space because…

Modernday haute horology would be incomplete without the values of upcycling and transparent sourcing. From using case materials and straps made from ocean plastic to introducing solar charged models and creating unique bracelets composed of waste from apples grown in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, watchmakers across the board are pushing their green credentials. For instance, Cartier’s Tank Must received a sustainable upgrade through its latest Solarbeat™ version, the first solar-powered watch in the range that was originally crafted in 1917. This timepiece features a photovoltaic dial (harnessing the energy of the sun) and a unique bracelet composed of 40 percent plant matter. Even its production procedure took a conscious step forward by minimising the carbon footprint (six times less), conserving water (up to 10 litres), and energy (the equivalent of…

The perfect pick to round off a look Freshen up your schedule with a pretty partner…

In this much-awaited title, Amitav traces the colonial and exploitative impact of the humble nutmeg, from the small Indonesian islands to Europe from the 18th century onwards. [Penguin Random House India] What can be greater than happiness in life? This important self-help book shares tips and tricks to train your mind to be in a more joyful state and deal with situations with tenacity. [HarperCollins India] A successful, closeted gay man must choose between marrying a woman and following his heart… What does it take to live an honest, authentic life? Take courage, before its too late. [Lake Union Publishing] Imaan is born in a jail where he lives with his convicted mother. But on being released, the real world is far more frightening… To return, he must commit a…

ASHIDUA PRODUCER, LUST STORIES & GHOST STORIES, AMONG OTHERS “As a producer, I am involved with every element of the project—from the conceptualisation of the idea, to finally releasing it to the public. There are no fixed hours in terms of how much I have to be ‘in office’. There are days when I end up working for 13 to 14 hours, and there are others when I am not working at all! Like any other field, this, too, can be fairly mentally taxing. One of the biggest challenges is that, often, things are out of your control, no matter how much you try. You could skip deadlines, or exceed budgets, or the casting of actors doesn’t work out. It is best, then, to disassociate yourself from the situation, and…

It’s been a tricky 18 months, but October 2021 sees the start of a new season and, for many, a return to normality. Travel restrictions are easing, the hot summer is slipping away, and it’s back to the office for most. However, after so long away from ‘normal’, this transition could prove overwhelming and, at times, tricky to navigate. Luckily, Jay Shetty—one of the world’s most famous life coaches—will help you stay on track. The former monk and NewYork Times best-selling author was in Dubai this summer facing some fears of his own as he took on the XLine Dubai Marina zip ride and a tandem skydive at Sky Dubai. “My wife and I have been trying to do more things together where we’re both out of our comfort zone,”…

NATURAL “In essence, a natural product doesn’t contain any artifical ingredients, preservatives, or chemicals. However, there is no strict definition of ‘natural’, which has led to a lot of ambiguity in the beauty industry. While there are some incredible natural ingredients that can do wonders for you skin, it is important to note that ‘all-natural’ products are not necessarily the ‘best’ in addressing various skincare needs.” Surbhee Grover Founder, Love, Indus ORGANIC “Ingredients grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other synthetic fertilisers are labelled as organic. Natural and organic aren’t interchangeable terms, and products that state ‘made with organic’ could mean that as little as 10 percent of the formula is organic.” Dr Geeta Mehra Fazalbhoy, Dermatologist RECYCLABLE “Learning how to recycle is crucial to the environment. Any…

LISA RAY Lisa is an Indo-Canadian actor and model brought up in Toronto. A cancer survivor and an activist, Lisa has also written the book Close To The Bone, a memoir about the ups and downs of her life. In this issue, she opens up about embracing life’s unexpected changes and battling cancer twice, in Embrace the Change. Lisa inspires with her words: “Every obstacle, every detour, every event has brought me here. So stay the course, I would say.” ROHAN SHRESTHA Rohan, following his father Rakesh Shrestha’s footsteps, has worked for leading lifestyle magazines and fashion projects. Working with prominent photographers since a young age, his aim has been to broaden the creative horizons. Apart from practicing photography, he is also a professional scuba diver. In this issue, he…

It used to be that buying clothes second-hand was the domain of vintage lovers or those looking for a more affordable price tag. The pursuit required sifting through racks and, for committed thrifters, visiting multiple consignment shops. Today, thanks to digital resellers, buying second-hand has gone mainstream. In fact, by 2023, more than a quarter of the pieces in our closets could be preowned. “Second-hand businesses like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal are helping to define a new era of where second-hand is as good as, if not better than, new”, says Maxine Bedat, Founder and Director of the fashion policy think tank New Standard Institute and author of the book Unraveled: The Life And Death of a Garment, which examines the environmental impact of shopping. Vestiaire Collective is now…

Indigo—meaning ‘from India’ in Greek—is the oldest colour ever invented, around 5,000 years ago, finding mention in the Vedas as well. The first indigo pigments, history tell us, were imported from India to the Graeco-Roman empires. It was also used in ancient Egypt, worn by mummified pharaohs; in China, ‘blue plants’ or lan cao were the rage during the Qin and Han dynasties. The Arabs christened it an-nil, and in Sanskrit, it was referred to as nila or blue. Traded from India by the colonisers, indigo was used in the courts of Europe (‘royal blue’) and also became an instrument of revolt, as farmers in Bengal rose against the British in the 19th century, a precursor to India’s Independence movement. The first indigo pigments were imported from India to the…

As any environmentalist will tell you, the modern movement to go green is not a recent phenomenon. From Japan enacting the Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control—the world’s first—in 1967, to India’s first Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, responsible entrepreneurs have constantly strived for a cleaner, more eco-friendly world. However, the need to adopt sustainability—in every sense of the word, and every way of life—has never been greater than now. And nor has the need for businesses to be accountable for the harm they have caused the environment. To put things in perspective, there is now a ‘patch’ of garbage—approximately 1.6 million square kilometers large (about half the size of India!)—floating in the Pacific Ocean. An article published by Maryville University claims that, according to the journal…

ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 20 Loved ones and friends will question your handling of a financial or business matter that will be beyond you. Perhaps they think you lack the skills to do a good deal or they want to protect you. That’s nice, but draw the boundary where necessary. LUCKY DAY 5th—a lavish contribution adds meaning to something banal. TAURAS MARCH 21-APRIL 20 Promise yourself that a minor spat with somebody close won’t become more serious. The two of you have coped with a number of stressful situations recently. Remembering all the positive reasons that you’re together can be therapeutic. LUCKY DAY 5th—a lavish contribution adds meaning to something banal. GEMINI MAY 22-JUNE 21 In spite of your careful planning, disruptions will present themselves. You may swing between blue-sky thinking…

NAMRATA JOSHIPURA RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE ABRAHAM & THAKORE DOODLAGE NIDA MAHMOOD SAHIL KOCHHAR RAHUL MISHRA LECOANET HEMANT SHANTANU & NIKHIL ANAVILA PAYAL SINGHAL URVASHI KAUR HUEMN TORANI NACHIKET BARVE PAYAL PRATAP…

“The yogic principles—a unique combination of self-observation and physical resilience—are known to grant deeper levels of self-attunement.” “Our body is constantly talking to us. It is designed to give us warning signs before things get worse. This is usually when we should look within, and adjust our lifestyles to prevent those little nudges from turning into full-blown problems. Some of the common symptoms my clients often come to me with range from muscle aches and gut-related ailments to mental health conditions like anxiety and hypertension—they are all manifestations of a deeper dent in their lifestyle that they wish to improve through the practice of yoga. Amongst its umpteen benefits, my favourite part about yoga is its holism. You may set out to treat the nagging pain in your neck or…

The DRAPE Don’t wait until Wednesdays to wear pink. Add a dose of colour to switch up your seasonal staples. The TEXTURE Gossamer-like blouses that mimick exquisite arachnid patterns are just one way to appreciate the sheer wonder of the outdoors. The DRESS Just like the hidden depths of the jungle, that glow in kalaidoscopic colours, this creation, too, will transport you to that magical space. The M ESSAGE Sloganeering needn’t be in your face… This cape dress, for instance, draws attention to the environment with its embroidered gradation from flowers to concrete homes. The BOOTS Come rain or shine, the squeaky-clean pair of white boots can be trusted to punctuate a colourful winter ensemble. The SLEEVES When larger-than-life silhouettes meet traditional motifs, the impact is all the more interesting…

The Scottish textile is a celebration of community and family as each design represent the weavers of different regions. CHECK MATE…

There is a new trend in town, one that puts social issues at the heart of fashion. Fashion has never been so “woke”, from female empowerment to issues of sustainability and ethics, and it is encouraging to see that the industry has finally embraced a larger sense of social consciousness. But with this new awareness, one aspect has yet to be addressed: that at the core of these issues runs one common thread of compassion and kindness. It is the people behind our clothes that need kindness the most. The textiles industry is the second-biggest employer in India, and an estimated 16 million people work in the crafts sector. Our textiles truly represent the fabric of our society, and are at the core of every fashion brand. And designers from…

When actor and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen gifted herself a 22-carat diamond ring a few years ago, she created a small tsunami of awe and inspiration across the country. “I don’t need a man in my life to have diamonds. I can own them myself,” Sushmita had famously said, joining the likes of Cher and Beyoncé in reclaiming her power and independence. Which is why, it was particularly thrilling to be speaking with her about diamonds, a stone she considers synonymous with her spirit. At the launch of Zoya—A TATA Product’s new diamond range, Libera, Bazaar India caught up with the 45-year-old to discuss all things precious, from jewellery to inner power. Harper’s Bazaar: How does Zoya’s essence of strength and femininity resonate with you? Sushmita Sen: “Zoya described…

There are many freeing the world of misbegotten patriarchy, but perhaps none are spreading feminist fire in as bodacious a manner as burlesque dancer Sukki Singapora, aka Sukki Menon. Intimidating as she can appear on stage, and in her photographs with a shock of rainbow-hued hair, Sukki is unanticipatedly and enchantingly demure in person, claiming that she is “chronically shy” and has had to “learn confidence”. As she unfurls her fascinating recount about transforming from a dorky IT kid to the first Indianorigin burlesque artist, it is easy to see why her name has been honoured in the Burlesque Hall of Fame. The half-Malayali, half-British Singaporean has brought a modern relevance to the 16th-century Italian performance artform. Sukki attempts to legalise and revive the craft as a celebration of feminism…

Everything that surrounds us today, including our own identities, are moulded and manipulated by signs, words, images, and our visual language. Sama, a pioneering documentary film, explores this exciting world through contemporary art, with filming done simultaneously in the Indian subcontinent and Italy. Jointly shot by directors Onir (India) and Alessandra Gallatto (Italy), the film investigates the aspect of semiotics, or the signs and symbols surrounding us in history and culture, while allowing audiences a glimpse into the visual aesthetics of these two regions. Educational, visually-stunning, and engrossing, this cinematic study offers an in-depth insight into the contemporary art practices of various artists, taking the viewer along on the creative journey charted by them. The documentary also provides critical insight into the inspirations and techniques of various artists, taking them…

We are on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, at the majestic The Leela Palace in Udaipur. Sara is posing for Bazaar in the sunshine, reclining on the steps of the Palace lawn, and she stops every few minutes to chat with photographer Rohan Shreshtha, or share a private joke with her friend and manager Parth, or ask me what I think of the photographs. Over the course of her career, Sara has often been referred to as ‘outspoken’ or ‘fearless’. In person, there is certainly a confidence with which the actor carries herself, but what is even more perceptible is an unmistakable zeal for life—a heightened, electric energy—which is often displayed in quick movements, deliberate speech, and an enthusiasm that extends to everything from magazine…

RYTASHA RATHORE Actor AVANI RAI Photographer & Cinematographer JASON ARLAND Model GAZAL DHALIWAL Screenwriter KAREEMA BARRY Content Creator ANSHUKA PARWANI Yoga & Wellness Expert ZOYA HUSSAIN Actor Hair and Make-up: Anuradha Raman. Fashion Assistants: Mandar Deshmukh and Swity Shinde. Production: P. Productions.…

The 1920s was the era that spearheaded change. It saw the rise of jazz, prêt, and the flapper: a woman who wore shorter dresses, had shorter hair, and was freer than the previous generations. Today, 100 years later, we turn to artist Erté’s illustrated cover of the November 1924 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, as a timely reminder of the power we hold to create change with our decisions. A keen look within reveals our hopes, dreams, fears, and intentions, and inform both our present and the future… As we embrace the new season, let this delightful illustration inspire you to introspect habits, consumption patterns, and ways of living to help build a future that’s meant for everyone.…