Table of contents for November - December 2021 in Harper's Bazaar India

“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”—Dr. Seuss, author As children, we are often encouraged to let our imaginations run free; experts concur that fantasy is so necessary for a young mind’s creative development. But what about the adult mind, which could certainly do with—nay, benefit from—a sprinkle of magic, a dose of the unexpected? Perhaps a momentary escape from reality and grown-up responsibilities; a chance to delight in the whimsical, the chimerical; or a reminder to never stop dreaming? This issue of Bazaar India explores the wonder and power of all that is fantastical, by adding a delicious touch of playfulness and drama across the fashion, art, travel, and culture pages. Our covershoot for the…

Hindi cinema represents a collective fantasy—a group daydream,” is how noted psychoanalyst and author Sudhir Kakar describes the industry. We go to the movies to escape, often to just switch off from our lives for a couple of hours, and Bollywood is a fine example of this, with song and dance reverberating in our film culture. Many years ago, I remember going to watch the film Chandini Bar [2001], a film that takes a very real look at Mumbai’s dance bars. WithTabu in the lead role, the film was directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and won a National Award. I found it to be a real eye-opener, making an important social commentary about Mumbai’s underworld. My driver, whom I would always buy a ticket for any film I saw, thought otherwise.…

GLORIA STEINEM When Gloria Steinem sat down to write an essay for Louis 200, the feminist activist, organiser, and author began where she always has throughout her six-decade career: with a yellow legal pad. “I start that way, and then once I have written a certain amount, I usually transfer it to what was the typewriter and now is a computer,” Gloria says. “There is something about the physical connection of your hand and the page that, to me, is still more personal than passing your words through a word processor.” This time, Gloria got to skip the transcription phase after the LouisVuitton team suggested using her lined sheet of paper to wrap a scaled-down trunk. In her essay, which begins, ‘I have learned that baggage is biography’, Gloria recounts…

A year after women, globally, lost more than 64 million jobs (a much higher figure than men, costing them about $800 billion in earnings, as per Oxfam International, a UK-based charitable organisation), the female force has not only returned in significant numbers, but also with a will to hold the reins in their own hands. According to an article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal, twice as many women as men launched small businesses during the pandemic. In India as well, women own over 20 percent of all micro, small, and medium businesses (yes, men still own nearly 80 percent!). This news holds greater meaning when one is made aware that India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate had fallen to a historic low of 17.5 percent in 2017-18—and “only seven…

ART She’s slaying demons, bestowing wealth, conquering the world…the power of the feminine force is manifest in a special exhibition in the capital, Devi by Mati Art Foundation, that is inspiring and stirring at once. Think Kalighat watercolours from Bengal, Mata Ni Pachedi textiles from Gujarat, two rare coco de mers smeared with vermilion sindoor, sculptures, wall hangings, lobby cards, and more, all of which celebrate the female form. This 98-pieces-strong show is a handpicked selection from the collection of Siddhartha Tagore—the founder of Mati Foundation, and the from the family of RabindranathTagore. Walk through the show and you’ll soon realise that the notion of female empowerment isn’t entirely new, nor a west-to-east phenomenon. It’s striking that the primordial cosmic energy, in its female form, is a common theme of…

Honesty is an often undervalued quality. But for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, it is his abiding truth…the way he commits to his craft and the characters he essays. Sitting in a studio in New York—where his performance in the Netflix original Serious Men was nominated for BestActor at the 49th Emmy Awards—there is a poised intensity to Nawazuddin, as he discusses his struggles and success with equal composure. He speaks about his desire to become a monk, the thirst to explore the inner-world of a character, and how he still farms every year in his village in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. “I didn’t start off wanting to be an actor. I wanted to go into the mountains after completing my education and become a monk. I even visited Dharamshala for a few…

DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 20 AQUARIUS JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 19 Sudden disruptions to your personal plans might be annoying, but their impact needn’t be long-lasting. With minor adjustments, you can stick fairly closely to the original path. The new set-up may even suit you even better than the original one. LUCKY DAY 23rd —unexpected words and gestures clear the air. PISCES FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 20 Tempting though it may be to make last-minute arrangements about an unusual group activity, you should study the details carefully. Don’t assume that everything will turn out to be exactly as you imagined. This is not a time to take chances. LUCKY DAY 10th —flexibility empowers you to overtake most rivals. ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 20 Difficulties may arise as you are forced to decide how many people to include…

David Bowie Rekha Madonna LadyGaga Hair and Make-up: Maniasha. Nail Artist: Oshin Lemos. Production: Studio Little Dumpling. Helen Kalki Koechlin is game for anything that’s out of the ordinary… Donning a tangerine wig to resemble David Bowie or a massive, pink bow on her head to look like Lady Gaga, exclusively for Bazaar India, is completely up her alley. But it’s not just the theatricality in performance that catches her fancy (Kalki, for the uninitiated, co-wrote the award-winning play Skeleton Woman in 2009 and made her directorial debut in 2015). The 39-year-old has recently penned a tongue-in-cheek, graphic novel about her pregnancy, The Elephant In The Womb [Penguin Random House], and it’s nothing you’d expect a book on motherhood to be like… There are references to “an alien invasion” in…

Sensitive Skin BY DR ANJALI MAHTO “Skin sensitivity affects about 40 percent of the population, and is characterised by burning, stinging, tightness, itching, or pain. The main triggers or predisposing factors include UV radiation, pollution, stress, weather and hormonal changes, as well as cosmetic ingredients such as fragrances. As a dermatologist, my first goal is to understand whether there is an underlying skin condition causing sensitivity—such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis—as that may require prescription treatments. If your skin is extremely sensitive and reacts to almost every product, then do a home-patch test before using a new product—apply a small amount to your inner forearm and leave it on for 24 hours. If no irritation or redness occurs during this time, it should be safe to use. As for…

DR ANJALI MAHTO Dr Anjali is a UK-based dermatologist who has worked with UK’s leading teaching hospitals such as Imperial College Healthcare and the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead. In this issue, Dr Anjali shares how to tackle sensitive skin in A Derm’s Guide to Achieving Your Dream Skin. She says, “It’s always a pleasure to work with the Bazaar India team and I was delighted to talk about sensitive skin—an issue I frequently encounter with my patients.” TARUN VISHWA Tarun is a fashion and editorial photographer based in Delhi. Having been a lensman for almost 18 years, Tarun has shot with various magazines as well as fashion and jewellery brand campaigns. In this issue, Tarun captures Kalki Koechlin in a special feature titled Mistress of Disguise. Tarun shares, “My aim…

“ I don’t really see a difference between reality and fantasy. Fantasy is all around us, wherever our minds can expand into. Fantasy is imagination; it is endlessness, and, at the same time, newness. It means parallel realities, which I completely believe to be true. I’m a surrealist at heart. And I do feel that you know, whatever we do or see is not actually real, there’s a lot more behind the scenes. I was rather lost as a child. I flunked the sixth grade. I was terrible at studies, but I was very good at art, music, and dance, and I even used to sculpt. Did I have a vivid imagination? I don’t know. I have always considered myself to be a bird. So I guess I was always…

If there’s one thing we’re ready for after a year of being cooped up in our homes, it’s to race away to a brighter future. And Creative Director of Gucci, Alessandro Michele, is on-board with this capital idea. The newAria collection, after all, brings to life the equestrian spirit with a wide variety of accessories and outfits to gallop into the new year. There are circles and checks, stripes and fringes running across the colourful designs. Each of them pays homage to the banners seen in horse races, especially in Italy, many of which have been added to Gucci’s signature silhouettes such as the bamboo handle bags and the tote bags. There are scarves as well, along with riding helmets and boots that will put your look together in an…

NATURE Famed Greek poet, Homer, first spoke about the wild flower‘hyákinthos’ in 8th century B.C., with a unique tale to it: the hyacinth flower grew from the blood of a young man by the same name, whom Zephyr accidentally killed. True or not, the cluster of purple pods, along with its leaves and shoots, is packed with many benefits. The extracts of the leaves, when mixed with turmeric and rice flower, can help treat eczema. And for a fragrant touch to your mane, add the flowers to your water for the final hair rinse. Traditional Chinese medicine also recommends stir-frying the beans for healthy digestion. However, never ingest the hyacinth flower uncooked, and always check with your health practitioner before adding it to your diet.…

DRINK For sunny days by the beach, or cosy evenings indoors, the classic rum drink never fails to make an impression. In fact, the drink was even advised in ancient Indian texts as far back as the 7th century, to be had“together with friends”, and that intention has clearly stood the test of time. Case in point: rum is being hailed as the‘next big thing’ for 2022, and there’s reason to celebrate since homegrown labels are distilling fresh spirits steeped in local traditions. From Portugese Goa comes SegredoAldeiaWhite Rum, with notes of vanilla, sweet wood, and peaches and cream, while the Café Rum mix includes notes of coffee, vanilla, and hints of toffee. Meanwhile, Maka Zai’s Gold Rum, the Tribute Edition, is just the dessert drink to enjoy after a…

Harper’s Bazaar: How would those closest to you describe you? Disha Patani: “I have always been fairly reserved and shy, some might even call me boring! As a child, I didn't have many friends because I was too shy to even have a conversation. I am still the same person, but much more confident. It’s hard for people to imagine that those in the film industry, which is otherwise so loud and boisterous, could be introverted. But being an actor doesn’t mean one has to socialise all the time. It is important to be yourself and do what makes you feel comfortable and is right for you. I suppose I'm just your regular girl next-door—I enjoy adventure sports, basketball, travelling, food, anime, and video games.” HB: How did you get…

THE WINTER FLUSH Cold weather might leave your skin dull and dehydrated, but there’s little that a hint of blush can’t fix. A hydrating skincare routine will be your saviour here. Skip the foundation to avoid looking too ‘made up’, and use a concealer instead to cover up dark circles or spots. Next, dab a few drops of liquid blush—consider a creamy one, and steer clear of powder formulas—starting from the centre of your cheeks, moving towards the temples. Blend it in an upward motion for a ‘snatched’ effect. THE BOLD LIP Bare lips, with just a hint of balm, are perfect for daytime. But if you want to elevate your look a notch, for night, pucker-up with striking red lips. While red lipstick on a bare face sounds striking…

WRAP IT UP This season, we have found the perfect solution to salvage second-day hair on the Fall 21-22 runways. Turns out, all you need is a silk scarf to hide greasy roots and channel Grace Kelly at the same time. Models at Thornton Bregazzi, Max Mara, and Anna Sui were spotted with scarves tied around the face for old-world charm—the clashing patterns certainly stood out. While at Versace and Dior, artsy and groovy-patterned silk scarves were wrapped like a bandana for a more retro appeal. What we love about these trending hair-kerchiefs is that they don’t just look chic, but they also protect you from the cold weather and help control frizz. CELEBRATE YOURSELF Brazilian brand Sol de Janeiro, which believes in spreading body confidence through its sensorial product…

The covers of Harper’s Bazaar in the 1930s embraced a new kind of liberation,referencing the trending Cubism Art Movement of the time…an art style that flirtedwith the surreal and an abstraction of ideas. Would a cover with eyes floating across thepage seem too much at the time? Far from it. Or would the silhouette of a dressagainst the expanse of the universe, with sea shells defying gravity, seem strange? Asthis cover from June 1939 proves, it was just what the decade demanded…creativitywith a generous helping of the fantastical. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that we are sodrawn to this illustration by Bazaar’s then Art Director, Alexey Brodovitch. It’s unique,surprising, and a delightfuly-batty reminder to let your imagination run free……

The SILHOUETTE The maxi dress floats into the winter wardrobe as a classic that allows ample room for layering underneath. The PATTERN When in doubt, don art-inspired pieces to lend a dramatic touch to your plans for the evening. The PRINT Monochrome gets an update with a pattern that progresses from small to large…no need to skirt the issue. The COAT A white cover is such a fresh way to stay warm in the winter. And when it features tribal art, it becomes a collectible. The PAIRING Beat the blues with shades of the colour from head to toe. Make it interesting with a play of patterns and stripes. The DRESS Glide through any gathering in a floorlength dress that boasts a bit of lace and a whole lot of…

PRESENT PERFECT This holiday season, Gucci has created a covetable selection of hand-picked pieces for its Gifting Campaign, and it’s the ultimate wishlist. Take The Hacker Project, for instance: Balenciaga meets Gucci in ready-to-wear essentials and accessories, and each present is packaged in special boxes in a green, black, and burgundy palette, with the Gucci 100 logo on it. And the bags are 100 percent recylable! Jingle all the way, we say… Available at the Gucci boutique in Delhi and Mumbai TIME TO UPGR ADE The tourbillon can well be considered one of the milestones in horology, and with IWC Schaffhausen’s Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon, there is more to expect. Featuring a case of 18-carat Armor Gold® and a silver-plated dial, the flying minute tourbillon has been placed at 6-o’-clock. There are…

It’s time for a clear vision o the future Long work days deserve some sparkle Write your goals down in perfect style…

BOOKS What could possibly go wrong when a young witch puts a hex on her exboy-friend? Little does she know, her new flame gets the brunt of it! Fun and light, this read. [Avon] A masterpiece on the 19th century performers of India, by MirYar Ali, have been translated into English for the firsttime ever. This Indo-Islamic literary marvel is an essential for all cultural buffs. [Penguin Random House India] 45 authors from across the country come together to write loving, funny, poignant pieces in an ode to their best friends. And those wagging little tails deserve them. [HarperCollins India] Immerse yourself in a century of writings by some of the finest authors from Assam…Lakhminath Bezbaroa, Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Saurav Kumar Chaliha, and more. These gems will transport you to…

Harper’s Bazaar: What does the power of make-up mean to you? Bhumi Pednekar: “I think the biggest mistake that people make and believe in is that make-up is applied to conceal one’ flaws. On the contrary, it is about enhancing who you already are.” HB: What sparked your love affair with beauty? BP: “I have always been intrigued by the world of beauty. I feel very fortunate to have grown up watching my mom, aunts, and cousins change their appearance as per their moods with the help of make-up. As a young girl, I had access to all the products they used—they never told me to not wear make-up because my parents wanted us [my sister and I] to experiment and have fun. And now, beauty is therapeutic for me.…