Table of contents for December 2023 in Harper's Bazaar India

Spotting Bazaar India across the country in the past few months has been exhilarating. It’s a joy that transcends the mere excitement of seeing the magazine on stands—it’s about the immense pride in contributing to its creation and the deep connection fostered with my incredible team. Together, we strive to build a Bazaar that resonates with each of you, a publication we are proud to be part of. As we bid farewell to the year, our focus gracefully shifts towards the concept of joy—a prevailing theme that threads through the stories awaiting you in the pages ahead. The cover story uncovers the radiant and real essence of Athiya Shetty, offering a glimpse into her life. The delicate balance between personal and professional, and the delight she finds in life’s smallest…

In the first week of November, the City Palace in Jaipur came alive as models sashayed down the sprawling inner courtyard of the 300-year-old structure to the beats of traditional folk singers and percussionists, even as nagada drummers performed on the roof. Life-size elephants sculpted from Lantana—an invasive weed that is destroying Indian forests—lined the runway. This was Rewild ’23: Fashion for Good—Anita Dongre’s fashion show that raised funds for the Nature Conservation Fund (NCF), an NGO working towards providing a better habitat for elephants. “It’s been a 10-year desire to work for elephant welfare. Our brand logo is an elephant. But I just didn’t know how to go about it,” says the 60-year-old designer, explaining that it was a chance meeting with Oscar-winning director Kartiki Gonsalves of The Elephant…

We are fragile creatures, and it is from this weakness, not despite it, that we discover the possibility of true joy. —Desmond Tutu, Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Fragility, vulnerability, resilience in despair, gratitude in the revelations of the universe and experiences that humble you to the core are often testament to the purest form of joy. Joy can mean different things to different people and reveal itself in hundreds of different ways, if only we took a mere glance at the world beyond ourselves. At a time when little seems to be merry, understanding joy, seeking it and capturing its sparse moments can be arduous at best. Despite it all, and perhaps because of it, we keep going back to those snapshots that are an…

Shashank ventured into the world of filmmaking and music at an early age. “I grew up liking music and acting. I left to study cinema at the age of 17, in Canada. I came back to Bombay [Mumbai] at the age of 21, to start acting in films. I don’t make music for money.” A supportive professor and encouraging parents provided him with a nurturing environment, fostering his artistic pursuits. Tracing his early exposure to different genres of music, he says, “My father and mother would listen to a lot of the Beatles. And also, it was Hindustani classical and a bit of rock and roll, which I think I was influenced by when I was very young.” Some of the songs he is currently listening to are Gallows Pole…

Pet Sematary When the Creed family moves to a rural town, they discover a mysterious burial ground that brings the dead back to life. It is when their cat dies, tragedy befalls them, which leads to a series of horrifying events. Stephen King, in this book, masterfully explores grief, loss, and the consequences of tampering with nature in this chilling and psychologically intense horror novel. Letters From Father Christmas Creating a delightful and timeless holiday treasure for readers spanning all ages, this magical collection is filled with lavish illustrations and pull-out envelopes by JRRTolkien that he penned himself for his children. These letters depict whimsical tales of life at the North Pole and are filled with magical characters, misadventures, and heartfelt messages. A Christmas Carol A timeless tale that follows…

Shraddha Kapoor: “What do you call a fish with no eye? “ The interviewer: “I don’t know. You tell me.” Shraddha Kapoor: “A fsh” You know an interview can go in any direction when it starts with a joke like that. That Shraddha is a humourous girl is out there on her Instagram Reels and in her genes, being the daughter of one of India’s finest comedians, Shakti Kapoor. This month, for a cover story interview, we met her on a quiet Sunday afternoon. She sat there donning a satin neon green Rahul Mishra number with absolute nonchalance and cracked several dad jokes. “You don’t need to play my songs just because I’m on the set,” she teases our production manager as tunes from Aashiqui 2 coo from a speaker.…

DR. GEETIKA MITTAL GUPTA Founder & Medical Director, ISAAC Luxe As we gracefully glide into the festive season, it’s essential for one to consider beauty treatments that rejuvenate and boost the glow. “Beauty treatments that are recommended this season include the Fresh Facial—combining the power of Pink Aging, Photo Facial, and Ice Facial. This treatment offers a comprehensive approach to bridal beauty.” Amongst other things one can try, according to her, are, “HydraFacial—a non-invasive treatment; cleansing, toning, and moisturising establish a foundational rhythm, forming a seamless routine. For DIY solutions, a mask using honey and yogurt can be applied once in a while or even ice cubes for dunking.” Geetika emphasises on the attention to detail and careful execution of a well-thought-out skincare routine. Lastly, she advises to aim for…

MESY BUNS Effortlessly chic, the messy bun trend is perfect for winter when you are feeling laid-back and relaxed and yet need to attend an event. Combining style with ease, it gives a universally flattering look. The best part is it caters to different hair types and lengths. From low, loose buns to high and tousled variations, the messy bun has a wide spectrum to suit every occasion. Achieving the look requires minimal effort, making it a popular choice. FINE FRAGNANCE Born in Madurai and meticulously crafted in Grasse—the fragrance capital of the world—LilaNur’s scents encapsulate the essence of India’s diverse landscape. The notes showcased are an exquisite blend of a variety of flowers, spices, woods, and herbs. Having made a significant impact on the global stage with successful launches…

PRAYAG MENON “A spark of joy for me emanates from spending time in the comfort of my home alongside my husband. It extends to gatherings with close friends, where laughter and shared happiness transform even the simplest of moments into halcyon memories.” VINOD NAIR “Helping those who can’t ask for help… like the animals on the road who need food or medical assistance, or helping the elderly brings the spark of joy to me.” PORUS VIMADALAL “A spark of joy to me is when something brings genuine happiness or delight. For me, it’s usually cooking, tending to my plants, learning about space and the universe, or drinking my afternoon cup of tea with Prayag among other things.” PRAACHI RANIWALA “For me, a spark of joy can come from anything that…

A BEDAZZLED AFFAIR Swarovski and SKIMS unite for a dazzling assortment of body jewellery, intimates, and ready-to-wear. Premiered globally in November at the new Swarovski flagship store on Fifth Avenue and on their website, the collaboration embodies the fusion of Swarovski’s opulence and SKIMS’ innovative fabrics. Kim Kardashian, the co-founder and creative director, expresses the desire to celebrate individual creativity and infuse everyday dressing with heightened glamour. RUNWAY REVERIE In a groundbreaking collaboration—Amit Aggarwal, renowned for gender-transcending creations, partners with the late Wendell Rodrick’s label. Paying homage, Amit’s collection transcends time, marrying tropical inspirations from Wendell’s voice with Amit’s signature structural style. The edit boasts body-contouring creations defying gender and size, transitioning through diverse palettes and billowing silhouettes. Honouring Wendell’s geometric finesse and vibrant palette, the collection resonates the spirit…

Harper’s Bazaar: What was your idea behind curating the book, Journey to India Modern, and how long did it take? Tarun Tahiliani: “As we completed 25 years of the design studio, the idea of the book came about to create a discourse in fashion, highlighting the profound influence of the draped form on our work, which is very particular to the design studio. The curation process was time consuming as our archives were improperly maintained, and things had to be collected and repaired which surpassed our initial time estimates.” HB: How does this book contribute to the dialogue surrounding fashion? TT: “Fashion discourse has historically encompassed various perspectives, yet within celebrity circles—it tends to be superficial and lacking in substantial discussions about craftsmanship. This book will be a find for people…

AN ELABORATE SPREAD Open-air indulgence returns to New Delhi as Elan at The Lodhi reintroduces its coveted Sunday brunch. The experience unfolds as a gastronomic journey with live music, where chefs showcase their expertise at cooking stations. From barbecue counters to sushi bars, and an array of classics like pizza counters and teppanyaki, make your Sundays funfilled with this weekend retreat. SWING IN STYLE Renowned Swiss watch brand OMEGA recently hosted the second edition of their 18-hole golf tournament at DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurugram. The event also showcased the label’s latest Seamaster Summer Blue collection. Actor Abhishek Bachchan was in attendance to celebrate the passion for golf and the timepieces. The tournament crowned champions in men’s and women’s categories, who received the prestigious OMEGA trophy. A JOURNEY OF…

Veteran designer Manish Arora is reinventing himself, one food pop-up at a time in Paris. He first experimented with the idea in 2020 just after people had started eating out again. At his latest pop-up at Desi Road, an Indian restaurant located at a stone’s throw from Pont Neuf, Manish is serving popular North Indian dishes like paratha with tomato chutney, vegetarian samosas and dahi papdi chaat [a spicy chickpea and potato snack], the recipes of which came from his mother, aunts and cousins. His food pop-up is a major hit among diners. Manish says the past three weeks hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. “It’s been so busy that we’ve had to do double or triple seatings every day. Yet, the level of satisfaction cannot be adequately…

It’s only when you’re living and breathing luxury that life becomes truly fashionable. Lucky for us, our favourite designers need not be confined to our closets only. After successfully reigning over the fashion industry for decades, the veterans of Indian haute couture have moved to designing living spaces that reflect an aesthetic sensibility synonymous with their labels, blurring the lines between fashion and home in majestical ways. Their designs are akin to artworks, but so are their bespoke silhouettes, elegant textiles, and rich tapestries that make you feel at home. SHIVAN & NARRESH If it’s a larger-than-life aesthetic you are seeking, count on this flamboyant designer duo to deliver. For Shivan and Narresh, embarking on the journey of home décor and interiors found its roots with the design of Primera,…

When it comes to protecting your skin against premature ageing and harmful UV rays, sunscreens are an absolute must. Regardless of the season, sunscreen is your trusted ally in the battle against skin damage caused by the sun’s rays. However, many people make mistakes that hinder their effectiveness—inadequate application, such as using too little or not reapplying every two hours, or even using the wrong type of sunscreen, which would further compromise protection. LESS IS NOT MORE… One of the most common mistakes is using an inadequate amount of sunscreen. A thin or uneven application can significantly reduce the level of protection provided, leaving the skin vulnerable to sunburn and potential long-term damage. To ensure proper coverage, experts recommend using at least a shot glass worth of sunscreen for the…

‘T is the season to be jolly! From tinsel trees, trinket huts selling gingerbread, and over-the-top light displays to Nativity scenes, festive markets, and merry mainstays—there’s nothing quite like a well-curated Christmas festival to get you truly in the holiday spirit. Let’s be honest, don’t we all deserve a vacation that involves savouring a hearty mug of mulled wine in one hand, and an even larger cup of delicious hot chocolate in the other, while blowing our budget on life-sized soft toys and handcrafted souvenirs? Whether you’re planning to visit extravagant European towns or Asian megacities, these global destinations—some familiar, some offbeat—are here to offer you and your family a much-needed dose of holiday season splendour. ADVENT FEAST, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Named one of the best Christmas fairs in all of…

SNUGGLE UP… WITH THE SHEARLING COAT An indispensable part of your wardrobe and a smart investment—this versatile piece can help you ace high-low dressing. Treasure it—you may wish to pass it down to future generations. GORGE ….A CHRISTMAS TREAT Indulge in the exquisite allure of the gin and tonic tart—a symphony of citrus-infused bliss atop a buttery crust making it the perfect decadent treat with the touch of culinary elegance and joyous flavours. LISTEN …TO CHRISTMAS PAST PODCAST Ignite your Christmas spirit with curiosity on Christmas Past. A blend of nerdy deep dives and warm celebration—this podcast, inspired by public radio, spreads holiday cheer. Find it everywhere podcasts reside! EXPERIENCE ….THE GOOGLE ARTS AND CULTURE ONLINE EXHIBIT Embark on an immersive odyssey where 7,000 assets and 120+ captivating stories effortlessly…

AVANTI NAGR ATH Perhaps a fairytale-turned-reality is the only way to describe Avanti Nagrath’s remarkable modelling journey. “I began at the age of 15, fuelled by a lifelong aspiration of becoming a model. The allure of clothing and the joy of dressing up ignited my passion.” Fresh out of her teens, the prospect of being in a room filled with creative individuals and expressing herself through fashion was her driving force. The Delhi-born finds immeasurable joy in representing India on the international fashion runway. “It fills me with profound happiness and a great sense of pride,” she exclaims. According to Avanti, challenges are inevitable in making a mark on the global fashion scene as an Indian model. “All the highs and lows are part of the journey. The key ultimately…

A transformative hiatus caused by a sporting accident in 2017 became a turning point for RaihanVadra, the new kid on the art block. “I started taking pictures when I was really young, what started as a hobby turned into a passion as I got older,” says Raihan, a visual artist and photographer who takes inspiration from everyday life experiences to build installations that resonate with a larger audience. “The first ‘You Cannot Miss This’ show [a curated exhibition] was held at Bikaner House in February 2022 and the second show is currently at Method Juhu in Mumbai till December 9.” The collective was founded in 2022, dedicated to giving artists complete creative control over their displays. He, along with the others, aims to make art more accessible to a younger…

There is always a lot of pressure to be Mrs Funny Bones. But I am nearly 50 and I am not going to accept any constraints put by the world. I refuse to be put in a box, I have a few more years to be put in a box anyway, and buried underground. So maybe at this point, I don’t need to do that,” says Twinkle Khanna, revealing her funny bone, as we start a conversation about her latest book of short stories called Welcome to Paradise. Twinkle says that while her themes have not changed dramatically since she has always looked at women’s lives, “this sort of displacement that women have from the world and from the way the world is constructed” [The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad had…

“Growing up, I spent a lot of time with karigars, with fabrics lying all around the place, with textbooks and textile, clothing sketches [my mom is a designer]. I feel I get my sense of style and fashion from my mother and my mother gets it from her mother so it’s kind of just been passed down.” My very first cover interview is with an actor who’s always the first name on my mind when it comes to visualising a story. Having expressed how effortlessly she has managed to make my job easier by always having a picture-perfect image for a wellness, beauty or fashion story, Athiya Shetty had a wide smile on her face, knowing she was talking to her latest fan. It wasn’t just me, but everyone at…

Beauty brands have long understood the impact of attaching a famous face to their products, and for good reason. Addressing the key question as to how celebrity endorsements lead to the success of a make-up and skincare product, Harminder Sahni, Founder & MD at Wazir Advisors, says, “Familiarity is the biggest draw. With such penetration of social media, the consumer feels a sort of personal connection with celebrities and hence the urge to accept their recommendation and endorsement. Celebrities have not only replaced models but have expanded the market for endorsements. In my view, the overall impact may not be any different from using a model versus a celebrity. But no one dares to check.” With a massive following, an aura of glamour that is magnetic, and a sense of…

Have you ever made art so daring that the U.S. Department of the Treasury called you up to talk about it? That’s the story nail artist Bernadette Thompson gets to tell about the manicure she did for Lil’ Kim on set in the late ’90s, setting off a chain of events that led to her becoming the first nail artist exhibited in NewYork’s Museum of Modern Art. “On sets back then, they wanted plain nails—beige, sheer pink, or clear,” Bernadette says. “All she had were little short nails! So I went into my wallet, took money out, cut it up, and did a French manicure.” The result, now known as money nails, became a defining moment in the history of hip-hop and beauty. The look went viral before the internet…

The legacy of liberating women Exhilarating was the era of the 1900s which commenced with a significant milestone—women secured the privilege to vote; subsequently corsets were discarded; silhouettes were liberated; and women relished a newfound sense of freedom. Artfully depicted by Erté in this captivating frame of the Harper’s Bazar US 1920 cover—the fashionable woman’s free form adorns a vibrant dress, embodying a convergence of celestial elements. The symbolic hands reach towards her—perhaps, representing the tangible or intangible forces that strive to tether her to convention. Yet, her indomitable spirit prevails, each outstretched finger is a plea to anchor her, but she soars unfettered. Her flight, my dear reader, isn’t mere physical; it’s a manifestation of an inner emancipation. As we reach the end of another year, let this image…