All posts by : AyFa Collections

When Jamie Chadwick first got behind the wheel of a go-kart, it was only to keep up with her older brother. “I honestly didn’t notice a single difference being a female racing driver from the age of 12 or so to maybe 18,” she reflects, describing what she calls her period of “blissful ignorance”, never questioning her place on the track. “I used to try to be one of the boys, laughing at jokes that weren’t even funny. Looking back, I wasn’t being the most authentic.” Chadwick is deeply relatable in these acknowledgements and speaks with a candour that reflects the complex navigation required of women in male-dominated spaces.

Her racing résumé reads like a script destined for the silver screen. She currently drives for IDEC Sport in the European Le Mans Series, where she became the first woman to secure an overall victory this year. Her trophy cabinet boasts championship wins in the all-female W Series and the fiercely competitive Indy Nxt. She’s an ambassador for Williams Racing, one of the most storied teams in motor racing. And it gets cooler. She took on the role of grand marshal at the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona and delivered the iconic “Drivers, start your engines” command, which she describes as a “movie moment”.

For many drivers, it’s commonplace to have family ties in racing that shape early opportunities and sponsorship. Chadwick’s story started far from the circuits, with neither parent connected to motor racing; her father, Michael, has had a successful career in property and farming, while her mother, Jasmine, is an Indian-born businesswoman. She credits her mentors, therapists and mom’s comforting dal tadka for finding and keeping her rhythm. Most tellingly, when I ask about films that resonated with her growing up, Chadwick cites Bend It Like Beckham, not just for its portrayal of pursuing an unconventional sport, but also for the experience of doing something “that wasn’t seen as cool”. She also draws parallels between endurance athletes in other sports as prime examples of why the gender gap in physical performance is a misleading explanation for the lack of women in motor racing, stating, “We lack numbers getting into the sport in the first place.” She advocates fiercely for more women to join through her karting series, supported by Rolex; she became an ambassador for the watchmaker in 2022.

A still from Bend it like Beckham (2002)

Five is Kamat’s lucky number, so they slipped in a civil ceremony ahead of the main celebration. On 5.05.2025, they married at the New York City Courthouse, just the two of them and her brother Rohan as witness. “I wore a simple cream dress from Bec + Bridge, and that morning, David surprised me with a bouquet of white peonies, my favourite flowers,” she says. It felt like the prelude to the larger wedding in Ibiza they were planning for October.

Kamat had spent summers on the island with her family and knew its quieter, more soulful edges. “Ibiza holds a special place in our hearts,” she says. “It’s an island whose reputation for revelry belies a more serene side that we’ve come to treasure together.” When she brought Suvall there, he understood immediately.

With planner Johanna Carlsson of JC Bespoke Events, they began mapping a long weekend that moved like scenes in a film. “She was everything we dreamed of, and more,” Kamat says. “A planner with a robust portfolio of exquisite events, someone with impeccable taste and a good human, who over this journey has now become a close friend.”

The first night unfolded at Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, a centuries-old estate wrapped in orange groves. Years earlier, Kamat had turned to her father there and said she wanted to be married in that very place. On the night of the Sangeet, she finally was. Guests arrived in lehengas, saris and sherwanis, greeted by sitarist David Devanagari and champagne as they stepped into a pavilion lit like a jewel box. Burgundies and golds framed the evening. Suvall’s mashup of Chaiyya Chaiyya, Kala Chashma and Punjabi MC drew cheers; Kamat’s family added Ed Sheeran, ABBA and Kal Ho Naa Ho; he surprised her with Desi Girl; she closed the night with Dua Lipa and Jalebi Baby. “For many, it was their first Sangeet, and they left saying every wedding should have one,” she says.

Her look mirrored the setting: an antique gold laser-cut Seema Gujral lehenga that shimmered under chandeliers. Suvall wore a custom black bandhgala by Shantanu & Nikhil with an antique gold brooch.

The next afternoon the mood shifted to Playa d’en Bossa. Beachouse Ibiza became a backdrop for an “Island Chic” Mehendi where engraved coconuts sat beside Bloody Marys and Aperol spritz. Guests moved between tapas, Jamón Ibérico, paella and a bazaar of Jaipuri-print pouches, potlis and juttis. Later, a saxophonist joined DJ Rayco and turned the beach into a Balearic dance floor. Kamat wore Aisha Rao first, then changed into a sheer baby-blue Into Gaia dress with an Olympia Le-Tan “Ibiza” book clutch. Suvall chose a relaxed Todd Snyder set.

Kajol chose a darker register for the Gustaakh Ishq launch, but the effect was anything but heavy. The black Manish Malhotra satin drape was finished with a thin embroidered gold flower border and fell fluidly around her frame. The pallu cascaded down her arm and trailed behind her to create an elongated silhouette. The blouse added onto that fineness—full sleeves crafted entirely from sheer black lace—providing an airy contrast to the depth of the colour.

Jewellery was kept classic, with a gold-and-diamond necklace with floral diamond clusters that highlighted her collarbones, along with square gold-and-diamond studs and a single gold ring. The combination added just enough sparkle to match the soft glow of the ensemble.

Her beauty look brought luminosity with glossy lips, a skin-like base and feathery lashes. Her hair, styled in loose waves with a deep side part, completed the look with an old-Bollywood sophistication.

From Vogue‘s dashion desk:

“Lean in to the old bollywood charm of the look with a winged liner and red lip. Go off-shoulder with the blouse, swap the earrings for a pair of drop downs and go bare on the neck. A small dot of bindi will complete the look just right,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Kajol Devgan’s Manish Malhotra gilded sari brings handwoven tissue and brocade together

Kajol’s nude-toned sari gown pairs a corset bodice with cascading pleats

Kajol’s black pre-draped sari came with a corset featuring 3,500 Swarovski crystals

Long before meticulously scheduled spa days, whole regions built their beauty around bath rituals. In tiled hammams and courtyard bathrooms, getting clean meant steam, conversation and an unhurried sequence of soaps, scrubs, clays and oils that people still swear by. In Morocco, hammams doubled as sanctuaries. In the Emirates, the majlis offered warmth. Persia perfumed its cleansing routines with rose, while Egypt leaned into milk and honey.

These bath rituals grew out of the landscape and daily life revolving around olives, clay, gourds, seeds, flowers. You see it when you travel; squat jars of black soap in a Marrakech souk, stacks of Aleppo bars in a Levantine grocery, loofahs drying in the Egyptian sun. These are some of those classics that slip into your suitcase almost as an afterthought, but end up being your best desicions. Simple, elemental and worth hunting down locally when you’re there.

Aleppo soap

A centuries-old Syrian staple, this is the blueprint for many of today’s gentle cleansers. It’s made from olive oil and laurel (bay) oil, then air-dried for months until it turns a mottled green-and-gold. It’s suitable for face, body and sometimes hair. If your routine leans minimalist, Aleppo soap is as good as it gets.

Traveller’s tip: When you’re in Lebanon or Turkey, look for dense, stamped cubes in neighbourhood groceries and herb shops. Traditional makers like Najel or Tadé still follow the original recipes.

Moroccan black soap

In a traditional hammam, everything starts with this thick, olive-based paste (savon noir or beldi). Applied on warm, damp skin, it softens and loosens dead skin cells so they slide off easily when you scrub, but without the froth of a typical cleanser.

Traveller’s tip: The best versions are often sold by the hammams themselves in Marrakech and Fez or scooped out of tubs in tiny herboriste shops.

Kese glove

No hammam ritual is complete without the kese. Attendants use this textured exfoliating mitt to scrub in long, rhythmic strokes. Rolls of greyish skin lift off, circulation kicks up and you’re left with flushed, polished, baby-smooth limbs. It’s not gentle in the moment, but it’s hard to go back to a polite body scrub after you’ve experienced it once.

Traveller’s tip: In Istanbul or Antalya, buy your kese from historic bathhouses or the stalls clustered around them, where the mitts are tightly woven.

Rhassoul clay

Mined from Morocco’s Atlas mountains, rhassoul (or ghassoul) is a fine, mineral-rich clay that has been a go-to for face, body and scalp for centuries. Mixed with water or rose water, it turns into a silky mud that pulls out excess oil and impurities without leaving that stiff, overly taut feeling.

Traveller’s tip: In Marrakech and Fez, you’ll usually find it sold loose in herboriste shops as earthy flakes or powder, sometimes in simple paper cones labelled ‘ghassoul.’

Milk & honey baths

The Cleopatra bath isn’t just a legend. Milk, rich in lactic acid, paired with honey’s humectant and antimicrobial benefits, exfoliates gently when mixed into your warm bath water, while drenching skin in moisture.

Cotton outfits for women will constantly appear exceptionally fashionable, regardless of the fact that style trends are continuously evolving. You are able to wear them all through the entire year because they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The splendor of the block prints, the depth of the stitching, and the inventive skills all bring a story that has its origins within the past however is useful within the present.

You can appear appropriate and experience desirable at the same time with the brand new cotton outfits. These styles are designed for women who enjoy effortless fashion and help you move freely while looking lovely.

Cotton salwar suits for women that blend classic abilities with sophisticated designs are the famous preference this season. These suits emphasize the return of the beauty that may be discovered in handmade fabrics. Take a look at our most latest collection of styles and one-of-a-kind designs, which have the ability to revolutionize the way that style is designed to be both sophisticated and effortless.

True style looks, feels, and acts well. Cotton has continually been a sign of simple splendor because it’s lightweight and soft. Now, though, it is also a sign of living within the present.

Each cotton suit gently reminds us that comfort and sustainability can coexist. Handcrafted using eco-friendly colors, organic fabrics, and ancient processes, these items reflect artistry that respects the land.

The amazing aspect about cotton is how simple and clean it is to work with. It’s easy to place on, feels desirable, and continually seems desirable. Cotton makes you feel light and free, whether or not you are at home or out having fun for lunch.

Cotton has always been a part of everyday style, but in 2025, it’s getting a new look. These cotton suit styles for women mix classics with handprints, soft colors, and modern coordinates. They show that comfort never goes out of style.

1. Handblock Printed Cotton Suits

Jaipur’s hand block prints are the best way to tell a story. These stylish cotton suits were made with care and love, and their patterns come from nature and royal art. Every design feels both old and new, which makes it a must-have for every season.

Style Selection: The Chandni Maroon Gotapatti Cotton Suit Set is great for parties and fancy nights out because it has rich maroon colors and intricate gotapatti details.

2. Sets of Embroidered Cotton Suits

Cotton clothes with embroidery are the best for soft glam. It has simply the proper amount of shine from the gota, zari, and tiny threadwork. These are brand-new styles of cotton suits in order to make you appear better every day.

Style Selection: The Kamya Gotapatti Cotton Suit Set is a product of soft cotton and has very excellent gota stitching. It’s simple, royal, and ready for a party.

3. Cotton Suits with Pastel Colors

The colorings that are soft, like powder blue, mint green, and blush pink, will always appear appropriate. They make you experience excellence and keep you cool. You can wear these elegant cotton suits to brunch, the temple, or maybe a summer trip.

Style Selection: This is the Breeze Cream Handpainted Cotton Suit Set. It has a soft cream base and handpainted flowers that look and feel like a dream.

4. The Anarkali Cotton Suits

The allure of an Anarkali is everlasting. This cotton suit seems excellent on women who like to combine vintage and new patterns without any problems. It has a traditional cut and a fashionable style. This fashion constantly makes you feel excellent about yourself; it`s classy, flowy, and appropriate.

Style Selection: This Aaboli Handpainted Cotton Suit Set is excellent for any occasion that requires fashion and comfort. It has a wide Anarkali shape and delightful hand-painted designs.

5. Printed Co-ord Cotton Sets

Simple cotton suit sets are quickly becoming an apparel must-have because they’re simple, easy to wear, and go along with lots of specific outfits. Because they may be light and airy, you could wear them for evening walks and work in the morning.

Style Selection: In the Hetvi Cotton Suit Set, a combination of muted designs and earthy green tones creates an air of casual luxury.

You can wear a cotton suit with anything and still appear classy. The women`s cotton suit designs may be outstanding for any occasion if you make some careful changes. It may be worn to a fancy dinner, a lively party, or just a workday. How to make any occasion better:

Add gota juttis, a pair of bold earrings, and a soft bun embellished with fresh flowers to your embroidered or handblock cotton suit set.

Subtle elegance is key. With no makeup, a simple veil, and a low bun on your hair, a woman`s cotton suit will appear like it was made for the day.

If you need to appear comfortable for brunch or going for errands, wear a necklace that is worn out, an open dupatta, and comfortable Kolhapuris.

Add a metallic bag, messy hair, and a dewy face to your elegant cotton suits for the evening. You`ll appear adorable in no time.

There’s no better time to wear a cotton suit than in the evening at a party. It’s easy to make an outfit your own by including a smile, your favorite earrings, or a pop of color.

It`s not possible for cotton outfits to become old because they appear good, are comfortable, and permit air flow through them. You can wear these pieces all of the time, from busy mornings to happy nights, and they may continually make your appearance awesome and experience relaxed. Each cotton suit is a unique story of care and talent that has its roots in a way of life, however has been updated for today.

Here are our latest styles of cotton salwar suits for women. They’re a groovy way to make your ordinary garments appear more artistic. The strains on every piece are smooth and flowing, similar to you. They have all been made by hand and are songs to you.

Almost every woman has seen it—or lived it herself: The ex-boyfriend they were with for years wouldn’t commit and then the very next person they date suddenly becomes The One.

It’s a pattern so painfully relatable that it’s been the inspiration for rom-coms like Good Luck Chuck and even earned a catchy moniker in Sex and the City: the Taxi Cab Theory. In the show, Miranda breaks it down with a simple metaphor: “Men are like cabs,” she explains. “They wake up one day, and they decide they’re ready to settle down, have babies, whatever. Then they turn their light on. The next woman they pick up—boom—that’s the one they’ll marry.” By this logic, a man won’t “settle down” unless he is “ready”—no matter how perfect or compatible you are.

The theory resonated then, and it still does years later. But how much of the Taxi Cab Theory actually holds up in real life? While there’s some truth to it, relationship therapists say it’s far from the cartoonist version Miranda pessimistically points out. Here’s what actually could be happening when a man drags his feet for years—only to suddenly commit to the next woman.

Are men just waiting for the right time?

Most of us grow up believing that people will inherently want to marry their soulmate—all you have to do is find them first. But commitment rarely hinges on love alone. Timing matters too, and “for both genders, people often need to get to a place of ‘psychological readiness’ before settling down in a relationship that could progress towards a family,” says Nari Jeter, LMFT, licensed couples therapist in Florida and cohost of The Coupled Podcast.

But being “ready” for something long-term often looks different for men and women, according to Jeter—in large part because of the gender norms ingrained in us by society. Consider how men, for instance, are encouraged to be the breadwinners and establish financial stability before getting married. (You can literally think of this as it plays out in old movies and books: A young man must convince his future father-in-law he’s suitable for his daughter despite coming from nothing.) “Men have historically been socialised to prioritise their careers, their professions,” says Molly Burrets, PhD, a Los Angeles–based psychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy. “They feel they’ve become ‘real adults’ only when they’re able to provide and create a steady, secure life for themselves and their families.”

Women, on the other hand, have long felt societal pressure to prioritise marriage, influenced by a ticking biological clock as well as the cultural capital placed on being good wives and mothers, above all else. And despite the fact that this is all changing in reality—the number of women who earn as much or more than their husbands has tripled over the past 50 years, according to Pew Research Center—that internalised expectation still lingers. It’s also possible that women are more adept at prioritising romantic relationships alongside career and personal goals—rather than viewing it as a separate milestone to achieve later.

Later, in search of a good ‘office-for-the-day’ spot, I notice the interiors of my villa are warm and understated—teakwood finishes, soft sand-toned textiles and clean lines that nod to Maldivian craftsmanship without overpowering the view. But I want to be closer to the sea, so I make my way towards the sun beds just ten steps from the beach.

As I’m responding to emails, my peripheral vision notices something moving in the sand. I’m too busy to pay attention. Funnily enough, every time I look up, the movement stops. It’s all white and grainy at first, so I squint, scanning the shore. I step out, quiet as a cat on a midnight prowl, towards the flicker of movement I think I see. Zooming in with my phone camera, I spot it: a full-blown crab party unfolding in the sand, the crustaceans quickly poking their heads in and out of their tiny shells. Then, the soft patter of feet behind me. I turn to catch a small bird sipping from the pool, then darting across the deck like it’s late for a meeting. If I weren’t a practical person, I would believe I’d somehow fallen down a rabbit hole and landed in a Disney movie. I was starting to see why my Hinge matches were captivated by the ocean.

Make that choice, Aries. Stop this dance, and definitely stop bouncing from one side to the next every few seconds. You know what you want, so stop overanalysing things and making life more complicated. You are not trapped—you are choosing to not make a move. “Thanks but no thanks” is your mantra today, Leo. Fortune has shifted in your favour and the sun is finally surfacing from the grey clouds. Pure rays of glimmering, promising hope is filtering through. This is your time to focus on the action you need to take. Move things forward and choose your path. You’ve worked hard, and now you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour, Scorpio.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Make that choice, Aries. Stop this dance, and definitely stop bouncing from one side to the next every few seconds. You know what you want, so stop overanalysing things and making life more complicated. You are not trapped—you are choosing to not make a move. The reason could be your fears, anxieties, or past failures. Whatever it is, it is your time to move. The cosmos is waiting.

Cosmic tip: Bridge the gap between the material and the spiritual by honestly acknowledging your needs.

Allow yourself to take a step back to truly understand and feel grateful for what the universe is bringing your way, Taurus. Yes, there may have been a time where you had to struggle to get to where you are, but look where you stand today. Even if there’s a long way to go and your past problems haunt you, this is still a far better place than before. You may even be where you once wished to be. Let this feeling sink in and allow yourself to find peace in this moment.

Cosmic tip: Your rational mind may feel noisy, but your intuition always knows how to calm a storm. Listen.

Let your persistence matter more than the sleepless nights and over thinking. This time around, Gemini, don’t focus on being right, but on recognizing your own worth and efficiency. Put down your weapons and you will find that co-existence can happen without conflict. Rely on your emotional stability and nurture this part of your persona today to overcome challenges in a balanced and practical manner.

Cosmic tip: Carefully plan your next steps before committing to anything.

You’ve cracked the code. Now please stop overthinking and simply get things going. Your career, passion, and willingness to prove your worth to yourself is strong. You have a lot of energy running through your bones, so Cancer—make the most of it. Start that project you’ve been sitting on for way too long. The time is now.

You may feel extra watery today—overthinking, overanalysing and even spiralling a bit. Pisces, balance may not be the feeling today, but you’re alive, so focus on your breath. When the world feels too much, and your thoughts and fears hijack you—breath deep and release. Your answer doesn’t lie in holding on tighter, but in loosening your grip.

Cosmic tip: Sometimes the only way to achieve balance is to stop trying so hard.

Also read:

Aries December 2, 2025

Taurus December 2, 2025

Gemini December 2, 2025

Cancer December 2, 2025

Leo December 2, 2025

Virgo December 2, 2025

Libra December 2, 2025

Scorpio December 2, 2025

Sagittarius December 2, 2025

Capricorn December 2, 2025

Aquarius December 2, 2025

When it comes to learning how to make eyes look bigger, few understand the craft better than professional makeup artists who’ve spent years perfecting the quintessential doe-eyed gaze. “Doe-eye makeup looks are a favourite of mine,” celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown tells Vogue. “Since the early days of ingénues on screen, they’ve been a timeless way to draw attention to the eyes in a softer, more diffused way than a smoky eye.”

It’s true: whether you have small eyes, hooded eyes, round or deep set, the simplest of eye makeup tricks can transform your look from siren or ingenue. “Making the eye appear larger is a delicate endeavour. It all comes down to balancing the natural shape,” celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee tells.

Of course, there are the usual suspects: sky-high lashes, strategic liner, and thoughtfully placed shadow. But there’s a real method behind where each touch of colour goes. “As a sculpting rule, dark shadows recede and highlights bring features forward, so brightening the lid can instantly make the eyes look more awake and defined,” Reiko Brown explains. She recommends avoiding dark tones on the lid and lower lash line. “Instead of black for drama, reach for a warm, light brown with a hint of shimmer,” she says. “Soft, pale greys can also add depth to smaller eyes without closing them in.”

Interestingly, makeup artist Leiya Phinao Ningshen, national artist, M·A·C Cosmetics India, echoes a similar sentiment but takes it further with a soft-smoky approach. “Diffusing kohl along both lash lines for dimension instead of tightlining the inner rims can make the eyes look bigger,” she says. Her approach focuses on smoked-out kohl and strategic blending to enhance width rather than weigh down the eye.

As for lashes, restraint is key and the false-lash look isn’t your friend. “Lashes absolutely help open the eye, but too much mascara (or a heavy strip lash) can weigh everything down and undo the effect,” Lee adds. More on all this below, where both our pros share step-by-step tricks to fake your way to larger-looking eyes.

Get strategic about your concealer placement

A well-placed dab of concealer can work far more magic than you’d expect, especially when applied with intention to subtly open the eyes. Lee suggests tapping a light-toned concealer onto the inner and outer corners for an immediate brightening effect. She’s adamant about choosing a lightweight formula to prevent any creasing around the delicate eye area. A serum concealer is your friend. “Another tip to brighten the eye area, depending on the eye shape and the fullness of the brow, is to apply a little concealer in a light shade just under the arch of the brow,” she says, noting that this trick is particularly effective for those with a naturally arched brow shape.

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer

MILK MAKEUP Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer

Natasha Denona HY-Glam Concealer

Apply nude and shimmery eyeshadows

Reiko Brown’s favourite makeup technique for bigger eyes involves picking the perfect eyeshadow shade. She often reaches for a nude, bright, shimmery eyeshadow to create a luminous, uniform backdrop behind freshly curled lashes. “After applying a nude brightening shadow across the lid, I’ll take a shimmer shadow in the same tone and place it on the eyelid just above the iris, as well as on the inner corners,” she explains. “A touch of light in the inner corners can spark an instant awakened effect. When paired with lifted, angled lashes, the whole eye appears wider, fresher and more alert,” she adds. Lee echoes this approach, noting that a grey-toned matte shadow can subtly enhance the socket line without closing the eye in. Ningshen also recommends applying a slightly deeper shade at the outer ‘V’ of the eye and blending it upwards instead of sideways. She explains that even a subtle upward lift in shadow placement can elongate the eye shape and create the illusion of height.

Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mini Clutch Palette

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color

Sisley Les Phyto-Ombres

Curl your lashes to the Gods

Then, of course, there’s the matter of getting your lashes to stand at full attention. “Hold the eyelash curler as close to the base of the lashes as comfortably possible and press, holding until they’re firmly locked into place. Apply two coats of an inky, ultra-black volumising mascara from root to tip, concentrating most of the product at the base,” says Reiko Brown, stressing the importance of starting at the roots of your lashes and wiggling upward as you brush it on. “Keeping the bulk of the formula near the lash line ensures the tips stay light, which prevents the curl from collapsing.”