All posts by : AyFa Collections

New contracts, collabs, leads and much more awaits you. You may be at the cusp of beginning something new with someone more experienced or this could also be indicative of an inner maturing and wisdom that is guiding you forward. Yes, it may seem like a lot to handle, but it is not impossible to see things through. Time is of essence and you must look for creative ways to settle in, pick momentum and perhaps even brainstorm. Aquarius, this is not happening to you. It is all coming together for you.

Cosmic tip: Open up your eyes and heart to the endless possibilities.

Yet, even with experience and motherhood, the question lingers: am I good enough? “I doubt myself every day,” she says.

The self-criticism, though, never reaches a crushing nadir, à la Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance. She doesn’t feel compelled to rip off her eyelashes or long for a new body. “I’ve never gotten Botox,” she says. “When they say I wear this or that, it’s not just about the clothes. Why can’t I simply be comfortable in my skin?”

This is why she believes no child, especially star kids, should grow up in the spotlight. Her parents had kept her and her siblings away from its harsh glare. “It’s a fishbowl that sucks you in, becoming your world. If I hadn’t gone to Arya Vidya Mandir and made normal friends, I wouldn’t be who I am today—someone who loves books, dance, music and art.”

Perhaps it’s this constant negotiation between self and performance, between the safety of home and the gaze of the world, that makes her come alive in spaces like Amdavad ni Gufa—where art and nature, structure and spontaneity entwine. Kapoor is at ease here, slipping in and out of the cave in rubber flats so that she doesn’t skid on its undulating floor. She admires Husain’s murals and Doshi’s igloo-like pillars after every change, letting her gaze linger on a galloping horse here, a sun motif there.

In a 2018 interview with the Louisiana Channel, Doshi spoke of nature’s deep influence on his work, a philosophy shaped by his time at Le Corbusier’s Paris atelier. “He sketched snakes, cockroaches, plants, water and trees, all in pursuit of one idea: integration,” Doshi said. “If you can integrate all these elements… life will happen.”

Inside the Gufa, Husain’s beetles, dancing humans and painted windows echo this vision. Outside, Kapoor poses atop its domed mosaic roof, inspired by tortoise shells and soap bubbles. Dressed in a vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier bodysuit from her personal collection and jeans embroidered with an array of signature Anamika Khanna swatches, her waist is cinched with keys and locks in the manner in which her sister remembers their nani often carrying them. As her anklets chime and she reaches for a golden beam of light, a peacock perches on the boundary wall on her left. Behind her, a dog naps on a dome and langurs swing through the neem trees. By the time the shoot wraps, last night’s stars have returned.

Before impulsive bangs, before blonde streaks, before anyone knew what balayage was, there was red hair. If you grew up South Asian, your first hair colour experiment probably came in a box, promising “cherry brown” but delivering everything from burgundy to maroon, auburn to mahogany. And, of course, it left your bathroom smelling like chemicals and maybe a little rebellion, too.

No millennial woman could forget Katrina Kaif’s striking red hair in Fitoor. Director Abhishek Kapoor later explained that her fiery colour mirrored the Chinar leaves of Kashmir, transforming with the seasons, symbolising change, passion, and chaos.

This is our Roman Empire. Not in the meme sense (though yes, we think about it weekly), but in the way it lingers. Red hair isn’t just a beauty trend for South Asians. It’s a rite of passage.

First came the ear piercings, probably against your will. Then, if you were particularly brave, the nose piercing, often sold as “traditional” to sidestep a family argument. Then, one afternoon in your late teens or early twenties, you took the plunge into red hair. That perfect midpoint between obedience and autonomy.

It was the ideal rebellion. Bold enough to feel new, subtle enough to survive family functions. You could still pass for “appropriate” unless the sun caught you the wrong way. Then, it was all over: a crimson halo exposing your inner delinquent.

Before highlights, balayage, or bleach, there was the box dye. No salon appointment, no damage control; just flimsy gloves, an old T-shirt, and a silent prayer it wouldn’t turn purple (it probably did). The shades—cherry, auburn, mahogany—promised transformation on a budget.

That’s why red hair was everyone’s first act of rebellion. No need to big-bad-bleach your hair or justify your decision to an auntie who thought you were “looking like a foreigner” (god forbid). You could always say it was mehendi, and everyone would accept it. You stepped into the sunlight and let the colour do the talking.

Red hair lets you experiment with vanity, dip a toe into self-expression and test the waters of change without a complete transformation. No full breakup, no spiritual crisis, no need for paperwork.

Even now, walk past a pharmacy in Mumbai, Delhi, or any suburban diaspora outpost, and there it is: that same box of dye, still promising impossible glamour in a shade only South Asians understand. Somewhere, a girl is buying it for the first time. Somewhere, a woman is buying it again, nostalgic for the days when red was a soft rebellion.

When the sun’s out and wedding ceremony bells are ringing, there’s one golden rule: comfort needs to meet elegance. Summer weddings are dreamy, vibrant, and full of energy; however additionally they also include soaring temperatures. For the trendy summer bride or wedding ceremony guest, the ideal saree is lightweight, breezy, and luxuriously stunning.

So if you`re making plans or attending a sun-soaking wet celebration, that is your curated manual to the most light, lovely, and luxe wedding sarees made only for summer bliss..

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  The Charm of Chiffon: Sheer Elegance in Motion

Chiffon sarees are a summer favorite—and for excellent reason. Their lightweight, ethereal texture drapes fantastically and helps you to breathe through all the ones, long ceremonies and dance-filled nights.

Style Tip: Opt for pastel chiffon sarees with ultra-fine sequin or thread work. Add a backless blouse and minimal rings for a fresh, romantic look.

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  Linen Love: Understated and Chic

Linen sarees have entered the bridal chat—and they`re right here to slay. Cool at the pores and skin and effects graceful, linen is the go-to cloth for folks who need something non-fussy but sophisticated.

Go For: Ivory, blush, or sage inexperienced tones with zari borders. Perfect for mehendi mornings or intimate daytime weddings.

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  Soft Silk Stunners: Banarasi, But Make It Light

Traditional silk can get heavy—but modern weaves in tissue silk, organza silk or light Kanjeevaram bring all the grace minus the weight. These sarees still offer a royal feel, just more breathable.

Bridal Hack: Pair a muted gold tissue saree with a deep-hued silk blouse for a regal yet refreshing twist.

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  Organza Obsession: Whimsical and Weightless

Organza is the it-girl of summer wedding sarees. With its translucent finish and floating silhouette, it brings a modern fairy-tale vibe to your outfit.

Pro Styling: Look for floral hand-painted or embroidered designs. Pair with pearl jewelry and a soft bun for an ethereal bridal or bridesmaid look.

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  Net & Lace: For the Glam Girls

If you’re planning an evening affair or cocktail-style reception, net sarees with lace borders or light crystal work can bring in the glamour—without adding layers of heat.

Night-Ready Vibe: Go with a shimmery blouse and bold lips. Keep the accessories minimal to let the saree shine.

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  Fusion Fun: Saree Gowns & Pre-Draped Magic

Want the saree look without the summer hassle? Pre-draped sarees and saree gowns are the answer. These styles blend traditional aesthetics with modern tailoring—and no pleating drama!

Trend Watch: Ruffled hemlines, belt accents, and cape sleeves are big in 2025. Bonus? They photograph beautifully in golden hour light.

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  Summer Color Palette: Keep It Cool

When choosing your summer wedding saree, color is just as crucial as fabric.

Pastels: Mint, lavender, peach, and powder blue are dreamy and soft.

Neutrals with Gold Accents: Champagne, ivory, or beige with zari or sequin borders bring a touch of elegance.

Floral Prints: Think garden-party chic, perfect for outdoor events.

Read more – Exploring The Elegance Of Bridesmaid Sarees For 2025

The mystery to summer wedding ceremony bliss lies in selecting a saree that feels as appropriate because of its looks. Whether you`re the bride, the bridesmaid, or the best-dressed guest, your sarees can help you move, twirl, and have a good time without a 2d thought.

So wrap yourself in lightness, drape yourself in luxury, and permit your saree replicate the pleasure of the season.

“Black olives contain more iron than green ones, making them helpful for women prone to anaemia or chronic fatigue,” says del Castillo. Interaceituna notes they provide up to 45.5% of your daily iron needs.

They’re antioxidant-rich

Black olives tend to have higher levels of hydroxytyrosol, one of the most bioavailable antioxidants. They’re also a solid source of vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative damage.

They may support weight management

A 2024 study from the University of Granada identified β-resorcylic acid in black olives, which may reduce fat mass, improve insulin resistance, and support metabolic health, without compromising muscle.

They may reduce the risk of colon cancer

Yaraseth del Castillo adds that compounds found in olive skins have been shown to reduce the formation of intestinal polyps by up to 45%, pointing to a promising role in colorectal cancer prevention.

They help regulate cholesterol

Olives are high in oleic acid (up to 77%), an unsaturated fat that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

They’re probiotic-friendly—if you choose right

Naturally fermented olives (brined and unpasteurised) contain live bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum, which can support gut health, digestion, and immunity. Many supermarket versions, however, are pasteurised and lack these benefits. Del Castillo recommends seeking out organic or artisanal options.

How many should you eat?

Despite their salty reputation, nutritionists are increasingly pro-olive. Interaceituna recommends 25g of table olives per day—roughly seven olives, clocking in at 37 calories. “That provides the same amount of healthy fats and antioxidants as a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil,” says del Castillo. The important thing to note is to choose natural, low-sodium, brined varieties with no chemical processing.

A 2022 study by Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health linked regular olive oil consumption (and by extension, olives) to a significantly lower risk of death from heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. So next time the bar snack is olives, say yes and make them black.

Tapenade recipe: Black olive pâté

Ingredients:

• 200g pitted black olives
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 anchovy fillets in oil
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of half a lemon
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Rinse the capers with water and chop the garlic clove.
2. Put them in a bowl together with the black olives and the anchovies.
3. Add the juice of half a lemon and the oil.
4. Whisk the mixture for a short time: just enough to make it smooth but with texture.
5. Sprinkle with pepper to taste.

This story first appeared on Vogue.es

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5 health benefits of the humble cucumber

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Mushroom coffee is taking over morning routines

Uncertainty is a natural part of life, but it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when a lot of unknowns are coming your way at once, like right about now. Tariffs are being added and subtracted by the hour, causing wild swings in the global economy that could potentially cost you a ton of money. The stock market is tanking, and a ton of people who used to have jobs that seemed stable are now being fired. Plus, you’ve got whatever is happening in your personal life to deal with on top of worrying about a looming economic crisis.

It’s easy to look around and assume everyone else is sailing along just fine when it feels like you’re barely keeping it together. But the reality is that everyone feels the heat when life is unstable—even therapists. “This comes up in almost every therapy session as of late, and something I am dealing with in my daily life right now,” says Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness.

You basically have two options when life is up in the air: Hide out on your couch and pretend like nothing’s wrong, or find new ways to work through the uncertainty. It goes without saying, but the first isn’t really an option—and ultimately, the only way out is through. If it doesn’t feel like this ability to navigate instability comes naturally to you, that’s okay. “We all have to learn to live with uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy,” says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View.

With that in mind, we tried to find the things therapists do when uncertainty strikes. From writing sticky notes to thinking about life’s “anchors,” here’s what they swear by.

They focus on what they can control

When the air is thick with uncertainty, it’s easy to assume the outcome will be horrible—and that can quickly make you a bit obsessive. “Uncertainties that cause worry tend to ‘stick,’” Dr. Ammon says. Hello, crushing anxiety!

Whenever she notices that she’s not able to easily shake a worry, Dr. Ammon says she’ll first pause and acknowledge it. “Then, I sit with it for a moment. I try not to push the thoughts or feelings away,” she says. This gives her the mental freedom to actually think about what’s bothering her versus trying to ignore it—which can ultimately put it on your mind even more, she explains. Dr. Ammon then finds it helpful to focus her attention on what’s in her control and to problem-solve the things she actually has the ability to change. It may even help to take it one step further and make an actual list of what’s worrying you and the aspects you can control so that you know what to focus on.

Cosmic tip: Take pride in what you do, but don’t let pride consume you.

Make your moves, Leo! You don’t need to refine things any more, you don’t need to wait any longer, you don’t even need to wait for things to align. You simply need to initiate – if not much can be done physically, then initiate mentally through your imagination. Let the Universe know your certainty about a particular direction and then let it bring forth opportunities for you to see this through. Prosperity lies ahead. And it will be best achieved through centered, equanimous thinking.

Cosmic tip: Be bold and make the first move.

When luck is on your side, then what else do you need to worry about? Nothing much except consistently showing up. A win-win outcome is forecast – now tell us, what would you like to have your name all over? Chart out a plan of action, almost like a flowchart that keeps you on track, while also allowing the cosmos to fill in the gaps with sparks of genius and inspiration. The next new moon in June holds potential and growth for you. Wade your way towards it in a focused manner, okay?

Cosmic tip: Believe in the impossible to make it possible.

Your world may have felt like it was collapsing a few weeks ago; however, Libra, aren’t you better for it? You may be a sharpshooter, but your skills are elevated because you hold an expanded viewpoint and then fuse the details with your OG plan. This not only mends relationships, but also helps you sail through the stormiest nights with a centered and tranquil mindset. Now, as we approach the full moon, your angels are asking you to objectively assess what you wish to disperse into thin air so that you can invite more goodness into your life.

Cosmic tip: Your answers are within reach. Hold on.

Anything is possible, Scorpio. Anything. And we don’t just say it, we mean it. Whatever trajectory you are walking upon, whatever your goals, mindset, outlooks and wishes – be it personal, professional, monetary, health based or anything else – Nothing is set in stone yet. Which may seem like a bad thing because you may feel like you are walking around on mush, but hey, it also offers you a chance to shape this clay into whatever you need. Sure, this may have not worked out in the past, but in the next couple of months when Pluto does its retro dance – which may feel challenging for others – for you, it brings out your creative best because you thrive in depth and transformation. Your life’s theme is centered around this. And you must gear up for fiery climaxes and abrupt shifts, which will all be for the better.

Trying to get back at people or situations has never been your vibe, Gemini. And this cosmic reminder comes just in time for you as we gear up to deep dive into Pluto retrograde. Whatever surfaces in the near future is here to liberate you not to suck you dry. Keeping that in mind, allow your emotions to flow freely but be mindful of not drowning in them. Some of you may be ready to release decades-old trauma, and some may find gentler ways to heal through love and companionship in serendipitous and unexpected ways. Whatever the route, walk upon it with all your heart and you will emerge pristine on the other side of it all.

Cosmic tip: The recent super new moon has triggered lasting changes. Welcome it with a smile on your face and hope in your heart.

Around the bodice, which features vertical boning, Khiangte built strong architectural lines that shape the waist and torso. The accompanying skirt is crafted with an ankle-length front and a fluid train at the back for a more contemporary touch. Styled with Christian Louboutin heels and Bvlgari jewellery, Khiangte’s piece seamlessly blends craft and culture.

Instagram.com/@rheakapoor

Instagram.com/@rheakapoor

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“To rewear it with a more forward slant, throw on a razor-sharp trench, oversized and worn open over the shoulders. Swap the pointed pumps for a pair of pointed boots in patent or cracked metallic, something that interrupts the romanticism. Pull the hair back into a low chignon with a wet finish. Add a single heavy cuff or an antique brooch pinned off-centre at the waist,” says Vogue India’s Fashion Associate, Manglien Gangte.

Kintem (meaning “communities” in the Ao-Naga dialect) is the brainchild of Moala Longchar, who transitioned from a PR career to textile work after assisting her mother’s weaving practice. The label collaborates with weavers from across Nagaland, offering fresh interpretations of Naga design that still speak the language of the land.

Ura Maku

Ura Maku, helmed by textile designer Manjushree Saikia, stands out for its philosophy. Fashion is nothing without textiles. After graduating from NIFT in 2016, Saikia immersed herself in craft clusters across India, learning directly from artisans. Her label, a fusion of Assamese “Ura” meaning to fly and “Maku” meaning the weaving shuttle, is rooted in clean tailoring and seasonless silhouettes that celebrate material intelligence.

EAST

EAST by Easternlight Zimik, based in Ukhrul, Manipur, champions the weavers of Northern Manipur. Having worked under the likes of Manish Arora and Gaurav Gupta, Zimik now focuses on transforming occasion-only indigenous textiles into contemporary staples for young dressers. Formal becomes flexible. Festive becomes functional.

Kuka Mizo

Kuka Mizo, designed by Van Chhangte in Aizawl, is both personal and political. Named after the designer’s brother, a specially-abled child, the label is built by mothers who sew from home. It reclaims the Zo puan into genderless silhouettes like kimono jackets and easy shorts. The label is stocked online and at its flagship store in Mizoram.

Together, these Northeast labels are not just amplifying regional identity. They are setting a new standard for how fashion can honour memory, empower communities, and still remain unmistakably modern.

Also read:

Designer Akhuana and photographer Rakovinai Zho are part of North East India’s fashion-forward zeitgeist

Inside a North Eastern content creator’s woodland-inspired wedding

Everything you need to know about the exceptional weaves from India’s north east