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You’re finding your spot in the cosmos, Aries and not only is it an ornate one, it is also one that gives you the best view you need right now. When looking at the sky, notice that rainbow and perhaps that cloud that looks like a dragon. These are cues from your guides that you are being watched over. What if life were as simple as you being you. Cancer, this is your cue to stop overcomplicating things. This is your cue to make inner peace your topmost priority. This is your cue to simply notice how every time you choose to remain buoyant, you are in a better space to pick and choose your words. You keep your power from being scattered. Some form of remembrance may feel like it is waking up within your soul, Libra. And this remembrance is lighting up your path, it is waking you up to the various possibilities and potentials life holds for you. And it most definitely is helping you rewrite your self worth. Your warrior spirit is back but not in an aggressive manner, in a more defense-against-offense manner. Your guides remind you to remain fearless because once you decide to stand your ground with the purest of intentions for all involved, you automatically become indomitable. The cosmos becomes your shield and your light becomes your armour, Virgo.

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.

You’re finding your spot in the cosmos, Aries and not only is it an ornate one, it is also one that gives you the best view you need right now. When looking at the sky, notice that rainbow and that cloud that looks like a dragon. These are cues from your guides that you are being watched over. In the next fortnight your life is about to feel a lot different, at least internally. You are likely to welcome more peace and love, even kindness in your heart. And something you have been waiting on is likely to conspire around the next full moon. Trust the signs, keep moving. You are on track.

Cosmic tip: No matter what, don’t give up now.

Burnt out, then take it slow. Taurus, you work a little differently. Take a cue from Mama Earth and understand her cycles. That is your personal cycle as well. You work in rhythms, so find your own pulse. You can be super speedy at once and completely laid back another time, and both are okay. If something or someone has made you feel bitter about yourself or anything that you are struggling with, give it to the cosmos and your guides to carry. You don’t need any more burdens in your life. You only need more love. Welcome it with open arms.

You’re finding your spot in the cosmos, Aries and not only is it an ornate one, it is also one that gives you the best view you need right now. When looking at the sky, notice that rainbow and that cloud that looks like a dragon. These are cues from your guides that you are being watched over. In the next fortnight your life is about to feel a lot different, at least internally. You are likely to welcome more peace and love, even kindness in your heart. And something you have been waiting on is likely to conspire around the next full moon. Trust the signs, keep moving. You are on track.

Cosmic tip: No matter what, don’t give up now.

Also read:

Taurus December 21, 2025

Gemini December 21, 2025

Cancer December 21, 2025

Leo December 21, 2025

Virgo December 21, 2025

Libra December 21, 2025

Scorpio December 21, 2025

Sagittarius December 21, 2025

Capricorn December 21, 2025

Aquarius December 21, 2025

Pisces December 21, 2025

Life gets busy; opportunities to slow down and consider how our daily habits might be affecting the way we think, feel and function can be rare. But for the sake of our brain health, it’s worth pausing to consider how our relationships with technology, food, exercise and sleep might be impacting us.

A 2024 study outlined 15 risk factors of cognitive decline, concluding that diabetes, traffic-related air pollution and alcohol consumption were the most harmful in relation to ageing in the brain. Each risk factor cited was modifiable, meaning that it can be mitigated over time with the right approach.

Here, lifestyle physician and former GP, Dr Aileen Alexander shares five common habits that can impact brain health and what to do instead.

1. Excessive screen time

In 2024, the Oxford University Press made “brainrot” its word of the year: a reflection of just how much time we now spend scrolling. “The challenge is that, nowadays, social media isn’t social,” Alexander says. “The quick dopamine hits that we get from social media affect our reward pathways, which makes it even more difficult for us to concentrate on slower, more meaningful tasks.”

The brain is constantly under pressure when we are “switched on” all the time. Multitasking without meaningful breaks fragments our attention spans and increases cognitive fatigue. This, according to Alexander, tires out our brains at a faster rate, due to overstimulation.

Setting personal boundaries around phone use is essential. “Personally, I turn my phone off during periods of downtime and put it away in a drawer,” Alexander shares. “I feel so much better when I implement this, compared to when I do not.”

2. An outsized workload

An intense work environment can impact our brain health, but on the flip side, not being challenged enough can also affect how well our brain works. There is, according to Alexander, a balance to strike, where the challenges we’re placed under professionally don’t become an outsized source of stress or leak into other areas of our lives.

Physiologically, chronic stress from demanding work environments can increase our levels of cortisol. “This can impair our memory, reduce our ability to manage emotions effectively and even reduce resilience,” she says. “Cortisol puts pressure on the body and high cortisol levels can also lead to overeating, weight gain, increased blood pressure and in extreme cases, heart attacks and strokes.”

Studies have shown that, in fact, we’re much more productive when we allow our bodies to rest. Alexander likes to use the analogy of Formula One race cars. “When the cars are racing around the tracks, they need to be refuelled, the human body isn’t any different.”

For optimal brain health, we need clear boundaries and breaks at work with opportunities to restore and replenish. “This can be as simple as pausing to do breathing exercises or going for a walk at lunchtime.”

3. Poor diet

Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their original state, meaning that they are often of a lower nutritional value than their initial whole food form. Ultra-processed foods offer even fewer health benefits.

Even the closest of families can be a little dysfunctional, and if you’ve ever been in therapy, you’ve probably complained about yours during a one-on-one session. But what if you could hash out your issues as a group—with your parents, siblings, in-laws, kids, whoever—all in the same room?

That’s essentially what family therapy, or bringing everyone into the same session, is about. “The goal is to shift the entire system, not just one person’s behaviour,” says Dorin Roth, a psychologist who works with couples and families at Therapists of New York. In practice, therapy with your family involves having a neutral third party observe how everyone interacts in order to reduce misunderstandings, conflicts and ideally, your stress. “We’re not focusing on fixing someone but rather reshaping the relationship as a whole,” Dr. Roth says.

So how do you know if it’s time for a professional intervention? Here are a few signs.

1. You’re having the same fight, over and over

No matter how many times you think you’ve resolved it, the exact same argument keeps resurfacing—whether it’s about finances, your romantic relationship or drama from years ago. If solving it on your own hasn’t worked, then having a licensed expert guide the conversation may make it easier for everyone to see the problem from a new perspective. “When we tell someone what’s happening, it’s only our version of the story,” says Erin Runt, a Chicago-based licensed therapist. “We’re always like, ‘Well, this is what I did, but it’s because the other person is just being this way!” However, therapy with your family provides a more neutral space where all parties can share their experience and feel supported while doing so.

2. You feel misunderstood every time you try communicating

When no one is truly hearing each other, it’s easy for tension to rise and for conversations to become counterproductive. And that’s where sitting down together (with a moderator in the room) can help. Even if you’ve mastered healthy communication skills (like using “I” statements to get your points across), Dr. Roth says there’s still no guarantee that your parent, sibling or other family member will interpret your message as intended. A therapist can observe how you’re talking to each other in real time and step in the moment someone interrupts, becomes defensive or makes assumptions—patterns that can be difficult to recognise or change without an unbiased party present.

3. You need help navigating a major life transition

Whether it’s a divorce, the death of a loved one or a major cross-country move, life changes that impact the entire household can be difficult to navigate. “When families are struggling to work through those events, then that can be a great opportunity to consider therapy,” Runt says. Beyond helping everyone develop coping strategies, it’s also a chance to support each other and build a sense of togetherness during tough times.

4. You experience pushback after setting boundaries

Setting boundaries—or even just asking for a little space—is easier said than done, especially if your family doesn’t respect them. Maybe they dismiss your needs as “dramatic,” or guilt-trip you for refusing to come home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

When every attempt to put yourself first turns into conflict or hurt feelings, Runt says a therapist can guide the conversation and help you clearly express your needs (and make sure they’re actually heard)—while also unpacking what’s behind the other person’s pushback. Maybe they feel that your “no” is a personal rejection rather than a preference. Or perhaps toxic habits, like needing to control or dominate decisions, are getting in the way.

Kajal Patel: I always joke that I came out of the womb wanting to be a director. My grandfather spoke to me of filmmaking when I watched Bollywood movies as a kid, but being from a lower middle class immigrant family in New York, I didn’t have the funds to go to film school. At 22, I found myself as a junior director-producer at the media company Complex, determined to put my hand in every jar. Somehow, I became the director for a documentary on Billie Eilish right before she blew up. I went to her hometown and the interview happened in her childhood ­ bedroom. She was younger then; there was an innocence to her that was beautiful to experience.

Fáiz Akindojuromi spotted behind the scenes while shooting British rapper Central Cee’s album, Can’t Rush Greatness (SYNA edition).

Fáiz Akindojuromi: I started working at the London-based streetwear brand Places+Faces in 2017 when it was reaching its peak. We were travelling around the world doing parties and pop-ups, shoots with music artists; I was also the editor for their magazine. Being the only brown girl—or girl for that matter—in a small team definitely felt like a high-pressure situation.

Kajal Patel: The president of Megan Thee Stallion’s label sat me down and said, “There’s something that Megan has just gone through, and we would love to have you direct these films as she talks about her experience.” My relationship with Megan began at a very vulnerable time in her life and I showed up with the intention of not just wanting to create but also to care. I think that’s what bonded us as we worked for months on the script, which became ‘Protecting Women of Colour’, the video for her New York Times essay titled ‘Why I Speak Up for Black Women’. She called me her friend. From then on, I was with her for commercials and music, in her home or trailer, talking things through.

The influx of designer debuts at several major houses this season brought a number of spring/summer 2026 bag trends to the fore. “I was interested in that kind of aspect of time and something you cherish,” Matthieu Blazy said of his new takes on Chanel’s iconic 2.55 bags – which were reinforced with wire so that they could be manipulated, giving a warped and aged effect – that he revealed at his debut.

Dabbling in the accessory archives was, by no surprise, a common theme for newcomers: at Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli updated the Le City bag; Jonathan Anderson updated the Lady Dior, and Michael Rider brought back Phoebe Philo’s Phantom bag at Celine, complete with curved zips that leant into its “smiley face bag” nickname.

Anderson’s Lady Dior – and the angular top handles he included in his inaugural collection for the house – was one of many new “ladylike” bags to take to the runways. Defined for their slight silhouettes, which riff on 1940s and ’50s purses, with top handles and understated hardware, these styles put a fresh spin on the trad handbag.

Chain-handled silhouettes were another key spring/summer 2026 bag trend to emerge at the shows, seen at Chloé, Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Givenchy and Chanel (the maison is, of course, synonymous with chains, which were also woven into the hemlines of shirts made in collaboration with Charvet.)

Here, Vogue brings a taster of the key spring/summer 2026 bag trends – to be updated when the new collections arrive in stores.

Fresh takes on archive classics

Chanel, Celine, Balenciaga (middle), Dior, Fendi

Creative directors often head to the archives upon their appointment at a new house to ideate new design codes that will mark their tenure, yet there can be a reluctance to mess with the classics too much. Matthieu Blazy’s reinvigorated 2.55 Chanel flap bag retained the iconic quilting and chain handle, but was given new life with structural wire to make it look as if it were frozen in time. At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli delivered new Le City bags; at Celine, Michael Rider reintroduced the brand’s famed Phantom, beloved by It-girls in the Noughties, while Jonathan Anderson added contemporary edge to the historic Lady Dior. As the saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

₹2,27,000

Balenciaga – Le city small textured leather tote

₹3,30,000

Fendi – Vintage yellow sunset beaded baguette bag

₹3,25,000

Dior – Lady d-joy micro bag

₹3,55,000

Celine – Medium smiling new luggage bag

New “ladylike”

Toteme, Khaite, Prada (middle), Bottega Veneta, Loewe

Cosmic tip: Keep working your magic. Your guides are cheering you on.

Get your hands down to flaunt your skills to the world. Gemini, your love letter from the cosmos is arriving, carrying with it gifts and many blessings. Between solstice and Christmas, expect things to feel charged up. Yes, the vibe around this time of the year hits differently; however, this feeling is not just that. It is indicative of a real-time shift in your life that is occurring. The drums you’ve beaten for so long are finally erupting with passion and fire, and this one is the steady and enduring kind. Fan it well enough, and it will take you in unexpected new directions.

Cosmic tip: Let victimhood and control slide. New chapters beckon.

Lay low, Cancer. Today is not the day to strike off everything on your checklist. Today may actually be perfect for you to power through what is most important to you. Family, celebration, and community are your themes today. And the better rested you are mentally, the more you will have in your heart to offer. You are a strong person, and perhaps there is an element of something constantly moving in circles in your life. Take a step back to simply enjoy yourself today. This downtime is not a luxury; it is a necessity to help you put things back in perspective.

Cosmic tip: Get serious about your community building skills—personally or professionally.

When you align your chakras—your energy and body—a lot begins to align in your life, Leo. This is akin to taking care of your physical body for optimum health and fitness. Now while this may sound too out there, there are simple ways you can do this. Begin your day with a slow stretch, deep breaths, and sunlight. Eat right, move your body, and process your emotions. Ups and downs are undoubtedly a part of life, but they might not be the decisive factor in your game.  When you make presence a part of your life, either through meditation or ways in which you become aware of your physical reality, you automatically regain power over your life.

Indian menswear has seen a remarkable evolution over the past decade, moving beyond the predictable silhouettes and traditional ensembles that once dominated festive and wedding fashion. While the classic Bandhgala jacket remains a timeless symbol of sophistication, today’s style-forward men are embracing newer, fresher kurta-jacket combinations that balance heritage with contemporary flair. Whether it’s for weddings, festive gatherings, office celebrations, or upscale evening events, the modern kurta-jacket duo is redefining what it means to dress traditionally yet trendily.

More than just a layering piece, the kurta mens Indian jackets have stepped into the spotlight as a versatile fashion statement for men. Designers are experimenting with experimental fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, bold prints, and fusion styles that effortlessly bring out personality and presence. From minimalist linen jackets for daytime simplicity to heavily embroidered waistcoats perfect for grand celebrations, the options today are virtually endless. This shift not only expands the wardrobe choices for men but also encourages personal styling—giving each man a chance to express himself through subtle details or daring designs.

Asymmetrical Jackets: A Bold Modern Twist

Nothing captures the essence of contemporary ethnic fashion quite like an asymmetrical jacket. With uneven hems, diagonal closures, and experimental folds, these jackets add a creative edge to a simple kurta. Whether in monotone silk or textured jacquard, asymmetrical jackets draw attention and create a striking silhouette without overpowering the rest of the outfit. Pair them with straight-cut kurtas and tapered pants to balance the look with clean lines.

Printed Nehru Jackets for Playful Elegance

Prints have become a major trend across menswear, and Indian Nehru jacket are no exception. Floral motifs, geometric designs, Mughal-inspired prints, and subtle digital artwork can transform a plain kurta into a fashion-forward ensemble. Printed jackets are ideal for haldi, mehendi, or daytime celebrations where the vibe is vibrant and cheerful. For a more refined appeal, choose tone-on-tone prints or pastel shades paired with solid kurtas.

Layered Kurta Jackets for Depth and Dimension

Layering isn’t just for winter—ethnic menswear uses it to create depth, contrast, and structure. Layered kurta jackets often feature dual fabrics, contrasting lapels, or front panel layers that add visual interest without complexity. This style is particularly popular for evening events, where the play of textures and fabrics enhances the overall richness. Opt for fabrics like velvet, raw silk, or brocade for a sophisticated layered look.

Longline Jackets for a Regal Fusion Look

Inspired by sherwanis but shorter than traditional ones, longline jackets offer a royal charm while maintaining comfort. When paired with a kurta, these extended jackets create a tall, elegant silhouette. They work beautifully for weddings or cocktail nights and can be adorned with embroidery, zari work, or subtle thread motifs. Longline jackets in muted tones like charcoal, midnight blue, or wine deliver understated grandeur.

Indo-Western Jackets for Fashion-Forward Men

Indo-Western mens Indian jackets combine the best of both worlds—ethnic detailing with Western tailoring. Think structured shoulders, mandarin collars, metal buttons, and sleek cuts paired with an Indian kurta base. These jackets highlight confidence and modern style, making them ideal for groomsmen or men attending high-profile events. Pair them with a monochrome kurta-pant set and minimalist accessories for maximum impact.

Pastel Linen Jackets for Understated Sophistication

For men who prefer subtlety over extravagance, pastel linen jackets are the perfect choice. Soft hues like mint, peach, powder blue, or sage elevate daytime ethnic dressing. Linen adds breathability, making the ensemble ideal for summer weddings, pujas, or outdoor gatherings. Pairing a linen jacket with a simple white or beige kurta creates a refreshing, cool look that never fails to impress.

Embroidered Waistcoats for Celebratory Occasions

If you want to keep things traditional yet polished, embroidered waistcoats are the way to go. These shorter jackets, often intricately embellished with resham, mirror work, or zari embroidery, instantly uplift a basic kurta set. They’re a staple for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and festive celebrations where the dress code leans towards ornate. For a regal touch, pair them with churidar pants or dhoti-style bottoms.

Quirky Fusion Jackets for the Experimental Dresser

For the man who loves to break fashion norms, quirky fusion jackets are a creative playground. These may include denim jackets styled over kurtas, bomber-style jackets with ethnic prints, or jackets featuring experimental cuts. Perfect for music nights, contemporary weddings, or fashion-centric events, these Indian vest allow men to showcase a distinct personality without compromising cultural elements.

Velvet Jackets for Winter Festivities

Velvet jackets have a luxurious, royal appeal that makes them ideal for winter functions. Rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire create a bold statement, while subtle embroidery adds a refined finish. When paired with a kurta in silk or brocade, velvet jackets elevate the ensemble to premium festive wear. These jackets photograph exceptionally well—perfect for weddings, receptions, and formal galas.

Minimalist Monochrome Jackets for a Clean Aesthetic

Modern fashion often leans toward minimalism, and monochrome jackets embody this philosophy. A jacket and kurta crafted in the same shade create a seamless, elongated silhouette that exudes sophistication. Shades like ivory, charcoal, navy, or taupe offer timeless elegance. Accessorize with a pocket square, brooch, or leather mojris to complete the minimalist aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

Kurta mens Indian jackets have evolved far beyond the classic Bandhgala, offering contemporary men countless ways to express their individuality through ethnic fashion. Whether you prefer bold prints, asymmetrical cuts, regal longline designs, or minimalist pastel tones, there’s a style that perfectly complements every occasion and personality. Modern menswear embraces diversity, creativity, and comfort—and the versatile kurta jacket sits at the heart of this evolution.

For those looking to upgrade their ethnic wardrobe with high-quality, stylish, and innovative kurta jacket ensembles, explore the exquisite collection at Nihal Fashions. From premium fabrics to modern cuts and traditional craftsmanship, we offer a curated range designed for today’s fashion-conscious man. 

Whether it was Alia Bhatt’s base that looks like candlelight instead of full coverage, Sreeleela’s blush that melts into matching lipstick or Khushi Kapoor’s liner that’s smoked just enough to elongate the eyes; across red carpets and festive nights out, the mood right now is high-glam. Voluminous blowouts that lift the features, soft-focus shadows in taupe and bronze, and cohesively put together looks dominated the week. If you’ve been itching to update your routine without reinventing it, this week’s looks are your reminder that the best glam often comes down to a few well-placed brushstrokes and elevations.

Sleek, centre-parted lengths set up a clean frame for Alaya F’s brushed-up brows, softly defined eyes with taupe lids, classic winged liner and fluttery lashes. A warm wash of nude-peach on the lips and cheeks ties everything together, emphasising her sharp bone structure.

Mimicking a candlelit glow, Alia Bhatt’s base is dewy but not greasy, with a peach-rose flush that melts into rose-gold shimmer on the lids. The eyes are ringed with diffused kohl and bronze shadow so they look defined rather than heavily lined, while a blurred nude lip keeps the whole face soft and luminous.

A rich, rounded blowout gives Bhumi Pednekkar’s face instant lift, while a precise feline flick and tightlined lashes sharpen the gaze. The skin is softly contoured with subtle highlight on the high points and that cool-toned, ’90s-inspired brown lip is the star of the look in a way that feels confident but not loud.

Khushi Kapoor leans into night-out makeup with a brushed-out blowout and easy movement, paired with a smoked-out liner that elongates the eyes without hiding them. A mix of brown and charcoal shadow hugs the lash line, finished with a caramel nude, lightly glossy lip that feels playful but still polished.

Karisma Kapoor’s makeup is classic and camera-ready. Her complexion is smooth with a soft-focus finish, paired with taupe and mink tones and kohl smoked around the eyes to pull out the cool grey in her irises. Defined lashes and a precise brow shape do the heavy lifting, while a beige-rose lip keeps the whole look elegant and very her.

With a gentle peachy-pink blush and matching creamy lip, giving that monochrome, “petal” effect, Sreeleela has a fresh, young take on classic festive glam. A fine, flicked eyeliner, champagne shimmer on the lids and lengthened lashes bring soft definition to the eyes. The loosely tied hair, dressed with fresh gajra frames the face beautifully.

Below, a roundup of the best beauty looks from this week:

About a week after The New Yorker posted Snigdha Kapoor’s short film, Holy Curse, on their YouTube channel, commenter StrategicThinker007, true to the pseudonym, posed a question: “Nice movie and acting,” they wrote, “but after watching it, shall I laugh or cry?” Chances are, you’ll do both, because Kapoor manages to pack a hard punch into those 16 minutes. The story is simple: an adolescent named Radha, who could be trans or non-binary (we’re never explicitly told) but definitely does not identify as a girl, is coerced to perform a puja that’s meant to ‘cleanse’ them of this ‘affliction.’ The culprits behind the cleansing are Radha’s overbearing, culturally regressive uncle, their mild-mannered father who is powerless against his elder brother, and their well-meaning but unhelpful mother. Radha’s cousin Bittu tags along, tormenting Radha at first but then proving to be their greatest ally.

“The family dynamic is something that we have seen in our own families,” shares Kapoor from her home in New York City, neck-deep in a press junket following the film’s inclusion in The New Yorker’s Screening Room. “When I was growing up in India, I went through what Radha was going through. My father used male pronouns for me, I referred to myself with male pronouns, it was very fluid.” Along with this sense of gender fluidity, Radha also inherits Kapoor’s cultural hyphenation. Although the film is set in India (shot in Vasai-Virar) with all the other characters speaking Hindi, Radha talks almost exclusively in English–partially because they’re growing up in the United States but primarily as a way of rejecting the society that’s rejecting them.