All posts by : AyFa Collections

Giving wedding guest inspiration, Ananya Panday sported Bhumika Sharma‘s Jasma lehenga set, styled by Priyanka Kapadia Badani, a look built on fluid panels, plush textures and surface detailing that moved with her. The lehenga was constructed in alternating kalis of aqua-teal and gold-olive crushed tissue, layered over a silk base. The tissue’s faint crinkled sheen gave the silhouette its soft structure, allowing the panels to hold shape while still drifting easily as she moved. On the aqua segments, delicate floral motifs appeared across the surface, adding a subtle metallic haze.

instagram.com/meerasakhrani

The corset-inspired halter neck bodice, cut in a deep teal base with an ivory-toned velvet overlay, offered a contrast. It carried ornate paisley-floral appliqués placed along the neckline, bust and side panels, that drew a structured line above the skirt’s airy volume.

Her jewellery from Razwada followed a more traditional route with a statement choker layered with uncut stones, matching earrings and stacked kundan bangles that mirrored the gold tones running through the look. Makeup artist Meera Sakhrani kept the beauty look fresh and luminous; sleek, centre-parted hair that was pulled back and soft coral tones on the cheeks, rose-pink lips and kohl-rimmed eyes with fanned lashes.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Ananya Panday’s green Bhumika blouse could be reimagined as a playful Y2K-inspired butterfly halter top. Opt for one with a bold pop of color or sparkling embellishments. Pair with a ruffled mini or maxi skirt and complete the look with a choker. Don’t forget to finish the look with glittery makeup accents for a fun, Winx Club–inspired vibe,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Wanting to be more social or outgoing sounds deceptively simple. One of society’s favourite tips for introverts is: “Just talk to more people, say yes to every invite, and strike up friendly conversations with strangers.” But for the chronically shy, putting yourself out there is easier said than done.

The good news is, being introverted isn’t a fixed personality trait. “Most people aren’t full introverts or extroverts,” says Amy Morin, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. “They’re ambiverts, meaning they can do and enjoy both.” In other words, becoming “more extroverted” doesn’t necessarily mean changing who you are—it’s about going out of your comfort zone and finding a social rhythm that energises rather than exhausts you. These tips for introverts are a good place to start:

1. Redefine “extroversion” on your own terms

“People often assume extroverts have to be the life of the party—that they’re the funniest, loudest people in the room,” Morin says. “But this can sound unrealistic for many introverts who prefer to have less attention on themselves.”

So instead of expecting yourself to suddenly thrive in large crowds or enjoy back-to-back plans, socialise in more realistic ways. Maybe that involves grabbing lunch with a handful of coworkers instead of joining a noisy happy hour. Or joining a book club, running group, or French class—an environment where you can meet people while doing something you actually enjoy.

2. Be the one who reaches out first

Don’t just wait for invitations to come your way—make them yourself. Part of being more extroverted, Morin says, is taking initiative rather than hanging back and letting others set the tone. Ask a friend to join you for a walk on a slow Sunday. Organise that Friendsgiving potluck instead of hoping someone else will. Every time you initiate, you get more comfortable taking social risks, and eventually, you’ll notice how often that little moment of courage pays off.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of social media

“We’re all encouraged to network more. But for someone who’s really introverted, the idea of going to a giant event can be really daunting,” says Fanny Tristan, LCSW, a psychotherapist and founder of Restority Space in New York City. Luckily, though, there are ways to put yourself out there without diving straight into a crowded room of strangers—and that includes starting online.

“Even emailing someone first to set up coffee chats, whether in person or over Zoom, lets you meet your goal of having conversations with more people,” Tristan says. Starting digitally gives you a chance to ease in—no small talk or awkward glances required. And remember: Just because it’s virtual, doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

4. Plan ahead for when small talk runs dry

Part of what makes putting yourself out there so nerve-wracking is the fear of awkward moments, which can happen when you’re socialising with someone new. In these situations, Morin recommends coming prepared with a few interesting, go-to topics that feel stimulating to you.

Cancer, the sun may feel like it is shining on a part of your past that suddenly comes to light and perhaps takes you off guard; however, no matter how linear time may not exist in the realms beyond this planet, it does exist here, and truth be told, you cannot go back in time to change things. What can you transform, though? The way you approach your present and handle what you are served. This present life scenario calls for emotional maturity, sinking your feet and your heart firmly upon the solid ground you are standing upon and then finding a way to spice things up again—be it within your relationship, your career sector, your social life or even within yourself.

Cosmic tip: New opportunities are lined up for you. Look forward with hope and excitement instead of looking back with sadness and confusion, and a probable sense of betrayal.

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Rix sums it up: “The lace-trim silhouette has a sensuality, undone in the best possible way. You can wear it and look composed without seeming over-styled. For daytime, I love grounding it with something unexpected, a chunky knit or trainers. Evening is about letting the dress shine: a delicate heel, some vintage-inspired jewellery, maybe a silk scarf.”

Meghna Goyal, the founder of Summer Away, adds: “By day, a long lace-trim tunic layered over a sweater or T-shirt, paired with trousers and edgy accessories, feels modern. By night, a silk slip under a structured blazer or co-ord set makes for a polished finish.”

Designers can’t let go either

Lace trims have been everywhere lately — Chloé, Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Shiatzy Chen and Saint Laurent. From minis to asymmetric midis, slips to sweeping gowns.

Photo: Carlo Scarpato / Gorunway.com

Goyal notes, “These dresses have dominated runways for seasons. What makes them stand out now is how they are layered with unconventional, edgy pieces. The mix gives each outfit a distinct energy. For models and pop stars, it’s a piece that moves from day to night, cafe to stage, always looking intentional even when thrown on last minute.”

“The greatest obstacle to knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge,” wrote American historian Daniel J Boorstin. It’s a phrase I return to often, a reminder of the importance of questioning what we think we know, especially useful when your job revolves around health and beauty.

Because even after years of writing, I still make skincare mistakes. Sometimes I combine the wrong actives. Other times, I copy a viral routine that clearly wasn’t designed for my skin. All of which has taught me that cosmetics aren’t entertainment; they’re part of our health and that knowledge, not novelty, should guide them.

If you’re someone who loves beauty as much as I do, you’ve probably had moments when your skin just… stalls. The products promise results, yet nothing seems to change. According to Arkaitz Felices, cosmetologist and director of Care, representatives of Reviderm in Spain, this isn’t always the fault of your products. Sometimes, it’s your skin. “If you notice that a product that works on people with a skin type and needs similar to yours has no effect on you, it is a clear clue that there may be an imbalance in the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM),” that is, the structural framework that facilitates cellular communication and the effectiveness of cosmetic active ingredients.

Felices suggests learning to distinguish between routines that simply need time and those that have hit a dead end. Some effects, such as hydration, are visible in a few days: the skin recovers volume, fine wrinkles due to dehydration are attenuated and the tissue appears more elastic and fresh.” Others, such as collagen production, cell turnover, or fading hyperpigmentation, are slower and depend on internal metabolic processes. “Results in these areas can take several weeks and vary by person.”

When a routine is genuinely off, the clues are obvious. “Irritation, redness, itching or inflammation are unmistakable signs that the skin is stressed or assaulted.” In those cases, stop, focus on repairing the barrier and restore balance before reintroducing actives. “When it comes to caring for our body’s most extensive and sensitive organ, the shortest route is not to ask ChatGPT, but to rely on qualified professionals who understand the science behind each skin.”

Skincare mistakes you may be making

Skipping proper cleansing“Pretending that a cosmetic acts on uncleaned skin is like serving dinner on dirty breakfast dishes,” says Felices, who considers cleansing the foundation of any routine. He recommends a thorough evening cleanse that removes oil-based impurities such as makeup and sunscreen, then water-soluble residue. A gentle enzymatic exfoliation can follow to clarify, smooth texture and improve receptivity, without aggressive renewal.

Forgetting photoprotection

Skipping SPF—or applying it in the wrong order—undoes progress. UV exposure drives pigmentation and premature ageing. Felices points out that applying sunscreen before other treatments have absorbed reduces its effect. A broad-spectrum filter should sit at the end of the daytime routine.

Layering products out of order

Texture hierarchy matters. Lightweight toners, serums and water-based treatments should be applied before creams or richer textures. “This is because thicker products act as a barrier and impede the penetration of subsequent cosmetics.”

Lacking consistency

This is non-negotiable. “Continuous and disciplined use is needed for weeks or months for the skin’s biological processes to respond,” says Felices. Constantly switching or quitting early makes real improvement hard to see.

Ignoring usage directions

Leaving a mask on all night doesn’t maximise benefits. Lab directions aren’t arbitrary; they’re based on studies that determine optimal exposure. With cellulose or biocellulose masks, there’s a point at which most hydration and actives have already transferred. Beyond that, the flow can reverse and the mask may begin to reabsorb moisture, reducing the benefits.

Mixing actives without a plan

More isn’t better. Overloading can weaken the skin barrier. “The skin microbiome is altered and inflammatory outbreaks, redness or flaking may appear. The key is to simplify the routine, space out treatments and remember that, in advanced cosmetics, efficacy does not depend on quantity, but on balance and personalisation.”

How to combine actives safely

If you’re unsure how to pair products, Felices offers this guide:

Cosmic tip: When you replace the need for power with sheer love for whatever you are experiencing and building, our strength and charisma magnify.

Begrudgingly, but you have taken on something in your recent past or are about to soon—a decision, an opportunity, an idea or anything else. And tell us, Gem, how is it working out for you? Have you found your fire yet? Have you found that spark that excites you? In fact, truth be told, although you may have explored this from a purely mental plane, is it not now fuelling you with a spark that could grow into a thriving flame? This is the perfect example of what is meant to always find its way to you, even if it may feel forced at first. And the cosmos is reminding you to keep fanning this, as you are on track.

Cosmic tip: Merge your qualities of childlike enthusiasm, mental acuity and emotional balance to get your signature recipe right for this one.

Cancer, the sun may feel like it is shining on a part of your past that suddenly comes to light and perhaps takes you off guard; however, no matter how linear time may not exist in the realms beyond this planet, it does exist here, and truth be told, you cannot go back in time to change things. What can you transform, though? The way you approach your present and handle what you are served. This present life scenario calls for emotional maturity, sinking your feet and your heart firmly upon the solid ground you are standing upon and then finding a way to spice things up again—be it within your relationship, your career sector, your social life or even within yourself.

Cosmic tip: New opportunities are lined up for you. Look forward with hope and excitement instead of looking back with sadness and confusion, and a probable sense of betrayal.

What you may be feeling uncertain about is whether your hard work will reap rewards or not. Leo, and whether karmic justice will prevail or not. What your guides are trying to draw your attention to, though, is the fact that sometimes it may be more important to take a back step and then re-emerge with a plan rather than fight until the battle is lost on both ends. You know where you are headed, you know what has been up, and you also know what you need to do to get there. Now the missing ingredient is only for you not to care as much about the consequences of all your effort, as you must give weightage to your intuitive prompts. Take a deep breath and come back to yourself.

Neutral colours have long been essential for minimalists, and they remain the perfect formula for looking put-together with minimal effort. While an all-black outfit will never go out of style, in the second half of the year, brown pieces—like striped midi skirts and sleeveless blouses—become foolproof options, especially when worn together. Simply add black almond-toe loafers, long white socks and a blazer for a structured, versatile look.

Try statement shapes

To elevate your style, go for puffy skirts with loafers and socks.

305pics / Getty Images.

T-shirts aren’t just wardrobe basics; they’re surprisingly useful when paired with more dramatic items like midi balloon skirts. Jane Birkin used this trick in the 60s with flared pants, and today Kaia Gerber and Nicole Kidman apply it to dress pants and heels. It keeps the silhouette from feeling overloaded and lets you play with cropped, short-sleeved jackets and black loafers with socks.

Make the combo your own

Wearing loafers with socks is a combination that is suitable for every closet.

Christian Vierig / Getty Images.

Welcome to the season of the grape. Once prized for their flavour, grapes for the skin now take centre stage as they reach peak ripeness in autumn.

Filled with nutrients and fibre, grapes are well known for their health benefits which include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, supporting digestion, improving cognitive protection and much more. Lesser known, however, is that the nutrients in grapes are also great for the skin. In fact, ingredients derived from the fruit are used in everything from massage treatments to skin compresses to bath oils to cosmetics.

In the spirit of the fruit’s finest season, a time in which we all want to double down on ingredients that help us achieve a glowy, hydrated visage, here’s a look at exactly what makes grapes so beneficial for the skin.

The benefits of grapes for the skin

Thanks to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, grapes are considered an anti-ageing ally. The outer skins of red grapes, in particular, are high in the polyphenol resveratrol: the same polyphenol that gives red wine its potential heart health benefits.

When it comes to skin, resveratrol’s ability to protect against free radicals also comes into play, helping to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. “Studies have shown protective effects of resveratrol against ultraviolet radiation mediated oxidative stress and cutaneous damage including skin cancer,” one scientific review notes. “Because many skin conditions stem from ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress, this antioxidant appears to have promise and prospects against a wide range of cutaneous disorders including skin ageing. Skin is particularly well suited for the use of this promising agent because the antioxidant properties of resveratrol work well against the high oxidative stress that skin cells come under frequently.”

The antioxidant polyphenols in grapes are also accompanied by a host of other skin-boosting nutrients, especially vitamins C, A, K and B, all of which help combat cellular ageing by stimulating collagen production, stabilising elastin, encouraging cell regeneration and shielding the skin from free radical and UV damage.

Grapes also contain something called tartaric acid, a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which, when applied topically, provides an exfoliating and skin-brightening action. An interesting, semi-unrelated fact: tartaric acid is the reason grapes are toxic to dogs.

With all this in mind, it’s no wonder ingredients derived from grapes are central to so many skincare brands. Think Caudalie and Korres, which are known for making grape ingredients central to their products. Korres Santorini Grape line, for example, makes use of a trio of grape-derived ingredients including antioxidant-rich Santorini Grape extract, fatty acid-rich Santorini Grape seed oil and resveratrol. Caudalie’s entire product line, from the Vinopure to Resveratrol-Lift collections and more, centres around different skin-boosting facets of the fruit and its vine.

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My parents lived in Bombay, while I stayed with my grandparents. Whenever my father visited, he brought me Western-style frocks with lace or frills. My grandmother, however, insisted I wear traditional Indian textiles. She would buy fabric and have it stitched into beautiful Langa Voni skirts—long skirts with a blouse—which we called Parkar Polka in Hubli. That blend of modern Western influence and deep-rooted tradition shaped my aesthetic sensibility. I am grateful that my family kept me grounded in tradition, because when we are connected to that part of ourselves, we are more authentic and confident in adapting to the world around us.

VI: You’ve studied economics, fashion and business. How did those paths intersect to bring you to where you are today?

AM: At heart, I use creativity as a way to define myself and to see the world. When I was younger, I considered studying at NIFT but I decided to study economics and French instead. Just before I went to Stanford, my mother gave me a pair of silver filigree earrings from Odisha—handmade by a craftsman who had given them to her as thanks for helping his son get a scholarship. She told me the craft had existed since the Mughal era, but the man’s son didn’t want to continue it because there was no money in it.

That story stopped me in my tracks. How were we letting go of something so beautiful and emblematic of our culture? I realised that my love for creativity needed to connect with sustainability and economics.

At Stanford, I developed a business plan around Indian craft, creating a women’s wear line that put the craftsman front and centre. That project merged my creative passion with business skills and it became the foundation of my label, Akshata Designs. Though the label didn’t last long, it taught me the importance of connecting creativity, heritage and sustainability. Since moving to the UK, I’ve shifted my focus to investing in early-stage, design-led brands, many of which are British, because I’ve always loved how design shapes the way we live and create.

VI: You’re also now working on The Richmond Project with your husband, which focuses on education and empowerment. Is there a craft connection there, too?

AM: The Richmond Project is about transforming how people relate to numbers—taking something often anxiety-inducing and helping people see it as empowering. We started by conducting the largest-ever survey in the UK on people’s attitudes toward numeracy and will continue to track improvements as new programs are implemented. At first glance, numeracy and craft may seem unrelated but creativity and numeracy coexist. Patterns in weaving, embroidery and design all rely on mathematical precision and geometry. Through initiatives like Richmond, I want young people to see that numbers and creativity enrich each other, showing that art and logic are part of the same continuum.

VI: You speak passionately about craft and technology. Do you see digitisation, such as in the V&A project, as a way forward for reviving traditional crafts and making them more accessible?