All posts by : AyFa Collections

Ananya Panday’s on-screen wardrobe in Call Me Bae caused a stir, with her Chanel pantsuits, tulle capes and luxurious satin outfits. Her off-screen wardrobe, too, puts a contemporary spin on traditional looks. Prioritising wearability and comfort, she often swaps a dupatta with a chic cape or does away with a typical blouse for a figure-accentuating corset. Bookmark these looks for the next wedding or occasion you attend.

Mirror-work corset with a chikankari sari

Itrh’s creation featured a gold corset top with a plunging neckline embellished in mirror work. The corset’s drape sleeves dangled with mirror tassels, adding drama to the look. The dust-pink chikankari sari featured dabka work, while the pallu and borders had mirror-work tassels. The actor’s bijoux included a colorful neckpiece and matching earrings of tourmalines, Zambian emeralds and round diamonds by jewellery designer Sunita Shekhawat. She stacked the look with polki bangles.

Mogra blouse

When one thinks of mogra flowers, one’s mind automatically drifts to gajras. But the actor wore a blouse crafted from the flower. Ananya Panday’s mogra ladi blouse was crafted by Doh Tak Keh and completed with a striped and checkered dull-gold-and-white silk drape by Raw Mango. Radhika Merchant also opted for a similar marigold and jasmine chaadar-like dupatta for her haldi ceremony earlier.

Scent, too, is a keeper of stories, a chemical testament to the deep link between olfactory senses and memory. On one of the shelves sits a gilded gift box with miniature pull-out drawers, a nostalgic nod to the vanities of another time. In it, sit perfumes from Naso Profumi, including Oud Mud, Pepper Wood, and Tabac, evoking the ritual of sifting through a drawer lined with glass bottles, each holding the trace of a bygone moment.

Jewellery, similarly, speaks in the language of history. Pieces from Jaipur-based jewellery label Kesya blend Art Deco influences with the jewelled traditions of Rajasthan, where crescent moons and birds in flight are delicately handcrafted in sterling silver and semi-precious stones. A Nappa Dori handbag, structured and compact with a kiss-lock clasp, finds itself at home in this narrative of refinement.

A commingling of the products available at Arzaani

On day two, the couple had a symbolic catholic wedding ceremony in the manor garden that was co-officiated by Rice’s sister and Ramaiah’s brother. “A string quartet from Kaleydo played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as Brendan and the wedding party walked down the aisle. Alongside, one of my bridesmaids, Jordan, sang “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, as I walked down the aisle,” she shares.

The bride wore a corseted, basque waist ball gown from Galia Lahav. Made with French guipure lace, it had a cat-eye plunging neckline. For the ceremony, she added a matching bolero jacket and a 10-foot, lace-trimmed veil with ‘Forever’s gotta start somewhere’ text embroidered on it. “The day I met Brendan, I was wearing a blue polka dot dress. So my maid of honour Lauren cut a piece of it and stitched it into a little heart, pinning it to the bottom of my gown as my ‘something blue’,” she adds. She completed the look with a messy updo and natural makeup, along with a tennis bracelet from Ring Concierge that Rice gifted her right before the ceremony. The groom wore a white tuxedo with black trousers and a bowtie paired with a gold Ferragamo watch with their wedding date engraved on it that Ramaiah gave him.

A sangeet ceremony followed later, where the amphitheatre was decorated in pink and floral arrangements by Giardino Delle Fate Flower Design, which did all the decor for the wedding. LetterInk designed custom bar fronts and tablecloths and guests relished an Indian buffet spread by Haveli Restaurant as they danced to dhol beats by Elite Drummers and peppy tracks by DJ Aman from Kudos Music. The couple wore a Seema Gujral peach fishtail lehenga and a custom blue sherwani.

The final day of festivities began early morning with Telugu rituals including a mangala snanam and gouri pooja for the bride, and kashi yatra for the groom. “I deeply understand the significance Hindu culture holds for my family. From the very beginning, it was important for me to honour and preserve these traditions,” says Ramaiah. She walked to the mandap wearing a traditional gold sari from Kanchipuram paired with a blouse with pink flowers that was designed and stitched by Bhuvi Kilpady. The highlight was a 60-foot-long veil held together by her cousins.

She picked sentimental family heirloom pieces like ruby and diamond-encrusted bangles and antique temple jewellery in remembrance of her late grandmothers. Rice opted for a custom-stitched dhoti-kurta for the occasion. A pandit performed rituals like vadhu pravesham, muhurtham, maala maarpidi, kanyadana, mangalsutra dhara and more, followed by a traditional sit-down lunch or yele oota where guests ate with their hands.

A reception dinner and their first dance marked the end of the couple’s wedding celebrations, where guests received handwritten thank you notes, traditional bomboniera, and Italian wedding cake.

Calling all fragrance lovers—have you added hair perfume to your shelf of favourite scents? I’d argue that aside from reformulated classics, reinterpretations of singular ingredients, and a recent push in clean compositions, you don’t see much buzz in the fragrance space. That is, until you consider the world of hair perfume—the lighter, less concentrated alternative to regular perfume, with the added benefits of the same conditioning ingredients you would find in your favourite nourishing hair products, like glycerin or aloe vera. Not to mention, hair perfumes are the perfect solution to keeping hair smelling fresh in between washes.

For a long time, I couldn’t stop hearing about Gisou’s Honey Infused Hair Perfume after its 2021 launch—perhaps because I’ve long followed brand founder Negin Mirsalehi, whose family’s bee gardens inspired the sweet floral scent. “I made our signature fragrance into a hair perfume, because I wanted our community to be able to indulge in our iconic scent whenever they pleased to always feel fresh and confident—whether it be to finish off their look or to refresh in between washes,” Mirsalehi explains over email. Described as “playful, fresh, and feminine,” the OG hair perfume was so popular, Gisou debuted a second iteration this year—a Floral Edition, centred around a wild rose aroma.

For a beauty brand that plays in both the fragrance and hair care arena, a hair perfume feels like a natural extension—after all, what many users associate with their favourite hair care products is, of course, a scent. In Mirsalehi’s case, that’s her family’s bee garden in the Netherlands.

Dianna Cohen of Crown Affair, has another hair perfume that’s popular. The scent—a smooth balance of citrus and sandalwood—is the effortless, cool-girl vibe her brand is known for. “When I first started working on Crown Affair four years ago, the first thing I dove into was developing the perfect scent for the line,” she says. “I communicated to the team what I wanted the fragrance to feel like. I asked them to capture the ‘essence of Kate Moss but if she were in Japan in the 1970s.”

Linda Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, describes hair perfume as a less expensive investment and a great entry into fragrance for new or younger customers. Plus, it’s an integral step in fragrance layering—the art of combining multiple scents to create a signature scent. “Hair fragrance is the next level of self expression and personalisation,” Levy adds.

Skincare is personal. What works for one person can leave another questioning their life choices under the unforgiving glow of the department store mirror. Somewhere between ‘hydration is key’ and ‘have you tried slugging?’ I’ve become an amateur chemist with strong opinions on sunscreen sprays. So when Tira announced The Skin Affair—its first-ever skincare and wellness festival—the question wasn’t ‘what’s new?’ but ‘what happens when beauty stops being about products and starts being about experiences?’

Held at the Jio World Drive in Mumbai on March 8 and 9, The Skin Affair is a sensory deep dive into beauty and self-care. The festival brings together expert-led workshops, hands-on creative stations and live performances; there is a curated lineup of global, homegrown and viral skincare brands. The goal? To turn beauty into something you immerse yourself in, not just consume.

This wasn’t a skincare aisle come to life, but a playground for beauty obsessives like myself. I learned about fermented skincare science with Mixsoon, the cult-favorite SPF formulas of Neutrogena and the glass-skin secrets of Laneige. Tried on the dewy minimalism of Beauty of Joseon and COSRX, and explored homegrown creations like Akind, Beauty by Bie, Minimalist, Plum and Foxtale. Whether you’re a curious novice or a self-proclaimed skincare sommelier, there’s something for every routine.

While skincare takes centre stage, Tira expands the idea of wellness with a lineup of immersive DIY activities. You can create your signature perfume blend, pour custom candles, create 3D resin art or try your hand at pottery and calligraphy. For those who find therapy in a brushstroke, there’s tote bag painting—just as soothing as a gua sha session but with a little more colour.

Some activities take interactivity up a notch. Never have I ever sat on a stationary bicycle peddling myself a smoothie. At the Youth to the People’s station, they hooked up the bike to a blender, and I cycled my way to a fresh green juice, literally. I ended up with a spinach-laden smoothie in hand which became my fuel for the festival. A refreshing respite after a little back and forth on their pickleball court, an unexpected addition at a beauty event. Rotating between face masks may be my usual sport of choice, but there was something delightful about bopping around, paddle in hand and breaking a sweat between sunscreen swatches.

The experience also includes culinary delights from women-led brands that approach wellness with flavour, not restriction. The festival spotlights over a dozen women-led culinary brands, proving that good food and good skincare often go hand in hand. Indulge in artisanal delights from Noa By The Nutcracker, MOTODO Pizzeria, Truefit Gourmet, The Gelato Bar, Wildflower Bakehouse and more. Because sometimes, self-care is a serum, but it could also be a dessert.

What would a festival be without a soundtrack? Tira delivers. Whether you’re vibing to an acoustic set between workshops or laughing through a comedy set with a green juice in hand, enjoy live performances curated by Arré: All About Her, a showcase of powerhouse female talent spanning music, comedy and spoken word. The lineup includes comedian Sumukhi Suresh’s razor-sharp, self-deprecating humour, Vasudha Sehgal’s soulful vocals, DJ Suggahunny’s high-energy beats and genre-blending acts like W.I.S.H and Wild Wild Women.

The Skin Affair signals a shift in how beauty is experienced—not just as a product category but as a space for creativity, community and joy. If the future of beauty is this immersive, this was the first, assertive step forward.

Also read:

Leading a skincare revolution: Augustinus Bader’s iconic products make a grand debut in India

How this beauty brand transformed its space into a luxury hotel of brands at the Ajio Luxe Weekend

Exclusive: Tira Beauty’s new flagship unveils an in-store spa, café, and more

The pandemic prompted many of us to take a more intentional approach to safeguarding our health. Whether taking better care of our gut, attempting to limit stress, or being more diligent about oral hygiene, many of us are much more proactive about the basics these days. One additional area you might not be thinking about but should be is eye health. Like other significant systems in the body, there is an innate connection between our vision and our health that shouldn’t be ignored (underlying this is research that demonstrates the existence of communication axes between gut microbiota and the eyes). “Your eyes are the windows to your overall health,” consultant ophthalmologist Alex Day says. “Many systemic conditions, from diabetes to hypertension, can appear first in the eyes, making eye health a crucial early indicator of your body’s wellbeing.”

Keep an eye on your eyes

“Our eye health is important because our vision plays a central role in how we interact with the world,” explains Day. “Poor eye health can lead to a range of problems which can reduce the quality of life.” It’s easy to dismiss some signs of poor eye health as tiredness or a sign of being overworked. Still, if you experience several symptoms together or for a prolonged period, it could mean an underlying condition that needs investigation. Common symptoms include blurred or double vision, frequent headaches, eye strain or discomfort. According to Day, other potential warning signs include redness, dryness or itching, sensitivity to light, issues with seeing at night, or a sudden decrease in vision or increase in floaters or shadows in your vision. If any of these occur frequently, it’s best to book an appointment with your local optician to rule out anything more serious.

Like your skin, the eyes can suffer from inflammatory conditions like ocular rosacea, which often react to environmental triggers like heat or alcohol. If you spend a long time at a computer or are menopausal, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome, which is characterised by itchy, sore or gritty-feeling eyes. Although it sounds benign, in severe cases, if left untreated, it can lead to corneal damage and impaired vision.

Brain health begins with your eyes

Although it sounds a little gruesome, the eye is the only part of the brain that can be seen directly. “The retina is composed of neural tissue, therefore making the eyes an extension of the brain,” explains Day. “It can be visualised when an optician uses an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp as part of an eye examination. These clearly show the innermost layer of the eye (the retina), and also the optic nerve that carries the signals from the retina to the brain.” There’s also a clear link between the deterioration of eye health and declining cognitive function; according to a recent study by the University of Loughborough, a loss of visual sensitivity can predict dementia 12 years before it is diagnosed.

Changes in the eye can also highlight neurological conditions such as strokes and tumours, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. “In many neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or types of strokes, we can see changes in the optic nerve and retina that help make a direct diagnosis,” says Day. “If the pressure in the brain increases, for example, due to a brain tumour, we can see this as a swelling of the optic nerve.”

Protect your heart health

Eye exams can provide critical clues about other essential areas of health, including cardiovascular health, usually seen via changes to the retinal vessels. “The retina receives blood supply from small arteries and veins similar to those supplying the heart and brain,” says Day. “Fatty plaque deposits breaking off from the carotid artery can lodge in retinal arteries, signalling high stroke risk, [while] blocked retinal veins related to blood clots or high pressure may mean high cholesterol or hypertension.” Other markers that are visible during eye exams include fatty eyelid bumps, which can indicate the risk of high cholesterol, and leaking retinal vessels, which can point to an elevated cardiovascular mortality risk.

Understand your risks

Changes to our sight are a routine part of ageing. Presbyopia, the medical term for age-related farsightedness, is something we all experience and is a normal part of getting older. But while our eyesight may be routinely affected, it’s important to prevent the deterioration of our eye health as much as possible. Getting to know your family history of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma will help you understand your personal risks and allow you to take preventive steps to safeguard both your eye health and your general health.

How to make better eye health part of your lifestyle

Have regular check-ups

As you would with your teeth and moles, schedule regular check-ups with your local optician. It’s an important part of good overall health maintenance, even if your vision is perfect and you have no sinister symptoms. According to the College of Optometrists, everyone over 16 should have an eye test every two years, while younger children should be tested yearly. If you have a family history of eye conditions, you may be required to have a yearly test once you’re over 60.

Cover up and eat well

Consider making changes to your lifestyle. If you don’t regularly don sunglasses with strong UV protection when the sun is out, then you could be causing long-term damage. “Additionally, not smoking and following a healthy, balanced diet, rich in green leaf vegetables (such as spinach, cabbage, curly kale) and omega-3 oils can further support eye health,” says Day. “Staying well hydrated and getting enough sleep can prevent dry eyes, and removing make-up at the end of the day is also crucial.” To further minimise your risk of common eye conditions, consider targeted supplements to improve eye health. Vitamin A helps maintain clear corneas and improves low-light vision, while vitamin E is a protective antioxidant that can help mitigate damage to eye cells. Omega-3 fatty acids, meanwhile, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, and lutein provides critical protection from UV light.

Limit screen time

Limiting exposure to screen time isn’t just a good idea for wayward teenagers; the rest of us should be doing it, too. “We tend to blink less often when looking at screens, which can cause eyestrain and drying of the ocular surface,” says Day. To negate this, regular screen breaks are essential. “Follow the 20/20/20 rule,” he advises. “Take a 20-second break from your digital device every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away. Set a countdown alarm on your smartphone as a reminder.”

Of course, it’s normal to stay in a little cocoon with your newborn for the first couple of weeks, Dr. Degges-White says, but after that, “it’s good to get out.” Leaning on friendships and having engagements (even conversations!) outside your “baby bubble” can help manage stress, boost your mood, prevent isolation and buffer against postpartum depression, Dr. Degges-White explains. Not to mention, “it actually makes you a better partner and parent when you have a chance to have some fun.”

2. Be honest about where you’re at

It might be obvious to you that you’re not intentionally ignoring your friend’s texts; you’re just too fried to squeeze in a shower some days. But “being upfront and open” about how your capacity and priorities are different right now can reassure your friend it’s not about them, Dr. Degges-White says. “Let them know that you’re trying to manage a new way of life,” adds Dr. Mills. “Remind them that it’s not personal and you’ll be back, you just need some time.”

For instance, you might say something like, “I know I’ve been MIA lately, so I just want you to know it’s not you, it’s me! Parenting has me wiped, and some days I barely have time to wash my face. Still figuring it all out, but I miss you!” As Dr. Degges-White explains, “Even if they’re not a parent, they’re gonna understand that life changes.”

3. Invite them into your daily life

If the prospect of showering, putting on real pants and going out for sushi feels positively harrowing, keep your sweats on and rethink what hanging out looks like. Because it “doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Dr. Mills says. Think about what would actually be easy for you right now, and embrace the convenient or low-key hang.

If you’re going grocery shopping, running errands or taking the baby to a checkup, ask your pal to come along, Dr. Degges-White says. Or invite them to join you on your morning walk around the neighbourhood or for a super-quick coffee. “A little time is better than no time,” as Dr. Mills puts it.

4. Arrange baby-friendly meetups

In an ideal world, you’d get regular baby-free hangs to unwind and stay connected to your identity outside of parenting, Dr. Degges-White says. But that’s not always realistic—or you might want to see friends more often than you can find childcare. In that case, “finding ways to include baby in the activities you do with your friends is a way to keep those friendships alive,” Dr. Degges-White says.

Once, when the women turned up to play a match, they were told that as there were not enough women ice hockey players, those waiting for their turn on the rink should instead set up a men’s match—by doing a traditional dance.

With the taunts piling up, Jahan says, “We thought, ‘Let’s come together and form an organisation.’” That resulted in the formation of the Ladakh Women’s Ice Hockey Foundation in the winter of 2015.

The first initiative was meant to be a Learn to Skate camp for kids in Leh. But soon enough, they realised they would have to create their own skating rink—in DIY mode. Dividing themselves into shifts, starting from 6.30pm, they first poured water onto the frozen pond and smoothened it out to create the first layer. It took four hours for that to freeze, before the second shift could repeat the process, going on until about 3am as the temperature dropped to around minus 25 degrees Celsius, turning the fronds of hair sticking out from under their caps into icicles. They can laugh about it today “because we had each other”. During their first international event, they rented gear from the men, playing in oversized clothing, mismatched skates and refurbished cricket pads. But no more.

A player has her eye on the puck. Photographed by Mathieu Richer Mamousse

If you were to ask Sofia Richie Grainge, Jennifer Lawrence, the Olsen twins, or any stylish Vogue editor in the office if they own mesh flats or a “naked shoe”—they’ll probably spout off a variety of styles they love and new ones they’re coveting. The mesh ballet flat first took flight in early 2024, but it was The Row that initially pushed them into the spotlight in 2019. Now, sisters of the mesh flat have materialized—and the unlikely see-through styles, from crochet knit to embellished flats, have become wardrobe heroes for warm-weather dressing.

However, Alaïa and The Row are no longer the only brands offering these gauzy, open-knit, and studded footwear favorites. There are new mesh styles on the high street, with options ranging from cobalt blue mules at Cos to sock-like barely-there flats from Khaite. For added texture (and a hint of everyday preciousness), look at the crochet flats on the market now. There are floral appliques at Magda Butrym, woven cotton trimmings from Hvoya, and high-end crocheted ballerina flats from Miu Miu. For the evenings, Christopher Esber’s cage-like silhouette would look alluring complemented by fringe skirts or organza tops. And, Jil Sander’s cutout leather ballet flats will add a welcome pop of red to any minimalist ensemble.

There’s no shortage of options available, whether you’re on the hunt for studded flats, or a revamped version of the beloved mesh ballerina, and you can find them all below. Ahead, embellished, crocheted, netted, and mesh ballet flats to indulge in.

Mesh Flats

Leading the charge of pared-back mesh flats is, of course, The Row. Their sock flats embody the label’s signature sense of lived-in minimalism. For a color burst, look to Proenza Schouler, Dear Frances, and Cos—these pleasant spring hues will break up the dreariness of the current season.

Luna mesh ballerina flats

Bergdorf Goodman

₹ 50,500.00

Mary Jane mesh ballet flats

Saks Fifth Avenue

₹52,500.00

double-strap mesh ballerina flats

Crochet Flats

Remember the trending au natural footwear of early 2024? Well, there are more styles available that are a visual ode to more temperate, balmy days. Wear a crochet flat, like Mango’s or Larroude’s, with transitional essentials, like trench coats and baggy denim.

floral-appliqué crochet ballet flats

Chaotic cotton ballet flats

Moda Operandi

₹ 37,000.00

metallic crocheted ballet flats

net-a-porter

₹ 1,40,000.00

Verona macrame ballet flat

crochet bicolor ballerina flats

Bergdorf Goodman

₹ 1,29,000.00

Netted Flats

Part fisherman aesthetic, part prep, the best flats of the moment have a netted nakedness to them. Dip your toe in with a more classic style from Reformation, or go big bait with a standout style from Christopher Esber or Bottega Veneta.

stretch ballerina flat

Bottega Veneta

₹ 1,25,000.00

mesh ballet flats

net-a-porter

₹ 59,000.00

cutout knotted leather ballet flats

net-a-porter

₹ 1,59,000.00

Embellished Flats

The embellished ballerina flat is nothing new—if anything, the styles ahead are more amplified versions of those favorites we’ve come to know and love. You know the ones; often studded, metallic, and beaded. There’s an eyelet-adorned suede from Toteme, and a crystal-covered flat from Khaite, to start.

crystal stud mary jane ballerina flats

Neiman Marcus

₹ 1,29,000.00

lace-up eyelet suede ballet flats

net-a-porter

₹ 66,000.00

studded suede ballet flats

This story first appeared on Vogue.com

Also read:

The flared heel is the retro footwear trend to know in 2025

The ballet flat renaissance: from Gucci’s latest Horsebit to Homegrown heroes

According to Kylie Jenner, ballet flats are back in fashion. Do you agree?

As the forecast brightens, Genelia Deshmukh will convince you to make saris your first port of call. For a recent outing, she turned to an elegant green drape by Label Anushree. Constructed using breathable bandhani, it will appeal to lovers of craft, colour and comfort.

Styled by Pranay Jaitly and Shounak Amonkar, Genelia Deshmukh’s forest green silk sari was offset with intricate red dots characteristic of bandhani. The age-old art form, native to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, dates back to the Ajanta Caves, which depict women in apparel featuring tie-dye patterns. These patterns were also seen in twelfth-century Jain manuscript paintings. Across generations, bandhani has retained its status as a top choice for women of a certain elegance. Its heritage craft comes with its own lexicon—the Sanskrit word banda, which translates to ‘to tie’. Bandhani comes to life through a resist-dyeing technique, where the textile is plucked with fingernails and tied with a cotton thread, forming figurative designs such as elephants, parrots, peacocks, dancing humans, flowers, diamond-shaped barfis, and mango-inspired paisleys. Eventually, the fabric is dyed in the desired colour. It is a labour- and time-intensive process that can take anywhere between four months to a year to complete, depending on the number of artisans involved, but the results are unparalleled.