All posts by : AyFa Collections

Dressed in a maroon sari, Madhuri Dixit Nene proved that few fabrics other than sumptuous velvet can capture the winter festive spirit. “Madhuri’s grace, poise, and timeless beauty have inspired us for years. We have reimagined velvet with a modern touch by blending it with delicate tulle seen on the blush pink pleats in the drape. The velvet features intricate zardozi embroidery and lotus motifs, too,” said designers Shyamal and Bhumika Shodhan.

A plethora of celebrities, from Aditi Rao Hydari to Kiara Advani, have endorsed the luxe and lustrous fabric on several occasions. For a Diwali soirée in Birmingham in 2023, London, Preity Zinta opted for a rich black velvet sari with a meticulously embroidered scallop-hemmed border. Her Shaveta & Anuj look was complemented with a full-length black velvet blouse.

Red is resurging this wedding season and Kareena Kapoor Khan is proof. When we think about the colour red and weddings together, it’s usually associated with what the bride is wearing. We’ve certainly witnessed the colour red making a comeback for brides this wedding season, with Sobhita Dhulipala and Aditi Rao Hydari opting for classic red ensembles as their bridal sartorial choices, but it’s clear this vibrant hue is having a moment across the board. Case in point? Kareena Kapoor Khan brought back maximalism in a regal red silk sari at her cousin Aadar Jain’s wedding. The elegant drape, taken from the shelves of Ritu Kumar, was heavily embroidered with intricate gold threadwork embroidery across its length and breadth.

She paired it with a matching sleeveless blouse featuring a sweetheart neckline, gold knot details, and a richly embellished border. Even though her ensemble didn’t need any bells and whistles, she chose to accent it with a traditional emerald and meenakari necklace, a subtle yet effective touch of colour blocking. A matching red and gold potli bag completed her look.

Earlier this week, Kapoor Khan wore a Sabyasachi kaftan inspired by bustling bazaars and flea markets for her cousin Aadar Jain’s pre-wedding celebrations. The offering was from his 2023 ‘Heritage Bridal’ collection.

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Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan embraced soft glam in the best beauty looks of the week

Last night, Kareena Kapoor Khan wore a Sabyasachi kaftan inspired by bustling bazaars and flea markets

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif had florals on their mind in the best looks of the week

Bhatt and Kapoor Khan weren’t the only one who embraced soft glam this week. Sanya Malhotra also opted for a minimalistic beauty look, paired with a Banarasi Brocade milkmaid dress from Tiger & Twig. She styled her hair in a sleek bun, keeping her makeup fresh and understated. A soft nude blush added just a hint of colour to her cheeks, while kohl-lined eyes gave a touch of definition. To finish, she chose a glossy nude lip, staying true to the effortlessly chic summer aesthetic.

Similarly, Preity Zinta’s makeup also proved less is more. She wore a Gauri and Nainika black gown and paired it with a minimal soft-glam look. A matte finish look was complemented with a coral-toned blush that added warmth to her complexion. Wispy lashes lent a soft, fluttery touch to her eyes, while a nude lip tied the entire look together.

Madhuri Dixit Nene, too, went for a look that was soft yet striking, enhancing her natural beauty with a flawless dewy base. Soft brown eyeshadow added depth to her gaze, creating a subtle but impactful effect. A light blush on her cheeks and a nude pink lipstick completed the look.

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, EXHIBITIONISM, brings together 19 South Asian artists whose works explore themes of visibility, intimacy and identity. But beyond its role as an exhibition space, Menon sees the gallery as part of a broader cultural moment. “Indian Americans and wider South Asian Americans are culturally coming of age,” he explains. “We’ve only really been able to immigrate in large numbers since 1965 and are now starting to enter positions of leadership—not just in medicine and law, but in politics, Silicon Valley, tech and Hollywood.” This shift, he argues, has created a new kind of cultural confidence—one where South Asians are no longer proving their belonging but actively shaping mainstream narratives.

Menon’s vision extends beyond simply exhibiting South Asian artists. His goal is to foster a community that connects artists with collectors, cultural institutions and, crucially, each other. “I think what art has done is provide completely new approaches to representation,” he shares. “Rather than wanting to recreate our culture with pure accuracy or familiarity, artists are constantly showing us things we’ve never seen before. That sense of possibility and imagination is so exciting among this community.” While South Asian culture has long been celebrated in literature, fashion and film, contemporary visual art has often been left out of the conversation—something Menon is determined to change. “In LA, you can see art from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and East Asia, but no one was really speaking to South Asia. And yet, the audience’s palette was already fundamentally global.”

Handlooms, once constricted to forlorn exhibitions and conferences, have thawed out of their geriatric status. Now, Bhumi Pednekar is giving Madras checks, the Indian rendition of plaid, the cool-girl rebrand. Recently, Bhumi Pednekar wore a multi-colour drape by Raw Mango for a promotional outing of her latest film Mere Husband Ki Biwi.

“Bhumi is wearing our Agama ‘Satpura’ silk sari that features woven multicoloured Madras checks in rani pink, lime and emerald green, and a lime palla. Her sari is paired with a Gulshan satin silk blouse in emerald green, which is gathered at the shoulders and the centre of the bust and the back,” shares designer Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango.

Woven by hand and mostly in cotton, Madras checks emerged from sleepy fishing villages along India’s East coast. The fabric is characterised by its thick and thin patterns and eye-catching colours. Often constructed as functional lungis, Madras checks were the local artisans’ answer to Madras’ humidity.

It’s not every day that you hear about a designer melting down her heirloom gold to create a high jewellery collection… for other people to own. But that’s exactly what Suhani Parekh of MISHO did with JAIPUR, her first foray into high jewellery.

Inspiration struck late one night when Parekh was visiting the Pink City. Walking past a massive gate at the City Palace, she stopped in her tracks. “There’s something about a gate,” she says. “It’s more than just an entrance—it’s a threshold, a space between two worlds.” This rings especially true for the gates that separate the old city from the new. Having visited multiple times before, it wasn’t until a recent trip that the significance of these gates sparked the idea for this 16-piece exclusive collection. Jaipur is a city that ignites creativity in every eye that beholds it. Every corner offers something—a shadow, a mosaic, a sliver of gold—but how does one do it justice?

For Parekh, the answer lay in deconstruction. She took gold from her personal collection—“You know how gold is passed down through generations—from little trinkets, gold coins to heirlooms—pieces that are often never really used,” she says. “I wanted to deconstruct them and reimagine them in a way that resonates with my design sensibilities today,” she explains. Parekh uses 18K S.M.O gold alongside the repurposed gold. What is S.M.O gold exactly? Single Mine Origin gold is a new global standard that ensures it is responsibly sourced and fully traceable to a single mine.

This collection marks almost a double debut for MISHO—its first foray into high jewellery and a leap into the world of gemstones and vibrant colours. “Illustrating Jaipur without colour would be a terrible injustice,” she says. The collection deliberately broadens MISHO’s material palette, forging a stronger connection to the culture that inspired it, while pushing the boundaries of the brand’s design language.

Lotus pink sapphire pendant

The deep blues of the Peacock Gate inspired the usage of rich sapphires. The greens and pinks of the Lotus and Leheriya Gates are captured through pink sapphires and varying shades of emeralds. The Winter Gate’s rose motifs naturally led to glowing rubies. Each stone tells a story, much like the city itself.

Sourced from Jaipur’s legendary Johri Bazaar, the gemstones in JAIPUR further tie the collection to the city’s rich history and craftsmanship. Parekh has also worked on re-imagining traditional techniques, like meenakari enamelling and intricate pearl detailing, for this collection. For example, instead of using pearls in their usual form, she incorporates them in unexpected ways, as accentuating details. “I wanted to design it in a way that the strung pearls enhance the sculptural nature of the jewellery,” she explains.

The collaborative collection between MISHO and Princess Gauravi Kumari is more than just an artistic pursuit—it also supports the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, an initiative dedicated to empowering women artisans across Rajasthan. “It felt like a natural synergy,” Parekh notes. The cities that designers encounter often become a rich source of inspiration—their architecture, culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere leave a lasting imprint. Jaipur, in particular, provided a wealth of ideas for this collection and the goal was to honor the city’s spirit and the people who contributed to shaping the collection. The PDFK foundation works to ensure traditional crafts thrive in contemporary contexts, a cause close to both Parekh and Gauravi Kumari, Diya’s daughter and current face of the foundation. A portion of the proceeds from JAIPUR will be donated to the foundation, and a jewellery bag charm inspired by Jaipur will also be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Parekh has known Gauravi for about three years. Funnily enough, they were already familiar with each other’s brands before they even met— Gauravi was a MISHO customer, and Parekh had been shopping at PDFK. When they finally crossed paths, the connection was instant, but it wasn’t until MISHO’s take on heritage jewellery caught Gauravi’s eye that the idea of collaborating truly felt right. “It’s amazing to see elements of the palace, elements which have adorned the space for years, through a different perspective. I am particularly in love with the attention to detail and the exquisite craftsmanship in each piece,” she notes.

Emerald Diamond Door Earrings

No collection is truly complete without a piece that steals the spotlight. For Gauravi, those pieces are the Emerald Diamond Door Earrings and the Emerald Diamond Earcuff. “The gate is one of the most iconic features of the City Palace,” she reflects. “It’s thrilling to see it reimagined in a way that blends both the contemporary and the timeless.” Parekh, however, finds it hard to choose just one standout piece—she jokes that she ideally wants to leave every piece of the collection to her daughter, Veya. But the door-shaped earrings do hold a special place in her heart. “They’re like tiny portals,” she smiles. “Step through them, and you might find yourself in a whole new world.”

MISHO JAIPUR will launch on February 27 and will be available exclusively by appointment at their Mumbai studio.

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How to explore Jaipur beyond the tourist traps

It all began with an Instagram request in 2017—surprisingly, one that wasn’t ignored. “I never accept requests from strangers,” says Hridi Narang, founder of Guru Om Candles & Decor, who made an exception for singer-songwriter Anuv Jain. How millennial, for a singer whose music traces the modern-day complexities of dating. This digital connection, sparked by Jain’s song ‘Baarishein’, was a slow burn, taking five years to transform. Their platonic friendship evolved into love and culminated in a three-day wedding celebration this February.

Their first encounter was brief—a five-minute meeting at Jain’s Delhi show in February 2021—but it was a routine phone call in 2022 that changed everything. “When she shared, in passing, that she was single, I couldn’t have ignored that as I always found her beautiful,” Jain recalls. “I stopped everything else I was doing as this was my window to shoot my shot.” He surprised Narang with a spontaneous trip to Delhi for Valentine’s Day dinner, even bringing her a box of her favourite Kookie Jar boat pastry from Kolkata. Despite a series of comical mishaps—fully booked restaurants and a wrong pizza order—the date became a pivotal moment. “Even though it was like a very bad date, because we just couldn’t find a place to sit, we still had a great time,” Jain explains.

The immediate connection solidified their feelings. “We spoke about everything. And I was like, yes, this is the guy I want to be with,” Narang shares. The unplanned Valentine’s Day date, which extended into the 15th, became a significant marker in their relationship. “We were a bit poetic with that because that date was on the 14th of February. We didn’t plan a Valentine’s Day, but it just happened to be that day,” Jain adds. “So after three years, we kept it the same way. The 14th was for some of our functions and the 15th, we actually got married.”

The celebrations were intimate and personalised. “We wanted a close-knit and cosy wedding full of family and friends,” shares Narang. Working with Karma Events, as they designed each function with meticulous attention to detail.

Highlights from the mehendi function included carnival games like balloon shooting, ring toss and beer pong to add nostalgic touches from their childhood and early twenties. Narang chose a vibrant Mayyur Girotra fiery red gharara and teamed it with a traditional parandi, complementing the festive Punjab-meets-carnival theme. “We wanted each look to be completely different, yet authentic to us,” explains Narang. Jain opted for a cropped contemporary jacket by the same designer, layered over a sleek black kurta and pathani salwar.

Fashion mood boards took on two distinct approaches recently—ornate tradition and contemporary statements. Where stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif turned to intricate craftsmanship for festive dressing, Kylie Jenner, Mindy Kaling, and Sydney Sweeney delivered black-tie glamour with standout red carpet moments.

Kareena Kapoor Khan knows how to borrow from bridal collections without stealing the spotlight. For her cousin Aadar Jain’s wedding, she skipped the expected lehenga in favour of a breezy inky-blue Sabyasachi kaftan from the designer’s 2023 ‘Heritage Bridal’ collection. The look, rooted in old-world craftsmanship featured botanical prints inspired by Sundarbans mangroves, gold zardozi panels, and subtle sequin detailing.

If you follow Katrina Kaif’s fashion trajectory, you know her penchant for pastels and saris—and her latest look was no exception. For the premiere of her husband Vicky Kaushal’s latest release, she draped herself in a whimsical Anita Dongre sari in powder blue, featuring delicate floral embroidery, subtle green sequin accents, and a scalloped pallu that added to its romantic appeal. Paired with a tonal blouse boasting a sweetheart neckline and tassel details when put together make for an effortless choice for bridesmaids or daytime weddings.

Small but mighty, the best eyeshadow sticks have a lot going for them: They’re easy to apply, versatile, beginner-friendly, and efficient. “What’s not to love about an eyeshadow stick?” says Mali Thomas, global artist in residence at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

While mastering a perfect cut crease or a multi-shadow smokey eye requires plenty of practice, eyeshadow sticks require no honed skills—nor any extra tools to achieve great results. Whether you’re a beauty novice or a seasoned expert, simply glide on your favorite eyeshadow stick, blend the edges with your finger, and go on with your day. Bobbi Brown’s global artistic director, Hannah Murray, agrees that eyeshadow sticks are ideal for portability. “They’re great on the go—no need for a makeup bag filled with eyeshadow palettes and brushes; just throw in a couple of sticks, and you’re all set,” Murray tells Vogue.

Even better, both beauty minimalists and maximalists can find suitable shades to incorporate in their routines. But both pros emphasize that there are no limits when it comes to experimenting with eyeshadow sticks. With no hard and fast rules, anyone should feel free to explore different colors and pigments. On one hand, you can select an eyeshadow stick based on your skin tone or eye color. “For example, if you have warm, rich undertones, I recommend using bronze and gold shades. For someone with green eyes, I prefer shades that contrast, like pink, purple, or brown,” Thomas says. Alternatively, you can pick up a few shades for different occasions. Murray suggests shimmering shades for those looking to update their makeup bag, as they can offer a subtle glisten during the day and be intensified for a smokey eye at night. (Another pro tip from Murray: “Use them to create a base for other eyeshadows and pigments, as a wash of color on the eyelid, or to line the eyes and smudge for more drama.”)

In preparation for all the makeup looks ahead, read on to discover the best eyeshadow sticks to upgrade your makeup bag.

Best Long-Wear: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Both of our experts reveal their penchant for Bobbi Brown’s stick. “These sticks have saved my makeup looks in a time crunch on many occasions,” Thomas admits. They’re special to Murray for their “variety of textures—matte, shimmer, and multichrome, giving you the versatility of creating many different looks.” Shades Cinnamon, Mica, Golden Bronze, Forest, and Moonlight are a few of their favorites.
• Number of Shades: 27
• Finishes: Matte, Shimmer
• Best For: Those seeking a fail-proof eyeshadow stick option, with a creamy, easily blended texture in various finishes.

Best Multi-Use: Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour

• Why We Love It: Part eyeshadow, part eyeliner, part khôl, this Chanel pick has all your eye-makeup needs covered. Creamy and blendable, this eyeshadow stick tip is just the right size for smooth application of fine lines or entire lid shading.
• Number of Shades: 10
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Those who like to make the most of their beauty products—use this stick all over lids as an eyeshadow or as an eyeliner alone.

Best Waterproof: Ilia Eye Stylus

• Why We Love It: Ilia’s highly anticipated waterproof eyeshadow stick launch has finally graced us with its presence—and Vogue’s beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo got a sneak peek before it hit stores. Swatching all shades on her left hand, she was instantly impressed with its color payoff—and eventually its staying power. “Without any eyeshadow primer, the various colors on my hand stayed put, not transferring onto clothes or fading away as I washed my hands throughout the day” she says. When it comes to application, the slanted tip allows for a precise application that can be easily buffed out.
• Number of Shades: 20
• Finishes: Shimmer, matte
• Best For: Long-lasting eye looks with minimal touchups are possible (with a special bonus for those who seek out clean, cruelty-free beauty).

Best Vibrancy: Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyewear

$34

VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY

• Why We Love It: Available in seven vibrant colors, Victoria Beckham’s clean, creamy pigment glides effortlessly and even boasts crease- and waterproof wear for up to eight hours.
• Number of Shades: 10
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Whether you’re looking for a dash of color (yes, there are blue and mustard options) or a neutral smokey eye—the vibrancy and color payoff of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s eyeshadow sticks makes each color truly pop.

Best Transfer-Proof: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow

• Why We Love It: Laura Mercier’s eyeshadow stick is a classic for a reason: It’s a seamless, multitasking formula that imparts rich pigment wherever you place it. Though it’s transfer-proof and crease-resistant, the formula blends with ease for a soft wash of color or an in-depth look.
• Number of Shades: 19
• Finishes: Shimmer
• Best For: Look no further than Laura Mercier’s eyeshadow stick for anyone who loves a subtle shimmer—nothing too sparkly, just an elegant pearly shimmer that won’t budge.

Best for 5-Minute Makeup Routines: Charlotte Tilbury Easy Eye Wand

Easy Eye Wand

Charlotte Tilbury
₹ 2,000.00

• Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s Easy Eye Wand is designed for quick, single-shadow eye looks, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you prefer a matte or shimmery shade, the rounded product tip glides on easy thanks to the velvety texture formulated with jojoba oil and silica. Simply swipe on, and blur out the edges with your finger.
• Number of Shades: 5
• Finishes: Matte, metallic
• Best For: Makeup novices or minimalists looking to elevate their eye look with little effort.

Best Bold Colors: Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Ready to sport bold eyeshadow colors this year? Whether it’s a bright cobalt blue or shimmering lime green, Urban Decay offers an array of high-pigment hues designed to resist fading and smudging.
• Number of Shades: 14
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Adventurous beauty enthusiasts who like to experiment with bold colors and Euphoria-esque makeup techniques.

Best for Precision Highlight: By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow

Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow

• Why We Love It: Those with a penchant for an inner corner highlight should look no further than this By Terry pick. The buildable formula is infused with Tahitian black pearl extract, which has smoothing and light-reflecting properties great for the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Number of Shades: 11
• Finishes: Matte, shimmer
• Best For: Anyone looking to add a bit of shimmer to their inner corner with precision. Gone are the days of finding the perfect tiny brush to just a dot of highlighter to your inner corner—this shadow stick will do the trick.

Best for Undone Smokey Eyes: Glossier Shadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Glossier has mastered the art of the soft glam, so you never have to fear looking overdone when applying their color cosmetics. In the eyeshadow category, their chubby stick comes in five natural-tone shades—all of which help you achieve that effortlessly undone, cool-girl smokey eye. The water- and transfer-resistant formula also features vitamin E acetate and dimethicone to ensure a snag-free application by creating nice slip. The end result? A hint of shine without going full-on glitzy shimmer.
• Number of Shades: 5
• Finishes: Pearlescent
• Best For: Easy-to-accomplish smokey eyes, inspired by ultra cool-girl, undone makeup (hello, O.G. Gossip Girl!).

Best Neutrals: NARS Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick

Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick

• Why We Love It: Do you love a neutral eyeshadow look? NARS has you covered, with shades ranging from a milky white to rich espresso. This eyeshadow stick boasts up to 16 hours of wear of vibrant, buildable color payoff. Use them alone for a minimalist, single-shade look or go full-on Monica Bellucci by combining various tones for a bombshell dark eye.
• Number of Shades: 8
• Finishes: Matte
• Best For: Makeup lovers who want no-nonsense neutral eye looks with shimmer-free finishes.

What is an eyeshadow stick?

Professional makeup artist Colby Smith encourages us to think of eyeshadow sticks as cream shadows in pencil form. “It’s essentially a jumbo eyeliner,” Smith says.