All posts by : AyFa Collections

Styled by Radhika Mehra for an editorial shoot, Kajol wears a black and white printed sari by Torani, paired with a statement oxidised choker by Tribe Amrapali. It’s a look that reflects a growing shift in Indian fashion—where the past isn’t referenced for nostalgia, but for depth.

The sari’s georgette and butterfly net base carries hand-illustrated floral and bird motifs in inky black, printed on ivory and framed by chevron borders, stripes and polka dots. A fine line of embroidery lends the drape just enough sparkle. The blouse, mostly concealed, reveals lace-detailed straps and a soft sweetheart neckline—structured enough to shape the silhouette, subtle enough not to compete with the print.

Designers across the board are returning to narrative-led prints. From Valentino’s oversized florals to House of Masaba’s maximalist canvases, designers are returning to narrative-driven motifs and textile storytelling. Torani’s visual world is shaped by personal memory and cultural reference—Mughal-era botanical drawings, domestic objects, lived textures. His saris often feel like fragments from a dream, dyed in palettes that reference sun, smoke, foam or clay.

Here, the black-and-white palette draws attention to the simplicity of the form as much as the emotion within it. The print feels archival, like something pulled from old family albums or noir-era Indian cinema. The oxidised choker adds weight and edge, breaking the monotone without disrupting the mood. The beauty look is kept minimal: Kajol’s hair tied back in an easy bun, tendrils left loose, skin luminous but not loud.

If you’ve been using minoxidil for hair growth, you already know the routine is anything but glamorous. Every morning begins with a careful, almost clinical application. You watch as the solution settles—a sticky, honest moment that’s more persistence than panacea. There’s no instant glow here. No big reveal. Just a damp scalp, a resigned expression and the hope that your hairline won’t recede while your patience does.

Then it starts with a rogue selfie. You’re not hunting for new growth anymore—you’re accounting. Zooming in. Comparing screenshots in a gallery of ‘progress pictures’. Wondering if the lighting changed, or you did. This isn’t the beginning or even the middle. It’s the part where everything has technically worked, just not enough to feel done.

There’s no growth, but you keep applying it, because what if it gets worse? Still scanning for signs of new growth. Still unsure whether holding on counts as progress.

Why does a millimetre of growth make us feel like we’ve outsmarted time? Hair has always been more than fibre. It marks health, youth and identity. In beauty culture—and especially in South Asia—it’s been a symbol of femininity, virility, discipline and control.

But for me, it’s also geometry. I’ve somehow rationalised my obsession by telling myself that longer, fuller hair balances out my body. That it slims my face and softens the angles that stick out a bit too much. Thinning hair feels like a narrowing of options; a widening parting, a spotlight.

These ideals weren’t handed down all at once. A newspaper ad. A TV makeover. A passing comment from a grandparent. A social media scroll. An AI-generated face. A friend’s before-and-after photographs. Together, they formed a puzzle of expectations, and the more pieces you collect, the more you realise you’ll never complete it.

For me, minoxidil for hair growth isn’t simply a treatment. It’s a way to keep negotiating with the image you were told to build.

So what is the plateau and how do you know you’ve hit it?

The word plateau implies stillness, but it takes time to get here. Twelve to eighteen months of effort and discipline. Missed brunches because you haven’t rinsed out the solution yet. You expect a finish line. Instead, you’re handed a maintenance plan.

Full, thick and effortlessly beautiful. Lash extensions, once an occasional indulgence for special occasions, won me over, becoming a bi-monthly investment that’s been difficult to break free of.

I’ve dabbled in lash extensions on and off for the past six months. I couldn’t bear to part with them at all. Until now.

I know, it sounds trivial. Superficial. Ridiculous, even. But since starting a new job and re-entering the workforce full-time after seven years, my lash extensions have become, well, a part of me. At work, they suffice as all the makeup I need; at a workout class, they’re the difference between looking somewhat decent and like something the cat dragged in.

While indulging in lash extensions might be a common practice, the practice of artificially lengthening the appearance of eyelashes is rooted in the 1800s. These very first versions were crafted from human hair and glued onto the eyelids over natural lashes. In 1911, Canadian inventor Anna Taylor patented the first lash extensions from crescent-shaped fabric sprouting tiny hairs. In Hollywood, the popularity of lash extensions started surging in 1947, appearing on fashion models and film actresses. 20 years later, they entered the mainstream market, and today, there are a variety of lash extensions available, from boxed strips available across Sephora, to salon and home treatments.

They have become so commonplace that many women rely heavily on extensions for their beauty looks. “I’ve gotten so used to them, I don’t recognise myself without them,” admits digital editor of Vogue Arabia Leen Al Saadi, who has been getting constant lash refills for three years. “I don’t have an addictive personality type, but I have to admit, giving up lash extensions feels impossible.”

Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, the convenience factor is a huge plus point. With lash extensions, I merely roll out of bed, brush my teeth, slap some CC cream on and a touch of blush for good measure, and voila! Morning makeup routines have never been so simple. Not to mention, I don’t have to set foot outside my home since my eyelash lady does home visits. I can often sneak in a nap while she works her magic.

The convenience is what keeps many extension enthusiasts loyal to the process. UAE-based Jennifer Love became a lash-extension addict when she moved to Dubai 10 years ago for this very reason. But over time, her natural lashes weakened and she called it quits, turning to lash growth serums, lash tints and magnetic false lashes as alternatives. But the allure of extensions quickly returned when she became a mother in 2024. “I found myself constantly searching for beauty treatments that would let me leave the house with minimal makeup and effort,” she explains. “I was living my high-low maintenance life, from lash extensions to hair extensions… but once again, my natural lashes and hair started to pay the price.”

Fashion has long held a special place in its heart for the world of dance. Consider the reign of the ballet flats – still twirling its way down runways from Ferragamo to JW Anderson to, of course, Simone Rocha. The style was (and remains) the cornerstone of the 2010s It-girl wardrobe, as shown by the likes of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss. After a brief fall from grace (during the dark days of Fila Disruptors and other such ankle-breaking styles), the ballet flat has pirouetted back into our wardrobes in a big way: ballet sneakers, ballet loafers, ballet heels, we’re all gunning for our own Black Swan moment. Quietly leading the (not so quiet) ballet flat revival? French It-girl brand Repetto, whose styles have been adopted by new-gen fashion girls like Lily-Rose Depp.

Serge Gainsbourg

Sergio Gaudenti/Sygma via Getty Images

But long before ballet flats were associated with any kind of -core, Repetto had a more unlikely mascot: Serge Gainsbourg. In the 1970s, the Frenchman swore by the brand’s Zizi style, a soft jazz shoe that was named for dancer Zizi Jeanmaire, daughter-in-law of brand founder Rose Repetto. Now, Derbies – specifically the slim and supple kind – are ready for a comeback. Jacquemus led the charge with its spring/summer 2024 collaboration with Repetto, while Lemaire has quietly adopted the lace-up style in tandem. Most recently, they’ve popped up at Celine, where Michael Rider’s French take on American prep is quickly emerging as a new trend (see also: Jonathan Anderson’s Dior debut).

Cosmic tip: Trust your consistency, your ethics and your growth.

That flutter you’re feeling? It’s not random, Scorpio, it’s your heart asking you to pay attention to new feelings, new beginnings, and maybe even a little magic. Let it stay open, even if it feels unfamiliar or a bit messy. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, my love, it’s how you grow into the person you’re becoming. And when the spark hits — whether it’s an idea, a person, or a wild urge to do something brave — don’t wait too long to act. Move with that fire, but stay anchored in how it feels, not just how it looks. Your softness and your boldness can (and should) coexist. Let this moment be about both: starting from the heart, then running with it — no apologies, no overthinking. Just presence, courage, and a little bit of reckless hope.

Cosmic tip: There is beauty in being seen, and power in being supported. Receive both with a warm, open heart.

You’ve got vision and the tools to back it up; now’s not the time to second-guess yourself. That idea you’ve been sitting on? It’s ready to move. Stop waiting for the right moment, Sag. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means trusting yourself enough to take the first step. You’re not building from the ground up— you’re taking off with experience, insight, and fire. The universe is matching your energy, but you’ve got to show up like you mean it. Lead with intention, speak with clarity, and don’t water yourself down to fit into spaces you’ve already outgrown. You’re allowed to want more. In fact, you’re built for it. The real flex? Turning potential into progress — one bold, grounded move at a time.

Cosmic tip: Remember that just because something broke, it doesn’t mean you did. So power up now.

Sometimes, everything falls apart just to make way for something better, even if it feels like chaos right now. You might be facing unexpected shake-ups or clashes that throw your plans off balance. That tension? It’s uncomfortable but necessary. It forces you to confront what’s not working and clears the space for real growth, Capricorn. Instead of resisting the mess, lean into it. Ask yourself: What’s this disruption trying to teach me? Conflicts and challenges aren’t roadblocks; instead, they’re signposts pushing you toward a stronger, clearer path. Take a deep breath, keep your cool, and remember that rebuilding from the ground up means your new foundation will be built to last. This storm is tough, but so are you.

In an industry preoccupied with the next big thing, Tarun Tahiliani questions the very idea of newness. “I find the obsession with it rather unnecessary,” he deadpans. “Many contemporary designs appear forced, different for the sake of being different. The goal isn’t to be different—it’s to be better, to be more thoughtful, to create something that lasts.” While others take note of how his old collections are making a comeback, he is busy refining silhouettes, perfecting drapes and thinking of new ways to bring craftsmanship into the future. “I love seeing pieces from a decade ago worn today,” he says, no doubt referring to the new generation of admirers birthed by his original muses.

1992: Geometric blouses and jamawar weaves inspired by aerial views of India’s patchwork fields, set against a backdrop echoing Jehangir Sabavala’s cubist landscapes

Like interior designer Aliya Modi, who takes pleasure in wearing Tarun Tahiliani custom pieces “that have been loved before, that carry the essence of the women in my family and still feel relevant today”. “My mother (the late Minal Modi) always spoke about how she felt like herself in them,” Aliya recalls. “ They influenced the way she moved and carried herself.”

Tahiliani fondly remembers Minal’s effortless style and deep appreciation for couture. “She would come to the studio, adjust the drape, tell us how she’d wear it differently. She wasn’t just a client, she was a collaborator.” Aliya is the third generation of women in her family with a gift for spotting collectables. She references her maternal grandmother’s collection of saris, saying: “She was the grand dame of the chiffon sari. She never threw anything away. Everything was worn, treasured and eventually passed down.”

“There are some animal studies on this,” says Stengel, “and increasing evidence-based indications that certain probiotic bacterial strains called psychobiotics can have a positive influence on mood, stress and anxiety.”

Certain strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacterium stand out. Studies have shown that they reduce anxiety-like behaviour in animals, reduce stress in healthy test subjects, and lead to better sleep. “In irritable bowel syndrome patients, probiotics with bifidobacteria were even able to alleviate anxiety symptoms,” says Stengel.

These findings show that probiotics, when used in a targeted manner, also influence emotional balance. However, it’s important to note that the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. According to Stengel, it is assumed that the effect is achieved via modulation of inflammatory processes, nerve activity, and the regulation of stress hormones such as cortisol and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine—all of which happen along the gut-brain axis. Of course, these findings are primarily based on studies within specific groups and therefore cannot be generalised without further study.

A diet for a better mood

Every day life also plays an important role in the health of the microbiome—and our mental state. “A healthy diet is, of course, good for a healthy body,” says Stengel.

That doesn’t mean every “wellness” trend will work for everyone. Intermittent fasting, for example, may be unsuitable for people with pre-existing conditions or irritable bowel syndrome.

To that end, it’s important to take a balanced, individualized, and holistic approach. Prioritize the wellness basics of adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, and movement: “It is important for everyone to drink enough fluids every day and to mindfully eat colourful, fresh, fibre-rich meals in a calm and relaxed atmosphere,” Stengel says. “Fermented foods, sufficient exercise, and daily relaxation also play a vital part.”

In other words, probiotics can be part of a comprehensive program—but it’s important to also factor in all aspects of health. “Yes, I do indeed see it that way,” says Stengel. “The only question is whether we really need to buy probiotics from the pharmacy or whether our microbiome can also be cultivated healthily through an appropriate pre- and probiotic diet,” she says. “Either way, the gut microbiome can influence our body both negatively and positively.”

This article first appeared on Vogue.de

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The non-glam fibre foods your gut actually needs

The best time to take probiotics, according to experts

You’ve probably made a joke about showing signs of abandonment issues—blaming them for why you panic when your partner wants one night alone, or why you’re triple-texting someone who’s taking too long to reply. But there’s a difference between being a little needy every now and then and living in a constant state of, “What if everyone leaves me?”

At its core, “abandonment issues stem from a deep-seated, pervasive fear or anxiety about possible rejection or losing somebody,” says Hasti Afkhami, LMFT, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist at Bustan Therapy certified in trauma therapy. While feelings of abandonment might show up during minor situations, say, your bestie seeming more distant than usual, these reactions often trace back to more foundational experiences. It’s most likely to stem from a past where a parent or caregiver (but also in some cases, a partner or spouse) was unavailable, absent, inconsistent or abusive.

Whatever the cause, these early wounds tend to seep into every relationship (even with those who’ve done nothing to make you question their loyalty). That’s why recognising what abandonment issues actually look like is an important first step in feeling more secure.

Beyond everyday worries or a bit of overthinking, here are the signs to look for.

1. You cling tightly and seek constant reassurance

Even the tiniest bit of perceived distance can be anxiety-inducing for anyone carrying abandonment wounds. So in a desperate effort to hold onto that sense of security, you may exhibit really clingy behaviour—a telltale sign of abandonment issues, says Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and author of Healing from Parental Abandonment and Neglect.

This isn’t about simply wanting company. “You become overly dependent on others to feel okay,” Gillis explains. “It’s like that wounded inner child is desperate for the love and affection they didn’t get when they were younger,” which explains why you might expect instant text replies or nightly calls to feel secure. Or you may repeatedly ask questions like, “Are you mad at me?” or, “Do you still love me?” the second you detect a slight change in tone. You might even find yourself tagging along to every errand or social event just to avoid being left out—or in your mind, left behind.

2. You base your self-worth on someone else’s actions

People with abandonment issues will usually interpret little, normal shifts—a partner wanting a “guys night,” your favourite coworker cancelling happy hour plans last-second—as evidence they’re no longer loved or wanted, says Ruschelle Khanna, LCSW, a psychotherapist based in New York City.

The sneakers with long-skirts combination is quietly replacing summer’s go-to shorts and minis. Whether styled with floaty cotton or more structured silhouettes, it’s a look that’s gaining traction in real-life wardrobes. But pulling it off without feeling mismatched takes some intention. Here’s a practical edit of how to make the sneakers with long-skirts paring work—on or off holiday.

White skirt + green sneakers

The sangallo lace skirt—sensual but innocent, elegant but at the same time effortless – has become a real obsession for fashionistas, who wear it breaking up the romantic allure together with genderless and casual garments and accessories, such as for green sneakers – with visible white sock: to be paired with a draped top and matching bag.

Instagram @rebecaoksana

Brown lace skirt + pink sneakers

Perfect to be worn at the beach – as a cover-up – but also in the city, the wide semi-transparent skirt also in lace is worn with a simple (extra) oversize cut T-shirt, even better if en pendant with the rest of the look: it will be the accessories that will give a touch of colour to the look, as for the pink sneakers.