All posts by : AyFa Collections

In a moment of quiet devotion for a temple visit in Jaipur, Ananya Panday opted for a simpler look. The actor opted for a floral kurta set by Mulmul, which stood out for its diaphanous fabric, relaxed silhouette and romantic prints. With her yellow sleeveless look, she proves that festive dressing doesn’t need to translate to heavy silks or blinding bling.

“Ananya is wearing the Aubriet Kurta Set in mustard from The PDKF Store x Mulmul collection. The set was made in soft, comfortable Supima cotton known for its breathability. The kurta’s mid-length straight fit makes it refreshingly modern in its cut, while its ladder lace inserts and a Y-placket neckline finished with handcrafted thread and shell tassels echo a vintage appeal,” reveals Saumya Modi, co-founder, Mulmul.

“The motifs on her breezy kurta were inspired by Gadh prints, a traditional Indian block printing craft known for its beautiful geometric patterns that are reminiscent of Jaipur’s rich design language. These are interspersed with romantic floral designs. Ananya’s kurta is paired with matching printed pants and an ombré organza dupatta in soft mustard gradients that reflect the city’s stunning sunsets,” elaborates Bhavini Modi, the other half of the brand.

Where florals and cottons are ubiquitous during India’s unforgiving summers, a kurta, like Panday’s latest look, is ideal for transitional dressing too. Add to that the sun-kissed shade, which feels like a monsoon mood-lifter against the incessant rain-soaked skies. Being mindful of the occasion, the Student Of The Year 2 star kept her beauty look refreshingly natural: flushed cheeks, dewy skin, softly defined eyes and easy, open hair. She ditched traditional jewellery in favour of a playful twist by wearing dainty butterfly studs on her upper lobe piercing. The charming accessory added just the right hint of whimsy, perfectly complementing the floral print of her kurta set.

Cosmic tip: Own your power quietly, and let results catch up.

Sometimes the hardest battles aren’t fought with others, Scorpio, they’re the ones we have with ourselves. If you’ve been stuck in cycles of regret, blame, or just plain burnout, it’s time to step off the battlefield. The weight you’re carrying? It’s not your burden to hold anymore. Endings don’t mean failure; they mean freedom to rebuild. Yes, it might feel raw and heavy right now, but that’s part of clearing space for something new. Let go of the need to “win” every fight, especially the ones that drain your energy and peace. You don’t have to carry the past forward. This moment is your chance to start fresh, even if the ground feels shaky.

Cosmic tip: Lean into the release, and trust that rest and repair are part of the glow, up.

You’re stepping into a moment where your effort finally gets the spotlight it deserves. Recognition isn’t just about applause, Sag, it’s about feeling seen for the work you’ve put in, even the parts no one else notices. Celebrate that, but don’t stop there! New opportunities are opening, and they’re more than just shiny distractions—they’re solid chances to build something real and lasting. The key is to stay grounded and intentional. It’s tempting to sprint toward the next win, but slow, steady moves now will pay off bigger in the long run. Trust the process, even if it feels like baby steps. Your momentum is real, and the foundation you lay today sets you up for success that lasts.

Cosmic tip: Own your wins, then get ready to plant seeds for what’s next.

You may feel a little untethered right now, Capricorn, like your emotions are talking over each other and none of them are speaking clearly. That doesn’t mean you’re broken; it means something inside is shifting, and you are reminded that you’re in a transition, not a breakdown. Don’t rush to escape or numb it. The discomfort you are feeling is part of the release. What you’re moving through is teaching you what no longer feels safe, aligned, or true. Let yourself move forward, even if it’s quiet, even if it’s slow. You don’t need the perfect words or the perfect plan, just the willingness to keep showing up. Let the old story unravel without needing to fix it right away. You’re headed somewhere lighter, but you have to honour the in between.

For many young readers feeling distant from their native cultures, translated books offer a way back home. “The idea that people can access the cultures of their origin through a literary or cinematic lens is becoming more powerful,” says J. Devika, translator between English and Malayalam.

Unlike millennials, who equated English with upward mobility, Gen Z has a strong sense of ‘India pride.’ For them, reading a Malayalam classic or Bengali feminist fiction in English isn’t a niche hobby that earns them bragging rights. It’s the longing to know the mouthfeel of languages alien to them; languages that their grandparents perhaps spoke their entire lives. “For many of us who studied in English-medium institutions, English feels just as close as our native language. So reading the same book in both versions—first in English, then in the original—can help readers ease into the mother tongue, especially when they’re not entirely fluent, which is unfortunately not rare,” explains Bhasthi.

Closer to home, the boom in regional literature festivals has created thriving spaces for young Indians to discover and celebrate native-language storytelling. Conceived in 2022, Kerala’s Wayanad Literature Festival positions itself as India’s first rural literary celebration. The latest edition of Meghalaya’s Shillong Literary Festival aimed to highlight regional languages, particularly Khasi and Garo, which are still seeking constitutional recognition. In March 2025, Vidhan Soundha, the legislative chambers of Karnataka, opened its doors to the public for its first-ever book fair and cultural festival focused on Kannada books, which attracted over 150,000 readers.

“Reading in Tamil reminds me of the way people speak in my hometown and even small details like how families interact and festivals are celebrated,” says Saranya Dhandapani, a techie from Bangalore, highlighting the emotional proximity she feels towards Chennai when reading Tamil books. Chatterjee observes how, although the language to describe them may be different, the experiences regional authors write about are often universal. “An English translation of a book by Perumal Murugan, who originally writes in Tamil, depicts a mother-in-law upset over the bride’s spending, which is something we see in Bengal too.”

There’s something telling about a beauty look that begins at the cheek. This week, blush wasn’t the afterthought—it was the architecture. Sushmita Sen leaned into a sculpted flush that framed the face without overpowering it, all set against ’90s neutrals. Mindy Kaling layered tones of rose and berry, letting her makeup build in dimension rather than intensity. From Maitreyi Ramakrishnan to Chitrangda, these looks made a case for colour that lifts, rather than leads.

Sushmita Sen looks like she just walked off the set of a ’90s power ballad—flawless blowout, taupe lids and a creamy nude lip. The blush is strategic and the lashes are lush without veering into falsie territory. It’s glam with gravitas.

Mindy Kaling’s blush is bold, the lip is lined and lacquered, and the eyes are smoked just enough to hold their own. But it all syncs, thanks to a tight tonal range: flushed rose, berry-brown, soft black. The lip—somewhere between mauve and mocha—ties everything together like a thesis statement in gloss form. Nothing shy here.

Neha Dhupia’s look is all about lived-in luminosity. The skin is glossy in that just-finished-skincare way, and the tones stay loyal to a warm terracotta-pink palette—from the eyes to the cheeks to the creamy nude lip.

For the Freakier Friday world premiere, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s glam sits somewhere between Disney darling and desi diva. The hair is big and bouncy—Old Hollywood by way of Mississauga—and the lashes are turned up, adding drama without drowning her features. But look closer and it’s the smoked-out eye that does the real heavy lifting, paired with a soft, peachy terracotta lip that nods to 2000s gloss culture without veering Y2K.

This is your sign to bring back bubblegum gloss. Mrunal Thakur’s skin is luminous without looking glazed, the brows are brushed up but not overdone and the blush is a background player, letting that glossy pink lip do all the talking.

Chitrangda wears monotone right. The rosy-nude eyeshadow, brick-rose lipstick and flushed cheeks are all dialled to the same frequency as her sari. It’s wearable glam that works day and night.

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

A beach proposal is a favourite for a reason. The calm crashing of the waves, the feeling of your toes in the sand and the spectacular backdrop of the ocean sky at sunrise or sunset are a dreamy combination to craft the perfect romantic moment. Indians, especially, love beach proposals because they have all the makings of a Bollywood rom-com climax. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to get perfect engagement photos at seaside locations around the world like the Maldives, Bali, Goa, Santorini, Seychelles and Phuket. But, there are plenty of logistics you need to figure out to ensure your beach proposal goes off without a hitch. From organising proposal photography to setting up an intimate setting for your surprise, planning a beach proposal takes a bit of work. As someone who planned a beach proposal myself, I’ve learned that proposing by the water requires quick thinking to adapt to unexpected stressors.

Ahead, see all the proposal planning tips you’ll need to kick off your beach engagement.

Find the perfect location

Choosing the right beach location is key to guaranteeing a beautiful proposal setting. First, consider the destination that feels right for the engagement. Is there a beach you often frequent together? It could be special to revisit this place in your romantic history for your proposal. Planning a beach vacation? Scout out the best beaches for proposals near your destination with a beautiful lookout, or seek a more private cove. If you are less familiar with the area, you might want to check online for frequented spots or ask your hotel concierge for any tips. If you’re staying at a resort, they may even have a special area on the property that can be the perfect location for your big moment.

Choose the right time

As you likely don’t want hundreds of spectators around that can take up prime sand real estate, it’s important to decide on a not-so-busy time to get down on one knee. Consider hitting the beach in the off-season when there aren’t as many sunbathers about or at an hour when the location is relatively empty, like when most people are at dinner. You can even plan a romantic picnic on the beach during this hour before you pop the question.

It’s also important to consider the best ambience based on the time of day: not when the sun is too bright, but definitely when it’s just at the horizon. Not only will it be beautiful to watch (and give you an excuse to get your S.O. out there for the surprise), but the light will be wonderful for photos. Helpful hint: Bring a sweater or extra blanket in case the temperatures drop when the sun is no longer in sight.

Make a plan in case of inclement weather

As I am well aware, bad weather can easily throw a wrench in your proposal plans. In my case, a windy forecast made my plans for a post-engagement dinner on the beach a less-than-ideal situation. So, we had to change the location for the second act of the proposal just hours prior. No matter your situation, it’s always important to have a rain contingency plan. Especially if you have hired a photographer or pre-planned a celebration afterwards, you may need to find another covered spot to pop the question. Always have a backup in place when you are first scouting out your ideal beach locale.

Pick the right beach proposal outfit

Deciding on the right outfit for your proposal is a tricky task. On the one hand, you don’t want to give away the surprise by showing up overdressed for a beach day. But, you also probably want to look more polished than usual, especially if you’re documenting the proposal. Try to find a happy medium or create an excuse for a slightly more put-together look. For example, you could offer to take a quick walk on the beach before a dinner reservation. If you want to do a full engagement shoot after the proposal, you could also keep a change of clothes for both you and your partner hidden away in the car.

Mom jeans became a symbol of the Normcore movement circa 2014, however they have slipped in popularity in lieu of baggy silhouettes and ’90s straight-legs that have dominated the denim landscape over the past few years.

The name “mom jeans” is in many ways loaded, and should be taken with a pinch of salt, as Susan Orlean wrote in The New Yorker in 2011 “since when did the word mom become a swear word?,” in relation to the sneery undertone behind this phrase. “I guess the current definition of “mom” is someone who wears their jeans high enough to hide their tramp stamp; is attractive but genderless; is, in other words, nice, slightly frumpy,” she wrote at the time.

These jeans – which have a high waist, a slightly loose leg that tapers at the ankle and no stretch – were found predominantly in the suburbs in malls and Wallmart in the Noughties. However, this silhouette is also aligned with the fundamentals of model off-duty style, worn by Cindy Crawford in the ’90s and Gigi Hadid throughout her runway career to date.

Cindy Crawford in 1991.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

They will function in your wardrobe just like a straight-leg or baggy jean, as all have a throwback feel. In 2025, the most popular styles have a softer, slightly tapered fit that isn’t too exaggerated – Levi’s high-waisted Mom jeans and Toteme’s tapered style are two hero pairs that feel very relevant for 2025. During the Normcore era, these jeans were worn with tucked-in T-shirts – a combination that will forever be popular, but can be updated with some subtle tweaks.

From a lace-trimmed camisole to a relaxed linen shirt, here is Vogue’s guide for how to style mom jeans in a way that feels fresh for 2025.

With linen shirt + suede bag

The Weekend – With Nothing Underneath

Mom High Waisted Colour Ankle Grazer Jeans – M&S

Matina Sandals – Ancient Greek Sandals

Buckled Suede Bucket Bag – net-a-porter

With a white T-shirt + loafers

Crewneck T-Shirt – & other stories

High-Rise Organic Tapered Jeans – Net-A-Porter

Lucy Williams Arco Cord Necklace – MISSOMA

Slim Suede Loafers – Arket

With suede bomber + camisole top

Suede Bomber Jacket – Net-A-Porter

Black Toe Post Kitten Heel Mule – Whistles

With strapless top + mules

Strapless Tie-Back Cotton-Blend Top – Net-A-Porter

High-Waisted Mom Jeans – Levi’s

Trompette 45 Embellished Patent-Leather Mules – Net-A-Porter

LE 5 À 7 Supple Small Shoulder Bag – Saint Laurent

With a cardigan and boho boots

Circle-Cut Merino Wool Caridgan – COS

Mom Fit Comfort High-Waist Jeans – Zara

Edrika Suede Ankle Boots – MyTheresa

Oval Frame Sunglasses – Gucci

Also read:

6 ways to style your Birkenstocks with jeans

How to wear grey jeans like a street style expert

How to wear skinny jeans, for those who don’t do skinny jeans

Cosmic tip: Your light doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

There’s nothing to force right now, Gemini. Just breathe. You’re allowed to move slower, speak softer, and feel deeper. Let the weight of the expectations, the pressure, and the noise. All crumble and fall off. What stays is what supports you, and what leaves was never yours to carry. Let tenderness lead. You’re not falling behind — you’re falling back into alignment. Healing isn’t a straight line, and peace doesn’t always come loud. Trust the quiet. Listen to the language of your soul.

Cosmic tip: Let rest be your reset.

Clarity is landing, Cancer, may not all at once, but in quiet pieces. Listen to what your heart’s been whispering beneath the distractions. You already know more than you’re giving yourself credit for. Trust that inner yes, walk a little in that direction, however uncertain you may feel. Not everything needs to be figured out right now; sometimes things just need to be felt and noticed. Choose what nourishes your energy, not what keeps you busy. You’re not here to prove your worth—you’re here to live in alignment with it. Let that be your guide today.

Cosmic tip: Stay soft. Stay steady. Stay aligned.

Leo, you’re being asked to get real with your needs, your limits, and what you’re no longer available for. Ground yourself before you say yes to anything today, because not everything that demands your energy deserves it. Let what’s no longer aligned fall away, gently, because your voice matters. So speak clearly, move with intention, and let your actions reflect your truth. This isn’t about being hard—it’s about being honest. Protect your peace like it’s sacred. Because it is.

Cosmic tip: Stop trying to hold it all together, let it go.

Your heart is sending signals, Virgo. Don’t ignore them. Today’s about balancing what you feel with what you say. Take a breath before you speak because clarity comes in the pause. Ground yourself in what you know to be true, not what your anxiety whispers. It’s time to lead by example by extending compassion towards yourself, so be gentle. Protect your vibe by choosing where and with whom you invest your energy. Healing doesn’t have a deadline—it’s your journey you undertake, at your pace.

Andy Sachs is back all over our internet feeds—and so is her wardrobe. Anne Hathaway teased her return to the Devil Wears Prada sequel in a look that’s already stirring up fashion buzz. In a scoop-neck Gabriela Hearst dress from the label’s spring 2025 collection, Hathaway channelled the spirit of abstract art. The sleeveless number, made up of colourful blocks in pink, blue, yellow and lilac, was outlined with thick brown woven seams, reminiscent of Mondrian, but with a softer palette. Styled with a fuzzy-trim crochet bucket hat by Shebobo and Chloé platform sandals, it’s clear Andy’s still got her finger on the pulse, just with a little more ease this time around.

Among the many looks Priyanka Chopra Jonas packed for her birthday escape in the Bahamas, one sunset ensemble stole the spotlight. For a golden-hour yacht ride, she wore a crimson set by Colombian label Maygel Coronel—an off-shoulder top adorned with sculptural rose detailing and soft ruching, paired with a matching maxi skirt that sculpted her frame. With glazed skin, a tousled wet-hair finish, tinted sunglasses and a matching red lip, the look struck the right balance between sultry and sun-drenched romance.

My driving instructor was a comical fellow: elbow resting on the half-opened window pane, lazily holding a paper cup full of tea while humming a Tamil song, as if we were on a road trip, not taking 6am lessons. When I expressed that I was fearful enough about learning to drive without having to worry that the hot beverage would be flung in my direction, he responded nonchalantly, taking a sip, “Why are you afraid, madam? Seeing a lady driver in the car, everyone else will be afraid.” This offhand remark stayed with me. Would this fear or judgment follow me everywhere if I sat in the driver’s seat?

The open road has often served as a metaphor for freedom, escape, autonomy and self-discovery. Yet, for Indian women, it remains a contested space, where we’re perpetually categorised as damsels in distress, disruptive inconveniences or defiant rebels. And while these reductive narratives persist, across sun-drenched circuits and dust-laced rally trails, a quiet shift unfolds.

“As soon as I get behind the controls of these machines, I’m a racer or a pilot, I don’t think of myself in terms of gender,” says Sneha Sharma, who got her flying and racing licenses before she got her driving license. As a commercial pilot and acclaimed F4 racer, she defies neat categorisation, nimbly balancing two demanding careers. “Any machine becomes an extension of you. When I’m racing, I’m pushing that machine to and beyond its limits, but as a pilot, I keep this massive machine within its limits.”

Balloon pants have officially floated their way into every fashion girl’s wardrobe. Billowy, gathered at the ankle, and impossibly effortless, they’re quickly replacing cotton pajama pants as the go-to bottom. This style of trouser emerged from the spring runway shows, enchanting us along the way with refreshing takes on how to wear them right now. Genie pants were the focal point at Alaïa, designed for a sleek and modern wardrobe and styled minimally with a bandeau and heeled sandals. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali paired hers with floral tanks and lace-trimmed camis for a modern interpretation of bohemian charm.

With their delicate volume, complementary drape, and ventilated elegance, they’re the perfect alternative to linen and silk. Choose a clean slate with Afalo’s tapered Lolana pant—the silhouette looks intentional with everything from tank tops to tees. Prefer a matching set that won’t break the bank? Zara came through with an option that looks far more expensive than the price tag would indicate. Style it with a contemporary basket bag from Little Liffner, and add The Row’s latest sandals.

Whether dressed up with eclectic heels and a lace-trimmed cami or worn casually with sandals and a fitted striped tee, genie pants strike the ideal balance between comfort and high‑impact style. From high fashion to high street, these playful yet polished pants are reshaping silhouettes—and wardrobes—around the world. Discover five genie pant outfits you can wear all season long, and beyond.

A Minimalist’s Dream

Genie pants are a statement all on their own—and for those who prefer pared-back details, simple additions are all you’ll need. A classic tank top from Cos and a pair of Tkees sandals are the perfect accompaniments to Afalo’s Lolana pants.

Ribbed scoop-neck tank top – COS

The Statement tagua and leather necklace – NET-A-PORTER

Game, Set, Match

What’s easier than tossing on a little black dress? Sartorially speaking, it’s a matching set, of course. Zara striped co-ords are a simple way to look effort-full. Style with Little Liffner’s updated basket bag, and a pair of The Row’s latest summer sandals.

Striped linen cuffed hem pants – Zara

Helena leather slides – MYTHERESA

Flat leather basket bag – LIFFNER

The Art of the Drape

Folds and gathers are what give a simple silhouette sculpture definition. Experiment with shape and form with the liquid-like lines of Alaïa’s balloon pants, and the gathered pleats of Simone Rocha’s taffeta peplum top.

Draped bind taffeta peplum top – NORDSTROM

Beach party tote – REVOLVE

Draped balloon pants – MYTHERESA

Clea sandal – ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS

Modern Romance

There’s never a wrong time for a little black and white. These non-colour-colours are favourites among the style set for their versatility and ease. Case in point, this look below! Add a bit of romance to Tropic of C’s frothy genie pants with McQueen’s lace-trimmed, silky camisole.

Lace-trimmed hammered-satin camisole – NET-A-PORTER

East/west medium braided leather bag – MODA OPERANDI

Workin’ That 9-to-5

Why not bring a little play into your workwear wardrobe? Summer’s the perfect time to break out of your comfort zone. Stay office-appropriate without losing sophistication with Cos’s peplum white top, Loewe’s knitted balloon pants, and summer-ready accessories, from Dragon Diffusion and St. Agni.

Balloon pants – MYTHERESA

Bamboo Triple Jump leather tote – NET-A-PORTER

Also read:

Elevate your Europe trip with a new bag for the summer—raffia, canvas or koodai

Bored of boho skirts? Make way for these 5 boho trouser trends

The ultimate Bandra shopping guide: From hidden thrift basements to curated homegrown shops