Posts in category: Life Style

After a holiday cavorting in the hills and breathing fresh, clean air, Mumbai brought back the
allergies that I thought had vanished with jal neti (an Ayurvedic nasal cleansing practice) years ago.

Whorls of dust from construction, mysterious pollen, environmental pollution and even my
hormones were probably the culprits. A few days of immunity-boosting Ayurvedic tablets and kaada, the constant companionship of the air purifier, some decluttering and dusting, a healthy diet of home-cooked food and regular yoga and pranayama and my morning nose reclaimed its original pallor and vigour.

“When you wake up sneezing, congested or heavy-headed, your body is signalling that its natural balance is under strain. In a landscape where dust, pollution and sudden temperature shifts are now part of daily life, your system is constantly processing more than it was designed to handle,” says Dr Sagar Mahajan, medical head of wellness and preventive health, Dharana at Shillim, adding that these external stressors can unsettle the doshas, especially Kapha and Vata, showing up as phlegm, lethargy, irritation or morning discomfort.

Nixing the aggravators

While we are so focused on external aggravators, we forget our homes can be packed with
allergens. Indoor air pollution also plays a role, says Dr Preeti Chhabria, director of geriatrics
and mentor for internal medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. “VOCs,
particulate matter, mould spores and even strong fragrances from sprays or cleaning
products can irritate nasal mucosa. Closed rooms with inadequate ventilation increase
exposure.” Added to this mix are dust mites, which thrive in bedding like pillows, mattresses,
and quilts. “Overnight, we breathe in the allergens and by morning, the body releases
histamine, triggering sneezing, a blocked nose and itchy eyes.”

I’m often tempted to fling open the window to questionably fresh air, but early mornings,
especially between 5am and 10am, have the highest pollen levels. “So, if windows are open or
air filtration is poor, symptoms worsen. Even our circadian rhythm increases nasal reactivity in the mornings,” she says and recommends using dust-mite-proof bedding, running a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom, washing bedding every week and avoiding feather pillows and stuffed soft toys.

Fix your immunity

The body senses the change in seasons before the mind does. While it is tempting to pop pills at the first sign of a sniffle, for a long-term fix, Dr Mahajan says to embrace consistent morning rituals that create a foundation of care. “Simple practices, like gentle nasal cleansing, a touch of medicated oil, warm herbal infusions and slow, conscious breathwork are not elaborate routines. There are quiet ways of supporting your body before it reaches a point of strain. When you breathe with intention, move with presence and choose warmth instead of rush, your immunity mirrors that calm.”

Small, thoughtful choices can have a lasting impact: warm, nourishing and light meals, a consistent sleep routine and avoiding chilled foods or cold-water during transitions. These
aren’t restrictions, but gentle ways of building internal warmth and stability so your system
doesn’t struggle with sudden shifts. “Ritucharya is the practice of aligning with nature so
each season supports you rather than disrupts you. When you honour this rhythm early, your
mornings naturally feel steadier, clearer and easier to move through,” says Dr Mahajan.

Dodging the pollution

Living in heavily polluted urban settings further aggravates allergies, so mask up when stepping out and avoid high AQI days to gad about. “Pollutants like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide from traffic, ozone and diesel exhaust damage the nasal mucosa, make allergens stickier and enhance sensitisation, increasing the chances of becoming allergic,” says Dr Chhabria.

I enter through a golden, leaf-shaped door, just theatrical enough to summon a faint echo of The Arabian Nights. The first room is a wash of moving images, quotes and glimpses of Husain. A prologue in flicker form. Then comes a 360-degree immersive room where blue camels and palm trees bloom and shift beneath your feet. Stairs coil upward to the first floor, where the gallery traces the polymath that Husain was, as well as his years in India: the 1950s doll paintings, billboard-style canvases, the Do or Die series and the faceless female figures who mirrored his search for his mother. The Film Tower stands dark and vertical, clips of movies playing inside it like ghosts rising from a well.

Nearby sits the Dabs and Wounds series, inkblots, pain and raw nerves made visible. Glass cases hold Husain’s passport, his tools, a beautiful green coat. Growing up in Bangalore, a city the artist called home in the ’90s, I saw his works casually hung in people’s drawing rooms. As a teenager, I frequented Husain Sankalana, his home-turned-museum-turned-restaurant, just to breathe the same air, convinced that genius might seep into me by osmosis. In Doha, that old feeling returns as I move through his work.

Tissue has a way of glowing from within, and on Alia Bhatt it does exactly that. The peach Manish Malhotra sari, styled by Priyanka Kapadia Badani, reveals a woven pattern that comes and goes as the fabric shifts. The scalloped gold border traces the drape’s edge, adding a curved, ornamental finish.

The blouse carries a more unconventional cut with sleeves extending slightly over the shoulder like a structured cap sleeve. It is embroidered with sequins and thread florals placed in compact clusters across the sleeves and neckline, creating a textured contrast to the smoother surface of the sari. The embroidery sits slightly raised, adding dimension without shifting the tone of the look.

The jewellery by Khurana Jewellery House and Maya Sanghavi Jewels hits a traditional note with jhumkas that extend with chains into the gajra adorning her bun. The wrist stack features two openwork gold kadas with lotus-like motifs outlined in white stones, paired with a heavier bangle set with small ruby accents.

Makeup remains understated with luminous skin, shaped brows, a muted lip and a small bindi.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“Alia Bhatt’s handloom tissue sari by Manish Malhotra perfectly captures the softness of a pastel-pink golden hour. The real showstopper, though, is the blouse—its silhouette and style stand out beautifully with intricate zari gold work on tissue and net. Now imagine translating that craftsmanship onto a vest-style top, paired with high-waisted, sleek straight-leg denims. You can throw on a trench based on the weather. Complete the look with delicate strappy heels or even embellished golden/bronze juttis. Keep the hair down and effortless, skip the heavy accessories and let a single statement bag tie the whole look together,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

New opportunities and options are arriving for you; but beneath the surface, you’re already ready to move on to something more fulfilling. Cancer, do not get swayed by short term gains and start acting upon them. You may feel like you are running out of time, but if you really focus, you will recognize the things that work for you and the things that don’t. This is your time to make the change you’ve been waiting on.

Cosmic tip: Learn all you can and become a student to life once again.

You may appear to have arrived to others; but beneath it all you know you still have a long way to go. Leo, a happy personal life surrounds you, and with a little more organisation and structure, you will become unstoppable. Create space for work, for your personal life and for some down time. Look at life like a marathon and not a sprint; your approach will automatically shift.

Cosmic tip: Ease off, why the rush?

You have a thriving bustling life, but you’re trying so hard to manifest comfort, security, safety and ease, that it is draining you. Virgo, pause and listen to your intuition. The world’s noise can feel overwhelming, but your inner calm holds the true wealth. Even if it feels tiring right now, trust in the cosmos that it will be worth it.

Cosmic tip: A situation suddenly moves forward positively and it is all because of your hard work.

Everything looks good—you have that party invite and that social circle, but underneath it all, you crave for emotional stability and security. Libra, instead of spreading yourself too thin, address those parts that crave depth and connection? Could the gym be replaced by some quality time with your loved ones today? Don’t feel weak because you’re being vulnerable. This is your time to reconnect with your heart.

Cosmic tip: Your true abundance lies in nurturing yourself and others.

Things may feel stagnant, slow or even stuck; but in actuality, clarity is dawning and you are beginning to see the lighter side of life. Scorpio, you can expect this shift within your relationships. The heavy fog will lift and you will no longer feel trapped between the devil and the deep sea. If your health feels off, look at what resentment, story or emotion is ready to leave your system. This is your chance to reset.

We’re not viewing wellness through the lens of extreme routines anymore. This year, it looked like small habits that make our day feel more supported and fit naturally into our lives: a journal that keeps your mind clear, a gut blend that boosts you from the inside out, an electrolyte mix that makes hydration fun.

After a full year of trying, testing, mixing and making these wellness products part of our actual lives, these are the ones that stayed. The products that earned their spot for all the right reasons.

Odd Giraffe Wellness Journal

192 guided prompts, weekly check-ins and inspiring quotes that nudge you into actual, consistent reflection instead of chaotic brain-dumping. Built to be tossed into a tote and pulled out whenever you need to course-correct your day.

Cosmix Healthy Hair

This mix leans on strawberry, pink pitaya, bamboo shoot, nettle, horsetail, amla and goji to feed hair follicles from the inside out. Biotin and silica-rich, with no added sugar and easy-to-mix into your favourite smoothie or simply water, it’s designed to support stronger strands and a calmer, less temperamental scalp over time.

Nutrova Collagen + Antioxidants

Marine collagen peptides teamed with tomato lycopene, grape seed extract, vitamins C and E and taurine to renew collagen and buffer daily skin damage, it can improve hydration, firmness and texture while softening the look of pigmentation and fine lines with regular use.

Power Gummies Jaw Dropping Skin

The idea is simple and delicious: support collagen building, hydration and brightness from the inside, in a format you’re far more likely to stick with than another chalky drink mix.

Gunam Functional Plant-Based Creamer + MCT

For people who treat their morning coffee like a sacred ritual, this creamer blends coconut milk powder, coconut-derived MCT oil and prebiotic fibre into a dairy-free, unsweetened swirl. Fortified with vitamins B12 and D2, it turns regular chai or coffee into a creamier, more substantial cup without the bloat of conventional whiteners.

Wellbeing Nutrition Matcha Collagen

This powder pairs hydrolysed marine collagen peptides with ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha plus Acerola cherry, vitamin C and L-theanine. Make it your daily ritual for radiance, with the added boost of calm, sustained energy instead of a jittery caffeine spike.

The Func. Lab Electrolytes

A balanced electrolyte blend with coconut water powder and magnesium glycinate, created for people who sweat through intense workouts (or live in seriously humid cities.) Low on unnecessary additives, they’re meant to slot into a gym bag and keep hydration functional rather than sugary/syrupy.

The Good Bug Good Down There

This blend combines cranberry extract, D-mannose, probiotics and prebiotics to support intimate flora, discharge balance and comfort. It’s a good addition to prescribed treatment for anyone dealing with recurrent infections or irritation and adopting a more microbiome-minded approach alongside their usual care.

hoop Magnesium Oil Spray

Made from magnesium chloride and purified water, this spray is designed to be massaged into calves, shoulders or backs when muscles feel tight or overworked. It skips synthetic fragrance and heavy textures and can aid better sleep.

The Whole Truth Plant Protein

A rich, plant-based protein that actually tastes like dessert. It’s clean, simple and easy to digest, making it a solid pick for anyone who prefers effective Vegan options. It’s 25 grams of protein added to your day with close to zero effort.

Nushu Period Underwear

A comfortable, rash-free and sustainable alternative to sanitary napkins, tampons and cups. These panties are cloudy-soft, made of seven layers for maximum absorption and come in different levels according to your flow.

MyMuse Ultimate Tool Kit For Him

A smartly curated set that feels super realistic to use and comes in compact sizes. Use it without vibration or with the different modes, depending on your mood. And don’t forget generous amounts of lube for maximum pleasure.

Leezu’s Lovebug

A super innovative, compact device that keeps things exciting. It slips easily into any corner of your bag, home or storage and comes with five suction modes and lots of discreet pleasure.

That Sassy Thing Tickle Tongue Massager

A playful little tool that’s soft, teasing and easy to experiment with. It keeps intimacy fun and is perfect for singles or couples who enjoy a bit of mischief.

Wellbeing Nutrition Melts Into Testo Power

Ultra-thin strips that dissolve quickly and don’t feel like as much of a chore as tablets. Designed to support energy, performance and vitality using natural extracts. A clean, contemporary alternative to traditional supplements.

MyMuse Glow Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage Oil

It has been a landmark year for Indians and South Asians around the world. From excelling at sports and taking leadership roles in business to breaking barriers in film, TV, music, fashion and arts, there isn’t a single sphere that South Asians haven’t breached. And it’s the women who are at the forefront of this race.

So, it only makes sense for brands and organisations to support this momentum. As part of their commitment to provide a platform for women-led ventures to grow and scale from the ground up, The Bicester Collection’s philanthropic programme, Do Good, has been identifying and empowering female social impact entrepreneurs from a different region each year. The first two editions of the Unlock Her Future prize focused on the Middle East and North Africa (2023) and Latin America (2024). This year, the spotlight turned to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.

The names on the honour roll announced on November 19 include Amritha Krishnamoorthy and Jhillika Trisal from India, Sophiya Tamang from Nepal, Nida Yousaf Sheikh from Pakistan, Nishat Anjum Palka from Bangladesh and Yangchen Dolkar Dorji from Bhutan, who underwent an intensive bootcamp delivered by Oxford’s Saïd Business School and survived a live pitch session before the judges. Each winner was awarded approximately $100,000 in funding and will receive mentoring and leadership training with global experts. The women will also have access to The Bicester Collection’s global network of partners, affiliates and industry leaders, dedicated media training and exposure.

Below, a brief description of how each of these six women is advancing inclusive solutions that deliver transformative social impact in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Amritha Krishnamoorthy (India), Stepping Stones Centre: Transforming education and therapy for children with autism and developmental disabilities so no child is left behind.

Jhillika Trisal (India), Cognitii: Democratising access to quality education for children with special educational needs by combining AI with human special educators.

Sophiya Tamang (Nepal), Idea to Impact: Turning surplus produce into fruit purees that nourish children, cut food waste, empower women farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.

Nida Yousaf Sheikh (Pakistan), H2O Technologies: Turning air humidity into safe drinking water to fight Pakistan’s water scarcity crisis, eliminate waste and empower communities.

Nishat Anjum Palka (Bangladesh), Mommykidz: A safe, affordable community where women and parents can access health information, care and essential products without stigma.

Yangchen Dolkar Dorji (Bhutan) LEAD+: Empowering grassroots, women-led and marginalised businesses with funding, mentorship and market access while fostering self-reliance and community resilience.

Some prizes are for show; for organisations to thump their chests about how much they’re doing for diversity and equal opportunity. This is not one of those. Chantal Khoueiry, the Chief Culture Officer of The Bicester Collection, said, “Empowering these visionary women is more than celebrating their success; it’s about creating ecosystems that spark ripple effects and transform societies.” While great progress is being made on that front, South Asian women still face a long road to full gender parity—estimated at 149 years—especially in key areas like economic participation and leadership. Initiatives like Unlock Her Future’s South Asia edition are helping women bridge that gap faster.

None of the credit for Spotify Wrapped should go to Spotify (the idea famously came from an intern!), but I have to admit that this year’s campaign is pretty fun—the “Listening Age” part, which estimates how old you are based on your music tastes, especially.

When I opened my Spotify Wrapped on Wednesday, I assumed my Listening Age would be somewhere near my actual age of 32, given my two most-played artists are Lorde (teen vibes) and the cast of the 2006 Broadway revival of Company (geriatric energy). In fact, this was not the case; Spotify deemed my Listening Age to be a whopping 51 years old, due largely to the fact that I apparently listen to a lot of music from the early ’90s. Sorry, but why am I being held accountable for the fact that riot grrrl rocks?

Curious about my colleagues’ listening habits, I dropped a query about everyone else’s Listening Age into the Vogue team Slack channel. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one Spotify had dramatically aged: “I’m 41, and my Spotify age is 53,” said Vogue Runway senior fashion news editor Laia Garcia-Furtado. This, she didn’t mind so much: “I’ve read before that 1984 is part of a micro-generation that’s, like, too young to be proper Gen X or too old to be proper millennial? Anyway, what I’m saying is this spiritually tracks.” Senior editor Marley Marius, who is 31, was hit with a Listening Age of 79. “My top artists are Barbra Streisand, Bach, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, and Johnny Mathis,” she reported, “so…”

Not everyone at Vogue had a Listening Age that skewed old-school, however. “I was embarrassingly overjoyed to learn that my Spotify age was 29—and, yes, mystified, given that for me this was, largely, the Year of Oasis (and given that I’m, let’s say, somewhere north of 50),” senior editor Corey Seymour told me. “My glee quickly turned to a sigh when I saw that the music tastes of my 13-year-old daughter, Esme, were reflected on my Wrapped (she has her own Spotify account and I’d assumed this would be the first year in a long while that wouldn’t have, say, Melanie Martinez, or whatever this year’s version of My Little Pony is, on it). Alas! Word quickly spread through our family text thread like wildfire that Esme’s age was 36 (but why? her Laufey-heavy playlists? Chappell?), leaving me as the, ahem, baby of our family. Small victories!”

“When I was 17, all I listened to was Bob Dylan. I was so in love with him, in fact, that my dad and I followed him on a casino tour through South America for my senior spring break while all my peers were drinking and French kissing in Mexico,” said senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba. “Today, Spotify told me that I have the music taste of a 17-year-old (Doechii and Tate McCray were big on my top-played list). I am 35, so I don’t know if I’m ageing in reverse, or just my music tastes are.”

If there’s one bag that made it through heatwaves, monsoon spells and the first signs of winter, it’s the slouchy suede bag. I realised it earlier this year when I swapped my usual mini for one, assuming it would be a brief experiment. Instead, it became the thing I carried almost every day. For someone who has treated mini bags as a personality trait, that shift says enough. The texture pulled me out of a long-standing habit and unexpectedly worked with everything.

The change didn’t arrive with much noise. For seasons, glossy leathers and heavy hardware dominated, but the mood has moved toward pieces that feel lived-in and human. Think Jane Birkin’s scribbled-on, overstuffed Birkin or a vintage Chloé Paddington dug out of a dusty shelf. There’s an appetite for materials you can feel, ones with ease, and suede sits right in that sweet spot.

The suede takeover

Mohit Jain, founder and CEO of homegrown label Miraggio, sees the shift from the inside. He explains, “Suede just has a way of feeling familiar the moment you touch it. It’s soft without being fragile, and it brings character to a bag. People are gravitating toward textiles that feel comforting yet premium as wardrobes transition into cooler months. With a little care, that finish ages in a way that makes the bag feel even more personal.”

You can see the pivot playing out in the broader palette, too. Fashion has moved towards quieter, earthier territory–softer lines, muted colours and a calmer visual palette. Even Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025, Mocha Mousse, nods to this shift.

Celebrities have backed the rise. Bella Hadid with a Valentino Garavani Nellcôte bag. Dakota Johnson and Daisy Edgar-Jones with oversized Gucci. Alexa Chung with a studded Valentino. Jennifer Lawrence with Aesther Ekme’s Cabas. Enough sightings to tip suede from trend to default.

Runways cemented it. Balenciaga, The Row, Chloé, Alaïa and Dior all reintroduced suede in new colours and finishes and revived silhouettes, proof that the fabric isn’t seasonal background noise but a central plot in accessories again.

Prada Bonnie Medium Shoulder Bag

Clarifying is not something you need to do often. Save it for when your hair really needs a reset. A moisturising shampoo will be your regular go-to. Make sure you rinse thoroughly before moving to step two.

Olaplex N^o. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo

Step 2: Condition

Conditioner rehydrates the hair after shampooing, bringing back moisture and softness. It also provides slip, which is why I always recommend detangling at this stage as it reduces frizz, improves clumping and boosts definition.

For fine or low-density hair, choose a lightweight conditioner so the hair stays fluffy and voluminous.

For thicker or higher-density hair, go for something more moisturising with humectants, emollients and oils to help define curls and add shine.

If your hair is weak or damaged, look for conditioners with protein to strengthen the strands.

Rinse thoroughly, but leave your hair soaking wet before you go into styling. That hydration from the water is essential for curl definition and moisture retention.

fHair Volume Up Conditioner

OUAI Thick Hair Conditioner

pH Plex Conditioner

Step 3: Leave-In Conditioner (Optional)

If your hair feels well-nourished after conditioning, you may not need this step. A leave-in is great if you need extra moisture or if you will be using heat tools as many leave-ins offer added heat protection.

Kérastase Curl Manifesto Crème De Jour Fondamentale Leave-In Cream

Biotop Professional 101 Create Anti Frizz Leave-In Cream

Step 4: Styling

While your hair is still drenched, layer in your styling products. I always recommend a curling gel, a foam or both.

For finer hair, a foam or mousse may be enough with gel on the ends (only if needed.)

For thicker hair, start with a curl-defining gel and layer a foam on top.

Look for products with good slip as this helps the curls clump tightly and bring out your natural definition. Apply product from the roots, then through the mid-lengths and ends using your fingers or a brush.

How your curls look when they are wet is how they will look when they are dry. Work in small sections from the back upward and once your product is in and curls are defined, do not touch your hair until it’s almost dry.

Sebastian Professional Mousse Forte

Aveda Nutriplenish Hydrating Gel

Step 5: Drying

Philips Hydrating Hair Dryer

A diffuser gives you the most control. Start by drying the surface to set the shape. If your hair is longer, gently place your ends into the diffuser and push upward for bounce and lift.

Once your hair is 40–50% dry, flip your head over. Gravity helps create natural root volume. Move from side to side for an even distribution of definition and lift. Finish by switching to cool air to set the curls and soften the cast.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once you are confident your hair is fully dry, you can touch it, not before. This prevents frizz and preserves definition. Add a light oil to your palms, rub together and gently scrunch or glide over the surface. This softens the finish and adds sheen.

Milkshake Argan Oil

GK Hair Taming Serum