Posts in category: Life Style

After exuberant iterations in New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles over the last three years, it was high time that Vogue World journeyed to Italy—and indeed, Vogue Italia announced this morning that the fifth edition of the global fashion celebration will take place on September 22, 2026, in Milan.

That date is deeply intentional. Vogue World: Milano will open Milan Fashion Week with a very clear goal: to celebrate Italian creativity; fashion as both culture and industry; and the human touch in the age of technology.

“Milan has always stood for the perfect balance between craft and creativity,” says Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue. “It’s a city that knows how to make the handmade feel modern and the modern feel timeless. Bringing Vogue World here will be our biggest celebration yet of fashion’s human touch.”

The event is being developed in close collaboration with the City of Milan—represented by Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Deputy Mayor for Culture Tommaso Sacchi—around a shared vision of how to celebrate Italy’s cultural excellence and creative future.

As the mayor put it in a statement, “Milan is proud to host Vogue World in 2026. I would like to thank the entire Vogue family, starting with Anna Wintour, for the trust and appreciation they have shown our city by choosing it for such an important event.”

Mayor Sala continued: “Creativity, innovation, sustainability, and sartorial craftsmanship are the pillars of Made in Italy, qualities that Vogue World: Milano, with its expertise and vision, will help share and celebrate around the world.”

The event will be held in the heart of the city, transforming a cultural capital that has, more than any other in Europe, demonstrated its ability to renew and reinvent itself on a global stage where fashion, art, culture, and entertainment intertwine.

Since its debut, every edition of Vogue World has celebrated the culture and identity of its host city, reimagining the traditional concept of the fashion show while also supporting important and relevant causes. To date, the event has raised more than $7 million for charitable organizations supporting creative and educational communities around the world. Continuing to build on that philanthropic mission, the 2026 edition will support initiatives dedicated to Milanese craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage. A dedicated committee of local institutions will help identify beneficiary organisations.

Vogue World started in New York in 2022, with a vibrant street fair that helped reenergize fashion week after the COVID-19 pandemic. In London the following year, the event consisted of a spectacular evening of theater in support of that city’s performing arts community. Then, in Paris in 2024, Vogue World celebrated 100 years of fashion and sport. The most recent show took place just a few weeks ago, in Hollywood, where Vogue explored the rich conversation between fashion and film.

As winter starts to roll in, along with cosy blankets and your favourite cup of chai, so does the inevitable skin dryness. But the viral skincare sandwich method that promises to seal in hydration and leave you looking like a glazed doughnut might just be what you need in your routine. “The concept revolves around layering hydration strategically, typically applying lighter, water-based products first, and then ‘sealing’ them in with richer emollients or occlusives,” says Dr Anupriya Goel, medical director and aesthetic dermatologist at Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinic.

Think of it as a butter-and-toast, layer your hydration right, and everything stays dewy and supple. So here’s how to layer products the right way, for healthy and plump skin all winter long.

Is skincare sandwiching actually science or just a marketing fad?

Everything can be the next big thing if it is marketed right. Does the skincare sandwich method fall under this category, too? Is it just good marketing? According to Dr M Jafferany, psychodermatologist and Advisory Council at SEREKO, there is real science at play. “The science behind it is rooted in preventing Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) or the water loss from the skin’s surface, which worsens in dry winter air. Skincare sandwiching is an effective technique that ensures you get the most out of your hydrating products. It works by trapping the moisture from thinner formulas and sealing it in with an occlusive layer. This improves absorption and also prevents any irritation.”

However, it is also true that too many cooks can spoil the broth, or, in this case, clog your pores. Dr Goel warns that the biggest mistake people tend to make is over-layering or using products that aren’t meant to be combined. “Mixing multiple heavy products can lead to pilling, breakouts or even barrier congestion. Another common error is using humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin on completely dry skin. In dry climates, they can pull moisture out from deeper skin layers instead of the environment, making the skin feel even drier.”

Her rule of thumb: “Moderation and ingredient compatibility are key; the goal is to enhance hydration, not smother the skin.”

So, how does one sandwich their skincare like a pro?

For the face, Dr Goel recommends beginning with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, followed by a hydrating mist or toner while the skin is still slightly damp. Next, apply a humectant-rich serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or panthenol; these draw water into the skin. Followed by a moisturiser that contains emollients like ceramides or squalane to restore the lipid barrier. This final ‘seal’ is what creates the sandwich effect.

And for the body, a similar principle applies. Post-shower, lightly pat the skin dry (don’t rub) and apply a hydrating body mist or lotion rich in humectants, followed by a creamy moisturiser with ceramides or urea. Applying products on slightly damp skin makes a significant difference to how effectively moisture is retained.

Hydration cheat-sheet

Dr Jafferany suggests mixing smartly, and his go-to combinations are:

Yes, it’s that time again. The third and final Mercury retrograde of 2025, currently in full swing, to end on November 29. This month, the planet of communication and intellect will take its infamous backward spin through the impulsive sign of Sagittarius before moving through passionate Scorpio. The energy might feel chaotically start-stop, with moments of brutal honesty giving way to calm introspection and clarity.

Can you expect timeline shifts? The chance to rewrite old scripts? Some unexpected switch-ups? According to Priscila Lima de Charbonnières, astrologer, author, and founder of the personalised astrology app Soulloop, yes: “Communication, business and planning take centre stage, touching both the big-picture stories we tell ourselves and the unspoken truths that shape our closest bonds.”

If that sounds intriguing, get ready. Despite its reputation for wreaking havoc on travel plans and causing mechanical glitches, Mercury retrograde can actually be pretty illuminating—especially when it comes to our limiting beliefs, philosophies and the ways we think. “When Mercury is retrograde, the mind runs at peak frequency,” explains Charbonnières. “Our attention to detail sharpens, our awareness of flaws heightens and imperfections stand out. Yet we’re also more articulate, able to build ideas from the ground up and turn complexity into clarity.”

To find out what this Mercury in retrograde will mean for your sun sign specifically—and how to use all that energetic potential to thrive—read on.

What is Mercury retrograde?

“Mercury retrograde happens when the planet of communication appears to move backward in the sky, an illusion with very real effects,” explains Charbonnières. “It’s a time when communication, travel, contracts and technology may feel glitchy, but it’s also a powerful moment for reflection.”

If it seems like Mercury is always retrograding, that’s because its backward orbit happens pretty frequently—around three to four times a year, to be exact. But as Charbonnières points out, the planet is not really moving backwards—it only appears that way because Mercury is the closest planet to the sun and has a shorter orbital route.

How to use Mercury retrograde to your advantage

We can think of the perceived backward motion as a reminder to check in with certain aspects of our lives. After all, astrology is all about working with energy—not against it. “Mercury’s energy turns inward, inviting us to revisit the past, resolve misunderstandings and shift the way we think, speak and connect,” says Charbonnières.

In other words, Mercury retrograde is a chance to “slow down, reflect and realign,” Charbonnières says. “Whether it’s refining your message, reconnecting with people who matter or reworking plans that once felt ‘off,’ this period helps you course-correct with more wisdom and purpose. It’s a second shot to get it right. Use this time to fine-tune your communication, rethink decisions, and breathe new life into old ideas.”

Tips for Mercury retrograde

In general, the overarching advice for Mercury retrograde is to “show up as the most aligned version of yourself, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your own script,” says Charbonnières. Below, she shares her tips for taking advantage of this passage.

There’s also Vinita Mungi’s Zen Garden, built on site from miniature ceramic creations, found objects, wood and gravel, plus a portion of sand onto which audiences are invited to rake their own patterns. The work itself is a feminist reimagining of ritualistic labour, and by inviting audience participation, Mungi allows you to respond to an object of reverence with more than just quiet awe. Older works, like Shambhavi Singh’s sickle-shaped iron archway Doaar, first showcased in 2019, take on new meaning in this curation; Solanki plays the title quite literally by placing the work at the VIP entrance, where it acts as a hard-to-ignore reminder of land labour. “There is something very intimate about the works, and even if it’s large, there’s so much detail that you end up going back and forth with them.”

You’re learning through experience right now—some of it feels smooth, some of it messy, Pisces. There may be a sense of disappointment lingering, but underneath that is a chance to rebuild with more awareness. Are you thinking straight? Aries, or are you overburdened and overwhelmed with all that is ongoing in your life? You may feel like someone on your team is, in fact, acting funny or in sly ways, and hey, your intuition may be spot on. However, this is your cue to not keep going this way for much longer. Nostalgia may have felt warm, but it’s gently tugging you backwards, Leo; tuck the good bits into a soft keepsake and let the rest go. Anchor yourself with a little structure today—a simple routine, one clear decision, or a practical to-do that brings calmness.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Are you thinking straight? Aries, or are you overburdened and overwhelmed with all that is ongoing in your life? You may feel like someone on your team is, in fact, acting funny or in sly ways and hey, your intuition may be spot on. However, this is your cue to not keep going this way for much longer. Keep your strengths in mind and release your fears over how things will pan out if you don’t go through with this or speak up for yourself. Surrender to the cosmos.

Cosmic tip: Focus on what needs to be done and simply get things done.

Good news — the 3 a.m. worry loop is easing, so you’ll start sleeping better and thinking clearly. Group drama cools down or gets gently edited out, and you’ll step back from noisy energy with quiet confidence, Taurus. At the same time, your guides promise a calm, honest presence arriving your way: say what you need, set fair boundaries, and keep the people who actually show up. Expect softer nights, tidier circles, and a steadier, kinder you.

Cosmic tip: Pick what and who you love and get flowing with life.

Gem, someone may be sneaking around or avoiding responsibility — trust your instincts instead of spiralling. Using this moment to regroup with practical teamwork: bringing skilled friends, honest feedback, and a clear plan to rebuild what may feel like it is slipping away, is the need of the hour for you. Be it love or partnership, even at work, a gentle, mutual reconnection is possible when both people show up with openness and respect —let curiosity, not assumptions, lead the way. Finally, my dear friend, allow a painful chapter to close fully; grieve, accept the lesson, and then choose a kinder path forward. Quiet, steady action and honest hearts will carry you through.

Giving wedding guest inspiration, Ananya Panday sported Bhumika Sharma‘s Jasma lehenga set, styled by Priyanka Kapadia Badani, a look built on fluid panels, plush textures and surface detailing that moved with her. The lehenga was constructed in alternating kalis of aqua-teal and gold-olive crushed tissue, layered over a silk base. The tissue’s faint crinkled sheen gave the silhouette its soft structure, allowing the panels to hold shape while still drifting easily as she moved. On the aqua segments, delicate floral motifs appeared across the surface, adding a subtle metallic haze.

instagram.com/meerasakhrani

The corset-inspired halter neck bodice, cut in a deep teal base with an ivory-toned velvet overlay, offered a contrast. It carried ornate paisley-floral appliqués placed along the neckline, bust and side panels, that drew a structured line above the skirt’s airy volume.

Her jewellery from Razwada followed a more traditional route with a statement choker layered with uncut stones, matching earrings and stacked kundan bangles that mirrored the gold tones running through the look. Makeup artist Meera Sakhrani kept the beauty look fresh and luminous; sleek, centre-parted hair that was pulled back and soft coral tones on the cheeks, rose-pink lips and kohl-rimmed eyes with fanned lashes.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Ananya Panday’s green Bhumika blouse could be reimagined as a playful Y2K-inspired butterfly halter top. Opt for one with a bold pop of color or sparkling embellishments. Pair with a ruffled mini or maxi skirt and complete the look with a choker. Don’t forget to finish the look with glittery makeup accents for a fun, Winx Club–inspired vibe,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

Wanting to be more social or outgoing sounds deceptively simple. One of society’s favourite tips for introverts is: “Just talk to more people, say yes to every invite, and strike up friendly conversations with strangers.” But for the chronically shy, putting yourself out there is easier said than done.

The good news is, being introverted isn’t a fixed personality trait. “Most people aren’t full introverts or extroverts,” says Amy Morin, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. “They’re ambiverts, meaning they can do and enjoy both.” In other words, becoming “more extroverted” doesn’t necessarily mean changing who you are—it’s about going out of your comfort zone and finding a social rhythm that energises rather than exhausts you. These tips for introverts are a good place to start:

1. Redefine “extroversion” on your own terms

“People often assume extroverts have to be the life of the party—that they’re the funniest, loudest people in the room,” Morin says. “But this can sound unrealistic for many introverts who prefer to have less attention on themselves.”

So instead of expecting yourself to suddenly thrive in large crowds or enjoy back-to-back plans, socialise in more realistic ways. Maybe that involves grabbing lunch with a handful of coworkers instead of joining a noisy happy hour. Or joining a book club, running group, or French class—an environment where you can meet people while doing something you actually enjoy.

2. Be the one who reaches out first

Don’t just wait for invitations to come your way—make them yourself. Part of being more extroverted, Morin says, is taking initiative rather than hanging back and letting others set the tone. Ask a friend to join you for a walk on a slow Sunday. Organise that Friendsgiving potluck instead of hoping someone else will. Every time you initiate, you get more comfortable taking social risks, and eventually, you’ll notice how often that little moment of courage pays off.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of social media

“We’re all encouraged to network more. But for someone who’s really introverted, the idea of going to a giant event can be really daunting,” says Fanny Tristan, LCSW, a psychotherapist and founder of Restority Space in New York City. Luckily, though, there are ways to put yourself out there without diving straight into a crowded room of strangers—and that includes starting online.

“Even emailing someone first to set up coffee chats, whether in person or over Zoom, lets you meet your goal of having conversations with more people,” Tristan says. Starting digitally gives you a chance to ease in—no small talk or awkward glances required. And remember: Just because it’s virtual, doesn’t make it any less meaningful.

4. Plan ahead for when small talk runs dry

Part of what makes putting yourself out there so nerve-wracking is the fear of awkward moments, which can happen when you’re socialising with someone new. In these situations, Morin recommends coming prepared with a few interesting, go-to topics that feel stimulating to you.

Cancer, the sun may feel like it is shining on a part of your past that suddenly comes to light and perhaps takes you off guard; however, no matter how linear time may not exist in the realms beyond this planet, it does exist here, and truth be told, you cannot go back in time to change things. What can you transform, though? The way you approach your present and handle what you are served. This present life scenario calls for emotional maturity, sinking your feet and your heart firmly upon the solid ground you are standing upon and then finding a way to spice things up again—be it within your relationship, your career sector, your social life or even within yourself.

Cosmic tip: New opportunities are lined up for you. Look forward with hope and excitement instead of looking back with sadness and confusion, and a probable sense of betrayal.

Also read:

Aries November 11, 2025

Taurus November 11, 2025

Gemini November 11, 2025

Leo November 11, 2025

Virgo November 11, 2025

Libra November 11, 2025

Scorpio November 11, 2025

Sagittarius November 11, 2025

Capricorn November 11, 2025

Aquarius November 11, 2025

Pisces November 11, 2025

Rix sums it up: “The lace-trim silhouette has a sensuality, undone in the best possible way. You can wear it and look composed without seeming over-styled. For daytime, I love grounding it with something unexpected, a chunky knit or trainers. Evening is about letting the dress shine: a delicate heel, some vintage-inspired jewellery, maybe a silk scarf.”

Meghna Goyal, the founder of Summer Away, adds: “By day, a long lace-trim tunic layered over a sweater or T-shirt, paired with trousers and edgy accessories, feels modern. By night, a silk slip under a structured blazer or co-ord set makes for a polished finish.”

Designers can’t let go either

Lace trims have been everywhere lately — Chloé, Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Shiatzy Chen and Saint Laurent. From minis to asymmetric midis, slips to sweeping gowns.

Photo: Carlo Scarpato / Gorunway.com

Goyal notes, “These dresses have dominated runways for seasons. What makes them stand out now is how they are layered with unconventional, edgy pieces. The mix gives each outfit a distinct energy. For models and pop stars, it’s a piece that moves from day to night, cafe to stage, always looking intentional even when thrown on last minute.”

“The greatest obstacle to knowledge is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge,” wrote American historian Daniel J Boorstin. It’s a phrase I return to often, a reminder of the importance of questioning what we think we know, especially useful when your job revolves around health and beauty.

Because even after years of writing, I still make skincare mistakes. Sometimes I combine the wrong actives. Other times, I copy a viral routine that clearly wasn’t designed for my skin. All of which has taught me that cosmetics aren’t entertainment; they’re part of our health and that knowledge, not novelty, should guide them.

If you’re someone who loves beauty as much as I do, you’ve probably had moments when your skin just… stalls. The products promise results, yet nothing seems to change. According to Arkaitz Felices, cosmetologist and director of Care, representatives of Reviderm in Spain, this isn’t always the fault of your products. Sometimes, it’s your skin. “If you notice that a product that works on people with a skin type and needs similar to yours has no effect on you, it is a clear clue that there may be an imbalance in the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM),” that is, the structural framework that facilitates cellular communication and the effectiveness of cosmetic active ingredients.

Felices suggests learning to distinguish between routines that simply need time and those that have hit a dead end. Some effects, such as hydration, are visible in a few days: the skin recovers volume, fine wrinkles due to dehydration are attenuated and the tissue appears more elastic and fresh.” Others, such as collagen production, cell turnover, or fading hyperpigmentation, are slower and depend on internal metabolic processes. “Results in these areas can take several weeks and vary by person.”

When a routine is genuinely off, the clues are obvious. “Irritation, redness, itching or inflammation are unmistakable signs that the skin is stressed or assaulted.” In those cases, stop, focus on repairing the barrier and restore balance before reintroducing actives. “When it comes to caring for our body’s most extensive and sensitive organ, the shortest route is not to ask ChatGPT, but to rely on qualified professionals who understand the science behind each skin.”

Skincare mistakes you may be making

Skipping proper cleansing“Pretending that a cosmetic acts on uncleaned skin is like serving dinner on dirty breakfast dishes,” says Felices, who considers cleansing the foundation of any routine. He recommends a thorough evening cleanse that removes oil-based impurities such as makeup and sunscreen, then water-soluble residue. A gentle enzymatic exfoliation can follow to clarify, smooth texture and improve receptivity, without aggressive renewal.

Forgetting photoprotection

Skipping SPF—or applying it in the wrong order—undoes progress. UV exposure drives pigmentation and premature ageing. Felices points out that applying sunscreen before other treatments have absorbed reduces its effect. A broad-spectrum filter should sit at the end of the daytime routine.

Layering products out of order

Texture hierarchy matters. Lightweight toners, serums and water-based treatments should be applied before creams or richer textures. “This is because thicker products act as a barrier and impede the penetration of subsequent cosmetics.”

Lacking consistency

This is non-negotiable. “Continuous and disciplined use is needed for weeks or months for the skin’s biological processes to respond,” says Felices. Constantly switching or quitting early makes real improvement hard to see.

Ignoring usage directions

Leaving a mask on all night doesn’t maximise benefits. Lab directions aren’t arbitrary; they’re based on studies that determine optimal exposure. With cellulose or biocellulose masks, there’s a point at which most hydration and actives have already transferred. Beyond that, the flow can reverse and the mask may begin to reabsorb moisture, reducing the benefits.

Mixing actives without a plan

More isn’t better. Overloading can weaken the skin barrier. “The skin microbiome is altered and inflammatory outbreaks, redness or flaking may appear. The key is to simplify the routine, space out treatments and remember that, in advanced cosmetics, efficacy does not depend on quantity, but on balance and personalisation.”

How to combine actives safely

If you’re unsure how to pair products, Felices offers this guide: