Posts in category: Life Style

For Manish Malhotra’s star-studded Diwali party, Nita Ambani chose a striking metallic sari from the couturier’s atelier.

Employing one of the label’s signature accents, the sari was a cascade of light and dark silver sequins, arranged in a chevron pattern that created the illusion of molten silver flowing across the fabric. Its border was crafted with diamond-shaped mirrorwork, densely embellished with sequins. The back of the sari, partially visible in the drape, was lined with rose-gold sequins, making the subtle but deliberate design choice not only speak to the thoughtful construction of the garment, but also add contrast by cutting across the silver palette. The sleeveless blouse mirrored the sari’s work, cut close to the body and allowing the high-shine effect to continue seamlessly from shoulder to hem.

The striking jewellery—rare heart-shaped oversized Colombian emerald drop earrings; a bracelet featuring small, alternating wrapped-candy motifs, each set with emeralds; and a cocktail ring—introduced saturated bursts of green that complemented the metallic palette. Over the years, emeralds have become something of a signature accessory for Nita Ambani, frequently appearing in exaggerated cuts and proportions and always styled to elevate her statement ensembles. Her choice here leaned bold and graphic, echoing the geometry of the sari’s surface embellishment.

The pièce de résistance was the miniature Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin, crafted in precious metal and pavé-set with diamonds. Designed by Pierre Hardy for Hermès’s Haute Bijouterie line, the bag is one of only a handful to have been created by the maison. A fully functional mini Birkin scaled down to the size of a bracelet charm, it features a crocodile skin-textured flap, articulated handles and even a diamond-encrusted touret and clochette, redefining the idea of functional jewellery. Completing the look were silver peep-toe platforms that shimmered subtly beneath the sari’s hem.

In a season where embellishment reigns supreme, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s iteration came through a mirrored pantsuit set that reimagines festive dressing with a sharp, contemporary edge. For the All That Glitters Diwali Ball 2025 in New York, she opted for a Zuhair Murad set that was styled by Wayman + Micah. The look was finished with Bvlgari jewels and a L’alingi clutch—echoing both festive craftsmanship and high-fashion polish.

The look was from Murad’s Resort 2026 collection, which draws from a cultural conversation between the East and the West, with orientalist paintings, architectural motifs and palatial ornamentation informing its modern silhouettes. In Chopra Jonas’s look, this dialogue was expressed as a blazer and trousers that were entirely overlaid with mirrorwork and silver beading. Arranged in geometric panels, the mosaic-like surface referenced traditional Indian wall art. The clean cut of the trousers kept the embellishments from overwhelming the frame, while the blazer’s straight fit and sharp shoulders added structure. Against this intricate base, the halter top peeking out from beneath brought in a different register: gathered tulle wrapped around the neck and crossed at the chest, the exposed skin breaking up the dense embroidery. The interplay of structured tailoring and fluid fabric created contrast in the ensemble.

Adding to the textural play of the look was the feather-trimmed Taliya Eternity clutch and jewellery—a delicate maang tikka, skinny drop earrings and chunky rings drenched in diamonds—that extended the glam vibe. A white rose–adorned sleek bun and makeup (bronzed lids, contoured cheeks and a glossed neutral lip) that leaned into warm tones completed Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s look.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Priyanka’s Zuhair Murad look is super fun and gives ‘Diwali disco’ vibes with the silver embellished look. Ditch the blazer focus on the halter top and embellished pants. Work with a pant that suits your frame, like bell-bottoms for elevated sleekness or cigarette pants. Fit is key. Pair with a pair of furry kitten heels, chandelier earrings and a matching metallic bag to complete the look,” says Vogue India associate fashion editor Divya Balakrishnan.

Lately, beauty smells like food. Lip balms taste of chai, body washes of cake, serums of fruit and milk. Food-scented beauty has arrived, and what seems playful at first feels more like a craving, a confession. We’re tired, and we want pleasure to be simple again.

A few years ago, you couldn’t scroll through a feed without being told to glow. Now, we want to smell like comfort, a vacation or a bakery. Vanilla, caramel, saffron, rose milk. The line between body and appetite has blurred, and it feels oddly natural. Maybe this is what happens when an industry runs out of ways to promise transformation. It starts to promise tenderness instead.

When your moisturiser smells like mango pulp, it doesn’t just soften your skin. It reminds you that sweetness still exists somewhere, even if it arrives in a jar. These products work because they make tenderness something you can buy. Care used to mean time, touch and conversation. Now it arrives pre-scented and shelf-ready. We have learned to outsource softness to texture and smell because human gentleness feels unreliable.

Dr Ritu Sharma, professor of marketing and market researcher, calls this a level up in sensory branding. She’s right, but that phrase feels too clean for what’s really happening. This feels less like strategy and more like longing, rebranded as luxury. When everything around us feels transactional, something that delights for no reason at all feels like a small rebellion.

And maybe scent feels radical now because everything else has become too loud. Our screens scream colour and movement, but our attention keeps thinning. We live inside stimulation that no longer stimulates. You can’t scroll a smell. You can’t swipe it away. For a few seconds, you’re forced back into your own body, reminded that you still live inside it.

It makes sense that Gen Z, fluent in aesthetics, would take to food-scented beauty faster than anyone else. They want skincare that feels alive, that looks like fun and smells like memory. A gloss that smells like bubble tea, a cream that recalls a bakery you’ve never been to. The product becomes a souvenir for a feeling you’ve never had but would like to.

And somewhere beneath all this sweetness, there’s hunger. For women, indulgence has always needed permission. Food-scented beauty gives it in a way dessert never could. You can crave something without guilt because it disappears when you’re done. You can want sweetness without tasting it. It’s desire made safe, the kind that fades before anyone can call it too much.

• A fine-tooth comb
• A pair of hair-cutting scissors (never paper scissors–they’ll fray the ends)

Hairdressing scissors are angled and sharpened specifically to cut cleanly without breaking or splitting strands.

Classic bangs

Step 1: Section your hair

Comb all other hair away from your face and gather the front section into a small triangle. The tip of the triangle should sit at the centre of your head, with the base following your hairline. Lightly dampen the section before cutting.

Step 2: Make the initial cut

Twist the section once or twice and cut horizontally, taking your time with small snips rather than one big chop. Repeat the same on the opposite side. Then, using vertical cuts, snip lightly into the centre to create a soft opening in the fringe.

Step 3: Refine

Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle and trim any uneven or longer pieces following the natural direction of the fringe. Dry and style as usual, then check for balance and make any micro-adjustments.

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Jenna Ortega attends the Givenchy Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)Marc Piasecki

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 11: Suki Waterhouse attends the F/W 2025 Michael Kors fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Terminal Warehouse on February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)Taylor Hill

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Nicole Kidman attends the Chanel Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 06, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Getty Images

Curtain bangs

The process is similar, except curtain bangs are parted down the middle and feathered at the sides.

After sectioning the hair into a triangle, divide it into two layers: a lower and an upper section. Start with the lower layer and trim as described above. Then split the upper layer along your centre parting.

Take one side at a time, comb the hair diagonally across the forehead, and with slight tension, angle the scissors downward at a 45-degree angle. This helps the sides taper softly into the longer lengths around your face. Repeat on the other side, dry, and check for symmetry.

With patience (and good scissors), knowing how to cut your own bangs doesn’t have to end in disaster. Follow these steps and you can buy yourself a few extra weeks before your next salon visit—and still look like someone who never even tried to do it at home.

This article first appeared on Vogue.it

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In this animated musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1980 classic, Mr and Mrs Twit, the meanest, smelliest, nastiest couple imaginable, run a grotesque amusement park named Twitlandia. When they seize political control of their town, two orphans, Beesha and Bubsy, and a family of magical animals must band together to stop them. This wild ride blends dark satire with heart and features voices by Johnny Vegas, Margo Martindale, Natalie Portman, Emilia Clarke and more.

Streaming on Netflix

Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas (October 17)

Cosmic tip: Keep working towards what you have decided on. The cosmos is on your side, a nd your fears will dissolve soon.

Yes, uncertainty can feel overbearing and almost as though it could kill you any moment, Leo. However, is that truly not what also makes life feel alive and exciting? Now, no one wants to remain stuck in survival mode. However, no one wants to always live on a plateau line. It is experience and the joy of curiosity and newness that keep life interesting, so as challenging as it may feel right now, wade through these waters and keep your head high and your eyes fixed on the horizon. It is there that you will find new lands to conquer and taste.

Cosmic tip: Deal with conflict with faith that, as long as you keep your inner talk aligned and your eyes focused, everything will resolve itself at some point in time.

You are not stuck anymore, and suddenly you know that life is about to begin moving at top speed. You are supported, new opportunities are seeking, and oh my goodness, things are about to shift gears for you, Virgo. You know that when you give, you really give with all your heart, and your guides remind you that you must also learn to receive with equal abandon. The Universe holds watch on what is fair and just, and nope, it’s time you get over that self-talk that makes you feel like your wants and needs are too much. You are here on this planet to not only evolve energetically but also to experience this physical life in full measure. As long as you keep your inner moral compass alive and keep wishing well for yourself and others, no ask is too big.

Cosmic tip: Take a new step in a new direction.

From a masculine, logical, purely rational way of thinking, it is time you shift gears to a more feminine way that not only relies on brute force, pure facts and rationale, but also fuses it with a strategy that is rooted in what your gut and intuition know is the way forward. Libra, if you continue forward in this brazen manner or with this clockwork approach, you may end up feeling lost and like you’ve hit a dead end; however, if you allow yourself a moment of quiet reflection, things might shift drastically for you.

Your days of struggle and non-stop grind are behind you, Pisces, and it is safe for you to simply take a step back and take a moment to enjoy where you are at. This new phase is not only about getting things done but also about being fully rooted in them while you are busy checking them off your list. Routines feel like rituals, chores feel like service, and in the midst of all these chaotic shifts, what feels truly calming is your connection with yourself, which translates into your connection with the cosmos.

Cosmic tip: Get your energy to work for you.

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Aries October 13, 2025

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Leo October 13, 2025

Virgo October 13, 2025

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Telogen effluvium is a reactive hair loss and is most commonly associated with stress. It occurs when an internal disturbance sends more hairs into the resting phase than usual. This can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, or low levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D or zinc.

Signs to look out for include:

• Your hair is finer than it used to be
• Your scalp is more visible
• Your ponytail is thinner
• Your hair doesn’t grow as long as it once did
• You are losing many short hairs

How does stress affect hair?

Stress can impact the hair in a variety of ways. The stress hormone, cortisol, can increase daily hair fall and may worsen existing hair diameter changes. Stress can additionally impact your scalp, triggering itching and flaking of the skin (dandruff). Stress is also a known trigger for alopecia areata.

Stress-related hair loss often manifests as thinning on the top of the scalp, although in more extreme cases it can also affect eyebrows or body hair. As well as hair loss, premature greying and increased breakage are common, as are significant changes in texture. “Stress can affect the production of hormones and nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth, resulting in changes in hair texture,” explains Gaboardi. “This may manifest as dry, brittle hair or an increase in frizz.”

How to deal with hair loss?

The good news is that stress-related hair loss is usually temporary and can often be addressed with lifestyle changes. As well as reducing your stress levels via extended relaxation rituals, maintaining a healthy scalp is vital, as it will encourage healthy hair growth. Aside from thorough cleansing to remove any product build-up or residue, using a product that promotes blood flow to the scalp is a good idea. “Avoid over-washing, as this can strip the scalp of natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation,” says Gaboardi. “Gently massage your scalp while washing to improve circulation and promote hair growth.”

Gently does it

Being gentle with your hair while it’s experiencing change is important, so as not to exacerbate any thinning. It goes without saying that excessive heat and chemical treatments aren’t a good idea, but try and opt for protective hairstyles too. “Opt for hairstyles that minimise tension on the hair follicles, such as loose braids, buns or ponytails,” advises Gaboardi. “Avoid tight hairstyles and hair accessories that pull on the hair, and handle your hair with care to minimise breakage and damage. Avoid vigorous towel drying and harsh brushing or combing, especially when the hair is wet and more prone to breakage.”

Take an inside-out approach

Eating the right things will also go a long way towards laying the foundation for optimal hair growth and reducing stress-related hair loss. A healthy, balanced diet will help to support the immune system, repair damaged cells and even lower raised cortisol levels. Getting enough protein in your diet is essential, as it provides the building blocks for proper hair growth: meat, tofu, eggs, beans, grains, nuts and fish are all good protein sources. Some studies suggest that telogen effluvium can also be connected to low levels of iron, so include iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables, lentils and liver in your diet where you can.

Butter-yellow emerged as the new neutral on the runways of Chanel, Loewe, Tod’s, Miu Miu and Alaïa; a softer alternative to the classic primary, offering warmth without intensity. Janhvi Kapoor is offering a soft, couture twist on the easy-to-wear colour with an Anjul Bhandari lehenga. Steeped in artisanal crafts, her look is proof that pastel palettes can be as statement-making as jewel tones.

Kapoor wore the ensemble for her cousin Anshula Kapoor’s intimate engagement ceremony in Mumbai. Comprising a diaphanous skirt, wrap-style blouse and sheer dupatta, all spotlighting Lucknow’s iconic chikankari. A centuries-old embroidery technique, it continues to define Indian couture. Bhandari’s version celebrates it in its most intricate and tonal form: cream-on-butter threadwork blooming across the skirt in floral and jaali motifs. Believed to have been popularised under Mughal Empress Noor Jahan, chikankari traditionally uses white thread on fine muslin, with more than 30 types of stitches that span the range from bakhiya (shadow work) and phanda (knots) to murri (grain-like detailing). Each pattern is hand-drawn, then delicately embroidered, often taking artisans weeks or even months to complete.

The off-shoulder wrap blouse framed Kapoor’s neckline gracefully, its floral embroidery punctuated with pearls that lent subtle texture and sheen. Her jewellery, from Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas, featured a pearl-and-pastel gemstone set that echoed the buttery tones of the lehenga. A soft beauty look—dewy skin, pink eyeshadow and nude lips—kept the focus on the craftsmanship.

Elegant and featherlight despite its embellishment, Janhvi Kapoor’s butter-yellow chikankari lehenga stands out as a modern heirloom ideal for the kind of destination celebration where comfort and ease meet grandeur.

“Most buy them for grandparents, parents and elderly relatives. A few,” Xavier says, “don’t wait for death.” A woman in her twenties bought a plaque to bury her dead relationship. Stranger still are those who purchase and edit their own memorial profiles while most of life is still ahead. They worry no one else will do it for them. Which raises too many questions: how can one feel alive while already rehearsing their own memorial? Will Indian cemeteries become Instagrammable spots? Will grief soon be another feed to scroll while eating toast or walking to the bus?

In the days after my father died, I kept wishing I still had my old phone. It had his voice, stacked between calls from courier workers and spam offers. I could have pressed play and believed he had just put down the paper, drained his third cup of tea and called, as he always did, once my mother and sister left for school. Where does a voice go once it’s deleted anyway? I imagine it orbiting cyberspace. If you think of it, the internet is a kind of cemetery. The dead drift across clouds, apps, notes, playlists and drives. But who gets to roam these archives and decide how they should be remembered?

Earlier this year, I spoke to Jeet Thayil about his novel Elsewhereans, which traces his parents’ lives and threads in portions his mother had been reluctant for him to document. What does it mean to be the keeper of one’s family story? To trespass memories? Is there a kind of love that reveals itself through disobedience? Thayil answered, not neatly, not fully, that for him what mattered was that in telling their story, he’d stretched his parents’ lives just a little farther. In the other most talked about book this year, Mother Mary Comes to Me, Arundhati Roy too memorialised her mother as both her shelter and her storm.

The rows of graves stretch in quiet geometry, punctuated by small metallic markers linking life and memory.