Posts in category: Life Style

Ajrakh has always been a textile of patience: a laborious, multi-step resist-printing craft from Kutch, passed down through generations, with its signature geometric motifs carved on wooden blocks and dyed with natural pigments. In Sanya Malhotra’s latest promotional look, the craft found contemporary rhythm through Nitya Bajaj’s design.

The ensemble was crafted in raw silk: an Ajrakh Tilak embroidered lehenga in rust tones, layered with zari and gold sequin hand embroidery, paired with a semi-precious ruby-encrusted half-sleeved choli with a plunging neckline and a tie-up detail at the back. Anchoring it was a matching sequin dupatta edged with the house’s signature scallop border. The interplay of gilded detailing with earthy base tones offered a striking push-pull between ornamentation and rooted craft.

Known for its laborious, multi-step process that relies on natural dyes and organic methods, Ajrakh yields fabrics that are both environmentally conscious and visually rich. Its motifs, engineered through hand-carved blocks, are signatures of the cluster, with patterns like the Badami jaal—leaf-like motifs in running repeats—forming some of the craft’s most recognisable expressions.

Nitya Bajaj has made Ajrakh her design language, sourcing directly from these clusters and translating the textile into silhouettes for a contemporary audience. While the fabric is often seen in cotton or modal, Bajaj reinterprets it in raw silk and sequins, creating lehengas, blazers, kaftans, shararas and even swimwear.

I’m not a delicate person by nature. My style has always reflected that—strong and a little rough around the edges. For my wedding, lacy pastels were never in the running. I didn’t want the traditional Parsi sari; I wanted to live my white-gown fairy tale in an unmistakably Indian silhouette. On a tight budget and harbouring a dream, I went to Dhiren and Hemant Trivedi at Sheetal Design Studio with an idea that was unheard of 25 years ago—a sari that wasn’t quite a sari. They created a fixed lehenga with a hidden zipper, a fluid drape and a pallu that dissolved into a veil. It moved like a gown, yet carried the grace of a sari. Crafted in delicate net with intricate embroidery and long sleeves, it became the perfect canvas for an heirloom Art Deco necklace my grandfather had gifted me at my Navjot. That piece anchored the look—a thread of history running through something entirely new.

I met Homi [Adajania] at St. Xavier’s College. We were friends first, inseparable in that easy, unspoken way. He was free-spirited yet steady, balancing my restless energy. We were different in many ways, but our values lined up perfectly. And yes—the fact that he was a sun-kissed, hot scuba instructor with an insatiable appetite for adventure didn’t hurt.

We married at my mother-in-law’s home in Panchgani where an open aisle lay beneath swaying silver oak trees and ended at the edge of a cliff that dropped into a sweeping valley. It was more beautiful than I had ever imagined. The ceremony melted into a champagne brunch, then into a night-long celebration under the stars that vanished as the sun rose. My four-year-old ring bearer, now in her 20s, recently wore that same sari with a shimmering contemporary blouse—a sight that unlocked a rush of one of my most special memories.

Archival images from Anaita Shroff Adajania’s wedding, where she paired a
custom pre-draped sari-gown designed by Sheetal Design Studio with an Art Deco necklace gifted by her grandfather.

Our marriage has always been rooted in trust. When we travel separately, we’re present where we are, knowing the other will hold down the fort—home and kids. In our early years, we’d hide little scraps of paper in each other’s luggage and pockets of our packed clothes—fragments of affection discovered in faraway places. We rarely argue and if we do, we agree to disagree. We never sleep on a bad note; life is too short for that. Before you marry, ask yourself: when it gets hard, will you still want to stand beside each other? Will he still make you laugh decades later? Will those inner qualities remain? That, more than anything, is what endures.

On Anaita Shroff Adajania: Wedding sari, Anaita’s own. Belt worn as blouse, Pankaj & Nidhi. Crystalline jacket, Kilang Aier.

When I work with brides now, my aim is the same as it was for myself—to make a dream tangible. No two brides are alike. Some want quiet sensuality, others want tradition. My process is instinctive, shaping a look that belongs only to her, whether it’s for a grand wedding or a simple puja at home. My own trousseau— saris from across India—has lasted me decades. That’s the point: don’t build a trousseau ‘of the moment’. Choose pieces that will evolve with you and jewellery you’ll actually wear, not lock away. For me, my wedding sari remains timeless, infused with my story. I want that for every bride—that instant when she stands there, feeling wholly herself, radiant and unshakable. That moment is magic. And to help create it isn’t just my craft—it’s my privilege.

The building itself is a work of it, with its design being modelled after one of Husain’s own sketches from 2008 titled ‘M.F. Husain Art & Cinema Museum’—proof that he knew his dream project would come to fruition one day. In the artwork, palm trees, desert sand and a bold, geometric blue-and-black building with abstract shapes that resemble calligraphic strokes paint a picture of the artist’s vision. The yellow pathway that spills out from the arched entrance is a stand-in for a red carpet—an ode to the cinema that Husain often described as his first love.

Inside, the permanent collection on display will include his paintings, films, tapestries, photography, poetry and installations. Among the highlights are ‘Seeroo fi al ardh’, Husain’s final masterpiece depicting humanity’s progress, displayed in a dedicated gallery with an accompanying presentation, and a series of paintings inspired by the Arab civilisation, commissioned by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation—35 of which Husain completed before his passing.

Lawh Wa Qalam M. F. Husain Museum. Courtesy of Qatar Foundation

Despite living away from India during the last decade of his life, Husain remained deeply engaged with ideas of legacy, cinema and storytelling—whispers of a glorious past that saw him direct films like Through the Eyes of a Painter (1967), Gaja Gamini (2000) and the critically acclaimed Meenaxi (2004). The M. F. Husain Museum in Qatar is a celebration of an artist who saw the world as cinema and depicted it on his canvas as poetry.

The museum will open to public on November 20, 2025.

Power Crystal: Emerald, to foster compassion, clarity and abundance within and around yourself.

A happy, harmonious vibe is something your soul craves, and let’s be honest, whose soul doesn’t crave this?. However, Scorpio, a lesser-known fact about you is that you are a huge softy in a ravenous disguise. As your season approaches, this month you are guided towards happier pastures, and somehow you make peace with something—a fact that perhaps you need more hands on deck, or perhaps that you simply need not be the rug in your own life, or perhaps you are ready to allow your spine to stand tall because you know you are worth so much more than you settle for. You are ready to let your ideas take flight, and Scorpio, you are doing it in as grounded a manner as possible. Let your heart take you to places you yearn to explore. You are safe, and the sun is shining down upon you.

Power Crystal: Hematite, to help you sync into yourself, connect with your outer world and even to clear your mental chatter—grounding your energy and ideas firmly into the wonders that are possible for you now.

This month is about money, collaboration, community and new ventures or trials, Sag. You are deeply tuned into your intuition, insight and inner voice, and you know it seldom leads you astray. So now, roll your sleeves up and get down and dirty with all that dough that needs to be kneaded. The making of a fantastic loaf of bread is not really in the ingredients alone—it is in the intuitive skill that goes into making the dough that will rise just perfectly. Take your pick, set your eyes on the globe and get out there to explore. For some, travel may also be on the cards, and this will not only refresh you but also open your mind to new possibilities.

Power Crystal: Amethyst, for tuning into yourself and keeping calm when there is so much you just cannot keep calm about.

Sure, conflicting goals may be trying to grapple with your attention and bandwidth, Capricorn; however, tell me, what are you willing to pour yourself into? Your gut instinct is likely to be at an all-time peak this season, and as the festive season kicks in in India, you may have a lot tugging at you for your attention and energy, but your angels remind you to only focus your energy on what you desire and feel at peace with. Just as not every party invite needs to be accepted, not every request or protocol needs to be obliged or taken on. Take a hard look at your future, and then ask yourself what from your present fits into the long-term goals that align with you and your vision. Then make your decisions accordingly.

If getting back into fitness is on your list of things to do, Harvard Medical School has some advice worth bookmarking. Their experts analysed a range of activities and identified the four best exercises for your health, offering benefits that go far beyond toned muscles. Think weight management, stronger bones, healthier joints, better balance and even sharper memory. “Whatever your age or fitness level, these activities are some of the best exercises you can do,” notes Harvard Health Publishing. The baseline: aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day, plus two sessions of strength training a week, to be considered active.

Swimming

Several studies confirm it: swimming may just be the ultimate workout. Water supports the body, easing pressure on the joints, which makes movements smoother and gentler. “Swimming is particularly beneficial for people with arthritis, as it reduces weight-bearing stress,” says Dr I-Min Lee, professor of medicine at Harvard. It tones every major muscle group, boosts metabolism, and builds cardiovascular endurance—all while training your breath. For a lighter variation, aquagym offers many of the same benefits, keeping it firmly on the list of the best exercises for your health.

Tai chi

Often described as “meditation in motion,” tai chi blends mindful breathing with slow, flowing movements. It strengthens muscles without strain and calms the mind at the same time. While anyone can practise it, Dr Lee points out its special value for older adults: “Balance is an important component of fitness, and it’s something we lose as we age.” With its unique mix of strength and serenity, tai chi is one of the best exercises for your health.

Strength training

This isn’t about bulking up but maintaining strength. “If you don’t use your muscles, they will lose vigour over time,” explains Dr Lee. Beyond preserving mobility, muscle mass also increases calorie burn, making weight management easier. Studies even suggest it may support brain health later in life. Start small: one or two kilos you can lift comfortably for 10 repetitions. Gradually increase as your strength improves. Strength training is one of the best exercises for your health because it supports long-term vitality.

Walking

“It can help you stay slim, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen your bones, control blood pressure, lift your mood, and reduce your risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease,” says Harvard Health Publishing. Research also links regular walking to better memory and reduced age-related decline. Begin with 10–15 minutes, then build to 30–60 minutes several times a week for maximum benefits. Walking proves that sometimes the best exercises for your health are also the simplest.

This article first appeared on Vogue.fr

For her Navratri look with Kalyan Jewellers, Tabu turned to a reimagined kasavu sari by Heena Kochhar. Traditionally woven in cotton and worn during Onam or Vishu, the kasavu was here crafted in silk georgette with a handloom tissue finish, making the drape lighter and more fluid. Instead of the expected underskirt, Kochhar paired it with a woven chanderi lehenga-style woven chanderi petticoat that added volume while keeping the familiar white-and-gold lines intact. Fine zari and sitara ari embroidery edged the sari, lending texture without crowding its simplicity.

Instagram.com/nandatolani

The blouse provided contrast: emerald green, densely embroidered, its jewel tone playing against the gold borders of the sari.

Emerald broke the white-and-gold palette with the blouse cut in the jewel tone worked over with dense embroidery that caught the light against the sari’s borders.

Her jewellery from Kalyan Jewellers included temple-style earrings encrusted with rubies and emeralds, delicate gold bangles and a cocktail ring with old-world charm. Footwear came via Aprajita Toor’s khussas in dull gold and maroon silk with Mughal-inspired embroidery, their cushioned lining making them practical as well as ornate.

For most Indian girls, being dragged to the balcony floor while your mum whips up a funky concoction so she can massage your scalp in the name of hair growth is a rite of passage. With raw eggs, onion juice and lemon zest in the mix, it’s hard to say whether thick, flowy tresses are the gift of Indian genetics or pantry staples.

Our October digital cover star, Twinkle Khanna, says she treats her scalp “like a fridge. I dump everything on it—beer, dahi, eggs.” And like most beauty rituals passed down through families, she admits, “I’ve learned everything from my mother.”

Our October digital cover star, Twinkle Khanna, says she treats her scalp “like a fridge. I dump everything on it—beer, dahi, eggs.” And as haircare secrets go, Khanna admits, “I’ve learned everything from my mother.”

Dimple Kapadia has always sworn by DIY treatments. “I remember for Tera Naam Liya with Jackie Shroff in Ram Lakhan (1989), I’d used beer as a conditioner. The song was a hit, but it was my hair that ended up being talked about incessantly,” she shared in a 2021 interview with Vogue India. Hops are rich in antioxidants that nourish, while barley contains zinc and vitamin B that help hydrate and strengthen. The overall effect? Hair that shines like Khanna’s and Kapadia’s.

Other kitchen staples have their own benefits. Dahi, high in fat and protein, moisturises dry hair while its lactic acid and probiotics can gently exfoliate the scalp. Eggs deliver protein to repair damage, while their biotin-rich yolks nourish the roots for healthy growth.

But no Indian haircare story is complete without oils. Coconut oil, high in fatty acids, is a great choice for hydration and repair. Castor oil, with ricinoleic acid, stimulates hair follicles, encouraging growth. Olive oil, also rich in fatty acids, moisturises, strengthens and adds shine.

In the same interview, Kapadia shared her hair oil recipe: “A concoction of almond and sandalwood oil as a base, with geranium, rosemary and lavender essential oils. This is the legacy I’ll pass down to my grandchildren.”

Therein lies a simple truth—these homemade recipes are more than just beauty tricks, they’re about an intergenerational ritual that predates bottled serums and masks. They’re about mothers and daughters sitting cross-legged on the floor, fingers working oil (among other ingredients) into scalps while conversation flows in the background. What Khanna carries forward is part of that very tradition.

There are times when the whole thing appears larger than life. Everything appears brighter, the sweets taste better, and every second looks like it has to be written down in a book. There are more than just customs and fireworks. You need to be at your best. Your outfit provides the fun and sparkle that makes the season what it is.

This approach that you wear on Diwali is just as vital as the events. Going to a family puja, a celebration at a friend`s house, or all of the photo shoots that follow? The way you dress can set the temper for the entire night. What a great outfit it is when custom and style come together in one. You not only look festive, you own the party. Read this to get some unique ideas for men’s clothing for Diwali.

We all try to make their Instagram feeds look as stylish as they want them to be in this world of social media. In addition, many people wonder, “What ought I wear this year for Diwali?” People don`t need to wear old outfits or things that are not in fashion. There are many fashionable and adaptable Diwali clothes for men, so it should not be difficult to locate something that suits the occasion and is in fashion. It’s essential to locate the proper stability between old-style fashion and modern comfort. 

Festivals are a great time to get new clothes, and Diwali is the best time to do it. Explore classic traditional styles as well as modern fusion styles. The right choice from these Diwali dress ideas for guys can make any event feel like your own personal runway.

Here are some of the most stunning outfit choices for Diwali that you will never forget.

1. Nehru Jacket and Kurta Pyjama Set

An easy, quick kurta for men can continually be worn over a Nehru jacket. Colors that can be smooth or bright, fabrics that have one-of-a-kind feels, like velvet or silk, and simple designs may come to mind. Add a few styles by wearing a pocket and a rectangular or pin.

Tips to Style:

An old favorite that always works. Wear a crisp kurta pajama with a Nehru jacket of a different color. For an extra holiday look, add a pocket square or pin.

2. Embroidered Sherwani with Intricate Charms

People think of power and style when they see Sherwanis. Modern fits, flower or Mughal embroidery, and lighter fabrics for comfort are all in style this year. For a royal but wearable look, use neutral or jewel tones with few but fancy accents.

Tips to Style:

A sherwani with light stitching is great if you want to look royal without being too heavy. With muted tones, the beauty stands out more, and mojari strings give it a polished look.

3. Half Kurtas for Indo-Western Fusion

More and more people like Indo-Western dresses. People wear thick coats with dhoti pants, asymmetrical kurtas with slim-fit pants, and high-low hems in those styles. The shapes are traditional; however, the info is more Western. For a dressier look, you can pair a half-kurta with pants or maybe jeans.

Tips to Style:

Half-kurtas worn with pants or dhoti pants are a great way for modern women to dress that is both relaxed and traditional. A stylish watch is an easy way to finish off the look.

4. A Royal Look with a Pathani Suit

Pathani suits give off an air of royalty that is easy to pull off. Choose sets that can be all of the same color or sets that have colorings together for a more elegant and realistic look. Examine your Diwali parties. They can be made from silk or a mixture of silk and cotton.

Tips to Style:

A pathani suit gives off that strong and simple vibe. Dark jewel tones like blue or maroon will look great with kolhapuris or juttis to finish off the look.

5. Bandhgala for Joyous Celebrations

The structured bandhgala (Jodhpuri suit) is great for more formal parties. The modern bandhgala looks great with both churidars and pants and is often made with colorful or brocade fabrics. To improve the look, add a stylish watch or pocket square.

Tips to Style:

The bandhgala is smart, well-structured, and fun. Bandhgalas made of velvet or silk in darker colors look beautiful for evening events.

6. A Churidar-Style Silk Kurta

Diwali is always a good time to wear silk kurtas. For a clean, classic look, wear them with churidars. For extra fun and ease, choose necklines with embroidery or prints of patterns.

Tips to Style:

A silk shirt with a churidar is the most beautiful thing you can wear. Silk’s shine makes it instantly joyful; add a stole for an extra touch of class.

7. Easy yet Festive Outfits (Kurta and Jeans)

Wear a short kurta or half-kurta with jeans that fit well to house parties or semi-casual Diwali events. To find the right mix between tradition and comfort, add holiday touches like printed patterns or light embroidery.

Tips to Style:

For an informal Diwali appearance, pair a simple blouse with pants that match well. This outfit is awesome for when you want to look excellent and feel good at the same time.

This Diwali, you could display your fashion in lots of unique ways. You can wear a traditional kurta or sherwani, or you could try something new with a Jodhpuri suit or tuxedo. Choose the proper shoe, gift, or material for this holiday season. Pay attention to the little things. Make sure you purchase accurate clothes that appear accurate and make you feel so that you can completely experience the events.

Like flaxseeds for your gut, scarves are the superfood of your closet—tiny, unassuming, but so transformative. When your outfit feels a little flat or your suitcase space is running on fumes, this lightweight hero swoops in to spice up your look in seconds. Ahead, five fresh ways to work a scarf into your outfit.

Around the neck

XNY/Star Max/Getty Images

This instant outfit elevator channels effortless French-girl energy. A silky square knotted close to the neck on a crisp white shirt, oversized sunnies and a swipe of red lipstick and you’re ready to stroll down the Champs-Élysées.

As a top

From bandeau wraps to halter ties, the possibilities of a scarf as a top are endless. Pair it with wide-leg trousers or denim cutoffs for a breezy yet sharply styled fit.

As a bag

Cosmic tip: You will always remain the main character in your life—no matter what.

Things may have felt a little dreary, a little weary and a little out of whack lately, Scorpio and while now things are looking up in the long term for you, do you realise that going forward you will need to lessen your load and either delegate or sift through things like you are a rocket shedding dead weight. Because if you continue on like this, your guides say you will burn out. Also, your new ideas don’t need you to do more. They need you to embody your creative, easeful and abundant life more while doing all you need to do smartly and optimally.

Cosmic tip: Your wishes are coming true—stay diligent and practical in all you do.

Teamwork, togetherness and collective effort really reap rewards your way, Sag. You are entering your blessed era where the more you open your heart and give, the more you will receive—if not immediately, at least in the long term. By the end of Libra season, moving more into Aquarius season, whatever you began a few weeks ago will begin showing results. Don’t take frustrations and temporary speed bumps along the way as permanent closures. Restring your heart and reignite your passion that calls you to show up in this world.

Cosmic tip: Steadily move towards your target.

You may have been in a dilemma recently; however, Capricorn, now that you have made up your mind, you must use your innate wisdom to gauge which ships belong you and are here to take you onward on your journey. Yes, you may be reminiscing about the golden days or times where you lived carefree and happy or even when things were happier or smoother sailing. However, the cosmos reminds you that through persistence, resilience and a practically intuitive approach, you will overcome anything you set your heart and mind to.

Cosmic tip: Leave your emotional baggage behind to resolve this situation for good.

Beware of waltzing in blindly into your future with an unrealistically optimistic outlook when the cosmos is clearly sending you signs to lay stable foundations first, Aquarius. It is great to want to build something and believe in it—but it is also your duty to trust your intuition when it gives you the red flags and read the signs and redirections the cosmos is sending your way. Your abundant and thriving life story depends not only on your ability to delusionally dream, but also on building alongside.

Cosmic tip: Replace a lack mindset with your innate abundance by adding value to what you do and touch.

The webs in your mind have been crafting plans and creative ideas for the time to come. You may be looking forward to new beginnings; however, Pisces, while you nurture your dreamy side, also remember to pay attention to all the groundwork that needs to be put in place. While you pursue your loftiest dreams, also don’t crumble under the pressure of things taking a turn and life of their own. Thunderbolts of lightning in the form of ideas, breakthroughs and shifts may occur almost at Godspeed. And it is up to you to know and gauge what is coming in the future and how you wish to tackle it.

Cosmic tip: Take a moment with yourself before you dive in.