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.IN

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MAY14ELLE.IN

MAY

CONTENTS — 23 EDITOR’S VIEW

— 24 10 THINGS

— 26 LOVE LETTER

— 28 VOICES

— 30 ELLE MAIL

— 34 ELLE ONLINE

EDITS— 38 THE SHAPE OF NEW

Geometry is both, this season’s hottest trend, and a fashion classic. Nirja Dutt explores the true potential of these elemental forms

— 40 LABEL TO KNOW: ESSE BY SAHIB & SUNAYANA Delhi-based Sahib Dang and Sunayana Sahni aim to give Indian wear a contemporary facelift with their label

— 42 OPEN CASE The skeleton timepieces that will see you through the season

— 44 IT’S BEEN A JOYFUL RIDE Chopard’s visionary artistic director and co-president Caroline Scheufele takes us through the 40-year journey of the Happy Diamond series

— 6 1 CLASSICAL TRACK Boston-based Sriram Emani, founder of the start-up Indian Raga, is giving traditional art forms a modern makeover, finds Akhila Krishnamurthy

— 64 TOP OF THE FORM The 2017-18 edition of ELLE Graduates saw the brightest young names in fashion put their best foot forward. Photographs: Aneev Rao. Styling: Rahul Vijay

— 72 ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER This Mother’s Day, we got a few of our favourite people to dig through their family albums—all for mum’s sake

— 46 POP IT LIKE IT’S HAUTE Break out of the smoky eye rut with a burst of primary hues

— 48 FASHION UPDATES

FEATURES— 52 ON THE RISE Banita Sandhu

may have stars in her eyes, but with her Bollywood debut, they’ll soon be within reach too

— 54 IN THE WINGS Meet Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan’s baby cousin, Pashmina Roshan, who just made a roaring stage debut

— 56 WE ARE THE WORLD In these divisive times, artist Rithika Merchant’s surrealist works remind us that we’re all more similar than we think

— 58 CALL TO ACTION Culture Machine’s new documentary, Amoli, exposes India’s billion-dollar sex trafficking industry lurking in plain sight

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PASSION POWER PHENOMENONPASSION POWER PHENOMENON

MINDYMINDYKALINGKALING

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FASHION

— 80 THE MAGIC OF MINDY KALING Top screenwriter. Stand-up comic. Bestselling author. Television sensation. Hollywood star. New mother. Youth icon. Mindy Kaling is all this, and so much more, finds Supriya Dravid. Photographs: Mike Rosenthal. Styling: Malini Banerji

— 90 WHAT LIES BENEATH Sheer delicacy gets a fearlessly sexy makeover as gossamer fabrics in candy pastels and wispy whites reveal themselves under Melbourne’s summer sun. Photographs: Nick Leary. Styling: Rahul Vijay

BEAUTY— 104 RESTING FRESH FACE

Turn that frown line upside down, with face yoga. Mamta Mody takes you through a series of exercises proven to be the ultimate slow-ageing routine. Photographs: Taras Taraporvala. Styling: Karuna Laungani

— 108 COVER ALL YOUR BASES High-tech formulas and a special-edition fragrance will charm away all your beauty needs

— 109 GOOD COMPANY Through ethically sourced ingredients and maximum social impact, The Body Shop is all about beauty that pays it forward

— 1 10 CLEAN UP YOUR ACT With equal parts science and nature, the oft-misunderstood world of green beauty makes a strong case for itself. Arjun Sudhir tells us where to start and what to avoid

— 1 12 HEAD IN THE GAME Play with these cool girl-approved hairstyles for summer, inspired straight off the runway

— 1 14 BEAUTY EXPERT: DR JEWEL GAMADIA The man behind your favourite actors’ flawless skin and fantastic health wants you to rethink the way you eat

— 1 15 LONG HAUL While you fly across time zones, leave it to these travel-friendly essentials to fix your tired plane face. They make sure you hit the tarmac looking well-rested and hydrated

— 1 16 HUNGER STRIKE Intermittent fasting might actually be worth the effort and restraint for a leaner and stronger body

— 1 17 BEAUTY UPDATES

LIFESTYLE— 120 WILD COUNTRY

Untamed nature, fascinating history, good wine, better food—and dancing, so much dancing! Argentina has joy to give any kind of vacationer, finds Shruti Ganguly

— 126 HIGH AND MIGHTY Gorillas, gregariousness and great coffee—Rwanda is a dream destination, says Jia Singh

— 128 CAST AWAY At Soneva Kiri, on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand, luxury and nature are seamlessly entwined

— 129 SEA SONG If there was ever an island to be stranded on, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is it

— 130 LIFESTYLE UPDATES

— 13 1 A FITTING TRIBUTE Delhi’s party crowd celebrated Versace’s Tribute Collection in style

— 132 CAUSE AND EFFECT Delhi and Mumbai’s good samaritans came out in full support for this year’s ELLE Carnival For A Cause

— 138 ADDRESS BOOK

— 139 ASTRO

— 140 ELLE LOVESXX90

MAY

CONTENTS

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80

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VOLUME 24 NO 5 Printed and published by Takesh Mathur on behalf of Ogaan Media Private Limited, and printed at Rajhans Enterprises, 134, 4th Main Road, Industrial Town, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru – 560044, and published from 201 Nirman Kendra, Off Dr E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai – 400011. Editor Supriya Dravid. Processed at Reproscan.

Distributed in India by Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., Sumer Plaza, 2nd Floor, Marol Maroshi Road, Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400059. Copyright © Ogaan Media Pvt. Ltd., 1996. Regd. Office: H-2, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi – 110016. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction strictly prohibited. ELLE does not take responsibility for

returning unsolicited publication material. ELLE is a registered trademark.

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®E L L E

W W W . C H A M B O R . C O M

MattersAll That

This Season!

MATTE MAKEUP COLLECTION 2018FACE • LIPS • EYES

Let your beauty shine through with our shine-free range of long-lasting,

transfer-proof make up.

Presenting the eXtreme Wear Collection.

MAY23ELLE.IN

EDITOR’S LETTER

LOVE MORE,NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER

GIVE IN

— SUPRIYA DRAVIDEmail: editor@ogaan.co.inInsta: @supriya.dravid

One of the greatest joys of being part of the magazine business is the people we get to meet. They punctuate our minds, and rewire our optimism. When

I took on the role of editor at ELLE, I was very keen on throwing the spotlight on the new guard, the forces, the visionaries. One such person who exemplified this idyll was Mindy Kaling. I have been a fan of her work ever since she played Kelly Kapoor in The Office, and then later, the one-woman wolf pack helming The Mindy Project. Not to mention her novels. And don’t even get me started on Ocean’s 8. She has challenged the norm, upped the ante and, in her own way, made sure Hollywood feels damn lucky to have her.

Shooting Kaling for the cover was a delight. It was snowing in New York when we arrived on a spring day in April. Then the sun gods pulled a 360 on the day of our shoot. Kaling reached on the dot with no entourage, and spoke to us like old friends, with gentle ease and unhurried elegance. She lavished unending praise on the rack of Indian designers that we had lined up for the shoot, and got a little rheumy-eyed about Aamir Khan. (She watched a tonne of Bollywood films while she was pregnant.)

When I told her how we all loved The Mindy Project in India, she was ecstatic. “I was so curious to see how I translate into India, and thrilled at the fact that people have an awareness of me. I want so desperately to have a connection with India,” she says. It’s also a feeling of being on the outside, looking in. “I’m like, whoa, is there even place for me there. But I have such a longing to want to be there. Even with this cover, I’ve really felt so relieved and excited to do this.” It was so heartening and so real.

At its core, ELLE is about women who not just own the moment, but are the moment. We spoke to Barcelona-based Indian artist Rithika Merchant, who created folksy, surrealist and esoteric prints for Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s debut S/S ’18 collection for Chloé. When asked what it takes to stay creatively happy, Merchant says, “Constantly hone

your craft. Just show up and work on it every single day, even if you don’t feel like it.”

May is a time to enjoy the lightness of just being. Our lush fashion spread across the poetic city of Melbourne revels in the sheer delicacy of gossamer fabrics and wispy whites. In addition, summer is also the perfect time to rejig your beauty ritual for something fun and indoorsy. Our pastel-hued face yoga shoot is the slow-ageing routine you need.

And for those who want to get away, our travel guide will lead you through offbeat destinations like Rwanda and Argentina for the adventure of a lifetime.

Still, the piece I loved the most in this issue is All About My Mother. We asked some of our favourite people to send us a picture of their mum, and the best advice they have ever received from her. It is pure heart. Anyone who knows me knows that my own mother, Sukanya Dravid, is a riot. She looks like a conservative Tamilian lady, but swears like a sailor. We drive each other insane, but neither my children nor I can function without her madness. The best piece of advice she’s ever given me? Always love more, never give up, and never give in. And the world is better when you are three drinks ahead. #everydayismothersday

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10THINGSSink your toes in the sand in the Andamans, try the hottest ingredient on menus everywhere, and follow Indian fashion’s latest Insta obsession

READSara Shepard, the bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, is out with her first

piece of adult fiction, The Elizas:

A Novel (Simon & Schuster).

The protagonist, novelist Eliza

Fontaine, is on a mission to

find out who is after her—and why. But as she

investigates and the publishing date for her debut book

draws close, the events of her life and those in her

book mysteriously begin to collide,

confusing what is real and what isn’t.

GETDo your bit for the environment, and say no to straws. If you simply must

use one, switch to biodegradable

bamboo versions, so that the next time you sip on

your kale smoothie, you’re actually going green all the way. We’re

loving the PRAKRIT Bamboo Straws

at NO-MAD.

SHOPThe season may

demand minimal clothing, but your

earrings just have to be extra.

Take your cue from Topshop’s crystal-studded

mini ear chandeliers or

Badgley Mischka’s feathery danglers.

TRAVELWith the opening

of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,

Andamans, the archipelago has a new luxury resort. Ready for a week

of snorkelling, kayaking and

five-star pampering? We sure are.

FOLLOWBeware, copycats! The fashion police

is on the prowl. DietSabya, the Indian spin-off of the popular

Instagram account DietPrada, which calls out injustices

and knock-offs in fashion, is fast gaining frenzied followers. It has already locked

horns with some of the country’s biggest brands.

Scroll through for some snide.

L ISTENIt’s summer, and

no poolside party is complete without

new-gen singer Andrew Bazzi’s millennial lyrics and soulful R&B beats. Start with

his breakthrough hit, ‘Mine’, and

follow it up with groovy singles like

‘Beautiful’ and ‘Why’. Then, tune in to Wildness, Snow Patrol’s first album

in seven years.

TASTENepal’s potent Timut pepper

is in demand in kitchens all over the world for its tingly taste and

delicious aroma. Its citrus hints

go exceedingly well with fish

preparations. Here’s a real pro

tip: add a touch to your gin and tonic

for a feisty, fiery burst of flavour.

TRYIf you can never

think of the perfect lyrics or

motivational quote to caption your selfies with, give

Rubric a shot. The app scans facial expressions and

the backgrounds of photos, and

coughs up multiple options. Never be

tongue-tied again.(Available on iOS)

WATCHGo back in time

and trace the friendship of

swashbuckling space smuggler

Han Solo and his co-pilot

Chewbacca as they embark on

daring space expeditions in

Solo: A Star Wars Story, a prequel to

the blockbuster sci-fi films. If that’s not enough, Ryan

Reynolds, aka the funniest man you never got to date, returns as

the comicverse’s sassiest anti-hero

in Deadpool 2.

BUYDesigner Erdem

Moralioglu’s penchant for floral

motifs and escapist storytelling has

found its way into beauty, with the

launch of Strange Flowers—a dreamy collaboration with NARS Cosmetics.

The line has everything, from a hero powder

lip palette called Poison Rose

to iridescent highlighters,

and more.

MAY26ELLE.IN

Designer Payal Khandwala on her earliest inspiration, her daughter Mira Ramchandani

LOV E L E T T E R

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VOICES

MAY28ELLE.IN

THEMAYISSUE

JANICE KINJO @janicekinjo

The make-up artist opts for luminous skin and a natural lip for our cover girl in The Magic Of Mindy Kaling. Her top summer skincare tip:

“Hydrate! Drinking lots of water helps moisturise you from within. Use a good cleanser, like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, followed by its Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask, which exfoliates your skin and leaves it looking radiant.”

MIKE ROSENTHAL @mrmikerosenthal

The photographer shoots cover star Mindy Kaling in New York, dressed in some of Indian fashion’s biggest names, in The Magic Of Mindy Kaling, page XX. What he loves about her:

“I’ve actually known Mindy for a while, and she hasn’t stopped surprising me with her wit, humour and charm. She’s lovely, and always a pleasure to be around.”NICK LEARY

@nicklearycollectionsThe photographer takes us down under and captures the sizzling Melbourne summer in all its sheer glory, in What Lies Beneath, page XX. On the city’s creative scene right now:

“It’s innovative, stylish and very, very cool.”

ARJUN SUDHIR @justaskarjun

The popular writer and green-beauty evangelist bats for a cruelty- and chemical-free regimen in Clean Up Your Act, page XX. One miracle product he’s currently obsessing over:

“Aria-Nighttime Cell Recovery Treatment by La Bella Figura. I wake up with glowing skin the next morning!”

AKHILA KRISHNAMURTHY

@akhila_krishnamurthyThe writer speaks to Sriram Emani, founder of Indian Raga, a US-based initiative that gives traditional performance art forms a makeover, allowing young Indians around the world to stay in touch with their roots, in Classical Act, page XX. On her favourite Indian Raga adaptation:

“‘Shape of you’, featuring Aditya Rao, Mahesh Raghvan and Vinod Krishnan. I love it because of the interesting way in which the pop song has been adapted. It retains the zest of the original, while really allowing the Carnatic influence to shine through.”

SERENA MERRIMAN @merrimanevents

The set designer took the magnificent old-world charm of the Presidential Suite at The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel, and infused it with colour and a liveliness that matched Mindy Kaling’s vivacious personality, in The Magic Of Mindy Kaling, page XX. Her favourite prop from the shoot:

“The citrus tree. It wasn’t in full bloom yet, so I bought some fake citrus branches and wired them onto the tree. Hopefully, you can’t tell!”

MAY30ELLE.IN

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`150APRIL 2018

+

THESUPERS

EXCLUSIVE DEFENCE MINISTER NIRMALA SITHARAMAN’S FIRST-EVER INTERVIEW, IAF’S WOMEN FIGHTER PILOTS

ALSO PADMA LAKSHMI + DONATELLA VERSACE + GAURI KHAN

Cover April 2018.indd 1 29/03/18 7:05 pm

MAILE l l e

Got something to say about the issue (or life in general)?

Write to us at ellemail@ogaan.co.in

UP AND UPThe piece on the women fighter jet pilots of the Indian Air Force was interesting, involving and inspiring. And the photograph of the three valiant ladies, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh in their uniforms, with a taxiing military aircraft in the background was awesome. It looked like a still from a film! It takes a lot of determination and perseverance to take on the physical, emotional and occupational challenges associated with flying mean machines like the MiG-21. But these women, who dared to reach for the skies, are sure to motivate many more young girls to chase their dreams.  — ILA DAS, KOLKATA

BE THE CHANGEPicking up a fashion magazine normally doesn’t leave one inspired. Rather, it leaves one in a bubble of beauty products and high fashion. But, as a new ELLE reader, I would like to congratulate the team that strives to take this magazine to entirely new heights. The article on the pilots of the Indian Air Force, The Incredibles, left me in awe! The three fighter jet pilots, Avani, Mohana and Bhawana, totally stole my attention. And let’s not forget that sizzling cover with the supermodels! — GAYATRI NARGIS, NEW DELHI

STEP UPI think April was one of your best covers. And the inside, with thought-provoking stories such as Can Fashion Save The Planet?, was promising, too. I like how it made us consider our place as consumers. The Incredibles, the feature on our real-life superheroes, the inspiring women fighter jet pilots of the Indian Air Force, showed the magnificent versatility of womanhood.— MPS CHADHA, MOHALI

POWER PACK The April 2018 issue of ELLE is truly collector-worthy. The cover, with the five leading ladies of Indian modelling, all dressed in Versace, made a resounding impact. In The Force, Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s first full-time female Minister of Defence came across as firm, grounded and determined—not to mention, someone who works well under pressure. In The Incredibles, three women fighter jet pilots made inroads into a well-preserved male bastion and wore their nationalism with pride, grit and supremacy. On a lighter note, Real Beauty, with Padma Lakshmi and her debut make-up line for M.A.C Cosmetics, was lovely. The idea that the products’ names were inspired by things from Lakshmi’s life was novel. Keep it up ELLE, you always deliver.— SABIA TRAMBOO, NEW DELHI

THE LETTERS PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE ISSUE WILL WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM FOREST ESSENTIALS.

Please include your address and telephone number. Incomplete letters will not be entertained.

The letters published in this issue have won a gift hamper from NYX Professional Makeup.

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`150MAY 2018

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PASSION POWER PHENOMENONPASSION POWER PHENOMENON

MINDYMINDYKALINGKALING

Digital Cover May 18.indd 1 28/04/18 3:55 pm

News, trends, insider info—this is your daily

dose of ELLE

WHAT’S NEW ON

ELLE . IN

CELEBRITYMARRIAGE ON THE CARDSThe biggest star weddings of 2018

INSTAGRAMELLE LOVESStay up to date with the latest in fashion, beauty and culture

BEAUTYCOLOUR MATTERSEleven incredible foundations for darker skin tones

FASHIONSARTORIAL SUMMER Bollywood’s leading ladies show you three ways to style the humble kurta

DRINK TO BE(ER) OR NOT TO BE(ER)The six best brews for women who don’t like beer

E L L E . I N

In.pinterest.com/elleindia

Instagram.com/elleindiaofficial

Facebook.com/elleindia

Twitter.com/elleindia

Snapchat: elle.india

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PASSION POWER PHENOMENONPASSION POWER PHENOMENON

MINDYMINDYKALINGKALING

Cover May 18.indd 1 28/04/18 2:46 pm

damilano.com

MAY37ELLE.IN

PRIMARY TINTS THAT MAKE A STATEMENT.

DIALS TO SHOW MORE THAN JUST THE TIME. GEOMETRY LESSONS

FOR YOUR WARDROBE

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T O P T R E N D S , M U S T - H A V E P I E C E S & S T Y L E U P D A T E S

F IRST LOOK

MAY38ELLE.IN

FIRST LOOK

The accessory:

THE TOTE

Minimise the regular tote’s

starkness with Céline’s fluid

version.

The ensemble:

CHECKEDSUIT

Destroy the line between casual and formal with

munkee.see.munkee.doo.

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BROKENSYMMETRY

Opt for pieces by En Inde or Misho

to turn basic ensembles into

geometric wonders.

MAY39ELLE.IN

The detail:

THE FAN FRILL

Playful pleats at Wendell Rodricks

are an easy way to introduce geometry

to your wardrobe.

One of the first things fashion school teaches you is elements of design. The professor puts forward a challenge to depict a mood using just lines and dots in a box no bigger than 3x3 inches. Slowly, but surely, the shapes

begin to take form to create a vision. And before long, what began as basic elements are soon full collections. This season, though, has been about the reverse journey.

“More often than not, a trend is a reflection of our times. As our lives become more complex, we seek simplicity and structure, and feel a need to go back to the classics. This may be a reason for the return of geometry and cleaner silhouettes in fashion,” says Jaspreet Chandok, vice president and head (fashion), IMG Reliance.

At Lovebirds, large polka dots were seen on fluid silhouettes, Sonia Rykiel showcased lazy striped suits, and Jil Sander introduced sharp rectangular pouches with handles. But geometry isn’t a trend in the sense that it never really went away. So, what is it about these simple forms that has enticed designers season after season? Their versatility. Like Payal Khandwala rightly says, “Geometry isn’t something that comes and goes, it is perpetually there at the back of our minds. Even if I am planning a collection with florals for instance, the silhouettes will be a wrap skirt (which when laid flat, is actually a rectangle), or something of the sort, whose basics stem from geometry.”

She adds, “Two years ago, I made a collection literally inspired by geometry because I was studying it with my daughter. So, designers who are particular about line and proportion will always have it at the back of their minds. And although its true versions are seen this season, it always makes a guest appearance every now and then.”

These elemental shapes also have a way of creating incredible illusions when teased just a little. Case in point: monochrome masters Abraham & Thakore’s collection this season, spoke to the power

of stripes. Singular, multiple, waved and blocked—the deceptively simple lines elevated an array of dhotis, saris, shift dresses and kurtas

they created.Payal Pratap,

Huemn, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Guapa and Acne Studios, on the other hand, stuck to vertical versions in a range

of colours. Building from stripes, checks too, were all over the runways. Rina Dhaka opened with a gingham ensemble: an off-shoulder dress finished with lace and tribal domino-like checks at the waist. péro by Aneeth Arora presented a childlike fantasy with uniform-style dresses interspersed with florals—ideal for a hot summer day.

But geometry goes beyond 2D designs, too. Khandwala, Wendell Rodricks and Arkins exhibited 3D creations featuring fluid pleats, exaggerated shoulders and larger-than-life motifs to give an edge to their looks. The theme extended across accessories and jewellery too. Shoes, bags and earrings were amplified to make a statement. Jacquemus’s trapeze-like kitten heel, Céline’s oversized tote (it resembles a blooming bucket), Cord’s Halo Sling bags or Ganjam’s Origami Collection, all reinforced the flavour.

What makes geometry the protagonist—as well as a classic style statement—is its ability to assimilate so easily into any wardrobe, without much manoeuvring. And now that fashion has interpreted it in every way possible, it’s your turn to make it your own.

Geometry is both, this season’s hottest trend, and a fashion classic. Nirja Dutt explores the true potential of these elemental forms

OF NEW

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LABEL TO KNOW:

Delhi-based Sahib Dang and Sunayana Sahni aim to give Indian wear a contemporary facelift with their label

ESSE BYSAHIB & SUNAYANA

FIRST LOOK

ELLE: How did you come to start Esse?Sahib Dang: Sunayana and I have been friends for over a decade, and we graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi, in 2014. Our design sensibilities, and insane love for Alexander McQueen and all things dark, led to us setting up Esse in 2017. We want to change the stereotypical perception of Indian wear through our contemporary aesthetic.

ELLE: Esse has a strong Indo-western theme…Sunayana Sahni: The Indo-western influence pushes the limits of what we expect from fashion, and keeps us rooted in tradition. Despite having two distinct lines, prêt  and luxury, our collections overlap and inspire each other. We actively play with volume, colour and silhouettes that appeal to the modern Indian woman.

ELLE: The F/W 2017-18 collection paired chiffon with leather, knits with glitter. Tell us about that. SD: Our campaign was called The Liaison Between The Rugged And The Romantic,

and it embodied our love for elegance and extravagance, with an undertone of sheer power. We combined fabrics like silk chiffons, satins and linen—all integral to Esse, which embodies the culture of combining contrasting elements like cotton and linen slub knits on a pantsuit, or our belts that combine leather and suede embellishments with aari sequin work.

ELLE: So many of your looks are cinched around the waist with your belts—these are like your signature now.SS: We constantly try and make an impact

through textures and fierce accessories, because the devil is in the details. Bold belts help us reinstate our philosophy of simplicity-meets-power.

ELLE: Who is your target audience?SD: Esse is all about dressing the personality of a woman, by embracing her dynamic complexity. The Esse woman is one who matches grace with grit, fragility with boldness, and tenderness with fearlessness.

ELLE: What are your plans for 2018?SS: Besides our upcoming collection, we are also showcasing at various international platforms, global trade fairs, runway shows and numerous trunk shows. A few collaborations are also in the pipeline, but our main aim is to focus on evolving the brand because we are still fairly new in the market.

— NIRJA DUTT

STYLE TIP

Go with Esse’s

signature move and

accentuate your waist

with a wide belt, over

a flowy ensemble.

Sahib Dang and Sunayana Sahni

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The skeleton timepieces that will see you through the season

OPEN CASE

‘Classic’, Marc Jacobs

‘Insight Micro-Rotor Lady’, Romain Gauthier

‘Vortex Gamma TRON’,

Hautlence

‘Calatrava Squelette’, Patek Philippe

‘Millenary’, Audemars Piguet

‘New Retro’, de GRISOGONO

‘Master Ultra Thin Squelette’,

Jaeger-LeCoultre

‘Laureato Flying Tourbillon Squelette’, Girard-Perregaux

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FIRST LOOK

Chopard’s visionary artistic director and co-president Caroline Scheufele takes us through the 40-year-old

journey of the Happy Diamonds series

JOYFUL RIDEIT’S BEEN A

Happy Hearts sautoir

Happy Hearts bangles

Caroline Scheufele

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ELLE: Tell us how the Happy Diamonds series came to be.Caroline Scheufele: The concept of Happy Diamonds was the brainchild of Chopard’s in-house designer Ronald Kurowski. He was inspired by watching how sunbeams danced across a waterfall during a walk in the Black Forest (Germany), back in the 1970s. Seeking to recreate the same visual effect in jewellery, Kurowski decided to leave diamonds free to whirl between two sapphire crystals, thus allowing them to express the full force of their radiant beauty. It was best summed up by my mother, Karin Scheufele, when she saw the first creation, the Happy Diamonds watch, and she said, “Diamonds are happier when they’re free.”

ELLE: How have the Happy Diamonds evolved over the years? CS: The collection turned 40 last year and has had multiple transformations through the years. Did you know the concept of Happy Diamonds was initially embodied in a men’s timepiece? I later reused it for my first jewellery design—an articulated clown with diamonds and precious stones in its belly. The response was overwhelming, and we developed variations for women, and never stopped. The design allows the diamonds to be unique and connected, ever moving, yet timeless, precious and bold—they embody a distinctively Chopard lifestyle. I created the first Happy Sport watch—a steel watch with diamonds inside—in 1993, everyone told me it wasn’t a good idea. But I did it anyway, and now it’s an integral part of the brand’s DNA. And this year, we celebrate its 25th anniversary and present a new collection that includes a mechanical movement that will enhance this watch with automatic winding backed with an in-house developed calibre, 09.01-C.

ELLE: What keeps you inspired?CS: Everything and anything around me. Colours, countries, nature, architecture, music, women and of course when I work around unique gemstones, it’s the stones themselves.

ELLE: Which Happy Diamonds collection are you currently wearing? CS: You will always see me wearing a Happy Diamonds watch, whichever is the latest. These days, I usually wear the Happy Hearts collection: two sautoirs and lots of bangles that I love to stack.

ELLE: Who is the Chopard woman?CS: She is very versatile and multifaceted, much like a diamond. She is a woman of the world, not defined by age, skin tone or shape. She wears jewellery or a watch that mirrors her personality. Women don’t have the same tastes, and that stimulates me to create unique pieces that are elegant and can be worn from the desk to dinner, or a statement piece that will make her stand out in a crowd.

— NIRJA DUTT

“Women don’t have the same

tastes, and that stimulates

me to create unique pieces”

1993The first

Happy Sport

2011Happy Mickey

2018Happy

Sport (25th anniversary

special)

1996Happy Sport (with three diamonds)

1998Happy Fish

2005Happy Sport

Cannes

2008Happy Sport

Night Sky

2015Happy Sport (with a dual tone dial)

All prices on request

IT’S HAUTEPOP IT LIKE

Break out of the smoky eye rut with a burst of primary hues

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in 742, `1,400

ColourPop Super Shock

Pigment in Hot Totty, `300

approx.

With balmy lips and tower-high lashes reigning supreme, the one thing we were missing in

our routine was colour. Now that summer is in full swing, pop shades of red, blue and yellow are claiming prime real estate in every eye palette. Look at Kim Kardashian West, who traded her sultry neutral eyeshadow for canary lids on a recent trip to Tokyo. Try painterly strokes of aqua on the eyelids like the models at House Of Holland, or a universally flattering wash of yellow like those at Anteprima. It’s as easy as middle-school art class, we promise.

“Reserve bright colours for evening

looks, and amp them up by playing

with different tex tures, l ike

metallics or glitter” — ANIL CHINNAPPA, MAKE-UP ARTIST

M.A.C Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Sunny

Outlook, `1,400

NYX Vivid Brights Crème Colour in Light Show, `750

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Gel Crayon in Turquoise, `675

Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow

Palette in Not Just Nudes, `995

Ciaté London Skinny Shadow Sticks Shimmer Eyeshadow in Charmed, `1,400

Bobbi Brown Sheer Brights Eyeshadow in

Aegean Blue, `2,000

Nykaa GLAMOReyes Eyeliner Pencil in Blue Hex, `450

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NEWS & UPDATES

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Jacquard stretch-mesh ‘Rockoko’ heels

Jacqaurd ‘Rockoko’ sneakers

SUMMER SOFTWhat’s a tropical vacation without an all-pastel wardrobe? Because Michael Kors’s S/S 2018 collection hits all the right notes. Whether it is the accessories—pick between the ‘Mercer Gallery’ medium tote bag, ‘Beth’ jute wedge sandals, or the ‘Jade’ clutch bag, or the floral dresses, the line has enough and more reasons for you to hit the beach. Don’t miss the oversized hat.Ground floor, DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

O P E N S E A S O N Festive Indian wear designer Amrita Thakur has opened her first store in New Delhi. Her colourful creations take centre stage among antique chandeliers and graphic Mughal and Moroccan patterned inlay work on the floor. Visit the space for her pastel ensembles in delicate fabrics, which are perfect for your next summer wedding—and, of course, don’t miss the stunning view of the Qutub Minar.564/A, first floor, Lado Sarai, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi

LO G O M A N I AOnline luxury fashion

retailer Net-a-Porter just launched a worldwide exclusive preview to Italian design house Fendi’s FF Capsule

Collection. The updated square logo—originally

designed by Karl Lagerfeld in 1965,

becomes the hero in this line of handbags, boots and slippers, charms, sunglasses and even mobile phone covers.

Available exclusively on Net-a-porter.com until May 13 and then on Fendi.com

Leather ‘Peekaboo’ bag

Leather ‘Kan I F’ bag

Acetate ‘F is FENDI’ sunglasses

Leather ‘Jade’ bag

— DIVYA GURSAHANI

S P R I N G B LO O MIt is time to give your living room a summer update, and design house péro has launched just the thing: handwoven khadi and hand-painted rugs. In partnership with artisans from Udaipur, designer Aneeth Arora has borrowed from the floral patterns of her S/S ’18 collection to create six beautiful variations. On special order; email: perobyaneetharora@gmail.com

STA R S I G NIf you’re all about everything custom-made, fine jewellery label The Line’s latest collection of zodiac-based bijoux is just for you. Pick from two variations for your medallion necklace—gold studded with diamonds to form your birth constellation, or the symbol of your star etched in gold on enamelwork. Plus, it’s super stackable with other delicate chains. Le Mill in Mumbai, and Nimai and Ogaan in New Delhi

H A N D M A D E ( TA L E )Vastrabharana, the annual event of The Crafts Council Of Karnataka is slated to host its 26th edition at the end of the month in Mumbai. Thirty-four artisans will showcase handloom textiles and handmade embellishments in the form of needlecraft, and natural-dyed saris. This is your chance to get your hands on one of designer Malavika Chatterjee’s chikankari creations, for which she has been awarded the UNESCO Seal Of Excellence and World Crafts Council Awards.

@vastrabharana25

B LAC K I S B AC KThe classic Vacheron

Constantin Overseas has got a lively update with an all-new

black dial. The distinctive six-sided bezel now includes a self-winding manufacture

movement and interchangeable steel bracelets, and leather and rubber straps —perfect to take

your look from day to night. Pair it with an all-white ensemble

to let the watch stand out.Dia, The Heritage Wing,

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai

‘Overseas’ self-winding

‘Overseas’ chronograph

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ON THERISE

Banita Sandhu may have stars in her eyes, but with her Bollywood debut, they’ll soon be within reach too

In director Shoojit Sircar’s October, which hit theatres last month, 20-year-old Welsh actor Banita Sandhu found her dream debut. Sandhu had starred in a Doublemint chewing

gum advertisement helmed by the film-maker last year, and he loved her work so much, he cast her in the role. But landing a Bollywood lead has been more than just a professional coup for Sandhu; it’s personal too. As a child, growing up in the small town of Caerleon (Wales, UK), she shied away from her heritage and shunned her Indian background. “I grew up in a predominantly white society; all I wanted was to fit in. I feel more spiritually and emotionally fulfilled as a person now that I am embracing my roots,” says the English literature student from King’s College, London. We sat down with her in Mumbai and got her thoughts on…

T H E C O M P E T I T I O N“I think it’s great that there are so many fresh faces this year. It makes me feel less lonely, knowing there are other kids my age doing this.”

B E I N G A N O U TS I D E R“I’m not only from outside the industry, but from outside India too! But that’s okay, my identity is very liminal and fluid, and perfect for my profession, where I have to embrace different characters and change myself.”

WO R K I N G W I T H S I R CA R“He is an actor’s director. When I was preparing for my role, he would send me films with references and constantly say, ‘Watch this, watch that. Read this, do that.’ He knows what he wants, and how to get it out of you.”

H OW S H E T H I N K S S H E FA R E D“Obviously, everyone knows I can’t speak Hindi and that I started learning it for the film. I never thought I would be able to pull it off, but thanks to Shoojit sir, I was in safe hands. I couldn’t have asked for a better start than this.”

W H AT ’ S N E X T“I want to graduate [laughs]!”

— NEVILLE BHANDARA

“I feel more spiritually

and emotionally fulfi l led now

that I am embracing

my roots”

RADAR FILM

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“F or as long as I remember, I’ve had this fascination for playing other people,” says Pashmina Roshan (22), whose portrayal of

the hopelessly romantic country girl Cecily Cardew in The Jeff Goldberg Acting Studio’s adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s uproariously funny play, The Importance Of Being Earnest, has been widely appreciated. The 10-show-old production that opened last September, had its most recent run at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House.

Roshan, a mass media graduate, grew up shy, preferring to lurk in the wings than enjoy the spotlight. But that changed at 16. “In college, I was playing Sheila Birling in JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, and our director had put up this incredible set of a split-level living room. I saw it and thought, ‘Wow, this is my house!’ That day I fell in love with acting,” she says.

Roshan and her co-actors have been rehearsing for The Importance Of Being Earnest since July. “We had to do a lot of research on the Victorian era (whose uptight sensibilities the play skewers) for our characters.” For Roshan, this meant reading more of Wilde’s works—The Picture Of Dorian Gray and Lady Windermere’s Fan—as well as those of other writers of the time (like Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice), listening to classical music (she now has a soft spot for Austrian composer Franz Schubert) and watching film adaptations of Sense And Sensibility, Jane Eyre and Little Women. That’s not all; Roshan and her mother, Kanchan Roshan, also designed the costumes for the women in the play.

Those who have seen her on stage may say Pashmina’s a natural—the gene runs in the family after all. Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is her cousin, and film composer Rajesh Roshan is her father. So, is Bollywood on the radar? She lets slip that she’s taken acting courses and is now training in Bollywood dance, but won’t say more. Maybe we have a new star kid to watch for.

— NEVILLE BHANDARA

RADAR THEATRE

IN THEWINGSMeet Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan’s baby cousin, Pashmina Roshan, who just made a roaring stage debut

“I’ve had this fascination for playing

other people”

Pashmina Roshan

A performance of The Importance Of Being Earnest

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RADAR ART

ARE THEWORLDWE At work in her Barcelona studio

Rithika Merchant

In these divisive times, artist Rithika Merchant’s surrealist works remind us that we’re all more similar than we think

Barcelona-based artist Rithika Merchant is known for her rich, detailed

drawings that pull heavily from Indian mythology and the confluence of different cultures. She says that growing up in India, studying in the US (she holds a degree in fine art from Parsons School of Design, New York), and travelling extensively, allowed her to see how interlinked the world really is. “Myths and traditions show commonalities between cultures that often aren’t highlighted in classical history,” says Merchant. And her semi-surreal works are her way of plugging that gap. Last year, Merchant was

approached by French luxury house Chloé to create an exclusive line of esoteric prints using spiritual symbols and botanical imagery for its Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Here, the 32-year-old artist talks about her work, life and loves:

ELLE: Tell us about the collaboration with Chloé. Rithika Merchant: It happened by chance. Natacha [Ramsay-Levi, creative director, Chloé] was browsing the Internet and she came across my work. She liked it and thought it fit what she had in mind for what would become ‘the painted dresses’.

Her team sent me an email, asking if I wanted to collaborate with them, and they briefed me about the project on Skype right after. Within a week or two, I was at the studio in Paris, working alongside Natacha and the rest of the team to place my drawings on the dresses.

ELLE: What compels you right now, as an artist?RM: Forced migration, the mass displacement of people, and the dislocation and exile of groups of people all around the world. Living in Barcelona, I’ve felt helpless watching the European refugee crisis unfold right at my doorstep. This weighs on me, and I’m finding it

difficult to make art about anything that is not a response to this.

ELLE: From where do you draw inspiration?RM: Travel, nature, biology; I’m also a huge admirer of Indian artists such as Mithu Sen and Nalini Malani, naturalist illustrator Walton Ford, performance artist Ana Mendieta, printmaker Belkis Ayon, and of course, Frida Kahlo.

ELLE: What does it take to be creatively happy?RM: You have to be very, very committed. Constantly hone your craft. Just show up and work on it every single day, even if you don’t feel like it.

— NEVILLE BHANDARA

Prisoners

Merchant’s prints on the Chloé S/S 2018 runway

(Be)longing, a work in progress

O P T C O L L E C T I O N AVA I L A B L E AT A L L L E A D I N G S TO R E S A C R O S S I N D I A F O R T R A D E I N Q U I R Y : c o n t a c t @ o p t m o d a . c o m 1 8 0 0 1 2 0 4 8 8 8 w w w. o p t m o d a . c o m

SUMMEROPT.’18

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RADAR DOCUMENTARY

Akanksha Seda *As

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Culture Machine’s new documentary, Amoli, exposes India’s billion-dollar sex trafficking industry lurking in plain sight

CALL TOACTION

Jasmine Kaur Roy

Stills from Amoli

Avinash Roy

India’s commercial sex trafficking business was worth $32 billion in 2016, when digital media company Culture Machine’s creative head, Akanksha Seda, stumbled on this statistic. “I was in disbelief; I thought it was a typo. We got in touch with

organisations to verify it, and it turned out to be true. That number is probably higher today,” says Seda. She decided to do something about it, and enlisted National Award-winning film-makers Avinash Roy and Jasmine Kaur Roy to the effort.

After two years and countless interviews with survivors and families of victims across West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra,

Avinash and Jasmine made the documentary Amoli, which releases on May 7 on Culture Machine’s YouTube channels (Being Indian for Hindi, Blush for English, Chutney for Tamil, and Viva for Telugu). It will also

air on YouTube and Facebook in Bengali, Marathi and Kannada, all in an attempt to help spread the word in areas that are worst hit.

The 30-minute film follows the story of the titular girl from Siliguri in West Bengal, who went missing in 2013 at the age of 15, and was never found. Through her journey, it sheds light on the workings of the sex trade industry, including how it targets girls from low-income households and lures them in with the promise of gainful employment. “The trade is about supply and demand. And the demand for minors fuels the industry,” adds Avinash. “A lot of them can’t return home or get jobs because of the stigma—some survivors have been in NGO safe houses for over a decade,” says Jasmine.

Watching them narrate their realities behind blurred faces is excruciating, even though the dialogue and conversation is unnervingly transactional—from brothel owners talking prices, to prepubescent girls describing forced BDSM. Despite the soul-stirring melodies by indie songwriter and producer Tajdar Junaid, the end result is a bleak, chilling portrayal of the trade and its victims. “This film is about stoking public compassion and inspiring individual citizens to act,” says Seda. And act, we must.

— ARSHIE CHEVALWALA

DID YOU KNOW?*

1. On average, 40 girls are coerced into prostitution

every day in India.

2. Before sending her to the final brothel, a trafficker

often beats and abuses her to command a 20 per cent

premium for a ‘broken- in’ girl.

3. The purchase price of a virgin minor, between 11 and 14, ranges from `3 lakh to `5 lakh.

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CLASSICALTRACK

Boston-based Sriram Emani, founder of the start-up IndianRaga, is giving traditional art forms a modern makeover, finds Akhila Krishnamurthy

In February this year, in the Al Badayer Desert on the outskirts of Dubai, three young dancers born and raised in USA

and dressed in traditional Bharatanatyam costumes performed abhinaya (expression) and nritta (movement) to ‘Aadu paambe’, a classic Tamil folk song that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the snake and its dance. For nearly six hours that morning, with the desert sun for company and snoopy camels in the background, the dancers sweat it out to shoot for a video that they hope will become a befitting new ode to this iconic song. As of April, this will become the 382nd video released on IndianRaga’s YouTube channel.

At the helm of the shoot was Sriram Emani, 32, co-founder and CEO of IndianRaga, a Boston-based initiative geared towards making Indian classical arts accessible to the current generation. “I believe our classical arts were founded by visionaries who designed them to be timeless. We just have to empower today’s generation to define how these forms can be relevant to their journey,” he says. Through different channels, the company has been instrumental in unearthing little-known

creative talent, and introducing them to a structured programme, where they are coached on how to collaborate on an impactful piece of work, record in a professional setting, and evaluate its reception upon release.

The IndianRaga Fellowship, a carefully curated network of young performing artistes who come together to produce high-quality music videos, was launched in 2014, a year after IndianRaga was founded. The Fellowship was inaugurated with a series of three videos—

‘Sunsets’, ‘Highlights’ and ‘Rhythm drive’. ‘Sunsets’ used the classical forms, Hindustani and Carnatic, to articulate emotions like “loss, separation, memory and nostalgia”. ‘Highlights’ was an experiment “with harmony” in three Indian ragas in an attempt to capture the joy and exuberance of everyday life. ‘Rhythm drive’ was a coming together of three young and talented percussion artistes based in America, and a tribute of sorts to the layered textures of Indian drums and vocal percussion.

When IndianRaga’s videos burst onto social media, the classical community lapped them up for their form and feel. For audiences outside that framework, the concept represented the possibility of foraying into classical forms in a manner that made them exciting and accessible.

“Parents and artistes from across North America, who watched these videos, reached out to us, asking how we could create these

Tabla Fellow Hrishikesh Dharam on set, while shooting for ‘Highlights’, one of the earliest videos of the IndianRaga Fellowship

A production of ‘Nandi Chol’ at the 2016 Fellowship at

MIT in Boston

›

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videos in their cities,” says Emani. An alumnus of the MIT Sloan School of Management, with an undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Emani worked out a TED/TEDx-like model where local instructors could be trained to run labs that were overseen by people tutored by the central IndianRaga team, and managed by the city partners. In April last year, IndianRaga released the Carnatic redux of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of you’ (‘SoY’), which went viral instantly. With over three million views and 65,000 likes, it continues to trend at the top of the company’s platform. ‘SoY’ was inspired by the release of IndianRaga’s other hit, a Carnatic take on Sia’s ‘Cheap thrills’ that was created for a competition in America, and earned seven million views almost overnight. “I think we were fuelled by the success of ‘Cheap thrills’ and that, in a sense, was the birth of ‘SoY’,” says Emani.

Recreating the addictive vibe of the original, ‘SoY’ features three musicians walking through city streets, effortlessly humming complex versions of the pop track in a Carnatic

format. “What makes the story of ‘SoY’ interesting is how it was actually produced,” Emani says. “The musicians never met each other. They only shared drafts back and forth.” When the draft was ready, Emani roped in Mumbai-based video editor Karan Bakshi to stitch them together. “You should’ve seen how disparate the individual videos were in terms of lighting, style and colours…I couldn’t believe the final edit when I saw it,” he says.

As of now, IndianRaga has under its umbrella nearly 3,000 artistes from across 40 cities around the world. The company’s success—impacting and inspiring talent, young and old, to imagine and believe in the possibility of realising their artistic dreams—stems from the fact that it is as much a labour of love as it is a business venture.

Emani, a student of the arts, who grew up

studying Indian classical music, and with a keen interest in experiencing all kinds of art forms, traces the beginnings of his journey to watching The Phantom Of The

Opera when he was 22. “I think something sparked in me around that time. I thought about why something so intrinsically powerful like the Indian classical arts had such a limited reach. Five years later, that period of introspection crystallised into the first business plan that I wrote for IndianRaga, as a student at the MIT Media Lab.” There hasn’t been a dull moment since.

Three months ago, he launched the India edition of the IndianRaga Fellowship. The response, needless to say, was phenomenal. “From nearly hundreds of applications that came pouring in from India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia, we picked 30 musicians and dancers who joined us for a week in December last year to produce 50 collaborations that will be released on social media throughout this year, every week,” he says.

Emani is currently living out of a suitcase as he continues to take IndianRaga to new markets around the world, building creative partnerships and ensuring the Indian classical arts have their spot in the zeitgeist. But the most satisfying experience of his venture, he admits, will always be unearthing “the incredible talent that has remained hidden till now, and finding avenues to showcase them.”

Indianraga.com

The First Indian Fellows in December 2017 in Mumbai, on the final day of the Fellowship with Sriram Emani and his parents

“We have to empower today’s

generation to define how the

classical arts can be relevant to their journey“

— SRIRAM EMANI, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO,

INDIANRAGA

Sriram Emani

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TOP OF THE

FORMThe 2017-18 edition of ELLE Graduates saw the brightest

young names in fashion put their best foot forward

PHOTOGRAPHS ANEEV RAO STYLING RAHUL VIJAY

ROMA NARSINGHANI Roma Narsinghani’s handcrafted

pins and brooches will appeal to the accessory junkie. Her love for

geometry is evident in her designs, especially the cage-like bun casks, which are bent and fitted by hand

before being gold-plated. The long chain is the other standout feature,

with bold industrial pendants that draw heavily from architectural

blueprints and gears.

From left, on Malhi: Cotton dress, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta. 18K gold-plated brass body chain, earrings and bun cask; all Roma Narsinghani. On Narsinghani:

All clothing and accessories, designer’s own. On Ahuja: Silk

dress, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta. 18K gold-plated

brass earrings, bun cask, body chains and brooches; all Roma

Narsinghani

MAY64ELLE.IN 64

MAY65ELLE.IN

UNTITLED CO. Winner, Ready To Wear

Rinzin Lama and Shenali Sema’s first love is textiles. Juxtaposing

materials like embroidery that looks like lace—or employing single-stitch

treadle embroidery on washed georgette to create the illusion of

a weave—is their signature move. Expect to see a play of various such

textures on any of their creations.

From left, on Sema: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own.

On Ahuja: Velvet embroidered tulle dress, Untitled Co.. Faux leather shoes, designer’s own.

On Lama: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own

MAY66ELLE.IN

NIKITA MHAISALKAR Her seamless merging of

heavy-gauge fabrics like wool-silk and cotton slub yarn with sheer

detailing, is what makes Nikita Mhaisalkar’s creations novel.

The clean lines and sharp tailoring are underscored by her deep

regard for indigenous textiles and techniques; pleated chiffon, sheer

flowers and gota-patti stripes all dot her collections.

From left, on Mhaisalkar: All clothing and accessories,

designer’s own. On Ahuja: Metal embroidered top, knit jacket and pants, organza scarf; all Nikita

Mhaisalkar. Faux leather heels, stylist’s own

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STUDIO METALLURGY Winner, AccessoriesSet up in 2015, Advaeita Mathur’s Studio Metallurgy finds inspiration in musical instruments, drill bits, timepiece hardware and concrete. Each piece is handcrafted and remains largely true to the form that shaped it—take, for instance, her concrete collection that is influenced by city life and architecture.

From left, on Malhi: ECONYL dress, Bloni. Brass and aluminum necklace, earrings and rings; all Studio Metallurgy. On Mathur: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own. On Ahuja: ECONYL dress, Bloni. Brass and aluminum necklaces and earrings; all Studio Metallurgy

MAY67ELLE.IN

IKROOPIkroop Dhillon uses the art of

glass fusion (small pieces of glass are melted together at a high

temperature) from Murano, Italy, to create unique forms that she

then encases in metal using Indian techniques. Imagine neck-pieces

made of coloured glass medallions caught in a trellis-like pattern. They

sit perfectly on the neck, and are best worn with simple,

monotone ensembles.

From left, on Malhi: Polyester top, georgette sari; both designer’s

own. Metal and glass necklace, earrings, earring (worn as head

accessory) and ring; all lkroop. On Dhillon: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own A

neev

Rao

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DIVYA SHETH Winner, Modern IndianwearDivya Sheth first debuted her

captivating handcrafted separates on the Gen Next runway at Lakmé

Fashion Week in 2014. Her label has since become known for its

playful use of old craft forms like ajrak printing, kalamkari

painting and indigo dyeing on contemporary silhouettes.

From left, on Malhi: Khadi dress, silk organza jacket; both Divya

Sheth. Leather sandals, Ancient Greek Sandals. On Sheth: All clothing and accessories,

designer’s own. On Ahuja: Cotton dress, embroidered silk organza

jacket; both Divya Sheth. Leather sandals, Ancient

Greek Sandals

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EKAM BY MANISH GUPTADrenched in pop colours and appliqué detailing, Manish Gupta’s designs are aimed at the young and experimental. His garments transplant traditional sportswear to the street in the form of uber-cool athleisure that embodies the millennial spirit.

From left, on Malhi: Neoprene bralette, cotton-satin pants, net dress, silk embroidered net jacket; all Ekam By Manish Gupta. Canvas shoes, designer’s own. On Gupta: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own

LABEL ANUSHREEAnushree Brahmbhatt’s flowy maxis and multilayered overlays are the perfect canvas for her homegrown prints, which are inspired by Indian flora and fauna. What makes her creations shine is her focus on the weaves: she sidesteps all surface ornamentation in order to let the fabric take centre stage.

From left, on Malhi: Silk dress, Label Anushree. On Brahmbhatt: All clothing and accessories, designer’s own. On Ahuja: Silk dress and jacket; both Label Anushree — NIRJA DUTT

HAIR AND MAKE-UP: JEAN-CLAUDE BIGUINE;

MODELS: ARSHIA AHUJA AND SEHAZ

MALHI/RUNWAY LIFESTYLE; LOCATION COURTESY: ISTITUTO

MARANGONI, MUMBAI

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ALL MOTHER

ABOUT

FRENY TARAPOREVALA by SOONI TARAPOREVALASCREENWRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILM-MAKER

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“My mother, beloved Miss Freny to countless students, was a nursery teacher, who gave tuitions and also modelled in her free time—I don’t think she was ever quite at ease though, on the ramp or in front of the camera. She was very shy. My dad, Rumi, a keen amateur photographer, took many photos of us with the Rolleicord camera he borrowed from his uncle, Shapur. Both these photos were taken by him. One is of my mother on our Cozy Building balcony, the other was taken in Nainital, on a Lala’s Tour where I had, as the story goes, driven my mother crazy. Miss Freny, despite being a teacher, was not one for words. What I remember are her concerned comforting hands on my forehead when I burned with fever, and her silent and incessant prayers for all of us.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“At 18, when I left for university in the US, she told me: think of God when you are in trouble, or even when you are not; just pray every day.”

This Mother’s Day, we got a few of our favourite people to dig through their family

albums—all for mum’s sake

Freny Taraporevala MY

Sooni Taraporevala with her mother, Freny Taraporevala (right)

ZIA MODY by ANJALI MODYFOUNDER, JOSMO STUDIO

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This was taken at my third birthday party, when all I wanted to do was eat cake, but my mum wanted me to smile for my father, who was taking this photo. I love it because it’s authentic. It shows her patience and my craziness.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“Give the best to anything you do—and do it with the utmost virtue. Being a good person, creating an impact and being the most authentic version of yourself must always come first, no matter what the sacrifices.”

LAKSHMI NAIR by AISHWARYA NAIRHOTELIER, THE LEELA HOTELS

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“My mother is kind, wise and a beacon of light for my entire family—including my father, my older sister Amruda, and my younger brother Aushim, and our two dogs, two turtles and four cats. To keep such a disjointed, creatively different family together is a real mission, but she does it with pure ease and wilful joy. She finds the best in people and has an irrepressible and intoxicating joie de vivre. This picture was taken by my mother-in-law, Meena Mathew, at a puja on the morning of my court marriage, making it doubly special. I think it describes us the best. My mum is holding the oil that fuelled the ceremonial lamp.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“Wake up with gratitude, every day. Be inspired, energised and disciplined in everything you do.”

Aishwarya Nair with her mother, Lakshmi Nair (left)

Radhika Chopra (far right) with her mother Tina Chopra, sister Nandita and daughter Maya

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Anjali Mody with her mother, Zia Mody (right)

TINA CHOPRA by RADHIKA CHOPRAART PATRON AND FOUNDER, NO. 3 CLIVE ROAD

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“Our embrace in this photograph says it all—three generations of women in my family. Our body language reveals our relationship; we’re fiercely protective of each other and surrounded by infinite love. And now, as my mother ages and my daughter grows, the photograph shows how the roles have reversed from when my sister and I were young. My mother is my biggest champion. She is the reason I grew into the woman I am today.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN “Don’t be afraid of your intelligence and what you have worked for. No one can take your education away from you.”

Shireen Gandhy with her mother, Khorshed Gandhy (right)

Gauri Devidayal with her mother, Meera Devidayal (left)

MEERA DEVIDAYAL by GAURI DEVIDAYALOWNER, THE TABLE AND MAGAZINE STREET KITCHEN

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This picture was taken at the surprise party we had organised for my mother’s 70th birthday. Some of our immediate family members don’t live in Mumbai, but it just so happened that everyone was here for this. So, it was extra special for her—and a change, since usually she’s always the one throwing parties for people.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“Whatever you do, do it in the best way you can—or don’t bother. She made me always aspire to the highest standards and turned me into the perfectionist I am today.”

KHORSHED GANDHY by SHIREEN GANDHYGALLERY DIRECTOR, CHEMOULD PRESCOTT ROAD

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“I was my mother’s tail. Her sari pallu was my anchor. Growing up, I started helping my mother run the gallery. Slowly, my interests began to get more affirmed. This photograph tells the story like it is. I began to find my niche, curating works that were generationally different from the ones my parents normally displayed. Slowly, the gallery began to tell a different story. Looking back, the transition was egoless. My mother and I worked together for 25 years, functioning as a team, with her as my guardian angel, always watching my back.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“When you hold a grudge, reason it out with the person. Don’t give in, and don’t give up winning back the confidence of your adversary.”

ALL MOTHER

ABOUTMY

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74ELLE.IN MAY

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NALINI BHATIA by GAURAV BHATIAMANAGING DIRECTOR, SOTHEBY’S (INDIA)

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“My mum and I are often travel buddies, and this is a favourite photo of mine from our holiday last year. This was taken at the Ritz in Paris, at our favourite chef Nicolas Sale’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Table de L’Espadon. I still remember Sale’s signature langoustine cannelloni. Mum and I are hotel junkies, and love haute cuisine and wine. This image captures our bond beautifully; never mind the bickering that occurred seconds ago!”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN “Live a full life, with elegance and generosity. She leads by example.”

NEERAJA PANT by NAMITA GOKHALEAUTHOR, PUBLISHER AND FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This photograph of my mother, Neeraja Pant (right), and her cousin, Pushpa Pant, was taken around 1955. The cubs had been gifted to my grand-uncle, Pandit Govind Ballabh, and were later given to a zoo.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“My mother has never given me any advice, except on health, exercise, posture and other such things, all of which I have blissfully disregarded. She has always led by example with her utterly reasonable and pragmatic attitude.”

Namita Gokhale’s mother, Neeraja Pant (right), and aunt, Pushpa Pant (left)

Gaurav Bhatia with his mother, Nalini Bhatia

MAY76ELLE.IN

TAVLEEN SINGH by AATISH TASEER WRITER

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This was at the Ritz in Paris on my 21st birthday. My mother brought me up on her own, but my nature was much closer to my father’s. I think she feared there was something self-destructive in that nature. Her present to me on this birthday was a letter. In it, she warned me that the world was full of people like my father, who are given everything by life, but never succeed to be happy. There was a danger, she said, in thinking of happiness as a gift. It was not. It was instead the sum of the good energy one puts back into life. True happiness, she felt, was not an expectation, but an achievement—something one gave to life, rather than took.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“Only you will ever know what is real and what is not, because it changes with every life. But whatever you find to be real and true and beautiful, that is what you must hold sacred and never defile.”

Aatish Taseer with his mother, Tavleen Singh

JAMINI AHLUWALIA by MAITHILI AHLUWALIAFOUNDER, BUNGALOW EIGHT

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This is one of my favourite photographs of my mum. It was taken in the ’80s in the south of France, and captures so many facets in one frame: her individuality, warmth, ease, beauty, curiosity, and of course, her sense of style.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“To be my own person and own that uniqueness.”

Maithili Ahluwalia’s mother, Jamini Ahluwalia

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Priti Mahajan’s mother, Meera Dham

Arjun Sawhney’s mother, Kamal Sawhney

KAMAL SAWHNEY by ARJUN SAWHNEYMANAGING DIRECTOR, THE COMMUNICATION COUNCIL

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“This is my mum as a young bride, taken in Kolkata in the 1960s. For me, it’s special because it captures her youth and innocence.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN“Always be even. Do not get carried away by success and wealth. Keep your feet on the ground. It is better to drive a sensible car all your life than drive an expensive car one day, and walk the next.”

MEERA DHAM by PRITI MAHAJANBRAND ADVISOR AND FOUNDER, THE LIFESTYLE PROJECT

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO“My darling mother is an amazing artist. She is also funny, naughty and unstoppable. As children, my brother Varun and I would spend many afternoons outdoors with her, learning to paint and falling in love with art and nature. This picture was taken a few weeks ago at my mum’s favourite spot in our backyard in Chandigarh. She’s showing my daughter, Jiya, how to use colour, just like she showed me all those years ago.”

THE BEST ADVICE MUM’S GIVEN “‘Play with your colours, darling. Spill them, mix them, enjoy them; how else will you ever use them?’ Thank you, my darling mother, for bringing the joy of colour into my life.”

ALL MOTHER

ABOUTMY

MAY77ELLE.IN

I D E A S Y O U C A N U S E

WATCH OUT

FOR THE APRIL-MAY

2018 ISSUE

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE SAY HELLO TO SUMMER WITH OUR EDIT

OF BREEZY, BREATHTAKING HOMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

LEAF THROUGH OUR EXTENSIVE GUIDE OF INSPIRING NEW

WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR GARDEN, TERRACE AND PATIO.

PLUS, TRENDS OF THE SEASON THROUGH OUR COVERAGE

OF INDIA DESIGN ID AND AMBIENTE

FOCUS ON OUTDOORS

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ON HER FIRST INDIA COVER,

GLOBAL STAR MINDY KALING

CHARMS IN THE BRIGHTEST COLOURS

AND ECCENTRIC PRINTS. ALSO, SHEER FABRICS

PROVE WHY LESS IS MORE

Y O U R U N I N T E R R U P T E D W E L L O F S T Y L E I N S P I R A T I O N

FASHION

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MAGIC OFTHE

MINDYMAY80ELLE.IN

Top screenwriter. Stand-up comic.

Bestselling author. Television

sensation. Hollywood star.

New mother. Youth icon. Mindy Kaling

is all this, and so much more, finds

Supriya Dravid

PHOTOGRAPHS MIKE ROSENTHAL

STYLING MALINI BANERJI

KALING

Cotton-silk dress, `1,57,000, Victoria Beckham. Leather heels, `85,000, Christian Louboutin. 22K gold, pearl and turquoise necklace, 18K gold, turquoise, emerald and pearl ring; both prices on request, Sapna Kumar

Decor: Flowers, Fox Fodder Farm. Quilt, Block Shop Textiles

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Silk dress, made to order, Sabyasachi. 18K gold

and diamond earrings, `87,200, 22K yellow

gold ring, `75,470; both BlueStone.com

Decor: Flowers, Fox Fodder Farm. Pillows,

John Robshaw and Walter G. at Studio Four NYC. Striped throws, John

Robshaw. Quilt, Block Shop Textiles. Ceramic kaftans, flowers and sea urchins, Land Of Belle

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In Time with Oprah Winfrey (they text frequently; yes really), and June will see an enviable all-female cast in Ocean’s 8. She’s also acting in a film she’s written, Late Night, with Emma Thompson. It’s being directed by Nisha Ganatra, whose credits include directing hit TV shows like Transparent, The Mindy Project, Girls and Mr Robot, among others.

“Between Ocean’s 8, A Wrinkle In Time and Late Night, I was just thinking: I don’t know what it is like to act with a man anymore,” laughs Kaling. “In the past year and a half, my film career has been with A-list women, where the median age is 46, and that’s the real change I think.” It’s also a sign of the times. “It explains why something like Big Little Lies did so well. We were so starved of this representation.”

Kaling is candid when she says, “I come from TV sitcoms, and to be in a sci-fi movie like A Wrinkle In Time is a leap. I got catapulted into this genre that I would never have been in, if it wasn’t for the director, Ava DuVernay. I don’t see how she could see me embody this beatific woman, Mrs Who, who only speaks in quotations when I am such a chatterbox, who has her own opinions all the time, and is so expressive.”

But the real treat, Kaling admits, was working with both Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon, for whom acting is just one arm of the many things they do. “The acting was obviously incredible with these Oscar winners and nominees. But to learn about how they manage their companies and families—that was invaluable.”

Kaling is now gearing up for the release of Ocean’s 8. “This is going to be so strange when I say it. But I saw it and I was like, ‘I wish I was in that movie. But oh wait! I am in that movie,’” she laughs. “There are certain projects that you hear about in Hollywood, and everybody wants to be part of those. But I had a pre-heartbreak, as you know the likelihood of it even happening is so small, particularly for [someone like] me. I was doing 24 episodes a year for a TV show,” says Kaling, who had willed herself into not thinking about this one.

But then there was a funny turn of events when her agent called, saying that the film’s writer-director, Garry Ross, wanted to meet her. “I thought he wanted me to do a rewrite on the script to add some of the funny bits. So, we were going to some un-fancy place called House Of Pies. I had shown up as a writer, in sweatshirts and no make-up. Halfway through our meal, I realised he was thinking of me as an actress to play the character of a daughter of a jeweller in the film. Gary is Jewish, and most of the jewellers on the east coast are either Jewish or Indian. And he thought it would be cool if the character was Indian. So, that’s my long winded way of saying how I got involved.”

In a way, the film is also representational of this era, and tugs at our feminist core. While the earlier Ocean’s franchise comprised an all-male cast, with a token actress (Julia Roberts or Catherine Zeta-Jones), this one might just be the zeitgeist we all need. A similar paradigm shift is visible across television as well.

indy Kaling once got mistaken for Malala Yousafzai. For real. It was at a party hosted by The New Yorker. Kaling was attending it with her friend, award-winning author Zadie Smith. “We had gone after another

writers’ party, and Mindy was dressed to the nines,” recalls Smith, over coffee. We were meeting Smith a day before our shoot with Kaling was to take place, when she regaled us with this story. Upon entering The New Yorker soirée, Smith recalls the octogenarian author Gay Talese casually asking Mindy if she was Malala. Aghast, but with her trademark deadpan, ‘exsqueeze me’ kind of wit, Kaling retorted, “Do I look like I’ve been shot in the head?”

Hilarious as that sounds, the case of mistaken identity is reflective of an insular generalisation of South-Asians in the west. That was a few years ago. Since then, even though the representation of our tribe has expanded across entertainment streams, it is Kaling’s rapid ascent onto Hollywood’s primarily white landscape that has been remarkably inspiring.

Here is a primer. It was while she was a student at Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)—“not that known for its arts and theatre community”—where she explored her passion for writing and acting. “What was great was that the school was in the middle of nowhere. So, I’d write and act in these sketch shows and plays. It’d be the only thing to do in town. And everybody would come, which was helpful in giving me this inflated sense of confidence,” says Kaling. “That is what I took with me to Hollywood. If I went to a school with more people who were interested in this, and there was a bigger pool to compete with, I don’t know if I would even have this career now.”

Kaling moved to New York after graduating in August 2001. She shortened her original surname, Chokalingam, and started doing stand-up. “We were so optimistic. Then 9/11 happened, and the subway shut down for weeks, and we were stuck in Brooklyn. I was here for three years. Then I moved to Los Angeles to do an absurdly long 50-minute play called Matt & Ben that I had written with my best friend, Brenda Withers. I played Ben Affleck; she was Matt Damon.”

As luck would have it, Greg Daniels saw her performance, and hired her to write for The Office (2005-2013) and also play the role of Kelly Kapoor on the show. She did that for eight years. Right after, she helmed her own wildly successful sitcom, The Mindy Project (2012-2017). In the middle, she authored three books: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (2011), Questions I Ask When I Want To Talk About Myself (2013) and Why Not Me? (2016). “Now I’m kind of doing movies and producing shows,” she says. Currently, she serves as the EP (executive producer), co-writer and (guest) star on Champions. And by movies, it’s not just any movies. Last year, there was considerable slayage when she starred in A Wrinkle

M

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Cotton top, `28,000, cotton shorts, `40,000;

both Temperley London. Leather heels, `64,000,

Manolo Blahnik

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In the past year and a half,

MY FILM CAREER HAS BEEN WITH A-LIST WOMEN, where the median age is 46, and that’s the real

change I think

“

”

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Silk dress, organza cover-up; both made to order, Payal Khandwala. Leather heels, `85,000, Christian Louboutin. 22K gold bangle, `2,17,121, 18K gold and ruby earrings, `60,108; both BlueStone.com

HAIR: MARC MENA/EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS; MAKE-UP: JANICE KINJO/EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS; MANICURIST: LEONOBI GALVEZ; PRODUCTION: RYAN FAHEY AND ALEXEY GALETSKIY/ALEXEY GALETSKIY PRODUCTIONS; ASSISTED BY: RAHUL VIJAY, DIVYA GURSAHANI, IVA DIXIT, TANVI GALA AND AANYA GUPTA (STYLING), JEREMY JAMES AND RICHARD LUONG (PHOTOGRAPHY); DIGITAL TECH: ERIC JUKELEVICS; SET DESIGN AND PROPS: SERENA MERRIMAN; AIRLINE PARTNER: ETIHAD AIRWAYS; STAY AND LOCATION COURTESY: THE PIERRE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL (THEPIERRENY.COM)

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 “For such a long time, our own studios and networks underestimated the American people, especially when it came to what they wanted to see. So now, I think they are realising that we can make money this way. Melissa McCarthy is a major movie star and doesn’t look like a traditional movie star; Amy Schumer too. She’s selling out Madison Square Garden. There’s Broad City as well. So, there is an audience for it,” says Kaling, adding that nothing makes her happier than seeing Indian stand-up comics perform.

What made the world fall in love with Mindy Lahiri in The Mindy Project was the fact that she looked like one of us on a prime-time TV show. Kaling is a first-generation Indian-American, who made it in the business through her sheer talent, conviction and hard work. Essentially, she was what we didn’t know we wanted. Having grown up on a diet of sitcoms through the ’80s and ’90s—series that did not showcase families like her own—has helped Kaling lend a different, and more sensitive perspective to the characters she creates and portrays. “Growing up, I definitely thought it was sociably acceptable for boys to be funny; that there was something not feminine about being funny, and that sticks with you. As a comedian, you always talk about that wound you had as a child, and you source your comedy from that,” she says.

Her character, an obstetrician-gynaecologist, was based on Mindy’s mother, Swati Roysircar, and took the last name from author Jhumpa Lahiri. But it was her love for bold sartorial choices that really drew in a whole new audience. Besides the high-fashion luxury labels—“I would be wearing Céline, Chanel and Prada”—Kaling also championed (lesser-known back then, not anymore) artists like Hatecopy and Babbuthepainter on her show, either by displaying their art or wearing the clothes they made.

Her personal love for fashion, however, she credits to her mother. “My mum was always interested in fashion. She was always well put-together. We didn’t, like, go hiking. She didn’t even like a vacation. She just loved shopping and clothes. Sometimes, we would go shopping at the mall, and we’d buy outfits and come back home, and she would call her younger sister over, and we would do like a mini fashion show. I just inherited that from her. That’s how we bonded, so much so that my love for fashion is intractably linked with the love for my mum.”

Kaling was born in 1979 to a Tamilian father, Avu Chokalingam, an architect, and a Bengali mother, who first met while working in Nigeria. They emigrated to the US the year Kaling was born. “One of the bigger regrets in my life is that I don’t speak any of the Indian languages. It would be great to know Hindi, Bengali or Tamil. But they moved to the United States, and so I only know English,” she says. Kaling also aced Latin in school.

Kaling was one of those lucky children, who are blessed with a particular kind of purpose. “I’ve always been a decisive person, even as an eight-year-old.” She spent a large part of her youth analysing hit comedy shows from her childhood. “The fact that I was interested in comedy as a girl at that age was already so strange to people. On top of that, I was a kid of Indian immigrants, who were not involved in the niche industry of comedy writing or acting. I have to give my parents credit for being incredibly supportive—and I am talking about nearly 20 years ago. I think their encouragement came from their own sense of adventure.”

It is this gift of open-mindedness that she wants to give her daughter, Kit. And that’s the greatest role Kaling is playing right now: that of a newborn mother. A few minutes after we meet at The Pierre for breakfast, Kaling shows me a picture of her five-month-old daughter, Katherine Swati Kaling. She is all levels of cute, gets her middle name from Kaling’s mother, and is lovingly called Kit by everyone. “She looks more like a Kit than a Katherine, but maybe she’ll grow into a Katherine.” So, what’s life like now? Has motherhood, with its many pleasures and challenges, shifted something inside? “Gosh! I feel like exactly the same person. Except that I was never someone who would consider myself a baby person. I would ask questions about motherhood or parenthood to friends who had kids before me, but all I was told was about the little amount of sleep you get for yourself, because a baby will wake up twice in the middle of the night. That sounded so difficult. But what they don’t articulate is the feeling of accomplishment to soothe a crying baby to stop and start smiling, or getting them to fall back to sleep. No one talks about that feeling. That feeling is better than 25 minutes of sleep that you missed. It is very easy to describe the toughness of parenting with a baby, and it is very hard to articulate the joys of it.”

Motherhood hasn’t slowed down Kaling. She might just be the hardest-working woman in the business. Writing, directing, acting, producing, show-running. Does it ever get overwhelming? “I’m not well-rounded, as a person. I don’t play any instruments. I don’t speak any other languages. I just do these things, and I love doing them, and I’m extremely busy with work. But now that I have my daughter, it is kind of the first time there is something I want to go home to. There is never a boyfriend that I liked more than the experience of having a child. I love being with her.”

Having been to India last when she was 14, she is contemplating coming back now more than ever because of Kit. It’s also about reaching out and reconnecting with one’s roots. Motherhood can do that. It can also make you work twice as hard. Until then, brace yourself for the real power of Kaling to unleash. You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Taru

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ECONYL nylon bikini bottoms, `4,997, Palm Swimwear. Tulle dress, `2,39,311, Sandra Mansour. Nylon socks, polyamide heels; both prices on request, Fendi. Wool hat, `3,445, Lack Of Color

WHAT LIES

MAY90ELLE.IN

PHOTOGRAPHS NICK LEARY STYLING RAHUL VIJAY

Sheer delicacy gets a fearlessly sexy makeover as

gossamer fabrics in candy pastels and wispy whites

reveal themselves under Melbourne’s summer sunBENEATH

MAY91ELLE.IN

Velvet and neoprene bikini, `5,787, Triangl. Chiffon skirt, price on request, Gucci. Spinel jacket, `1,16,345, Oscar de la Renta. Nylon socks, price on request, Fendi. Leather sandals, `49,606, Paula Cademartori. Wool hat, `5,917, Lack Of Color N

ick

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Cotton knit bottoms, `9,753, She Made Me. Silk dress, `59,595, Romance Was Born

MAY93ELLE.IN

Embroidered mesh top, price on request,

Rimzim Dadu. Neoprene bikini bottoms,

`5,790 (for set), Triangl. Silk organza

pants, `21,280, Sahil Kochhar. Nylon

socks, price on request, Fendi. Leather sandals,

`37,463, Missoni. Glass and plastic

earrings, `2,520, Deepa by Deepa Gurnani N

ick

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y/D

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Knit bottom, price on request, knit dress,

`2,14,731, embellished sandals, `63,048; all

Missoni. Nylon socks, price on request, Fendi.

Wool hat, `5,917, Lack Of Color

MAY95ELLE.IN

Jersey top, gauze skirt and jacket; all prices on request, Fendi. Cotton and leather sandals, `20,170, Mara & Mine. Suede cap, `6,956, Lack Of Color N

ick

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ECONYL nylon bikini top, `4,503, ECONYL nylon bikini bottom, `3,252; both Palm Swimwear. Nylon dress, `15,500, Dhruv Kapoor. Terylene cap, `3,752, Lack Of Color

MAY97ELLE.IN

Viscose knit bra and bottoms, silk georgette dress; all prices on request, Dior. Nylon socks, price on request, Fendi. Wool hat, `3,445, Lack Of Color

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DLM

AU

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Neoprene bikini, `5,790, Triangl. Organza skirt,

`17,500, Aikeyah. Nylon socks, price on request, Fendi.

Suede heels, `47,199, Paula Cademartori

MAY99ELLE.IN

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DLM

AU

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ECONYL nylon bikini top, `4,503, Palm Swimwear. Silk and linen shirt, `24,789, polyester skirt, `27,544; both

Zimmermann at Le Mill. Nylon socks, price on

request, Fendi. Leather heels, `59,126, Stuart Weitzman

HAIR AND MAKE-UP: BELINDA ZOLLO/

HART & CO; MODEL: EDEN BRISTOWE/CHIC;

ASSISTED BY: DIVYA GURSAHANI, MALAIKA

NAMBIAR (STYLING) AND ANTONY PERRY/

DLMAU (PHOTOGRAPHY); SPECIAL THANKS:

VISIT VICTORIA; AIRLINE PARTNER:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

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Make your lips and the muscles around them firm with a good workout. Pucker up and vibrate your lips for a few seconds by imitating the sound of a motorboat. Keep going till your mouth feels tingly.

‘FACE YOGA’ TO AGE GRACEFULLY,

BREEZY SUMMER HAIRSTYLES,

TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS…AND THE

ACUPUNCTURIST BOLLYWOOD SWEARS BY

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BEAUTYT O P T R E N D S , H O T B U Y S , E X P E R T T I P S & H E A L T H H O W - T O S

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PHOTOGRAPHS TARAS TARAPORVALASTYLING KARUNA LAUNGANIHAIR AND MAKE-UP MITESH RAJANI/ SPARKLE TALENT MANAGEMENT

RESTING

FACE Turn that frown line upside down, with face yoga. Mamta Mody takes you through a series of exercises proven to be the ultimate slow-ageing routine

FRESH

Awaken your facial muscles and relieve the tension by sticking your tongue out. Push it towards your chin and open your eyes wide, looking upwards. Squeeze the muscles at the front of your throat and give your best lion roar while exhaling. Do this thrice, then relax your tongue, and repeat.

GETACTIVE

BEAUTY

MAY104ELLE.IN

SMOOTHOVER

This ‘binocular’ pose makes you aware of all the times you unconsciously move your brows creating lines on your forehead. Curl each hand into a ‘c’, and place the index fingers on your brows while the thumb rests on your cheeks. Press the fingers downwards and outwards, and open your eyes as wide as possible. Press the brows down so your forehead doesn’t crease. Then close your eyes. Repeat twice.

Jersey sweatshirt, polyester bralette; both Zara. Metal earrings, Eurumme at Minerali

Opposite page: Jersey T-shirt, ONLY. Cotton-blend blazer, Rajesh Pratap Singh

MAY105ELLE.IN

BEAUTYCotton shirt,

Massimo Dutti. Cotton blazer, Zara.

Acetate sunglasses, Lulu & Sky

Tara

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rapo

rval

aTo put the muscles in your cheek area to work and to reduce the appearance of laugh lines while toning your face, take a deep breath and puff out your cheeks. Move your breath from one cheek to the other, until you run out of breath.

SHOW SOMECHEEK

MAY106ELLE.IN

PICK UPSLACKIf your phone is giving you a tech neck and a double chin, then look up to define your jaw. Turn your head to the right, and tilt your chin towards the ceiling. Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, smile, then swallow, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this in the middle and to the other side—10 times each.

MODEL: ADITI JOSHI/THE FASHION MANAGEMENT. MANICURE: JEAN-CLAUDE BIGUINE. ASSISTED BY: TRISHA CHAWLA (BEAUTY), MRIDU GUPTA (STYLING)

Satin top, Massimo Dutti. Gold-plated

sterling silver earring, Misho

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BEAUTY

BASESHigh-tech formulas and a special-edition fragrance

will charm away all your beauty needs

ALLCOVER

BEAUTY EDITOR’S

PICKS

SWITCH TO SHINEGlossy lipsticks have come far

from their sticky ’90s version. Fill your lips with a

matching lip liner and make the

colour last longer.

— MAMTA MODY

YOUR

Antioxidants are great for fighting signs of premature ageing caused by sun damage. This sunscreen is loaded with the most powerful kind, Fernblock, which also suits those suffering from sensitivity and acne.

Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF 50+, `2,250

If the heat is wrecking your contouring game, consider this semi-matte foundation. It makes sure your highlights look shiny, not sweaty.

L’Oréal Paris Infallibe Pro-Matte Foundation, `999

This palette will satiate all your shimmery make-up cravings. Simply press the colour on your lids to get the foil look.

Smashbox Photo Edit Eye Shadow Glitter Trio in Pic Me, `1,900

It brings together the best parts of your favourite mascaras to lift and curl your lashes with a formula that doesn’t flake on you even after hours.

How do you celebrate 10 years of an iconic rose fragrance? With a limited-edition concentrate that puts the spotlight on that heady damask rose, perfectly rounded off with vanilla and patchouli.

Pop on this revitalising polish while you wait for your brittle, yellowing nails to recover from endless rounds of gel manicures.

Nykaa Bright SideNail Care, `249

One swipe of this creamy, hydrating lipstick is enough for an opaque

finish. You’ll find it tough to choose from the matte, metallic and

vinyl finishes.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-on Liquid Lipstick, `2,200

Elizabeth Arden Grand Entrance Mascara, `1,720

Chloé Absolu de Parfum,

price on request

109ELLE.IN

cause of which is the refusal to educate them. We aim to break that system by providing scholarships and conducting regular health drives across villages in the country.”

In addition to creating The Body Shop’s signature brown bags and gift boxes, GPI has also planted over 20,000 trees and opened the Anita Milan International Academy in Kathmandu to educate local communities. I experience the programme’s results firsthand when I interact with the bright, young students at the school that’s just a stone’s throw from the factory.

The Body Shop plays an earnest, proactive role in furthering the initiative’s efforts. By publishing the origin of its ingredients and packaging, it ensures you can trace the exact farming community that grows the strawberries in your shower gel or the moringa leaves in your body butter. And you can be certain that the locals are getting a fair deal for it. “We pick and support farmers and artisans who can grow traditional ingredients sustainably, and we work with them for three years to ensure they get fair prices and long-term benefits like employment, education and social engagement,” reveals Lee Mann, international sustainable sourcing manager, The Body Shop. Now isn’t that glow-giving mask going to work extra well?

— TRISHA CHAWLA

BEAUTY

From the viewpoints in Kathmandu, Nepal, the panoramic sight of the snow-capped Himalayas is nothing short of breathtaking. But

as I dive into the city life, it is clear that the capital, which was once abuzz with tourism, is now struggling to recover from the series of earthquakes it was hit with in 2015. The devastation has hurt local communities immeasurably, but helping them fight back is the Get Paper Industry (GPI). The paper-products cooperative’s trade relations with The Body Shop since 1989 (as part of the beauty brand’s Community Trade programme) have enabled it to empower Kathmandu’s most vulnerable communities.

It is hard to imagine that the tiny GPI factory, nestled in a quaint little village on the outskirts of Kathmandu, could have such an enormous impact. For starters, it employs over 700 seasonal and 100 full-time workers, a majority of who are women. As Milan Bhattarai, managing director, GPI, takes me around the facility where scores of women are handmaking paper from upcycled material like cotton and banana fibre, he tells me, “Some of the women we work with have been victims of human trafficking, the root

COMPANYGOOD

GIVING BACK For the next two months,

`28 from every sale of the new Himalayan Charcoal Purifying

Facial Soap and the bestselling Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask will be contributed

to the Red Panda Network, which works towards protecting

and replenishing bamboo plantations in Nepal. Which

means we’ll happily be striking the species off the

endangered list, soon.

Through ethically sourced ingredients and maximum social impact, The Body Shop is all about beauty that pays it forward

The team behind Get Paper Industry, Nepal, with its creations

Students at Anita Milan International Academy,

Nepal

MAY

MAY110ELLE.IN

M y journey into green beauty was quite accidental. In my early- to mid-twenties, I used every product and procedure—from Accutane to laser—to treat my severe acne, but nothing worked. It hit my self-confidence and

I was tired of trying to find a solution. Then around 2010, a big beauty chain in Australia (I live in Melbourne), began carrying a new ‘green’ oil-based cleanser that

became an instant bestseller. Until then, I’d always believed that I needed to use foaming cleansers that gave that squeaky-clean feeling; it seemed counter-intuitive to use oil to control acne. Green beauty was also in its nascent stages at that point, but the oil cleanser turned out to be unlike anything else I’d ever tried. It didn’t foam or emulsify, and had to be wiped off with a washcloth—and it significantly cleared up my skin.

HEALTH

UP YOUR

ACTCLEAN

With equal parts science and nature, the oft-misunderstood world of green beauty makes a strong case for itself. Arjun Sudhir tells us where to start and what to avoid

MAY111ELLE.IN

This made me research its ingredients, and that led me down the green beauty rabbit hole.

So, what is green beauty? To understand this, we need to look at what goes into conventional skincare products. A lot of mainstream items only contain a small amount of active natural extracts; inexpensive fillers like water, mineral oil and silicones usually take up most of the formula. Celestyna Higgins, founder of American green beauty brands MOSS and Ambar, says preservatives are the primary differentiating factors between green beauty and the conventional variety. “Think about it—preservatives are supposed to kill bacteria that could cause the product to go bad. But they don’t discriminate, and go after the good bacteria on your skin too.”

The concentration of actives is one of the main things that inspired me to make the switch to green beauty. These products are vastly different from the ‘herbal’, ‘natural’ or ‘Ayurvedic’ products I grew up using as a teenager in India. Because while a majority of those products contained some natural ingredients, they also had potentially harmful ones like petroleum, phthalates, parabens and sulfates that negate the benefits of the natural ingredients.

Unlike their truly green counterparts, the natural beauty industry in India is vastly unregulated, with no third-party certifications to guarantee their purity. For instance, 100ml of good quality rose essential oil costs around $1,500 (USD) because it is labour intensive, and takes around 5kg of rose petals to produce 1gm of rose oil. It is, therefore, safe to assume that a product priced under `500 will probably not contain the real thing.

These products may be tougher on your wallet, but the pure ingredients also make them more effective. “These [higher quality] formulae are more costly to make. The absence of fillers and chemicals leaves space for the actives that really do the heavy lifting,” says Jeannie Jarnot, founder of US-based green beauty

subscription box Beauty Heroes. Unlike the natural products of the past, the new

ones are not just a jumble of essential oils. They are scientifically formulated to deliver visible results, and can be much more complex than their synthetic counterparts. It is a myth that green products don’t contain any man-made chemicals at all. In fact, many even contain plant-derived chemicals. The difference is that these chemicals aren’t known to pose health risks, unlike parabens, phthalates and glycols that have been banned by the European Union for their possible hazardous nature. Plant-based ingredients are rich in whole nutrients, which means they are often gentler and more effective. The skin absorbs chemicals readily. So, if you watch what goes into your body, shouldn’t you give some thought to what you put on your skin as well?

Yenny Khan, a Washington DC-based green beauty blogger who runs Eco Chic Beauty, recommends avoiding, at a minimum, sulfates, petroleum derivatives and parabens. “Paying attention to labels and ingredient lists is key,” she says. “And resources like Ewg.org/skindeep and the Think Dirty app (available on iOS) make scanning through ingredient lists a breeze. The rule of thumb is that if the product includes more

than three toxic ingredients, then it’s best to replace it.”

None of this is to say you should bin all your beauty products right away. In fact, Khan says it’s essential to move at your own pace in order to not feel overwhelmed. “The ‘one out, one in’ rule is a good one: when you finish one conventional product, replace it with a greener version.”

I, too, took baby steps. I started by eliminating products containing sulfates and parabens, and when I noticed a difference, I eliminated the other harmful ingredients. I have only been using green skin, hair, dental and body care (and green perfumes) since 2015, and I rarely have any breakouts anymore. My skin has been the best it’s ever been, and I wish I’d discovered it sooner, so I could have felt better about myself in my twenties! But you know what they say: never too late.

Arjun Sudhir is a green beauty blogger (Justaskarjun.com)

SULFATES The inexpensive foaming agent can make skin dry, upset the acid mantle and

cause eczema, acne, dandruff, and other problems, and it can

potentially cause cancer.

PETROLEUM and its by-products are known to clog pores and contribute to acne.

These carcinogens can cause irritation and systemic toxicity if

used on broken skin.

PARABENS Scientific evidence suggests that

these preservatives may cause breast cancer by

elevating oestrogen levels. It is sometimes linked to hormonal

imbalances, including early onset of puberty in young girls.

STEER AWAY FROM…

“The skin absorbs chemicals readily, so if

you watch what goes into your body, shouldn’t you give some thought to what you put on your

skin as well?”

MAY112ELLE.IN

BEAUTY

Play with these cool girl-approved hairstyles for summer, inspired straight off the runway

HEAD IN THE

GAME

1 . P O K E R ST R A I G H TThe aim is to go sleek, without making your hair look limp. Apply a smoothening serum that adds volume, cuts frizz, and also makes the hair ultra glossy. Then, divide your locks into sections, and straighten them out with a heated flat iron.

3 . U N D E R C OV E RA headband is the definitive solution to all your frizzy woes. Pull your hair back into a low knot or plait, and slip on a floral scarf or a solid black band. Set flyaways in place with a light-hold finishing spray.

4 . N AT U R A L STAT EToo lazy for a blow-dry? Rejoice, because 2018 is all about embracing real texture. Opt for a leave-in cream that fights frizz

and enhances your natural texture as your hair air-dries.

5 . U P A N D A B O U THere’s a high-fashion update for your messy

bun. Dust styling powder at the roots for a little lift, and pull the rest into a high

ponytail. Angle it towards the side, and wrap the ponytail into a knot. Seal the loose ends

into place with a lightweight cream.

2 . O I L S L I C KWhether you’ve got voluminous waves or corkscrew curls, all you need is some sculpting gel. Sweep your hair into a side parting, brushing it away from the face, and work in a dollop of gel for a sleek finish.

Philips HP8302/06 Selfie Hair Straightener,

`1,295

Schwarzkopf Osis+ G.Force Texture

Extreme Hold Gel Strong Control Hair

Styler, `725

Kératase Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase

Spray Oil, `2,700

L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Hairspray, `675

Balmain Paris Styling

Powder, `2,500 Matrix

Style Link Smooth Setter

Smoothing Crème, `450

Wella Fusion Intense Repair Shampoo, `975

Redken No Blow Dry

Just Right Cream, `1,363

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TOP CLASS

Hairstylist Rod Anker’s guide to

keeping your hair healthy:

1.“Condition and

moisturise it with a rinse-off

mask or leave-in cream every time

you wash it to fix frizziness”

2.“Use a heat

protecting serum and avoid excessive

blow-drying or straightening”

3.“When your hair

feels limp, it’s a sign it has overgrown.

Get a haircut”

8 . T W I ST E D P O N Y TA I LGive the basic ponytail an edge by amping up the volume and accessorising it with transparent tubes (remember Chanel?) and neon scrunchies. But if we have to pick favourites, it would have to do with neon threads, as seen at Fenty.

9 . N E W W AV EThink of this as the minimalist’s take on that signature Bollywood blowout.

Instead of enhancing all the layers, use a pair of large barrel tongs to create

natural, but big waves that frame the face. Remember, a heat protection

spray is a must.

1 0 . B R A I D Y B U N C HTake the ’70s route and wear multiple skinny braids. Create ocean-kissed waves with a texturising spray, and braid up the lengths around your crown or right behind the ear for a romantic look.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, `27,900

Sebastian Professional Drynamic+, `1,800

System Professional

Volumize Bodyfying

Foam, `2,100

Wella EIMI Thermal

Image Heat Protection

Spray, `675

L’Oréal Professionnel X-Tenso Care Serum, `550

7 . W I L D C H I L DOn the other end from

poker-straight hair, messy curls make a strong case for fuss-free styling. For hair that’s wavy or curly, scrunch it with a leave-in

curl cream, and allow it to air-dry. For more definition, try twisting

the curls with your fingers.

BBLUNT High Definition Curl, Curl

Defining Leave-In Cream, `600

Ikonic Professional Curling Tong CT19,`2,700

6 . P I N - U P G I R LThe hair clip is

one of the many old-school

accessories making a comeback. The rules are simple:

blow-dry your hair into perfection and part it as you wish. Then secure it on

the sides, above the ear. They key is to pile on a few—one

just won’t cut it.

— TRISHA CHAWLA

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Balm

ain

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Scroll through the Instagram feeds of Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, and you’re bound to encounter the million-watt smile of acupuncturist Dr Jewel Gamadia. Even Jacqueline Fernandez, who lived with

bad skin allergies and stomach ailments for a long time, credits her recovery to the good doctor. So, what’s his special power? His belief that everything we do or put into our bodies is manifested on our skin. When he’s not healing with acupuncture therapies in Mumbai, he’s recommending simple lifestyle changes for glowing skin and a stronger body to his clientele in London. While you wait to get on his wait list, here’s his advice for getting

on your journey to A-list health in the meantime:

ELLE: What is your beauty philosophy?Jewel Gamadia: Beauty is all about how your organs function. Any health irregularities or skin disorders, like acne or eczema, are not diseases by themselves, but symptoms of something going wrong internally.

Instead of treating the symptom, my aim is to fix the root of the problem, like nutrient deficiencies, improper digestion or slow collagen production, through lifestyle changes.

ELLE: What’s the science behind acupuncture?JG: I practise Western acupuncture, which follows the traditional philosophy, but is based on modern medical advances. Needles are used in certain spots to stimulate the nervous system

and trigger different biological reactions. This could be anything from improving the flow of blood to your liver (for detoxification) to bettering your digestion.

ELLE: What are some key lifestyle changes you would suggest for better overall health?JG: Chew your food more! It helps your body absorb less fat and sugar, makes food easy to digest, and reduces chances of acidity and bloating. I have also cut out wheat and milk from my diet, since both the ingredients are heavy on the stomach, and our sedentary lifestyles don’t help with breaking them down efficiently.

@dr.jewelgamadia— TRISHA CHAWLA

BEAUTY

The man behind your favourite actors‘ flawless skin and fantastic health wants you

to rethink the way you eat

DR JEWELGAMADIA

DIET ESSENTIALSVITAMIN C FROM

CITRUS FRUITS To boost your

metabolism and immune system

VITAMIN E FROM GREEN VEGETABLESTo fight acne and fix skin damage

CO Q10 FROM SUPPLEMENTS

To reduce signs of ageing

RICEFor a quick

energy boost

COOKED VEGETABLES

To aid quicker digestion

“Our l ifestyles have become

more sedentary, so

it‘s essential we change our

eating habits with the times”

Dr Jewel Gamadia with Katrina Kaif

With Jacqueline Fernandez

With Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

With Anushka Sharma

BEAUTY EXPERT

While you fly across time zones, leave it to these travel-friendly

essentials to fix your tired plane face. They make sure you hit the tarmac

looking well-rested and hydrated

HAULLONG

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish

Oil, `5,695

Clinique Take The Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes,

`1,600

Dior Addict Lip Glow

Color Reviver Balm in Matte

Raspberry, `2,450

Forest Essentials

Tranquil Sleep Spray, `850

L‘Occitane Shea Butter

Hand Cream, `1720

BBLUNT MINI Back To Life Dry

Shampoo, `250

Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso, `5,400/50ml

EDP

BEAUTY

Vinyl passport holder, price on

request, Kate Spade

Metal and glass monocle with leather case,

`1,650, Nappa Dori

Leather luggage tag, `1950,

Nappa Dori

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THE OPTIONSYou have two. “The first method, called 5:2, is exactly what our ancestors did in the form of religious fasts,” says Luke Coutinho, an expert in integrative and lifestyle medicine, and holistic nutrition. “It calls for eating healthy meals, five days a week, and consuming only 500-600 calories for the remaining two days.” But for a more sustainable lifestyle change, Coutinho recommends you follow the 16:8 method: “You limit eating time to just eight hours (called the building stage) and fast for 16 hours (called the detoxification or fasting phase) of the day, with only water or herbal teas as snacking options.” This means you automatically finish dinner before 6pm, and resume eating directly with lunch the next day.

THE SCIENCEBy eating throughout the day, your digestive system, liver and kidneys are working continuously to absorb nutrients and flush out toxins. “But during the fasting phase, the body gets some rest and is able to break down leftover food effectively, leading to detoxification and reduction in gut inflammation,” says Coutinho. “Short-term fasting also increases your metabolic rate, insulin levels and uses stored energy (fat) to function, which ultimately leads to weight loss.” But, Coutinho warns, be careful never to binge or diet excessively during the building stage. “Loading up on excess food or eating less can deprive your body of nutrients, and lead to headaches, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia (low sugar levels) and muscle loss.”

Though it might seem counter-intuitive to some, intermittent fasting has found many believers. One of them is Urmi Kothari, fitness expert and founder, Kinetic Living, Mumbai. “I followed the 16:8 method for just three months, as it was difficult to squeeze in my meals in such a short period while I was training,” she says. “But I saw aesthetic changes in just 10 days, and never experienced an afternoon slump, in spite of my high activity levels.”

— TRISHA CHAWLA

DO IT RIGHTLuke

Coutinho’s rules to

intermittent fasting

1. Start with a 12-hour fast and

gradually build your capacity to 16 hours.

2. Start and break your fast at the same

time every day, so your body and mind

can adapt easily.

3. Eat wholesome, well-balanced meals during the building

phase to avoid nutrient deprivation.

4. Avoid milk-based tea and coffee while fasting as they can lead to acid reflux or constipation.

5. Since you are eating less, choose simple, preferably

only hour-long workouts, or you could experience

cramps or fainting.

✻

STRIKEHUNGER

Intermittent fasting might actually be worth the effort and restraint for a leaner and stronger body

C ard-carrying members of the no-breakfast club might have a new ace, because the latest nutrition trend exhorts you to skip the most important meal of the day. Called ‘intermittent fasting’, and

approved by Beyoncé and Hugh Jackman, this popular method involves strategically fasting for certain hours or days in a week, in a set pattern, to detox the body.

MAY117ELLE.IN

FRENCH KISS Nykaa’s new fragrance

collection is easy to fall in love with

Summer calls for a scent wardrobe that matches every

occasion, and homegrown beauty label Nykaa ticks

all the right boxes with its new fragrance line, Moi.

The range features a romantic, floral juice called Raison D’Etre,

and a woody potion called Joie De Vivre.

Moi by Nykaa Raison D’Etre, `1,800/100ml EDP

Moi by Nykaa Joie De Vivre, `1,800/100ml EDP

I N F I V E M I N U T E SMonday’s MVP is this creamy, blendable concealer that perks up a tired face and hides dark

under eyes, without giving away your weekend happy-hour binge.

Benefit Boi-ing Brightening Concealer, `1,680

NEWS & UPDATES

TIMEIT’S HIGH

I N 45 M I N U T E SThis holographic sparkly mask doesn’t just come with major Instagram value. It also packs in some serious skin-loving benefits: expect a radiant complexion and sharper contours, sans the bronzer.

GLAMGLOW #GLITTERMASK GRAVITYMUD Firming Treatment, `4,050

Dashing out the door or prepping for a special occasion? These new

releases promise to give you brilliant skin

OV E R N I G H TInsomniacs, slather on this

hydrating gel-cream that soothes you to sleep with essential oils of lavender,

patchouli and sandalwood. Then, wake up to plump

skin and a luminous glow.

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon, `5,995

I N O N E M O N T HThink of this moisturiser as a

dermat on your dresser. It’s packed with vitamin B3 and antioxidants

to ensure you will see the last of pigmentation, dullness and

open pores by week four.

Pond’s Flawless Radiance Derma+ Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30, `649

I N O N E W E E KDate night coming up? Your skin

will look smooth and refreshed after soaking up this lightweight lotion

that’s supercharged with algae extracts to hydrate, minimise those

pores, and control excess oil.

Estée Lauder Nutritious Micro Algae Pore Minimizing Hydra Lotion, `4,400

— TRISHA CHAWLA

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LOSE YOURSELF IN THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF

ARGENTINA, GO WILD IN RWANDA, AND SOAK

UP THE SUN AT TWO ULTRA-LUXE RESORTS

IN THAILAND AND THE MALDIVES

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D E S I G N S T A R S , G R E A T E S C A P E S & F A N T A S T I C F O O D

L I FE STYLE

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TRAVEL

WILDCOUNTRY

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At the start of the year, I had the privilege of producing a feature film in

Buenos Aires, Argentina. There is no better way to experience a new place than by working there. Connecting with local artistes gives you a sense of their systems, culture, their past and the future. While I lived predominantly in Buenos Aires, wandering the streets of Palermo and Recoleta, and catching the occasional glimpse of Rio de la Plata, the river that the capital was founded along, the warmth of the people, their national pride and their unabashed love for music and dance amazed me. From a series of interviews with new friends, directors, curators, architects and businesspeople, I crafted a list of some of the best things to do in the world’s eighth-largest country:

Untamed nature, fascinating history, good wine, better food—and dancing, so much dancing! Argentina has joy to give any kind of vacationer, finds Shruti Ganguly

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T R E K I N PATAG O N I AIn Patagonia, which is shared by Chile to the west, you’ll come across glaciers, jagged coastlines, myrtle forests and numerous lakes. The most populated and developed area of Andean Patagonia is the lake district of Río Negro and Neuquén Province. Make it a point to visit the town of El Calafate, a good base for trekking. Some highlights of the region include the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Fitz Roy range and Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost point of the continent. Check out tours by Ecocamp Patagonia (Ecocamp.travel/en) and Adventure Life (Adventure-life.com).

R O A D T R I PI N S A LTAIn the northwest, Salta, with its range of geography—from low, green fields to red rock formations and ravines—has become an increasingly popular destination. Drive south along Route 68, from Salta to Cafayette to experience its raw beauty. Salta is also the southernmost part of the Incan civilisation, so plan a visit to institutions like the Museum Of High Altitude Archaeology to see ancient artefacts. Make a trip further north to James Turrell Museum in Colomé, an 18,000-square-foot space dedicated to the groundbreaking American artist’s work, including his famous pieces, Spread and Unseen Blue.

“In Patagonia, which is shared by Chile to the west, you’ ll

come across glaciers, jagged coastlines, myrtle forests and

numerous lakes”

A glacial lake in Patagonia

The red hills of Salta

H I K E A LO N G T H E I G U A Z U FA L LSDesignated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, it takes some planning to get here from Puerto Iguazú. But if a million visitors can do it every year, well, anyone can. Pack a good pair of boots for hiking alongside the falls for beautiful panoramic views.

TA N G O I N B U E N O S A I R E SNo trip to Argentina is complete without a tango lesson, with dance clubs all through Buenos Aires, from Maldita Milonga in San Telmo to Milonga Parakultural at Salon Canning. Despite many years of childhood Bharatanatyam lessons, I found myself having to relearn how to move. Make time for a milonga (organised dance event) in Buenos Aires’s lively La Boca neighbourhood, or at the happening El Yeite Tango Club on Mondays and Thursdays. Just don’t arrive before 1.30am.

“Pack a good pair of boots for hiking alongside the falls for beautiful panoramic views”

TRAVEL

The colourful streets of La Boca, Buenos Aires

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M E AT - F E A ST I N …E V E R Y W H E R E !Argentina loves its beef, especially in the form of asado or parillada, which is simply a more exotic way of saying barbecue. The country’s most famous chef, Francis Mallman, is known for “playing with fire”—stringing chickens and pieces of beef over open-air flames, while raising the profile of his Patagonian base mentioned above, as seen in Netflix’s popular series, Chef’s Table. Local dishes to try include meat-filled empanadas, alfajores (shortbread-like cookies with dulce de leche fillings), choripán (a chorizo-filled version of the hot dog) yerba mate (South-American tea crafted from forest leaves) and chimichurri, a parsley-oregano-garlic concoction that is Argentina’s go-to sauce solution.

T I P P L E I N M E N D OZ AFamous for Argentina’s wine are Mendoza (the city is located in its eponymous province) and the dry Cuyo region. Embark on a wine tour or simply visit a local bodega to get a taste. Try the malbecs from Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, and visit the Uco Valley, where renowned chef Francis Mallman runs his signature open-flame restaurant, Siete Fuegos, at Vines Resort & Spa (Vinesresortandspa.com).

Vineyards in Mendoza

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TRAVEL

HIGH AND

It’s hard to imagine that not more than two decades ago, this country was ravaged

by genocide. But the capital, Kigali, is now welcoming to travellers; the locals are warm and helpful. And due to its elevation (nearly 5,000-ft above sea level), it enjoys good weather all year round. If that isn’t enough of a draw, there’s the outstanding coffee: award-winners like Rwanda Mahembe,

MIGHTYRwanda Maraba and Rwanda Muyang give stiff competition to tea, the traditional brew of choice for generations. I visited for a few months last year; here are some of the highlights:

S E ETutsi Genocide Memorial The Rwandan genocide is one of the 20th century’s most horrific acts of violence, and the memorial is a moving tribute to its victims. The

Gorillas, gregariousness and great coffee—Rwanda is a dream destination, says Jia Singh

well-curated tour includes the heart-wrenching final exhibit, featuring photographs and stories of young Rwandan boys and girls whose lives were tragically cut short, really driving home the devastation.

Volcanoes National ParkRwanda is one of two places in the world where you can see the famous silverback gorilla (the term for the oldest male in the mountain gorilla group). While the entry

fee is a hefty $1,500, proceeds go towards protecting the apes from poachers—and being able to stand a few feet away from these majestic creatures; it’s really worth it. You can also visit the grave of Dian Fossey, the

renowned American primatologist, who is buried at the Karisoke Research Center inside.

Akagera National ParkThis is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central

Africa, and is home to the Big Five—the elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo. If you are a seasoned safari-goer, this is one for the bucket list.

E ATPili PiliThis stunning cliff-side eatery, named after an East-African chilli, really comes alive in the evenings. Be prepared to wait if you haven’t made a reservation.

Khana KhazanaGo here if you find yourself missing Indian food. It serves some of the best rogan josh and kebabs I’ve eaten overseas.

SakaeCome for delicious high-end Japanese and Korean food served in a stunning garden

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park

Virunga Lodge

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setting. The open-plan kitchen is a real treat for gourmands, and the venue is perfect for groups, especially if you like your teppanyaki. For comfort food, you can’t go wrong with the miso soup.

Bourbon Coffee The fast Wi-Fi, chill vibe and delicious local coffee made this popular chain my go-to for quick lunches. My favourite pick-me-up was the African Coffee, an aromatic blend of cinnamon and ginger, teamed with a croissant.

STAYHotel des Milles CollinesThis hotel carries a remarkable legacy. It was popularised by the movie Hotel Rwanda (2004), where the manager, Paul Rusesabagina, provided shelter to thousands, bribing the Hutu army with food and drink to keep the Tutsis safe. Today, it is popular for its bar, lavish Sunday buffet and proximity to the coolest nightlife. Millecollines.rw

Kigali Serena HotelOne of the first five-star properties in Kigali, it attracts the well-heeled with its comprehensive lunchtime buffet and stunning pool views. A visit to its Maisha spa is

a great way to decompress and enjoy some TLC after tracking gorillas. Serenahotels.com

Bisate LodgeThis eco-luxury property in Volcanoes National Park is highly sought after by wildlife enthusiasts. It has six earthy yet well-appointed villas, and is favoured as a base for gorilla tracking and volcano-hopping. Wilderness-safaris.com

Virunga LodgeThis award-winning eco lodge is fitted with every modern comfort, as well as oodles of old-world charm. The 10-suite property offers splendid views of the Ruhondo and Bulera lakes, 24-hour butler service, and complimentary massages. Volcanoessafaris.com

Ruzizi Tented LodgeNestled within Akagera National Park, this mid-level luxury lodge has nine tented suites that offer all the comforts, without the frills. The highlight is breakfast on the beautiful wooden deck that overlooks Ihema lake, as long as you don’t mind the company of a monkey or three. African-parks.org

S H O P TeaRwandan teas are delicious and full bodied. Brands like Gisovu and Kitabi will be familiar to any self-respecting tea connoisseur.

CoffeeGorilla’s Coffee makes for a great take-home gift. And its robust and unique flavour profile (hints of dark chocolate, cinnamon and cloves) is perfect for pairing with dessert.

B E F O R E YO U G OVisa on arrival is available ($30) for Indians, but you must apply online, well in advance. It is mandatory to get a yellow fever vaccine before visiting Rwanda. Carry the vaccination certificate with you.

Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge

Hotel des Milles Collines

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Far beyond Thailand’s tourist trail, the island of Koh Kood is full of untamed

jungles, pristine beaches and rustic fishing villages—as well as the serene and secluded luxury resort, Soneva Kiri. This is the good life of a different kind, both comfortable and raw. There is even a private plane to bring you over from Bangkok. There, cocooned in the lush rainforest, you’ll find spacious, multilevel villas with outdoor bathtubs, private pools (with slides), personal butlers and buggies, and gorgeous beach views. It’s your own kingdom by the sea.

make this a nine-course extravaganza you will never forget.

EXPERIENCECatch a movie at the resort’s gorgeous open-air Cinema Paradiso. With a lagoon between the screen and you, it’s a setting that will stick in your memory. Or spend a night stargazing at the hi-tech observatory—Soneva has a state-of-the-art facility that lets you marvel at the wonders of the cosmos. For longer excursions, get off the island—hop on to a speedboat, and head to Koh Chang nearby, or rent the property’s private jet services for a day-trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

EATThe in-house dining options are exceptional, including the open-all-day chocolate and ice cream rooms. Try Treepod Dining, a one-of-a-kind gourmet adventure atop a tree that sees food delivered by the zip line acrobatics of your personal waiter, and it comes with breathtaking sea-views. Then, there’s Benz, the off-property, open-air, overwater Thai eatery that is a speedboat ride away in Phang-Nga. Signature Thai delicacies prepared by chef Khan Benz will

At Soneva Kiri, on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand, luxury and nature are seamlessly entwined

CAST AWAY

RESTThe resort’s standout Six Senses spa has a layered approach to wellness, offering much more than just relaxation therapies. You can achieve your wellness goals by choosing from its yogic detox and Ayurvedic programmes, among others, all under the guidance of trained doctors. Try the spa’s wellness screening, a quick three-minute test that gives you detailed results on key biomarkers of health, including metabolism, oxygen distribution, heart function and circulation, as well as some stress parameters. It better equips you to personalise your wellness programme and take the necessary steps for a healthier you. Soneva.com

— KARUNA LAUNGANI

Aerial view of Soneva Kiri

The deck of the Three-Bedroom Beach Pool Reserve

The view from the Six-Bedroom Sunset

Ocean View Pool Reserve

Treepod Dining

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SEA SONGIf there was ever an island to be stranded on, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is it

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A45-minute seaplane ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport brings me to the luxurious St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort in the Dhaalu Atoll. A cool welcome drink later, I’m whisked away to my dazzling digs: a 2,000-square-foot Sunset Overwater Villa With Pool, with the Indian

Ocean stretching out endlessly beyond the deck. The large room is gorgeously appointed, with perfect details like champagne chilling in an ice bucket and a pre-packed beach bag with all the essentials. Shortly after, my butler (yes, all guests get their own) arrives to take me to lunch. This is just the beginning.

DAY 2I’m up early for an aerial yoga class, where I spend an hour suspended from the ceiling on yards of silk. After breakfast, I get onto a boat, to snorkel at a reef 20-minutes away. Colourful fish dart around my face and I’m lucky enough to spot a reef shark and a turtle. After lunch at Crust, a pizza-serving beach shack, I’m blissed out, and emerge again only for an unforgettable dinner at Decanter. I walk to the five-course affair, paired with just as many wines, but need a buggy ride back, post a nightcap at Whale Bar, of course.

DAY 1The grand tour: the resort’s look is a tribute to the local marine life—the overwater villas mimic manta rays in design; Iridium Spa, with its outward-fanning spa suites, resembles a giant lobster; and the Whale Bar is shaped like that friendly mammal. Next is lunch at the poolside café, Alba, which is all about Insta-worthy plating and fresh flavours. After gorging on an outstanding raw mango and tiger prawn salad, I spend the rest of the day alternating between my plunge pool and the sun-baked deck.

DAY 3Spa day! I’m treated to the Signature Touch experience, with virgin coconut oil, and emerge 90 minutes later, rejuvenated, with my sunburn soothed. At Blue Hole, the overwater hydrotherapy pool (the only one in the Maldives)saltwater jets ease my muscles after my morning snorkelling session—this time, at the hotel’s private reef. I depart the island, with a honeyed tan and knowing that I have slept better in three days than I had in three months. They even let me keep the beach bag. Stregismaldives.com

— NEVILLE BHANDARA

The deck of the Sunset Overwater Villa

Sunset Overwater Villa Iridium Spa

Iridium Spa’s Blue Hole

Crust

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Tucking into a delicately seasoned sea bass carpaccio at a terraced restaurant that looks out over the Aegean—gold and glittering with the setting sun—is just one of the ways in which the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso introduces you to the Athenian Riviera. A member of The Leading Hotels Of The World (Lhw.com), the luxury resort also boasts 280 plush rooms—including the newly refurbished Executive Floor, made over in a foamy palate to match its far-flung sea views. The excellent seafood restaurant Mythos overlooks a bay, along with three other eateries that offer only the highest order of Mediterranean nosh. And then there’s the award-winning (and Athens’s only)

There’s five-star, and then there’s outright indulgent. The Champagne Suite at Lotte New York Palace is the latter. For starters, this 5,000-square-foot triplex suite is on the 53rd floor of the hotel’s Tower wing. There’s a fully stocked wine cave, and a dining room that can seat 10. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedrooms, and a library-lounge for intimate get-togethers. But the real scene-stealer is the terrace, complete with a waterfall spa. Luxury doesn’t just stop at accommodation, though. There’s also a Maybach drop-off service and a

Let Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso be the springboard to your big

fat Greek holiday

The Champagne Suite at Lotte New York Palace is what VVIP

heaven looks like

OCEAN BREEZE

HIGH LIFE

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thalassotherapy centre, as well as an outdoor seawater pool, and a pristine private beach for when you want to dip your feet in the real deal. All you need to bring is a talent for utter relaxation.Divaniapollonhotel.com

maître d’etage (or butler), who will make sure you don’t have to lift a finger. Planning a big blowout for your next birthday? You know where to go.Lottenypalace.com

Apart from flying to more countries than any other carrier, Turkish Airlines’s other highlight is its world-class lounge at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. It combines traditional Turkish hospitality with modern comforts, so your vacation begins before you even reach your destination.Turkishairlines.com

— CHERYL-ANN COUTO

SOCIAL

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Nikhil Thampi

Srimoyi Bhattacharya with ELLE’s Supriya Dravid

Angélique Raina

Neha Lidder

Valerie Buscayret and Suket Dhir

Kanika Goyal

Savitri Singh

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Rohit Bal, Lalit Tehlan and Rahul Khanna

Tarang Chaurasia and Mayyur Girotra

Trisha Khanna and Yoshita Kapoor

Nikhil Sharma and ELLE’s Malini Banerji, with Eeshaan Kashyap

ELLE’s Supriya Dravid with Tarang Chaurasia

Kunal Walia, Prerna Subba, Fariha Ansari and Siddartha Tytler

Muskaan Sarin, Navneet Randhawa,Taruna Seth, Aashti Bhartia and Urvi Jindal

Vicram Sharma, Atsu Sekhose,

Prerna Subba, Tarang Chaurasia

A FITTING TRIBUTE

On a cool summer evening, Delhi’s DLF Emporio mall came to life as the capital’s fashion folk walked in at cocktail hour, to

celebrate Versace’s Tribute Collection. The event began with the unveiling of ELLE’s

April cover, featuring five of India’s top models in key pieces from the line. Celebrity

DJ duo Nina & Malika got guests, who included Rohit Bal, Varun Bahl, Rahul

Gandhi, Atsu Sekhose, Siddartha Tytler and Ashdeen Z. Lilaowala, among others,

grooving to ’80s hits. Clearly, nothing succeeds like excess.

Abhilasha Bist and Anisha Malik

Alpana Mittal, Navneet Randhawa, Amit Aggarwal and Tarang Chaurasia

Varun Bahl

DJs Nina Shah and Malika Haydon

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EFFECTSpring breeze filled the air as shoppers gathered at the poolside lawns of The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, to raise funds for breast cancer patients at ELLE Carnival For A Cause. With over 150 fashion, lifestyle and decor brands to choose from, it was a treat for everyone.

Associate sponsors Marks & Spencer India displayed its latest collection of inner wear, designed specially for post-surgery wear, with 10 per cent of the proceeds donated to the Ogaan Cancer Foundation. Pouring partners Thirsty Beer and RAW Pressery kept the crowd hydrated and happy, as DJ Shiven Taneja got guests grooving to the beat, and singer Bismarc kept them on the floor.

Among the highlights of the evening was the Silent Auction, where products from luxury brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton and OBEETEE were up for grabs. Attendees included Urvashi Kaur, Ambika Anand, Tarun Khiwal and Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee of the Indian Air Force, among others.

ELLE’s Malini Banerji

Ogaan’s Swati Vasishtha

Jagdip Jagpal

Kavita Bhartia and Priya Paul

Misha Soni and Ambika Anand

Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee, Hari Bhartia, Kunal Agarwal, Aashti Bhartia and ELLE’s Supriya Dravid

The setting

Kiran LohiaKritika Khurana

Happy shoppers

DELHI

CAUSE AND

ADDRESS BOOKTarot card readers Preeti Comar97361 87158Reema Comar85879 22517

Kid’s Corner Yuppies Celebrations by Vikas Arora98100 63333

Nail Art ELLE Spa & Salon84478 66845

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The Silent Auction Shreyasi Gopinath, Mridula Sharma, Renu Bhardwaj and Nayana Bhardwaj

Anupama Singh, Urvashi Kaur, Tarun Khiwal and Ritu Khiwal

Sonalee Kumar Karishma Yadav

Thirsty Beer keeping everyone hydrated

Punit Jasuja

Shalini PassiBismarc gets the

crowd on their feet

The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, team Kavita Bhartia and Madhu Trehan

DJ Shiven Taneja

Bindu Vadera

Event Management: The Event Network Infrastructure: Expro Events

Band: Bizzy BeeLead vocalist: Bismarc

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Several friends of the cause graced the Mumbai edition, which took place at Vivanta by Taj – President. The discounted designer wear was undoubtedly the day’s star attraction, and guests rifled through racks bursting with the country’s top names—from Rajesh Pratap Singh and Payal Khandwala to Rishta by Arjun Saluja, Shivan & Narresh, Suket Dhir, Gauri & Nainika, Gaurav Gupta, Suhani Pittie, Deepa Gurnani and more.

Then there was the silent auction, where coveted buys including bags from Gucci and Tod’s, cricket gear signed by Rohit Sharma, and a very special Dries Van Noten jacket, among other high-end steals, were all up for grabs. Associate sponsors Marks & Spencer India showcased its new line of post-surgery lingerie, launched in October 2017—the high-street brand is the first in India to offer such a product. Pouring partners Thirsty Beers and Raw Pressery had guests crowding the bar for more, as the afternoon’s three stellar musical acts—Tejas, Stuart DaCosta and Nigel Rajaratnam, and Damé Rynjah—had people on their feet throughout.

The Marks & Spencer India booth Cricket gear signed by Rohit Sharma

Pramiti Madhavji and Sonal Shah

Maithili Raut, Apoorva Shetty, Ekta Parekh and Shilpa Modi

Tejveer Singh, Raell Padamsee, Asad Lalljee and Imrana Khera

The Silent Auction

From left: Ogaan’s Arif Ayyub, ELLE’s Supriya Dravid, Tata Memorial Hospital’s Deveika Bhojwani (founder, Women’s Cancer Initiative), Ogaan Cancer Foundation’s Urmee Mehta

Mankar, Vivanta by Taj - President’s Ashrafi Matcheswala and Rini Sadri, and Ogaan’s Mahesh Nambiar

Narendra Kumar Ahmed

MUMBAI

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FASHION DONORSA’Men by Apoorav & SiddharthAbraham & ThakoreAhujasonsAM:PM by Ankur and Priyanka ModiAmit AggarwalAmrapaliAmrichAnamika KhannaAnavilaAnita DongreAnomaly by Anam Antar-AgniAnuj BhutaniArpita MehtaAshima Leena

Ashish N SoniAtosaAtsuBent ChairBodiceChandini & PriyankaConfluence by SwarovskiCordD’AscoliDeepa GurnaniDeme by GabriellaDev R NilDhruv KapoorDivya by Divya AnandEkàEkayaEn IndeFILA

Mishomunkee.see.munkee.dooMustang SocksMyoN&S GAIANachiket BarveNamrata JoshipuraNappa DoriNikashaNikhil ThampiNishka LullaOgaan Olivia DarOuthousePankaj & NidhiPatinePayal JainPayal KhandwalaPayal PratappéroPinnacle by Shruti SanchetiPlay ClanPoochki PUMARahul MishraRajat TangriRajesh Pratap Singh

FinesseGaurav GuptaGauri & NainikaGood EarthGuapaGuessHalf Full | CurveHemant & NanditaIlk by Shikha & Vinita Indigene IsharyaISUJodiKa-Sha by Karishma Shahani KhanKanelleKartik DKhanijoKNYALabartryLoupeLovebirdsMaisaraMaku TextilesManika NandaManish MalhotraMasaba

Rara Avis by Sonal VermaRaw MangoRidhi MehraRina DhakaRishta by Arjun SalujaRitika SachdevaRitu KumarRohit Gandhi + Rahul KhannaRoma NarsinghaniSaaksha & KinniSanchitaSartoSATVAShantanu & NikhilShivan & NarreshSuhani PittieSuite No. 8Suket DhirTarun TahilianiThe Elements Co.The Silk TreetrèsmodeUnited Colors of BenettonVarun BahlZapyle

Jaspreet Chandok, Priti Mahajan and Vikram Raizada

Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf with their daughter

Apparel from Dries Van Noten, Bageecha and Anamika Khanna at the Silent Auction

Tejas

Tanaz Bhatia, Colston Julian and Tamannaah Bhatia

Tarot card reader Kavita Bhagat

SOCIAL

MAY136ELLE.IN

Nigel Rajaratnam

Stuart DaCostaAbhinav Mishra, Shantanu & Nikhil and

Diesel at the Silent Auction

A Gucci bag at the Silent Auction

BEAUTY DONORSAvèneChamborCliniqueCotyELLE Spa & SalonEstée LauderForest EssentialsGivenchyHugo BossInnisfreeISAACJust HerbsKama AyurvedaKérastaseLakméLevo Spa and Salon Maybelline New YorkNyassaNykaaNYXOrganic HarvestRAS Luxury OilsRossano FerrettiSally HansenShankara NaturalsSkin AliveSmashbox Soak Superfood SkincareSpa la Vie by L’Occitane Yves Rocher

SILENT AUCTIONAbhinav MishraAdidasAnamika KhannaBageecha BulgariCanali Christian LouboutinCoachDiesel Gaurav Gupta

GucciHermès Jaipur Rugs Kate SpadeKoy Store by Kunaal Khyaan Seolekar Lara Morakhia Le Mill LongchampLouis VuittonOBEETEE Ogaan Rohit SharmaRooshad ShroffSabyasachiSarita HandaShantanu & NikhilShift Shyamal & BhumikaThe LineThe LohasmithTod’sTradition & Beyond

ADDRESS BOOKTarot card readersKavita Bhagat 98200 80562Shambhavi Chhugani 98902 49456

Kids’ Corner Ami Dewang Seth 98191 33201

Magician Mhelly Bhumgara 98198 06228

Caricatures Suraj Katare 97657 51123

Shoppers at the beauty counter Sonal Gupta, Sasha Lulla and Aabha Bakaya

Event Production: The Production Crew

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FASHIONA Aikeyah The Claridges, 12 Aurangzeb

Road, New Delhi. Tel: 0 72918 25361. Anita Dongre 422 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4604 0719.

B BlueStone Bluestone.com.

C Christian Louboutin 111 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4101 7111.

D Deepa Gurnani Deepagurnani.com. Dhruv Kapoor Dhruvkapoor.com. Dior 145 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4600 5900. Dries Van Noten Driesvannoten.be.

E Eurumme 3/4 Panchkuiyan Road, ground floor, New Delhi. Tel: 011 6565 6112.

F Fendi 143 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4604 0777.

G Gucci The Galleria, Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai. Tel: 022 3027 7060.

H Hemant & Nandita E 166, Sector 7, Noida. Tel: 011 2421 4100.

J Jennifer Fisher Jenniferfisherjewelry.com. Jimmy Choo 144 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4660 9069.

K Kurt Geiger Kurtgeiger.eu.

L Label Ritu Kumar Labelritukumar.com. Lack Of Color Lackofcolor.com.au. Lulu & Sky Luluandsky.com.

M Manolo Blahnik Manoloblahnik.com. Mara & Mine Maraandmine.com.Marks & Spencer Hill Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai. Tel: 022 6666 9807. Massimo Dutti High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6237 0731. Michael Kors 123 A DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4056 3704. Misho Mishodesigns.com.

O ONLY Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6180 1294. Oscar de la Renta Oscardelarenta.com.

P Palm Swimwear Palmswimwear.com. Paula Cademartori Paulacademartori.com. Payal Khandwala 7/24, Grants Building, 17 Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai. Tel: 022 2283 6707.

R Rahul Mishra Rahulmishra.in. Rajesh Pratap Singh 409 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4602 0959. Rimzim Dadu Rimzimdadu.com. Romance Was Born Romancewasborn.com.

S Sabyasachi 6 Ador House, K Dubash Marg, Fort, Mumbai. Tel: 022 2204 4774.

Sahil Kochhar Ogaan, H2, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi. Tel: 011 2696 7595. Sandra Mansour Sandramansour.com. Sapna Kumar Jewellery Tel: 0 98101 35741. She Made Me Shemademe.com.au. Shivan & Narresh Shivanandnarresh.com. Stuart Weitzman Stuartweitzman.com.

T Temperley London Temperleylondon.com. Triangl Triangl.com.

Z Zara Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4347 3850. Zimmermann At Le Mill, Pheroze Building, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai. Tel: 022 2204 1926.

BEAUTY

B Balmain Nykaa.com. BBLUNT At BBlunt salons and Westside outlets nationwide. Tel: 022 2642 5041/0 95916 69495/011 4106 6761. Tel: 022 6702 1345/011 4087 0525/080 2658 6777. Benefit Sephora, 51 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4134 9797. Sephora, S1C Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4004 5180. Sephora, 33-34 Phoenix Marketcity, Pune Nagar Road, Viman Nagar, Pune. Tel: 020 6689 0659. Bobbi Brown S20 Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4002 0982. 13B Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4101 8275.

C Chloé Parcos, 2 Grand Galleria, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 3002 5123. 241, DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4652 9850. Ciaté London Nykaa.com. Clinique S10 Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4347 3773. Clinique.in. ColourPop Colourpop.com.

D Dermalogica 314A, Sundervila, SV Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai. Tel: 022 2661 5805. Dermalogicaindia.com. Dior G9 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4211 4200. Dyson Dyson.in.

E Elizabeth Arden Parcos, 2 Grand Galleria, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 3002 5123. 241 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4652 9850. Amazon.in. Estée Lauder S11 Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4347 3773. G12 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4211 4200. 24 UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Bengaluru. Tel: 080 4098 2000.

F Forest Essentials S4A Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6615 0356. 45, Khan Market, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4175 7057.

G GLAMGLOW Sephora, 51 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4134 9797. Sephora, S1C Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4004 5180. Sephora, 33-34 Phoenix Marketcity, Pune Nagar Road, Viman Nagar, Pune. Tel: 020 6689 0659. Nykaa.com.

H Heliocare At leading dermatology clinics nationwide. Amazon.in.

I Ikonic Nykaa.com.

K Kate Spade A12 Select Citywalk, Saket District Centre, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4211 4200. Kérastase Jean-Claude Biguine, 11S Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6511 3311.

L L’Oréal Paris At Shoppers Stop outlets nationwide. Tel: 022 2643 5424 L’Occitane F9B Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4004 3884. G48 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4053 4518. L’Oréal Professionnel At select salons nationwide. Tel: 022 2600 1726/011 4105 9518/0 99862 96357.

M M.A.C Dynamix Mall, JVPD Petit Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai. Tel: 022 2670 5603. G49, Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 0 93136 50722. Maccosmetics.in/stores. Make Up For Ever Sephora, 51 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4134 9797. Sephora, S1C Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4004 5180. Sephora, 33-34 Phoenix Marketcity, Pune Nagar Road, Viman Nagar, Pune. Tel: 020 6689 0659. Matrix At Matrix salons nationwide. Moroccanoil Jean-Claude Biguine, Landmark Building, Pali Mala Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai. Tel: 022 6695 0666. Hakim Aalim Hair Lounge, Bungalow No. 3, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai. Tel: 022 2632 2050/0 93209 44566.

N Nappa Dori Nappadori.com. Narciso Rodriguez Parcos, 2 Grand Galleria, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 3002 5123. 241 DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4652 9850. Nykaa Nykaa.com. NYX G27/39 Inorbit Mall, Link Road, Malad (W).Tel: 0 98307 82352. Nykaa.com.

P Philips Nykaa.com. Pond’s At medical and general stores nationwide.

R Redken Lookfantastic.co.in. Revlon At Lifestyle outlets nationwide Tel: 011 4209 0016/022 6666 9203.

S Schwarzkopf At all leading salons nationwide. Sebastian Professional At Jean-Claude Biguine salons nationwide. Tel: 022 2643 5424/011 4609 8300/ 080 6664 1200. System Professional At Jean-Claude Biguine salons nationwide. Tel: 022 2643 5424/011 4609 8300/080 6664 1200. Smashbox Sephora, S1C, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 4004 5180.

T The Body Shop 14 Skyzone, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai. Tel: 022 6612 0071. F10 Select Citywalk, Saket, New Delhi. Tel: 011 4053 4541. Thebodyshop.in.

W Wella Professionals At Jean-Claude Biguine salons nationwide. Tel: 022 2643 5424/011 4609 8300/080 6664 1200.

PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. TAXES WHERE APPLICABLE

FORECAST

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ASTROLOGYBY BERNARD FITZWALTER

ARIESMAR 21 – APR 21You have never been afraid to steer your life in a new direction; it’s something you do every two or three years, usually with some success. But this time, you sense that the game has moved up a level, and that whatever the outcome, it will leave a significant mark on your future. Should you wait for a more favourable moment? No, there is no time. Go with it.

TAURUSAPR 22 – MAY 22

A change is about to sweep through your life. Don’t try to resist it, or cling on to the

past; it is far too powerful. Not everything will transform at once: some alterations

will be obvious, but a lot will unfold quietly in the background, and that will give

you time to get used to your new life at a manageable pace. Think of it as a gentle stroll towards a better future.

CANCERJUN 22 – JUL 22A shift in thought is underway. Instead of asking yourself what you need to do to get to the top on the work front, figure out what you would like to do for yourself first. Giving your personal desires priority over your duties is a daring step, and at first, you might feel guilty about it. But there’s no need. This is a change in direction that is long overdue.

VIRGOAUG 24 – SEP 22You seem to have convinced yourself that a certain relationship is doomed to fail, and you see each little setback as proof of that. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Each heated exchange simply shows that the relationship is developing, that it has energy, and that you mean something to each other. Stay positive. All will be well in the end.

LEOJUL 23 – AUG 23Getting to the peak of your career is hard work. This month offers you two more steps up, both of which are too good to turn down. So, with a huge effort, you haul yourself up to the next level. As you lie there, exhausted, you notice a new route. Why didn’t you see it before? Maybe you didn’t look; but it’s here now, and waiting for you.

LIBRASEP 23 – OCT 23Some people say that if you have a problem, you must fix it, because ignoring it will only make it worse. Others claim that if you stay your course, and maintain your momentum, you can sail through the crisis and come out safely on the other side. The second method might actually work in your case, provided you’re feeling brave.

SCORPIOOCT 24 – NOV 22

At the start of May, you are strong and confident, in complete control of your

world. But within a few weeks, you are in a state of total confusion, with all your plans

torn up and your emotions in turmoil. Why? Because someone new has

entered your life unexpectedly, and now, you’ve developed feelings. It’s strange,

scary and exciting all at once.

SAGITTARIUSNOV 23 – DEC 23There is a weariness to you this month. You’ve been where you currently are before, and you wonder how many more times you’ll be in this spot again in the future. Take heart, this is the last time; maybe just knowing that will make the task seem easier. Soon, your next destination will be clear. For the classic Sagittarian, there can be no sight more cheerful.

CAPRICORNDEC 24 – JAN 20You are used to being in situations where you have no options. It’s hard, but you don’t complain. Now, however, you find yourself surrounded by too many choices and no pressure to pick a particular one. So, how do you choose? By waiting patiently. The trivial, short-term offers will soon fade, making your final decision simple and evident.

AQUARIUSJAN 21 – FEB 18Starting a new job or shifting homes feels like a major event, even though it might not be—it’s hard to know at the time whether a change signifies a new start or simply a new path. But in the future, when you look back, it will be clear that the moves you make this summer will play a hugely important role in changing your long-term direction.

PISCESFEB 19 – MAR 20You dislike confrontation and will do anything to avoid it. But there are many reasons why you should stand your ground now. First, because you are likely to win. Second, because you will discover how much support there actually is for your cause. And last, because of the satisfaction that will come from knowing that the issue has finally been resolved.

GEMINIMAY 22 – JUN 21When life is going well, it is easy to spoil things by overreaching. The next few weeks are filled with good times and great friends, but then, by mid-May, comes a tempting offer. You hope it will take you forward, but it could easily pull you back into the problems you had to deal with a few years ago. Why would you want to go back to that, you wonder. So, just let it go.

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price on request, Tod’s

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