In this issue

There do exist, commonly accepted ‘icons’ — both universal and those that are unique to their parts of the world. India’s could range from say, the enigmatic Rekha to the vast ruins of Hampi, with numerous other people, places and works of art that have gone down in the annals of our cultural history. For this issue, we take a slightly different route in our search for these representative figures. We pivot the spotlight onto those that we feel are as influential, but exist in the shadows of their larger-than-life contemporaries or predecessors, or are simply awaiting the passage of time to acquire the patina of age and experience that is generally required to achieve iconic status. We also attempt to pay closer attention to the things that might be colloquially referred to as iconic due to their ubiquity, but remain unexamined below the surface — like the omnipresent bindi or souvenir photographers at the Gateway of India. Also featuring Jacques Cousteau’s adventurous granddaughter Celine Cousteau, a death metal band from Shillong Plague Throat, new-age mehndi designs, India’s first birth photographer Urshita Saini, an ex-Noma chef and more...

Verve Magazine Description:

Going towards its 26th year now, Verve has been at the vanguard of the lifestyle industry in India since its inception. Being India's first fashion and luxury monthly and targeted as the spirit of today’s woman, it celebrates the interests of the multifaceted contemporary global Indian, including fashion,beauty and style, glamour, arts and culture, travel and wellness. The editor and publisher, Anuradha Mahindra, has received top billing in Avenue Asia's list of Indians involved in the media.

More than just a magazine that reports and interprets, Verve is a catalyst for conversations around contemporary Indian culture in the world, and these conversations take place between the pages of the magazine, on the internet as well as through several Verve-organized offline event initiatives:

Verve is a magazine about the international Indian woman who rubs shoulders with the world with confidence and élan. She belongs to a high-income group and is well aware of the latest trends and styles, be it in fashion, the arts, cuisine or world events. Verve appeals to the intelligent, urbane, educated and affluent woman. She would be 25 years of age and above. She is likely to be an independent entrepreneur or a corporate professional or a socialite. She is well-travelled, fashion conscious and appreciates luxury with a side to her that is culturally sensitive with aesthetic sensibilities. Overall a multi-faceted, stylish and glamorous woman. All in all, the Verve reader looks upon the magazine as an invaluable lifestyle resource for the best in contemporary urban Indian living.