LAY OF THE LAND

To channel the homeliest of closets deeply rooted in comfort and craft, we look to the creative pairing of mother-daughter duo Gurmeet Sangha Rai and Avani Rai. What transpired on a lazy afternoon at Chinar Haveli, their family home near Delhi, is a female gaze on motherhood, time and age. As Gurmeet, the lady of the house, travels the halls of the home she built, perching on a jhula or watching her kingdom from the arches of a jharokha, an intergenerational dialogue is born—one with beauty at its core

Shooting star

Determined, strong and focused, 19-yearold para shooter Avani Lekhara has battled adversity and is now on a mission to win gold for India at the Tokyo Paralympics, finds Sheree Gomes Gupta

This day and age

In an era of uncertainty, maturity—and the knowledge and assuredness that come with it—has become something to celebrate, not camouflage. Yes, says Harriet Quick, even in fashion

A wardrobe for the ages

Why is the mature woman’s closet often given very little attention? Four designers discuss why a conversation around clothing across age groups is one that the industry should be having.

A road not travelled

Last year, H&M announced its first-ever Indian designer collaboration with Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Titled ‘Wanderlust’, the collection promised Sabyasachi’s signature nomadic vibe at price points that were far more accessible. But then the pandemic hit. Over a year later, as our need to escape reaches its zenith, this same line finally sees its way to stores. The timing, in true Sabyasachi style, couldn’t be more prescient.

The new minimalists

A gentle optimism and focus on enduring personal style are driving a new era of minimalism, says Navaz Batliwalla

How we rise

They shattered glass ceilings, challenged the boys’ clubs and held their own. They’ve taken risks, persevered and transformed their lives and ours. Fifty-something and thriving, Aruna Jayanthi, Vani Kola and Falguni Nayar tell Gayatri Rangachari Shah how they made it

Woman, Warrior, Legend!

From saving chimpanzees to saving the planet, whether it’s on global panels, through youth-action groups or via a home-grown podcast, Dr Jane Goodall is a relentless and tireless champion for a conscious and better future. She shares her life’s work and learnings and tells us why there’s cause for hope. In this unprecedented and cynical age, she might be the icon we need, finds Shahnaz Siganporia

15 Reasons To Visit The Maldives

From surfing to stargazing, Vogue India’s guide to the beautiful archipelagic nation shortlists exclusive island experiences you cannot leave without

What Is The Purpose Of My Life?

Seeking the answer led model Aria Das on a lifelong meditative journey. Now ordained Lama Aria Drolma, the Buddhist spiritual teacher shares her story of enlightenment.

Ambition In The Time Of A Pandemic

Goals, dreams, bucket lists—call it what you want, the age of COVID-19 has presented working women yet another challenge. Writer Nisha Susan taps into the sisterhood of women around her to enquire into the state of the ambition spiral most of us find ourselves in today

Soul girl

Just as the pandemic has taught us to focus inward rather than outward, Sara Ali Khan believes that beauty resides in the mind before the body.

The Z factor

If millennials are all about the wellstaged, curated aesthetic, Gen Z has eschewed avocado toasts and pastel pink for showing off its zit stickers and middle-partings, playing with bold colours, and championing individuality and acceptance, reports Avanti Dalal

Loom to heirloom

Be it the organza Kanjeevaram or the khadi silk georgette, as Advaya from House Of Angadi enters its 10th year, K Radharaman, its founder, CEO and design head, looks back on how innovating the weave has reinvented the handwoven sari into a living tradition for the modern Indian woman.

Virtual reality

NFTs or non-fungible tokens are making design more digital, not just in art but in fashion too. Hitha Herzog reports on the new era

THE FUTURE IS NOW

Eight years after his appointment as creative director of womenswear at Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière continues to explore the intersection of functionality and novelty in fashion. One of the most influential and admired designers in the industry, his meticulous approach celebrates craftsmanship and innovation.

Keeping it real

For the young star of Never Have I Ever, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, it’s her you-do-you philosophy that helps her navigate stardom, cyber-trolling and life at large, finds Mihika Agarwal

Poets Are The New Fashion Icons

Rhyme and rhythm is how they compose their poetry, but it is their style that serves as a stamp. Poets are the new fashion icons, and their coats and couplets are loaded with messages, finds Akanksha Kamath

Taapsee Pannu - In It To Win It

She’s vocal, fearless, and a force to reckon with. Taapsee Pannu is at her fittest best with a spate of upcoming releases, all as she continues being the poster girl for what it truly means to be the most authentic version of yourself, no matter what the trolls might say.

Manish Malhotra - Man On The Move

As he begins his third decade in fashion, Manish Malhotra, the master couturier and celluloid costumer, is embracing technology, reimagining luxury, and finally learning about worklife balance, all during a pandemic.

Therapeutic Power Of Food Through Four Seemingly Different Schools Of Thought

Ancient wisdom has always been a repository of healing edibles. Harvesting secrets from the East to the West, Sonal Ved breaks down the therapeutic power of food through four seemingly different schools of thought

Who Wants To Live Forever?

When Freddie Mercury belted out this famous line, little did he imagine that an entire generation would stand up to be counted. A far cry from the boons of sages or spells from fairy godmothers, eternal life may just be in your hands. Welcome to the world of biohacking.

Battle ready

Breast cancer survivor Shormistha Mukherjee shares how she reclaimed her sense of self by accepting the rage, pain and fear while powering through with a generous dose of sass and laughter

OUR MAN AT FENDI

As its newly appointed artistic director of womenswear, Kim Jones is bringing a deeply personal British sensibility to Fendi. He talks to Olivia Singer about drawing inspiration from the ‘Bloomsbury Group’, while Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott photograph Kate Moss wearing his debut couture collection at Charleston, the artistic set’s Sussex home