FASHION FEST 356

In the realm of haute couture, where creativity intertwines with cultural narratives, fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra stands as a beacon of innovation and authenticity. We had the privilege of sitting down with the international sensation to delve into the inspiration behind his Spring 2024 collection, his journey from the vibrant landscapes of Odisha to the global fashion stage, and his views on the evolving cultural expression within the industry. From Roots To The Runway “My journey from Odisha to the international stage is a narrative of hard work and determination, but above all, it is the stories of people I have met on this path that best describe it. Growing up in Odisha’s culturally rich and vibrant landscapes, I was exposed to a tapestry of traditions and artistry that would later influence my design sensibilities. After pursuing formal education in design, followed by training in New York, I started a namesake label. Today, I can proudly say that our brand and its produc...

There’s nothing more disheartening than our cult favourite beauty products being discontinued. A few have been lying on my vanity for a decade as I reminisce about the days I could restock them without thinking twice. Even though they’ve outlived their shelf life, I’m always scrambling for their remains. While we’d love for the discontinued favourites to make a comeback, that sounds like a distant dream. Fortunately, after days of hunting, I have found similar products of some of the most sought-after products that won’t hurt your pocket and will hopefully find a place in your vanity. So here’s a list of the products that we miss dearly and a dupe available to fill their place: Nyx Eyeshadow Roll On Shimmer Why we can’t get over it: As a teenager, I used to swear by these multi-use roll-on shimmer sticks. These were my absolute go-to products to channel my inner Barbie. Infused with an intense, glamourous shimmer and silky formulation, it glides on effortlessly. The roll-on was ...

Every once in a while, there comes a homegrown gem that causes quite a stir. Say hello to d’you, the brainchild of Shamika Haldipurkar, that has been making waves for all right reasons. From its aesthetic brand language to its science-backed formulations, the brand has managed to gain cult status in a very short period. d’you’ In My Defence Barrier-Building Moisturiser is my personal favourite for it has 20 times higher ceramide content than the industry norm and a game-changer for barrier repair. Alongside this, its Hustle Face Serum and Good Grease are also widely loved. But it’s not just about efficacy here, d’you brings a whole vibe to the skincare scene–fun, youthful, and addictive. Even Alia Bhatt is an IMD fan. So, needless to say, the brand is checking all the right boxes. Curious about the magic behind d’you? We caught up with Shamika Haldipurkar who let us in on d’you’s journey, her favourite product from the brand and left us guessing what’s cooking for their next big la...

If anything could be defined as a full-circle moment in my life, it would be penning down a cover story for the nation’s heartthrob, Aditya Roy Kapur . I happen to be a Gen-Z going by its literal definition, I still grew up watching every TV show on Channel V, especially the ones hosted by a particularly mischievous VJ Aditya. The vivid image of Kapur’s first promo as a VJ will always be etched in my memory—those who know, know. I would spend my noon watching ‘ V Pakao ’, a TV show where viewers sent in their wackiest recipes, and Kapur would land at their homes to taste it. Who knew that his impeccable comic timing, sharp wit and, of course, his irresistible charm would turn him into one of the most sought-after actors of Bollywood a decade later? Frayed feather linen shirt by KHANIJO. Linen pants by No Grey Area (available at @curato.in) Acting wasn’t on the cards for Kapur, who dreamt of being a cricketer before his career as a VJ took off. Being a part of this industry wasn’t h...

Mr. Kikuo Ibe, also called the Father of G-SHOCK, invented the sturdy timepiece in 1983. Today, the brand has earned well-deserved loyalty among its consumers due to its revolutionary designs, durability of its watches and its influence in sub-cultures of music, arts, sports and fashion. G-SHOCK’s watches have consistently proved their mettle under all kinds of extreme environments. Boasting countless rugged features such as shock resistance, water resistance, alarm, GPS among many more, G-SHOCK’s watches are a testimony to strength and durability. In 2017, G-SHOCK earned the Guinness World Record for the heaviest vehicle to drive over a watch when a 24.97-tonne truck was driven over the Casio G-SHOCK DW5600E-1. The watches have been made to withstand mechanical stress, extreme weather conditions and harsh environments. The brand celebrated its remarkable 40-year legacy with the announcement of the return of the ‘Shock The World’ event to Mumbai after an 11-year hiatus. Another laure...

The culinary scene in India is booming with new restaurants, pop-ups and collaborations that have gone beyond mere sit-down dinners. Whether you’re going to a fine dining restaurant or heading for a casual dining scene, bringing an unforgettable experience to the diner has become the prime focus of every culinary venture. With travelling to different destinations becoming more accessible, restaurants are aware of their guests’ discerning and evolving palates. 2023 saw international chefs coming down for pop-ups and meet-and-greets, Nikkei cuisine coming in hot, foraging of local ingredients and regional cuisines taking centre stage, and international chains coming to India. Now, we are also seeing the rise of Mexican flavours, and Tequila and Pisco cocktails on menus. There’s lots to watch out for this year. We got in touch with 10 chefs who weighed in on the food trends of 2024. 1. Hussain Shahzad, Executive Chef at Hunger Inc. Hospitality for The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro & Vero...

If you’re living life from one weekend to the next, hopping into bars and sipping on martinis, chances are you have visited Escobar in Mumbai at least once. The tapas restaurant, nestled in the bustling Bandra neighbourhood, has served patrons for more than a decade now. From exceptional menus and crafty cocktails to an exquisite ambience that attracts celebrities and nightlife enthusiasts alike, this rooftop restaurant has party-goers coming back every weekend to what is an indulgent experience for all your senses. As founder Vardhaman Choksi reflects on the latest addition to his illustrious journey, he attributes this accomplishment to his entrepreneurial prowess. ELLE: In what ways has your personal journey shaped the entrepreneur within you?   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vardhaman Choksi (@v5) Vardhaman Choksi (VC): My journey has been marked by resilience, adaptability, adventure and the deep-rooted be-lie...