BRAZEN by Aimen Tamboowala

October 2020

BRAZEN

Issue 1 Volume 1

Price Rs. 150

LOVE VS POLITICS Does p o l iti c s def i ne a relatio nshi p ?

BEAUTY 2.0 Eyes a r e th e new mirror of t he s ou l Jayesh sachdev o n Nudit y be i ng t he great est form o f l iber ati on

Indie young ster s give handloom a new spin S CAN TO VISIT INsTAGRAM PAGE

READ MORE PAGE NO. 56

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QUIRK BOX

@p a p a d o n t p re a c hby s hubhi ka

Space Cadet. Resort Wear. 2020 @thequirkbox

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# U n d e r w e a rT h a t L o v e sYo u @tailorandcircus

FROM THE EDITOR

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BRAZEN @_huemn

Editor Brazen Dear Readers,

Manya Sachdeva

We started Brazen with the idea of representing the change that comes with time in everyday fashion and lifestyle; what we see and observe every day and consider as trends. It seems like a difficult time, and no doubt, it really is one of the hardest times we’ve faced as a race. However, it’s absolutely no surprise that people have accepted it and are trying to make the best out of it. We, as a team made sure our readers can instantly relate to what they read. In this issue, in the fashion section, we read what Aimen has to say about how working from home has relaxed the work attire. Further, when we move towards the beauty section, we see how Jayati expresses her views beautifully about ‘Male Beauty’. With the changes we’ve observed through the rise of social media, everyone fanning out for the same things but in their own individualistic ways, introduces us into a new time. As a fashion insider, these difficult times expose me to some terrifying realities. From the hardships that the fashion industry faces as stores remain shut to small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Among those affected by the nationwide lockdown have been the weavers and craftsmen, the backbone of our industry. My team and I came together, worked day and night to bring out the best in the least resources available. From conducting photoshoots, talking to people from different sectors, to getting in touch with great artists virtually, the experience has really taught us a lot. Our cover story is inspired by styling, fusion of cultures, bright colours and textiles. The ‘ ‘TexStyle Story’ talks about keeping the craft alive. I have noticed that a lot of people are improving their urban street style with weaves and hand looms. With not much scope left for shopping, people are choosing to reuse and style different things from wardrobes of their own as well as of their family members. Although these looks come from history, the 90s, the 70s and everything in between, but we have never in the history of fashion been so inclusive- of times, of gender, of colour and size. It seems like a phase for now, something that has been going on social media, but the evolution that it’s bringing along is inevitable and for good.

Editor

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BRAZEN Assistant Editor Aimen Tamboowala Magazine Designer Apoorva Saxena Creative Director Jayati Arora Stylist Akanksha Singh

APOORVA SAXENA MAGAZINE DESIGNER Apoorva is imaginative and endeavours to express that through her artistry. Creating new designs with forward thinking concepts is what she does and admires.

AIMEN TAMBOOWALA ASSISTANT EDITOR

Masthead Editor Manya Sachdeva

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CONTRIBUTORS

MANYA SACHDEVA EDITOR

Manya has a constant urge to create, and to bring out the best in everything she does. Her love for fashion and makeup is something she uses as tools to express herself. Manya not only tries to give her best always, but also encourages people around her to bring out their best creative selves.

Aimen is passionate towards art, which has brought her to explore various mediums and directions in the field of digital art. Fashion being one of them. Her confidence in writing and dedication to peruse fashion has encouraged her to learn both.Turning art into fashion is what Aimen aspires to do.

AKANKSHA SINGH STYLIST

Akanksha has a keen interest in travelling and nature photography. She has worked as a Social Media Photographer and a photographer for NYFW and PCW with Rivere agency and totem respectively. She is enthusiastic and loves exploring and experiencing the world from different point of view, which is unique.

JAYATI ARORA CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jayati has a knack for all things creative. With a fierce drive to explore new avenues in fashion, Jayati is someone who always tries to put her best foot forward. A team player with a warm smile is what encapsulates her personality.

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WeAreLabaless

Creating Valuable Handcrafted Products With a Story Shop Online at www.wearelabless.com

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CONTENTS

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MAN ENOUGH?

PAGE NO.72 With the rise of social media, and younger generation embracing the concept of gender f luidity, we are slowly seeing the rise of male beauty.

ON THE COVER

Aadhya Bhalla ; Photography : Aimen Tamboowala; Styling : Apoorva Saxena & Jayati Arora;

REELITY CHECK

Dress to Impress, No One but Yourself!

“ZOOM” IN

IS IT THE DEATH OF FORMAL WEAR?

GENDER BLENDER

SHIPPING OUT OR STEPPING OUT

TexStyle Story Page no. 56

EYE TALK

PAGE NO. 76 Social distancing has given way to self-expression in clothing, and f inding pleasure in dressing for oneself!

FASHION BEAUTY LIFE & CULTURE ART

Sneaker Switch

TEXSTYLE STORY

H A I R T O S TAY !

Man enough ?

E y e ta l k

PENDEMIC EFFECT

IS IT THE DEATH OF FORMAL WEAR? PAGE NO. 34 The pandemic brought with it, an obsession of loungewear and comfort wear. Not only clothing, but the lifestyle of people changed with time.

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CONTENTS

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FLAWED IS BEAUTIFUL

PAGE NO. 122 Many people are now questioning unrealistic standards of beauty, and women are accepting their bodies with all its flaws and folds.

WORKING IN OR OUT?

POLITICS OF LOVE

‘UNLOCKED’ IN THE LOCKDOWN

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SNEAK UP ON THE LOCKDOWN

112

INCLUDE THE NUDE

118

DARE TO ART

122

F L AW E D I S BEAUTIFUL

Forever Faster

Minimal Colors Maximum Impact Slide into these fits IN.PUMA.COM 15

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A Jacket Thing BY - Akanksha Singh After sifting through the fall/winter 2020 collections, Jackets have narrowed down the biggest fall outerwear trends including capes, anoraks, and lots of fur, the selection of trends ahead is bound to make a major sartorial impact once the temperatures drop. While one might not be spending quite as much time outdoors, as usual, that doesn’t mean one can’t dress up. This trend is in the cape and poncho family but once wrapped all around, this blanketed effect will ready both cozy and forward. Jackets and Capes were by far one of the most-spotted outerwear trends on the fall/winter 2020 runways. From elegant evening wear styles to more traditional silhouettes, this fall, all heroes really do wear capes.

India’s OG Multi-brand Sneaker Boutique W W W.VEGNONWEG.COM

Image Source : Pinterest

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Shift to Thrift Instagram thrift stores are the new in thing. By- Jayati Arora

The time of second-hand fashion is here and it has the potential to save the world. Thrift shops, selling used clothes, reusing and recycling old clothes, are some things that are picking up momentum in India. Here are 3 Instagram thrift stores you need to follow!

Vintage Laundry This lively thrift store screams out colours and bold patterns. Staying true to its name, the items on sale give off a somewhat fresh and vintage vibe.

2. Shop With Love

Image Source ; Instagram

This thrift store seems nothing short of bold in its selection. If you’ve got an eye for intricately beautiful brassieres, bralettes, and corsets, this is the place to be.

3. Panda - Picked Store Panda picked asks us to “Buy less but better”, and we couldn’t agree more! Among the corsets and vintage shirts, you will find much more once you follow them.

Fabulous watches and jewellery Shop at @joker&witch

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- Reelity Check - Dress To Impress, No One But Yourself! - “Zoom” In - Is It the Death of Formal Wear ? - Gender Blender - Shipping Out or Stepping Out ? - Sneaker Switch - TexStyle Story 20

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Reels by Instagram is a real rival to TikTok..

CHECK

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REELITY

By - Aimen Tamboowala

We all know the wild ride of TikTok – from the most frequently downloaded app worldwide to being banned in India and with a potential ban in the US. At some point this year, you might have been trying to figure out the real deal behind TikTok or how to use TikTok for business. However, if you or your brand already have a strong presence on Instagram, there may be a chance that Instagram Reels ends up being far superior to TikTok. It’s the same 15sec fame but with an already established platform. With every new major feature, it causes a lot of questions and queries. Should I be investing in this? Where do I focus my attention? How do I use it for my fashion business? Mehrish Pahilani, age 28, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur, based in Pune, says, “I was never a part of the TikTok club, somehow I felt the audience I want to reach was not through TikTok. Whereas with the launch of Instagram reels it’s a delight to work on fun content that you know will be viewed by the right audience. Instagram Reels is a huge opportunity to drive awareness and sales from the platform. From showcasing new collections, honing in on new product details and taking your audience BTS will help deepen your relationship with them.”

According to an article written by Maghan Mcdowell, published on 11th august 2020, in the Vogue Business, titled “What fashion and beauty need to know about reels”, “Instagram’s new TikTok competitor allows more brands to produce the type of short-form video content that is popular among younger audiences.” In conversation with Ishi Raghuvanshi, 21-year-old digital content creator, based in Indore, she tells us how Instagram reels made her create unique quick content. “Being a fashion junkie, I experiment with different styles through reels. Personally, the fashion content was somewhere hidden on TikTok and creators were not getting the deserved attention. Instagram Reels is a great place to start sharing fashion education content. I engage my audience on more about how I work around my content and aesthetics, share more tips and style guides.” Style challenges, OOTDs and influencers, fashion jumped on the TikTok trend only because of the lockdown boredom. With its banned and the release of Instagram reels, brands and content creators found it easier and strategically more promising to create 15s engaging content on their already established accounts. Turning Reels as a promising platform for your next #challenge.

“ Big Brand Theory” Illustrated By:- Aimen Tamboowala, student, Pearl Academy

Click to watch Mehrish Pahilani & Ishi Raghuvanshi

Reels

The Influencer Marketing Hub website states that “Instagram downloads in India increased from 7 million downloads in the 30 days prior to the launch of Instagram Reels to 7.8 million downloads after the launch (an increase in Instagram downloads of 11.4%).” •Fashion giant Louis Vuitton reports that all of their Reels have gone viral, averaging nearly 7 million views across Reels. •Makeup brand Sephora has been getting an average of 453,000 views on each of their Reels using makeup tutorials, product demos, and user-generated content. •Fashion brand Balmain focuses on what they know their audience wants and it works. They average more than 1.2 million views and get hundreds of thousands of likes on each Reel.

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Dress To Impr e s s , No O n e But Yourself! The fashion world has always taught us to choose our outfits based on our specific plans. For example, if we’re working in a corporate environment, we might feel inclined to wear more suits and something a little chic. For an afternoon brunch, we usually keep things casual in a T-shirt and jeans and tend to save sparkly dresses for a fancy night out. With nowhere to go anymore, and no occasions to dress up for, self-expression in terms of fashion has been lost to monotony.

Art : Areeba Wasti Photography & Styling ; Jayati Arora

Social distancing has given way to self-expression in clothing, and finding pleasure in dressing for oneself! By – Jayati Arora 24

However, social distancing and months of quarantine, has given way to a liberating and more experimental aesthetic, that’s pushing the boundaries of personal style. In a way, in Isolation, we’re finally dressing for ourselves. Shikhar Chaudhary, a 21-year-old, singer-songwriter, based out of Bhopal says, “I believe that Isolation has caused a “make the best of what’s around” effect on personal fashion as a whole. It’s forced everyone to style their already owned fits again, which means that they’re bound to experiment with their style a little more.”

BRAZEN He also believes that dressing up and experimenting with his style has been an incredible mood lifter in this trying time and that it’s good to know that fashion doesn’t necessarily serve others, but he can find space for him to enjoy it just for himself. According to an article from Vogue Britain by Kate Finnigan, published on 19th April, 2020, titled “Why Dressing up with Nowhere to Go Is Okay- Even Essential” states, “Having been ordered into lockdown and self-isolation, in the middle of a pandemic, dressing up and experimenting with your style might seem frivolous. But allowing yourself to be lighthearted and to take pleasure in clothing is okay. More than that, some might find it essential.” Areeba Jamal Wasti, a 22-year-old, fashion student

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based out of Delhi, says “Getting dressed every day, despite being stuck inside, is a tether to identity. Pre-coronavirus quarantine, clothing was a huge part of my life and one of the ways I expressed myself. So despite being stuck inside, I’ve been determined to keep my sense of style intact. Rather, I’ve worn and tried on clothes that I never thought I would wear out in the public again.” Areeba thinks that clothing is imbued with social contexts. Social distancing has sucked the entire context out. Since we have nowhere to dress up for, we can choose to wear sweatpants and no bra. But just as easily, you can choose to put on your favourite outfit and find pleasure in doing so. The longer we’ve been indoors, the longer we’ve seen people around us experiment with fashion. Social media has been flooding with either work from home fits or people getting dressed up in wacky outfits and sharing those looks online, in a way to preserve

“Playing Dress Up in Lockdown” 1.Relieves anxiety, and might help chase the quarantine blues away. 2.The perfect time to experiment and discover your style.

Putting on a pair of jeans and a bold lip colour has been a distant memory in lockdown. Spruce up your outfit even Image Source:if you plan to sit around and Jayati Arora read a book.

3.Impromptu photoshoots to have a little fun, and get Instagrammable content at the same time! Source: Sana Jai Singh, 25-year-old, Fashion Stylist.

a sense of identity and finding the joy in fashion again. It has also left us wondering what’s really ‘appropriate’ to wear anymore. “Maybe we wouldn’t have considered slipping on a fancy dress and embellished shoes to head to the general store, or go grocery shopping, but there’s nothing that’s stopping us from doing so. I plan to keep this carefree aesthetic and, the joy of dressing just for myself even after this ends,” says Kripali Samdariya, 26-year-old, Fashion Model based out of Chennai. Quoting InStyle, in an article published on June 18, 2020, titled “The One Fashion Rule We Learned In Quarantine” where writer Samantha Sutton, exclaimed, “Of course, quarantine has also forced us in a lot of ways to think practically. Maybe sneakers truly are the best choice for walking long distances. But, at the same time, it’s pointless to keep waiting for the ‘perfect’ opportunity to break out strappy heels and structured slacks. It might never come.”

Art : Areeba Wasti Photography & Styling ; Jayati Arora

If quarantine has given us anything, it’s the permission to finally dress however we damn well please.

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Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The women who wear them will.

méro

@ mero.studio

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“Zoom” In Working from home has relaxed the work attire. Even though, many return, to the office, some trends are here to stay. By - Aimen Tamboowala With so many people homebound these past few months, indoors has become the new outdoors. It is where you exercise, digitally chat with friends, and, of course, work. But it is also still indoors, where you sleep, eat, and putter. This can make for frequent wardrobe changes. Which might result in wearing the same shredded sweatpants day after day. Owing to the rise of videoconferencing and Zoom calls, we have been seeing a mullet-like approach in our daily outfits. Instead of “business in the front, party in the back,” we are seeing business on the top and PJ party on the bottom.

Pair your formal wear with Pajamas to make your work from home comfy but chic.

Quoting from The Guardian, published on 20th July 2020, titled as “‘The Zoom shirt’: how the pandemic changed work dress codes”, written by Priya Elan states that, “Work dress codes have radically altered during the pandemic. According to a poll from market research group NPD, only 10% of people get dressed for working from home at the start of the day and then change into comfortable clothes later.” Uma Jajodia, Mumbai based global educational consultant, age 48, says, “COVID has brought about a few changes in the way I work. As I have a lot of online/phone interactions with my students, COVID was not much significant. As comfort was important I would put on a pair of leggings and a formal top. To feel fresh, I would incorporate subtle makeup and jewellery too.” Jewellery may also be making a comeback in the coming months. We are slowly seeing a rollout of bolder and bigger pieces of jewellery, especially chunkier chain necklaces or statement earrings which are all close to the face and can brighten up the complexion if chosen right. Bracelets, anklets and rings also seem to be taking a backseat.

Shraddha Tilekar, a 28-year-old Image Coach based in Melbourne, says, “As a coach who teaches others to be prim and proper, I have to make sure that I present myself to my clients in the same way. A piece of advice I always give to my clients is, dressing up and putting

on your favourite shade of lipstick or perfume can make all the difference to your mood. It’s said very often that if you look good you feel good. So, I make sure that even if my clients are wearing pyjamas at the bottom, they must look presentable during our online classes.” Men can experiment more with their looks by wearing brooches or more fun shirts while women can also wear stylish necklaces, and play with the type sleeves. As we have seen from designs so far this fall-winter, as well as spring-summer seasons, balloon sleeves, puffed shoulders, chiffons and organza, are also going nowhere. These looks are great for home workers as it emphasizes the top half of the body. According to an article from “The Margin” by Nicole Lyn Pesce, published on April 17, 2020, titled “The Devil Wears Joggers: Even Anna Wintour is living in sweatpants during the pandemic”, states, “Sweatpants are officially in Vogue. Anna Wintour, appears to have relaxed her dress code just like the rest of us under COVID-19.” “Having been ordered into lockdown and selfisolation, dressing in your finest fashions might feel inappropriate. But, like numerous people, allowing yourself to take pleasure in clothing can also be a

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She also mentions that for people in their occupation, it is very important to dress up every day despite being in quarantine. Dressing up is who they are. It is a way to stand up for their values that are not going to be put aside because of the virus. Rather, they’re felt even stronger. Sagarika has learned how to make her tracksuit look soupand-sushi too.

Art : Aadhya Bhalla Photography & Styling : Aimen Tamboowala

The irony of the stayhome order is that without a 6:35 a.m. train or an hour-long commute, you finally have time to do your hair and makeup. And nowhere to go. A tiny bit of effort goes a long way, no need to go crazy.

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lifeline. Even if it means the marriage between comfort wear with chic formal wear,” says Sagarika Rukari, age 26, a professional model based in Pune.

@nakhrewaali

Work from home “fashun” Nazneen Parmar, 34-year-old Editorial and Wardrobe Stylist, based in Mumbai, tells us how to switch up the looks so loungewear doesn›t become your everyday look, advising us to make a game out of it for yourself. Something like- Moody Monday, wink at me Wednesday and so on. 1. Keeping’ it simple- Put on a top you regularly wear to the office, some earrings and very minimal makeup. To round out the look, throw on some sweatpants and slippers on the bottom. 2. Business at home- Start by looking for the pieces in your closet that are professional yet made in a stretchy fabric. Stretch pants worn along with shirts and knit sweaters or even blazers are a perfect match. If whatever you’re wearing is pretty colourless, throw a vibrant scarf around your shoulders. A red lipstick can brighten your face and your mood. 3. Dress to impress- Add bright colour to the top even though you might be in your boring Pj’s. Could keep it to statement accessory pieces with any nude lip shade (cannot go wrong with a nude). In case you want to funk in up, tie a ribbon in your topknot, make a headband and add a bright necklace.

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The pandemic brought with it, an obsession of loungewear and comfort wear. Not only clothing, but the lifestyle of people changed with time. by - Manya Sachdeva

It’s a shift that’s been occurring for years, as employers in more buttoned-up industries like financial services competed for talent with tech companies and upstarts that had their own, more laid-back work cultures. After Covid-19 , people were forced to work from home, the fashion industry will now emphasize polished loungewear, where the fit is not as tailored and comfort is key. Aaina Parmar, a 19-yearold student studying at Amity University, Noida says, “ Dressing up for college used to be my priority. I used to select my outfits a day before. Now, because of COVID, everything has changed.

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Is It The Death Of Formal Wear?

Is comfort wear the new cool? From the hustle of waking up early, getting dressed in a formal shirt, grooming your hair to now, working from home. The day that used to start with breakfast on-the-go now starts with breakfastin-bed. Even fashion is something that is affected due to the pandemic. Not only this but it also has an adverse effect on the overall lifestyle of the people as a whole. The new work-fromhome reality has rapidly recalibrated the fashion code for professional wear, and that spells trouble for the retailers who sell formal office clothing. With more work calls and team meetings now taking place from the comfort of our homes, office wear has become much more relaxed.

My formal bellies and peep toes probably miss me now, cause flip flops have taken over their place.” The transition from waking up early and getting dressed for college to lazing around in pajamas all day has hit the students hard. Being in comfortable pajamas or loungewear all-day is now their new normal, and dressing up and getting ready is something that has taken the back seat now.

Everyone loves being at home in their joggers and flipping through the pages of their favrourite book, rather than sitting in an office chair wearing the most uncomfortable shirt and pants.

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Art : Ritik Chugh Photography & Styling : Manya Sachdeva

Back in the time, when the situations were normal, on a regular day a person would typically dress up wearing jeans and a top, or a tee. However, now wearing jeans calls for an occasion and everyone finds comfort in their oversized, slouchy loungewear. Aaina added, “There was a time when I used to wear heels or bellies to college but now because of online learning, I’m always in pajamas and flip flops. Jeans are something that I have not worn for a long time. My lifestyle has changed, I wish everything will get back to normal so that I can dress for occasions.” Quoting CNN Business, in an article published on 9 July 2020, titled, “Coronavirus canceled office clothing. These stores are in big trouble”, writer Parija Kavilanz, exclaimed, “Some people aren’t even changing out of their pajamas. In June, 47% of consumers told market research firm NPD they are wearing the same clothes throughout most of their day while at home during the pandemic, and nearly a quarter said they liked wearing activewear, sleepwear, or loungewear most of the day.”

Art : Ishita Sanghi Photography & Styling : Manya Sachdeva

A typical workday morning would look very very busy, and full of hustle. However, now the hustle is replaced by a calm cup of tea, the tight gym schedule is replaced by soothing morning yoga sessions. Manoj Gupta, a 45-year-old businessman from Gurgaon said, “I’m a workaholic. There is no fixed time of work I have, I used to be in my formals, a buttoned up shirt, trousers and a tie almost every day. But now because of the pandemic, my life has had a major change.” In conversation with Manoj he also said that now that he is at home, he ends up spending more time with his family as well. Formal clothes like shirts and trousers are only kept in his wardrobe now, and all he wears is sneakers, pajamas and comfortable t-shirts. The lockdown taught him that sometimes we should just slow down, and enjoy the small things in life.

The new #WFH tradition includes attending meetings in your comfortable pajamas while being in your own zone and having your favourite breakfast.

Before the pandemic, there was this obligation of wearing certain clothes. But now, because of the pandemic people are free to wear whatever they feel like. This pandemic has taught people how they should take some time out for their passion and just relax. The pandemic brought with it a pause, in the life of the people. This pause is something everyone needed in their lives and it gave them the perspective and the time to think for themselves and their loved ones. Saumya Khanna, a 35-year-old working woman based in Mumbai says, “I have a 9-5 job, board meetings are an everyday thing for me. Formal wear is something that I wear all day. This pandemic has changed it all, heels, blazers, and trousers are my go-to outfits for the office. Now because of the pandemic, we only have meetings on zoom. Trousers and heels are not

something that I wear now. I am always in my pajamas, and flats.” Saumya also added, “I never thought that I would not be wearing my formals for so long, this pandemic gave me relief from formals. I also got some quality time to spend. Apart from my work now I am taking some time to spend on my passion.” Being in the lockdown has not only changed the preferences of people in terms of what they wear, but also made them incorporate a totally different lifestyle. This as a result impacted their choices and decisions in terms of small things like what to wear and even bigger things like how they actually intend to lead their lives. It also encouraged them to think a little differently, and taught them to spare time for themselves and for their loved ones.

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Gender Blender

Advancing in this 21st century, the line of differences between men and women wear is getting thinner and thinner in all aspects, largely being influenced by virtual media. By - Akanksha Singh

Co-ed is now a common place for borrowing your little brother’s jacket or your girlfriend’s shirt

Ever since Actor Jaden Smith, Actor Ranveer Singh and KPop boy band BTS and many more wore Louis Vuitton skirt, the infamous green skirt and entertained with their ‘Women associated’ styles respectively, the proclamation of Gender-mixed style in fashion is the future. These fashion sensing, styling and incidents along with posts on leading social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, greatly attracts attention and then, become viral. With the influence of social media and idols, times have changed, a time when traditional expectations of what constitutes men’s and women’s dress are being blended, blurred, even reimagined altogether.

In this era, fashion is moving rapidly towards gender fluidity creations. From long lost traditional wears to today’s style statement, one must understand the androgyny path picked up by men. Society norms don’t matter to these men. They are here to break the stereotype.

“Today it is not about the gender, it is about the looks,” says Vikas Nayar, a 24-year-old student studying in Amity University, residing in Noida, “Yes, when I first got my piercing done, my whole family didn’t speak to me. It was new back then, cool to us, young adults but not acceptable to society.” Earrings in India have long been associated with the Rajput clan and royalty in general. Recent studies have identified the ear as a microcosm of the entire body. Some even believe the point of vision in acupuncture is situated in the centre of the lobe. Hence the practice of wearing earrings is thought to have some therapeutic value. “I want to focus on the fact that we live in a society which is not completely educated, we still reconcile

in our values and beliefs. It never bothered me, apart from what I used to hear back at home,” Vikas adds and could completely recall his moments of shame and embarrassment that he went through as now earrings have lost their false distinctions. Also, the sight of a man with an earring has lost a lot of its shock value. Piyush Chanda, 22-year-old, an accountant residing in Delhi, says, “I want my wardrobe to have all the colours. I want to decide what colour I want to wear today and tomorrow. I like the Pink.” In the 1920s, some groups had been describing pink as a masculine colour, an equivalent of the red that was considered to be for men, but lighter for boys. But stores nonetheless found that people were increasingly choosing to buy pink for girls, and blue for boys, until this became an accepted norm in the 1940s, claimed on August 12, 2013, in a report by Anna Broadway for the Atlantic.com. Aarti Kumar, 38-year-old, homemaker, residing in Ghaziabad, says, “I see my son being influenced by trends and fashion. He is 16 today, tomorrow when he’ll be in his 20s and would come and say ‘I want to get so and so style’ which in general, in public, is dedicated to women, I wouldn’t mind. Honestly, I was applauded by John Abraham’s appearance in the movie Dhoom. He was the game-changer. Also, Salman Khan

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in Tere Naam. So yes, things have changed. I live with the change.” “The key to keeping long hair on guys looking masculine is to not over style the hair, it’s better to have that ‘day old’ look to it, not too freshly washed and fluffy looking. It needs to look more street, especially if you tie it back, keep the texture rough by adding a texture spray and a matte paste to towel-dried hair” quoted by Kevin Murphy, an Australian-born hairdresser, interviewed by Utah, Go long! Magazine on 16th March 2020. “It is not the question about how they look or how decently they have dressed, but their minds not being in the correct track,” says Usha Devi, 57 years old, homemaker, residing in Noida, “Why are men dressing as women? Or why are women dressing like men? This is not our culture. We were strictly not allowed to step out without having covered up properly. Development is required but not culture and dressing sense changing. I have a grandson, he also follows such a fashion style and wants to get ear piercing done, I told him no. I believe this is not part of our society and culture.”

Art : Mohit Ahuja Photography : Mohita Ahuja Styling : Aimen Tamboowala

Anaam’s Sumiran Kabir Sharma, 32-year-old, with a label show ‘The Last Supper’ at Lakme Fashion Week’s #GenderBender, which took place in Kolkata on September 23, 2018, was a gender-neutral take on Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the same name. “The models I’ve cast have struggled with their own identities as trans, androgynous, and gender-fluid people. They’re misfits. So, when I thought of how to put them together as a performance art piece, I wanted them to be like a painting that was in a restoration process,” said Sharma. His collection Behrupiya (many forms) is his attempt to reclaim identity through art. Men in India have become more open to experimenting with their trends lately. While it seems unlikely that gender-fluid fashion would become mainstream, elements of it, such as floral embroidery or print will always be present. Gender-fluid fashion is gaining momentum worldwide, and for good reason. However, what’s important to remember is that anyone can wear anything because humans have decided dressing norms, not clothes.

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PARAMSAHIB That Nineties Child 2.0 @paramsahibclothing

@in.urbansuburban

Shop these looks at www.urbansubburban.in

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Shipping out or Stepping out ? The ways in which the pandemic has affected the shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience with respect to online shopping and in-store shopping. By - Manya Sachdeva

The world isn't the same place as it was before the pandemic, it has changed and so has its ways. Shopping and consuming, one of the main sources through which the world sustains, has also mend it's paths, and made the required changes. If a consumer is asked, how is his in-store shopping experience? Does he enjoy it? What does he prefer, shopping online or in stores? Does he feel comfortable shopping in the same room with 100 more people? The answers to these questions that were before, and what they are now, have changed, a lot. "I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t manage to shop online, especially when it comes to makeup, I prefer testing out products and then buying them. However, now I feel restricted because we aren't even offered testers now. The shopping experience has lost its feeling of connect and personal touch", says Swasti Garg, 22 years old, Kolkata based Housewife. While shopping in stores always had an upper hand as it brought with it the feeling of personal assistance and guidance. The difference between online shopping and the in-store shopping experience is almost nullified, putting the customers in a confusing and dissatisfying spot. Swasti adds, " Not only that, but I feel helpless in spite of people being there to help me out." The fact that people are willing to spend, and the retailers and willing to sell, yet there is a point of difference and a certain feeling of hesitance amongst them. Nancy Chugh, 29 years old, a Delhi based Chartered Accountant, says, " Honestly, I shop for almost

everything online, be it clothes, shoes, bags, makeup and with technology becoming so advanced, I am enjoying my improved online shopping experiences, with video calls, live streaming and even at home trials taking over!" While a part of our population feels that their shopping experiences are not as great as they were, there is still a chunk of people who feel that all has changed for good. Our technology is so advanced and tries to deliver an experience as well as an in-store shopping experience. Video calls, live streaming from stores, and a 3-Dimensional view of garments are really helping out people to make choices at the comfort of their home. Nancy adds, "It also helps me to focus on work, and gives me more time with my family at home, or for myself. I also don't have to specially take out time from my work as I can easily shop and work, both from the comfort of my home." Clearly, the technological advancements and improvements in the online shopping experiences have proved great for people who are working, and who are always on-the-go. It not only saves their time but also has given them a new experience altogether which many of them are actually enjoying. Quoting The Hindu Business Line, in an article published on 13 July 2020, titled "How COVID Has Changed The Shopping Experience", writer C Gopinath, exclaimed, "But many enjoy the shopping experience, and some even like it as much if not more than the item they shop for. They make repeated visits to the store to 'feel' the fabric and compare it with

Illustrated By:- Manya Sachdeva, student, Pearl Academy Use of virtual reality in shopping - Try it out, compare different looks, see what suits you best, in seconds !

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spending some quality time with their families. It was their way of feeling connected, and being with each other. As they say, change isn't accepted easily. Some have accepted the change and adapted themselves to it while some are taking their time to come out of their comfort zone. However, deep inside we all hope and pray that everything comes back to normal soon.

Illustrated By:- Manya Sachdeva, student, Pearl Academy

other items on the rack. They place it against their body and sway in front of the mirror. It is a Sunday well spent." The 'feel', the 'connect' is what stands missing in our shopping experiences today. People went in stores for personal assistance, and a personal touch which is something we've lost now. It is not only about the assistance, but, it is about human contact. It is human nature, we are in a habit of being in contact with people 24/7. At this point, the consumers miss and crave human contact and most importantly, validation.

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" Shopping for me was not only about going and buying stuff, but it was actually a day spent with my wife and my daughter. I enjoyed the day as a whole and the feeling of being with them because we are busy with our work throughout the week.", adds Rishi Sachdeva, 45 years old, Delhi based Businessman. For some, it is only about connecting with their loved ones. Every family has some ways, and traditions, going shopping on the weekend being one of the main traditions almost every family had at some point. It was not only about buying things, but also about

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SNEAKER SWITCH By - Akanksha Singh The sneaker industry initially saw major headwinds from the pandemic, including dropping sales and stunted sneaker production, it has evolved to adapt to new marketplace reality. While much has changed, one thing is clear: sneakerheads still want their shoes. Virtual drops and releases have been successful, and resellers have managed to keep their businesses profitable and safe amid the pandemic. Mass store closures have also pushed much resale activity to primarily online platforms. Cravings for comfort and aspirations to fitness during the COVID-19 times are driving healthy sales for brands like Nike and Adidas. Some believe that the significant drop in limited-edition sneakers prices was only temporary, caused by the initial panic of the pandemic. As more people flock online to do their shopping, marketplaces that have focused on their online channels have begun to see profits.

Art : Sukanya Banerjee Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh

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Art : Kamal Sadh Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh Art : Sukanya Banerjee Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh

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Art : Aishwarya Bhalla Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh

Art : Ruchira Kapoor Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh

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Quarantine Aftermath What all to add to your Post

- Quarantine wardrobe

B y - A p o o r va S a x e n a

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been about 7 months that we all have been living in 2.0 version of 2020. Most of us are wearing a variation of pyjamas and sweats on constant rotation. India is loosening restrictions we are getting ready stack up our post quarantine wardrobe. There are many issues which will come up as the quarantine ends. Top 3 of them are weight gain, fear of wearing pants and closed feet footwear etc.

Image Source Aliexpress

The solutions to these issues are: 1. Wear shapeless dresses, no waist defined yet gives you a flawless look. 2. Start to wear joggers they are more elastic and hence gives just enough comfort. 3. Add a pair of Sandals to your shoe collection, your feet will feel free, comfortable and yet stylish.

Image Source Aliexpress

Image Source freepeople.com

Shop Online @essgee_shop 55

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TexS tyl e Story Young p eo p l e t a l k a b o u t t h e i r j o urn eys of ex p l o r i n g Indi a n h a n dl o o m s a n d c rea t i n g t hei r o w n s t yl e s By - Apoorva Saxena

Art : Roopal Prakash Photography & Styling : Apoorva Saxena

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Tie your Indian handloom scarf as a halter neck top. Pair it up with your favourite bell bottoms and a turban made of a dupatta. To complete this indie look, wear sleek golden hoops and put on shades. Give a twist to your daily formal wear by pairing it up with your favourite sari. Add a statement jwellery piece and high heels. Look good, feel comfortable.

Stepping out for shopping is not an option right now. Instead of buying the latest trends from the rails of high-end stores, people have started digging up their old closets. Not to miss out on the fact, that our parent’s wardrobes are even better option to stylise. Our society has been influenced by western clothing, for a long time now. We have been dressing up with readymade clothes of denim, linen, polyester etc. During this lockdown, people have started experimenting with the stuff that they already have. Through this many of us got introduced to various Indian textiles. Getting to know about your tradition is one of the best things you can do and learning about your culture is a bonus. Without losing their own identity, this generation has started styling these textiles. Merging them with their urban clothing to create something new and fresh. Aakriti Saxena, 26, system engineer, TATA

Consultancy Services, based in Delhi, says, “Being in the corporate sector, my usual clothing includes shirts, pants and all types of western formals. I try to experiment with urban accessories, to have that statement piece in my attire. During this lockdown, while flipping through my old family albums, I got an inspiration from my parent’s ethnic outfits. I love to style my garments without losing the comfort of western clothes. So, I created several looks combining my formal clothing with Indian textiles such as Banarasi silk.” Indian traditional handloom fabrics provide a very different finish as compared to American

or European fabrics. They are finely weaved and have motifs that are culturally exclusive. “Personally, I prefer silk of any kind over other Indian textiles. Silk has a very chic finish, which gives me freedom to play around with the fabric, without looking childish.”, adds Aakriti. The variety, regional ethnic clothing gives, in terms of its flow and texture can’t be compared. This range provides the consumer to use a single fabric in different occasions. Using any fabric in an unconventional way, gives a twist to what we are tired of seeing in fashion. Aarshi Ansari, 20, student, at Pearl Academy, based in Delhi, says, “I love the 90s! I usually dress myself with elements or trends from the 90s, I call it my style. Be it leather jackets or acid wash jeans, I wear them all. I mostly mix and match stuff to create the perfect outfit. In the lockdown, I wanted to experiment with my style. I raged my mother’s closet. I found quite a few pieces which I could incorporate in my dressing. One of the things that I found was a georgette dupatta, which I used as a turban. It looks so indie and bold. The texture and feel of the material were very different than the usual soft fabrics. I was very impressed with all the fabrics that I found, which are fusion able with my 90s western style.” Mixing Indian textiles with any continental clothing, gives it a fresh look and makes it more interesting. Quoting The Indian Express, in an article published

on 6 Aug, 2020, titled “The new cool”, writer Sunil Sethi, exclaimed, “India’s population, of which 50 per cent is below 25, and more than 65 per cent is below 35, has embraced this message. Whether it is schools or colleges, handlooms have succeeded in marking their presence in youngsters’ wardrobes. The fact that designers

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she used to celebrate Janmashtami every year. She told me all about the prestige of this festival and why clothing is an important part of it in our culture. I asked her, what type of attire she used to wear and is it still at their home. She showed me, all different kinds of old lehenga and sari she had. I was amazed to see such intricate kalamkari prints and soft Mysore silk. I picked a few and tried wearing them, in a way which would be comfortable nowadays. I paired it up with some Chockers and bandanas, which gave me my perfect look. A casual yet graceful outfit.” People in India themselves, are forgetting

their treasured heritage. Instead of applauding what we have in our who have adopted clusters for Ikkat, Chanderi, Maheshwari among others, or even the rise of Banaras as a hotspot, is a sign of its popularity. It is, frankly, the new cool.” Aarshi adds, “Being a student of a fashion college, when I discovered different textiles from my mom’s closet, I got interested in them. I read about the history of a few and got to know how they are made. Manufacturing such handloom fabrics with extreme precision, makes them even more valuable. Styling those clothes in my way, makes heads turn without going hard on my pocket. It’s a good thing to use them in my outfits than buying new material instead.” Styling is the way to create new looks without buying more and more clothes. Investing in some classic pieces, makes your wardrobe good to go for about 3-4 years. Buying slow fashion garments like a Kanjivaram silk saree or any silk saree for that matter, adds a subtle piece in your closet. You can pair up them with some Western staples and statement jewellery. Indian textiles are mostly vibrant in colour or have distinctive patterns, which makes them eye catching, with good styling, it becomes an interesting item of your collection. Monika Jadhav, 27, engineer, at Honeywell, based in Pune, says, “Due to this pandemic, I moved to my grandparents house to take care of them. I was sitting with my Amma, listening to her stories, about how

Style Indian textiles with your go to outfits. Denim jeans, black joggers, tube tops, heels or shoes and bold accessories.

wardrobes for years, we are shifting towards fast fashion. With Fashion Design Council of India

(FDCI) promoting Indian handlooms, the revival of our valuable tradition has begun. Many young Indians follow this council. They get introduced to various Indian textiles through their events like fashion shows etc. #Vocal4Handmade was one of the online campaigns started by them on Instagram. The meteoric rise of ‘Made in India’ sentiment, has captured both the hearts and minds of conscious millennials. Monika adds, “Social media is one of the platforms through which, many of us gets our knowledge on

various fashion concepts. It’s not about picking up the latest stuff, it’s all about styling. Making a personalized collection of clothing is hard. Instead finding one and incorporating it in your own way, is something which is fun and saves a lot of money. We just have to spend some time styling those clothes that you found in your parent’s or grandparent’s old wardrobe and Voilà you have that trendy vintage look ready for yourself.” Over the decades, India is adapting to the Western culture vastly. Having an access to the world, has made all of us come closer. Global fashion industries are rising and hence, the lines of denoting one kind of clothing to a culture are blurring. Trying out different

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fashion is interesting, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have so many influencers creating their own styles. While we are getting inspired from the West, we should not forget our roots. Knowing our tradition and heritage, helps us to broaden our scope of exploration. India has lots of handloom techniques that we use for creating our rich fabrics. This industry took a hard hit due to this pandemic.

With youngsters getting excited to know about their cultural textiles, our country could now hope for a better future of Indian textile industry. Dusting off the old trunk of clothes and amalgamating them with our unique personality, is what our young generation is heading towards.

Art : Aadhya Bhalla Photography : Aimen Tamboowala Styling : Apoorva Saxena & Jayati Arora

Style Cocktail 3 ways to create new looks with your favourite Indian and Western clothing

1. Take any sari of your choice. Pair it up with a crop top and jeans. Add some statement pieces like fine

gold chain or choker and a belt.

2. Take your favourite scarf made of any Indian textile. Wear it on top of a tube top. Pair it up with your favourite bell bottom jeans and rectangular shades. Your very trendy look is ready!

3. Take any dupatta. Drape it from one of your shoulders. Pin it up from the opposite side till your

waistline. Wear a belt to accentuate your waist. Pair it up with a cute bandana and here you have made your comfortable day dress.

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B uy th r l atest c olle c tion at www.h o u s e o f m a s a b a .co m

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- H ai r to Stay ! - Man En ou gh ? - Eye Tal k 66

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Hair to Stay ! How C ovi d pan d e m ic h a s l e d to Wo men c el ebr ate th e beau t y of t hei r b o dy hai r by - Apoorva Saxena Visible body hair is rarely seen. It is so rare that if you notice someone with them, it becomes a meaty topic for body shaming. Women are removing body hair every day, to achieve the ideal hairless figure. It’s the hairy frame that stands out, is judged as unnatural or abnormal even though hair grow on our bodies every moment of our lives. Due to corona virus pandemic, society’s obsession with hairless women body is declining. Now that it’s risky to visit salons often, women are realizing that their hair which they were removing for a long time now are actually essential for them. This adverse situation has made people normalize something very natural as not disgusting. Aayushi Sharma, 26, developer, at Tata Consultancy Services, based in Delhi, says “Women do have body hair, one should not objectify these things to make a woman feel embarrassed. We should feel free the way we are and no one should judge us on our outer appearance. I love the way I am and I don't bother to trouble myself for it. I rarely visit salons, so I didn't feel any difference during the lockdown as well. I have seen many women being conscious about their body hair and feel uncomfortable while facing anyone during this lockdown. Some of my neighbours have started trying home remedies for removing their hair” Society has made it so difficult for all of us to love ourselves the way we are. Aayushi adds, “We, unknowingly, have created this notion that a woman should have no body hair. The bitter truth is that by this we are unnecessarily forcing women to remove hair so that they can look attractive and more feminine. If they don’t do so they feel lack of confidence and inferior to others. I know hair removal is painful and to do it regularly, just to make up to the society's so-called definition of beauty is a total waste.” Anjela Prakash, 26, manager, at Maersk, based in Mumbai, says, “My mom is a beautician but it never pushed me towards hair removal. I have always been a bit conscious about having body hair owing to which I started waxing after school which became a regular affair afterwards. But now, I guess we all are

Illustrated By : - Apoorva Saxena, student, Pearl Academy

How women deal with body hair at home during quarantine Neha Kumari shares ways to remove hair during lockdown • Many people have started doing waxing, threading and everything at home. • Hair removal products like creams, organic wax or razor all of these are in high demand. • After some salons are active, and urban clap that is providing safe home service, many are using these services. • For hygiene, it is important to remove hair from certain body parts. • Removing hair once a month is enough.

normalizing to a woman’s figure having hair, so am I and why shouldn't we it's natural, beautiful and it's not associated with womanhood.” When a woman does not conform to the norms of society, she is considered irresponsible. We have to work hard to create so called “normalcy”. Being away from all social events, women are becoming more confident about their form, they don’t feel insecure even when they have hair. The fear of being judged is getting abolished slowly. Anjela adds “It goes without saying that body hair is a natural part of our frame. Some have darker hair others have lighter ones that are barely visible. One having body hair doesn't define one's beauty! But it's a known fact that most of us associate hairlessness with beauty. Having hair doesn't make you less beautiful, does it?” Living in a patriarchal world, women know how it feels to be judged for a normal thing that a man could easily get away with. Akruti, 23, IT department, at Tata Consultancy Services, based in Pune, says “Personally, I don't mind having body hair. It's as natural as men having body hair.” Our beauty standards are more or less influenced by what we see on screens. Colleens try to cope up with those impractical trends just to fit in. Feeling obliged

from spending money to taking out time from hectic schedules, women has to do it all. As we are working from home, we are given a chance to accept our true selves and also open up to the society with the same expression. Paridhi Jain, 24, developer, at Tata Consultancy Services, based in Indore, says, “Hair on our frame are a part of our build and one should not feel bad about it. Although the European beauty standard which our society is hugely influenced with, had made women feel that less or no hair figure symbolises beauty or is necessary, which in fact is wrong. The notion of everyone is beautiful should apply to body hair as well. Removing hair for hygiene perspective is ok but doing so just due to societal pressure is not. It not only makes women spend excessive amount of money and time but it also leads to damage of skin that results in other issues.” Quoting iDIVA, in an article published on 31 Mar, 2020, titled “Now That We’re In Lockdown, Maybe It’s Time For Women To Stop Caring About Body Hair”, writer Manya Lohita Ahuja, exclaimed, “How about women just stop caring about what society thinks women can and can’t do? No one gets to decide whether or not body hair is attractive on women, and

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Face ‘Maskne’ The struggle with acne caused due to wearing face masks a.k.a ‘maskne’ is real. By - Manya Sachdeva

During the pandemic, wearing a face mask and wearing your footwear before stepping out of the house, hold equal importance. While face masks are worn for our own safety, they are also becoming another cause for acne. Masks are giving a hard time to people who have sensitive and acne-prone skin. We’re all fighting against the virus and at the same time, we should be well equipped to fight maskne as well! So, here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent maskne. Illustrated by : Apoorva Saxena, student, Pearl Academy

we could actually use this lockdown period to take that narrative back into our control. This is finally the time when women can accept their body hair, look at themselves with till it starts feeling normal” Paridhi adds, “The pandemic situation has confined us in one place and people are not going out that much. We in general have become less social which had made women to remove their hair rarely as they do not fear to be judged now. Before this they were concerned about showing body hair at their home as well but now our families are normalizing this.”

Being in a confined space for months, might be a depressing feeling but able to openly do, wear and be whatever you like has boosted everyone’s confidence. We were only able to do this by losing connection with the society for a while and taking care of ourselves.

1. 3. 5.

Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid are the two ingredients to swear by in your skincare routine.

Don’t forget to cleanse, tone, and moisturize daily.

Exfoliating once or twice a week goes a long way.

Wear masks made up of breathable fabric like cotton or silk.

Don’t commit the crime of wearing used or dirty masks, change them regularly.

Image Source:- Pinterest

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M an Enou g h?

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W it h th e r i se of s oc i al med i a , an d yo un ger gen er ati on s embr ac i n g th e c o n cep t of gen d er fl u i d i t y, we ar e s lowly seei n g th e r i se of mal e beau t y. by - Jayati Arora We, as a society, have been governed by a narrow mind-set. Right from the start, boys are told to not play with dolls, not wear pink, not cry, among many other things that people associate with femininity. From their childhood, men are taught to be ‘tough’, to hide their emotions, to quench their vulnerability. Similarly, their attitude towards beauty is just a reflection of that tone-deaf conditioning. Male beauty, as a concept, has always been stigmatized in our society. However, with the rise of social media, and younger generations embracing the concept of gender fluidity, we are slowly seeing the rise of male beauty. “There is a lot more to beauty than the surface. Beauty can resonate with emotion, feelings, and communicate things without verbal interference. I think it’s important that men take up caring for themselves and catering to their perception of beauty actively. They should not consider it beneath them. At the end of the day, you have to understand that your relationship with personal beauty is paramount,” says Trishang Shetty, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, based in Mumbai. Often, when men use makeup or have beauty routines, they are questioned about their sexuality or bullied. Beauty, however, is not synonymous with femininity in any way. For Ashutosh Sharma, a 21-year-old fashion student, based in Delhi, taking care of your skin and wearing makeup to look good is another form of self-love and self-care. He says, “Sexuality and makeup shouldn’t be intertwined. Everyone should be able to experiment with things without it being a commentary on their sexual orientation. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting flawless skin or putting on some eyeliner/eye shadow to feel good. Everyone should have the freedom to express themselves.” According to The Economic Times, in an article published on 19th July, 2020, titled “Male lifestyle influencers are shifting the conversation about men and makeup from why to why not — at least on social media” states, “According to an Assocham report, the Indian male grooming industry was Rs 16,800 crore in 2018 and is expected to touch Rs 35,000 crore in the next three years. Men in the age group of 25-45 years spend more money on grooming and personal care products than women.”

Nikhil Vijay redefining beauty standards by adding a touch of glam to his look.

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There is now a bigger market for male beauty content. Social media has been a huge factor driving this change in attitudes. The growth of male makeup is also linked to a broader shakeup of the gender binary. Younger generations are embracing gender-fluidity, and believe in experimenting with looks and the freedom of expression. Beauty is no longer a marker of masculinity.

Masculinity Makeover A list of basic makeup products men can stock up on to give their masculinity a makeover! • Foundation- It helps to even out your skin tone and give a uniform, brighter colour to your skin tone • Concealer- Takes cares of dark circles and blemishes • Bronzer- To add a subtle natural bronze hue and give more definition to your face • Eyebrow filler- Helps fill in patches in eyebrows and give a defined shape • Translucent powder- Helps set the makeup and keeps skin oil free Source: Shakti Yadav, Lifestyle Influencer based in Delhi. • Click to watch an easy makeup tutorial by Ankush Bahuguna. Social media bloggers like Siddharth Batra (a 26-yearold fashion influencer and digital creator) and Ankush Bahuguna (a 25-year-old content creator) are making #GuyBeauty videos and makeup tutorials for men to normalize beauty routines for men. Ankush says, “I don’t understand why people associate things like makeup, beauty, and skincare to only women. When I first put out a makeup tutorial, I expected a lot of criticism, especially from men. But instead, I started receiving messages asking me things like “How to choose the right concealer shade,” and people started requesting me to put up more videos. Slowly, people are accepting this concept and, we’re moving away from rigid gender roles towards a more fluid future.” Quoting The Economic Times, in an article published on 19th July, 2020, titled “Male lifestyle influencers

Art : Nikhil Vijay Photography & Styling : Jayati Arora

are shifting the conversation about men and makeup from why to why not — at least on social media” states, “Samir Modi, founder, Colorbar, says that Makeup — at least concealers and foundation — have become par for the course. While skincare, hair-care, and grooming products have gender-specific variants, most colour cosmetics aka makeup products are gender-neutral. To expand more choices for men, Colorbar plans to introduce 33 new shades of foundation in the next two months and add more offerings in their menswear range REM. Pigmentation, ageing, and blemishes are top concerns for men.” Kabir Anand, a-20-year old, Liberal Arts student based in Delhi, says “Beauty for me is embracing yourself to the highest of your capability, where you feel joy and happiness. Beauty has no rules, there are no limits.”

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Eye Talk Let the eyes do all the talking. By - Manya Sachdeva With the focus being on the eyes, everyone wants to stand out and are experimenting with different colors, shapes, and forms of eyeliners a.k.a. graphic eyeliners. Graphic eyeliners are slowly and gradually making their way in, every woman be it a 19-year-old, or a 30-yearold wants to look good, and wants to stand out. Eyeliners have always been a staple in every girl&#39;s makeup vanity. Wearing that black kohl on her eyes instantly boosts up a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s confidence. While the conventional black eyeliner is something every woman loves and will continue to love, women these days are also enjoying some modifications and variations in their eyeliners. Every woman is trying to get all creative when it comes to their eye looks. Besides, most of their faces are now covered with face masks, which brings all the focus to the eyes. Graphic eyeliners started out as a trend, but gradually they are being normalized and people are loving to play with colors and using their eyes to express themselves.

Check out quirky makeup tutorial videos on Instagram @manyasachdeva

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Art : Khushi Bhasin Photography & Makeup : Manya Sachdeva

Art : Muskaan Goel Photography & Makeup : Manya Sachdeva

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SEPHORA

We Belong to Something Beautiful Shop Online at www.sephora.com

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Grape Seed & Sca Buckthorn Range for Hydrated and Nourished skin at all times www.plumgoodness.com

www.bathandbodyworks.in

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- PENdemic Effect - Work - In or Out ? - Politics of Love - ‘Unlocked’ in the Lockdown - Sneak Up on the Lockdown 84

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Indulge in the richness of

Raising a Qua-ran-tini Toast to you, we’re together in spirits!

CABERNET SHIRAZ

By aimen tamboowala

Manhattan Cherries

30ml Cranberry Juice

OUTH

www.groverzampa.in

60ml Whisky

Ice Cubes

VERM

Red Wine

SEx on the beach

Whis ky

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Shaken, not stirred

30ml Red Vermouth

30ml Vodka

Ice Cubes

Strawberries 30 ml Orange Juice

Most celebrations are kick-started with a chic ‘Manhattan' or the deceptively humble ‘Pina Colada', it goes on to continue with a refreshing glass of ‘Mimosa’ and end hazy-eyed with the classic ‘Margarita’. When you want a margarita, you should know how to make a good one. If you'd like to be your bartender, you've come to the right place. Time to mix some snazzy drinks!

Slice of Orange

30 ml Soda

90ml Prosecco

Ice Cubes

60ml Aperol

Mimosa margarita Ice Cubes

Pina colada Ice Cubes

60ml Tequila Salt on the rim

30ml Triple Sec 30ml Lime Juice

30 ml Coconut Cream 30ml White Rum 90 ml Pineapple Juice

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P ENdemic Effect - Tanya Verma, student, Bareilly College

By - Ap oorva S axen a

During lockdown people has started curating their thoughts in personal journals.

Illustrated by : - Apoorva Saxena, student, Pearl Academy

“

Don’t try to understand everyone with your logic, sometimes you just need to feel their soul

”

-Tanya Verma, 21, student, at Bareilly College

It’s been 5-6 months that we are locked inside our homes, not only our physical self but our feelings have been locked up as well. This is a scary situation, we don’t know for sure when this pandemic is going to end. We are becoming less social and are alone with a lot of thoughts roaming in our mind. There are less ways to talk them out, so people have started jotting them down. We are often afraid to express ourselves through our words, due to this difficult situation we are exploring and finding ways to share our thoughts even when we are alone. “I’m in my early 20s, due to this pandemic I’m living with my parents and not going out so much. It’s good to live with my family but having to share my honest thoughts is not quite possible with them. I don’t want them to feel stressed but at times I feel lonely and anxious living like this. I was into poems from my school days but never thought of writing one. In

lockdown I have started writing poems and shayari. I want to exhibit my emotions hence I started posting my writings on Instagram. Now I get so much love from the world. This pandemic helped me to pursue my interest in writing.”, says, Tanya Verma, 21, student, at Bareilly College, based in Bareilly. In normal situation, people tend to follow other hobbies like cooking, painting etc. but they don’t pursue writing. We usually think it’s time taking and requires a good background knowledge of literature. Now that we have time to explore more, many people have started writing journals, personal narratives and poems etc. Quoting Times of India, in an article published on 7 Jul, 2020, titled “Pen & the pandemic: ‘Lockdown literature’ coming to your bookshelf”, writer Shobita Dhar, exclaimed, “Covid-19 pandemic is inspiring writers. The virus & its aftermath, lockdown and the accompanying emotions are being written in fiction, non-fiction and poetry.” Rajeev Kumar Saxena, 54, mathematics professor, at Kendriya Vidyalaya Air Force Station, based in Bareilly, says, “For me, writing is a way to addresses the issues that I’m facing at times, my true emotions which I can’t describe otherwise. I have rediscovered writing during this pandemic, it’s a great way to articulate my thoughts at the moment, what I truly feel in this situation. I have started writing journal and wrote some poems as well. Whatever I feel I can describe it through my words which makes me feel confident.” Being in the lockdown, these notebooks and pens are becoming our friends. We talk through them, share our thoughts with them and the best part is they don’t judge us.

“

A falling drop of rain gives a message of survival, Every breath, like moving, brings us to near salvation. Human depths of fantasies, new and new dimensions, The flowers spread all over, could not stop the storms, Take a collection of memories, looking for these words yourself. If you get that dream, which was seen by two lovers, The complete unknown was done by the unknown. See a person in every person, gets trapped deep in the sky, God lives in every living being, all in his sight.

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- Rajeev Kumar Saxena, Teacher, Kendriya Vidyalaya

We often feel uneven to communicate our sentiments to the world. This pandemic has made us connect to our thoughts. We are strained with a lot of emotions right now and writing gives us the freedom in this locked up situation to express ourselves. It makes us happy and also releases stress. Hence, it works like an antidote to these circumstances.

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WORKING- IN OR OUT? I n t o d ay ’ s d i g i ta l w o r l d , w e h av e Y o u T u b e , D a i ly Y o g a , N i k e t r a i n i n g c l u b s a n d m a n y o t h e r a p p s a n d v i d e o s ava i l a b l e t o u s , j u s t a c l i c k away. P e o p l e a m i d l o c k d o w n s t i l l g at h e r and practice together. Is this required? Is it a boon or bane? By - Akanksha Singh

Home workouts have become the new normal due to the pandemic induced lockdown.

Covid couldn’t surpass the mainstream exercising beyond the boundaries of their house. Enthusiasm of people got them ways to boost their energy and be physically fit ‘together’.

Earlier, when people had office work, travelling, and other issues with time management and heavy workload, they never gave time to themselves and their health properly. There was a requirement of motivation or a ‘Push’ to exercise daily. During the Pandemic, many people have switched this habit and have gathered self-motivation to easily workout at home watching tutorials and videos online. Yet, there are elements like togetherness, companionship, and most importantly easy availability

of gym equipment at a stake. Deepti Pandey, 36 years old, a gynecologist at Felix Hospital sector 135, Noida says, “I have structured my life according to my time. I am so glad that I have started to work on myself with my satisfaction and in my ways. I prefer to follow social distancing and I am strong and equally willed and I have set goals and parameters. I would like to add that, as a woman, I can break free and set daily goals, and having work to achieve them,

not for anybody, but only for myself, has given me a new self- personality and courage.” CureFit, an app for live fitness sessions, was founded in 2016 by Mukesh Bansal, co-founder of fashion retailer Myntra, and Ankit Nagori ex-chief business officer at Flipkart. In 2019, it collaborated with actor Hritik Roshan with a 100-crore partnership. It was then in July edition, 2019, Hritik was announced as the World’s most handsome man by People’s magazine and curefit found it best for the partnership as people admired his incredible passion and discipline towards his fitness regime. Ajay Chaudhary, 45 years old, a Delhi based athlete with great running capability, says, “I am a pure gym and workout enthusiast. Before lockdown, I used to visit the gym. Now things have changed, I mind my own business, I listen to my playlist. I jog and run at my own pace. I built my self-esteem and stamina. I have started to understand my level and needs and myself better.” He emphasized on a fact about running in an open space. He says “I wake up at 5:30 am and I have never felt better whenever I finish my morning workout routine.” A group named ‘Burned up’ strictly formed with

people who exercise together with a trainer every evening despite the lockdown norms. There are almost 20 people in the group. Pratyaksh Sahani, a 24-year-old member of the group, living in Noida says, “I weigh around 90kgs and I have been trying to push myself to a consistent routine ever since. I started and somehow gathered some will to work on myself in the gym inspired by other gym mates. But lockdown happened with closure of amenities.” When reminding him of Corona being upfront, “Isn’t it required to maintain social distancing?” He answered, “Yes, it is, but on the contrary, I have found people with the same pace and same mindset, we all exercise together, I have found new friends and I can share my thoughts with them.” Similarly, Atul Singh, the gym trainer, 29-year-old, Noida based, says, “lockdown peddled with my business and I found people who needed help. I try to become their comfort zone, their mentor, their hope to shed some kilos and get fit. The package we provide, the course of routines we provide are carefully aligned to their body shape and capabilities. Each soul, each body has different needs. So, we work hard to deliver them the best. We motivate them. We train them according to their requirements and I think it has worked out well.”

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Art : Raj Sengupta Photography & Styling : Akanksha Singh

According to the 2020 lockdown statistics of August of YouTube, around 68% of people have browsed to exercises and techniques related to fitness, medication, and relaxation. There was a noticeable increase in the number of subscribers to these channels like Fitness Marshall and Emi Wong having 1.1M and 1.5M respectively. Many such fitness YouTubers achieved the Golden Button award for gaining millions of subscribers. On 6th October 2020, India experienced around 90,802 new cases of coronavirus in data from Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily count. Practicing home boundness, social distancing, and self-quarantine have become the most important and urgent strategies to stop the virus from spreading it. It is revealed by WHO that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. One can be infected by breathing in the virus if the person is within proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose, or mouth. Group fitness is a great way to get a workout in without having to think or plan. People come out of their houses, as a regular practice for their good, for their level of understanding and motivation as they get inspired by looking at the competition and follow their will for discipline.

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Politics of Love

Illustrated by : Jayati Arora, student, Pearl Academy

Illustrated by : - Jayati Arora, student, Pearl Academy

In these politically challenging and polarizing times, politics is influencing people’s love lives. Can two people with different political beliefs make a relationship work? By - Jayati Arora

Gone are the days when people could call themselves “Apolitical” and get away with it. Having a political stance, especially in sharply polarizing times like these, is of utmost importance. The time of neutrality is dead. This generation, in specific, does not see one’s political beliefs as closeted anymore. Politics has entered the love lives of many and is affecting their chances at love, like never before. It’s shaping the dating lives of many young Indians today. “Examining one’s political beliefs in the sphere of dating, serves as an important lens of inspecting their personality. Our political views often decide who and what we respect, and how we treat those we don’t respect. It also decides the path a person takes to reach their goals and what they feel is or is not expendable. In my opinion, these are all important questions to consider when one decides to love/date somebody, assuming the end goal is to spend a considerable amount of time with them,” says Ishaan Chawdhary, a 22-year-old writer and poet, based in Delhi. Politics has never been divorced from our private lives, be it the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the people we’re allowed to love or leave. Now, though, young people in India are unapologetically open about who they are, what they stand for, and what they look for even before meeting a potential partner. For Kavya Katiyar, a 20-year-old student at Indraprastha College for Women, dating someone with different political beliefs is a big no! She says,” I know for a fact that I can never be with someone who does not share the same political beliefs as me. For me, Personal is political in the sense that everything that I do/think/am is influenced by what socio-political views I have. I cannot tolerate someone who believes in an ideology that is actively hurting people. In short, I’m a Leftist, and the only deal breaker I have is Right-wingers.” Quoting GQ, in an article published on 20th April,

2019, titled “A survey reveals if millennial will date someone with opposing political views & the results might actually surprise you” states, “OkCupid found out that 54% of women would like to match with partners who share their political opinions, while only 21% of men seemed to care about this particular dynamic.” This could well be because, as a more marginalized community, women are likelier than men to relate to other marginalised groups (LGBTQIA, for example), and to take political views more seriously as a criterion when choosing a partner. For some, the extent is an important consideration. For most (rational) people, politics consists of several overlapping aspects and identities. Often, a person’s political beliefs and views are more complex than the two far ends of the spectrum. Anamika Sudhakar, a 21-year-old, Sociology student at Miranda House, says, “I feel dating someone with different political views as mine is not a mere black and white question for me. Political beliefs and opinions stem from cultural backgrounds, thus, at every point; I would try my best to understand where my partner is coming from. However, if their politics is based on unhumanitarian grounds then it’s a big no-no.” Anamika also adds that she would consider how flexible her partner is about learning and unlearning. However, anyone who doesn’t believe that the state must have equal treatment towards all genders, religions, castes, and other such identities, and anyone deviating from basic human rights, would be beyond consideration for her. Politics is something that affects all of us personally, especially given the context we live in. People are now politically more aware and conscious of their beliefs and values. This is why, in today’s time, politics is shaping up to be an important factor while choosing a partner. It can be a deal-breaker or a deal-maker.

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Playfully designed Homeware, Apparel and Gifts Home Delivered across India www. wishingchair.in Home . Stationary . Fashion @propshop24 96

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Photography : Manya Sachdeva

‘Unlocked’ In The Lockdown The quarantine period, brought with it, a lot more than just workout routines and dalgona coffee. Many people actually discovered more about themselves and extended their creative barriers. by - Manya Sachdeva 98

“Initially, me and my family enjoyed the lockdown period, it felt like a holiday. However, no one really likes to sit home and do nothing for more than a week,” says Khushi Bhasin, 19-year-old, Delhi-based, Student studying in Lancer’s Convent School, Delhi. The pandemic hit different people differently. On one hand, where people dealt with anxiety issues and got frustrated with being locked at home and having nothing to do, there were still some people who actually utilized this time to the fullest and tried to broaden their creative boundaries. Khushi adds, “I had all the time in the world to introspect, and get to know myself better.” The lockdown gave people the time to actually explore what they wanted from life. It also encouraged them to do ‘that one thing’ they always wanted to do, but never really did because they always found excuses of ‘not having the time’. “I’ve always been busy with my work, but this huge break that all of us got from our fast-moving lives made me realise what else I wanted from my life, and what was missing,” adds Mohit Sachdeva, 44 years old, Delhi-based, Businessman. It is always said, every cloud has a silver lining and as humans, we always keep searching and questioning ourselves as to where that silver lining is. No work, no school, no college, nowhere to go, the world stopped for a couple of months, and that gave us ample time to search for our silver lining. Quoting the World Economic Forum, in an article

published on 03 April 2020, titled “Why Quarantine Can Make You More Creative”, writer Joey Camire, exclaimed, “Boredom creates moments where your mind begins desperately searching. You’re hungry for stimulation, and so you begin to search the recesses of your mind, reaching out and hoping something grabs you by the hand. This searching is what inspires creativity.” The lockdown certainly brought in ample free time, but it also came in with a lot of boredom. Khushi says, “During the lockdown, I discovered my love for writing. I started it out of boredom, every night I used to journal my feelings and my thoughts, slowly that part of the day became my favourite and now, here I am. I wrote a book by myself during the lockdown which is all ready to be published.” Quoting the TOI Entertainment Times, in an article published on 22 April 2020, titled “Creativity Unlocked During The COVID-19 Lockdown”, writer Melissa D’Costa, exclaimed, “The COVID-19 pandemic may have thrown normal life out of gear, but it has also given people a rare opportunity to explore their hidden talents, and to tap into creative pursuits they may have not considered otherwise.” It is not only about finding your hidden talents, and practicing them as your hobbies, but many people actually take it up as something they want to pursue for the rest of their lives simply because it gives them the liberty to follow their heart and actually earn their livelihood at the same time.

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www.bettycrocker.com

Raagini Gupta, making her efforts count by turning her passion for baking into her profession with her constant urge to learn and brush up her skills.

Raagini Gupta, 21-year-old, Faridabad-based, student mentions “I never thought I would actually consider baking as my career option. I started baking in the lockdown for fun, I baked different types of cakes, pies, tarts and all mouth watering desserts but now it has given me so much pleasure that I want to learn, brush up my skills even more and have my own home bakery someday.” Not only did students and artists explore their creativity or try out new things but also did working professionals and businessmen. They stepped out of their comfort zones, and tried to re-think what they were doing. Staying at home made them realise that their heart belonged somewhere else. Some also brushed up their existing skills, by taking up online courses, and watching YouTube videos and tutorials online.

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Mohit adds, “There is always room for learning, I thought I was at the peak of my career but the pandemic was an eye-opener for me. I worked more on myself, and made myself better. When it comes to trying out something new, I also took up working out and fitness as my new goal, I lost 4 kgs during the lockdown and I am working on having a fitter body every day.” While few worked on making themselves better each day and kept up their positivity, some also faced hard times. This surely gave people the time and the chance to re-think their talents and profession. The world will take its time to reboot but exploring ourselves and doing things that make us happy is all we can do to keep our spirits high.

Fulfill Your Cravings

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Bake life sweeter with Betty Crocker Cake Mixes

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LUST

Sneak Up on the Lockdown

Apoorva Saxena

By - Apoorva Saxena & Aimen Tamboowala Being quarantined has had even the happiest of people a little bit down. We’ve all had our ‘blah’, ‘not today’, ‘ugh, I’m bored’ moments through these challenging times. “Human beings are not real great about endless time at home, not knowing what to do with yourself”, says Kavita Mungi, 48, a psychologist, based in Mumbai. “We’re on quarantine rules now!” heard this before? Well, whether it was eating too much, sleeping all day, learning a new skill or even just chilling to your beats, we all had our ways and moods to instil positivity within. This series is like a sneak peek to the moods that we all went through in this lockdown period. From being the best of chefs to have special moments with our loved ones, this quarantine has shown us a different side of ourselves.

Illustrated By:- Apoorva Saxena, student, Pearl Academy

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Self - care

Illustrated By:- Aimen Tamboowala, student, Pearl Academy

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Win Drink, & think

Illustrated By:- Apoorva Saxena, student, Pearl Academy

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UEEN Q A AM #DR 105

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Illustrated By:- Aimen Tamboowala, student, Pearl Academy

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Find new friends, dates and buisness connections

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- Include the Nude - Dare to Art - Flawed is Beautiful 110

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Include the Nude “Nudity is the greatest form of liberation.” By - Aimen Tamboowala Founder of the celebrated lifestyle brand called Quirk Box, Jayesh Sachdev says, “To be a nude muse is the most liberating, exhilarating, beautiful feeling in the world. It is something I highly recommend everyone to experience.” In conversation with the creator of various moods, with comic art, sketches, nude portraits and often garnishes his work with a pop culture reference, making them relevant and outrageously sexy all at the same time. What started as a passionate romance with colour and canvas, soon turned into a fully-fledged career that took Jayesh to galleries across the world. His accidental foray into the art community eventually translated into recognition and rewards, a feat he accomplished in the matter of a decade. As Sachdev expands his horizon to experience fine art from his very own unique perspective of the nude, he answers some compelling questions. How and what made you so inclined towards nude art? I went to Art school to study design. Drawing was a mandatory course, meanwhile, I also took Life drawing as an elective and contemplated pursuing Fine Arts as opposed to Visual Communication that I had originally intended to study. I feel in love with the nude. It is something we have admired and revered as art for centuries. It isn't just naked bodies you draw but naked human emotion.

Jayesh Sachdeva, Visual Artist, Founder of QuirkBox

Illustrated By:- Jayesh Sachdeva, Visual Artist

permitted to be displayed but the woman is objectified and sexualised. I cannot determine my choices based on those of Instagram’s regressive and conservative thoughts.

Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art? Every single Artist has explored the nude. Art without the nude is incomplete. Picasso continues to be a strong influence as an artist.

Considering that this form of art is not very popular or looked up to in our country, why is there a need to promote and appreciate nude art in India? The nude in India is centuries old. Khajuraho is filled with nude statues and sculpture. There is Erotica in our history represented through art. We invented Kamasutra. So, to assume that it is not popular in India is a myth. It also goes to show that we have regressed. Because clearly what was once appreciated as our cultural heritage and beauty is now shamed. Nude art needs to throw the light of human form and human form without sexualising it. This lack of education is exactly why it needs to be promoted. So that stigmas about nude, body shaming, concepts and misconceptions about beauty are addressed. So That nudity is not sexualised. The lack of education is a clear indication that it is necessary.

How do you work around Instagram’s whole censorship and troll codes? It isn't merely Instagram but all societal hypocrisy where the male nipple is publicly

How has he been perusing this passion under the circumstances of the pandemic? The challenges don’t cease. You just take them as they come, adapt to the challenge at the moment which

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How is nudity as art related to or different than adult content? One aspect of porn that is often overlooked, is a genuine experience of beauty. Whatever good or bad someone might think about porn, it does allow people to look at beautiful naked human bodies. Because of culture’s bias against nudity, we have little opportunity to experience human beauty and nudity unless it’s delivered as “adult content”. Rather than dehumanize our sexuality (as porn often does), and rather than shame our sexuality (as critics of porn often do), Model Society offers images of humanity that reveal deeper aspects of our nature and raise questions about what it means to be a human being. When we are invited to experience humanity as art, we have the opportunity to contemplate humanity as something sacred and miraculous. Is it awkward meeting new models regularly? How do you break the ice? It isn't awkward. Shame is a socially construed concept. And this form of art is liberating and a means to love and accept yourself as you are. It is important to speak to the

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defines your next move. I keep trying new things and failing in many too. But then success is the sum of all your failures. During the lockdown I connected with virtual muses across the world across the internet.

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subject and understand them, their why's and how's and for them to understand mine and create mutual respect and a safe space to create art. What would the 3 tips be for someone who wants to start as a nude artist ? Be Respectful of your subjects their vulnerabilities and personal space. Know and understand why you want to address this subject.

Illustrated By:- Jayesh Sachdeva, Visual Artist

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Scan to see the whole series

"As an artist, I have explored various subjects. I find nothing more sensitive and resplendent than the female form. The subtle contours formed with light and shadow, exude an elusive sultriness that I try to capture. When you take away all the colour from life, there's nowhere to hide but behind the shadows; What you see is a reality, the truth, in black and white" says artist Jayesh Sachdev. These words laid the groundwork for his first series of Black and White Nude Paintings. His yearly series of painting are based on different themes but they are all tied together to a common thread. Along with the life study and human form, Sachdev keeps revisiting the female form in search of inspiration.

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Is it a coffee brown or a chocolate brown? By - Aimen Tamb o owal a

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A set of harmonious cool hues of blue can never go wrong.

Colour Coded

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This is the year of deep blues and soft brushes. In a vast departure from last year’s Living Coral and vibrant hues, 2020 sees us craving natural shades that create a sense of steadiness and peace. Here we’ll highlight the current colour and colour pallet trends of 2020. Make sure you explore how they can give a new meaning to your next design project.

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A perfect selection of sophistication for the right impression, with a monochromatic set of purple dappled through out.

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Radiating attraction with a burst of strength goes from ablaze of dark red to to gay colours of pink and yellow.

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Colours from the same family varying from a rust brown to a caramel, slowly emerging into nude shades.

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Linked to creative minds, the range of greens to a contrast mustard give a light yet fresh outlook.

India’s Largest Hobby, Art & Craft Store Chain www.itsybitsy.in

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Dare to Art

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“Good design is like a refrigerator when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks.” –Irene Au working as UI Designer in Damian Jolley. by - Akanksha singh

Illustrated By : - Ayush Kalra, Digital Artist Exploring some common prejudices women face everyday concerning what people say they should or shouldn’t do with their lives

Ayush Kalra, 21-year-old, residing in Delhi, working as an animator and illustrator at Delhi Capitals, has his own production company and a well-liked Instagram page called Dat revolution in Indian art. He has worked as a graphic designer for Fitlook magazine, Boat-PLug into Nirvana, Netflix, Ingenuity gaming, Sponsor and Biketees. He answers a few questions about his passion and interests in Art and Design, also he reflects his thoughts upon the challenges faced over the years.

self-esteem, depression, body image, dejection, particularly in the domain of appearance. I focused on women’s ‘Quality of Life’ and Psychological Health. We have noticed, you use a lot of colours in your art style. Any specific reason? Colours are emotions, they give a different meaning to it. There are tones, warmth, coolness and structure of colours which makes the mood.

W h at i n s p i r e d y o u t o b e c o m e w h at y o u a r e t o d ay ?

This is an individualistic answer. Creativity has no bounds. I am trying to explore more. I am still a learner and there are various art forms with which I can blend my style of designing. At first, artists often emulate the styles of artists that they admire. This can be beneficial to develop an understanding of how to create different types of art. An artist’s style usually progresses as the artist gains more confidence through experiences and acquires more skill with the materials.

Inspiration comes from within. There is no golden answer to the question “what inspires you.” I find inspiration in more things than I can count. No one can tell you how or what you should be inspired by, when you come across these things, people, and/ or places you will know. Looking back at my life, my answers to the question “what inspires you” have changed dramatically over time, and rather frequently too.

H o w a n d w h at a f f e c t e d y o u w h e n y o u w i t n e s s e d o r n o t i c e d s o c i a l d i s c r e pa n c y ? 118

Illustrated By : - Ayush Kalra, Digital Artist

The advertisements about body weight, mood,

W h at m o r e c a n y o u e x p e r i m e n t w i t h t h i s a m a z i n g c r e at i v i t y ?

W h at i s y o u r fav o u r i t e t h e m e t h at y o u l o v e i l l u s t r at i n g ? a n d w h y ? Some aspects can evolve around Conflicts, Adversity, Freedom, Social Changes, Leaders, Humans, Identity, Industry, Invention, Progress and the Environment.

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Create what you imagine

Ayush Kalra portrays a unique style of designing and illustration which are the interpretation of a concept for integration in published media. His artwork focuses on Conflicts, Adversity, Freedom, Social Changes, Leaders, Humans, Identity, Industry, Invention, Progress and the Environment. Also, Colourism and how women’s selfworth is evaluated based on their skin colour or racism.

At i n i t i a l s ta g e s , w h at w e r e t h e c h a l l e n g e s y o u h a d fa c e d ? Colourism and how women’s self-worth is evaluated based on their skin colour or racism. It is not unknown that colourism is a huge problem in Indian society and such thinking reflects children especially girls who are advised not to play in the sun, not drink too much tea, not swim and wear covered clothes to avoid tanning with matrimonial ads, always looking for a ‘fair and lovely’ bride, which can selflessly deem anybody’s

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self-esteem. I never wanted to go against a production company (Fair and lovely). Altogether, it took me a huge amount of brainstorming and courage to speak about such reforms. But I see, I have many followers and likes thinkers, so it helps me to work hard. A message for budding art creators and learners. Art is an imagination, a feeling. I take it personally to express myself. I carry my thoughts into it if you look closely. Make use of everything available to you in the correct manner with which you can bring a change. www.apple.com

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Flawed Is Beautiful by - Jayati Arora We face a constant barrage of unrealis tic beauty s tandards ever y day and the subtle and not-so-subtle messages which come with that visual assault. Women, especially, are targeted by the society to receive the brunt of this assault. From time immemorial, conventional s tandards of beauty have been synonymous with the notion of what is considered ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’. More of ten than not, superf iciality has governed the parameters of how a woman ought to look. Airbrushed skin, a f lat s tomach, fair skin tone, a perfect thing gap, and no body hair, has always been considered desirable and beautiful. These unrealis tic s tandards often lead to low self-esteem and women feeling insecure about their bodies. However, recently, many are questioning these unrealis tic benchmarks that have been set based on depictions by the media. There is s till a long way to go but, the conversation of accepting real and natural beauty has been going on. Women are tr ying to change how we view the human body and our deep-rooted conditioning of what it should ‘ideally’ look like. They are now celebrating their bodies and sending out the message that ever yone’s body is different and beautiful with all its f laws and folds. This series of photographs celebrates and documents the unique beauty of an individual. It captures textures, layers and colours of the body in the essence of its being.

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Art : Ria Madhwani Photography & Art Direction : Jayati Arora

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Smash society’s Idea of Beauty Challenging the idea of what “perfection” really means and a reminder that glowing, clear skin is not beauty’s be- all and end-all.

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Sit back and relax Scan to Listen brazenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative Music playlist

Illustrated By : - Jayati Arora

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