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Jacqueline Fernandez wore a blush sari to a recent event that brought pearls and laces back into the discussion. Manish Malhotra’s pastel piece was inspired by the Edwardian romance of the early 1900s. It is a soft-focus sensuality, both nostalgic and modern, from colour to craft. The sari, constructed in lace, is embellished with pearls, which extend from the scalloped edge across the fabric. The details are concentrated at the edges where pearls in varying sizes trace both the hemline as well as the pallu. This creates a more dense outline against a more lightly scattered background. Fernandez moves the drape slightly by pulling the pallu over her back, and letting it hang from one arm. This keeps the border visible for longer. The blouse is the true star of the ensemble. It is a departure from the conventional codes. A silk bralette is layered with a matching cropped lace cape. The cape has a high neck and pearls are applied in a dense density along the scalloped edge and neckline. This almost gives the illusion of wearing a statement piece. Coco Chanel, a famous designer of the early 20th century, reimagined the pearls as symbols for female independence and not just aristocratic status. This spirit has been repeated on international runways. Dior has embraced pearl accents in clothing and accessories. Simone Rocha, Vivienne Westwood and others have played with subversive styling of pearls. Manish Malhotra’s Fernandez sari gives this long-standing Western obsession a translation for Indian occasion wear.

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It’s a feeling that is becoming more and more familiar. Open Instagram in the morning to see a sculptural dress with three-dimensional fabric waves unfurling from the body. It’s almost like the gown is in motion. You know what you are looking at, even though it seems futuristic and fantastical. The headline says: [insert name of celebrity] at [insert name of event]. The list of celebrities keeps growing, from Shakira to Serena Williams. Gupta showcased a mix of eveningwear, couture, and menswear at the Hyderabad Fashion Week, focusing on what Harrods in London has been buying. “Most of what we are showing is a Harrods Edit,” he says. “They sell evening gowns, dresses, and even our beaded garments to their customers worldwide really well. It just felt like the right moment.” It just felt right.” Courtesy of the brandVogue India spoke with Gaurav Gupta ahead of the showcase to discuss creative challenges, calculated risk, and why authenticity is so important. I enjoy the challenge of creating something that is wearable by more people while still retaining GG magic.

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The beauty lookbook of this week was heavy in technique, whether it was blush placed slightly higher on the cheeks to lift the face or liner softened on the edges rather than sharply winged, or highlighter concentrated at specific high points. Overall, the looks explored warmth with peach and coral shades (a la Aditi Raio Hydari), balanced by neutrals to keep the mood classic. Kareena’s signature is a combination of soft mattes and natural luminosity on the skin, while her eyes and lips are defined. The placement, texture, and tone of makeup created distinct moods, without the need for anything overpowering. A rosy-peach palette was the dominant look for Janhvi Kapoor this week. Blush was placed high and slightly on the bridge of her nose for a romantic, soft effect. Her lashes were long, feathery, and separated. A warm pink wash was applied to the lids. The skin was kept luminous by a barely-there foundation and pinpoint highlighting of cheekbones. A rosy pink lipstick tied the look together, and a casual, undone updo enhanced the femininity. In Kareena Khan’s newest look, a caramel toned smoky-eye, concentrated in the outer corners, gave depth without harsh lines, and her signature kohl intensified eye makeup. The base was matte, with contouring strategically along the cheeks and jawline. The lips were a neutral beige with a hint gloss to double the glam factor while keeping the focus on her eyes. Her brows were filled in naturally and brushed out, giving that signature polished-but-effortless finish.Classic kohl-lined eyes with a slightly winged outer flick defined Sreeleela’s beauty look. A warm apricot-colored blush added brightness to her glowing, even toned base. Lips were a soft peach nude with a satin finish. The hair and makeup are traditional, but they look fresh and light. A sleek, pulled-back style with a gold ribbon bow brought out Bhumi Pednekar’s sharp liner and contoured features. Her makeup was dominated by a wing eyeliner with a precise, elongated shape and softly smoked lash definition. The complexion is satin matte with subtle bronzing to add warmth. The muted mauve-nude lips balanced the intensity of her eyes. Jacqueline’s latest look was a highlighter for her glowing, highlighted skin. Light reflected across Jacqueline’s cheekbones and forehead. Her eyes were defined with a dark brown liner, and diffused shadow to keep things classy yet sultry. A terracotta lip with a sheen added softness. Face-framing hair tendrils and half-up hairstyles enhanced the overall romantic and evening-ready look. Aditi Rao-Hydari wore her hair sleek and centre-parted to frame her jewelry and bring the focus on her facial features. A luminous base with a peach blush applied high gives the skin-like glow. Soft taupe lids with lightly defined lashes, and natural brows created a stunning contrast to the brighter lip and cheek tones. Her terracotta and coral satin lip was the star of the show, tying together the entire look.

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In the last few decades, our cultural landscape changed dramatically. We’re sick of AI slop taking over visual media as we grow tired of doomscrolling short-form content. It seems that podcasts can still provide AI-free audio satisfaction through intricate storytelling. Podcasts have become dominated by humans, in that podcast bros can be found everywhere. Many men feel compelled to share their emotional reckoning with the world at age 40. Starting a podcast is a rite-of-passage. Men with microphones can now make a living by monetizing the art of gossiping, which was once viewed as a female-only activity. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, including unfamiliar stories, histories, and discourse. They are great for listening to while you do your chores or reach your daily step count. We have compiled a list of the top podcasts in the fields of culture, beauty, education, literature and fashion. Each episode is a treasure chest of stories and experiences that continue to surprise you.

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Growing up, Karen Bigman believed the propaganda. Bigman, a certified sex educator aged 62, says, “But I’ve done this in restaurant bathrooms.” She then goes on to list other examples of her scandalous antics. “I’ve met up spontaneously in hotel rooms while the kids were home. We pulled over near a DuaneReade [convenience shop], under the fluorescent light, to do it on the back seat of the car. She insists that sex at this stage in life is not just happening but getting better. It’s even worse for some–though this is a reality that you don’t hear about very often and wouldn’t want your parents or grandparents to experience. Bodies change. Menopause, which usually begins in the 40s or 50s of a person, can cause a variety of symptoms such as vaginal dryness and painful sex. Hormonal shifts can lower libido across all sexes. Energy levels fluctuate, and acting out desires that were once automatic may now require greater effort, communication, and patience. Here’s their advice on how to maintain the spark, and the small changes they say make a big difference. Consider lube a necessity, not an option.Vaginal drying is one of the most common changes that come with ageing. This is why many people think getting frisky at this stage will be painful or uncomfortable. There are many products that can help. Lube is one of them. It’s also underrated. “Put it before you start, and have it ready during sex,” advises Bigman. She also shares her advice in her Taboo to Truth podcast: Life & Sex After 50. Lubricants reduce friction, which means there is less chance of irritation or tears, and more room for pleasure. We recommend that you apply it not only to the object being penetrated (like a vibrator or penis), but also when foreplay is taking place. For example, consider sliding it between the labial folds. Ask for exactly what you want. In some situations, it may not be a physical or logistical issue. It could be that the sex that you’re having isn’t very exciting. Tammy Nelson, an AASECT-certified AASECT sex therapist who is also speaking from personal experience, says that if sex in your relationship or marriage isn’t exciting, you won’t want to do it. “It’s just like, if a party isn’t exciting, why would you attend?”However, getting older can bring out a bluntness that your younger self may have avoided. “At some point, you don’t care anymore,” said a 64-year old woman speaking anonymously. When you realize that life is too short, you don’t worry so much about your body in certain lighting or how you sound when you climax.