JANUARY 2020, `150
THE NEW SEXY
No More Rules
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SEXUALLY FLUID
Fa u x leather for the win!
HOW TO FLY LIKE A BEAUTY EXPERT
The Insider Secrets Every Jet-Setter Should Know
WHO’S AFRAID OF THE F WORD?
What Every Feminist Needs to Read, Share, and Discuss
Vaani Kapoor
ON BOLLYWOOD, BRADLEY COOPER, AND HER SECRET OBSESSION
BE THAT (STYLISH) GIRL
100+ PICKS TO REBOOT YOUR WARDROBE
Ready, Set, 2020!
YOUR BEST YEAR EVER
(Spookily Accurate Life, Love, and Career Predictions On pg139)
contents
Jan
74
Vaani Kapoor on films, love, and all that beckons in the new year.
2020
17
68
Street Style
Fashion & Beauty
Upfront
70
Style News
94
Including Kareena Kapoor Khan on what’s keeping her busy ATM, the hottest colours of the season, why we all need to be mindful shoppers, and more...
Love & Lust
Fast Glam 40
9 Beauty Trends You Should Care About
42
“The Face Mist I Swear By...”
44
The Glossiest Lips of All Time
46
Pastel Play
48
Beauty Scoop
50
These Boots Were Made for Walking
52
Not So Knit-Picky
53
Keep It Classic
54
Puffer Daddy
55
Tartan Army
56
The Precious Few
60
Magnetic Field
62
In Full Plume
64
Conscious Luxury
66
On Neutral Ground
8
COSMOPOLITAN JANUARY 2020
How to Upgrade your Jeans and a Nice Top
84
Be the Best at Breaking Up
102 Fancy Pants
86
Why Getting Depressed After Your Wedding Is a Thing
122 Looks to Love Right Now
114 The American Dream
128 Beauty Expert
You, You, You
130 Lust List
88
Lifestylist
How to Save a Girl’s Trip When Things Go Wrong
102
Rich, plush fabrics that are all the rage RN.
On the Cover 74 Covergirl Vaani Kapoor The actor opens up about her journey so far: waiting for the right projects, not selling herself short at work, and the achievement she’s most proud of.
26 “It’s 2020! Why Are We Still ‘Wondering’ If We’re Feminists?” Our columnist puts out a pertinent question all nonfeminists need to ask themselves.
36 Travel Like a Beauty Genius The step-by-step (along with product recos) on how to take off and land looking like a Goddess!
132 Art In Paradise
82 Let’s Talk About Sexual Fluidity Why more and more
Only In Cosmo
In Every Issue
people are no longer strictly hetero or strictly not.
90
12
Hello, Feminist Stamps
130
Everything you need for a flawless face this party season
From the Editor
14
You Tell Us
92
Quiz
148 Last Word
139 Everything That’s Gonna Happen to You This Year Your horoscope for the year, plus, a lowdown on all the eclipses and retrogrades, and how they’ll affect you.
The Cover Look!
Photographer: Taras Taraporvala; Styling: Zunaili Malik; Hair: Suhas Mohite; Make-Up: Anil Chinnappa; Location courtesy: Hilton Mumbai International Airport Hotel. Vaani is wearing: faux leather blazer, jeans, belt and earrings, all Mango.
Q Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa Publisher Karen Wilson Kumar
WHAT’S ON TOP OF YOUR 2020 BUCKET LIST?
Editor Nandini Bhalla Associate Editor Meghna Sharma
Features
Senior Features Editor Humra Afroz Khan
Fashion
Senior Stylist Priyanka Yadav Contributing Stylist Zunaili Malik
“To finally get down to realising my childhood dream of exploring the pyramids in Egypt.”
“To attend the Olympics this year.”
Art
Chief Designer Satender Sharma Senior Designer Mandeep Singh, Vineet Singh Digital Video Editor Nitin Singh, Sanyam Purohit
Production
Chief Production Gajendra Bhatt Assistant Manager Production Narendra Singh
Creative
Art Director Siddharth Kapil
Team
Senior General Manager (South) Kamalinee Chatterjee Senior General Manager (North) Mary Mehrunnisa General Manager (West) Clive Santa Maria General Manager (West) Santosh Damankar Branch head (East) Gurjeet Walia
“To take a ferry ride in the Bay of Bengal.”
Marketing
Senior Managers Akshat Upadhyay and Yusuf Tanvir
Sales and Operations
“To go on a road trip from Delhi to Goa.”
Chief General Manager D.V.S.Rama Rao Senior General Manager (National Sales) Deepak Bhatt General Manager (Operations) Vipin Bagga Deputy General Manager (North) Rajeev Gandhi Deputy Regional Sales Manager (South) S Paramasivam Senior Sales Manager (East) Piyush Ranjan Das
“To travel to Milan, and attend the Fashion Week.”
Consumer Marketing Services
Deputy General Manager (Operations) G L Ravik Kumar VOLUME 24 NUMBER 282 PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED MONTHLY BY LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., BY PERMISSION OF HEARST COMMUNICATIONS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. EDITORIAL/CORPORATE OFFICE: LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., INDIA TODAY MEDIAPLEX, FC-8, SECTOR-16A, FILM CITY, GAUTAM BUDH NAGAR, NOIDA (UP)-201 301, UTTAR PRADESH; PHONES: (120) 4807 100; NEW DELHI ● SUBSCRIPTIONS: FOR ASSISTANCE, CONTACT CUSTOMER CARE, INDIA TODAY GROUP, C-9 SECTOR 10, NOIDA (UP) - 201301; TEL: 0120-2479900 FROM DELHI & FARIDABAD; 0120-2479900 (MONDAY-FRIDAY, 10 AM-6 PM) FROM REST OF INDIA; TOLL FREE NO: 1800 1800 100 (FROM BSNL/ MTNL LINES); FAX: 0120-4078080; E-MAIL: wecarebg@intoday.com ● IMPACT OFFICES: 1201, 12TH FLOOR, TOWER 2A, INDIABULLS CENTRE (JUPITER MILLS)SB MARG, LOWER PAREL (WEST) MUMBAI-400013 ● INDIA TODAY MEDIAPLEX , FC-8, SECTOR- 16A, FILM CITY, NOIDA – 201301 ● 98-A, DR RADHAKRISHNAN SALAI, 2ND FLOOR, MYLAPORE, CHENNAI 600 004; PHONES: 28478526-41; TELEX: 041-6177 INTO IN; FAX: 28472178; CABLE: LIVMEDIA, CHENNAI ● 201-204, RICHMOND TOWERS, 2ND FLOOR, 12 RICHMOND ROAD, BENGALURU, 560 025; PHONES: 2221 2448; 22213037; TELEX: 0845-2217 INTO IN; FAX: 080-2221 8335; CABLE: LIVMEDIA BENGALURU. ● 52, J.L. NEHRU ROAD, 4TH FLOOR, KOLKATA 700 071; PHONES: 2282 5398, 2282 7726, 2282 1922; FAX: 033-2282 7254, CABLE: LIVINMEDIA. KOLKATA ● 6-3-885/7/B, SOMAJIGUDA, HYDERABAD, 500 082; PHONES: 331 1657, 339 0479; TELEX: 0425-2085 THOM IN. FAX: 040-339 0484. ● 39/1045, 1ST FLOOR, KARAKKAT ROAD, COCHIN 682 016; PHONE: 0484-2377057, 2377058; FAX: 0484-2377059 ● 2C, “SURYA RATH BLDG” 2ND FLOOR, BEHIND WHITE HOUSE, PANCHVATI, OFF. C.G. ROAD, AHMEDABAD-380 006; PHONES: 656 0393, 656 0929; FAX: 656 5293. ● COPYRIGHT 1996, LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY MANNER IS PROHIBITED. ● PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY KAREN WILSON KUMAR ON BEHALF OF LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED. PRINTED AT THOMSON PRESS, INDIA LIMITED, 18-35 MILE STONE, DELHI MATHURA ROAD, FARIDABAD-121007, (HARYANA). PUBLISHED AT K-9, CONNAUGHT CIRCUS, NEW DELHI110001. EDITOR: NANDINI BHALLA. COSMOPOLITAN DOES NOT TAKE THE RESPONSIBILiTY FOR RETURNING UNSOLICITED PUBLICATION MATERIAL. ● ALL DISPUTES ARE SUBJECT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF COMPETENT COURTS AND FORUMS IN DELHI/NEW DELHI ONLY. ● REGISTERED OFFICE: 9, K BLOCK, CONNAUGHT CIRCUS, NEW DELHI 110 001. COPYRIGHT LIVING MEDIA INDIA LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY MANNER IS PROHIBITED.
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INTERNATIONAL EDITORS ARGENTINA, AUSTRALIA: LORNA GRAY, BRITAIN: FARRAH STORR, BULGARIA, CHILE, CHINA: YVONNE LIU, CROATIA: ALEKSANDRA ORLIC , CZECH REPUBLIC: SABRINA KARASOVA, FINLAND: STINA MANTYNIEMI, FRANCE: MARIE LA FONTA, GERMANY: ANJA DELASTIK, HONG KONG: RUQIYAH LAW KAM YING, HUNGARY: JOHANNA SABJÁN, INDONESIA: FILISYA THUNGGAWAN, ITALY: FRANCESCA DELOGU, KAZAKHSTAN: ANEL ABDUALIYEVA, KOREA: HYE SOO PARK, LATIN AMERICA: LUCÍA SOTELO SANTOS, LITHUANIA: VIOLETA KALIKAUSKIENE, MALAYSIA: NISA HALID, MIDDLE EAST: KAVITA SRINIVASAN, NETHERLANDS: JOSEPHINE KAY, POLAND, ROMANIA: DIANA COLCER, RUSSIA: ALIONA PENEVA, SERBIA: NASJA VELJKOVIC, SLOVENIA: MANCA ČAMPA PAVLIN, SOUTH AFRICA: HOLLY MEADOWS, SPAIN: CECILIA MUZQUIZ HERRERO, SRI LANKA, TURKEY: OZLEM KOTAN, UKRAINE: OLEKSANDRA BURYNSKA, USA: JESSICA PELS
Editor’s Letter
WELCOME TO 2020! It’s likely that you have already established some work/weight/life resolutions for yourself. But my wish for you, at the dawn of a new decade, is this: in 2020—and beyond—I hope you truly, unequivocally believe in yourself. See, I know you have all these amazing ideas. I know you have lofty dreams that fill you with both excitement and trepidation. Maybe it’s a promising business venture; perhaps it’s the job you’ve always wanted; or it could be your idea of the perfect life. Whatever your ‘fire in the belly’ is, here’s what I know for certain: the only way you’ll make those ideas and dreams a reality, is by having unshakeable faith in yourself.
We already know that positive selfbelief is the crucial ingredient that makes successful people successful— literally every corporate doyen and selfhelp author has spoken about it. That inner conviction, a winning spirit, the mindset that you can do and achieve anything. What we often do not know, however, is how to get to that stage of unfaltering faith in our own potential and abilities. Especially if we have grown up around people who have instilled fear or doubt in our minds. But a new set of habits—empowering ones—can change all that. First, adopt the kind of habits that boost confidence. And practice them every single day. I want you to set daily, mini goals for yourself and really commit to them. These goals could be an hour at the gym, getting to work at 9am or reading 20 pages of a book. With every petite achievement, you’ll change your perception of you—and start seeing yourself as someone with both motivation and will power. Next, review the people you spend the most time with. And dethrone any naysayers. That could mean a friend from college who still sees you as a blundering teenager or an uncle who frequently proclaims that ‘startups are too risky’. (Bear in mind that one of these cynics might also be your own critical inner voice.) Replace all the skeptics with your personal ‘inspiration posse’. Women who have beaten the odds, entrepreneurs who made their dreams happen despite the odds, and high performance individuals. Surround yourself with people who not only
believe in you, but also follow an attitude of positivity and endless possibilities in their own lives. This bit about the right attitude is absolutely critical: according to several studies, we automatically imitate and match the behaviours of those around us (which is why you’ll often find yourself feeling sad around pessimistic people). Finally, change the way you speak to yourself: the words you use have a scientifically-proven impact on your perceptions and reality. Don’t call yourself an idiot. Don’t tell yourself you’re not good enough. Instead, remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have achieved in the past, and the goals you are meeting every day. And while you’re at it, spend some time evaluating what you’ve been feeding your mind. The books you read, the Netflix shows you watch, the Instagram accounts you follow...are they sending out empowering or disempowering messages? In the end, self-belief largely depends on how you see yourself, what you feed your mind, and the small-but-crucial things you do daily. And every little memo that your brain receives can push you closer or further away from your goals. I hope your sky has no limit! Until next month,
Nandini Bhalla, Editor nandini.bhalla@intoday.com Follow me on Instagram: nandinibhalla
4 THINGS I’M LOVIN‘ RIGHT NOW
This colour blocked, formflattering number by Sameer Madan, `15,500, isn’t just bodycon, it also makes for the perfect body geometry.
No-one does print better thank Manish Arora. I can think of so many fabulous ways to style this skirt (`35,230), including with another printed item for a statement like no other.
I love statement earrings, and there’s something superempowering about these wingshaped ones by Deepa Gurnani, `7,000 approx.
Taking logo mania to new heights, these Fendi boots, price on request, are the perfect standout element that can take any look up several notches.
TWO FOR JOY!
“The formidable duo of Kangana Ranaut and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on the cover looked so fierce! It is always inspiring to see women support other women, encourage them, and lift them up. The film industry can be cut-throat, and especially harsh to women who have to prove their mettle much more than their male counterparts. This kind of professional bond is just what women need to soar to greater heights.”
REDEFINING NORMS
—Satvikaa Gulati
YOU TELL US December Issue
“I was pleasantly surprised to read Breaking the Binary. It was such an interesting piece, and explained the concept of gender-fluid fashion so eloquently. Another feature that I loved flipping through was All That Shimmers. I always enjoy the beauty segment, too, and this time was no different. 3 Derms On the Rules of Cleansing, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Runway To Real Life were informative and interesting. Shall try the trends and let you know.” —Naina Joshi
Won It! All the letters on this page have won a fabulous hamper worth over `5,000 from Nykaa Beauty. With some amazing products like Strobe & Glow Liquid Highlighter, Prep Me Up! Face Primer, lipsticks, masks, and more, it's the perfect gift for all your beauty needs!
Got something to say? Write to Cosmopolitan, 3rd Floor, India Today Mediaplex, FC-8, Sector 16-A, Film City, Noida - 201301; or e-mail: cosmo@intoday.com
BEST OF THE YEAR
“Cosmo’s Best-Dressed List 2019 was much-anticipated, and muchenjoyed! While the ladies, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Priyanka Chopra Jonas et al, were my favourites to track last year, it was interesting to see the gents upping their fashion game, too. Hot Guys Who Travel, The Best Blush of Your Life, and Sex Robots Were Always Going to Be a Thing were some other stories I liked. Diverse and well-puttogether, Cosmo.” —Komal Shah
14
COSMOPOLITAN JANUARY 2020
EXHIBITING AWESOME
“I'm not a short-story person, but I found Winds of Change engrossing. It was interesting to read the author’s pieces on new beginnings in life, and some were quite deep and philosophical. Great that you gave the writers a platform to showcase their talent and reach out. The Big Party Edit and Dresses to Kill were fun reads, too. I may have already added a few items to my cart!” —Tarini Kumar FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
UPFRONT BIG NEWS AND NEED-TO-KNOW INFO IN EASY BITES
HELLO, KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN
Mrs Khan, of the epic cheekbones, was recently in Bengaluru to launch a new collection at the Forever 21 store. We caught up with the actor on the trends she adores, her wardrobe picks, and what’s keeping her busy ATM.
Photograph: ARJUN MARK
By Humra Afroz Khan
treasured item in your closet? KKK: “It would have to be my denim collection. I never throw away my jeans. Ever. If you consider heirloom pieces, then it would be my wedding outfit. It has been passed down between three generations—first my mum-in-law’s mum-in-law wore it, then my mum-in-law, and then I wore it. It’s something I will treasure forever.”
C: What are your wardrobe staples this season? KKK: “A black, shimmery dress, a pair of distressed jeans, a jacket or a blazer, and a nice sweater.” C: And your favourite trend? KKK: “I’m actually obsessed with boots right now. I have over 100 pairs! They’re perfect for winter, but if I had my way, I’d wear them the whole year round and pack them for every trip, everywhere.” C: What’s the one trend you can’t wait to get done with? KKK: “Um, I can’t think of any. Anyway, I don’t stick to trends...I make my own.” [Laughs] C: What’s the most
C: So how many pair of jeans do you own? KKK: “More than 50... easily.” C: And an item of clothing you regret buying? KKK: “All the bodycon dresses in my closet! Because now, when I look at them, they make me cringe. I’m like, ‘Ugh, I can’t wear these!’. You know, after having a baby, I just can’t!”
C: Do you have a beauty hack? KKK: “There’s no hack really, I have genetically good skin. But I make sure I moisturise it well and always stay hydrated.” C: What are the top three products in your beauty bag?
KKK: “A primer, moisturiser, and a bottle of water...I drink a lot of water.” C: If you could have a warning sign, what would it say? KKK: “Red hot!” C: What makes Kareena Kapoor Khan angry ? KKK: “When she doesn’t get her food on time! I’m such a Punjabi and a big foodie... So whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it has to be on time or I can’t function.” C: Who knows you the best? KKK: “Saif [Ali Khan]... hopefully”. [Laughs] n
C: Have you ever been uncomfortable for fashion? KKK: “I’m the kind of a person who just won’t wear it if I feel uncomfortable. I would just put my foot down, and tell them honestly that I can’t.” C: When not working, how long do you take to get dressed? KKK: “You’ll be shocked...I can get dressed in under 20 minutes! My family and friends are always surprised. They all say, ‘Bebo is always the first one to get ready!”.
Photographs: INSTAGRAM
Cosmo: What did you think of Forever 21’s latest collection? Kareena Kapoor Khan: “I love it! This collection has a lot of dressy pieces, perfect for the party season and even otherwise. I can see a lot of stuff that I’d like to pick up!”
C: What’s your go-to outfit and make-up for a night-out? KKK: “A pair of jeans with a nice jumper—maybe black, with some sequins—always works. The combination looks really chic. As for makeup, it’ll always be kajal—I love my eyes nicely kohled.”
MAXI PIERCING
PRABAL GURUNG
ETRO
‘Should I take my earring out if I get an infection?’ ‘How do I speed up the healing process?’ ‘Can you ever have too many piercings?’ We asked industry experts all your piercing-related queries. By Amy Bannerman
ALTUZARRA
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
upfront
Is there anything that can help make the piercing process less painful? “If you’re on your period, you may be more sensitive to pain,” says Penny. But, adds Clem Kirchmeier, GM, Metal Morphosis, a popular tattoo and piercing parlour in London, “Painkillers shouldn’t be used beforehand as most are blood-thinning.” Rhianna Jones, piercer at The Circle, London, suggests “eating
Photograph: ELLIOTT WILCOX
What’s better, a piercing gun or needle? “Needles are sterile, single-use, and hurt a lot less, whereas a gun is essentially a blunt object punching through your ear at high impact—it’ll always feel more sore,” says UKbased Penny Burrows at Maria Tash, Harrods, who’s pierced Kate Moss and Idris Elba.
PA I N - O - M E T R E
GOLDEN RULES OF OTT EARS 1
by Clem Kirchmeier SLIGHT SCRATCH
SQUEEZE A HAND
BITE SOMETHING
HELIX
AURICLE
PREPARE TO SWEAR *SILENT SCREAMS*
INDUSTRIAL
2
FORWARD HELIX
SNUG
ROOK
ORBITAL
DAITH
Do your research. Go to your piercer the same way you would your hairdresser—armed with research and ideas for how you’d like to look. “I use Instagram and Pinterest as my sources of inspiration,” says multi-pierced influencer Monikh (@Monikh). Rome wasn’t built in a day. You can never have too many piercings (within reason), but, “We recommend having no more than three done per session,” says Penny at Maria Tash. So if you’re aiming for six, speak to your piercer about staggering them.
3 CONCH
ANTI TRAGUS
UPPER LOBE
Go maximal (not minimal). “Large layered earrings is the next big trend,” says Monikh. ”Think gold, layered, shells, and dangly, alongside tiny studs.”
TRAGUS
4
TRANSVERSE LOBE
LOBE
“The upper lobe is a fun accent to an existing first lobe piercing, especially one that has a low placement. Our stylists normally suggest a small metal or diamond stud as it matches the first lobe jewellery and can be worn continuously,” says Penny.
one to two hours before”. You could also channel your inner zen, as The Circle’s piercers use yoga breathing during the procedure. Why do I get metal allergies? “Allergies to certain metals often lie within the nickel content. We don’t know how or why certain people are more sensitive than others,” says Penny. “At Maria Tash, we only pierce with completely nickel-free gold. Some other studios pierce with titanium, which also has a low nickel content. Never get pierced with silver because it oxidises and increases the risk of infection and allergic reactions.” Rhianna says, “We only recommend piercing with implantgrade titanium, which is used in surgical procedures like knee and hip replacements. Anything of a lower grade isn’t suitable to live in the body.” Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a renowned dermatologist in the UK, agrees that
surgical-grade titanium is the safest metal to pierce with: “Certain types of stainless steel are made to contain the nickel within the metal, so it isn’t released into the body. Despite this, personally, I’d avoid it for a fresh piercing.” She adds, “If you’ve ever reacted to jewellery, watches, or belt buckles, it’s also important to get this assessed before piercing.” What should I do if my piercing gets infected? “Don’t take it out immediately. You might trap the infection in your ear if it heals up,” says Penny. To help avoid this, Clem advises, “Use the right aftercare products, like a pre-made sterile saline solution, don’t touch it, use fresh towels and pillow cases regularly, and don’t swim in public pools for a while.” If you’re concerned about an infection, or there doesn’t seem to be any improvement within a n couple of days, see your GP. FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Get crafty. “I have tiny, goodquality gold hoops, and I often hang little charms or pendants from flea markets from them," says Cosmo US's Fashion Director, Amy Bannerman. Unrelated fact: save tarnished, silver earrings by placing them in a bowl with ketchup for five minutes, then using a toothbrush to gently rub off any discolouration.
5 If you don’t want to go the whole way, fake it till you make it with cuffs and huggers, which are essentially pretend hoops. “They stay put even when sleeping or showering and look so realistic. Instant pain-free style!” says Amy.
6 Layer, layer and layer again. “You can sometimes fit a tiny stud into the same hole as a hoop so it ends up looking like one earring,” Amy explains. Nifty, eh?
3 PLACES TO GET PIERCED
• Body Canvas Studio, New Delhi and Mumbai. Specialises in (almost) painless piercings. Vikas Malani, Owner and Chief Piercer, is also a great conversationist, aka distraction. • Devilz Tattooz, New Delhi. Offers an especially large range of piercings. • Kraazyonz Tattoo Studios, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Known for their aftercare: from baby concerns to big-ish queries.
JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
21
upfront
COLOUR CODED
2020 is kickstarting on a bright-AF note. Here are all #trending shades your wardrobe needs Right. This. Minute. By Priyanka Yadav; Text: Meghna Sharma
EMPORIO ARMANI
SIDDHARTHA BANSAL
ALEXANDER WANG
SHRIMPS
MAX MARA
EARTHY, BUT MAKE IT GLAM Less neutral, more nutty, brown has undergone a serious makeover...opening business for fun. Geddit?! We saw a host of cool looks— both structured and fluid—that establish that it’s the perf dayto-night shade.
FENDI
ESSÉ
DIKSHA KHANNA CHANEL
NINA RICCI
THE ZINGER A cerulean bucket hat is a great way to colour-block a casual orange or brown look.
BURBERRY
BOTTEGA VENETA
VALENTINO
TANGY TOUCH Orange—and its cousins— are both fearless and elegant. There are plenty of ways to work these shades—a solid coat to add a burst of colour; stripes, spots or splashes of tangerine for day; a printed co-ord set that sets you apart in a crowd; or a graphic evening number for a soirée—this loud-yet-warm hue can do it all with élan.
RODARTE
GAURI AND KUNAL BORA O AKSU SU
GAURAV GUPTA
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
Fashion Intern: STUTI KHETARPAL
SIMONE ROCHA
431-88 BY SHWETA KAPUR
DOLCE & GABBANA
BLUE BLOODED When in doubt, wear (royal) blue. You can’t go wrong, really. Be it day dresses or OTT, evening ones, pantsuits or ittybitty minis, this shade is your universal ticket to looking stylish...always!
HENRIK VIBSKOV
GAURI & NAINIKA
BALENCIAGA
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
RODARTE RO TE
THE ZINGER An old partner-instyle for blue, and a bold pick with delicate lavender, jewel tones are just the stylish shock value your outfit needs.
LAVENDER LOVIN‘ This summer shade endured and came ame out a winner this season, too. Spotted in luxe fabrics, lavender shed its pastel personality and has turned into a year-round winner. The biggest pro is that it’s so very versatile— while florals are evergreen, lavish some lave love on yellows or browns for a sunny brunch, or blues and greys for an evening shindig.
VALENTINO
GREY AREA Once deemed as austere, grey took centre-stage this season—runways were replete with this hue in all forms and finishes. Apart from usual suspects (read, grey pantsuits and metallic puffer jackets), we loved the interplay of fabrics to create monochrome looks—check Gucci and Balmain—while Alexander McQueen and Rodarte stole the show with their OTT versions.
NINA RICCI
THE ZINGER A vibrant pair such as this one will inject a dose of fun to a steelygrey outfit, or further amplify yellows for an IG-worthy finish.
JIL SANDER
STELLA McCARTNEY
THE GEN Z YELLOW After Millennial Pink came this sunny hue that has come to define Gen Z. Extending the yellow shade fam, this delicious colour—a love child of lemon rind and marigold—is both bright and neutral at once. Read: strong enough to hold its own, and a good team player that works well with shades like pastels to all shades dark.
GAURI & NAINIKA
MAISON MARGIELA
RODARTE
TOM O FORD O D
ALEXANDER McQUEEN
GUCCI
ULLA JOHNSON N
ROBERTO CAVALLI
BALMAIN
OFF-WHITE
upfront
upfront
Our guest columnist sheds light on the real meaning of feminism, and why we all, unequivocally, need to put our weight behind it.
I
“
—By Shaili Chopra
’ve always thought of myself a feminist. I’ve known no other way. Even if the word ‘feminism’ entered my lexicon late in life, I’ve believed in it since the time I’ve recognised that women have to fight for their rightful place in the world. In a country like India, you’ve got to be bold and fearless to start conversations on feminism, because of the intensely patriarchal society we’ve been raised in. How many of us have been told, repeatedly, to not raise our voices, to sit daintily, be coy, to not roll our eyes, or not talk back?! Being able to express your opinion is a privilege of a few. As is being able to say no.
Over the course of my career, as I spent time speaking to thousands of women, it was evident that a majority of Indian women are forced to garb their real self, and patriarchy came packaged in everyday things. As a result, most women didn’t have a voice. In recent years, feminist movements have attracted significant attention across the world, and yet, so many women still say they don’t identify with the term! It’s 2020, and we’re still ‘wondering’. Here’s my bit to help. Feminism isn’t about reserving seats in a metro or making rides free on a bus. It’s about creating a public discourse on rights, sexism, behaviour,
From active participation as the Indian suffragettes in the Women’s Coronation Procession in 1911 (pic) to many a movement today, women have had to fight for their rightful place in the world.
discrimination, class, culture, genders. We all need to talk. Not behind closed doors, but out in the open. And loudly. And clearly. And together. Men and women. This is what led me to found SheThePeople, which has championed the dialogue on everyday feminism. Feminism isn’t about bashing men, but about lifting women. Being a feminist is important to me because I need to speak up against anyone who reduces my worth as a woman. I’m a feminist because, among other things, I believe in equality of men, women and other genders—I want to raise my son to be a better man, and my daughter a better fighter of patriarchy. Feminism advocates equal rights for both men and women. Many women don’t get promotions, or sometimes even jobs, because of marriage and maternity. As a woman, I must have control over my body, my reproductive rights, and safety. I can raise my voice or choose to be silent and both will be an act of feminism. Each of us has our own brand of feminism. It’s an unseen belief and force that empowers us. It urges you to believe that there’s no one definition of feminism...it comes draped in ambition, vulnerability, power, fundamental rights, motherhood, singlehood, wealth,
“Feminism isn’t about reserving seats in a metro or making rides free on a bus.” opportunity (or the lack of it), and depravity. It’s ultimately about creating access to opportunity and having agency. So, if you simply remind yourself that ‘feminism is really about having the right to be who you want to be’, we’d end further debate on whether or not we are feminists, and get down to championing each other and lifting each other intellectually, physically, culturally, financially, and emotionally. Women in India are a community still waiting to be mainstreamed, and I think feminism is what promises to change that.” n
Photograph: PINTEREST
“IT’S 2020! WHY ARE WE ARE STILL ‘WONDERING’ IF WE ARE FEMINISTS?”
upfront
We caught up with perfumer Erwin Creed at the launch of the brand’s flagship boutique at The Chanakya, New Delhi, to learn more about the iconic brand and its penchant for fine ingredients. Cosmo: You are the seventh-generation member of the Creed family... Were you naturally drawn to the world of perfumery, or was it a path that was already carved out? Erwin Creed: “When I was young, I wanted to be a fireman, and then it changed to Formula One driver. I guess I wanted to do something different from what my family was into. But as you get older and learn the process, you fall in love with it.”
“I don’t like to wear perfumes!”
C: What inspires you to create a new scent? EC: “I’m driven by the urge to create something different. When we launched our oud range, we knew it was very popular in the Middle East, but because everyone was doing it, we had to be careful... It didn’t do well in the Middle East (because it was lighter as compared to the ones you get there), but we’ve had so many customers tell us that they don’t like oud, but they love our oud-based scents.”
C: Does your nose ever get tired? EC: “Well, I get tired when I hate a best-selling perfume— that forces me to understand why people love it. But I like to take my decisions in the morning, because your nose is less ‘polluted’ at that time. ” C: What’s the one thing no-one knows about you? EC: “That I don’t like to wear perfumes!” C: And why is that? EC: “To be able to smell well. If I’m wearing a strong scent, I won’t be able to work on and judge the one that I’m working on.” C: What’s new in the world of Creed? EC: “Each fragrance is a new one for us. We work with a lot of natural ingredients, and when we mix them to create a certain scent, each batch smells a little different...as if the fragrance n has evolved.” (Top to bottom) Creed fragrances are often inspired by beautiful locales around the world. Just some examples: the French Riviera, snowcapped Swiss Alps, and the iconic Hollywood Sign in LA
ERWIN’S TOP PICKS FOR COSMO 1. Creed Silver Mountain Water: Inspired by the snowcapped Swiss Alps, this adventurous scent features notes of blackcurrants, green tea, bergamot and sandalwood. 2. Creed Spring Flower: This fruity-floral perfume captures the glamour of Hollywood in a bottle. Fresh and flirty, it’s the perfect fume for the season ahead. 3. Creed Love In White: An ode to Creed’s passion for luxe ingredients, Love In White features ingredients from five continents. Also, the day it was launched, the Empire State Building was illuminated in white lights as a tribute to the scent.
By: MEGHNA SHARMA
Erwin Creed
WELCOME TO INDIA, CREED!
upfront C: And what kind of scents do you like your man to wear? JK: “I really like it when a little bit of your scent rubs off on them, and mixes with theirs...” C: Is there a drugstore product that you swear by... JK: “I’m addicted to the Nykaa Lip Crush Macaron Lip Balms.”
Cosmo caught up with the lovely Janhvi K, the Global Ambassador for United Colors of Benetton (UCB) Fragrances, on the scents she can’t get enough of, her beauty ideals, women she looks up to, and more.
C: ...and a luxury beauty product you can’t help but splurge on? JK: “I make sure I always splurge on a really good moisturiser and sunscreen—the two mains in my beauty bag.” C: On days you’re not feeling your best, how do you keep yourself motivated? JK: “By sweating it out in the gym.” C: Who’s the one celebrity you look up to? JK: “Kareena [Kapoor Khan], because she’s so comfortable in her skin and not afraid to be unabashedly herself.”
Cosmo: So, what does beauty mean to you? Janhvi Kapoor: “While I feel there’s no one correct definition of beauty, to me, it means being comfortable and confident about who you are.” C: You’re the Global Ambassador for Benetton Perfumes; what do you like most about their scents? JK: “I really like how Benetton has taken their belief in inclusivity and created the United Dreams Together range. UCB has always spoken about accepting people from different cultures, and this philosophy of theirs has come alive in scent form with such varied notes coming together.” C: What kind of fragrances do you like? JK: “I generally gravitate towards fresh scents—and absolutely detest anything overpowering.”
C: If you had only five minutes to do your make-up, you would... JK: “...go with a bare face and swipe on blue n eyeliner.”
United Colors of Benetton United Dream Together For Him EDT, `1,900, and For Her EDT, `1,400
By: MEGHNA SHARMA; Lead Image: SUSHANT KADAM; Other Images: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
CHATTING UP JANHVI KAPOOR
“IT’S TIME TO BE AN INFORMED SHOPPER”
TIBI
RAHUL MISHRA STELLA McCARTNEY
ABRAHAM & THAKORE
(This page and opposite) There are a number of brands, from Tibi and Stella McCartney to Rahul Mishra, Anita Dongre and more, that are working with sustainable and ethical fashion
“T
Our guest columnist, a mindful fashion advocate, makes a strong case for ‘good fashion’, what a conscious consumer should take into account, and how it is more than just choosing natural fabrics over synthetic... 32
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—By Sujata Assomull
he one constant in fashion is change. But the way things have changed in the last few years can only be called a revolution. A decade ago, we were hailing the advent of well-priced and accessible fashion, as the democratisation of fashion. Finally, fashion wasn’t just for the privileged, everyone had access to style—thanks to stores like Zara, H&M and Forever 21. It became known as ‘Fast Fashion’ because of the way these stores were churning out new styles. It was all about consumption, on demand. Impulse shopping could now be indulged in with ease, and what more could a fashion-inclined girl ask for? KNOW THE FACTS But this seemingly perfect sartorial situation came with some serious flaws. The cost of all this was Earth-shattering, literally! Fashion has now earned itself the position of the second biggest polluter in the world. We throw out an estimated 50 million tonnes of clothing every year, and the impact of this is life-threatening. Then there are the issues of water, climate, and ethics. Who can forget the 2013 Rana Plaza Tragedy in Bangladesh, in which a poorly maintained factory collapsed, killing over 1,100 people, and injuring about 2,500, who were all working for a pittance? Just last month, about 40 workers died in Delhi in a fire at an illegal
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
ANITA DONGRE
Nicobar is one of the homegrown brands that uses sustainable materials like Cupro and Modal to make products
RAJESH PRATAP SIUNGHL L
SPEND SMART Yes, these pieces are more expensive. But we need to spend on ‘good fashion’. Balance it out by buying less, but buying well...be a smart shopper. You need to stay updated. Google labels when in doubt (just make sure it’s a reliable source). Instead of following brands and influencers that make you want to shop, choose websites and women who look at fashion through a mindful eye. No-one is telling you to stop being a fashion girl, it’s just being a responsible fashion girl. BUY SOMETHING WHEN YOU LOVE IT Just because a garment is ethical or sustainable doesn’t mean you should buy it. When you love something, you’ll want to repeat it. As I often say, it’s chic to repeat. Did you know that, by extending the lifespan of your clothes by just nine extra months of active use, you’d be reducing carbon, water, and waste footprints by around 20%-30% each? Only shop when you feel good— you tend to shop less when you’re in a positive frame of mind, which is why you should never shop in your sweats and no make-up, or check out e-tail
AMIT AGGARWAL
THE NEW MATERIAL WORLD It’s now time to be an informed shopper. Being ‘materialistic’ today has a new, positive meaning. And it’s not as simple as just choosing natural fabrics over synthetic. Take conventional cotton as an example. It takes 20,000 gallons of water to make a single pair of denim cotton jeans, and up to 3,000 to make a T-shirt. Plus, this thirsty plant requires a high level of pesticides (which contain toxins) to grow. Cotton is an enemy of environment. Leather and fur are a complete no-no, find other ways to keep warm. When it comes to silk, too, we’re hearing of many ethical issues: there’s a human cost, as some silk producers don’t pay fair wages; there are child labour issues as well. Which is why you need to ask the question: ‘Who made my clothes?’. Often, man-made materials, referred to as futuristic fabrics, are better options. They are made from cellulose (which is plant-derived, hence, biodegradable), or recycled (that follow the reuse-andrepurpose mantra). Tencel and Econyl are great examples, and labels such as Tibi and Anita Dongre, among others, are using these fabrics.
AMIT AGGARWAL
PÉRO BY ANEETH ARORA
factory that made school bags. Unless fashion cleans up its act, it’ll be responsible for ending life on Earth as we know it. As Greta Thunberg said, ‘We already have all the facts and solutions. All we have to do is wake up and change.’ And so, sustainability has become the new buzzword—be it Gucci or Gap, they’re all taking steps to be responsible for the impact fashion has on everything around us.
websites when bored. And ask yourself these questions: ‘Will I wear it at least 30 times?’, ‘Is it filling a gap in my wardrobe?’, ‘Does it work with the other pieces I own?’. Remember, evening pieces are meant to be special buys—if you know you’re only going to wear it once, look at renting it, instead. For statement accessories, pre-loved is an option that’s better, both on your wallet and the environment. And that’s what ‘good fashion’ is all about today. It’s about being a conscious consumer and still being on-trend. And the added benefits are that, in the long run, you’ll have a more stylish wardrobe and will be spending money wisely.” n Worldwide protests against Fast Fashion, due to the dangers it poses, are now quite common
upfront
THESE BOOKS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE Really! We read a pile of self-help books to see which might.
M
The Career One When To Jump by Mike Lewis, amazon. in, `227 Why should I listen to him? Because all the bosses you admire do. We’re talking Arianna Huffington and Sheryl Sandberg (who loves him so much, she even wrote the foreword). Who is it for? People who really, really hate their job, but also like all the benefits that come with
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it—the salary, unlimited free tea bags, et al. Mike shows you how to follow your dreams without suddenly yelling, ‘I quit, and I hate everyone here’ in the middle of Monday’s 11am meeting. What’s actually in it? Real-life stories from those who left deadend jobs to pursue dream careers, with Mike’s take on what you can learn from them. Best piece of advice? “I feared life without a regular pay cheque. An older friend didn’t seem too concerned: ‘Careers are long,’ she told me.” You might be worked up about your decision now, but it’s unlikely you will be in 10 years’ time.
The Healthy One The 4 Pillar Plan by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, amazon.in, `639 Why should I listen to him? Because he’s a doctor. And he’s cool. And he’s also been on television. (He’s the resident medic on a UK series called Doctor In The House.) Who is it for? Those of us who want to be healthy without giving up the things in life we
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
love. Mainly pasta. What’s actually in it? It consists of four sections: Eat, Sleep, Relax and Move, with detailed breakdowns on how to incorporate healthy habits into all areas of your life. Best piece of advice? That we need more Akkermansia Muciniphila in our diet. It’s a type of gut bug that’s associated with weight loss, and can be found in onions, garlic, artichokes, and broccoli. Rangan is mad about gut flora.
By: CATRIONA INNES, HUMRA AFROZ KHAN, AND MEGHNA SHARMA; Photograph: BIKRAMJIT BOSE
ost self-improvement books make hard-core demands on their readers. There’s the endless list-making, the constant inventorying, the patronising assertion that life will all be fine if you just ‘breathe’. Thankfully, some authors have cottoned on to the fact that we just want some good old-fashioned advice encased in a pretty book. These are they...
The Tidying One The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margaretta Magnusson, amazon.in, `380 Why should I listen to her? Döstädning (Swedish for ‘death cleaning’) is a Swedish phenomenon that has been going on for hundreds of years. Instead of asking, ‘Does this spark joy?’, you think of the impact your belongings have on others—asking, ‘Will anyone I know be happier if I save this?’. Who is it for? Those who are going to die. Spoiler alert: that’s all of us, at some point. Basically, Döstädning is that awful process of cleaning out a loved one’s belongings after they’ve died. Margaretta says we should all practise death cleaning.
The Zen One The Gift Of Silence by Kankyo Tannier, amazon.in, `299 Why should I listen to him? People talk about spirituality a lot these days, mostly while Instagramming pictures of trees. But Kankyo is the real deal: a French Buddhist nun who spent more than 15 years living in a Zen monastery. Her advice is probably more substantial than a YouTuber who tells you to ‘self-care’ with a bubble bath. Who is it for? Those who made ‘calm the f*ck down’ their New Year’s Resolution.
The Celebrity One
Calm by Fearne Cotton, amazon.in, `642 Why should I listen to her? Because she’s a lot like you (apart from being famous— she’s a British television and radio presenter). She’s juggling her career with friends, dull admin...but she also knows she needs time for herself. Who is it for? Those of us whose schedules are packed with ‘must-dos’, and heads are thick with worry.
What’s actually in it? Plenty of exercises to incorporate calmness into your life.
What’s actually in it? Interviews with experts and friends, for their precious nuggets of wisdom.
Best piece of advice? Save your favourite sex toy, but throw away the other 15.
Best piece of advice For immediate calm, practise ‘sound travel’—where you sit and listen to every noise around you, hearing the different frequencies. After a few minutes, you’ll notice your breathing slows down, and you feel more present (we tried it, it works).
Best piece of advice Got a job interview or have to give a presentation? Slow everything down. And by that, she means everything. So not just your breathing, but your movements, too. If you slow down your body and words, your beating heart will follow.
The Girl-Power One
The Coping One
The Inspiring One
What’s actually in it? Chapters for each section of your house, with tips on what to keep and what to chuck.
Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates, amazon.in, `373 Why should I listen to her? In her impressive debut as a writer, one of the most powerful women in the world makes a strong case for her gender’s empowerment. Who is it for? Every woman (and man) who wants to make a difference to the society, wants to push for one that is all-inclusive and equal, and hopes to see gender-bias in all its forms, eliminated. What’s actually in it? Among other things, Melinda offers some shocking data and moving anecdotes (including some interactions from her visits to India), and talks about how all of us can get involved and do our bit, too. Best piece of advice? “If you want to lift a society up, invest in women.” We couldn’t agree more!
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig, amazon.in, `322 Why should I listen to him? Because it’s an earnest, human guide, a ‘how to’ of sorts to deal with the social and technological pressures of modern times. It promises to touch a chord. Who is it for? Anyone looking for some clues (not panaceas!) to the numerous mental health problems that exist. What’s actually in it? A mix of autobiographical portions and researched lists, covering a multitude of subjects, issues, advice, and many small (but big) good things to remember in life. Best piece of advice “A completely connected world has the potential to go mad, all at once.” Also, instead of telling you to ‘toughen up’, he encourages to accept vulnerabilities, and seek help. FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Creativity, Inc. Overcoming The Unseen Forces That Stand In The Way Of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull (With Amy Wallace), amazon.in, `320 Why should I listen to him? Ed Catmull, Co-Founder (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter) of Pixar Animation, lets you in on his trade secret on how to build a unique creative culture. Who is it for? Managers who want to lead their employees to new heights—it’s a manual for anyone who strives for originality. What’s actually in it? Pixar movies—Toy Story trilogy, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, WALL-E, among others—are a lesson in what creativity really is. In this book, Ed takes you to the nervecentre of Pixar—their meetings, postmortems, and ‘Braintrust’ sessions that led to the birth of some of the most successful films in history. Best piece of advice? “Give a good idea to a mediocre team, and they will screw it up. But give a mediocre idea to a great team, and they will either fix it or come up with something better.” JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
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FAST GL AM HOT BEAUTY, HOT FASHION, IT’S ALL HERE
(Clockwise from L-R) Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, price on request; Givenchy L’Intemporel Blossom Beautifying Cream-In-Mist, price on request; eye mask, Primark, price on request; Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, beautybay.com, `1,470; Sileä Calming Tonic, price on request; L:A Bruket No. 116 Hand Cream, amazon.com, `1,850 approx; Jo Malone London Silk Blossom EDP, price on request; Shiseido Waso Beauty Sleeping Mask, `3,200; Liposan Lip Balm, amazon.com, `700 approx; Skin 79 All That Rose Mask, beautybay.com, `430
TRAVEL LIKE A BEAUTY GENIUS
Want to arrive at your destination looking fresh-AF? With the right kit and beauty know-how, you can off-set the damage even the stuffiest long-haul can do to your skin. By Ingeborg van Lotringen; Photographs: Hervás & Archer
(Clockwise from L-R) Ultru I’m Sorry For My Skin 8 Step Travel Jelly Mask, sokoglam.com, `280 approx; Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist, lookfantastic.co. in, `1,953, Darphin Hydraskin AllDay Eye Refresh GelCream, strawberrynet.com, `2,500 approx; Gucci Bloom Hair Mist, price on request; Lierac Supra Radiance Detox Serum Radiance Booster, caretobeauty.com, `5,000 approx; Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick, price on request; Dolce & Gabbana Millennial Skin Longwear Concealer, harrods.com, `2,250 approx; Apicia Organic Hand Cream, price on request; L’Occitane Fruity Perfecting Balm, `1,700 approx; Benefit ChaChaTint Lip & Cheek Stain, `2,910; La Biosthétique cold Cream, price on request
01 BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE… Comb through a light, leave-in hair serum (Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, `3,600) and let it dry as you head to the airport. Moisturiser evaporates much faster on a plane than on land, decimating the water reserves in your skin and hair.
02 ONCE YOU’VE CLEARED LUGGAGE CHECK…
...head to a pharmacy to get a nasal spray. A recent study showed that any person full of cold seated within a metre of you on the plane is 80% likely to infect you. Spritz this up your nose to kill the bugs (which breed in your nasal passages) dead.
03 AFTER SECURITY Plane-cabin air pressure can expand intestinal gas by up to 30%, so choose your food wisely in Departures. Load up on lean protein—like fish or FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
cottage cheese—and skip anything salty. The extra sodium will only exacerbate water retention.
04 BEFORE TAKE-OFF Pick up an OJ. The air on any plane has less than 20% humidity, almost half of what you’re used to, which means you can end up feeling as dry as an old flip-flop. Thankfully orange juice is packed with potassium to restore your fluid balance. (So is coconut water or a banana.) JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
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fast glam
05
IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKE-OFF Turn off the air vent—it makes dry conditions even drier. While everyone is inspecting in-flight entertainment, take your make-up off (a pocket pack of Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes, `325, will do the trick) and multi-layer your face with moisture for maximum
hydration. Try a soothing face mist topped with a plumping serum and moisturiser. Unless your skin is quite oily, avoid relying on just serum and jelly textures: these hydrators attract moisture from the air—of which there is none on a plane. We like Avène Thermal Spring Water, `1350/150ml. And don’t forget SPF—UVA radiation is higher at altitude, so apply this
(Clockwise from L-R) Cremorlab Cleansing Veil Sheets, amazon.com, `1,400 approx; Natura Bissé Diamond Cocoon Skin Booster Fortifying Concentrate, strawberrynet. com, `18,000 approx; & Other Stories Fullness Volume Powder, price on request; My.Organics Hair & Body Oil, price on request; Chanel La Crème Main, price on request; Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Face Highlighter Pen, strawberrynet.com, `4,000 approx; Chanel Compact Mirror, price on request; Klorane Hair Brush, price on request; Neutrogena Hydro Boost Express Facial Cream-Mask, `278
regularly, especially, if you’re in a window seat with light reflecting off clouds.
06 10 MINUTES AFTER TAKE-OFF
Can’t bear bare skin? Lakmé 9To5 Weightless Mousse Foundation, `550, is super-lightweight, offers coverage, and doesn’t clog pores.
(Clockwise from L-R) Chanel Hydra Beauty Lotion, price on request; SkinLove Natural Deodorant, price on request; L’Occitane Rose Eau Parfumée Souffle Euphorisant, price on request; Sisley Stylo Lumiere Instant Radiance Booster Pen, strawberrynet.com, `3,900 approx; Express Beauty Ginkgo Biloba Eye Mask, strawberrynet.com, `2,800; Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Shade of Sunrise EDT Spray, price on request; HydraEssentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm, 1,500; Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Intense Moisturizing Cream, caretobeauty.com, `2,282 approx; Dr. Sebagh Rose De Vie Serum, strawberrynet.com, `16,999 approx
07 ONE HOUR IN When the drinks trolley comes around, ask the crew to fill up your reusable water bottle (to which you’ve cunningly added grated ginger or fresh mint leaves) with hot water. So much tastier and energising than airline coffee.
08 TWO HOURS IN Your best meal option? A Thai curry or something spicy, says nutritionist Ian Marber: “Dry conditions sap your ability to taste, so plain food is packed with salt.” That drains your body of more moisture, but spices “often mean too much salt in a dish can be avoided”.
09 CRUISE CONTROL Regular moisture top-ups are of the essence. Clinique Moisture Surge Eye 96-Hour Hydro-Filler Concentrate, `2,550, is a genius gel packing tiny lipid
spheres that can be dabbed under eyes or anywhere for serious quenching. Givenchy L’Intemporel Blossom Beautifying Cream-In-Mist, price on request, is just that (very handy) and its cherry blossom aroma will fix the rancid cabin-air situation.
10 NAP TIME A contoured sleeping mask is so much better than a flat one that crushes your lashes and always lets light stream in around the sides. We swear by a total-blackout, light-as-air OriHea Contoured Eye Mask, amazon.com, `640 approx.
11 20 MINUTES TO LANDING Time to perk up your visage with a teeny make-up kit that can fit in the palm of your hand. Benefit Gogotint Cherry Red Lip And Cheek Stain, `2,910, is a non-sticky, hydrating tint you can use for lips, cheeks, and even eyes. Get the baby version of M·A·C FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara, `900, one of our favourite big-lash, smudge-free mascaras. And Estée Lauder Brow Now All In One Brow Kit (three shades), `4,400, is just the compact, portable kit you need to tint, shape, and fill in your arches.
12 10 MINUTES TO LANDING Dab along your hairline and parting, spritz some dry shampoo—BBlunt Back To Life Dry Shampoo, `200, comes in a travel-friendly bottle—to get rid of any encroaching oiliness. If parched, frizzy or crunchy curls are your problem, a small dab of Kiehl’s Smoothing Oil-Infused Leave In Concentrate, `2,100, will give them a new lease of your life.
13 ONCE OFF THE PLAIN A quick squirt of a fresh, citrus-y scent will stave off imminent jetlag. n Happy holidays! JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
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fast glam
9 BEAUT Y TRENDS YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT And the ones you should a hundred percent ditch. By Lauren Balsamo
TRY
TRY U
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these r waves fo eve
ra nd
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MULTICOLOUR SMOKEY EYES The only eyeshadow rule you need to follow this seasons: more colour. Grab a palette with a bunch of different shades (like Nykaa Just Wink It! 12 In 1 Eyeshadow Palette in Crushed Berries, `1,499).
ys
.
POLISHED WAVES They’re more ‘woke up early for this’ than ‘woke up like this’—and totally worth the effort. Blowdry, use a wand to create soft bends, and finish with a smoothing spray.
BYEEE
BYEEE
MONOCHROMATIC SMOKY EYES Just a liiittle snoozy.
MESSY WAVES Save it for beach vacays.
TRY FACE CRYSTALS Do your make-up as usual, then pop little sparklers (plenty of options with sticky backs on amazon.in) onto your cheeks and around your eyes. So pretty, so easy! BYEEE
P ro t i p: D e f i n e yo u r eye s w i t h t wo d i f fe re n t co l o u r l i n e rs, t h e n s w i p e o n a co m p l e m e n t a r y sha d ow.
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COSMOPOLITAN JANUARY 2020
HAIR CRYSTALS They’ve had their moment.
TRY
TRY
NECK KNOT Here to save yourself from basic buns everywhere. (Lock it in place with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, `2,400.)
FLOATING LINER The bright wing is about to replace alllll the cat eyes. (Try swiping on Sephora Colorblock Liner, `900.) BYEEE
BYEEE
FIXED LINER Not bad, just meh.
TOPKNOT Leave this one to the ballerinas.
TRY TRY
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ch
ains on y
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on’t wear ud r n a i l s? ou
CUTICLE ART The quickest way to a mani that your friends def won’t have: using a thin layer of nail glue to stick cool hardware (like these gold half-circles) to your cuticles.
ait
yo
W
MATTE LIP STAINS Break up with hardcore, crackly formulas and try a hint of matte tint that’s actually comfy. (We like M·A·C Versicolour Varnish Cream Lip Stain, `2,050). BYEEE
BYEEE
TRY NAIL ART Been there, done that.
CLIP-IN CHAINS These bad boys (there are a tonne of options on Amazon) are a thousand times more interesting than headbands, barrettes, or anything else you could possibly put in your hair. BYEEE
CLIP-IN EXTENSIONS For The Bachelor only.
MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICKS Love you, Kylie, but...
TRY STROBED LIPS Chill with the face highlighter and focus on bringing light to your lips with a glittery gloss (like Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in Crystal Clear, price on request). BYEEE
STROBED SKIN The over-glow is too OTT.
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
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“THE FACE MIST I SWEAR BY...”
Team Cosmo on the one spritzer responsible for keeping their skin fresh and dewy, even when they’re struggling with 15-hour work days!
Nandini Bhalla
Ahé Naturals Aloe Vera & Neem Hydrating Face Mist (AntiPollution), `1,190
Diya Verma
Editor “Never have I ever met a face mist with such hydrating qualities, and a seriously dewy finish. I use this through the day, but especially layered over any drying make-up for glowing skin.”
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Rosewater, `1,250 Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, `2,000 Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief, `3,250
Arpita Kala
Assistant Features Editor (Digital) “Yes, it smells amazing and that’s probably why I can’t get enough of it. But the real reason I love this mist is because when I mix it with some foundation, it makes make-up look more natural...making it easy to nail the no make-up makeup vibe.”
Innisfree Green Tea Mist, `450
Meghna Sharma
Associate Editor “Pixi has a cult following across the world and I never truly understood the hype till I tried their products. This sweet-smelling potion is packed with seven flower oils, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Translation: it keeps skin moisturised and plump.”
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Pixi SkinTreats Rose Glow Mist, `1,480
Junior Features Writer (Digital) “My mum and I are both crazy about this one. It is truly impossible to go wrong with rose water?!”
Ekta Kashyap
Features Writer (Digital) “I was introduced to the Avène mist at a time when I was struggling with irritated skin... This soothing water immediately calmed my skin down and hasn’t left my beauty bag ever since.”
Humra Afroz Khan
Senior Features Editor “I dislike mists that take time to soak in. This one by Clinique is perfect, because it’s really fine and instantly replenishes parched skin. Plus, the activated aloe water in the formula soothes skin and keeps it supple.”
fast glam AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO GETTING...
THE GLOSSIEST LIPS OF ALL DAMN TIME They’re more high maintenance than dating a Leo. But since when has that stopped you?
STA RT
WITH
M AT TE
“Use a matching shine-free liquid lipstick under your gloss. The drier formula helps everything last longer, and when the gloss eventually fades, you’ll still have a pretty stain of colour.” —DANIEL AVILÁN (@DANAVILAN) USE
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“The glossier the lip, the more it’s going to smudge, so first, outline your lips with a clear wax eyebrow pencil to create an invisible barrier for your gloss.”
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“For extra sheen, swirl powder highlighter over your dry lips with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, then layer on a coat of your gloss.”
—MOISES RAMIREZ (@MOISESARTNYC)
—LINDSEY WILLIAMS (@CRAZYPRETTY)
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“Apply gloss only to the centre of your bottom lip, then press your lips together and blend the edges with a finger. This will stop gloss from getting all gummy in the corners of your mouth.”
“Grab a lip liner one shade darker than your gloss and fill in the sideways Vs in the corners of your mouth and along the edge of your lower lip for instant dimension and fullness before you apply the gloss.“
—ROBIN BLACK (@BEAUTYISBORING)
—LOTTIE (@LOTSTAR)
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FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Photograph: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
DAB
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PASTEL PLAY
Put. The. Black. Eyeshadow. Down! We’ve laid out this sumptuous spread to convince you that rose and orange (mixed with a hint of metallic) is the only way to do smokey eyes in 2020. Kiko Milano Water Eyeshadow in Silver, `1,190
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eye Shadow in Blonde, `1,870
Shiseido Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush in Chiyoko, `2,500
Dior 3 Couleurs Tri(o)blique in Rosy Canvas, price on request
NYX Professional Makeup Eye Shadow Base in White, `725
L.A. Girl Eyeliner Pencil in PrettyN-Pink, `250
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner, amazon. com, `350 approx
Photographs: COREY MAYWALT; Stying: IAN BRADLEY
Chanel Ombre Première Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Pierre de Rose, price on request
Maybelline New York The City Kits All-In-One Eye + Cheek Palette in Urban Light, `840 approx
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Amplifying Eye Primer, price on request
Sephora Collection Golden Hour Liquid Highlighter in Sunlight, `1,000 approx
ColourPop Jelly Much Shadow in Strawberry Jam, `560 approx
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in 6AM, `430 approx
Chanel Les Pinceaux de Chanel Flat Eyeshadow Brush, price on request
Sephora Collection Volume On Mascara in Violet On!, `710 approx
H a c k It !
CONTOUR UNDER CONTROL!
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum, price on request
By now, there are a bajillion ways the Internet can teach you how to contour. But what does one do if you have run out of bronzer? Well, you can totally use a brow pencil to contour—the formulas are usually highly pigmented and easy to blend, which means you can achieve a chiselled face easy-peasy. Pro tip: a jumbo crayon like this one will help you define them cheekbones in a jiffy.
La Biosthetique La Capsule Hydratante, amazon.com, `6,800 approx
WE BRING YOU THE LATEST GOSSIP, TRENDS, AND TIPS FROM THE WORLD OF BEAUTY!
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules, price on request
BEAUTY SCOOP # Tr en di ng
CIVIDINI
Darphin Ideal Resource Youth Retinol Oil Concentrate, strawberrynet.com `6,500 approx
Maybelline New York BROWdrama Pomade Crayon, `450
CAPPED IN A CAPSULE
THE YEAR OF THE MOUSE!
If your Insta feed is craving something cute, then Innisfree’s latest collab is just what you need. To celebrate 2020, the year of the Mouse (symbolically considered for new beginnings and renewals), Innisfree has collaborated with Disney to create special packaging for some of their most-coveted ranges and products—Jeju Orchid, Bija Cica, Green Tea Mist, among others. These goodies are limited-ed, so stock up before they sell out. Innisfree X Disney Jeju Orchid Enriched Cream Set, price on request
DRIES VAN NOTEN
The new rage in the beauty world is to carry your precious skin-altering potions in a capsule. Packed with the right amount of product for a single use, these teeny-tiny caps keep the potency of skincare actives intact, making it a more hygienic option.
SUBTLE SPARKLE
The party season might be over, but it’s still okay to sport glitter! Exhibit A: these runway looks that cement the fact that it doesn’t always look OTT. We’re loving these bare-faced looks with glitter sprinkled on the lids. If you don’t have loose glitter flecks to get in on this look Dries Van Noten and Cividini-style, take a cue from Christopher Kane and swipe on a glitter gloss on the lids. Want to add an ethereal touch? Load up on highlighter and finish up with a balm or lip gloss.
By: MEGHNA SHARMA; Photograph: MARA ALONSO/STUDIO HEARST SPAIN
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Eve Lom Cleansing Oil Capsules, `5,000 approx
fast glam
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING
Vivid hues, bold prints, fun textures—on the scale of ‘drooling’ to ‘OMW to get RN’—these babies will have you covered not just this winter, but for seasons to come. By Priyanka Yadav; Text: Humra Afroz Khan Ecco, `19,403
Zara, `9,990
Dune London, `16,999
Call It Spring, `7,100 approx
Guess, `12,500 approx
COWBOY Will the real Western lovers please stand up?! Or, just get these boots. Others, take a cue from A-listers like Gigi Hadid and Priyanka Chopra Jonas (even Kate Middleton) and get in on the trend. Yee-haw!
Pavers England, `12,999
Massimo Dutti, `12,590
Truffle Collection, `5,699 Saint G, ``10,500 10,500 0
Steve Madden, `13,600 approx
Rosso Brunello, `8,499
Vanilla Moon, `14,990
MICHAEL Michael Kors, `46,000
Melissa, `9,499
Mango, `11,990
Topshop, topshop. com, `14,600 approx
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Dune London, `15,000 approx
Fendi, price on request
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
THIGH-HIGH ’Coz if it ain’t lofty, it ain’t no good anymore... be it your #LifeGoals or your boots! Take a neutral pick to play subtle or roll with more outré choices...it’s a free world.
Fashion Intern: SAHIL VASUDEV
H&M, ``9,999 9,999
Birkenstock, `16,990
Topshop, topshop. com, `8,000 approx
Guess, `10,600 approx Kielz, `5,499 99
Call It Spring, `7,100 approx
ANKLE–LENGTH
Oceedee, `8,999
Ca to Carlton London,, `4, 9 `4,495
A go-to in the bootworld, this style will always be in style! With so many options, you can wear ’em all year long, in flats, kitten heels or block-heel numbers.
Intoto, `2,699
Promod, `4,190
Love Moschino, `12,100 approx
Nine West, `14,150 approx Scotch & Soda, `14,900 approx
Notion London, `3,999
Aldo, `8,500
Charles & Keith, `7,499
Lavie, `5,899 Zara, `8,990
Metro, `3,290
Kate Spade New York, `46,100 approx Geox, `11,450 approx
Dorothy Perkins, `3,500 approx
ANIMAL PRINT
Gucci, price on request
Diesel, `17,600 approx
This style is perf for when basic just won’t cut it. Keep the outfit subtle so the focus remains on these boot-eous babies. Or, if you’re team OTT, pair one of these with an animal-print ensemble to keep all eyes on you! FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Steve Madden, `20,999
JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
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NOT SO KNIT-PICKY
It’s no secret: a cosy, knitted piece— jumper, skirt, or dress—is the perfect way to stay stylishly warm.
Sweater, American Eagle, `2,999
V-neck jumper, topshop.com, `3,200 approx
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
Top, Zara, `1,590
Oversized cardigan, Scotch & Soda, `15,800 approx
Colour blocked pullover, Only, `1,400
Textured jumper, French Connection, `6,300 6,300 Turtleneck jumper, Uniqlo, `6,990
Beanie, Aeropostale, `1,400 Ribbed midi skirt, Marks & Spencer, `3,200
CHRISTOPHER KANE
Striped booties, Accessorize, `2,950
Collar with buttons, United Colors Of Benetton, price on request
By: PRIYANKA YADAV; Fashion Interns: SAHIL VASUDEV, SALONI KOHLI, AND SHIVI KHOSLA
Jumper, H&M, `2,999
Pencil skirt, Marks & Spencer, `1,790 Skater dress, Cover Story, `7,990
Pants, Only, `2,699
High-waist shorts, Forever 21, `1,199
Nothing spells elegant quite like the good ol‘ houndstooth print. And its latest versions can be taken to causal-chic outings, too! Scarf, AND, `2,299
Hooded sweatshirt, Promod, `1,740 Shirt, Vero Moda, `2,499
Thighhigh boots, Charles & Keith, `9,999
Tote, Christian Dior, price on request Cap, Zara, `1,790 Gloves, Dorothy Perkins, `750 approx
Bow-tie, Calvin Klein, `7,990
CHANEL
KEEP IT CLASSIC
DOLCE & GABBANA
Clutch, ajio.com, `1,995
fast glam Shearling jacket, Coach, price on request
Chevron padded coat, Ted Baker, `22,200 approx
Jacket dress, Sameer Madan, `12,500
Jacket, Gucci, price on request
Jacket, Guess, `10,800 approx
PUFFER DADDY
Cropped jacket, United Colors Of Benetton, `14,999
Available in a host of colours and styles, puffer jackets are just the punctuation your winter look needs to go from drab to glam in a jiffy. Dow Down jacket, jacke Fend , Fendi, price on reque t request
Jacket, acket, American A erican Eagle, agle, `6,999
Cropped jacket, topshop.com, `4,700 approx
SIDDHARTHA BANSAL
Jacket, Zara, `4,990
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Jacket, H&M, `3,999
Faux-fur jacket, G-Star, `20,000
Cape, Gap, `3,500 approx
Blouse, Glamorous at topshop.com, `1,600 approx
Patchwork coat, United Colors Of Benetton, price on request
Skirt, Uniqlo, `2,990
Sunglasses, Burberry, `18,700 approx
TARTAN ARMY
From coats and jackets to shirts and skirts—even shoes and accessories—plaid is all the rage this season. Take your pick.
Trench coat, Vero Moda, `7,999
Bag, Accessorize, `4,251
Embellished pants, Rahul Mishra, `29,500 29,500
Mini skirt, French Connection, `7,900 approx
CHRISTIAN DIOR
Jacket, Ralph Lauren, `31,100 approx
Tweed blazer, Marks & Spencer, `8,300
A kl boots, Ankle b ots, Forever e 21, `2,299 2,299
fast glam
THE PRECIOUS FEW
A royal dose of all things bright, bling and beautiful, these baubles— from lapel pins and brooches to earrings and rings—will make sure the spotlight stays on you long after the party is over! By Priyanka Yadav; Photographs: Faizan Patel 1
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9 1. Fish brooch, AGZA, `2,850. 2. Fleur Blue Lapel Pin, AGZA, `2,000. 3. Brooch, Atul Jewellers, `42,923. 4. Ruby and diamond brooch, Atul Jewellers, `1,12,500. 5. Chevron Insect Brooch, AGZA, `2,850. 6. Bee brooch, Aparna Chandra for Nicobar, `3,500. 7. Colour Pop Bee Lapel Pin, AGZA, `2,950. 8. Opal brooch, Atul Jewellers, `1,42,500. 9. Eye brooch, Olivia Dar, `2,900.
Fashion Interns: MANVEEN GULIANIA AND SAHIL VASUDEV
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1. Double finger ring, Ambrus Jewels, `3,50,000. 2. Swarovski studs, Deepa Gurnani X Confluence, `4,500. 3. Zambian emerald earrings, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `7,30,000. 4. Columbian emerald ring, Ambrus Jewels, `2,20,000. 5. Diamond and emerald earrings, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `3,75,000. 6. Pearl and black diamond ring, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `2,85,000. 7. Studs, House Of Aynat, price on request. 8. Burmi ruby and emerald earrings, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `8,50,000. 9. Black diamond earrings, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `2,15,000. 10. Double finger ring, Resa Fine Jewellery, price on request.
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1. South sea pearl earrings, Atul Jewellers, `2,50,575. 2. Half-moon stud earrings, Isharya, `8,599. 3. Diamond and pearl earrings, Ambrus Jewels, price on request. 4. Floral brooch, Ambrus Jewels, `40,000. 5. Pearl ring, Latique, price on request. 6. Pearl and rose gold earrings, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `3,42,000. 7. Rose gold and diamond earrings, Ambrus Jewels, price on request. 8. Diamond and pearl ring, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, `2,51,000.
fast glam
MAGNETIC FIELD
We call it the subtle art of not trying too hard...and yet being the ultimate party-starter! When not awashed in metallics all over, let these shiny headturners do the needful.
Serpenti Tubogas Watch, Bvlgari, price on request Block heels with fringe detail, Gucci, `62,105
By: PRIYANKA YADAV; Photograph: IRINA USOVA; Prop Courtesy: THE DECOR KART
Serpenti Forever Shoulder Bag, Bvlgari, `2,70,000
I
f you’re planning to fly off to an exotic locale with your BFFs for a bachelorette, trust Emirates Business Class to turn that trip into a memorable one. We’ve got a detailed list of luxe experiences—that start even before you board the plane—to prove the same. The Emirates Business Class offers you a complimentary chauffeur-driven ride straight to the airport, and once you are through with the hassle-free check-in, you can head straight to their bespoke lounge. The Emirates Business Class lounge is a great place to relax—you can enjoy the gourmet refreshments and free Wi-Fi while the excitement seeps in. The best part: you can board the flight directly from the lounge, avoiding the manic rush. Once you’re settled in the aircraft, let the journey of a lifetime officially begin! Get comfy in your PJs and turn on ‘ice’ entertainment, where you’ve already created a secret playlist that will sync with all your girls well in advance—the bride-to-be will certainly not see this one coming. Once she’s snuggled into plush duvets, she’ll be served cake and a glass of premium champagne, kick-starting the celebration thousands of miles above the ground. Now all you need to do is let Emirates’ impeccable service take over. They have an in-flight bar and lounge, where you can refill your drinks—it has a wide array of cocktails and mocktails, vintage, limited-ed wines, and rare spirits. Feeling peckish? You can indulge in delicious cuisines from across the globe on-board. Don’t forget to try pralines and bonbons from 8 gourmet chocolatiers like Godiva, Pacari and, Forrey & Galland. During long journeys, it’s important to clock in on the Zzz—the Emirates staff will turn your seat into a flat bed with a soft, comfy mattress and a cosy duvet. Wake up fresh and enjoy VOYA’s line of skincare along with an exclusive fragrance kit by Bulgari. So what are you waiting for...book your Emirates flight right now!
fast glam
IN FULL PLUME 1
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’Coz this season, the stylish are all flocking the town with a feather in their...shoe! 1. White Rooms, Jimmy Choo, `79,100 approx; 2. Flat sandals, Zara, `3,990; 3. Nude sandals, Aquazzura, `51,700 approx; 4. Yellow feather mules, Angradema, `33,420 approx. 5. Feather ankle sandals, Liu Jo, `23,000.
Photograph: LUIS ALVAREZ
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CONSCIOUS LUXURY
Raffia, jute, wicker and straw...luxe brands around the world are breathing new life into these sustainable fabrics, turning them into covetable accessories. The best part: they work for a cocktail soirĂŠe just as well as they do for the beach.
Leather espadrilles with Double G logo, Gucci, `44,500
By: SAMAR RAJPUT; Photograph: YASHASVI SHARMA; Location Courtesy: THE DECOR KART
GG Marmont Raffia Shoulder Bag, Gucci, `1,42,500
fast glam
ON NEUTRAL GROUND
Every outfit needs the right kind of cheerleader to let it shine. And with 2020 rife with loud, ‘look at me’ trends, neutral accessories are the style BFFs you need right now.
Jacquard Baguette, Fendi, price on request
By: PRIYANKA YADAV; Photograph: IRINA USOVA; Fashion Intern: VANYA VERMA; Floral Set up: SAAQUE
Shar 85 Heels, Jimmy Choo, `60,000
fast glam PRIYANKA GUPTA, 24 “Socks with sandals can be tricky to pull off, but when done right, this is pretty much all you need to stand out! Here, I’ve worn a striped pair with golden strappy heels, matching ’em to the details on the dress. The final touch: a gold clutch for a more cohesive look.”
STREET STYLE
We took the battle of the bestdressed to the streets, and were wowed by your style picks and cool looks.
TANYA ARORA, 26 “I’m an out-andout accessoriesperson, who especially can’t get enough of dainty trinkets! Here, I’ve layered multiple goldtoned chains, and paired them with fun earrings, instantly perking up an otherwise casual outfit.”
SANIYA DAWER, 27 “I wanted my fun boots to do all the talking, so I decided to create the rest of my look around ’em. I have opted for a neutral palette for clothes, and kept the accessories to a bare minimum.”
NOHARIKA GANGARAMANY, 25 “Chunky shoes are my thang. I’ve clubbed my bordering-on-theiridescent pair with a basic tank and high-waist belted shorts for a casual-cool vibe. I’ve spruced things up more with a fuchsia jacket, a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, and this cute Fendi Baguette bag—all set to turn fun days into glam nights, effortlessly!” Compiled By: SHIVI KHOSLA AND SAHIL VASUDEV
MAHI BAKSHI, 24 “The newspaper print is iconic! So when I opted for a bodycon in it, I decided it’s best to let the dress be the focal point— skipping accessories altogether, and going for a pair of transparent heels (another big trend!) to complete the look.”
ADVERTORIAL
THE NEW NORM
Powerful, secure and stylish, the new HP Spectre x360 has got the moves and the looks to be your ultimate BFF. Here’s a lowdown on what else this small wonder comes loaded with... [Hint: a tonne of features that will change your life forever!] There’s nothing more precious for millennials and Gen Z than their laptops. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, work in a creative field or a student, everyone needs a device that’s powerful, can multi-task, and look good all at the same time. And while that does sound a lot to ask for, HP has made the impossible, possible. The just-launched Spectre x360, a premium PC, built specifically for the computing needs of the modern generation. Unveiled recently in New Delhi, with Bollywood actor Siddhant Chaturvedi in attendance, the device combines stylish design and craftsmanship, unmatched performance, and mobility with new-age security features. HP Spectre x360 is the world’s smallest convertible PC—which means you can skip the backpack and easily carry this baby in your bag. Plus, HP has built the new Spectre x360 with ultra-slim bezels, beautiful gem cut and dual chamfer angular design, and, wait for it...it weighs just 1.27 kilos. The device comes with 10th Gen Intel Processors, 22 hours of battery life and includes cutting-edge security features like the HP Webcam Kill Switch and Log In enabled through Windows Hello (with HP’s smallest IR camera) and fingerprint scanner. Translation: it has an On/Off button to electrically shut down the web cam when not in use, preventing you from hackers. Ain’t that cool? The device also includes dual connectivity options enabled by Standard Intel® Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4X4 Gigabit Class 4G LTE, that can run at the same time to ensure zero connectivity lags, while browsing, downloading, and streaming. The attention to craftsmanship and detail is evident in the functional design. And that’s not all: it offers 90% screen-to-body ratio which guarantees an unparalleled entertainment experience, making it the perfect travel companion. The HP Spectre x360 13 is available now at a starting price of `99, 990, across 150 HP World Stores in 50+ cities, HP Online Store, and leading e-commerce players Amazon and Flipkart.
fast glam White front tieknot dress with schiffli eyelet embroidery, `14,000
DECONSTRUCTED KNITWEAR In its freshest makeover, the winter essential has changed form and become more statement-y than ever! Take your pick from flowy, asymmetric, and oversized options—tied up, knotted, pieced together, even cut out or cinched in. Team with a pair of pants and boots for an ‘I mean business’ vibe, à la Burberry, or take a cue from Tibi and Christopher Kane, and wear over a dressy skirt (or blingy dress!) to serve hot party lewks when the temps go down. Because the silhouette is roomy, pair it with well-fitted pants or skirts... But then, again, don’t shy away from doing you.
BURBERRY
TREND OF THE MONTH
Buy things you adore—and that you’ll wear for many years—to minimise consumption.
ST YLE NEWS
CHRISTOPHER KANE
TIBI
Cork Bow Tie, `1,850 1,850
STYLE TIP
THE NEWEST, LATEST, AND MOST TALKED-ABOUT FASHION STUFF
Anemone Cross Body, `4,799
Meander Cork Bracelet, Bracele , `1,799 1,799
Men’s Cork Wallet , `3,799
Loops, `1,350
FOR A REASON
The PETA-approved vegan brand, FORet, makes fashion accessories for both men and women using Earth-friendly materials, uch as cork (obtained from such the cork oak trees grown in the Mediterranean). “We seek to blend nature and glamour to craft designs that are not just ecofriendly, but also stylish, and can complement any look,” Founder and Creative Director Supriya Satam told Gold Cosmo. Also, with every Iberis sale, the brand contributes Earrings, a portion to help develop a `3,899 forest in the Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, and support the farmers.
Pernia Qureshi
NEW ON THE BLOCK
Going the sustainable way, Pernia Qureshi has launched a new organic label, Gur. The collection is entirely made from forest-friendly fibres that are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, including sources like milk, rose, banana, eucalyptus, and aloe, among others. “It’s a labour of love and a work-in-progress to be able to make effortless chic clothing from materials found in the environment. We don’t use any plastic, elastic, zippers etc, and all fabric is dyed in organic colour. The idea is to create a brand for the future...a more sustainable, conscious future,” Pernia told Cosmo. Adorned with hand embroideries and ethical crafstmanship, the SS20 collection of Gur boasts pieces that can easily go from day to night. “A pair of wedges/kitten heels or cool earrings will do the trick,” Pernia adds. “My favourites are the eyelet white pieces. They are timeless.”
The perfect wardrobe this season should include... “A white shirt; a pair of jeans (ripped works the best for me); a fanny pack or a sling bag; some gold jewellery that you can layer; and chic sunglasses.”
A ‘tough’ trend I’d say you must try...
Kim Kardashian West
ACCORDING TO A CELEB STYLIST...
Shaleena Nathani, stylist to the likes of Deepika Padukone and Kiara Advani, dishes out advice on all things fashion... Kiara Advani
“Cycling shorts. It’s not easy to carry them, even I felt a bit intimidated at first. They’re best paired with something oversized—you need to balance the tights with something a little loose. (You can even add a long jacket.) Belt it up with a smart fanny pack to complete the look.”
Radhika Apte Cardi B
Kendall Jenner
The sartorial rules I follow when picking an outfit... “More than the rules, it’s about how you’re feeling at the time, the trends that matter, and the event or occasion the outfit is for. For me, it also depends on the mood of the person I’m styling, and the brief I’m given, to which I add my personal sense of style.”
My one, ultimate fashion advice to the Cosmo woman is...
Shaleena Nathani Deepika Padukone
“Feel confident in everything you wear. It can be something extremely simple and basic, but you can totally own it with the right attitude. It’s truly how you feel that makes or breaks a look.”
Bella Hadid Nora Fatehii
LABEL ABEL OF THE MONTH
THÉLA
LEATHER IT UP!
The resurgence of leather has been on the rise for seasons now, but right now, it’s about embracing the fabric in all its glory— head to toe. And while neutrals like blacks and browns are ruling the roost, there’s also a multitude of more vivid options (like Cardi B) to choose from. Screaming GLAM in all caps, the look needs minimal accessories, and, as these A-listers testify, slicked-back hair is such a rock-chic route to take. Just so you know, Team Cosmo is all about vegan or faux leather pieces.
Founded by Diti Kotecha, a graphic designer by profession, this plastic-upcycling initiative is a by-product of Diti’s love for “making things with hands, and living as mindfully as possible”. “The main idea was to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, and also to increase awareness about its impact and alternatives,” Diti tells Cosmo. Théla (‘plastic bags’ in Hindi) uses discarded plastic bags collected from garbage bins, local markets, streets, etc., to handcraft accessories. “We meticulously cut the bags by hand to convert into yarn or ‘plarn’, and, then, crochet or weave them to create products,” she says. Diti, who is currently based in Athens, makes the crocheted pieces herself. For the woven goods, she works with likeminded, ethical organisations in India.
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PHOTOGRAPHS: TARAS TARAPORVALA; STYLING: ZUNAILI MALIK; HAIR AND MAKE-UP: DANIEL BAUER
PLAY IT COOL(EST) Athleisure seems to be revolutionising the way we look at fashion ATM—workout gear is not limited just to playfields or gyms. It’s taking the runways and streets all over the world by storm, too. A casual brunch with friends, a fancy date night with bae, and all else in between, athleisure wear has something for everyone and every occasion. And as the fashion world’s love affair with athleisure continues, hummel, the 95-year-old Danish Sport Style Brand, offers up a deluge of on-trend picks to choose from, making it easier than ever to up your casual-chic game. Easy yet fun, relaxed yet dressy, there’s a whole lot to keep you spoilt for choice. We got Vaani Kapoor to channel her athleisure vibe and werk the hottest trend in town. These styles are now available on hummel’s website www.hummel.net.in and their stores.
Red Hot! Who said your off-duty look has to be boring. Case in point: the chic pairing here. “Tracks and tee is my favourite combination... I love chilling in it, as it’s both comfy yet edgy, and right up there on the trend front,” says Vaani. It’s best to balance out the loose sweats with a snug top—pick up a cropped one for a sexy vibe, but a tucked-in, well-fitted tee should do the trick, too. Add a pair of fun sneakers to up the anté. The world’s now your runway...or fashion playground!
Vinni Cropped Top, Cristal Oversized Pants, and Minneapolis OG Sneakers, all hummel
Short(s)cut to Hotness Cycling shorts are all the rage at the moment, and we suggest you get in on the trend, too. If you have the confidence (and the fit body!) like Vaani, team yours with a hot sports top. But the fainthearted need not fear, either: throw on an oversized tee or hoodie to ease into the trend. Switch with a dressy top, accessorise with some fun earrings, (or stack up some dainty neckpieces) and ditch sneakers for heels—and you’re party-ready, ladies!
Sue Seamless Sports Top, Clea Seamless Cycling Shorts, and Minneapolis OG Sneakers, all hummel Werk It Out! With ‘gym looks’ becoming a legit thing, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon! This celeb-approved look is cool, without trying too hard, as well as functional. “That’s the best part about athleisure,” Vaani concurs. “From chilling at home to going out, the trend works so well.” You can team fitted pieces together, top and bottom, or opt for a contrast and pair your tight leggings with a loose-ish, oversized top, marrying two of the hottest trends of the season.
Gypsy Seamless Sports Top, Camilla Tights, Sneakers, and Stadil 3.0 Suede, all hummel
cosmo interview
‘I’m fear ful of
living
in fear ’ VAANI KAPOOR’S YEAR HAS BEGUN ON A HAPPY NOTE— WITH A FUN, (UNUSUALLY) SOCIAL HOLIDAY, AND HER FOURTH BOLLYWOOD FILM. THE ACTOR OPENS UP TO COSMO ON ALL THAT BECKONS IN 2020, AND WHY HER LOVE LIFE IS OUT OF BOUNDS... FOR NOW. Styling: Zunaili Malik; Photographs: Taras Taraporvala; Interview: Humra Afroz Khan
Top, Manish Arora; pants, Dhruv Kapoor; earrings, Deepa Gurnani; boots, Jimmy Choo
. . .
V
cosmo interview
aani Kapoor has just returned from a holiday to London. And she has brought back with her a rather exhaustive list of places to eat at. “Don’t go by my appearance, I’m the biggest foodie you’ll ever meet,’’ she laughs, almost reading my mind. The fact that food is one of her greatest pleasures is just one of the things we discover about Vaani Kapoor. Sharing a common adoration for all things carbs-laden, we’re soon exchanging notes on the hidden gems in the Brit capital. “You must try Little Moons, they have the world’s best ice cream!” she tells us, animatedly. “And Zuma, for the best Japanese in town...or, Burger & Lobster, it has the most amazing burgers. You know, I had booked a fitness trainer for myself there, but all I did was eat...and walk—which I hope burnt some calories. I don’t even feel bad about missing the gym, the food was amazing!” And then, “Negative barely stopping for comments and breath, “I think my spirit getting trolled animal is a pig, ’coz I can eat non-stop,” Vaani online feel like declares. too small a thing When she wasn’t to care about, but playing the role of an there are moments unofficial restaurant when you think, critic, Vaani did a spot of ‘ You know what, I socialising...something, she tells us, she doesn’t need to stand up do often. “I met and for myself!’” connected with so many people in London, which I don’t do normally,” she divulges. This is surprising. Because if there is one thing we assumed about this actor, it is that she isn’t one to shy away from being in the centre of a social
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spolight. In reality, though, she often prefers to be by herself. As outgoing as her roles have been on-screen, Vaani is uncharacteristically reserved off of it. We tell her as much. “You know, even Hrithik [Roshan] told me that. He had seen me in Befikre before we worked together in War, and later told me that he had thought I’d be a bit intimidating. I do get mistaken for an overly bold and gregarious girl, like the characters I’ve played,” she laughs. “But that’s not bad, really...I must be playing them well. And because I don’t talk a lot in real life, a lot of people think I’m arrogant or unapproachable. That’s the most common misconception about me. But I’m not like that...I just take time to open up.” This is a confession Vaani had made even when we had met her back in 2017, just after her second film, Befikre. “And nothing has changed since then,” she quips, “I’m still struggling to come out of my shell. Being in the profession that I am, it would have helped if I were more of an extrovert, more social. I try, but you know, it’s just not who I am in my fabric,” she smiles. But certain things have changed. When we were prepping for this interview, the 31-year-old was trending on social media for telling her trolls off. She had posted a photograph on Instagram, and soon the detractors were at it, calling her “manly” and “malnourished”. The Vaani of 2017 would have probably ignored it. (“It’s the best thing to do, no?”, she had said at the time.) But today, silence is not on the menu and Vaani is not afraid to clap back. “Now, I’ve learnt to not get affected or take it personally. Usually, negative comments and getting trolled online
One-shoulder top, skirt, boots, and belt, all Mango
cosmo interview
“I’m fiercely loyal. When it comes to friends, I take my time, and make only a few, but they mean the world to me.”
cosmo interview
Embellished dress, Falguni & Shane Peacock
feel like too small a thing to care about or get carried away by, but there are moments when you think, ‘You know what, I need to stand up for myself!’. This was one of those times. But I wasn’t spiteful. I just asked this dude not to be so harsh on himself, and that there’s so much more to life, he should really stop reflecting hate.” On the professional front, too, there is movement. Her recent film with Yash Raj Films (YRF), War— co-starring Hrithik and Tiger Shroff—released in October last year, and, Vaani is now neck-deep working on her next, Shamshera—opposite Ranbir Kapoor—slotted for later this year. She’s wiser, more experienced, and looking set to break the pattern of doing films few and far between. “There have been some gaps between my films, but that was intentional. I wanted to be a part of good projects, and they took some time coming my way. But I’ve been patient enough not to sell myself short as an artist,” she explains. “I know what kind of films I want to be part of, and the kind of people I want to work with.” She’s just as clear about her associations on the personal front. “I’m very close to my family and some select friends,” she smiles. “I’m fiercely loyal! When it comes to my friends, I take my time, and make only a few, but they
mean the world to me, and are like my extended family. I stand by them forever!” Does anyone from the film industry make the cut? “I’m very close to Shanoo [Sharma], the casting director at YRF. Also Hrithik, I am extremely fond of him. He’s been an amazing co-actor... he’s a senior in the industry, a mega star, but he’s been so kind and supportive.” And is she dating anyone? Vaani sidesteps that one with a subtlety you’d expect someone to have mastered after spending six years in the public eye. “You know, I want to talk about it only when I’m super-confident about someone. Until then, I’d like to protect my private life for as long as I can. But I do have a huge crush on Bradley Cooper,” she jests. She does tell us, though, that the first thing she notices about a man is how he carries himself— “not just the clothes and shoes, but how he conducts himself”. Her prospective man should respect women and be self-assured. And infidelity is an instant deal breaker. Anyone who’s seen her films will concur that Vaani, today, is a perma resident of ‘hot-bod, great-looks’ land. But what not many people know about the actor is that she wasn’t always like this. Growing up, Vaani was “actually a chubby teenager with braces”. And by her own admission, still needs to really watch her diet and exercise rigorously to stay
in shape. Having been on both sides of the fence, what does she feel about body confidence and the pressures women have to deal with? “I won’t deny that people in our society are obsessed with appearances. And in the film industry, especially, you are required to be presentable. But, honestly, it should never be about size—about being thin or fat. It should only be about fitness and health. Thankfully, that mindset is changing, and people are getting smarter.” As we near the end of our chat, we ask Vaani what she considers her most special achievement so far. “It’s a personal one, actually,” she smiles. “The ability to take care of myself financially. It makes me extremely proud,” she beams. “I stopped taking money from my parents as soon as I began working at 17, and I kept it that way, even if it meant cutting down on expenditure. It’s the same even now. You feel so empowered when you’re not dependent on anyone monetarily.” And what’s her biggest fear? “I’m fearful of fear...of living in fear. I hope I never have to, nor in the insecurity that comes with it.” Amen to that. n Hair: Suhas Mohite; Make-Up: Anil Chinnappa; Location Courtesy: Hilton Mumbai International Airport Hotel; Photographers Agency: Inega Model Management; Fashion Assistant: Humaira Lakdawala; Fashion Interns: Saloni Kohli and Shivi Khosla
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1) The one thing that I’m totally hopeless at...is lighting a matchstick. I have paranoia of fire. 2) I don’t know how to...cook. 3) The causes that I hold close to my heart…sustainable, environment-friendly clothing and shoes. My parents run an animal welfare NGO, and my mother organises antipolio campaigns. Those are some other causes that I feel strongly for. 4) One thing people don’t know about me is...I can be very funny. 5) Never have I ever…skydived, but I will soon. 6) My New Year resolution is...never to set any for myself, because: no pressure! 7) In 2020, I want to...do a lot of good work, get fitter, and travel a lot... I really want to visit South Africa and Japan. 8) My hidden talent is...not-so-hidden anymore: I can eat a lot.
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love & lust
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEXUAL FLUIDITY It seems like more people—a slew of celebs, some of your friends—are no longer strictly hetero or strictly not. Katie Heaney explores the increase in elastic attraction.
“S
ex has never been simple. But lately, we’ve been flooded with examples of just how nuanced it can be. A text I received from my friend Chiara framed the shift: ‘It kinda now seems like everyone is gay...or at least a little.’ The high-profile examples? Kristen Stewart and Cara Delevingne publicly admitted they were in love with their girlfriends (now exes); Parks and Rec star Aubrey Plaza, Brooklyn Nine-Nine actress Stephanie Beatriz, and It Girl Bella Thorne all came out as bisexual; best-selling
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authors Elizabeth Gilbert and Glennon Doyle Melton (who had previously been married to men) announced they were dating women. Look around and you may realise that a growing number of your pals—who once had serious BFs—are now in relationships with women, too. And although it seems to happen less frequently, some men— like Younger actor Nico Tortorella—have admitted to dating guys and girls. Such sexual fluidity— being attracted to whomever, regardless of gender—is rising in popularity, partly because those outspoken celebs have increased the
Some people don’t want to be defined by a sexuality or gender label, while others appreciate the validation of a name. Either way, you should know the most common terms. The Trevor Project,
acceptability of an everwidening sexuality spectrum, says US-based Jane Ward, PhD, an associate professor of gender and sexuality studies at the University of California, Riverside. What might have shocked us a few years ago no longer does. These days, when I hear of a woman who has changed sexual preferences, I think, ‘Well...she’s just like me’.
SWITCHING SIDES
For most of my life, I considered myself straight. I crushed on boys in school, loved Channing Tatum, and flirted with men at bars. I always assumed my dating life would limp along until I found the right guy. Now and again, though, I’d wonder if my interest in women went beyond the average straight girl’s. By 28, I was ready to find out. I created a lesbian dating profile and started swiping. Within a span of three weeks, I met the woman who’s now my girlfriend, and came out as ‘gay, I think’. The idea that I was gay all along doesn’t quite line up with the genuine flutters I’d get when I liked a boy. Yet I wouldn’t call myself bisexual, either. That grey area is where the concept of sexual fluidity stems from. Attractions can swing back and forth— sometimes once or twice in a lifetime, other times more frequently. Women are more likely to vacillate
than men, research suggests. Evolutionarily speaking, this may have helped them raise kids or reduce tension with other females in polygynous (multiple wives, one husband) relationships, although some experts argue it could more likely be due to social and cultural factors. Whatever the genesis, fluidity is common: in a study that spanned from 1995 to 2005, more than
an American suicide-prevention non profit for LGBTQ+ youth, shares these definitions. Keep in mind, though, that each person identifies with these differently, says Ashby Dodge, the group’s Clinical Director.
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Gay
Anyone who is attracted to their same sex or gender. Some women prefer to use the term ‘lesbian’.
23
percent of women ages 18 to 24 are not attracted strictly to just one sex.
For some fluid women, a burgeoning attraction is cut off at the prospect of actually getting physical. But for those turned on by the thought, diving into intimacy has its rewards. Of her first time with a woman, Chandni*, 32, a designer, says, ‘I was worried it was going to be terrible and awkward. It wasn’t. Skills transfer.’
Photograph: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; *SOME NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED
LASTING ATTRACTIONS
two-thirds of female participants changed their sexual identity at least once, switching among bisexual, unlabelled, lesbian, and heterosexual.
EXPLORING URGES
This is not to say that inside every woman is a lesbianin-waiting, but simply that female sexuality is complicated. Tahira*, 23, a writer, says that when
Bisexual
Someone who is attracted to both men and women, or to more than one gender identity.
she first found herself attracted to women, she was surprised—and skeptical: ‘Being gay never even crossed my mind, so I thought it was a bit absurd,’ she admitted. Aastha*, 32, an entrepreneur, wondered if her first same-sex relationship was ‘a sexualorientation thing or a matter of how much easier I find it to be myself when I’m
Cisgender
A person who identifies with the sex assigned at birth (example: you were born a ‘female’ and still identify that way).
around women’. Confusing, sure, but this is also exactly why sexual fluidity can be so freeing. It offers the chance to explore, learn about yourself, and break away from gender expectations. ‘Dating a woman has made me aware of a masculine energy I have and can play into, which is fun,’ says Eram*, 33, a reporter. And then there’s the sex.
Genderqueer
A word that describes someone whose gender identity is not just ‘a man’ or ‘a woman’.
Queer
For those of us who grew up with images of heteroonly relationships, today’s fluidity didn’t always seem like a valid option. However, attitudes are evolving. A recent report found that about 10 percent of US women ages 18 to 24 identify as something other than straight, and 23 percent of women in the same age-group are not attracted strictly to just one sex. The more we talk about our own sexual fluidity, the more common and relatable it becomes. As Sara*, 26, a techie, says, ‘I came to terms with my sexuality by seeing people who were open about the complexities n of their own’.”
A broad term inclusive of anyone who is not straight and/or cisgender. Now mostly used in a positive way.
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Nonbinary
Anyone who doesn’t identify with the binary system (aka the two opposing sexes: male and female). JANUARY 2020 COSMOPOLITAN
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love & lust
BE THE BEST AT BREAKING UP Because you can win even if you’re the one getting dumped.
Want to know the most ironic thing about relationships? The way someone handles the end of one—no matter which side they’re on—tells you everything you need to know about them, and whether they’re worthy of dating. Chronologically speaking, is this helpful? Oh no, not at all. Sorry! But in the grand scheme of your love life, it’s incredibly useful intel. That’s why it’s important to put your best face forward at the very end. Just like a super-punishing workout, splitting up may hurt like hell in the moment, but if you push through, it’s a huge growth opportunity that you’ll come out of stronger and better. Put simply: being good at breaking up is like having an emotional revenge body. So, here’s how to do it right. 84
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Photograph: HORMIS ANTONY THARAKAN
By Hannah Smothers
FOR THE DUMPER
Say Bye, With Feeling
Resist the urge to ghost them. Straight-up disappearing is a cowardly thing to do. It forces your partner to break up with themselves, which is cruel. Plus, “if you ghost someone, it’s likely that you’ll sit with guilt or shame,” says Jaime Gleicher, a US-based social worker who focuses on adolescents. Not only can that be psychologically unhealthy, it can also make moving on harder, because there’s zero closure (which would have helped you both recover). So have a brief in-person convo, or at the very least, send a text. Give a legitimate reason for why you’re leaving. No-one who’s ever delivered a cliché like, ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ or ‘You deserve someone better’ (gag) has actually meant what they said. “It’s a cop-out,” explains US-based relationship therapist Jane Reardon, Co-Creator of Rx Breakup, an app that aims to help the broken hearted. These are phrases you say when you are either checked out or just “not that deep and can’t come up with anything more original,” Jane explains. Instead, be honest and direct about why you’re peacing out of the relationship. Try something like, ‘The way we feel about each other doesn’t match up, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon’ or ‘I simply don’t trust you, so continuing to be with you is no longer working for me’. It may feel harsh to say the full truth, but most people would rather hear it than be kept in the dark with some generic breakup line. Keep all the receipts. You’ll probably be tempted to coach your new ex on how to be a better partner to the next girl. Hint: don’t do that (unless they were being manipulative or abusive, in which case they’ll need more than just your help). “You don’t have to bring up every red flag and annoying thing you
saw,” says Jane. “I don’t think that’s anyone’s job.” And your perspective is subjective: what you wish were different about them might be the very quality someone else will love. If they press you for feedback, you can offer a few reasons connected to your own preferences instead of specific personality pointers. No-one likes a preachy defector.
FOR THE DUMPEE Get Over It Faster
Face the cold, hard facts. Most people want to immediately skip the ‘feeling like sh*t’ part, which makes sense, but it’s better to start the healing process by embracing the hurt. Sadness plays a big role in heartbreak recovery, says Ty Tashiro, PhD, author of The Science Of Happily Ever After. “It makes you contemplative about what you want to do and skeptical about things that haven’t been working,” he explains (For instance: if your partner dumped you because you’re focused on your job, that sucks, but it also tells you something about who you’re better paired with). “Sadness also draws people whose support we need closer to us—it’s a beautiful thing,” adds Ty. Admit what’s bumming you out about the split, and lean on friends during rough days. Set a strict wallowing limit. This is a firm amount of time you’re allowed to indulge in the depths of your sadness—all the icecream-eating, rom-com-binging stereotypes—before you have to get your act together again. Without deciding on a deadline, you may think that feeling like a loser is your new, permanent way of life. (It’s not!) There’s no rule on how long this period should last, but Ty says two to four months is typical (and it’s normal for sadness to pop up again later). Try your best to move into your fresh rebirth phase when your time is up. It’s a more fun and hopeful time (with better music!). FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
Look forward to the glow-up. A 2003 study published in the academic journal, Personal Relationships, co-authored by Ty, found something incredible: for every negative outcome people experienced from a breakup, they reported, on average, five positive changes, too. These shifts ranged from a boost in self-confidence to learning how to be a better partner. “When you have an event that disrupts your normal way of thinking, it creates this opportunity to re-organise things,” explains Ty. The most common benefit people noticed in the study was that a split made them want to choose different kinds of partners in the future—a n true ‘thank you, next’ bonus.
BREAK-UP MUSINGS FROM A BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE Listen: if you can break up on TV, you can break up anywhere. THE DUMPER
BEN HIGGINS from US TV show The Bachelor, Season 20, on how to dump someone: “You’re dealing with a human who has feelings and emotions. Anytime somebody is telling you, ‘My life isn’t going in a direction where you should be in it’, it’s going to hurt. So be direct, but also show respect and care. I think there’s a small possibility then for a decent breakup. Not good, but decent.” THE DUMPEE
BECCA KUFRIN from US TV show The Bachelorette, Season 14, on coping with a split: “Time will heal. You will heal. You will move on. You’ll hopefully learn and grow from that relationship and take something with you that can turn into a positive and a silver lining. In the situations where you don’t think time is your best friend, it really is.”
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WHY GETTING DEPRESSED AFTER YOUR WEDDING IS A THING
A
couple of weeks after Aahana* got back from her honeymoon, she called her mom in tears. She had just had the most amazing destination wedding in Udaipur, followed by a beachy week of bliss in Bali. She thought she’d be ecstatic. Instead, she felt depressed. “It was surprisingly hard to settle back into normalcy after being on such a high for so long,” the 33-year-old recalls. “There had been so much build-up, from the bachelorette party to the bridal shower to the constant phone calls
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with my mom and my wedding planner, and then it was just...over. I felt bored and nostalgic and missed all the excitement. It felt like a whole fun phase of my life had just ended.” TBH, this kind of ‘wedding comedown’ isn’t rare. In a 2018 study of 152 women, 12 percent reported feeling depressed after they tied the knot. “The whole process of getting married can be one of the biggest highs in the world, from the proposal to the planning to the party,” says US-based relationship FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
therapist Diana Kirschner, author of Love In 90 Days. “That high can be so intense that when your wedding ends, it can cause a giant and unexpected emotional crash.” That sudden bummed-out mood can also make you feel guilty, like you’re an ungrateful monster for not being a 100 percent psyched about your wonderful celebration, and—oh yeah—your new spouse. (Pause that spiral, girl. It’s gonna be okay.) Understanding why this slump happens to even the most in-love newlyweds might help you figure out how to enjoy the whole ‘Oh, we’re
Photograph: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes...a tonne of ugly crying? By Annie Daly
YOU MISS PLANNING TIME WITH BAE
actually married!’ thing. Here are some reasons why you might catch those post-bliss blues—and how you can get over them.
YOU’RE MARRIED—NOW WHAT? While some brides hate dealing with the little details, many, like Kriti*, 31, are all about that life. After her nowhusband proposed in September 2017, they booked her dream venue for the following June. For about eight months, she was laser-focused on all the planning minutiae. “During that time, I was working towards a single, steady goal,” she
Bandana*, 33, felt similarly disoriented after her wedding last year, a 370-person destination event in Vietnam. She and her husband spent a year and a half working on the celebration. Throughout the process, they developed a Sunday routine: wake up, run errands, make coffee, and plop down in front of her laptop to work on weddingrelated Excel sheets. Co-ordinating the whole hoopla became a thing that actually brought them closer together, and they didn’t know how to deal once it was all over. “We’d been working on this ‘project’ together for so long that it felt like backtracking if we just went back to the way things were when we were dating,” she says. The best way to combat this missed time? Lean into your first year of marriage by not making another huge decision, like buying a house, right away. That’s how Aahana and her husband kept their bond electric, post-wedding. “Spending such quality time together on vacation and with family before we took any other big steps really helped me appreciate what marriage is all about,” she says.
ADMIT IT—YOU LOVE THE ATTENTION For other brides, the wedding comedown might be caused by missing the spotlight. “A lot of brides divide their lives into ‘before the wedding’ and ‘after the wedding’. FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
‘Before the wedding’ can seem more fun because it’s all about the party,” says Diana. Without that, leading a hype-free existence might have you freaking out. Plus, people who were checking in on you regularly (oh hi, #BridalBesties) may not be hitting you up on the reg. “When I first started feeling this way, I was like, ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’. I felt so selfish for wanting the attention back on me and my husband,” admits Bandana. But once she commiserated with another bride about how they both felt so sad—and guilty about feeling sad—she became much more grounded.
REALITY IS WAY LESS GLAM Getting married can also put other parts of your life into perspective. That’s what happened to Sara*, 27, who got married in 2018. While on her honeymoon, she got so bummed thinking about returning to her corporate desk job that she actually burst into tears on the last day of their trip. In the Maldives. Overlooking an infinity pool. (Hard times, indeed.) “It felt like a fun phase of my life had just ended. I was in the most beautiful location ever, just sobbing,” she says. At the time, she had a job in sales, but working on a large-scale event made her realise that she loved having an artistic outlet, and didn’t want to stay at her gig. “Knowing I had to then go back to the ‘normalcy’ of my job, which was not creative in anyway, made me so depressed,” Sara adds. But she didn’t go back to her normal life. Instead, Sara rethought her entire career and started a side hustle planning wellness events. Eventually, she left her job to run that business full-time. “The good news is that, unlike your actual relationship, the post-wedding comedown only lasts a couple of months, says Diana. In the meantime, you always have your insanely gorgeous photos—and of n course, your marriage.
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* NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED
says. But after she actually got married, depression hit. “I found myself thinking, ‘What am I working towards now?’. I even Googled: ‘What to do when you’re sad after your wedding’, because I didn’t know what to do with myself.” To get through the slump, Kriti, who works in PR, set two huge objectives at work (to revamp her website and to get two more clients) and one in her personal life (to teach more yoga). Making and crushing those goals (which she did, natch) helped her channel that energy into her future.
HOW TO SAVE A GIRLS TRIP WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
Hi, it’s your drama/disaster survival guide! By Ashley Mateo
Photographs: ANUSHKA NADIA MENON
you, you, you
I
s there anything better than a vacay with your BFFs? Answer: no, especially when it includes drinks. And gorgeous scenery. And all that bonding time. Also: group pictures. Still, let’s be real— stuff is going to go down. It always does. But making sure your friends don’t kill each other might be easier than it seems.
1. HAVE A SOLUTION-ORIENTED PERSPECTIVE
3. YOUR LUGGAGE IS G-O-N-E Nobody wants to show up in paradise without their #OOTDs, so tell your squad to stuff basics into their carry-ons: “A change of clothes, some toiletries,” suggests Julie Falconer, who blogs about travel at aladyinlondon.com. If your suitcase goes MIA, don’t throw a tantrum in baggage claim. Instead, do a little local shopping, says Alyssa. “You should have some budget set aside for souvenirs and emergency funds, and technically, this qualifies.”
5. YOUR BUDGETS ARE ALL OUT OF WHACK To avoid on-vacay drama, pose this to the group a few weeks beforehand: ‘Setting my vacay budget and would love to get a sense of what we want to do! Is putting X amount aside for the boat ride realistic?’ If some people want to bail out, that’s fine. Just say you’ll probably skip the more extra activities. Chances are, someone else will pick the free walking tour over the expensive boat ride, too.
When you throw together long flights, different time zones, and weird sleeping arrangements, it’s hardly surprising that your crew can go from tight to fight. “Confront drama early—just not in front of everyone else,” says Kelly Lewis, Founder of Go! Girl Guides. Bring your most-annoyed pal to the side and ask her what’s up. Is she whining because she really wants to go snorkelling but everyone else is dealing with the aftermath of last night’s party? Play counsellor and build a few hours of free time into your schedule every day. That way, she can have an actual adventure while the sleepy crew sleeps. But if one gal really just isn’t a good traveller—fun!—don’t be mean about it. Ask what she needs to feel more comfortable.
2. THE HOTEL CATFISHED YOU That adorable motel covered in fairy lights on Insta? IRL, it’s more like a horror house. If you legit don’t feel safe sleeping there, don’t, says Kelly. Search online for last-minute situations. If you already shelled out for the whole trip and the place lied to you but isn’t dangerous, suck it up (sorry, it’s true!). But def spend time at the front desk asking for extras like a few drinks on the house, says travel influencer Alyssa Ramos (@MyLifesATravelMovie).
4. THE FORECAST CALLS FOR RAIN You thought you’d be on the beach taking selfies. Instead, you’re at the resto with everyone else and their moms. Guys, it’s gonna be okay: Google ‘rainy day activities + [location]’ and look for URLs that take you to niche travel blogs, like ones run by influencers or locals. (They actually know what’s up.) “I’ve found indoor flea markets, underground libraries, and local grape tastings to make up for being rained out,” says Alyssa. FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
6. ALL THE MOST ’GRAMMABLE RESTOS ARE FULL Don’t let a two-hour wait stop you. “Try bypassing the reservation list by eating at the bar,” says Alyssa, “or get a drink to see inside, then eat your mains and desserts somewhere else.” Still starving with no options? “Post an Insta Story asking your followers for ideas,” says Julie. “A lot of people n know hidden gems.”
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HELLO, FEMINIST STAMPS
Here’s a look at some of the most prominent women in the country’s history, as honoured by the India Post. By Meghna Sharma
INDIRA GANDHI The first female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi has graced many a stamp—not just in India, but also internationally. She was known for her iron will, and is among the most noteworthy politicians in the world. In fact, in 1999, she was named ‘Woman of the Millennium’ in a BBC poll.
Styling: PRIYANKA YADAV; Photograph: IRINA USOVA
MOTHER TERESA In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity—a religious congregation that manages homes for people suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy and HIV/ AIDS. Also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, she received the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the 1972 Nobel Peace Prize.
RAJKUMARI AMRIT KAUR A royal, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was a social activist and freedom fighter. A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, she was a member of the Constituent Assembly, and went on to become the first Health Minister of India (and served for 10 years as the same).
MIRABAI The first Indian woman to grace a postal stamp, Mirabai was a royal, who gave up her privileges to become a Krishna devotee. One of the key saints of the Bhakti Movement, Mirabai’s bhajans, dedicated to the supreme lord, turned her into an icon.
PANDITA RAMABAI A pioneer in education and the emancipation of women in India, she was the first woman to be accorded the titles of Pandita (a Sanskrit scholar) and Saraswati by the University of Calcutta. She was one of the 10 women delegates at the Congress session in 1889, and the Founder of Mukti Mission, a home for destitute women and children.
BEGUM HAZRAT MAHAL She took charge of the state of Awadh and seized control of Lucknow after her husband (Nawab Wajid Ali Shah) was exiled to Calcutta. Begum Hazrat Mahal also organised an army of women and actively took part in the revolt of 1857.
ARUNA ASAF ALI An independence activist, Aruna Asaf Ali was dubbed as the Heroine of the Quit India Movement as she put things in motion by hoisting the flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Bombay in 1942. Post independence, Aruna remained active in politics, and also became Delhi’s first Mayor.
NEERJA BHANOT A flight attendant for Pan Am, Neerja died while helping passengers escape from Flight 73, which was hijacked by terrorists during a stop-over in Karachi, Pakistan. Neerja’s act of heroism made her (posthumously) win the Ashoka Chakra Award and has also inspired the Sonam Kapoor Ahuja-starrer biopic, Neerja.
SAROJINI NAIDU A noted poet (which earned her the title, Nightingale of India) and an independence activist, Sarojini Naidu became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925, and was also the first woman to be appointed the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
NARGIS DUTT A truly iconic Indian actress, Nargis Dutt’s film Mother India was India’s first submission to the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language. She was the first patron of the Spastic Society of India, and Nargis’ work with them earned her a Rajya Sabha nomination.
RUKMINI LAKSHMIPATHI A woman of many firsts, Rukmini Lakshmipathi joined the Indian National Congress in 1923. She was the first female prisoner in the Salt Satyagraha Movement (1930), later became the first woman to be elected to the Madras Legislature and the first to serve as a minister in the Madras Presidency.
RUKMINI DEVI NEELAKANDA SASTRI Featured in India Today’s list of ‘100 women Who Shaped India’, Rukmini Devi is responsible for the revival of Bharatanatyam from its original sadir style. A Padma Bhushan awardee, she was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
VIJAYA LAKSHMI PANDIT An Indian diplomat and politician, Vijaya was elected as the first female President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1953. She was also sent to London as India’s most important diplomat after serving as Nehru’s envoy to the Soviet Union, the United States and the United Nations.
SAVITRIBAI PHULE Known as the first female teacher of India, Savitribai Phule was a poet and social reformer. She played an important role in improving women’s rights in the country during the British rule, and worked towards abolishing discrimination based on caste and gender.
JIJABAI SHAHAJI BHOSALE Referred to as Rajmata Jijabai, she was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Founder of the Maratha Empire. She’s known as the guiding force who inspired Shivaji to fight against the Mughal empire, and the silent source of strength behind all his victories.
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quiz
M E G
A MY
J O
B E T H
WHICH LITTLE WOMEN CHARACTER ARE YOU?
The classic tale about four sisters coming of age after the American Civil War hits cinemas next month—revamped by Greta Gerwig and complete with Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet’s sensational barnet. This flowchart will help you decide which sister to side with... What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Crying, obviously!
Complaining is like oxygen to me.
The last thing I complained about was…
Tearing it up at a karaoke night.
Campaigning for a worthy cause.
Gosh, I don’t mind—as long as everyone enjoys the canapés!
Who’s on your dream dinner party list?
Mozart, Kimmy Schmidt, and Nigella Lawson.
Lady Gaga, Mhairi Black and Maya Angelou The patriarchy.
Mars Bar or Dairy Milk?
Both, duh. Mean Girls, natch.
What’s your favourite ’00s film?
Speak your mind or wait your turn?
Charlie’s Angels.
Hold my beer. Anything with Hugh Grant in it.
Just sheer popularity. Really good hugs.
AMY
The baby of the family, Amy is way into material things. Nowadays she’d have a very strong Instagram following. Use code AMY20 for 20% off all girdles and bonnets.
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COSMOPOLITAN JANUARY 2020
Excuse you, Ferrero Rocher or nothing!
Uh, I’ll just form an orderly queue.
BETH
Beth is the quiet, butterwouldn’t-melt sister, and a total sweetie. A pair of biker boots and a screamo concert would be her worst nightmare...but might do her some good.
JO
The change-the-world sister who’s done with the patriarchy. Today she’d have a blog all about female oppression and be everyone’s favourite at that art event.
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
M EG
One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but secretly into the finer things in life. Says things are from Zara when they’re actually from Gucci. Come on, Meg! Do you!
By: DANIELLA SCOTT
What’s your party trick?
How to U p g ra d e Yo u r
Jeans and a
Nice Top
Well, what else do you need for a night-out (out)? Apart from enough money for the drinks, some blister plasters, and an extra battery pack for the inevitable drunk-dialling? Styling: Amy Bannerman; Photographs: Elliott Wilcox
Top and bag, both isawitfirst.com; jeans, Fiorucci; thin earrings, Lark & Berry; hoops and choker, both Freedom at topshop.com; belt, Dorothy Perkins; sandals, Bimba Y Lola
Jacket, V By Very; T-shirt, Citizens Of Humanity; jeans, topshop.com; hoops, Freedom at topshop. com; star earrings, Thomas Sabo; necklace, Argos; bag, Les Petits Joueurs; sandals, Bimba Y Lola
Blouse, ASOS; jeans, Wrangler; earrings and anklet, both Seol + Gold; bag, Maison M; pumps, Mulberry
Top, Yolke; jeans, topshop.com; bamboo earrings, Seol + Gold; constellation earrings, Thomas Sabo; hoops, Freedom at topshop.com; bag, Chanel; boots, Carvela
Bralet, Simone Rocha; T-shirt, Miu Miu; jeans, Levi’s; bamboo earrings, Seol + Gold; sandals, Sandro; trainers, Converse
Corset, Agent Provocateur; jeans, Re/Done; choker, Claire’s; heart-pouch necklace, H&M X Giambattista Valli
Left: top, Rixo; jeans, Re/Done; earrings, Bimba Y Lola; ring, Seol + Gold; bag, Mulberry. Right: top, V By Very Shirt, Saaksha & Kinni, `6,000; silk organza scarf, ``6 Nidhi Y Yasha, h , `3 `3,500; quilted sskirt, Pankaj & Nidhi, ``70,000; Guldastah Falcon Brooch, Rohit Ball X B h R hi B Confluence, `6 `6,500; pearl necklace, Kasmia n kl K i by AKM Mehrasons, price M h i on request; boots, Papa D Don’t Preach b o P ’ P h by Shubhika, `16 `16,520 S 20
Top, Zara; jeans, Sandro; bamboo earrings, Seol + Gold; constellation earrings, Thomas Sabo
Coat, Mango; T-shirt, Stoned Immaculate; jeans, topshop. com; earrings, Seol + Gold; necklace, Argos; Boots, Giuseppe Zanotti
Model: Laura Rakhman Kidd at Tess Management; Hair: Zoe Irwin (using GHD); Make-Up: Jessica Mejia at Stella Creative Artists (using Laura Mercier); Fashion Assistants: Maddy Alford, Charlotte Gallagher, and Kaisha Mistry; Photographer’s Assistant: Andy Moores
FA NCY PA NTS
In a match woven in fabric-heaven, we bring together a mélange of plush picks—from brocades and jacquards to silks and satins—to create an ethereal play of paradox.... Looks that are subtle and striking in equal measure, just as the materials are opulent and dramatic. Styling: Priyanka Yadav; Photographs: Anand Gogoi
Embroidered trench, Rahul Mishra, `99,500; handwoven silk, brocade dress, Payal Khandwala, `34,500; Thinnis Earrings, Varnika Arora, `5,600; strappy sandals, Dyuti Bansal, `16,500
Embroidered blouse, Rajdeep Ranawat, `24,000; handwoven dress, Payal Khandwala `27,500; earrings, Varnika Arora, `5,000
Trousers, Suket Dhir, `28,650; top, Gauri & Nainika, `18,000; Planet Choc Heels, Christian Louboutin, `59,500
Bodysuit, Kshitij Jalori, `19,900; high-waist culottes, Nidhi Yasha, `24,000; three-layer necklace, Atelier Mon, `3,500; Carmela Loafers, Christian Louboutin, `87,000
Striped double-breasted jacket, Rajesh Pratap Singh, `59,500; Monet Print Silk Charmeuse Shirt, Nidhi Yasha, `16,800; dress, 431-88 by Shweta Kapur, `19,514; Mughal Garden Stud Earrings (used as brooch), Amrapali X Confluence, `5,900
Shirt, Saaksha & Kinni, `6,000; silk organza scarf, Nidhi Yasha, `3,500; quilted skirt, Pankaj & Nidhi, `70,000; Guldastah Falcon Brooch, Rohit Bal X Confluence, `6,500; pearl necklace, Kasmia by AKM Mehrasons, price on request; boots, Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika, `16,520
Nude Pressed Flower Top, Archana Rao, `22,000; asymmetric, pleated dress, Not So Serious by Pallavi Mohan, price on request; brocade pants with french chantilly and Swarovski hem, Rajdeep Ranawat, `18,000; earrings, Pernia Qureshi X Confluence, `7,500
Jacquard silk, structured jacket, Rocky Star, price on request; ruffled dress, Archana Rao, `36,000; skirt, Shivan & Narresh, price on request; earrings, Latique, price on request; ring, Atelier Mon, `3,700; choker, Soni Sapphire, `495; Guldastah Falcon Brooch (used as pendant), Rohit Bal X Confluence, `6,500; Black Dragonscale Stilettos, Dyuti Bansal, `18,000
Model: Livia Bianco at Anokhi Talents; Make-Up and Hair: Aakriti Kochar; Fashion Interns: Sahil Vasudev and Shivi Khosla; Location Courtesy: Seven Dot Nine (Airbnb)
FENDI
Dress with bow, Fendi; pumps, Manolo Blahnik
THE AMERICAN DREAM Wind in our hair, glamour in our stride, and lurve for fashion in our hearts, Cosmo takes to the streets of Downtown New York to showcase the hottest picks of the season by some of our favourite designers. Styling: Daniela Gutierrez; Photographs: Emilio G Hernandez
GUCCI
Jewel dress, wide trousers, and shoes, all Gucci
VERSACE
Multi-coloured dress, turtleneck, lace skirt, stockings, earrings and leather bag, all Versace
MAX MARA
Blazer, cardigan, turtleneck, skirt and stockings, all Max Mara; boots, Jimmy Choo
EMILIO PUCCI
Blouse and pleated skirt, both Emilio Pucci; sandals, Giuseppe Zanotti
EMPORIO ARMANI
Jacket, tartan denim playsuit, beret, patent leather clutch and moccasins, all Emporio Armani
ERMANNO SCERVINO
Plaid jacket and dress, both Ermanno Scervino
CHANEL
Ruffled sweater, skirt, earrings, belt, and platform ankle boots, all Chanel
Model: Celine Bethmann at The Society Management, NYC; Make-Up and Hair: David Carreiro at Nuria Saenz Management for Chanel and Moroccan Oil; Styling Assistant: Silvia Gomez; Production: Paloma Mendes; Thanks: Innside By Melia New York Nomad.
beauty
LOOKS TO LOVE RIGHT NOW
From bright eyes and glossy mouth to glowing skin and nude nails, we’ve curated all the trends you need to be armed with in 2020.
Styling: Zunaili Malik; Hair and Make-Up: Itika Chugh; Photographs: Irina Usova; Text: Meghna Sharma
SUBTLE SH I MMER Who says sparkly eyes should be reserved for night-outs? The 2020 version involves pareddown shimmery peepers that will take you from desk to date-night, easy-peasy. The trick to wearing glitter eyeshadow during the day is by opting for nude/pastel shades paired with barely-there make-up for an ethereal vibe. Add a BB cream or cushion foundation to your AM routine for a flawless finish. Top it up with a non-glittery highlighter for beaming cheekbones. To replicate the lids, swipe on a creamy, glitter shadow. Skip eyeliner, and load up on mascara for a fresh look.
CR UI SI N G D OW N TH E CR EASE Floating eyeliner is one of the biggest trends to hit the beauty world after cat eyeliner. A great way to work vivid hues, it is easy to cop and looks extremely striking. Start by swiping on foundation or concealer to even out your complexion, and then, use a fluffy blush to dust bronzer all over your face. To get the look, either go with an inky pen liner or matte pencil in a bright shade, like this slime-green one. Create an extended wing on the upper lid, taking the liner all the way over your crease. Dab some lip balm and you’re done!
beauty
SI LVER BL AZE Probably the most underrated shade in your make-up bag, silver can look stunning when done right. (Read: worn in graphic form.) To keep the attention on your peepers, go with a no make-up make-up look, and load up on highlighter. Add a hint of creamy silver eyeshadow in the middle of the lids, and then, using a sparkly silver pencil, draw a ‘V’ shape in the corners of your eyes. Finish up this striking-yet-pareddown look with sleek hair laden with #OnTrend clips and barrettes.
LUS H L IP S There was major focus on lips this season. And while a bold mouth always looks great, there’s something very sexy about a glossy pout. Start by prepping lips for this luxe look— you’ll need a lip scrub (if you don’t have one, apply Vaseline and slough away dead skin using a soft toothbrush). This eliminates dry, flaky skin, making your lips appear plumper and smoother. Post exfoliation, work on achieving a flawless base (a dewy finish is what you should be opting for). Next, use a cream blush to add a hint of colour, and swipe on a clear/nude gloss. If you want an even fullerZara, pout,`2,790; use Blouse, s a lip plumper, instead.
beauty
G O I N G N ATC H If you are not big on OTT manicures, nude nails (matching your skin) are major right now. Clean, glowing skin will always be on trend, and now you can add another plush element to the look by wearing your nails...well, nude. Just like red, no two nudes are created equal, so find one that complements your skin tone. As for drawing attention to your chic manicure, bold, bejewelled rings will do the trick.
F R AYED AR CH ES Once upon a time, strong brows were all the rage. But over the years, perfectly-painted eyebrows have made way for more natural arches. Enter: frayed brows—a filled-in, but more ‘real’ version of your eyebrows. To achieve this look, use a brow pencil in an angled motion, brushing them upwards. This will create an illusion of fluffy eyebrows. Cosmo tip: keep it consistently inconsistent, as, the more you’ll try to keep eyebrows uniform, the more they’ll look ‘stuck’ on. The only thing left to do: leave the face clean, cheekbones chiselled, and lips bare to keep them new Delevignes in focus. Models: Jharna Das and Tenzin Chemi at Ninja Model Management, and Isabella at Sky Model Management
KHANIJO
Q
I love blush, but I always get confused as to which shade to pair with my bright lipsticks... Any tips?
A: It sure is a tricky one. If you love colour on your cheeks, the wise thing to do is to wear pared-down pared down lipsticks, as opting for flushed cheeks with a super-bright mouth can end up looking a bit...well, clownish. But there ther is a super-easy solution. We got this tip from fo the OG beauty blogger and Instagram guru g Huda Kattan: she told us that no matter which colour she chooses to wear on her lips, she dabs the same lipstick on her cheeks for a more seamless look. You can c use anything from cream lipsticks to lip tints ti My Glamm X and mousse as they’re all easy to blend and n Manish u save you the effort of finding a shade of blush Malhotra that’ll pair well with your lippie. Soft Matte
Lipstick in Eternal Rose, `950
BEAUTY EXPERT WE ANSWER A BUNCH OF YOUR BURNING BEAUTY QUESTIONS.
Q
I’m a hair spa addict, but it’s a bit tedious to go to the salon and spend hours there for the same. It’s 2020...don’t we have an at-home solution for the same? A: Perfect timing...because Spanish beauty brand The Cosmetic Republic has just launched in India and they offer a thermal wrap that promises to revitalise your scalp and damaged hair in just 15 minutes. The formula is rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid and keratin, which helps improve hair elasticity, and leaves you with strong, shiny, voluminous hair.
Q
I have combination skin, and I’m hunting for a good (and affordable) mask that can give me glowing skin. Any recos?
A: You are lucky, as there are loads of mask options for combination skin type in the market. You can go for (yes it’s possible!) that will a hydrating clay mask (yes, unclog pores and also Nykaa Clay It keep skin hydrated. This Cool Perfect Glow one by Nykaa has three Clay Mask, `599 super-ingredients: amla for a natural glow, karjolic acid for enhanced moisture, and cocoa powder, which is rich in Vitamin E and boosts collagen production.
Q
I travel frequently for work and like to keep my wavy locks smooth and straight. Is there an onthe-go tool that will give me straight hair with minimal effort?
A: In one word: yes. But first, it’s important that you invest in a straightener that comes with protective plates or bristles. We like Dafni Allure, which is a cordless straightening brush packed with the most advanced hair-care hair ca technologies. t h l gi It can be charged with a USB port in under two hours and has a 30 minutes usage time—perfect ect for when you’re travelling. All yyou need d to do is brush your hair for ssmoothness oothness within minutes.
FO MORE GREAT STORIES,, VISIT COSMO.IN FOR
Dafni Allure Cordless Hair Straightening Ceramic Brush, `14,999
By: MEGHNA SHARMA; Photograph: ISHAN ZAKA
The Cosmetic Republic Detox Wrap for Damaged Hair, `840
Lakmé 9-To-5 Weightless Matte Mousse Lip & Cheek Color in Tangerine Fluff, `625
Guerlain L’Essentiel Fluid Foundation Brush, `3,950
Designed by famed designer Mathieu Lehanneur, this brush helps you apply make-up with precision (even to difficult areas such as under the eye and around the nose), minus any streaks. The best part: its retractable sleeve protects the soft fibres (keeping it clean and fresh), and making it very travel-friendly. Kama ama Ayurveda Organic Moringa Oil, `1,450
Sephora Vivid Earth Eye Palette in Rough Nature, `1,850
Inspired by the richness of Earth, this palette offers seven super-pigmented, versatile shades in multiple finishes. But the reason we’re crushing over it is because it also features an eye primer, allowing you to prep, prime, and create endless eye looks with a single product.
Along with doing what all oils do— hydrate skin—this one comes with anti-pollution properties. Massage it llow the on to both face and body, allow oil to work for 30 minutes, and wash it off with lukewarm water. Doing this regularly, we’re told, will help reverse the damage caused by pollution.
LUST L IST
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Ribelle EDP, `3,900/30ml
Don’t be fooled by this pretty pink bottle, for it houses a rebellious potion. It starts off with juicy notes of red pear and mandarin, opening up a seductive floral bouquet of ylang-ylang, tiaré and orange flower, finally settling down with sandalwood and musk—making it the perfect fragrance for both day and night!
PRETTY STUFF WE’VE GOT OUR EYES ON THIS MONTH!
Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Lotion, `700
First things first...this baby smells delicious! Now to the main squeeze: the triple layer of hyaluronic acid softens the flaky keratin layer of the skin by deeply hydrating it. Plus, this lotion controls the pH level evel and oil-water balance to keep skin feeling dewy and healthy.
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Peptide Repair Rescue NutriShield Serum, `500
Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation, `3,300
There’s a bunch of long-lasting, full-coverage foundations in the market that promise to stay put for hours, but what sets this one apart is that it’s super-hydrating (thanks to hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E in the formula) and extremely lightweight. The highlight, though, is that this foundation is packed with light-scattering spheres that offer a blurring effect, hiding imperfections in a single stroke.
By: MEGHNA SHARMA
If your hair is dull, damaged, and prone to breakage from heat styling and chemical treatments, then this double-duty serum will come to your rescue. It repairs damaged locks and offers heat protection—the formula refills the inner hair structure, smoothens texture, and protects hair from harmful UV rays. Bonus: the peptiderich serum improves manageability, hair strength and elasticity.
lifestylist
ART IN PARADISE
Clock, The Decor Remedy, `2,990
Your home is a reflection of your personality—make it an abode that reflects your sensibilities and aesthetics with these six decor trends. By: Priyanka Yadav;
COMMON THREAD Hand-embroidered cushions are a decor staple, especially if you’re looking to add a traditional touch to a modern space. Pro tip: use rich textures and colours to add character to a new home.
Text: Sreeparna Mazumder
Meztli Table (Small), Good Earth, `11,000 Kumyk Butter Yellow Cushion, Sarita Handa, `2,400
Josephine Gold & White 5 Arm Candelabra, Address Home, `5,200
Kantha-work double bedcover, Karmadori, `4,250
Iron stool, Opaque, `5,500
Image: RITU KUMAR HOME
Butler table, ELVY, `14,995
Hanging light, Carsten at amazon.in, `699
Bookshelf, Casa Exotique, price on request
GOOD OL‘ WOOD If you want to create a cosy corner in your home, add a few pieces of wooden furniture. You can opt for quirky shelves, planters, and vintage armchairs. Complement their earthiness with a couple of wrought iron pieces, like a hanging lamp or clock.
Computer Table, Forzza at amazon.in, `8,500 Canvas art-print poster, onshopdeals. com, `549
Table lamp, Grated Ginger at pepperfry.com `13,830
Jewellery stand, Cyahi, `3,000
Java Storage Basket, Good Earth, `1,600 1,600
Monumental Bookends, Atelier DS, `3,300
Wall clock, Homestop, `499 Stratton Mirror, Decor Kart, `24,500
Candlestand, Sammsara at amazon.in, `1,399 Palmeria Bloomer Framed Wall Art, India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta, `3,999
Rowling Compact Desk, urbanladder. com, `10,399
Image: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
GOLDEN HOUR Gold-hued decor may seem OTT, but not if you balance it with reflective pieces (think glass sculptures or large mirrors). Place a couple of indoor plants to add a pop of green—so lovely against gold.
Hoya Plant in Couple Pot, Ferns n Petals, `1,249
Bar stool, Bohemiana at pepperfry.com, `10,115 Double Fish Sculpture, Lalique, price on request
lifestylist
Canvas wall art (set of 5), eCraftIndia.com, `3,999
Chandelier, Jaisons Emporio, `1,10,000 Cranes sculpture, Lladro, `44,500
Black Opium Jaamevar Votive, Ritu Kumar Home, `2,100
Cushion cover, Cult Curio at jaypore.com, `599
HOW D’YE DO? If you thought tieand-dye is limited to fashion, look right here. The trend has now permeated the world of decor...take your pick from cushions, carpets, and even sofa sets.
Pillow cover, Rugsville, `1,037 Block-printed dhurrie, The Purple Turtle, `4,435
DOWN TO EARTH If want to make your room appear spacious, choose furniture in muted shades of white or grey. Add brown cushions or decor pieces to the mix to create an earthy vibe. For a touch of bling, opt for golden lamps or sculptures. Golden leaf wall sculpture (large), Home Artisan, `4,790
Hampton Chair, Clarke & Clarke, price on request
Storage box, Ellementry, `1,190
Serai Lumbar Cushion, Nicobar, `1,150
Willow Pendant Lamp, The Purple Turtles, `7,827
Waylan Glass Vase (large), Home Artisan, `2,790
Flower bunch with skin lata ball, Home Centre, `149
Image: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Maladvipa Chang Throw, Good Earth, `9,800
Nordic wall plates (set of 4), Cyahi, `4,796
Floor lamp, Tu Casa at pepperfry.com, `21,250
PRETTY IN PORCELAIN Ceramic crockery is huge RN. From hand-painted to 3D ones, there are endless options for you to choose from. For an Insta-worthy dinner, serve your guests food in classic blue-andwhite dinnerware.
Anemone Ceramic Platter, Pure Home and Living, `800
Image: CASA PARADOX
Placemat (set of 6), The Pillow Company, `4 `4,800 4,800
Wall plate, Mora Tarra, `2,890
Ingatorp, IKEA, `58,790
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astrologer
EVERY THING THAT’S GONNA HAPPEN TO YOU THIS YEAR
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2020 will one thousand percent live up to the hype you have for it. (It might not be as straight a path to success as you’d want, but whatever, we’ll get there.) And there’s a lot happening: life-altering eclipses, 10+ retrogrades, and some Pluto conjunctions in Capricorn that represent *cue dramatic music* serious change... Illustrations By Justina Leisyte
astrologer
To put things in perspective, we’ve curated this sneak peek—an exclusive listing of all that’s in store for you ahead. Consider this our New Year gift to you: a cosmic guidebook to help survive incompatible dates, Scorpios, and anything else the universe throws your way this year, all while showing you how to use astrology to hack your life for the better. Like Fairy Godmother, but cooler. You’re welcome.
PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR GOOGLE CAL By EMMALEA RUSSO
MERCURY RETROGRADES Back up your files, leave extra room in your travel plans, and respond to your high school ex’s random DMs wisely. (Don’t respond.) You know the drill. February 16th– March 9th In Pisces and Aquarius Dreams, emotions, and your intuitions take a hit. Translation: think before you act on that ‘psychic download’. June 18th–July 12th In Cancer Cancer = peak feels, so try not to take things too personally. October 13th– November 3rd In Scorpio and Libra You might find yourself feeling a little jealous, insecure, and even secretive. So, a lot.
boisterous. Congratulate yourself on being awesome and throw a seriously extravagant celebration. Like, with glitter and martinis. June 21st Solar eclipse in Cancer Redecorate, plan a trip to see your rideor-dies, and don’t forget to tune in to your emotional needs. July 5th Lunar eclipse in Capricorn Check in with your work life. Trust us. November 30th Lunar eclipse in Gemini It’s all about communication and curiosity—a stellar time to decide where to focus. December 14th Solar eclipse in Sagittarius Now is when to think about big-picture stuff like planning a trip. Or world domination.
ECLIPSES Solar eclipses happen at New Moons, aka excellent times to start new projects and set intentions. Lunar eclipses happen at Full Moons, when the vibe is all about finishing what you’ve started and releasing what’s not working for you. January 10th Lunar eclipse in Cancer Cancer is ruled by the Moon, so this eclipse is extra lunar (think: maternal, home-y, emotional) and about balancing personal and professional. June 5th Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius is optimistic and
TRANSITS Aka the movement of planets across the sky. Where they land can impact, well, everything. January 12th Saturn conjunct Pluto What happens when two dark, sombre forces collide? 2020 kicks off on this seriously transformative vibe. It’s a once-every-32-to-38-years situation, so it’s kind of a BFD. The not-at-all-spooky-sounding event encourages you to say goodbye to anything (relationships, jobs, negative thoughts, Netflix bingewatchathons), not making you your most sparkly self.
March 21st, December 17th Saturn enters Aquarius Saturn moves from its home sign of Capricorn into Aquarius in March, retrogrades seven weeks later, then re-enters Aquarius in December. This transition means that testing boundaries, stirring the pot, and setting your own rules are all part of the forecast. Buckle up. April 4th, June 30th, November 12th Jupiter conjunct Pluto The two planets join forces once every 13-ish years, and in 2020, they’re conjoining three times. These are stellar moments to set goals and get real about what you want more of in your life. December 19th Jupiter enters Aquarius The jovial planet of luck and expansion enters the airy, brainy, and grouporiented sign of Aquarius, so expect opportunities for creative collaboration, new friends, and a very ‘I’m just doing my thing, who cares what people think’ kind of vibe. December 21st Jupiter conjunct Saturn Worlds collide (not literally, relax— they’re just, like, hanging out near each other in the sky), and you’ll ride out the year with possibilities for extra luck and ambition. And this happens only about once every 20 years, so take advantage and work on busting out of old routines that make you feel stuck, so that you can cop the cash flow, confidence, and optimism you need to make major things happen. See you on the other side!
TAURUS
ARIES
0 4. 2 0 – 0 5. 2 0
03. 21– 0 4.19 THE BROAD STROKES PSA: your big transit of the year is January 12th, when Saturn and Pluto will be in the same spot in the zodiac, making monumental changes in your chart’s career zone. Oh, and right in the middle of Aries season, Jupiter, the planet of luck, also hits up Pluto, so you’re making moves and securing your bag. Basically, you better work *now*, betch, because in autumn, Mars, ruler of stamina, goes retrograde in your sign (aka you = lazy). Your libido will get shot down and you’ll be living in bed. But don’t freak out: by the end of 2020, you’ll be back, when Jupiter and Saturn meet up in Aquarius—basically an energy drink for your social life.
THE BROAD STROKES The Saturn-Pluto conjunction in January is pushing even sooo stubborn you to question everything. Right after spring starts, taskmaster Saturn enters Aquarius, so expect way more responsibilities at work—but a big promotion or a raise, too. By the end of the year, the people you’ve met in all this hustling inspire you to get more involved—whatever that means for you. Maybe you’re finding a new hobby (Netflix gets boring!) or becoming an activist for a cause that resonates with you. You’ll also keep making more and more friends with the same values. Bonus: you’ll feel like a more mature, well-rounded, responsible person. It’s called growth.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Make sure bae can handle your Kylielevel success. You shouldn’t have to choose between your dream job and your relationship. If, mid-way through the year, things get a little rocky with your partner—or in dating-app DMs—don’t sweat it. You’ll be on track when a late-in-the-year New Moon solar eclipse sends shock waves through your chart...in the sexiest way.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Comfort zone? Don’t know her. Your year will be defined by lots of exciting exploration. That means breakups may be inevitable, but that’s only because a new romantic chapter is on the horizon. Whether you’re entering a new situationship or infusing fresh energy into an existing partnership, this year is about tapping into what you really want.
YOUR GROUP TEXT This spring, you’re cleaning house. From March 21st to July 1st, you’ll be cutting out ‘friends’ who don’t actually have your back, to spend more time with real ride-or-dies. It may be hard, but by mid-summer, you’ll feel stronger than ever.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY July 5th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY September 9th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY December 14th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW With Jupiter uplifting your sign’s work zone nearly all year, your boss-lady dreams are coming true. Read: you’ll be busy. Avoid impulsive spending, but still do you and book a massage or mani once in a while to help keep calm.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Nine of Wands If you’re worried about making the wrong big decision, know that the consequences of whatever you decide won’t be as bad as you think. Channel your inner Arya Stark.
YOUR GROUP TEXT Pick out some cute ‘thank you’ cards: your friends are going to get you through some sh*t this year. They’ll be down to talk through all your crises—especially on January 23rd, May 14th, and June 30th, when you need them the most.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY April 4th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY March 4th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY October 31st
$ YOUR CASH FLOW You’re gonna be The One With All the Brilliant Ideas at work. Pitch ’em and enjoy the glory. Seek guidance, too: download an investing app, Google ‘how to budget’, even hit up a financial adviser to crush any money fears.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Three of Cups 2020 is all about prioritising your friends and family and strengthening those bonds. What’s the point of always working your *ss off if you have no one to celebrate with? Call your mom.
astrologer
CANCER
GEMINI
06.21–07.22
05.21–06.20 THE BROAD STROKES Okay, you can be Frosted Flake-y sometimes—no shade...you know this about yourself, Gem—but this year is all about growing out of that! At first, you’re resisting settling down with a new job or LTR, but by April, you learn the value of dedicating yourself to something or someone. Then, just before Gemini season, on May 13th, Venus goes retrograde in your sign, making you relearn everything you thought you knew about relationships (sorry, but maybe a good thing?). PS: the eclipses in June will also turn bonds—with your squad, bae, and co-workers—upside down, so expect major changes in the people you surround yourself with.
THE BROAD STROKES New year, new you, but literally. January 12th is the big transit of the year—with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn— and it’s slamming your chart’s relationships zone to deliver huge transformations. If you’re dealing with some toxic friends, this rare event helps you open yourself up to new, better ones. And those tremendously important people can have a major impact on, well, everything—especially on how you see and express yourself. In November, Jupiter and Pluto team up to make sure your romantic relationships are , and by the end of December, Jupiter enters your chart’s commitment zone...hint, hint. (Keep reading.)
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS So, things are getting a bit more serious for you, and you’re feeling ready to explore powerful feels and real intimacy. Expect to wave those on-again, off-again booty calls buh-bye as you dive deep into a long-lasting relationship. By the end of 2020, you’ll know exactly what you need in order to feel satisfied—mind, body, and spirit—and exactly how to get it.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Lucky you: love will basically be falling directly into your lap. That powerful, extremely rare cosmic connection at the start of the year impacts your romantic relationships just as much as the platonic ones, which will force you to let go of any bad habits or toxic thinking. It’s never easy to say bye, but trust us: you’re gearing up for ~something big~.
YOUR GROUP TEXT No-one loves a party more than a Gem, but you’re craving quality time with your BFFs (aka weekly brunch with bottomless mimosas). Warning: don’t lean on them too much—ask about their lives, too, to avoid being iced out on September 9th.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY December 17th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY May 13th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY November 30th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Dive into that passion project turned side hustle with Jupiter on your side to keep you feeling inspired. Just don’t get so inspired that you drop Bieber-type bank on something before double-checking that you can actually afford it.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Page of Cups Major creative inspo is headed your way. Your New Year’s resolution: clear your calendar so you can give this thing (hobby? Gig? Puppy?!) your full attention.
YOUR GROUP TEXT You’re going to click with a whole new clique next year while hanging on to a few OG besties. Thing is, the two groups won’t get along at first—it’s up to you to help them. Invite them all to drinks on June 21st, when it’ll be un-awkward enough to work.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY June 21st YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY January 12th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY November 12th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW You’re ready to work either from home (doing your own thing) or from the office (doing the damn thing). Jupiter will help you with the relationships that empower you to own your power on the job. Let others pitch in so you can lead.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Eight of Swords You tend to get really stuck in your feels and your fears, so this year, identify the negative thoughts or limitations you set for yourself. Time to stop that nonsense!
VIRGO
LEO
08.23–09.22
07.23–08.22 THE BROAD STROKES At the start of the year, your health struggles reach a climax and you know you need to start paying better attention to yourself. There’s always time for self-care, though, and that alone will help minimise 2020’s craziness. In March, Saturn enters Aquarius, your chart’s relationships sector, and Venus Retrograde hits May 13th through June 25th in your friendship zone. If people are taking advantage of you, now is the time to cut them out. If you’re freaking-TF out, don’t— this is a *good* thing and it won’t be the disaster you’re picturing. Plus, December 21st brings the aha moment (the one when you basically figure it all out) you’ve been waiting for.
THE BROAD STROKES In January, your life is winning an extreme makeover—but it’s not going to be easy. You soon learn that hustling to present the most likable version of yourself is actually bad for you deep down. Holding back keeps you from getting the promotions, relationships, and friendships you want, so this year is about putting yourself first and claiming your space. Once you start feeling like a whole person again, your social life (shocker) gets better, too. In summer, some major eclipses inspire you to start asking for the things you always wanted but thought were ‘too much’. Get yours! If any sign is tough enough to handle any repercussions, it’s you.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS This year marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter, filled with contracts, commitments, and, yes, cosmic coupling. Even the most casual convos have lifelong implications, so whether you’re closing down the bar on a good Tinder date or setting goals with your SO over brunch in bed, everything is a BFD. With so much magic in the air, the next 12 months are all about a romantic glow-up!
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Even if your life feels like a mess at first, one thing you have going for you is a tonne of planets cruising across your love and creativity zone. You’ll find yourself connecting with people you find inspiring, energising, and, ahem, ~extremely~ sexy. You usually lead with intellectualism, but this year, your bonds are as steamy as they are smarty.
YOUR GROUP TEXT Don’t freak out, buuut some of your friendships are about to feel more Real Housewives, less Gilmore Girls. Stay on high alert in late spring—you’ll know why. It’ll be fine, though: you’ll be ready to kiss and make up with your crew by July 29th.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY March 21st YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY October 13th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY August 18th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Your ability to find the most common sense solution at work is about to get you major gold stars. Jupiter has your back this year, and will help you focus, so invest in your personal growth, too. Spending money on a class never hurt!
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Five of Wands We know it’s hard, but: send the first text, e-mail, apology cookie cake, whatever. This spells your chance to reconnect with people you’ve pretended you don’t miss.
YOUR GROUP TEXT Time to show off all that growing up you did in 2019. June 21st and July 5th are prime times to get your buds back for all the love they’ve given you. It’s your turn to play check-in—hell, throw a dinner party. In return, you’ll receive extra TLC 24/7.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY February 20th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY May 11th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY October 2nd
$ YOUR CASH FLOW You’ll create a goal for yourself at work that no-one asked you to do, but taking that initiative is so promotion-worthy. Jupiter is levelling up your writing, speaking, and analysing skills, giving you the foundation to get it done.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Three of Wands Admit it: you work solo because you have trust issues. Here’s the thing... 2020 = the year of collaborations. So ask for help, and you’ll finally reach that goal. You know the one.
astrologer
10.23–11.21
09.23–10.22
SCORPIO
LIBRA THE BROAD STROKES You’ve got a big move coming up, and spectacular things will happen once you settle in. That said, expect to put romance on the back burner—spring’s Venus Retrograde will have you believing love is dead...or at least really, really annoying—because you need to focus on your fam, your job, and your individuality RN. It’s not like you’ll be alone forever, though: by the end of the year, the Mars Retrograde in your relationships zone will end, and Jupiter and Saturn will team up in your sex and romance zone. Your love life will have strong potential, but by then, you’ll be just as happy—or even happier—living that Independent Woman life.
THE BROAD STROKES 2020 is breaking down all those walls you’re famous for. Saturn moves into Aquarius in March, which starts off a new cycle that focuses on your home, family, and any other ‘foundations’ in your life. You’re starting to accept that sometimes you just need to get everything off your chest and rely on help from others, and that’s fine. Go ahead and pour out all your feelings to a parent, friend, or bae. In the fall, Mars Retrograde makes it tough to feel motivated at work and with your fitness routine, so use this time to review the ways you take care of your health. Hit up your goopiest friend— they’ll know just what to do.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Without any capital ‘S’ Serious relationship work (read: drama) on your plate, you’re tapping back into that flirty, frisky energy you’ve missed (and everyone else misses too—ask your wingwomen). So chat up that hottie at happy hour, text that cute dude you’ve been getting along with at a conference, and actually swipe right once in a while. Keep things casual and have fun!
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Your sign is known for its hot-blooded, lusty spirit—and this year, you’ll be very on-brand. You’re in the mood for mischief, so don’t be surprised if you get caught up in an unexpected fling. By midyear, though, you may realise the bond isn’t built to last. At least you learned stuff...and now you get to enjoy being single again.
YOUR GROUP TEXT This year, you might get burnt out on all the squad hangs, and need to give yourself a temporary timeout, staying in at home. This may create some distance from your crew on July 1st, but don’t worry: they’ll dig your new vibe eventually.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY December 17th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY March 4th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY March 19th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Having money fears? Deal with ’em. Study up on what’s freaking you out—the fine print on your bills, translating your work contract’s terms into human words, your landlord’s ‘no pets’ policy... you’ll feel so much better!
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Strength The next 12 months might be so fun that your apartment, desk, or life turns into a tornado wreck. This card is about finding the willpower not to let that happen too much.
YOUR GROUP TEXT You’re about to take a ride on the roller coaster of dramz. Please keep all limbs, passive aggressions, and full-on outbursts inside the vehicle—especially on Halloween. Address things carefully and with diplomacy, and you’ll all be fine.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY November 21st YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY October 13th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY January 10th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Although you’d prefer to fly under the radar, your career wants the spotlight. You’ll be talking a good game with Jupiter in your communication zone, helping you find the right words to impress your boss, too.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Two of Cups Feeling a little meh about your love prospects? Calm down! This card means there’s still hope for finding a true bae (perhaps after you break things off with that no-good fling—see above).
12.22–01.19
CAPRICORN
11.22–12.21
SAGITTARIUS
THE BROAD STROKES The start of the year teaches you that being more careful with your finances is something you should, umm, try. In March, Saturn, planet of restraint, enters Aquarius, which means you’re learning to sprinkle even more self-control onto your life. You’ll be rewiring your brain to be more organised—sounds boring, but you *need* it. In May, Venus Retrograde signals breakups while you reconfigure how you connect with others, and the November 30th lunar eclipse clears out any leftover relationships that have hit their expiration dates. Don’t stress out: two weeks later, a solar eclipse sparks something major, giving you good feels again.
THE BROAD STROKES Get ready: January’s lunar eclipse in Cancer is taking out the trash in your chart’s zone of relationships. Saturn enters Aquarius in March, adding structure to the way you approach getting that bread. It’s also helping you challenge your morals in a more progressive way by listening to other viewpoints and giving people more benefit of the doubt. To go along with all this change, June’s solar eclipse in Cancer brings new people into your life, with whom you can build stronger, healthier relationships. Finally, in December, lucky Jupiter and serious Saturn team up in Aquarius, so you’re getting major rewards for all of this year’s work!
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Recently, everything has felt a bit intense, but you’re heading exactly where you need to go. A new eclipse series on the Gemini-Sagittarius axis is just getting started, and by December, you’ll finally be ready to commit. Whether you’re first-date status, taking your current situationship to the next level, or rethinking that ex, these super-charged eclipses will likely guide you toward a forever bae.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Holy hell, Cap. Everything’s been cray! With so many planets currently moving through your sign, literally every area of your life is changing. Already coupled up? Expect your relationship to get dialled up in a major way (yes, we’re talking proposals!). Single? You’ll meet your match in the first half of the year.
YOUR GROUP TEXT Don’t let anyone take advantage of your generosity. You have an idealistic streak that’ll blind you to the glaring flaws in some of your friendships. It’s time to separate from your frenemies on June 5th and November 30th.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY April 3rd YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY May 14th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY June 27th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW You’ve got big-picture things on the brain, but try thinking less flashy, because with Jupiter strengthening your financial sector, you’ll want to focus on how to save and spend responsibly. Adulting is priceless, Sag.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Queen of Cups The Queen is all about drawing people in— something you’re already an expert at. This royal energy makes it easier for you to find a new bestie or bae somewhere in the crowd.
YOUR GROUP TEXT You’re focused on hanging with people who are on your level and share the same ambitions, causes, take-out orders, you name it. You’re not abandoning your OG crew, just expanding your inner circle from September 9th through November 14th.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY December 21st YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY June 18th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY February 16th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW With Jupiter touring through your sign, your wild dreams can come true while you live up to your sign’s rep for being ambitious, determined, and compassionate. Go ahead, take audacious risks and trust-fall into the Universe.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING The Moon An issue you’ve been running from finally comes into focus (whether you’re ready or not). Now’s the time to face your feelings— something you normally hate doing.
astrologer
PISCES
01.20–02.18
02.19–03.20
AQUARIUS
THE BROAD STROKES Oh, man, this is going to be a good one. In March, Saturn enters your sign, helping strengthen relationships, improve your home life, and upgrade your career. So basically, a crash course in Adulting 101. And in May, Venus Retrograde stirs up your chart’s romance and sex sector, making you rework who and what you want from relationships. You’re evolving as an individual, so it makes sense that you need everyone in your life to catch-TF up, ya know? Once lucky Jupiter teams up with Saturn in your sign in December, you’ll feel blessed by their combined energy and finish turning into a new-and-improved 2.0 version of yourself.
THE BROAD STROKES The beginning of 2020 focuses on your chart’s zones of friendships and lovers. An eclipse plus the rough conjunction between Saturn and Pluto is pulling all kinds of people away. It’s okay, because every sh*tty friend and toxic relationship you lose gets replaced by people who support you in ways your exes could n-e-v-e-r. In May, Venus goes retrograde, so your relationships with your family get a little unhinged. But, luckily, those new friends swoop in to help save the day. Still, even with all this going on, the central focus will be on you and your goals, so be sure to spend plenty of time on your own, too.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS Listen, it’s clear you don’t like to get emotional, but these past few years have been a lot. Good news: 2020 marks the beginning of a three-year cycle that’s all about unabashedly feeling yourself, so don’t be surprised if your love life becomes a little clearer. Keep your eyes open. Under this year’s wild stars, you might barely recognise yourself—and how you date—by the end of it.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS You see others’ faults as their beauty, and while that’s very charming, sometimes blind optimism can bite you in the *ss. This year, you’ll learn that lesson once and for all. Stand up for yourself. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to kick it to the curb. In fact, you’ll want to clear your channels by the summer: love is on the horizon in a major way.
YOUR GROUP TEXT Put this on your to-do list: reach out to your squad for some much-needed nostalgia. Plan a legit reunion to catch up on February 23rd (boozy brunch highly recommended). Or go all out and plan that girls’ trip you’ve been Pinteresting.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY December 17th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY June 1st YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY September 6th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Your ability to speak the truth on the job will make others nervous but will set you up for some major career wins. Skip the people pleasing and obsession with perfection, and focus on keeping everything real.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING King of Wands It’s true: you’ve gotta play big to win big. Like trying your hand at blackjack or, you know, asking for a raise. Make some bold moves and take some chances—you won’t regret it.
YOUR GROUP TEXT You’re levelling up your bonds with your besties on both January 12th and December 21st. No smalltalk chats about brunch plans. You’ll commit to your day-ones by fully opening up, listening to them, and being all-the-way honest.
YOUR LOVEYDOVEY-EST DAY August 7th YOUR MOST DRAMZ-FILLED DAY February 16th YOUR *WIGGLES EYEBROWS* SEXIEST DAY January 13th
$ YOUR CASH FLOW Those ‘owning the office’ daydreams will become your actual life—if you put in the time. Jupiter has you networking your butt off, so turn those connections into opportunities. And splurge on a style refresh to match your new boss status.
PAUSE FOR SUPER-QUICK TAROT CARD READING Eight of Coins This card implies mastering the sh*t out of something you’re passionate about. You might find your calling and quit your job. Or you might just start composting.
last word
TEAM PLAYERS Derama Douce Heels, Christian Louboutin, `76,000
Clutch, Love Moschino, `16,676
Hazil Jeweled Pumps, Steve Madden X Betsey Johnson, `11,999
Embellished bag, Aldo, `4,999
148
COSMOPOLITAN JANUARY 2020
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 150 (INCLUDING COVER PAGES)
By: PRIYANKA YADAV; Photograph: IRINA USOVA; Fashion Intern: VENIKA KHANNA
It’s the season of throwbacks and we’d highly recommend bringing back the good ol‘ concept of matching your shoes to your bag. It’s no longer considered ‘safe’; it’s stylish!