Affinity magazine

AFFINITY

Affordability Meets Style

Ourmagazineisavibrantblendoffashion-forward ideasandwallet-friendlychoices,providingreaders withthebestofbothworlds:affordablefashion withoutcompromisingonstyle

"Welcome to our magazine! At Affinity, we believe that fashion and style should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. Our mission is to provide you with the latest trends, style inspiration, and budget-friendly fashion tips so that you can look and feel your best without breaking the bank. We're excited to share our passion for affordable fashion with you and help you elevate your personal style. Thank you for joining us on this journey!"

Pranathi. Lakkimsetty

Editor’s Note

MEET THE TEAM

Editor : Pranathi Lakkimsetty

Designer & Reporter : Raunak Kumar

Copy-Editor & Co-Designer : Saurabh Upadhyay

Reporter: Krishna Mohan B, Rishikesh Dubey, Saurabh Upadhyay, Sudhanshu Singh

Guided by Madhavi Ravikumar

Editor

By Raunak Kumar

When it comes to fashion accessories, bangles are an integral part of Indian culture They are often carried on special occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and celebrations And when it comes to bangles, Hyderabad bangles have an extra special place in history and in the hearts of many Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine One of the city's most famous cultural exports is the Hyderabad bangle, an ornate bangle bracelet that has been a part of a local tradition for centuries Laad Bazaar, or Choori Bazaar, is a vibrant and bustling market located in the Old City of Hyderabad, and it is famous for its bangles This market is over 200 years old This bustling market is known for its Hyderabad bangles, which are sold in shops lining the narrow lanes Laad Bazaar is a treasure trove of bangles and other traditional items One of the unique features of Laad Bazaar is that the bangles are sold in sets rather than individual pieces This is because bangles are traditionally worn in pairs, and sets make mixing and matching different colors and designs easier for customers

On asking about the history of bangles, "Sheikh Munawar, a bangle shop owner in Laad Bazar, says, "The tradition of wearing bangles in Hyderabad dates back to the Qutub Shahi era, when the royal women used to wear them as a sign of their status and wealth "

Hyderabad bangles are a fashion accessory and a symbol of tradition and heritage They are often carried from one generation to the next and hold sentimental value for many families Some families even have a bangle box where they keep their collection of bangles The scene of banglemaking has changed in the last ten years Unfortunately, only 20% of Hyderabadi bangles are manufactured in Hyderabad itself. Hyderabad bangles are not just a fashion accessory but a glittering heritage that reflects the city's rich history and traditions The bangles are a symbol of cultural pride and identity and are cherished by women across the world While the industry is facing challenges, efforts are being made to revive it and promote the city's unique cultural heritage

COMFORT AND STYLE IN ONE

By Saurabh Upadhyay

With a return to the '90s trend of baggy fit clothes, mixed with modern fashion and vibrant colors, skinny jeans were officially declared over by Gen-Z in 2020

This all started with the comfort people prioritized over anything else while chilling at home and even while working during the Pandemic The trend of choosing comfortable and easy silhouettes over body-hugging clothes became constant when returning to the Workplace Oversized clothes generally hang off your body's frame without any chance of showing skin or constricting you

The year 2021 started with models favoring oversized shirts and big denim jeans, with waist narrowed, at the top fashion shows of Prada, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton Bella Hadid wore an impeccable pair after the Balenciaga coutureshow in Paris

Additionally, there has been a growing movement towards body positivity and acceptance in recent years, which has led to a greater appreciation for clothing that fits a variety of body types Oversized clothing can be more inclusive and comfortable for people of all body shapes and sizes, which may contribute to its ongoing popularity

Of course, fashion trends are always subject to change and it's possible that other styles will emerge as more popular in the future However, it seems likely that oversized clothing will continue to be a popular option for those looking for comfort and style

"For me wearing oversized clothes is like a shell over my body, behind which I can hide my body It protects me from unwanted attention on my body parts "

"I have oversize the lock again o

"One thing I noticed very different when malls started opening was people are more interested in buying clothes that are 2 to 3 sizes larger than their usual outfits Hoodies, oversized printed T-shirts, and baggy jeans with perfect waist size are the top selling clothes " -Sameer Kumar Employee west side

-Shruti Yadav

-Ruchi Sharma

By Krishna Mohan B

We all must have been using soaps for quite a long time now But have we ever actually thought of why we are using them in the first place? Well, at least some of us have if not all

The major stigma that has been associated with these cosmetics that we use in our daily life is that they are believed to enhance our beauty That is, of course, because of our consumerist behaviour

“Everyone is so obsessed with their looks They are just trying to be somebody else,” says Mrs Sheetal Kabra who produces natural and handmade self-care products under the brand name of ‘Earthy Sapo’ She believes that we all have been conditioned since childhood with the fact ‘that is what beauty is’; having long and thick hair etc That is the reason why people are constantly wanting to look different and end up being mentally and emotionally imbalanced

So once a person gets into using natural products, he or she has a guilt-free life. This ultimately makes the person emotionally and mentally more stable by letting them come to terms with reality She believes that everyone ’ s skin is different and at least that way we are able to recognise that everyone is not the same That is why all her products are made to suit different skin types like dry and oily skins

"We all have been conditioned since childhood with the fact ‘that is what beauty is'; having long and thick hair etc That is the reason why people are constantly wanting to look different "

She has had eczema ever since childhood and also later when she got married and her daughter was born the latter was not responding quite well to the regular baby soaps that are usually found in the market She then learnt soap making through a melt-and-pour process from a workshop using a ready-made soap base

Unconvinced by the benefits of melt-and-pour soaps she began experimenting with cold-processed soaps which was the traditional method of soap making and finally arrived at her formula for making the ‘natural handmade’ soaps

And when asked about the differentiating factor that distinguishes her products from the regular ones, she tells us that glycerine is the primary difference which is otherwise absent in the regular soaps And not just that, she says that she knows exactly which ingredients are being used while making the soap, unlike the ones that go into the making of regular soaps including stearic acid and some others which are known to be carcinogenic as well We often get carried away by the notion of the high pH value of soaps Most of the natural handmade soaps are alkaline

and fall somewhere between 7-8 or 9-11 at the most But she

tells that pH value alone cannot alone be considered the determining factor when picking up a soap that suits our skin type She believes that her products do not cause any side effects and “ I am making some earnest money It is not at the expense of someone ’ s health whether it is human health or the environment's health ”

Few of the products by Earthy Sapo including body soap, hair soap available for both dry and oily skin, skin moisturizer.

Sheetal Kabra, Founder, Earthy Sapo

By Pranthi Lakkimsetty

One of her mile-stone creations was aviral outfit a mangalagiri cotton lehenga paired with a kalamkari printed dupatta which became a budget-friendly option for many fashion enthusiasts

Sirisha's advice for aspiring fashion designers and Social media influencers is to maintain their

personal style and avoid succumbing to fleeting trends By staying true to themselves, they can create a unique identity that stands out in the competitive market She is excited about upcoming projects, focusing on wedding guests and bridesmaids looks, while ensuring her content remains modest and budgetfriendly for her diverse followers

In the world of fashion, finding true inspiration can be a challenge However, there are influencers who captivate their audience with their unique style and passion for fashion We had the privilege to sit down with Sirisha Vabilisetty (@thetownwali), a social media influencer renowned for her fashion reels and inspiring journey

From a young age, she had a deep love for fashion and started her own platform to help others with their fashion choices Sirisha draws inspiration from her surroundings and actively involves her followers in creating content that resonates with their desires

One notable aspect of Sirisha's work is her ability to design her own clothes She combines planned designs with online inspirations and enjoys building outfits from scratch

As we bid farewell to this insightful conversation, we are left with a renewed appreciation for the impact that fashion can have on our lives Sirisha's journey reminds us to embrace our individuality, express our creativity, and fearlessly pursue our passions With eager anticipation, we look forward to witnessing Sirisha's future endeavors as she continues to make waves and set trends in the fashion world, one reel at a time.

Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions

One of the traditions that flourished during the Nizam era was the art of attarmaking Attar, also known as ittar, is a natural perfume made from botanical sources such as flowers, herbs, and spices

The history of attar in Hyderabad can be traced back to the 18th century, during the reign of the second Nizam, Nawab Mir Nizam Ali Khan

The Nizam was a great patron of the arts, including the art of perfumery He established a special department, known as the Attar Khana, to oversee the production of attars in the city

Attar-making is a delicate and time-consuming process that requires great skill and expertise It involves several stages, such as picking the flowers, extracting the essential oils, and blending the oils to create the final product The process is entirely natural and does not involve any synthetic chemicals or preservatives

Attar-making in Hyderabad was not limited to the Attar Khana Many private attar-makers also flourished in the city during the Nizam era They would often create their own blends and fragrances and sell them to the public Some of these private attar-makers are still in business today, and their families have been making attars for generations

The attar market in Hyderabad is located in the old city, near the Charminar, a famous landmark of the city One of the most famous attar shops in Hyderabad is the 'Gulzar Attar' shop It was established in the early 1900s and has been run by the same family for generations

The shop is known for its high-quality attars, and its products are highly sought after by attar enthusiasts and collectors

Mohsin, the owner of Beauty and Fragrance shop, says, "The costliest attar in Hyderabad is called the 'Shahenshah-e-Attar,'

which translates to 'the king of attars ' It is made by a private attar-maker in the old city of Hyderabad and is sold for a whopping Rs 12,000 per tola (11 6 grams) "

The attar market in Hyderabad is a unique and fascinating place to visit It offers a wide range of attars, ranging from traditional to modern fragrances, and many of the attars are still produced using traditional methods The market is a testament to the city's cultural heritage and its contribution to the world of perfumery If you are a connoisseur of attars or just looking for a unique fragrance experience, the attar market in Hyderabad is definitely worth a visit

A Glamorous Extravaganza of Designer Fashion and Lifestyle

By Pranthi Lakkimsetty

Photographs by Pranthi Lakkimsetty

The Taj Krishna witnessed a spectacular fashion affair from the 27th to the 29th of May with the grand SUTRA: The Indian Fashion Exhibition This highly anticipated event showcased a vibrant array of chic trends and lifestyle products, capturing the essence of fashion, luxury, and artistic expression With over 180 exhibitors and an estimated 6,000 visitors, SUTRA offered an extraordinary platform for fashion enthusiasts to explore and indulge in a world of exquisite designer clothing, accessories, home decor, and more

SUTRA embraced the artistry of different regions, with artisans from various corners of the country coming together to display their exceptional skills The exhibition featured awe-inspiring Aari work from the skilled artisans of Kashmir, showcasing intricate embroidery that reflected centuries-old traditions

The Label by Shivani Thumbe presented a captivating summer collection titled "Solace in the Blue " Inspired by nature's colorful blooms, each ensemble was named after a different flower Shivani's focus on sustainability was evident, with her choice of fabrics like Mul Chanderi, known for its subtle shine and breathability, perfect for the scorching summers

SUTRA not only catered to the fashion-forward but also offered a plethora of lifestyle and wellness products SUTRA: The Indian Fashion Exhibition at Taj Krishna proved to be a dazzling extravaganza providing fashion visitors a myriad of choices SUTRA succeeded in creating an unforgettable experience, leaving attendees inspired and enthralled by the creativity and craftsman -ship on display

Fashionable Jewelry for a Fraction of the Price

By Rishikesh Kr Singh

Silver jewelry is an important symbol of wealth, culture,heritage, and pride in rural India Women in tribal areas wear heavy silver jewelry as a way to express financial security and beautify themselves. The jewelry is made of silver and oxidized into designs such as bangles, sashes, rings, earrings, nose rings, necklaces, chains, and toe rings

Melting down old silver to transform it into precious stones is still a well-known practice in these regions. The old silver designs from rural areas have become highly sought after in the fashion world, inspired by their origins and foundations Oxidized silver designs with semi-precious stones are famous worldwide for their old and rough look. They are also affordable and versatile, making them a popular choice The patterns and styles of silver jewelry vary from place to place in India, with each region having its unique motifs and finishes The jewelry often reflects a woman's

marital status or community identity For instance, designs from Kolhapur (Maharashtra) to Hathra (UP), Salem (Tamil Nadu), Rajkot, and Kutch (Gujarat) are embellished with different effects and stonework In addition, these jewelry designs have inspired many popular brands worldwide

Students of art and creative fields enjoy working with scrap silver jewelry because it offers a range of affordable options compared to gold Moreover, this jewelry reflects traditional creativity while being cool, elegant, and full of funk at the same time It has a broad appeal due to its affordability, versatility, and rich cultural roots The beauty and value of silver jewelry from rural India continue to captivate and inspire people worldwide, making it an essential part of the country's rich cultural heritage

By Sudhnas

With the advent of cosmopolitan way of life, many times carrying cultural identities may seem an uphill task, but not anymore, there has been rising numbers of youth leading the mantle with the introduction of paintings of different art form in the textile industry Now one can carry the illustrations of different custom and tradition on their designer wears

Eagle Block Pr

Designs) Located in the bylanes of Eagle Chowk in Secunderabad, is a boutique cum block printing and tailoring store It is one of the creative outlets engaged in the makeover of the plain fabrics Latika kumar, the store owner exuberantly expresses “the quest of adorning uniqueness and classy, in the conventional fashion trends has breathed a new life into the traditional art form ’’ Her daughter Shobita Kumar, who is a fashion designer adds further “earlier the same art which was taught as a skill passed on generations, remained merely an artistic expression, now the same skill is providing livelihood to many, at the same time carrying all other aspects of the trade intact ” Looking at the footfall in the store one

can easily observe the growing popularity of the design styles The other involved factor of the rising popularity is the way through which a wide variety of services has been incorporated in such stores

Now one can get fabrics dyed, tailored, and embroidered to their liking or pick from their boutique that has palazzo pants, gowns, sarees, kurtis, and dupattas

l ecosystem has its own considerable h is well acknowledged by the store

the details and scope of one such art painting’ Sanskar verma a senior n textile designing department at the ersity, elaborates the intricate details its commercial aspects “Madhubani ly an art but also a life of folk and this art form has their own value and t uses daily life motifs with rough and istinct feature With the time many ners are evolving to adapt and execute various day to day use items We could ni art in sarees, curtain, on boxes and ollectively culminating into a large rm not only gives occupation to local orates them more intricately in social

adds that the way present market is shaping with the entry of many institutions starting their own firm and with more designers and celebrities coming into fray, from design to production to exhibition this market has definetely gleaming times ahead

Self-Expression Through Colorful Fashion

By Rishikesh Kr Singh

The trend of dyed hair has taken the world by storm, with young individuals embracing it as a powerful extension of their identity and a form of self-expression Social media has played a significant role in exposing people to endless hair color possibilities, encouraging them to explore their unique identity and push the boundaries of fashion In Southeast Asia, particularly in India, colorants hold a significant share in the multi-billiondollar hair care industry, with Garnier Black Naturals being the top-selling hair dye brand among Indian women

Dyed hair has become a celebrated symbol of selfexpression, allowing individuals to break free from societal norms, embrace their uniqueness, and boldly showcase their individuality By blending pigments into their locks, individuals can regain confidence, celebrate the vibrancy of life, and embrace a youthful spirit, even as gray hair surfaces The transformative power of hair dye has paved the way for a colorful fashion revolution, inviting all to unleash their creativity and express their true selves

Thrifting as a commercial practice like in the West is yet to bloom in India

By Krishna Mohan B

Thrifting, or the practice of buying second-h items, essentially fashion goods, is not as po in India as it is in some other countries for s reasons like cultural values, lack of availabil stores, limited awareness, etc Speaking of cu values, in India, there is a strong cultural empha cleanliness and hygiene, which makes some p reluctant to buy used items There is some consensus surrounding such a practice of tradin clothes of some unknown people Although consensus happens to be vague and unclear it be understood from their cultural stance that th reluctant to borrow or accept anything that som used to wear be it chappals or clothes Because believe it would bring them the misfortun whoever owned the item previously But this ki value consensus seems to be fading awa

contemporary times

When I asked some of my friends if they hav tried thrifting, they said that they would certain the dresses of their siblings, their father or m and some close relatives and friends Again, when asked about why that was th d if h any cultural limitations as to or borrowed any cloth strangers they said that t a n

though some of them

een to trade clothes wi eir friends they happen share a different fash tement from that of th en I tried to find a s out there in Hyderab ly any store offline B a few online like Bom nse, Copper Broom Vi on Instagram

e in some other countr , common, there are relatively few such stores India This limits the availability of secondor purchase Thrifting is a relatively new concept in India and there may be limited awareness h l l b t its benefits However, cept of recycling and ulture for centuries

ID

e friends had different g styles from me

ural I don't think so In ase et opportunity maybe

By Saurabh Upadhyay

Summer is here, as are fashion brands with their new and vast collection of outfits to attract customers At the same time, cotton and Linen lightweight clothes are already suggestions from our grandparents Brands are adding bold, vibrant color patterns and different silhouettes to their clothing Brands also suggest chambray and rayon material

Rayon, a textile fiber or fabric made from regenerated cellulose (viscous), to keep us cool during hot weather Rayon allows it to breathe more than other fabrics and gives it a lightness that prevents it from sticking to the body in hot weather

Fashion these days is entirely influenced by video creators on reels and shorts The same clothing can be seen in popular, affordable, fast-fashion showrooms such as Zudio, H&M, Max, Trends, and Westside

For women, the trend of cargo pants can be seen as having a return in the market, which is being paired with simple Tank-tops, Crop-tops or even boyfriend t-shirts Breezy dresses with floral prints and Gingham patterned Playsuits are also in trend

Whereas, for Men, people have started wearing baggy trousers and have ditched the previous trend of skinny jeans and tight-fitting pants Baggy trousers in light, breathable fabrics have become the go-to option for men It can be paired with T-shirts or shirts for a more casual look Baggy Jeans and trousers can be paired up with oversized t-shirts also

Chinos are classic and timeless pieces whose value never got Faded They are comfy, versatile, and perfect for summer

It can be seen near corporate offices people wearing them with cotton shirts and Polo t-shirts to achieve a semicasual look

A portion of showrooms can be seen full of colorful, vibrant shorts and t-shirts Outfit with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal strip shirts and t-shirts. Stripped pajamas for men are also in trend this season

After the pandemic, a lot of things have seen changes, and the fashion industry is one leading of them From comfy wear during the pandemic to working from home, consumers and designers have learned the importance of comfortability in clothing, prioritizing it over anything else

IS THIS A NEW TREND?

By Sudhnashu Singh

With growing awareness and concern about climate change, global warming, and dumping in the oceans, consumers are getting conscious of what they’re earning and wearing The Fashion industry is now undergoing a sort of awakening and transitioning into a more sustainable arena This led to the ecological fashion trend

The sustainable Fashion industry incorporating sustainable selections in developed and emerging economies

Tie dye and patchwork remerging in the fashion styles seem to be an effect of the same consciousness Even though Organic fashion or ethical fashion trends require a prolonged production process compared to its counterpart, with a change in consumer mindset, supply chains and market players trying hard to mitigate reputation risks by reducing their product’s impact on the environment project optimism According to the sustainable fashion industry statistics, the market is expected to rise to $9 81 billion in 2025 and $15 17 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 9 1 percent, due to the growing awareness of ethical fashion in India

Tracing the origin, the existence of this art form dates back as early as 4000 B C Evidence of tie-dye known as “Bandhani” exists from the Indus Valley Civilisation, which continues to be craŌed in India to this day Besides that, there are artefacts of this resist dyeing technique, known as Shibori which dates back to the 8th century Although introduced earlier, the craft became popular during the late 1960s in the form of a psychedelic pattern The great thing about Tie-Dye is that it's cost-effective. The equipment needed for tie-dye is easily available and inexpensive It does not require the use of machinery Besides, the patterns for tie-dye are always unique No two fabrics can ever be identical And it can be done in a wide range of colours However, depending on the pattern, it can be labour-intensive Patchwork is another entrant in the popular fashion trend, it has recently featured in the SS13 and AW13 international catwalk shows Another reason for its rising popularity is that there is a plethora of products out there in which expertise and creativity can coalesce: experimenting & creating the perfect patchwork There are skirts, casual shirts, hats, tees, pants, dresses, coats, jumpsuits, shorts, scarves, stoles and denim with patchwork that have made it to the display windows of designer stores Apart from quilts, patchwork is also being used in tapestry, curtains, sofa cloth and bedcovers

Its unique feature of utilizing old clothes and materials makes it more appealing to eco-sensitive consumers From a variety of colours to several fabrics at once or from a combination of bright and dull colours to the amalgamation of different prints, patchwork is in vogue and is likely to make a mark for itself in the style statement

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