Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025/January 2026 i Hello India

‘AS WE ENTER 2026, WE HOPE THESE PAGES INSPIRE YOU TO LOOK AHEAD WITHOUT LOSING SIGHT OF WHERE WE COME FROM’ A new year always arrives with a quiet promise. Not the loud kind that demands reinvention overnight, but a gentler assurance — that we can pause, recalibrate, and choose what we carry forward. The past year has been a turbulent one on the global front — wars, conflicts, sanctions and tariffs. The entire ecosystem was disturbed. As the calendar turns, let's start this year with positivity and resolve. We need to reflect. On what shaped us, surprised us, and tested us. On the ideas that stayed, the ones we outgrew, and the moments — both personal and professional — that mattered. The new year doesn't ask us to be…

From first lending his voice to ‘Bum Bum Bole’ (Taare Zameen Par) as a child star to ‘Pehla Pyaar’ (Kabir Singh) and ‘Bol Do Na Zara’ (Half Girlfriend), we've seen Armaan Malik grow up, both as a singer and individual. He's lent his voice to every genre of music, ranging from party hits to chart-topping heartbreak anthems. As he completes 18 years in the industry — as well as his first year of marriage to digital creator Aashna Shroff — Armaan reflects on his success and transformation into a “softer voice.” Armaan, you've now spent 18 of your 30 years in the music industry. How do you think your sound has evolved over the years? It's grown the same way I've evolved as a person. When I started, it was…

Vandana Bhargava started her career as a trained jewellery designer. Over 24 years, the visionary chairperson and founder of the House of VSB steered her multi-vertical powerhouse to its current heights. “Obstacles gave me more resilience, more adamance to keep working and polishing myself without bothering about hearsay. The result is clear for all to see,” she says with pride. “If you have will power, no one can stop you from becoming successful. And nothing is more beautiful than success!” With modest beginnings from the young age of 18, Vandana has indeed travelled a long way creating a legacy of excellence with multiple sub-brands — the exquisite White & Yellow, the artistic Galleria VSB, the elegant Luna Jewels, and the charming Cafe VSB. However, it's her journey into jewellery design…

Tucked away in the verdant greens of Brij Bhoomi lies a historic kingdom ruled by Yaduvanshi kings, who trace their lineage directly to Lord Krishna — they were the last family to rule over Mathura before it turned into a spiritual shrine of the shepherd God. A significant princely state that was accorded the 17-gun salute at Imperial durbars, Karauli, ruled by Jadon kings, is a visual and spiritual feast, immersed in a natural way of life. A mere two hours from Jaipur, Agra and Gwalior, it's tucked away in the much revered Delhi-Agra-Jaipur golden triangle. Yet, once you arrive at the sleepy town, you feel that time stands still, and the ancient era is still in play. The residence of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Pal and Maharani Rohini Kumari, the…

What inspired you to start First Coffee? Shiv Dhawan: I noticed a kind of conceptual lethargy in the Indian coffee industry and a lack of brand loyalty among younger audiences, especially Gen Z. It came down to relevance. There wasn't a coffee brand that felt modern or close to how people actually live today. Premium coffee always felt a little too serious or out of reach. We wanted something that cuts through — quick, sharp, and easy to make part of your day. First Coffee was our way of taking great coffee and making it feel natural, not formal. Did you notice any gaps in the Indian coffee market before you launched your brand? Sohrab Sitaram: The biggest gap was that you could either get good coffee or quick coffee,…

At its core, Seva Home stands for refined simplicity. Through scented candles, diffusers, room sprays and similar such wellness products infused with self-care, all considerate expressions of love, the brand has emerged as a favourite among those who seek intentional, thoughtful gifts. Launched in 2021 by Arushi Agrawal, Seva's natural soy wax candles are hand-poured in small batches along with premium essential oils. Free from toxins and harsh chemicals, each product is designed to be gentle on the body and environment, all while offering a glorious sensory experience. The fragrances, too, are carefully balanced to make them ideal for quiet corners, celebratory evenings, and festive gatherings alike. Seva Home's curated sets are designed to lend a sense of quiet elegance to every occasion. The Fig Tree Gift Set, for instance,…

For nearly three decades, the Lady Dior — the muchcoveted quilted handbag with an architectural silhouette and softly, clinking charms -has occupied a rare space in fashion: instantly recognisable, endlessly open to reinvention. What began as an experimental exchange has now matured into one of Dior's most anticipated annual projects: Dior Lady Art, where artists from around the world reinterpret the bag through their own visual and cultural frameworks. To mark the 10th edition, Dior assembled a roster of artists whose practices span sculpture, painting, digital experimentation and material research. Together, they honour the house's legacy while challenging how a couture object can carry so much meaning beyond fashion. At the centre of this anniversary chapter sit Eva Jospin and Marc Quinn, two artists whose approaches to form, scale and…

In a world divided by court orders against our canine companions, there are some that choose to go above and beyond for their pets. Numerous luxury fashion houses have capitalised on this sentiment. Motifs of dogs, cats, birds, and other animals are no longer merely ancillary ingredients; they've become central to campaigns, collections, and revenue streams. Not to mention the booming pet wear industry that's projected to hit a market valuation of US$7.23 billion by 2030. Tracing the paw prints, we track how fashion houses have kept tails wagging through petfriendly couture, with founders and creative directors finding inspiration in their fur babies. THE VALENTINO PUGS Embedded in the atelier's lore is founding designer Valentino Garavani's lifelong love of pugs — his own companions who he famously said were “more…

VILALARA LONGEVITY THALASSA & MEDICAL SPA, PORTUGAL Set in an exotic landscape surrounding a secluded algarvian beach, this spa offers an integrated experience to help you relax and feel re-energised. While the Thalassa centre represents the best in how the Atlantic's marine climate and its resources can be used for therapeutic purposes, the Longevity Medical Spa is a pioneer in preventive anti-ageing medicine. Here, they get to the root causes of imbalances and offer individualised strategies to improve health and wellbeing. SIGNATURE TREATMENT: A seven-day programme focussed on rejuvenation and anti-ageing. COMO PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS With treatment pavilions overlooking the North Caicos Channel, Como Parrot Cay is a sanctuary that offers an array of daily wellness activities and holistic therapies. Following the Como Shambhala approach — ‘shambhala’ translates…

Before the world knew me through columns and cookbooks, before the quarter-million copies of my recipes found homes kinder than the Manhattan kitchens where I burnt my fingers and tempered my dreams, there was one night that split my life into a before and an after. A midnight call. A French voice, elegant and echoing, soft as sabayon. “Chef Saran? Jean-Paul Neret… the Michelin Guide… Devi has won a star.” In 2007, in a city that so often swallowed its immigrants whole, a small Indian restaurant was suddenly showered with celestial validation. For a moment, I believed the mirror had told the truth, I mistook applause for awakening. But mirrors distort, and stars are fickle. And in 2025, as India still waits for Michelin, I find myself asking a question…

WHAT: Baidyanath Group Senior President Harsh Baidyanath and his wife Shreya Prasad Sharma hosted a warm, lavish reception at The Oberoi, New Delhi, an afternoon that blended grace and romance with the warmth of the capital's social spirit. BUZZ: The reception was a vision in white — drapes cascading across the venue, orchids, hydrangeas, and soft candlelight creating a dreamlike setting done. The décor transformed the space into a serene haven that drew much of Delhi's elite — from business leaders and designers, to noted politicians, and family friends. Greeting the guests was Harsh's brother, Baidyanath Group Director Vicram Sharma, along with the entire Baidyanath family. Although, what made the event truly special was the couple's story — a journey that began 25 years ago, when Harsh and Shreya met…

WHAT: Couturiers Falguni and Shane Peacock inaugurated their newest store at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai, an expansive boutique done up by celebrity interior designer Gauri Khan. BUZZ: Hosted in collaboration with Ekta Raheja, their latest flagship brings together bridal wear and couture gowns under one roof. Unlike the brand's other flagship stores that are known for their maximalist grandeur, this boutique introduces a fresher narrative into their aesthetic — elegant, classic and timeless. Present at the launch event were celebrities like Karan Johar, Disha Patani, Tamannah Bhatia, Bhumi Satish Pednekkar, Manushi Chhillar, Nora Fatehi, Banita Sandhu, Seema Sajdeh, Mouni Roy, Neha Dhupia, and Malavika Mohanan. Celebrity stylists Anaita Shroff Adajania, Eka Lakhani, and Mohit Rai were also at the launch, along with some key names from high society, including…

How to calculate your number Begin with your date of birth. Reduce the date to a single digit, if you're born on a double-digit date, by adding the digits involved. For example, if you're born on the 12th of a month, your number is 1+2 = 3 1 This is a No.1 year, ruled by the sun, which means time is in your favour. Expect new opportunities. There may be growth in career, relationships and major life decisions. Focus on long-term investments and disciplined money habits. People in leadership roles will find others looking to them for guidance. 2 For No.2 moon-ruled folks, 2026 may bring better results through patience and consistent effort. This year will encourage you to step out of the background and also push you towards independence.…

What brand values do you think position Natuzzi in a unique space? It's the strong connection that we have with our roots and our workmanship, our legacy, our heritage. We operate on the values of an Italian family that built the business, where you only had stones, cows and a few farms. You say your spaces bring a sense of quiet luxury, harmony, and safety. But do different markets inspire different design approaches? We feel that beauty and design have to be perennial. Today, people seek a sense of stability. Look at how most luxury brands retail. They may invite an architect to design the store for a particular city, keeping the aesthetics in mind. But the product — a Louis Vuitton bag, for example, will remain the same across…

You described The Sensual Self as one of the most difficult books you have ever written. It certainly offers delicate personal insights. How does the over-sexualised dating culture of today feel to you? This book was a high-wire, tight-rope act for me! I had to strike the right balance between the personal, anecdotal and universal. I'm not the least judgemental about the millennial and Gen Z ethos — I'm concerned! More like a dadi or nani. The supersonic speed at which this generation is changing every conceivable construct deserves undiluted admiration. We had the last big shift with the Sexual Revolution of the 1960s. That was the major seismic switch that shook the world. I'm all for change and questioning the status quo. We appear to have a modern swayamwara…

From the shimmer of the silver screen to the roar of stadiums, from boardrooms buzzing with big bets to runways rewriting the style rulebook — India's next wave of super achievers is here, and they're moving fast. These aren't just rising stars; they're multi-hyphenates who blur categories: OTT actors gone viral, a high-hitting female cricketer, a legacy-bearing young corporate bringing an immersive retail experience to India, a tech genius riding the AI wave, and more. This special feature presents the faces and forces going places in the Year of the Fire Horse — your all-access pass to the power players to watch out for this year, in entertainment, sports, business, brand endorsements, fashion and beauty — the ones shaping headlines, generating hashtags, and talking about the next must-cultivate habit you…

‘Dior under Maria Grazia Chiuri was love at first sight for me. Her chic and feminine style turned me into a Dior addict overnight!’ Interior design may be her profession, but Jaya Raheja is driven by her passion for fashion. With a penchant for dramatic, avant-garde looks, she's a prominent figure in Indian couture circles and at international fashion weeks. “My outfits can't be conventional and must always have an element of drama. If they don't, I create some myself, either with accessories or changing the way I wear it,” Jaya shares. “I once turned a classic sequinned skirt into a strapless dress with a bodysuit inside. I find these creative fashion moments most exciting!” From the family that runs K Raheja Corp, one of India's premier real estate conglomerates,…

MAHARANI SHAILJA KATOCH OF KANGRALAMBAGRAON The preservation and restoration of miniature paintings by artists patronised by their ancestors is one of the most significant works done by the royal family of Kangra-Lambagraon, Himachal Pradesh. Distinct in these paintings, showcased at the Kangra Museum, are the beautiful costumes worn in the earlier days. When her son, Crown Prince Tikka Ambikeshwar Katoch, got married last year, Maharani Shailja Katoch took inspiration from some of these outfits for her daughter-in-law's bridal trousseau. “The outfits in those miniature paintings were stunning,” she says. “While these have turned out to be heirlooms, one can't ignore how we brought together a piece of art history and royal fashion.” Treasuring their ancestral lineage with utmost pride and humility, Maharani Shailja, who is married to Maharaja Aishwariya Katoch,…

“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” Coco Chanel's words shaped Poonam Mehta's life, long before she entered the world of interior design. For her, beauty has never been synonymous with perfection — it has always been about honesty. After a life-altering accident, her relationship with her body and identity shifted. Through design, she found her way back to herself. In the fall of fabric, the interplay of texture and tone, the quiet ritual of dressing with intention, she rediscovered rhythm. These seemingly menial, instinctive gestures became a way of being. “In hindsight,” she says, “it was also my first encounter with design.” Today, she leads PoonamAkash, a Pune-based interior design practice she co-founded with her husband, Akash. Growing up in Chennai, she was drawn to people, patterns,…

Although Eva and Marc anchor this edition, the remaining artists reinforce the global scope of the Lady Dior's impact. And together, these reinterpretations illustrate the elasticity of the iconic bag as an object that can hold maximalist ornamentation, conceptual minimalism, digital experimentation, and sculptural intervention without losing its form or significance. SOPHIA LOEB Sophia Loeb examines humanity's relationship with nature through texture. Her four bags move from impressionistic floral vistas in pearls and thread, to a monochrome red piece resembling molten metal, complete with a painted interior -a revelation reserved for the wearer. LAKWENA Lakwena, known for bold colour and subversive optimism, constructs a trio of patchworked Lady Diors layered with metallic finishes and embossed phrases such as “LOVE ME,” “HOLD ME” and “CARRY ME.” Her signature hand motif appears…

TIFFANY TICKS ITS WAY INTO INDIA India's luxury watch market has a new fashionable entrant — Tiffany & Co. Inspired by globally recognised design codes from the house, such as the Tiffany T, Knot, and Lock, the collection is a holiday-led debut that positions watches as a gifting idea alongside jewellery. The American brand unveiled its ‘Eternity by Tiffany’ and ‘HardWear’ watch collections at their Jio World Plaza boutique in Mumbai. The former includes round and cushion-shaped cases made from 18k gold in white and rose tones, enhanced by round diamond accents, Tiffany blue guilloché dials, matte black lacquered finishes, gemstone-detailed cases. The latter range is crafted in sterling silver, steel and 18k rose gold, with diamondset bezels, and mother-of-pearl dials for a bold yet versatile luxury statement. MIRAII FINE…

WHAT: Italian sneaker giant Golden Goose celebrated the opening of its newest flagship in Mumbai, with the launch of an exclusive co-designed collection with couturier Manish Malhotra. BUZZ: The Venetian luxury house, renowned for its artisanal, hand-finished sneakers, hosted an evening with Global CEO Silvio Campara and the legacy couturier to unveil the products of their partnership. The two limited-edition sneakers marry Manish's signature opulence and bling with Golden Goose's artisanal heritage — a white women's sneaker in suede, embellished with delicate gold floral embroidery, and a men's version that mirrors the intricate motif on a sleek black suede base. Emphasising the collection's exclusivity, clients were offered a choice of interchangeable sneaker tongues, each uniquely adorned with crystal charms and brooches. The launch was marked with a celebratory cocktail party…

It's a chilly December morning in Delhi. The city has yet to wake up to the day's hustle and bustle. Amid this quietude, we're introduced to Rajeshwari Kumari in her family home in South Delhi's Mehrauli neighbourhood. Seated comfortably before the mirror, as she gets ready for HELLO!’s photo shoot, she greets us with a warm smile, enough to set the tone for both the interview and the day — breezy, comforting, warm and full of easy laughter. Fondly referred to as Ria, this award-winning Olympian trap shooter, is unassuming and grounded. That she belongs to the Patiala royal family is something she wears on her sleeve with quiet pride, yet speaks of with an endearing nonchalance. The fourth-generation athlete is aware she has big boots to fill. One of…

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, while our athletes brought their skills and spirit to the sporting arena, a whole other story unfolded at the India House pavilion. Amid the sprawling 40,000 sqft cultural and hospitality showcase, Swadesh — a retail platform launched by the Reliance Foundation in 2023 — offered the world a powerful glimpse into India's extraordinary craft heritage through curated displays, artisan demonstrations, and museum-grade craftsmanship. Founded by Nita Ambani, Chairperson and Founder of the Reliance Foundation, Swadesh places the country's master artisans at the centre of a luxury narrative. “India is home to over 4,000 traditional arts and handicrafts, and more than 70 lakh craftspeople. Our artisans are truly the pride of our country,” she says. “Swadesh is our ode to India's traditional arts and artisans —…

Tell us about the ‘Year of the Horse’ timepiece you just unveiled. What do you think makes it special for Longines? ‘Year of the Horse’ is a very special timepiece for us. One aspect is what the horse has symbolised for Longines throughout our journey. It's a symbol of loyalty, strength, momentum, and of moving forward — movement. It's inspired by the sketch of the Galloping Horse, from the Chinese art museum of Chu Peong with whom we collaborated. The best way to interpret it was to engrave the image of the horse on the rotor of our mechanical movement. Through the transparent caseback, one can actually see the rotor in constant movement. So the horse is in constant motion, too, in line with the concept of the sketch of…

For Aanchal Jain, jewellery has always felt like an extension of feminine energy, transcending the realm of accessories to make women feel complete. Given her creative streak, she wished to build something that felt personal and expressive. And thus was born Izzari Jewells, with an instinct to create pieces that felt intimate yet powerful. “I've seen how a single piece of jewellery can transform the way a woman carries herself — they feel a sense of confidence, style and power,” says Aanchal. “Also, being in Delhi meant being surrounded by women who understood style, and knew exactly what they wanted. So, jewellery felt like the most natural medium of expression for me.” THE VISION Aanchal is a firm believer in design loyalty. To her, if a brand isn't loyal to…

Please share how you conceptualised Tatha. I often say that Tatha found me, not the other way around. The concept began to take shape during one of the most difficult phases of my life, when my husband met with a near-fatal accident. Aromatherapy entered my life almost like a lifeline. As I trained and began blending oils for loved ones, I experienced how nature works on both the visible and invisible aspects. Later, when I was bedridden for two years with a medical condition, that understanding deepened further. That's where Tatha's philosophy was quietly born — that skincare isn't vanity; it's a ritual of returning to yourself. I didn't set out to build a brand, but to help people feel complete again. How do you think Tatha stands out in…

WHAT: La Soirée, Kolkata unveiled its newest chapter in luxury dining with an exclusive collaboration with Gauri Khan Designs. BUZZ: An amalgamation of refined gastronomy and elevated interiors, La Soirée × Gauri Khan Designs was envisioned as an immersive destination — a space layered with warm sophistication, modern elegance, and a sense of quiet luxury. The launch was hosted by Siddhant Digvijay Jaitha and Davina Thacker. Besides the ‘Bollywood Wives,’ among the tastemakers and industry insiders present were Priyansh Agarwal, owner of La Soirée, whose vision came alive through thoughtfully curated menus, signature cocktails, and an unforgettable ambience.…