Mumbai filmmaker and Cannes 2024 winner Payal Kapadia has made her first appearance at 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Known for her effortlessly elegant fashion, the 'All We Imagine As Light' director returned to the French Riviera as a jury member. Dressed in a comfortable blue and red ensemble, the Mumbai filmmaker is seen wearing a loose-fitting shirt and a bright red ankle-length skirt. She wore Indian fashion designer Payal Khandwala's look and was styled by Indrakshi Pattnaik. While that was at first, she walked the red carpet in a grey suit designed by Arjun Saluja, showcasing two different sides of her on the opening night. Also Read: Cannes 2025: ‘No nudity on red carpet’, ‘no sneakers’ and other interesting rules
14 May,2025 10:16 AM IST | France | mid-day online correspondentIndian actor Ram Charan’s custom-made ensemble by Shantnu & Nikhil, first unveiled on the Oscars 2023 red carpet, has now been immortalised at Madame Tussauds London. Being a world icon, it also marks a powerful moment of pride for Indian fashion and cinema on the global stage. The look — a tailored, military-inspired masterpiece — is a study in quiet strength and symbolic storytelling. The key design elements include a signature chakra buttons, symbolising unity and resilience, a Nehru collar, evoking heritage and honour, and structured pocket detailing, inspired by Indian Army silhouettes Originally worn during the historic rise of 'RRR', the ensemble was more than red carpet couture — it was a statement of identity, discipline, and understated patriotism. Now enshrined among global legends, it reflects an India that is rooted, refined, and ready for the world.
13 May,2025 08:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian lifestyle content creators Sarah Sarosh and Simran Balar Jain will make their debut on the red carpet at 2025 Cannes Film Festival. At a time when Indian content creators are attracting attention around the world, Sarah and Simran are some of quite a few who will feature in this year's edition. Sarah, who is a beauty and lifestyle influencer, and the founder of Impulse Coffees, aims to represent the evolving space of Indian beauty creators who have built strong communities around trust, storytelling, and purpose. With a following of over 1.8 million across social media, Sarah’s work as a content creator has steadily expanded into entrepreneurship, reflecting her journey. Interestingly, she started creating videos during her teens in her bedroom at 17, and every year, she would recreate celebrity makeup looks from Cannes, and now has made her way to the big stage. On the other hand, Simran Balar Jain is not only a digital creator but also the founder of sexual wellness brand UnBound, and her work addresses everything from periods and pleasure to gender inclusivity. She is known for breaking taboos around women’s health, hygiene, and sexuality, and is among the few Indian creators representing conversations around sex education, body image, and mental wellness on the big stage.This year, the film festival has stated that nudity will not be allowed on the red carpet, or anywhere the festival premises. It is only one of the requirements from attendees this year apart from the 'no sneakers' rule.2025 Cannes Film Festival is set to take place in Cannes in France from May 13 to May 24. Some of India's biggest names including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will walk the red carpet. While Alia Bhatt was supposed to make her debut, she has now opted out due to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. In a first, Mumbai director and Cannes 2024 winner Payal Kapadia is also on the jury for this edition.
13 May,2025 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 2025 Cannes Film Festival is all set to take place in the city of Cannes from May 13 to May 24. The theme for this year is celebrating the theme is ‘Lights, Beauty and Action’. While the festival celebrates films, there are so many unique elements to it that are celebrated every year and are hard to miss including the red carpet and the fashionable looks that every celebrity pulls off. Interestingly, there are many aspects that have changed this year. Here are unique facts to know about Cannes 2025, the 78th edition of the festival: ‘No nudity’ After many celebrities have pulled off some bold naked looks over the years across festivals, the Cannes 2025 dress code has banned nudity on the red carpet or anywhere within the premises. The festival website says, “for decency reasons”. While the rules are in place, will there be people who break them? We will just have to wait and see. Beyond that, they are also not allowing voluminous dresses with a large train, especially those that make it difficult for the passage of guests. Suits and dresses For the Grand Theatre Lumière gala screenings, the requirement is evening wear that includes a long dress or tuxedo. People can also wear “a little black dress”, a cocktail dress, a dark-coloured pantsuit, a dressy top with black pants, according to the Cannes 2025 website. People can also wear a black or navy-blue suit with bowtie or dark-coloured tie. ‘No sneakers’While sneakers are always in fashion, the Cannes has said sneakers aren’t allowed during the screenings but instead people can wear elegant shoes and sandals with or without a heel. Firsts for India Alia Bhatt’s debut This year will also see Alia Bhatt make her debut at Cannes 2025 as L'Oréal Paris’ brand ambassador along with their longstanding brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It also marks the beauty brand’s 28th year at the festival. Bhatt will be joined by other global ambassadors including Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Aja Naomi King, Andie MacDowell, Simone Ashley, Elle Fanning, Bebe Vio, and Yseult. Payal Kapadia’s debut on the juryAfter winning praise and an award for ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at Cannes 2024, Mumbai’s very own filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to be on the jury at Cannes 2025.
12 May,2025 07:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian cricketer Virat Kohli, one of the most loved sportspersons in the history of the game, has announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, drawing curtains on a glorious 14-year career in the cricket format. While his retirement has upset many fans, others have been paying heartfelt tributes and expressing gratitude for his contribution to the format, and the sport in general. Kohli’s batting prowess has left an indelible mark on fans of the game, but his impact reaches many aspects beyond the game. The 36-year-old’s fashion choices have often shaped trends that have automatically made him a style icon. He is also regarded as one of the most stylish and well-groomed sportspersons in modern-day cricket. For those who remember the cricketer from his early days, Kohli has gone through a massive fashion transformation over the years, swapping his laid-back sense of style with sophisticated dressing that makes him look really sharp. Virat Kohli’s fashion evolution In 2008, when Kohli started his cricket career, he had a laid-back, casual, boy-next-door style. He would often don the classic look of denim jeans and tee during public appearances. By 2011, he had started experimenting with his fashion choices, sporting formal suits and outfits that suited his personality. Parallelly, he kept opting for different hairstyles – one of the most trendsetting aspects of his style. As his cricketing career took off, there was no looking back, both in the game and his fashion choices. Kohli’s style evolved from basic to effortlessly sharp and sophisticated. Decoding Virat Kohli’s style From formals to Indian ethnic wear, from street casual to vacation fits, there’s no look that Kohli cannot pull off with finesse. The cricketer is often seen embracing, and acing, relaxed outfits. From hoodies, denims, tees and sneakers to athleisure or sportswear, his casual style range is worth taking fashion inspiration from. But that’s not it! Kohli can go from sporty to suave effortlessly. From classic hues to tailored fits, his sophisticated formal looks have often attracted eyeballs. However, the most interesting aspect of his personal style is his experimentation with Indian ethnic wear. While a simple kurta pajama can also do the trick if styled innovatively, Kohli has often opted for different styles of traditional outfits like bandhgala jackets and angrakha-style kurtas. The cricketer’s style stands out even beyond his outfits. From his beard and hairstyle to his tattoos and ear piercings, each aspect makes him a trendsetting fashion icon. However, while the range of his off-field style is impressive, fans may agree that what suits him the best is the Indian cricket team jersey.
12 May,2025 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAlong with the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh and Isha Ambani, even Natasha Poonawalla walked the red carpet at Met Gala 2025 on May 5. While Dosanjh gave a nod to his heritage when he opted for a traditional look, Poonawalla also showcased Indian textile craft on the world stage as she donned a Manish Malhotra-ensemble created from Parsi Gara saris. The entrepreneur has often made fashion statements, with her previous appearances at the Met Gala also receiving considerable attention. It was no different this time as Poonawalla looked nothing short of regal in an exquisite outfit that blended culture with couture, as it was an ode to her Parsi roots. The highlight of the outfit was a sculpted purple fishtail skirt, which was made using two vintage Gara saris – one of which was a century-old relic restored from Manish Malhotra’s archives. The ensemble also featured a lace bralette with scalloped pearls and a corset-cummerbund. It was accompanied by a sharply-tailored black Gara jacket lined in imperial purple. Adding poetic drama to the ensemble, she completed the look with a cravat at the collar, by Atelier Biser. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MANISH MALHOTRA (@manishmalhotraworld) What is the Parsi Gara? Gara embroidery is deeply rooted in Parsi culture and textile heritage. It features intricate designs and distinct motifs, often inspired by nature. Due to the immense detailing required, it is a labour-intensive craft. Other Indian designers at Met Gala 2025 Interestingly, Poonawalla wasn't the only one to wear a Manish Malhotra ensemble, even Coco Jones opted for an outfit by the celebrated Indian designer. Another designer whose creation found a place at the fashion extravaganza is Sabyasachi Mukherjee, as Shah Rukh Khan made his debut with the former’s design. While Kiara Advani wore Gaurav Gupta's creation, Isha Ambani donned a signature Anamika Khanna ensemble. Met Gala, which is regarded as fashion’s biggest night, unfolded at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and showcased some of the most fashionable moments on the red carpet.
07 May,2025 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen tech entrepreneur made her debut at the Met Gala in 2024, she was the mystery guest who immediately turned heads with her butterfly dress and kinetic sleeves. Returning to Met Gala 2025, one of fashion’s biggest events this year, Patel managed to surprise guests once again, but this time with a robotic dog, that she brought along with her on the red carpet. After wearing a custom Iris Van Apfel with kinetic sleeves styled by Law Roach last year, this time around Patel wore a custom ensemble by American fashion designer Thom Browne for the gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; this was accompanied by a mechanical spinal cord by Lisa Jiang and Timothy Bowl. She paired the ensemble with a hat by Miodrag Gubernic, and shoes by Rene Caovilla – to complete the entire look. While her ensemble was eye-catching, it was the grey robotic dog ‘Vector’, who came along with her that turned heads. It was made by MIT and was inspired by Browne’s dog by the same name. The dog, which converted into a bag, was accompanied by a 1,000-carat emerald-cut diamond leash on it, that turned into a sling when she put it on her shoulder. The Met Gala 2025 also saw Indian actors Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani walk on the red carpet. While SRK came in an all-black ensemble, Diljit was at his fashionable best looking all royal in his all-white ensemble. On the other hand, pregnant Kiara paid tribute to her child with a bejewelled umbilical cord connected to the framed heart on her bold gilded breastplate, a creation by Gaurav Gupta. It wasn’t only the stars on the blue carpet, but the latter itself that has its roots in the southern Indian state of Kerala as it was made by Alleppey-based design house Neytt by Extraweave, for the third year in a row. The 63,000-square-foot hand-painted blue carpet with a motif designed by artist Cy Gavin was accented by strewn daffodils, cascading floral barricades, and installations that shimmered with water and mirrored the hanging blooms above.
06 May,2025 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Indian stars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh walked the red carpet at Met Gala 2025, even Kiara Advani, who is currently pregnant, also made an appearance at The Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier today. Celebrating the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' theme, Kiara embraced it a custom Gaurav Gupta couture creation — a sculptural black gown featuring a bold gilded breastplate that had a framed heart, adorned with crystals and ghungroos (bells). The most interesting part of her ensemble was a custom bejeweled umbilical cord, which was by Outhouse Jewellery, glistening to showcase her journey of motherhood that has only just begun. Designed to tether her heart to her unborn child, the cord wasn’t just ornamentation visual ode to motherhood and a bond that begins before birth. Completing the look were Koko Bugs—sacred emblems of metamorphosis—nestled into her ears and fingers, and a cross of Keshi pearls on her hand.
06 May,2025 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen it comes to fashion, it can be an extremely personal choice which reflects your personality or a creative outlet to have fun with the latest trends. Beyond aesthetics, fashion has become a tool for self-expression which deeply impacts our mental well-being as well. Research has found that there are specific colour shades which spark joy, and patterns that fuel creativity and confidence. ‘Dopamine Dressing’ is an increasingly popular concept which helps people harness the inherent power of clothing, whether you are a fashion enthusiast or not. It is a curatorial choice to infuse your wardrobe with mood-boosting elements and personalising your look to enhance your well-being. We spoke to designers Dipti Advait of Nouria, and Oorja Shah and Vatsala Kalani, co-founders of Shop Mauve, to delve into the emotional connection between clothing and our inner selves. They also share practical tips on how to elevate your everyday lives with dopamine dressing. (L) Dipti Advait; (R) Oorja Shah and Vatsala Kalani Key elements of dopamine dressingDopamine dressing can be leveraged to enhance your mood by choosing the right clothes. “We believe fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional well-being. Dopamine dressing is all about wearing what makes you feel good—whether that’s bold colours, different textures, or sentimental pieces that spark moments of joy,” says Vatsala. Below, she outlines three key elements of dopamine dressing: ColoursBright, vibrant hues like bright yellow, hot pink, and green are fundamental. These colours are psychologically linked to feelings of happiness, optimism, and energy. Think of incorporating these colours into your daily wardrobe through statement pieces or subtle accents. Patterns and texturesPlayful prints like polka dots, or florals and interesting textures such as velvet, silk, or knits add visual excitement. These elements introduce a sense of fun and individuality to your look. SilhouettesFlowy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes create a sense of freedom and ease, promoting comfort and relaxation. Structured tailoring, on the other hand, can enhance posture and project an image of confidence and authority. Comfort and how the clothing fits your body is a huge factor in dopamine dressing. Harnessing the benefits of dopamine dressingDressing in a way that resonates with your emotions can enhance your overall well-being by making you feel empowered and at ease. “Dopamine dressing isn’t just about mood boosting, it also enhances confidence with bold, empowering outfits, and inspires creativity via experimentation with colours, textures, and styles,” poses Oorja. Wearing clothing that aligns with who you are helps you project confidence, which positively impacts how you carry yourself and interact with others. She asserts, “Anyone can benefit from dopamine dressing! It’s not just for fashion enthusiasts—whether you love experimenting with style or prefer a minimal wardrobe, wearing pieces that makes one feel good can positively impact their mood and mindset. Trust your instincts – If an outfit makes you smile, that’s dopamine dressing at its best. Kickstart your journeyIf you are overwhelmed by all the information out there about dopamine dressing, do not fret. Dipti lists seven expert tips to help you kickstart your dopamine dressing journey: 1. Start with colourAdd small pops of vibrant colours—like a bright scarf or shoes—to your existing wardrobe. 2. Play with accessoriesTry introducing fun accessories, such as statement jewellery or hats, to elevate simple outfits. 3. Revisit old favouritesRediscover clothes you already own that make you feel good and mix them with new pieces. 4. Layer for impactLayer your clothes in creative ways to add depth and personality to your outfit without needing a full wardrobe overhaul. 5. Prioritise comfortStart by making sure your outfits are comfortable, as feeling physically at ease is a huge part of boosting your mood. 6. Embrace textures and patternsTry mixing textures or patterns with your regular outfits for a fun, unexpected twist that lifts your mood. 7. Go for versatile piecesOpt for timeless, versatile clothing that can be worn multiple ways—this allows you to express yourself without buying new things constantly. The psychology of colourThere are specific colour palettes that are generally considered more effective for dopamine dressing. Pink and warm tonesOorja explains, “Pink and warm tones, including yellows, oranges, and reds are strongly associated with feelings of joy, optimism, and energy. Pink, in particular, is linked to nurturing and compassion.” The design expert also explains that warm tones stimulate the senses, and can create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, making them excellent for boosting mood and projecting confidence. Cool shades“While warm tones energise, cool tones such as blues, greens, purples promote calmness, tranquillity, and a sense of balance. Blues are often linked to stability and trust, greens to nature and growth, and purples to creativity and imagination. These are great for when you need to feel grounded and focused, or when you are needing to tap into your creative side,” adds Vatsala. 5 ways to channel your personality through dopamine dressingWith dopamine dressing, you can let your personality shine by curating clothing that resonates with your inner self, creating an outward expression of your individuality. Dipti shares five simple ways to channel your unique personality through dopamine dressing: 1. Choose colours that resonate with you: Colours like soft pastels for a calm vibe or bold reds and oranges for energy can create an instant mood shift. 2. Incorporate playful patterns or textures: Opt for prints or fabrics that bring you joy—whether that’s florals, polka dots, or cozy knits. 3. Mix comfort with style: Wear outfits that make you feel comfortable in your skin—whether it's oversized shirts, tailored pants, or flowy dresses—comfort boosts confidence. 4. Accessorise with meaning: Add accessories that have personal significance, whether it's a piece of jewellery with sentimental value or an item that inspires creativity. 5. Experiment and evolve: Don't be afraid to experiment with new styles or revisit old ones that bring back happy memories.
30 April,2025 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalFor queer individuals, channeling their identities through personal style is a deeply intuitive experience that is constantly evolving with their authentic selves. This connection between inner identity and outward presentation becomes a powerful tool for navigating a world limited to and shaped by binaries. Fashion serves a purpose beyond aesthetics in the lives of LGBTQIA+, enabling them to present themselves in a way which affirms their identities: that are chosen and not imposed by societal expectations, or shaped by stereotypical media representation. In the absence of representation, lesbians face the dual challenge of defying traditional gender norms and reclaiming visibility in a world that frequently marginalises their experiences. On Lesbian Visibility Day, we speak to urban lesbians in India who express their identity through fashion and personal style. Prarthana Prasad, Nikita Prakash, Sayantika Majumder and Anisha Sharma offer a glimpse into their journeys of queerness, self-expression and embracing their authentic selves. The violence of societal expectations on self-expression Growing up queer in India often involves encountering societal expectations around feminine presentation that are anything but subtle. “I think it was anything but subtle and it would have taken the opacity of a brick wall to not notice it," says content creator Prarthana Prasad, also known by her moniker Short Haired Brown Queer. " It was a very adult thing that I had to understand as a child of 3 or 4 years. The way I wanted to naturally express myself as a young girl was at war with the societal expectations of how a girl should look," the 26-year-old recalls. For Prasad, this early conflict between her natural self-expression and prescribed norms was a defining experience, fostering a persistent sense of being different. “It severely impacted my sense of self and made me feel like I was constantly different and sticking out like a sore thumb everywhere I went. That feeling stays with me to this day,” she observes. Prarthana Prasad is most comfortable wearing three piece suits In her teenage years, the pressures of societal acceptance coerced Prasad to briefly embrace stereotypical femininity. However, this conformity proved deeply uncomfortable. Prasad admits, “I did try to embrace these stereotypically feminine gender expressions when I was a teenager... But once I did and earned familial and peer acceptance, I realised how severely uncomfortable I felt. I was unable to reconcile the reality of my long hair with my desire for shorter hair.” While Prasad's struggle involved expressing her masculine-leaning fashion, Nikita Prakash's experience was marked by rigid categorisation within the LGBTQIA+ community. A masc-leaning lesbian, Prakash (also known as Nick) is a marketer, content creator and drag king Bloody Kameena. Seemingly small acts like getting her eyebrows done in college were met with gendered comments. “I did my eyebrows for the first time and knew I would get comments like aaj to ladki lag rahi hai (you are looking like a girl today). I chose to wear sunglasses for a whole week and lied about having conjunctivitis,” she recollects. Even within community spaces that should ideally be more accepting, the 35-year-old felt a pressure to fit into pre-defined boxes which stifled early attempts at exploring different styles. “When I was first introduced to the community, there was a split between butch, androgynous, and femme, and you were almost always boxed into these three categories. How could I try being feminine being a butch,” she recalls, facing judgment for even trying on a skirt. You don’t look like a lesbian “If I had a rupee for every time I was told I don’t look like a lesbian, I could retire!,” says copywriter, stylist, and content creator, Sayantika Majumder. At 34, she lives in Bengaluru with her partner Nick but believes that her queer awakening was delayed in part due to fashion. “When I look back at why I was a late bloomer (came out) at 24, I suspect fashion played a huge role. Feeling different from the stereotypical image of lesbians caused a lot of cognitive dissonance, and the pressure to visually align with a perceived norm delayed self-acceptance,” remembers Majumder. (L) Nick, styled by Sayantika, all dressed up to perform; (R) Sayantika Majumder wants to see lesbians in India experiment with fashion To conform, she briefly adopted a more masculine style, cutting her hair and buying plaid shirts. However, it took years to accept her femme way of expression. “Even within the community, my femme presentation led to accusations of being straight passing. That kind of labelling is alienating," Majumder shares, questioning, "I often ask what is a lesbian look? I like wearing pantsuits and dresses. I’m not seen as queer enough, Nick is seen as too queer." Mirroring the challenges faced by others navigating their queer identities in India, media professional and Mumbai native Anisha Sharma's journey of understanding herself was gradual. “Being plus size I never really looked at fashion as a way of expressing my identity," she confesses. Studying in the UK exposed her to a wider range of self-expression. Upon returning to India, her online search for types of lesbians revealed overwhelming and rigid categories like butch and chapstick. "When I came back, I googled ‘am I a lesbian’, and ‘what kind of lesbian’. It intimidated me, do I need to ascribe to only one type of clothing? I can wear dupattas one day and look like Circuit from Munnabhai the next day. It was off-putting for me because I felt I did not fit anywhere," says Sharma. Early attempts to fit in involved trying to appear masculine by wearing ties, but her inherent leaning towards femme clothing was ever-present. "With lesbian women, who we date also depends on fashion which takes away the individuality of a person. Most butch adjacent women wanted to date femme adjacent, being a shy person, I did not want that attention,” she tells us. Even as someone comfortable with being femme, Sharma faced unexpected judgment, with a crush once telling her she was too femme. This, coupled with insecurities about her size, made her question her presentation. "I was shocked. I have been insecure about my size, but now I grew worried that me being femme-adjacent was something that needed to be navigated. Fashion was never a deal breaker, but it happens so much in our community,” Sharma states matter-of-factly. The evolving landscape of personal style Why do LGBTQIA+ people have such a flair for fashion? Coming to terms with their queer identity often inspires individuals to adopt a more authentic personal style. For Prasad, reclaiming childhood preferences for a less feminine style involved a conscious choice of clothing that affirmed her inner sense of self. "I finally found the courage to embrace my true sense of expression at 21 and went back to looking like a boy. My father bought me a lovely pair of black leather brogue from a men’s shoe shop that I’ve cherished for over 7 years,” she tells us animatedly. For Prasad, this wasn't about imitation but genuine self-expression. "I found it hard to look stereotypically man-like for a long time. But I realised that I’m not trying to masquerade as a man. I’m just trying to look like myself. Masculinity and masculine gender expression do not belong only to men," she affirms. Nick's experience mirrors this movement towards authenticity. Initially feeling constrained by the butch label, her style evolved as self-acceptance deepened. “Performing drag pushed the boundaries of what I was supposed to dress like. I’ve started enjoying make-up and have an elaborate kit for drag. I am not stuck to one end of the spectrum, today, I wear what I feel without worrying about fitting in. I recently wore a long skirt and corset, which 10-year-old me could never imagine. It feels great when you get an appreciation for being yourself,” she proclaims. In addition to being mediums of self-expression, clothes can also be deeply sentimental heirlooms. “For every daughter wearing her mother’s saree is a rite of passage, but I had missed out on it. My mom has always supported me in my clothing choices but still, she was mildly disappointed that she couldn’t pass on her sarees to me,” shares Nick. The journey of reclaiming her style even extended to reimagining traditional garments, tailoring them to align with her masculine expression. “I reimagined her saree as a suit that perfectly matched my style. To complete the look, I even wore her gold jewellery. My mom was overjoyed. Cis-het girls can inherit their mom’s jewellery and clothes, but we had to get creative," poses Nick. Nick donning a suit made out of her mother's saree For Majumder, fashion is deeply intertwined with her identity and a means of challenging rigid norms. Majumder’s embrace of her femme identity was a gradual but resolute step towards authenticity. Fashion became a vital tool in this process, extending beyond her wardrobe. “Experimenting with fashion, including styling Nick for drag, became a form of art and a way to navigate and express my true self. We wanted to challenge the expectation that drag kings must simply dress like straight men. Why can’t drag kings be glam icons?” she shares. Her creation of an LED leather jacket with a ‘Shahenshah’ vibe for Nick’s drag performances directly counters the idea of basic male expression. Majumder questions why lesbians aren’t more prominent in challenging fashion norms, noting the invisibility of femmes and the basic stereotypes assigned to butches. The stylist critiques the tendency to stick to a binary in fashion, lamenting the lost fluidity. "Skirts have been worn by men traditionally for centuries, why do we assign gender to garments? Do the clothes take away from my identity?" Ultimately, for her, fashion is a form of creative expression and a way to assert her visibility: "I want people to know that lesbians also do fashion, It’s not just for the gays." For Sharma, who believes she has moved well beyond the uncertain girl who googled 14 years ago about the kinds of lesbians, the journey has been about increasing self-comfort and building confidence. “During my college, we had an Oscars-themed farewell. I did not feel like wearing a gown, so I opted for a suit. I wanted to wear a statement piece (top hat), and I felt hot. I remember clearly how great it felt, in an attempt to be comfortable, I ended up standing out. Nobody questioned me, I believe my confidence was apparent to everyone” During Covid, I chopped off my long curly hair opting for a pixie cut (super short). It has been the most liberating choice. It made me 100 times more confident in my life. I am done with that phase of my life where I wanted to fit into societal expectations. I will wear make-up, saris, and suits—all of it. Queers are hungry to explore their identity and show that to the world. How wonderful a feeling it is where confidence and expression come together to make you feel so good on a day-to-day basis- it is unparalleled,” says Sharma resolutely. Visibility, safety and subtle resistance amid the absence of representation When asked about the representation of lesbians in mainstream media, Sharma states starkly, "None. Where is it? What is there to even talk about when it barely exists?” The queer awakening and journey of lesbians in India is often impacted by a striking absence of nuanced representation in mainstream media and fashion. Prasad echoes the sentiment and notes the relative invisibility of butch lesbians. “Creators think they are feeding into a stereotype and therefore actively avoid portraying any butch lesbian or masculine-looking queer women. But this is taking away sorely needed butch lesbian representation,” she muses. This absence of representation fuels limiting butch/femme binaries, preventing exploration of the full spectrum of queer expression, as Nick points out, "The masculine and femme presentation is a spectrum, because of stereotypes many people don’t get to explore the width and breadth of our expressions." Navigating this landscape involves conscious choices around safety and visibility. Prasad finds familial and religious settings challenging, where her masculine presentation can clash with traditional norms. “Religious settings are especially hard to navigate looking the way I do. I worry a temple would simply not allow me to enter since any woman wearing Western wear is frowned upon in India, especially in traditional settings. There is very little scope to appear Indian and masculine for a woman,” she says. Interestingly, she also admits how her overtly masculine appearance sometimes paradoxically offers a degree of safety. Beyond navigating physical spaces, Nick often encounters issues with repeated misgendering. Being referred to as ‘sir’ prompted a subtle pushback, she started jokingly calling the person who did it ‘madam.’ Despite these challenges, a powerful hunger for authentic self-expression persists. Prasad’s journey back to her childhood style exemplifies this drive. Nick and Majumder’s experimentation through drag and reclamation of cultural traditions underlines a creative defiance of norms, while Sharma’s journey emphasises the paramount importance of personal comfort and self-acceptance over external validation. “It's been 14 years since I first googled, I still do not fit into rigid categories by choice, but today I am most confident,” she eloquently states. Similar to these individual acts of self-definition, lesbians in India, while often at the margins, collectively exist in their diverse presentation and continue to redefine the landscape of style and identity, forging their visibility.
26 April,2025 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalUnited States Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and their three children, arrived at Palam Airport on Monday for a four-day visit to India, scheduled from April 21 to 24. This marks his first official visit to the country. The high-level diplomatic trip, which also includes other US dignitaries, is expected to focus on enhancing strategic, economic and defence ties between the two nations, ANI reported. Vance's kids steal the show in ethnic outfitsDuring their welcome, what caught everyone’s attention was the three children’s interesting choice of clothing. Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel stole the show dressed in Indian ethnic wear. While the two boys wore kurta pyjamas, the little girl sported a blue dress teamed with an embroidered jacket. The boys sported kurtas in pastel shades of blue and yellow, paired with sneakers. Mirabel also paired the ethnic dress with sneakers. While the kids sported ethnic looks, the couple opted for formal fits. The US Vice President donned a navy-blue suit paired with a red tie, while the Second Lady looked elegant in a red dress paired with a white blazer. JD and Usha Vance arrive in IndiaUnion Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw received the US officials at the airport. Visuals from the airport showed the minister, who was dressed in a white kurta pyjama, engaging in a conversation with Vance's eldest son, ANI reported. A ceremonial guard of honour was given to the visiting dignitaries on their arrival, marking the formal commencement of the visit. The Vance family began their trip with a visit to the famous Akshardham Temple in Delhi. #WATCH | Delhi: Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, along with their children, visited Akshardham Temple(Source: Akshardham Temple) pic.twitter.com/NpptPaGihj — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025 JD Vance India visit scheduleAccording to ANI, the visit includes key diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for 6:30 pm on Monday. Following official meetings in New Delhi, the Vance family will travel to Jaipur on April 22 and Agra on April 23. Usha Vance India connectionBeyond the diplomatic agenda, the US Second Lady also has a personal connection to India. Following the couple's arrival, excitement has spread in the village of Vadluru in Andhra Pradesh, Usha's ancestral home. Locals in the West Godavari district are hopeful the couple might make a surprise visit to the village, expressing deep pride in Usha’s achievements, ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)
21 April,2025 06:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
