Pocket-friendly This miniature E.T. model measuring 1.25 inches will keep you company on your office desk, nightstand or car dashboard. To keep the friendly creature safe and sound, the model comes with a glass display case and a stand.LOG ON TO buyround2earth.comCOST Rs 1674 Oh my word! E.T. needs your help learning his first words on Earth. This children’s book by Insight Kids makes learning fun with an interactive wheel that can be turned to find the right words. With recreations of scenes from the film, this might be the ideal way to introduce your children to the friendly visitor.LOG ON TO bookswagon.comCOST Rs 585 E.T. and me What if E.T. could talk to you? Iconic phrases like “Be good” and “E.T. phone home” come pre-loaded in this talking figurine that also features an interactive glowing heart. For hardcore fans of the landmark sci-fi movie, the toy comes with a 32-page book featuring popular quotes and stills from the original film. LOG ON TO bookswagaon.comCOST Rs 862 Fitting tribute Wear your love for E.T. on the sleeve with a graphic tee that sports a modern reimagination of the classic poster.LOG ON TO franklywearing.comCOST Rs 849 Say cheers Sip away your morning blues with a mug that bears an adorable image of E.T. with the message: I’ll be right here. LOG ON TO Toynk.comCOST Rs 5812
10 June,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMary the streetie is wagging her tail, signalling that we are welcome into her world. Peter, the rescued Saluki, is a bit wary, and plays Customs Officer. Sniff. Sniff. Woof. We pass the test. “Is this part of the taxi mafia that I hear you run?” Cyrus Broacha greets us with his unmistakable brand of humour, when we alight from a kaali-peeli that drops us at his Malabar Hill residence. The sun is out, finally, and Peter and Mary are ready for their photo shoot. But the family frame is incomplete. “Madame is late; and we must wait,” Cyrus attempts a rhyme. Ayesha Broacha’s illustrations vividly showcase Franco’s life with his family, the Treasurywallas, Homi, Roxy and Perry. ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY/AYESHA BROACHA, HARPERCOLLINS INDIA The doggies aren’t complaining, and our crew is having a blast, capturing the happy-go-lucky duo prancing on the lawn that fronts the apartment. Soon, Ayesha arrives and is aghast at Cyrus’s choice of wardrobe for the interview. “Couldn’t you find anything better?” she exclaims, referring to his bright red tee and blue shorts combination. “I think it’s fine,” Cyrus smiles. I intervene, “He is sporting mid-day’s colours.” Shoot done, we move indoors to friend and ‘second wife’ (in Ayesha’s words) Kunal Vijayakar’s ground floor home in the same building to chat about Doggie Day Out (HarperCollins), a book that heroes Franco, a talking German Shepherd, who plays neighbourhood detective. Excerpts from the interview: Mid-day(MD): How did Franco Faredoon Treasurywalla become the protagonist?Ayesha Broacha (AB): Francos are a constant in the household ever since I’ve known Cyrus; with various names, of course.Cyrus Broacha (CB): This erudite writer that you speak of, whose name is Cyrus…streams of consciousness is his style, as was with any of the greats you read growing up. I am not a prepared writer. I just let it rip. Sit at the desk…write. I get bored…write later. I’m not someone who writes a plot and tries to go there; I don’t have that craft or skill. We’ve had German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) all our life until Ayesha put her foot down, and said only rescued dogs. As you can see, the power structure is clear…AB: GSDs are bought and bred, and it’s very unhealthy. One needs to stop indulging in this breeding fixation. We have plenty of streeties who are hardy dogs.CB: She wants to promote Swadeshi in every way; she ensures we buy only Indian products.Coming back to Franco, all our German Shepherds have Italian names, like Luciano, Giovanni, and so on. My dad was a big Italian opera lover, so these names are inspired from great Italian artistes. MD (to both): How did you develop the supporting characters — The Treasurywallas, Franco’s friends and the others?CB: The story is derived from the people and the dogs around us. Dogs are at the heart of our lives; the heart of India. Since my childhood, and wherever I’ve lived and travelled, I’ve always come across dogs, and they’ve left pleasant memories. How could I not include them! MD (to both): Tell us about your love affair with dogs?CB: I had returned from the US; as a freelance copywriter, I was searching for a visualiser to work on a product. Ayesha was studying at Sophia’s. After speaking on the phone, we decided to meet at Café Naaz. There were no mobiles; this was 1994. So, I told her that I would be in shorts, a tee and with a German Shepherd. Then she asked, ‘How would I know it’s you?’ As if there would be 15 of us with German Shepherds waiting at Naaz…!AB: …This is all fiction; there was no dog connect to this story.CB: She didn’t turn up but called later to say she was held up. I should have left her alone then because I can’t bear people who are not punctual.AB: I have another Café Naaz story with a dog. Cyrus at the time had a four-month-old GSD, so he asked me to check with Naaz’s proprietor if I could bring him to the café. He was this cantankerous Parsi fellow at the counter who agreed, assuming it was a puppy. Cyrus picked up the arm-full of dog, and that man threw a fit seeing the nearly-full grown canine. He wanted us to leave immediately!CB: We reached a compromise; Ayesha had to leave, and the dog stayed on.AB: Not again, Cyrus!MD (to Ayesha): How did you collaborate with Cyrus on this book? AB: I made it clear with our publisher that she was going to be the point of contact because dealing with our friend here is next to impossible. We don’t discuss work. Cyrus thinks his work is all important, and mine is never factored in.CB: I gave her a full published manuscript to work with…AB: …And yes, I really enjoyed the story. Because a lot of it is our lives and my experiences, which made it easily relatable to put into pictures.CB: May I interrupt this all-female conference…? This was the first time in years that she said nice things to me after she read my manuscript. I was stunned that she complimented my writing; in fact, I had to quickly check, ‘Is this Ayesha?’ so I called two friends to take a look if it was actually her. MD (to Ayesha): There is an inherent city vibe in the illustrations…AB: Absolutely. It’s about our lane. All the characters here are familiar to us; they are people who Cyrus has commented about. So, it was easy to transfer that into my illustrations.CB: She loves to draw from life. At the airport, if a flight is delayed; while my heart beats faster, she uses it as an opportunity to observe people and objects, and sketch their reactions. MD: How did you feel when you saw the first copy?AB: I was very pleased with the end product. I was given a free rein by the publisher to illustrate in my style; this is the way I draw in my sketchbook. The cover was challenging because it is part of a five-book series, and there had to be a synergy as per the template. I finally cracked it while on a flight. I had drawn countless versions, and then it suddenly struck me to illustrate this character as Cyrus would walk the dog, which I see all the time. It was a huge relief. MD: Will Franco return?CB: I really like Franco. German Shepherds are not the smartest, not the fastest, not the healthiest, not the most loyal. They are always second best. In many ways, he [referring to Franco] is the dog; he is always there. There could be a sequel because he is a charismatic personality. You notice how he attracts the whole community of dogs in Doggie Day Out.As a child, Dog Detective Ranjha with Pratap Sharma was one of my favourite books. When they visited my school, I was fascinated by the synergy that they shared. MD: Your advice to those who want to bring a dog home…CB: Learn to do things for the dog. The dog is often forgotten because it is looked after by the home staff. Even children don’t seem to care.AB: We have dogs in our Alibaug home, and they are free range. Even Peter and Mary are a bit caged though Cyrus ensures they don’t feel so. I strongly believe dogs shouldn’t be kept captive in the guise of loving them, where we want them to fit into our routines. MD: What are Mumbai’s favourite places to walk dogs?CB: Oval Maidan. But humans shouldn’t be around. Just leave the dogs there and return to pick them up.AB: Chowpatty is great for happy dogs. Marine Drive is also dog-friendly. MD: If this book were to be made into a movie, who would play the Treasurywallas?CB: The cast will have to be slightly elderly, in their early 50s. I will take some calls because actors have to be ready to act their age. I want John [Abraham] to play the lead role because he is half-Parsi. Do you have any suggestions for Mrs Treasurywalla? (looking at Ayesha)AB: You’ve based it on your [friend] Shenaz Treasury. She has the voice; the way she talks, it’s perfect —Cyrus is quite fond of her… MD: If you were a dog for a day in Mumbai?AB: I’m a beach bum; I would love to have a day out at Chowpatty, enjoying the sea breeze and sun with my indie friends.CB: If I had this power, I would round up an army of dogs across the world, and we would start attacking dog haters. The violence in my head is unbearable; it cannot be divulged with your readers. But justice will be served. Available: Leading bookstores and e-stores
10 June,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezThe Tagores of Jorasanko are the closest comparison to the Medicis that Indian history has produced. Their influence and intellect left an indelible mark on India’s art history. Yet, like the Renaissance, it required fiscal patronage and a vision for the future. The Echoes of Bengal exhibition at Akara Modern will offer a glimpse of some rare works that emerge from the collection of Bengal’s preeminent family. “The Tagore family was divided into many branches. The Jorasanko branch was the most prominent with the figureheads of Rabindranath Tagore and his nephew Abanindranath Tagore leading the way. However, there was also a branch of the family at Pathuria Ghat in Kolkata involved with business,” explains Puneet Shah, founder, Akara. With his wealth, Raja Prafullanath Tagore established a patronage for artists during this period. “Till the 1930s, his zamindari was the richest in India after the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Maharaja of Cooch Behar,” he explains. Puneet Shah The Bengal School saw a revival of a visual and aesthetic language that was inherently Indian. The works by artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, his nephew Gaganendranath Tagore, Kshitindranath Majumdar and Nandalal Bose were influenced by Indian motifs, historical art forms, stories and even a pan-Asian aesthetic. “There are 12 works in the exhibition. These range from academic works to Orientals and even portraits of the family. There are also rare photographs showing how these works were hung in the Tagore villa in the early 1940s and 1950s,” reveals Shah. The gallerist’s first interaction with the family dates back to the late 2010s when they were hoping to give away a rare Nandalal Bose that will also be on display. “The creation titled Pwe Dancer, was painted by Bose after his return from a trip to Japan with Rabindranath Tagore. He was so influenced by the dance that he painted a large canvas — 3.5 ft x 4 ft,” shares Shah. Also on display are works by Kshitindranath Majumdar, Shailendranath De, Sarada Charan Ukil as well as a rare sculpture by Hironmoy Roychaudhuri. An interesting piece though is a portrait titled Kanu by Abanindranath Tagore. “This is a portrait of the son of Raja Prafullanath Tagore, and a student of Abanindranath. It establishes the connection to the child who had the vision and the foresight to hold on to the collection, and protect it for the future,” Shah remarks. It runs in the family, we say. From Today till June 30; 11 am to 6.30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) AT Akara Modern, Churchill Chambers, Colaba. CALL 7208488979
10 June,2025 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn the corporate world, where employee satisfaction measures are typically limited to surveys and HR-led coupon handouts, one organisation has decided to up their game and hire a Chief Happiness Officer. And unlike other C-Suite employees, this employee welcomes belly rubs and pets in exchange for boosting employee well-being and morale. The officer in question is a golden retriever named Denver, and the organisation that hired him is a Hyderabad-based robotics startup. In the post announcing Denver’s appointment, the co-founder of the organisation also announced that their workplace was now officially a pet-friendly zone. Needless to say, the move was lauded on social media with many users appreciating the impact it would make on employee stress. But in a long list of dramatic moves aimed more at social media virality than actual benefits, how does this one play out? A photograph of Denver is highlighted on the company’s LinkedIn page. Pic Courtesy/Harvested labs on LinkedIn According to one study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, there may be some truth to the organisation’s claims. The study found that 91 per cent of employees in pet-friendly environments show up every morning feeling more engaged in their work, while 85 per cent were less inclined to missing workdays for well-being or recuperation, as compared to 77 per cent in non-pet-friendly workplaces. “Animal-assisted therapy is a fast growing and highly beneficial therapeutic modality. While the idea of a furry colleague might sound novel, the therapeutic benefits of pets have been researched for years in psychology, medicine and workplace well-being,” explains psychologist Namrata Jain. She adds that with high-pressure environments, long working hours and a relentless hustle culture leaving employees feeling more stressed and disengaged than ever before, preventive and unique interventions such as pet-friendly offices can add a layer of emotional support. Namrata Jain, psychologist Less stress. More pets Jain shares that pets can actively help in stress reduction and mood regulation. “Interacting with animals, especially through touch and play, triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin — all neurochemicals associated with relaxation and bonding. Simply stroking a pet can lower cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation during high-pressure workdays,” she notes. Additionally, studies indicate that individuals exposed to pets in stressful environments exhibit lower physiological responses to stress, including reduced blood pressure and heart rate. In a fast-paced work environment, even short breaks with an office pet can create micro-moments of calm. Further, pets (especially dogs) act as social catalysts. They help build spontaneous interaction between team members and ease communication. This can strengthen interpersonal bonds and increase a sense of belongingness, both of which are crucial for workplace morale and psychological safety. Studies have shown that the presence of pets reduces workplace fatigue and improves cognitive abilities. Representation Pics/Istock With workplace fatigue often stemming from cognitive overload, micro-recovery breaks that involve even just a few minutes of play with a pet can refresh cognitive abilities, improve focus and boost creativity. “Denver will not just be walking around in the office; he will be contributing to better attention spans and fewer burnout symptoms,” Jain says. Even in workplaces that have hybrid models, pets can actively help combat loneliness. “Their presence can act as a gentle grounding force, leading to companionship and emotional support especially for those who may be living away from families,” she suggests. Arti Shroff, psychologist Calmer, happier workspaces Even if your workplace does not permit the presence of furry friends, there are still other ways to usher in some of the calm they induce, suggests psychologist Arti Shroff. “Offices could create a separate room or lounge where employees can listen to or even play music. Larger organisations can set up gyms or patios with plants to help employees de-stress,” she says. Periodic retreats that involve socialisation, self-care and relaxation methods can also promote team building, bonding, trust and socialisation.
09 June,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulOnce in a blue moon Moon lamp. Pic Courtesy/bookmyshow Experience the art of making a moon lamp at Out Of The Blue by Small World. You will learn how to mould, paint the details, and incorporate the lights. The workshop will require an apron and gloves, along with the materials provided by the organisation.ON June 15; 1 pmAT 14, Union Park, Road number 4, Khar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 799 onwards A piece of music Pic Courtesy/ajivasan.com Learn the art of music production at Mumbai-based music school, Suresh Wadkar’s Ajivasan Music Academy. You get hands-on insight into music production, track arrangement, and sound design.ON June 14; 5 pm to 6 pm AT Ajivasan Building, B Wing, Juhu Tara Road, near SNDT College, MR Society, Daulat Nagar, Santacruz West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 99 onwards Two to salsa Pic Courtesy/@unofficialcompany_ on Instagram If you always wanted to do salsa but weren’t sure about where to learn, Salsa with Nimish Shitole has got you covered. Learn to spin and groove with style.ON June 11AT Clapp Tap Studio, Crystal Plaza, A-701, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 600 onwards Goal-centric Representation pics/Istock Having a vision board helps us motivate ourselves and work towards our goals. Apart from motivation, it also gives us clarity about what we want in life. Learn to create your vision board with Small World at Lil Gamby Pizza Shop & Bar. ON June 14; 1 pmAT Shop no 2, Shangrila Vaibhav, 14th Road, Khar West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 699 onwards Baking delights Few things can make for a yum experience like baking a hot chocolate chip cookie in the monsoon. Just Appetite is hosting an eggless baking workshop where the participants will learn to make different types of cookies and cakes. ON June 14; 12.30 pmAT 2, Ground Floor, Monarch Park, Shriniwas Bagarka Road, JB Nagar, Andheri East.LOG ON TO justappetite.comCOST Rs 3500
09 June,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiIf music is food to your soul, head over to this venue in Fort. The National Gallery of Modern Art Mumbai will be transformed into a stage set for a performance that will explore the poetry of the saint-poet, Kabir. Composer Vedant Bharadwaj will join the Mumbai-based band Mithaavin in a folk performance followed by a walkthrough at the gallery. On June 11; 6.15 pmAt NGMA, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, Fort.
09 June,2025 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamDear reader, has anyone ever told you your eyes are a work of art? Before you blush, we’re only asking because this writer was recently told so. At the opening day of a three-day pop-up in Bandra, we meet Chennai-based artist Rahul M, who is looking Mumbaikars in the eye, capturing high-res scans of their irises, and turning them into striking digitally juxtaposed artworks using digital photo manipulation. At Candies, where young patrons from possibly every college in the neighbourhood have gathered on a weekday afternoon, there’s more than meets the eye. In a corner, an exhibition of surrealist framed artworks, each featuring a set of irises, are staring right back at us. At the end of this eerie yet fascinating walk is an unusual contraption, akin to something we’ve only ever seen at an optometrist’s clinic before. The writer gets his iris scanned by the photographer. Pics/Nimesh Dave We’re escorted to the setup where we sit eye-to-eye not with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, but a skilled photographer with a specialised camera. On an otherwise lazy afternoon, the photographer gives us a wake-up call: “Open your eyes out wide!” Another assistant swiftly scoots in on cue and shines a soft white light from the side. Click, tap, beep, and our job is done. In a live feed on a laptop, we see the larger-than-life recreation of our iris, the part of the eye that determines the colour of every human being’s eye. In comparison to the blue, green and hazel hues that stumped us at the showcase earlier, our scan comes out in a modest shade of brown. We’re presented a list of designs to choose from. Between Explosion, Infinity, Yin Yang and Asteroid, among other options, we take our pick. The scan appears on the digital workstation Over a chat with Rahul after our experience, we learn that the 22-year-old has recently graduated from a business course in Madhavaram in Chennai. “I have a distinct orange hue in my irises. I started experimenting with the idea during the COVID 19 lockdown and hit the ground running soon. The idea has become a huge hit in South India. This is our first experiment in north India,” he reveals. We’re all for his farsighted vision, although we’re not sure how Mumbaikars will take to being grouped with ‘north India’. As we speak, our scan is then sent to the collective’s visual editor all the way out in Chennai, where he works on clearing up the image, including eliminating the glare from the ambient lights in the room and adding embellishments as per our selection. And while we were keen to see the artwork, like all good things, this too has to wait. After a week-long process, we should have our own artwork in our hands. It will be worth it, Rahul assures us. If beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, there shouldn’t be any room for error. An editor in Chennai enhances the image and adds artistic touches ON Today and tomorrow; 12 pm to 9 pm AT Candies, Pali Hill, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @_irisgraphy_ COST Rs 750 onwards (no registration required)
07 June,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFacing the Mirror Ashwini Sukthankar Ashwini Sukthankar writes in her hard-hitting introduction: “For Indian lesbians, putting our words into public space has so far meant having to brutally manipulate the dimensions of who we are.” Sukthankar was writing in 1998 about an independent India, which had failed to accept lesbian narratives. The writers would have to alter the gender of their characters or plots to fit in. This essential anthology (Penguin Random House India) allows space for these writers to ‘face the mirror’ and document stories without alteration. The writings include texts scribbled on scraps of paper, extracts from journals, anecdotes transcribed from narrated stories, love letters, translated work, and fiction. Queering India Ruth Vanita Scholarly essays from postcolonial writers find a place in this anthology that offers an understanding of same sex love, desire, and eroticism. Published in 2002 by Routledge, it was the earliest to do so in India. Edited by Ruth Vanita, it unpacks various ideas — from the colonial legacy that introduced terms like ‘unlawful’ and ‘sinful’, to interrogations through fiction and performances on stage, TV, and cinema. For instance, Geeta Patel writes about Deepa Mehta’s film Fire (1996) and the controversies on its release; Rosemary Marangoly George analyses same-sex desire in poet Kamala Das’s work. My Father’s Garden Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar’s novel (Speaking Tiger Books) is set in three towns in Jharkhand. Written in three parts, it begins with a heartbreak experienced by the young Santhali gay narrator whose lover from college prefers keeping their relationship coveted. To heal from it, he escapes first to Pakur, then to Ghatshila. While in Pakur, he searches for companionship. Although he finds it in the head clerk of the hospital where he works, he is soon disillusioned when he finds out the truth about his new friend. He ultimately returns home where he thinks about his father, his life, and what his love for his garden truly means. Deviants Santanu Bhattacharya In his second novel (Penguin UK), Santanu Bhattacharya explores three generations of gay men within a family — Vivaan, Mambro, and Sukumar. This multi-generational narrative helps the reader trace their individual journeys as well as understand how the legal framework and social milieu vis-à-vis homosexuality have changed over the years in the country. Each character navigates challenges of their time, from colonial laws to loneliness and dating apps, and yearns, most of all, for love and intimacy. The World that Belongs to Us Akhil Katyal and Aditi Angiras Edited by Aditi Angiras and Akhil Katyal, this collection by HarperCollins India, collates more than a 100 fresh voices from various communities in South Asia through queer poems. The term ‘queer’ is allowed to be splintered to include poems which are thematically political as well as non-political, by queer as well as non-queer poets writing as allies. In addition to reading seasoned writers such as Ruth Vanita, Vikram Seth, Kazim Ali, Minal Hajratwala, readers can pore over poems by contemporary new poets writing in various South Asian languages. On the Brink of Belief Kazim Ali Edited by Kazim Ali, this anthology (Penguin Random House India) releases this month. Here, queerness meets faith, myth, and spirit. The book consists of short stories, memoir, poetry, and flash fiction, from 24 South Asian writers, aged 18 to 25 years. It is a culmination of the work undertaken by the writers as part of The Queer Writers’ Room, led by the digital queer culture platform, Queer Muslim Project. Some of the themes in the collection include joy, intergenerational grief, violence and memory, caste and silence, rituals and beliefs, among other things. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
07 June,2025 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaFrom showcasing individuality to highlighting solidarity to being wielded as a tool of self-expression — fashion has always played a multifaceted and complex role in the LGBTQiA+ community. While the now ubiquitous rainbow is now recognised as an almost universal symbol of pride and unity, both within the community and among allies, it isn’t the only way that clothing is being wielded as a force for change. Growing awareness about gender existing outside the binary has inspired several designers to create garments that subvert traditional gender roles and mould themselves to the myriad identities of their wearers and the values they subscribe to. And as the city rallies together to celebrate Pride Month, we present to you our round-up of interesting indie platforms that you can dip into, to feel the love this June. . Be a fan: An online LGBTQiA+ pride merchandise platform, QueerBazaar is your one-stop shop for pride-themed apparel, accessories, flags and other celebratory paraphernalia. We are partial to this very affordable clack fan, made famous by Lady Gaga’s fans (or shall we say, monsters) at her recent Rio de Janeiro concert. The platform also offers neat lapel pins, beanies, totes and hoodies.COST Rs 300 LOG ON TO lgbtq.in . Flower power hour: Retro and psychedelic in equal parts, Rainbow Monkey offers fashionable yet comfortable and practical clothing for unapologetic maximalists. The bold, bright colours, rainbow-inspired palette, and almost effervescent styling make this platform a riot for those looking to add a playful spark to their wardrobes. The brand is queer-owned. We are all eyes for this ikat-inspired co-ord set, which harkens back to the 1980s rock scene.COST Rs 13,999 LOG ON TO rainbowmonkey.in An art-inspired bodysuit. Pic Courtesy/Vulgar; The Pride is Protest T-shirt. Pic Courtesy/Beunic; Embroidered sweatsuit. Pic Courtesy/Bombaim . Colour outside the lines: Vulgar is dedicated to fluid fashion. It eschews traditional notions of femininity and masculinity to create garments that are fun, fresh and inclusive. With its distinctly futuristic aesthetic, the brand reminds us that fashion is meant to be fun. The garments can also be made-to-measure, and are styled interesting on non-binary models. We adore this quirky bodysuit, which can be layered in several unique ways.COST Rs 8500 LOG ON TO vulgar.co.in . By the people, for the people: BeUnic is a platform that exclusively showcases products created by LGBTQiA+ artists and designers. It also works with NGOs, support groups and queer folk to offer the community all kinds of support — from entrepreneurship to mental health, community events to legal advice. Our pick is this unisex pink tee, which is a powerful reminder of the importance of Pride Month.COST Rs 999 LOG ON TO beunic.in . Art for art’s sake: This designer’s remit is simple — to make art a way of life. Their label is known for its eccentric, electric colours, gender-fluid silhouettes, and queer narratives. From surrealism to Jamini Roy, Bobo Calcutta’s inspirations are many, but the underlying motive is singular — to express uninhibitedly. Our sights are on this embroidered sweatshirt, which showcases the brand’s signature aesthetic.COST Rs 20,500 LOG ON TO bombaim.in Individualistic and expressive Pride is about celebrating individuality – loud, flamboyant, quiet, fierce, and everything in between. It’s a celebration of self-expression sans boundaries. Your clothes should say what words sometimes can’t,” explains fashion designer Aanchal Bubber-Mehta. Follow her tips to use fashion to express yourself: Aanchal Bubber-Mehta; Harshavardhan Rai . Fluid silhouettes and deconstructed tailoring: Oversized blazers, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waists, asymmetric shirting, draped dhotis, and kaftans for all. These silhouettes celebrate the body as a canvas of possibility, not limitation. . Bold colours and unexpected prints: Think vibrant, clashing palettes — burnt orange with electric blue, mustard with lilac. Mix pinstripes and Madras checks. Combine softness with sharpness. Pair a quiet brown waistcoat with oversized orange pants. . Pattern play: Traditionally masculine pinstripes are making a comeback, for everyone. Try them in cobalt blue with white stripes. Match a tailored waistcoat and pants with a contrasting printed shirt underneath. . Accessories without boundaries: From delicate necklaces with sneakers, to rainbow manicures or animal motif pendants expressing your inner wilding, don’t get limited by traditional notions of masculine and feminine. Try oversized mesh hoops, bright cuffs, or contrast heels that further blur the lines. Style your hair by either wearing it long with soft waves, or a short buzzed cut. . Fabrics that play: Translucent layers, mesh tops, sheer saris and organza overlays, invite sensuality and power. Fashion designer Harshavardhan Rai offers a tip: “While shopping, ignore labels that tell you who the pieces are designed for. Shop from the men’s and women’s sections, and pick pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Celebrate textiles, fabrics and our bodies.”
07 June,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulSummer vacations are about to end, and what better way to use the remaining time than to enroll your children in a fun stitching workshop? At these sessions, participants will be taught the arts of stitching, crochet, punch needle, and macramé at Lil Stitchers’ Summer Club by The Hab by Usha. The workshop is designed for five consecutive days and two hours each day. Amaara Sangam, the brand head of the organisation, explains how the workshop will help children. She says, “In a screen-dominated world, stitching offers a calming, mindful way to engage the senses. As kids sew, crochet, or explore new textures, they strengthen their dexterity, focus, and ability to follow complex tasks. It nurtures self-expression and helps them find joy in the process, not just the outcome.” Amaara Sangam; (right) A young participant designs an embroidery at a workshop In the time of AI and automatic machines, children often forget the importance of handmade items. The workshop teaches them more than just stitching. Sangam says, “As they engage with handcrafting methods and materials, they develop a respect for handmade items and the time, thought, and love behind them, shifting their perceptions about how they view everyday objects. It fosters a quiet sense of value in what they create, give and receive. They will learn how to use a sewing machine and machine embroidery in addition to macramé, punch needle, and crochet.” She adds, “Beyond their crafted keepsakes, the children take home a meaningful sense of accomplishment, thrilled in the knowledge that they can create beautiful things using their skills — a creative badge they are likely to wear with pride. It also gently sensitises them that what’s made with love carries meaning and how special it can be to give or receive what you have created from scratch.” ON June 9 to June 27 (Monday to Friday); 11.30 am to 1.30 pmAT G-1, No 444, Corporate Lounge, road no 7, Linking Road, Khar West.CALL 7777026367LOG ON TO allevents.inCOST Rs 4999
06 June,2025 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti1 Which footwear brand is introduced early on in the series, as Carrie Bradshaw’s benchmark for style? . Jimmy Choo. Manolo Blahnik. Dolce & Gabbana 2 Sex and the City was based on a newspaper column and book written by which author? . Zadie Smith. Alice Walker. Candace Bushnell 3 Which cocktail was made iconic by the four friends, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda?. Sex on the Beach. Pina Colada. Cosmopolitan 4 Where did Charlotte’s first husband Trey propose to her?. At the opera. In front of Tiffany’s. At Central Park 5 What was the name of the hip restaurant where Samantha’s boyfriend, Smith Jerrod first appears on the show as an attendant?. Raw. Balthazar. Joe’s Pub 6 Miranda had a judgmental, kind nanny called Magda. Which country did she hail from?. Germany. Slovakia. Ukraine 7 Which New York location was the venue where Big hosted his engagement party with then-girlfriend Natasha?. The Plaza Hotel. New York Public Library. Columbus Circle
06 June,2025 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamADVERTISEMENT
