Life & Style

Milan Design Week (MDW) spread across Milan, has two components — the Salone del Mobile and the Fuorisalone. The Salone del Mo bile (Milan Furniture Fair) has its venue at Fiera Milano exhibition district in Rho, a suburb of Milan. It’s the largest furniture fair in the world, this time with 2100 exhibitors from 37 countries. Fuorisalone began spontaneously since the 1980s, when exhibitors extended events ‘outside the Salone’. The fair, which ran from April 8 to 13 this year, dazzled both visitors and participants with its scale and focus on craftsmanship.

The Fiera Milano, a leading trade fair and exhibition organiser has been operating since 1920.

In a world increasingly empowered by AI, designers and artists are becoming tangibly aware of the sentient qualities of being human — passion, pride, love, anguish and sorrow — and it’s this sentiment that prevailed in the 63th edition of Milan Design Week and its theme, ‘Thought for Humans’.

India in action

Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth of Klove Studio

“Milan completely transformed into a city of design. It felt like every street corner was telling a story. The whole city came together beautifully, and it was inspiring to see art and design take over in such a powerful way,” says Prateek Jain. Jain and Gautam Seth, his co-founder at Klove Studio, are participating for the first time as Klove. The duo was taken aback by the response for VISTA, a collection of sculptural lights created by NYC designer Kickie Chudikova with Klove Studio for the Shakti Design Residency.

Klove for the Shakti Design Residency

Multiple concentric glass shades in scalloped forms derived from shapes of Mughal arches, create gradients within a chosen hue from glazed caramel and sensuous reds to sapphire blue. There’s a sense of containment, mimicking dwellings for light from bygone eras.

“For me the most impressive and outstanding show was the installation by Loro Piana and Dimoremilano. ‘La Prima Notte di Quiete’ showcased the boundaries between reality and cinematic fiction.”Vikram GoyalDesigner

Meanwhile, designer Vikram Goyal, who is passionate about interpreting artisanal craftsmanship, presented a selection of pieces for Nilufar Depot made of brass and hollowed joinery. Goyal brings his architectural forms to life with the metalworking craft of repousse, hammering and welding sheets to create textures and patterns in his stunning Shaded Graphite collection.

Vikram Goyal’s Shaded Graphite Cabinet

“The show-stopper was the three-part Mesa console,” he says, commenting on this revived take of his console piece at PAD London. Nilufar is showing Goyal’s work for the third consecutive year at MDW.

Phantom Hands’ Geoffrey Bawa furniture

Another brand, Phantom Hands from Bengaluru, brought their meticulous revival of Geoffrey Bawa’s furniture, a tribute to the late Sri Lankan-based architect’s humanistic approach. The licensed re-editions, which comprise of lighting, objects and furniture made by Bawa between the mid 1960s and 1990s, were often for buildings he designed.

Richard Hutten’s Holi-inspired collection for Jaipur Rugs.
| Photo Credit:
Neville Sukhia

Meanwhile, Jaipur Rugs also showcased their collections at MDW. Working with 40,000 rural artisans, they have been pushing boundaries to innovate with tradition. They had a few collabs on show, starting with Richard Hutten. One of the most collected living designers with works in 40 museums worldwide, Hutten got the epithet ‘Playing Man’ by Dutch historian Johann Huizinga for channeling play into culture. In his collection Playing with Tradition for Jaipur Rugs, inspired by India’s Holi festival, Hutten splashes vivid dots, squares and even banana motifs across traditional patterns. The bold and unexpected twist infuses a lively contemporary aesthetic into the rich heritage of hand-knotted wool rugs.

Jaipur Rugs’ ‘Jardins du Monde’, in collaboration with Paris-based Tatiana de Nicolay. 

Jaipur Rugs also unveiled Jardins du Monde, a collaboration with Paris-based Tatiana de Nicolay, which won an EDIDA ( Elle Déco International Design Award). This serene and classical collection of seven rugs is an ode to gardens across the world from the Parisian Albert Kahn gardens to quintessential English meadows. Every rug tells a story, from The Tea Pavilion, a harmony of palms leaves and architectural elements, The River of Roses patterned with verdant trellises, to The Mysterious Labyrinth with its maze of climbing vines.

Other collections at the Salone by Jaipur Rugs were The Gilded Age with Peter D’Ascoli, echoing Parisian and Hollywood opulence; and the Atelier Collection with Chanel-owned VIMAR 1991, blending haute couture techniques with rug artistry.

Installations

The special exhibit for 2025 was a spectacular showcase by Euroluce, the biennial International Lighting Exhibition, with emphasis on innovative materials and technologies. Encouraging touch, these tactile installations made participation key to the experience at the Salone. Italian lighting brand FLOS’ video installation titled The Light of the Mind, made by FormaFantasma was one such.

Linked Lights by FLOS

The Library of Light

Ever since Orhan Pamuk adapted his novel The Museum of Innocence as a literal museum in Istanbul in 2012, the book has leapt out of its pages. Italy’s history of centerstage spectacles in amphitheatres like The Colosseum continues in today’s theatrical space. British artist Es Devlin’s mesmerising installation, The Library of Light, in the Cortile d’Onore (Courtyard of Honour) at the Pinacoteca di Brera (est. 1809) reckons the library as the illuminating center of shared experiences and knowledge. A rotating library of 18m diameter, half empty — even after being stocked with 3,500 books donated by Italian publishing house Feltrinelli — invited visitors to add their beloved titles.

The Cloister of Frogs

In a hidden corner of Milan was The Cloister of Frogs. Luca Trazzi in collaboration with FAN EUROPE Lighting created an ethereal garden of splendor. Radial floral elements illuminated the pathways, appearing between the foliage and intertwining with columns. The dazzling works are a tribute to Bramante, the architect of the Basilica’s tribune, as Trazzi drew inspiration from a decorative flower element in the cloister.

La dolce attesta

The Italian love for theater extends to film spaces, which in turn is closely relatable to spatial design. For Salone 2025, Oscar-winning Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino was commissioned, as an auteur who enjoys creating film sets. Sorrentino devised an installation “La dolce attesta” or ‘The sweet waiting’. The longish room of red hues with two armchairs, a glass sculpture at the center and a soundscape by sound artist Max Casacci immersed visitors with the feeling of indefinite anticipation.

Tufts, knots and weaves

Visionnaire

Shibari armchair

Shibari in Japanese refers to a form of bondage and the chair by Studio Pepe for Visionnaire, plays on the varied means of a love knot, joining and connecting two strands with harmony and unity. Shibari Easy Chair comes with a polyurethane seat, with its soft upholstery made of recycled wool. The powder-coated metal framework is concealed in a high-density polyurethane foam tube.

Moooi

Moooi

Slovenian designer Nika Zupanc, whose work has earned titles such as ‘punk elegance’ and ‘techno chic’ brings her ‘larger than life’ tag to the Knitty Lounge Chair. Designed for the brand Moooi, in 15 colour options, the chair uses an oversized yarn similar to giant-sized ship rope to create an unusual design with a basket weave. The yarn itself is upholstered with knitted fabric for a soft and indulgent sitting experience.

Sustainability focus

Earth, hemp, seashells and more

Living Divani

Technology has become key to sustainable approaches. Noai, a biocomposite material, made from raw earth and hemp, is used in the Etoile collection by Living Divani, a collaboration with designer Marco Carini.

Breathair

With their continued interest in materials with low impact on the environment, Arper is now the first company to shape a seat cushion made of Breathair, a breathable and fully water-resistant polymer, which they launched in their Catifa 46 chairs. 

Legacy and luxury

A Luxury Way designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon

Villa Heritage, a site-specific installation was a journey of wonder across Pavilions 13 and 14 at the Salone. On an overall square layout, Pierre-Yves Rochon, designer and master of luxury hospitality, created immersive evocative narratives starting from the Red Drawing Room. Standout features included a Napoleon Chandelier by iDOGI reputed for their artistic glass lighting sculptures and solid wood armchairs by ZANABONI.

On a tea note

The Milan fair showcases a deep respect for history and heritage. This was evident in the quixotic ‘Kaikado 150’, an installation of 150 Japanese tea caddies in a courtyard in Milan. The exhibition celebrated the Kaikado legacy, the oldest family business making tea caddies since 1875, with a book launch by ERG Media. Five Japanese artisans transparently shared their caddy-making craft for the first time.

The writer is a brand strategist with a background in design from SAIC and NID.

Bachelor pads aren’t necessarily lacklustre spaces with basics such as a huge TV screen, mismatched pieces of furniture, a tiny fridge and the (in)famous messy mattress thrown in. This ‘man cave’ stereotype is fast becoming a thing of the past with the latest boy apartment trend redefining the narrative with chic, thoughtfully curated spaces that prioritise style, comfort and class. 

“Bachelor pad design today focuses on functionality and personalisation,” begins Harshita Parekh, Principal Designer, Harshita Parekh Designs. “Clean lines and neutral colours often take centre stage and is paired with smart home technologies for convenience and efficiency. Open layouts are popular, combining living, dining, and kitchen spaces to promote fluidity and easy entertaining. Industrial style, with exposed brick and steel, creates an edgy, masculine vibe, while multifunctional furniture maximises space.” The design language often veers towards a minimalistic or industrial aesthetic but there is a firm focus on functionality. “Technology is given a lot of importance and there is a great demand for smart home automation,” adds Shreya Porey, Founder and Chief Architect, Osaya Architects.

Tech-forward entertainment zones, comfortable furniture, smart lighting and plenty of indoor plants help create relaxed, inviting spaces. “Reflecting the home owner’s personality is key to the overall design. This is achieved by infusing elements like exclusive artwork and distinctive artefacts. Textures such as leather, metal, and wood lend a sophisticated vibe and bold lighting fixtures serve to enhance the overall look,” observes Shilpa Samtani, Founder & Design Principal, The Good Life Interiors.

Here are four bachelor pads that check these boxes:

1. Rust red flooring, customised columns: The Good Life Interiors

The rust-red micro-concrete floor unifies the indoor spaces.
| Photo Credit:
Hemant Patil

Spread across a compact area of 575 sq.ft., this Pune apartment is an ode to the home owner’s South Indian roots. The space that consists of living room, kitchen, balcony, bedroom and bathroom has been done up in an earthy palette and is filled with traditional elements. Think cement tiles, terracotta lamps, brass fittings, wooden jharokhas, ceiling rafters and customised columns crafted in wood. “The showstopper has to be the two wooden columns in the living room; they tie the entire space together and are a distinctive design element. The rust red micro concrete flooring is also big on conveying the design language instantly adding to the old-world charm,” says Samtani.

The platform multifunctions as a breakfast table finished with sprightly cement tiles reminiscent of Athangudi tiles.
| Photo Credit:
Hemant Patil

The house has an open plan with the kitchen and living area seamlessly connected. The modular kitchen features a Satuario stone platform that doubles as a dining and work table. The living room opens into a balcony that is done up in vibrant yellow. The highlight of the bedroom is the bay window that has a garden view; the vintage wooden four-poster bed and cane wardrobe shutters complement the overall design ethos of the apartment.

Price: ₹20 lakh upwards

2. Industrial style and accents from ship site: Harshita Parekh Designs

Rough concrete wall with a reclaimed anchor in the living room.
| Photo Credit:
Harshita Parekh Designs

This 900 sq.ft. bachelor pad in Mumbai has a striking industrial style, inspired by warehouses, converted lofts and factories. The space features bare brick walls, exposed steel columns and electrical piping giving it a raw yet sophisticated look. The dark hardwood flooring, matte tiles in the kitchen, comfortable furniture and open shelving add warmth and contrast against the colder industrial features. Bold decor elements like the wall-mounted metal anchor reclaimed from ship wreckage and the port hole window crafted in brick in the bedroom serve well to reflect the personality of the homeowner, who is a marine engineer.

Circular window in brick with glass designed like a cabin in the bedroom.
| Photo Credit:
Harshita Parekh Designs

“Rugs in tones of grey, black and white soften the harder edges of the industrial elements, adding a sense of comfort. This design concept results in a space that is not only visually striking but also functional and inviting, setting the perfect balance between style and liveability for a modern bachelor,” says Parekh. It is key to note that the wooden floor has been reclaimed and restored from a ship site, adding to the sustainability factor of the design. The rugged elements have been further balanced by layering and textures in the form of leather sofas, soft sheer drapes and greenery galore.

Price: ₹35 lakh upwards

3. Ash timber flooring meets white marble staircase: Architecture Discipline

Light filtering in from the upper floor cascades along the steps, joining forces with the white marble tones to spotlight the staircase.
| Photo Credit:
Jeetin Sharma

This 5,900 sq.ft. penthouse designed for one of India’s leading technocrats in Delhi was born with the intent of creating a comfortable home that could lend itself to intimate gatherings, while also functioning as a repository for his extensive collection of art. The home is organised around a central sinuous spiral staircase crafted in white marble that portions the shared space into a large living area, a dining space, a semi-private study, and a piano nook.

“The interior scheme follows a monochromatic theme, adding warmth through the use of wooden flooring. The different sections of the living room are oriented around statement pieces of art including a contemporary brass lamp by Beyond Design. They act as a soft transition between the formal and informal living areas. The dining area features a circular monolithic marble table, rounded chairs, and a Smithfield pendant light,” says Akshat Bhatt, founder, Architecture Discipline. 

The piano nook acts as a transitional space between shared areas and the private quarters.
| Photo Credit:
Jeetin Sharma

The piano nook is adorned with a striking red monkey sculpture by designer Arun Kumar, which, along with the Binic lamp by Lonna Vautrin, contrasts sharply with the glossy black piano, making this corner stand out. The house has a British-style, glass box conservatory on its terrace, which serves as a recreational area. Thermally insulated ash timber flooring is set in a herringbone pattern, creating a smooth transition of the home’s material palette into the conservatory. The lower level of the residence showcases a blend of contemporary and vintage furniture, while the upper level features an eclectic selection of repurposed and reupholstered pieces.

Price: ₹85 lakh upwards

4. Just grey, black and white: Osaya Architects

A sleek yet stylish brass linear pendant light complements the oak table and black butcher block.
| Photo Credit:
Suryan and Dang

This 6,000 sq.ft. apartment in Mumbai is a lesson in subtle sophistication with clean lines and uncluttered spaces. This design forward, smart, bachelor home has been crafted per the needs of its well-travelled owner who loves having people over. “I was given a brief to use only three colours in the house: grey, black and white. While it initially seemed like a restriction, it soon made me realise so much can be done when you focus on textures, lighting and quality to achieve something different from the ordinary. This modern minimalistic masterpiece is a place where luxury seamlessly merges with functionality and comfort making it a chic home by day and an upscale social hub by night,” says Porey.

The sleek, monochromatic living room is adorned with minimalist furniture and styled with carefully chosen artefacts. The grand master bedroom and bathroom serve as luxurious retreats, boasting spacious layouts and opulent finishes. Expansive windows and towering 12-feet-high ceilings expand the space, while limewash paint delicately textures the walls giving it an organic charm. 

The jacuzzi on the deck overlooks the Mumbai cityscape.
| Photo Credit:
Suryan and Dang

The highlight of the home is the jacuzzi nestled on the balcony, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Mumbai’s Sea Link.

Price: ₹1.5 crore upwards

The Bengaluru-based freelance writer is passionate about all things design, travel, food, art and culture.

Emotional maturity and empathy are the foundation of a healthy relationship. Without it, communication breaks down, conflicts escalate, which can make one partner often feel drained, unheard, and unappreciated. Emotional immaturity isn’t always obvious at first — it can hide behind charm, humour, or even passion. But over time, the cracks start to show. Recognising the signs early can save you from confusion and heartache in the long run in your relationship. Here we list some signs of an emotionally immature partner to look out for, and to deal with them:

If there’s one natural remedy that has stood the test of time in the world of hair care, it’s castor oil. Known for its thick consistency and deeply nourishing properties, castor oil has long been celebrated for promoting hair growth, improving scalp health, and adding a natural shine to dull tresses. But what if you could supercharge its power by turning it into a growth-boosting serum? With the right blend of oils and essential nutrients, you can create your own DIY castor oil serum for instant hair growth, free from chemicals, preservatives, and synthetic fragrances.

Let’s tell you how to make this magic potion at home, why it works, and how to use it for maximum results.

Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and is rich in ricinoleic acid, a powerful fatty acid known for increasing blood circulation to the scalp. This stimulates hair follicles and encourages the growth of new strands. Additionally, castor oil is packed with vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, and proteins, all essential for maintaining strong, hydrated hair.
Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also help reduce dandruff and scalp infections, making it a holistic solution for both hair growth and scalp wellness.

To create a lightweight, fast-absorbing castor oil serum that delivers results, you’ll need a combination of carrier oils and essential oils. Here’s a basic recipe:
Base ingredients:
2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for deep nourishment)
1 tablespoon argan oil (for shine and softness)
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (for antioxidant protection)
Essential Oils (optional but effective):
5 drops rosemary essential oil (boosts blood circulation and hair growth)
5 drops peppermint essential oil (stimulates follicles and refreshes the scalp)
5 drops lavender essential oil (soothes scalp irritation and supports growth)
You will also need:
A dropper bottle or small glass serum bottle
A small funnel (optional for easy pouring)

A dark-coloured bottle to preserve the oil’s potency (amber or cobalt blue is ideal)

Start with sterilised tools
Ensure your bottle and funnel (if using) are properly cleaned and sterilised. This prevents bacterial contamination and extends the shelf life of your serum.
Combine the base oils
In a small bowl or beaker, pour in the castor oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and vitamin E oil. Stir well using a clean spoon or a glass stirrer.
Add essential oils
Drop in the rosemary, peppermint, and lavender essential oils. Mix well so the blend is uniform and fragrant.
Transfer to bottle
Using a funnel, pour the serum mixture into your dropper bottle. Seal it tightly and shake gently to combine.
Label and store
Label your serum with the date and ingredients used. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain potency.

This serum is most effective when applied to the scalp and roots, where hair growth begins. Here’s how to incorporate it into your weekly routine:
For overnight treatment:
Part your hair into sections.
Use the dropper to apply the serum directly onto the scalp.
Massage gently in circular motions for 5–10 minutes to stimulate blood flow.
Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap a hot towel around your head.
Leave overnight and shampoo in the morning.

Apply serum to scalp and hair strands.
Wrap in a warm towel or use a hot towel compress to aid absorption.
Rinse and shampoo after one hour.

Use 2–3 times a week for best results.

Want to maximise the benefits of your serum? Try this pro tip: after applying the serum, wrap your head with a hot, damp towel for 15–20 minutes. The steam helps open up hair follicles, allowing the oils to penetrate deeper into the scalp. This not only enhances blood flow but also makes your strands more receptive to nutrients—accelerating hair growth over time.

While the phrase “instant hair growth” might sound magical, keep in mind that natural remedies take consistency and patience. Most users report seeing visible results such as reduced hair fall, improved texture, and baby hair sprouting within 3–4 weeks of regular use.

Always do a patch test to check for any allergic reaction to essential oils.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid letting the serum touch your forehead or face.
For those with dandruff or scalp infections, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent build-up.

This DIY castor oil serum is a powerful and natural way to stimulate hair growth, improve scalp health, and restore vitality to your locks. Unlike chemical-laden serums, this all-natural blend respects your body’s rhythms and supports long-term hair wellness. So the next time you’re scrolling through miracle hair products online, pause and let this handcrafted potion do the magic.

Image credits: Getty Images

Jason Knauf, a former royal aide to Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has joined hands with Prince William in a new mission.
The Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, recently announced Jason Knauf as the company’s new CEO. The company shared a statement on April 17, explaining that the current CEO, Hannah Jones will be departing the post this summer after four years of service. Knauf will be joining the post immediately and will work with Jones in the coming months of transition.
“As the first CEO, Hannah has built The Prize into a world-class organization with an incredible team delivering an annual Prize, powering a platform for speeding solutions to scale, and catalyzing a movement to encourage young people, spark imaginations and infuse urgent optimism across the world,” said Prince William in a statement.
“As we look ahead to the future of The Prize and the urgent work needed to scale more inspiring solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, I look forward to working with Jason to chart the course for the next five years of the Earthshot Prize and beyond,” he added.

Image credits: Getty Images

Knauf was previously the communications secretary for Prince Williams, Prince Harry and their wives, before the couples split their offices. He worked as Kensington Palace Communications Director before stepping into the role of the CEO of the Royal Foundation till 2021. He still continued his participation at William’s Earthshot Prize as a part of the board of trustees.

Knauf had previously filed a complaint accusing the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle of bullying. The October 2018 complaint claimed that she drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of the third staff member.
Meghan had completely refuted the claims with a spokesperson for her and Prince Harry saying that she was, “saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”
Buckingham Palace investigated the issue and improved HR policies for staff, but the details of these were not publicly disclosed.

Image credits: Instagram/royaljetset

The Earthshot Prize was founded by Prince William in 2020 as a 10-year campaign that offers $1.3 million prizes in various tiers to innovators who develop new ideas. These tiers include Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s daughter gets married: All about Harshita Kejriwal and her husband Sambhav Jain

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal’s daughter, Harshita Kejriwal, got married on April 18, 2025. Harshita wed Sambhav Jain, and their wedding ceremony was held at Kapurthala House in Delhi, which is the former residence of Maharaja of Kapurthala. Their wedding was attended by close family and friends, including Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Manish Sisodia- former Deputy CM of Delhi.
Read on to know more about the newly wed Harshita Kejriwal and her husband Sambhav Jain here:
Meet the newly-wed couple: Harshita Kejriwal and Sambhav Jain

For the unversed, Harshita is Arvind Kejriwal and Sunita Kejriwal’s only daughter and eldest child. Arvind and Sunita Kejriwal also have a son named Pulkit Kejriwal, who is studying in IIT Delhi.
Harshita holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi. It was at IIT Delhi where Harshita met Sambhav Jain, and the two have now become life partners.
She graduated in 2018, and then started working as an Associate Consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Gurugram. A few months ago, Harshita co-founded her start-up ‘Basil Health’ with Sambhav Jain. As per reports, the idea for Basil Health– which uses automation to provide customized healthy meals to people– came from Harshita’s own struggles with unhealthy eating while she was working as a consultant.

Beyond her professional career, Harshita also actively supported her father’s political journey. Alongside her mother, Sunita Kejriwal, she has taken part in election campaigns for the Aam Aadmi Party, demonstrating her commitment to both family and public service.
A day before Harshita Kejriwal and Sambhav Jain’s wedding, their engagement ceremony was held on April 17, 2025 at Shangri-La hotel in Delhi. A video of Arvind Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal dancing at the happy occassion is doing the rounds on social media.
Politics however took a backseat and Bollywood beats were introduced during the ceremony, where former Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was seen thriving to the beats of ‘Pushpa 2’s songs. Along with his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, the latter took over the dance floor and was seen dancing to ‘Angaro Ka Ambar Sa’ song.
In another video, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is seen dancing at the wedding ceremonies:
Meanwhile, Harshita and Sambhav’s reception will be held on April 20, as per reports.

Inside the new store
| Photo Credit: S.Thiru

With the unveiling of their palatial new store (at approximately 3,000 square feet) at Jio World Plaza, Mumbai, designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla bring more than couture to the table — they present a theatrical, immersive experience rooted in heritage, maximalism and a contemporary point of view.

“This space is as much about storytelling as it is about fashion,” says Sandeep about the boutique that doubles as a design marvel and cultural destination. Conceptualised by A Wonder Room, their in-house interior division, the store plays host to texture, technique and legacy, designed to evoke awe. Imagine quilted velvet curtains trimmed with mirror and Abla work, soaring mirrored walls and ceilings, and a chandelier made of jagged glass.

Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The store’s decor is a physical manifestation of the Abu Sandeep universe — opulent yet precise, layered yet intuitive. “A mix of wood, metal, mirror, and glass juxtaposed with luxe carpets and fabrics creates an aura of timelessness,” says Abu. The result is a mood board of grandeur that encourages slow discovery: etched hand-painted doors, gold leaf Patola motifs, and even custom brass racks shaped into the AJSK logo. “Our spaces, like our couture, are multi-layered,” says Sandeep, adding, “Lighting, spatial flow, texture are all non-negotiable in communicating the world of Abu Sandeep.”

But this is not merely a retail space — it is fashion theatre. “Drama is integral to how we present, display, and communicate our couture,” says Sandeep.

The store also reflects a changing retail landscape. As transactional shopping makes way for sensorial storytelling, this boutique plays curator. “Our store is perfect for hosting exhibitions, and for conversations that create new storytelling opportunities,” says Sandeep, hinting at a calendar of cultural programming that goes beyond couture.

The garments themselves reinforce this philosophy. Signature embroidery styles like Chikankari, tharad, raj, and resham are reimagined for the contemporary wardrobe. Think tunics, concept saris and maximalist blouses. Menswear heroes include the ‘Crushed Silk’, ‘Shadow’, and ‘Ajrakh’ collections. A new bridal capsule, displayed against a backdrop of quiet extravagance, anchors the space in the kind of romance that transcends trend.

For the younger clientele, personalisation is key. “People in their 20s are throwing out the rulebook,” say Abu. “They want their garments to reflect who they are.” The result is a shift away from fleeting fashion to heirloom pieces with lasting emotional value.

This ethos is reflected in their recently launched luxury candle line too — five scents inspired by love, magic, and celebration. “Consumers today crave detail, finesse, and that je ne sais quoi (appealing quality),” says Sandeep, adding, “Fast fashion ended so quickly, it left before we even realised it had begun.”

What is next for the store? The duo remain vague. “Watch this space,” says Abu. “We’re constantly learning, dreaming, and aspiring to surpass what’s come before. Our eyes are never jaded.”

In a time when luxury risks becoming sterile, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla remind us of its original promise: magic, fantasy, and a certain kind of madness that is rendered exquisite.

The Pakistani entertainment industry‘s wedding season in 2025 is still in full swing, and the latest star to say “I do” in style is none other than the beloved TV host Anoushey Ashraf. Known for her vibrant personality and iconic fashion moments, Anoushey kicked off her destination wedding festivities with husband Shahab Mirza amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Turkey and the internet can’t stop swooning over the dreamy pictures.

But what truly caught the eye was Anoushey’s bridal look, a vision of understated glamour and cultural finesse. Designed by the legendary Nomi Ansari, her lehenga was a spectacular ode to spring romance, featuring delicate floral motifs, soft hues of mint green and blush pink, and intricate zari embroidery that shimmered under the Anatolian sun.

Pairing tradition with a modern twist, Anoushey wore a low-neck blouse that added a contemporary edge to the classic silhouette, while a diaphanous veil draped over her neatly tied bun brought back vintage charm. Her jewellery selection struck the perfect balance between regal and refined: a gold layered necklace set, traditional jhumkas, a statement maang tikka, matha patti, and bangles – all evoking a timeless bridal aura. With soft, dewy makeup and minimal accessories, she let the craftsmanship of her ensemble take centre stage.

Shahab Mirza complemented her elegance effortlessly in a custom ivory sherwani embroidered with tonal threadwork. A classic white kurta-pyjama and his signature salt-and-pepper look added a quiet sophistication, allowing the couple to radiate a picture-perfect harmony.

The wedding was not just about outfits, it was a celebration of love, laughter, and heartfelt traditions. The couple signed their nikah in June 2024, but this destination affair in Turkey marked the beginning of their formal celebrations. Close friends and family gathered for the intimate event, where every frame looked like a postcard golden light, floral arches, and endless joy.
When Anoushey shared glimpses from the event on her social media, fans flooded the comments with heartfelt messages. One user gushed, “You looked so amazing. So happy for you. Lots of duas and well-wishes.” Another admirer wrote, “Love the dress! You look stunning may Allah bless you and Shahab with endless happiness together. Ameen.”

Anoushey Ashraf, who hails from a Pakistani-Iranian background and has been a trailblazer in the media since her MTV days, continues to be an icon for a generation that values authenticity, elegance, and individuality. Her bridal style is just another chapter in her story, a celebration of who she is: grounded, graceful, and unapologetically herself.

From VJ to businesswoman, and now a radiant bride, Anoushey’s journey is proof that style, much like love, is all about staying true to yourself.