Beauty
Portraits in time
Photographed by Farzan Randelia. Realisation by Viseshika Sharma. Styling by Shirin Salwan. Assisted by Poulomi Dey and Soumya Kumar. Make-Up and Hair by Meghna Butani. Model courtesy: Nidhi Sunil, Inega Model Management.
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16th century - The magic of kohl
16th century - The magic of kohl
Patrician features were celebrated in the style of miniature painting that flourished in the Mughal era, where subjects were shown in strict profile. Women adorned their hands and feet with henna, and leaned heavily on kohl to elongate their eyes.
Fashion credits:
Embellished brocade blouse, brocade dupatta, both by Anupama Dayal, New Delhi. Gold earring with uncut diamonds and pearls, used as maang tikka, gold necklace with pearls, tourmalines, diamonds and bi-colour, both from Minawala; fringed pearl and uncut diamond necklace, from Jet Gems by Pradeep Jethani. Both in Mumbai.
19th century - Radiating an inner glow
19th century - Radiating an inner glow
Raja Ravi Varma was famous for his depiction of the celestials, finally bringing naturalism to Indian shores, but his genius lay in projecting the purity of sprit that shone from his subjects’ faces. Cinematic heroines today are still drawn with the shapely figure, lush hair and radiant skin he established as the norm.
Fashion credits:
Traditional Kanchipuram silk sari, stylist’s own. Gem-encrusted jhumkas, from Jet Gems by Pradeep Jethani; three-strand gold necklace with pearls and diamonds, from Anmol Jewellers. Both in Mumbai.
1920's - Eloquent eyes, sensual lips
1920's - Eloquent eyes, sensual lips
European-style photo portraiture was adopted by the not-yet-erstwhile royalty, showing their insouciant blend of traditional clothing and western jewellery. Marcelled waves were worn with bobbed hair, eyes were softly shadowed and lips were darkened in a promise of sensuality that lives on.
Fashion credits:
Embellished tunic with printed slip, by Nikaasha, New Delhi. Gold earrings with diamonds, pearls and green garnets, white gold bracelet with diamonds, and bracelet in white and yellow gold with diamonds and emeralds, all from Minawala; cascading pearl necklace and ornate gold bracelet with diamonds and emeralds, both from Jet Gems by Pradeep Jethani. Both in Mumbai.
1940s - Tresses that dazzle
1940s - Tresses that dazzle
Portraits of the time took their cues from glamorous Hollywood stills. Maharani Gayatri Devi was considered the reigning beauty and since the hairstyles of the 40s were so apt for it, embraced her natural curls, embellishing them with flowers and jewels on occasion.
Fashion credits:
Embroidered sari by Nikasha, New Delhi. White gold and diamond floral earrings, used as hair clips, from Jet Gems by Pradeep Jethani; gold earrings with diamonds and pearls, white gold cuff with diamonds, both from Minawala. Both in Mumbai.
