THE AESTHETIC OF AUTHENTICITY with Athulya Ravi

STRADDLING THE LINE BETWEEN HISTORICAL HOMAGE AND 21ST CENTURY GLAMOUR, A WORLD OF ARCHITECTURAL WONDER COMES ALIVE AT THE KALDAN SAMUDHRA PALACE; WITH A STROKE OF CREATIVE GENIUS, BROUGHT ON BY THE INGENIOUS LUCKY MALHOTRA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SANGEETHA KAILASH, STAR STYLIST-DESIGNER CHAITANYA RAO, AND THE EVER-EFFERVESCENT ATHULYA RAVI.

- SANGEETHA KAILASH

"Third time's the charm," laughs Lucky Malhotra, as he takes on this palatial establishment of unadulterated luxury by storm with the spirited queen in question, actor Athulya Ravi. "Working with Sangeetha and the Varaa team definitely makes me feel extremely grateful for the creative freedom that arrives with each shoot. I am always in awe of her vision and strength that drive the magazine forward. Having worked through the ins and outs of several creative projects together, we share an unspeakable bond in terms of thoroughly deciphering and understanding each other's ideas and goals. This helps us find common ground even when we hold conflicting perspectives. So, I look forward to watching our working relationship grow from the nascent stage it is currently in," he continues.

The Cover Girl dances through a line of glorious imagery, excellently enhanced by the fine artistry of Makeup Guru Salomi Rinita Diamond and the innate elegance of magnificent jewellery pieces from AVR Swarna Mahal Jewellers.

Editor-in-Chief Sangeetha Kailash and designer-stylist to the stars Chaitanya Rao join in on this exhibition of an extravagant design vision that features a unique interplay between traditional aesthetics and contemporary embellishments, revisiting the glories of the past with four pieces of wearable art from the House of Chaitanya Rao, Savinidii, and Tifara.

Crafted from handwoven khadi silk, this custom designer gown from Chaitanya Rao’s eponymous label is characterized by a luxurious sheen, double layers of silk, and captivating crystal and beadwork across the bodice. A velvet matte base and beautifully gradated snatched eyes with a textured low-hair bun complete the look.