Loca Magazine

Image source: Fashionista Fashion never stops Image source: Instagram (@vajor) 101

Makeup, styling and photography by: Raagini GuptaTRENDS Muse: Madhavi Bansal never END 102

FASHION The global pandemic has hit the fashion industry on many levels. From designers to influencers and bloggers. The national lockdown has led to the subsiding of many fashion trends and on the same hand emerging of many new ones. By: Raagini Gupta 103

“I have been into Fashion “There will be no Blogging since 2017, but over stop to the fashion the past six months very few trends because brands have approached fashion never for collaborations.”, says sleeps, it keeps Payal Nagar, 23, Delhi based Fashion Blogger. Being a part of the Fashion Industry Payal shared that, “during this time of uncertainty I have temporarily substituted my usual blogging to talking more about the safety and precautions that should be taken.” According to Payal posting evolving” the usual content was not helping her as a blogger nor her audience because their lookout towards fashion has On this note quoting the Washington Post, in an article changed. On being asked for published on June 15, 2020, titled “5 ways pandemic is her opinion about the fashion changing fashion and beauty trends”, writer Abha Bhattarai, trends during Pandemic stated, “Malls are reopening, but don’t expect to see racks she replied, “The people filled with seasonal trends. With money tighter, retailers and are fonder of clothing that consumers are loading up on evergreen basics and neutrals.” includes pants and t-shirts, leggings and crop tops, Kshipra Dubey, 26, Mumbai based Model and pursuing wearing crocs rather than dental studies, says “Covid-19 has made us realize the value heels. This led to the return of of money and resources. This has led to a change in the Basics with have more neutral way people used to spend all their money and resources on colors.” clothing.” Payal has been doing The pandemic not only affected the designers or influencers blogging for a long time now but also models because no one wants to step out of the and on understanding the house and take any kind of risk. Kshipra added to this saying, transition in fashion trends “Being a model I have signed very few projects during the during the current situation lockdown. To my surprise, all the projects were either about she added, “I feel that the loungewear or sustainable clothing.” fashion trends will still be a thing post-pandemic which Kshipra got the idea that this might be the future of fashion will include more of comfort post-pandemic. She mentioned, “People will use their wear with subtle colors.” resources and money wisely. Leading to spending on clothes that are long-lasting and worth the price. In the present scenario, the sale of luxury items is at a standstill because people are expecting more functional and multi-purpose clothing.” Hence, in her opinion money will play a very vital role in setting future trends post-pandemic. 104

Makeup, styling and photography by: Raagini Gupta Muse: Noor Chhabra 105

Quoting the Hindustan Times, in an article published on April 6, 2020, titled “Future of Fashion in the wake of Covid-19” writer Manish Mishra, exclaimed, “Designer Rahul Mishra says, During the lockdown people’s salary was cut down, therefore, one must use their resources wisely. This shall initiate an inclination towards garments that have emotional value; so to speak, the consumer may learn the relevance of mindful, slow fashion goods created with authentic craft techniques by humans and not machines.” “The jolt of national lockdown caused a lot of trouble for the Fashion Designers.”, says Tanya Sukhwani, 24, Delhi based Fashion Designer. To this, she adds, “With factories and supply chains shutting down has brought the work to a halt. Ready to be delivered garments are lying around and the fear is that the season would pass by without being able to get it to customers.” “The lives of Fashion Designers have come to a halt,” says Tanya. She also talked about her views on the ongoing and upcoming trends, “I have noticed that people have decreased their purchase of designer products and rather opt for minimalistic clothing. They go for basic wear and not styling 106

Styling and photgraphy by: Nazvi Muse: Flt Lt Naaz layers to look out of the box. The trend of luxury and designer clothing is fading. Instead of designer handbags and heels, homegrown products are emerging.” This was Tanya’s take on the whole pandemic situation. Keeping this in mind, quoting The Times Of India, in an article published on August 7, 2020, titled “Covid-19 lockdown hits fashion industry hard, designers fear an uncertain future”, writer Divya Kaushik, exclaimed, At present, be it a small designer with a store in Shahpur Jat or a big designer with multiple stores across India, the biggest worry is making the business profitable “with changed social structures and living concepts during the pandemic”. Designers say they’re hoping that the festive season might revive their dying business, else it is the time they think of diversifying into other businesses or reinventing their designs. As per Payal Nagar, Kshipra Dubey, and Tanya Sukhwani, the trends will be a part of fashion post-pandemic. The only variation in trends will depend upon the comforts and the flow of money plus the resources of the customer. There will be no stop to the fashion trends because trends never sleep, it keeps evolving. 107

One piece of cloth, a hundred ways to wear it, and varied stories behind it. By: Khushi Choudhari 108

FASHION Saris are a celebrated heritage, loved by most women. It’s the most versatile clothing item that suits all body types. It is adaptable to context, environment, and culture, with its making directly tied to the livelihoods of millions of craftsperson. Over the years, there has been a shift in the style of wearing a sari. So the mindset around it has changed too. Saris evoke a different feeling for each individual. It is an epitome of grace and elegance and is generally adorned by women first when it’s their school farewell function or any marriage function. Later, their style of living, preference, and culture shape their interest in saris. Passed through three generations, a sari evokes different meanings for three individuals. 109

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Mangla Choudhari, 75 years old “Sari was a mandatory outfit after marriage but I did not mind it. It’s comfortable for me to wear it and do chores. It gives me a sense of responsibility and authority. Since I’m the eldest in the house, I feel like wearing a sari puts me in a position of superiority and helps me carry out traditions. “ 111

Rekha Choudhari, 46 years old “Even though I love wearing saris for family functions, I started disliking them when I got married and had to wear it daily as a family tradition. It was uncomfortable and bounded by compulsion so it made me lose interest in it. Due to societal pressure, anything except a sari was too bold. From wearing sari wrap-around on top of ‘western clothing’ and changing them on my way to any outing, to slowly wearing whatever I wanted, I slowly turned to be a rebel for many. I still wear saris, but according to my mood. Styling a sari has many aspects to it, that it’s fun to get ready for occasions.” 112

Styling and photography by: Khushi Choudhari Makeup by: Yashvi Ranka 113

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Khushi Choudhari, 20 years old “I fell in love with saris, the day I wore it for my farewell. I had never felt more graceful and confident. Saris are no longer conformed to the nivi style and have been recently styled in many ways to suit the needs of gen-z and millennials. I would love to wear it for occasions other than farewell and marriage functions, but its changed notion as occasional wear has prevented me from doing so. Its versatility amazes me.” Styling by: Khushi Choudhari Photography by: Palak Choudhari Makeup by: Yashvi Ranka 115

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Art by: Khushi Choudhari 118

LIFESTYLE Artists sparking conversations in minds of people regarding socio-political issues. By: Khushi Choudhari 2020 has been a rollercoaster higher authorities work. Art ride till now. Coronavirus, has played an important locust swarms, migrant crisis, role for many, in expressing airplane crashes, wildfires their thoughts and beliefs and many more tragedies around these topics. These 3 have made us question home-grown artists that are everything around us. It experimental and bold, are has made us doubt about trying to spark a conversation how we function and how in people’s mind. Rohan Chakravarty (@green_humour) “I don’t view the internet as illustrator, wildlife buff, and a platform that governs art, creator of Green Humour, a it’s the other way around. series of comic strips about Art should govern your voice nature. He believes that and not a platform. Your art there is always a funny side should be able to outlast a to the serious things in life. platform. Instagram may or Through his comics, he helps may not be there in a a common man understand few years.” Rohan environmental concerns. Chakravarty is a cartoonist, 119

Shilo Shiv Suleman (@fearlesscollective) The Fearless Collective, a reclaiming spaces, carving South Asia based public art out public depictions of project, is the brainchild of women and their significance Shilo Shiv Suleman. Through in societies around the world– this platform she creates a from the small indigenous safe space to move from fear village of Olivencia colonized to love using participative by the Portuguese in Brazil, to public art. Fearless has yet, the sprawling community of worked in over 10 countries, Lyari rift with gang violence in co-creating 38 murals, Karachi, Pakistan. 120

Image source: Shilo Shiv Suleman 121

Art by: Khushi Choudhari 122

Ayush Kalra (@ayushkalra) “I believe that at least a part of artistic practice has a social responsibility towards the audience and, in that sense, yes art can warn the audience to numerous social issues and contribute to a positive change of society.” Ayush takes inspiration from Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma & Amrita Shergill and recreates them if they were the artists of this generation with changing culture and new technologies! His illustrations represent female empowerment with a touch of modern satire. He works to capture the essence of modern beliefs and something that everyone can relate to or feel a part of his artwork in their life. 123

Art for change Art as a reflection of the times and ourselves. By: Khushi Choudhari 124

LIFESTYLE Creativity confined within the walls Art by: Khushi Choudh1a2ri5

Art has the power to change The COVID-19 Social Study, the world beyond mere a research study by the aesthetics. It is a way to University College of London, express self and thought, the has tracked arts participation way words cannot. During and mental health in a cohort these unprecedented times, of 72,000 UK adults aged when everything suddenly 18 and older weekly since paused, art became the fall- Aback partner for many. It took various forms to suit the needs of different minds. Unnati Dhariwal, a 20-year- Art became resourceful for old commerce student, March. The data suggests people from every generation, what started as a cure for from Mumbai, tells us how that people who have spent boredom ended up giving solace to people in these mandalas helped her escape 30 minutes or more each tough times. from the mundane routine day during the pandemic of college and household on art activities like reading chores. She said, “I’m glad for pleasure, listening to my sister introduced me to music, or engaging in a making mandalas. Once I creative hobby have lower pick up a pen, there is no reported rates of depression going back. I sit in a cornerand anxiety and greater life for hours and keep doodling. satisfaction. It helps me concentrate on 126 myself, along with some time Roff from my joint family.”

Karishma’s artworks have This isolation has given many Several forums came up with always been a reflection people the time to indulge initiatives that could support of her thoughts and they in crafts and arts that had the deprived, provide frontline have helped her express her been stalled for long owing workers with PPE kits, and feelings, her stance on any to other commitments. protect stray animals. Art & socio-political issue. Creative freelancers found Found is one such platform the time to put out more that called out for digital She also took part in a work to the public other than renderings as a part of their competition called Art Mela, commercialised artworks. initiative #designsfightcovid. art for change Initiative. “ I “Instagram has become The creator of the artwork has normally don’t participate saturated with artworks. to team up with one of the 8 in any competition, the only Staying true to your ideology,NGOs Art & Found partnered motivation was the assurance and putting out content that with and donate the proceeds that the registration fees helps bring change in the directly to them. for the competition will be society, will help you create used for COVID relief,” said your own identity,” said Karishma. Karishma Diwan, 20, a digital R T+illustratorfromMumbai. 127

WHO (World Health Organisation) also took action to highlight the need for artists and art for all. They worked with Create2030 and collaborated with a group of international working artists who took the call to respond to the COVID-19 crisis through the production of artwork that serves to educate, dispel myths, and create a narrative of this interesting time in our history. They curated a virtual art gallery for all to view from the 26th July to 30th September. In a time when newspapers aren’t highly accessible and television journalism is questionable, art helps in spreading information in a faster way. Awareness pertaining to the pandemic is been circulated articulately through illustrations, paintings, and renderings. Street art has also been a medium to reach the common masses. Through art, it is also easier for a person who is not so informed about the current scenarios to understand modern affairs. “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times in which we live.” -Nina Simone Scan to view the WHO X Create 200 visual gallery 128

Art by: Khushi Choudhari Source: artandfound.com From left to right: Work from home- Shreyadaf, Love & Hope - Nikita, Home Is: Her Hug Pastelstew, Anxiety- Sakshi, Covengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes- Aniya Varghese, Viral Matchbox- Pravin Lagariya, Bachao Jaan-Shreya Parasrampuria, Show Love- Koral, Prep Your Warriors- Aditi Srivastava, Traffic Free Zone- Kurul Tyagi, Washing Hands- Malvi Bharmani, Soap Is Dope- Smitha Alva, Discover Your Strengths- Chandan Mahimka 129

Karishma talks about the negative effects of social media and how it has completely taken over our lives. She has rethought some laptop keys and what they would stand for if used only for social media. Image source : Karishma Diwan 130

Image source : firstpost.com St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints paid tribute to the city’s frontline workers through a mural at the iconic Mahim Junction. The monochromatic subjects are highlighted as they are painted against a colourful background creating contrast. The project called ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ was completed in 15 days. Image source : indiaexpress.com Graffiti painted to create awareness in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, during the nationwide lockdown, in Chennai. 131

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Anxiety : a personal pandemic As the number of positive cases of COVID-19 rises with no sign of vaccine, negativity spreads across the world, resulting in a new level of anxiety amongst individuals. By: Kamya Gupta 134

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“I have got everything every the most mental anguish. millennial has ever wished The sense of helplessness for, which is the chance to and hopelessness during be at home 24/7, never get depression has intensified out of my PJ’s, but every amongst young minds. day when I am notified Living through a pandemic about the rising cases, an is nothing like surviving a unusual paranoia rushes natural catastrophe. The down my spine, making me uncertainty of it has spread extremely anxious.” shares doubts amongst all age Isha Vasavada, 20, student groups. The pandemic has of Amity University, based caused anxiety among the in Delhi, suffering from pregnant population to rise. Generalized Anxiety disorder. Women are most concerned However, she is not the only about older relatives, then one. their children, followed by It has been seven months their unborn child. While now, and the world has they imagined pampering taken a completely new themselves during their turn. COVID-19 has caused pregnancy with all sorts of anxiety and concerns in cravings, they have been society, which has globally unfortunately restricted and affected every individual to alarmed. “I am currently in variable extents. Additional my sixth month, and amidst changes like isolation, social thousands of mood swings in distancing, self-quarantine, a day, the fact that I am at a travel restriction, and the higher risk of being infected ever-spreading rumors gives me a panic attack in social media have also at least once a day. It is a significantly impacted an helpless feeling which shoots individual’s mental health. my anxiety even more.” says Perhaps, it is the youngest Ishita Gupta, 27, a pregnant adults who are suffering housewife, based in Delhi. 137

According to the Indian respondents were suffering based in Delhi. From working Psychiatry Society, the from mild depression, 11% women to young adults, every number of mental health were feeling moderately age group has experienced cases, including anxiety depressed, and six% were anxiety in their own way and depression, has risen facing severe depression during this pandemic. 20 percent since the first symptoms. announced lockdown. Stress Fear and anxiety often levels have been on the “I am a working woman result from the feeling that rise, with 43% of Indians as well as a housewife. we are trapped. During this suffering from depression. Balancing work from home pandemic, when we are just According to a new study and a joint family of 22 people nodes in an infinite network conducted by GOQii, a smart- has become a rollercoaster of the sick, the infected, and tech-enabled preventive ride of emotions for me in those infected but do not healthcare platform, the this situation. By the end of seem sick, it is essential to study surveyed over 10,000 the day, I am exhausted and feel that we are not entirely Indians to understand how anxious about the next day” vulnerable. An optimistic they have been coping with describes Ayushi Gupta, mind can only help us pass the new normal. According 26, a strategic analyst at through this uncertain time as to the study, 26 percent of Unilodgers and a housewife this shall pass too. 138

Bringing hope in the lime1li3gh9t

Makeup, styling and photography: Kamya Gupta Muse: Suramya Srivastava 140

Three ways to cope with anxiety during pandemic: Isha Vasavada, 20, student at Amity University, Noida. Normalize anxiety. If we normalize anxiety, there is some comfort that comes with knowing that others feel that way, too, and it is okay to have those authentic but complicated feelings.” Ayushi Gupta, 26, housewife and Strategic Analyst at Unilodgers, Delhi. Follow a routine and make sure you stick to it. Work from home can be too overwhelming when you are a housewife as well. A routine helps balance work and family time, which comes handy and does not trigger anxiety by the end of the day. Ishita Gupta, 29, housewife based in Delhi Stay calm. On some days, it will be impossible but try to stay as calm as possible. Breathing exercises and meditation are a great way to calm your soul and lower anxiety. 141

Atypical Therapy By: Turvi Agarwal Modern day psychotherapy is among the most widely- known forms of mental health treatment, but alternative therapies are gaining in popularity in recent years. The key to improving your mental well-being might lie in one of these five innovative types of therapy. 1. Music Therapy Studies have shown music therapy and the vibration of sounds help relieve anxiety and depression, reduce physical pain, and have even help hospice patients better accept their illness. 2. Colour Therapy Colour therapy is done by shining an appropriate colour on the particular area of the body. The vibrations of the colour improve your mood and overall health. 142 Art by: Turvi Agarwal

3. Walk and talk therapy LIFESTYLE A therapist and patient go 5. Culinary art therapy outside together, talking along the way just as they Since depression can would inside an office, but diminish your appetite and hopefully more freely. potentially lead to weight loss, a culinary art therapist 4. Art Therapy might reignite your desire to cook and eat while helping Art therapy is practiced you get a handle on your under the guidance of an art mental health. therapist, and while it may involve coloured pencils, markers, or clay, it goes deeper than coloring on your own. Art by: Turvi Agarwal 143

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Custom, Couture & Corona 146

Art by: Nazvi LIFESTYLE By: Nazvi Is it ethical for fashion brands to sell masks at a high price when Corona warriors are saving lives by donating? 147

With 39.9 million cases of masks reduce the chance COVID-19 in the world, out of infection by over 50%, of which 7.55 million are just it shouldn’t take the loss in India, one can’t expect of a loved one for you to things to get better any time understand the need to wear soon. In times like these, a mask. maintaining proper hygiene and social distancing has Many experts also say that if become imperative. But this 100% of the population starts becomes a problem with poor wearing a mask the Ro (a people, who live in conditions statistical figure that tells the which are not suitable for average number of secondary implementing such safety cases that results from one measures. As the pandemic infected person) of the virus progresses, it brings out a will fall below 1. different side of humanity. On one hand many brands like Tushar, along with his friend, Louis Vuitton, Supreme and Rishabh Joshi have actively VPL, are making profit out of been distributing masks and misery. On the other hand, grains to the underprivileged. corona warriors are working They outsource these masks hard to create dents in these from Amazon, and distribute trends. them along with a mass grain distribution drive in their city. While Hritik Roshan and Sonu Sood are making headlines As per an article by The for their philanthropy, several Hindu, a volunteering group names often go unnoticed, called DRV- India (Disaster take for example, Dr. Anup, Response Volunteers) is a 37 years old dentist, promoting its own version associated with Dr. Raman, of a mask, and the exercise runs an NGO ‘Umang’ in comes paired with a crowd- Aurangabad. They distributed funding model. It is a N95 masks which were loosely-structured group purchased from 3M dealers of youngsters, said to have to Public Health Care come into existence during centers and for government the 2018 Kerala floods, and healthcare workers, where ever since then, their bond the supply of masks was not has just gotten stronger. available. The youngsters have named Tushar Bhatia, a 21 years their mask “Hedge”, they old student, from Noida explain, to communicate says, “The three countries the idea of protection. that showed the maximum It is a three-layer mask resistance to wearing masks in which a high-density are on the top amongst the polyethylene (HDPE) material corona infected countries. is sandwiched between two The pandemic is raging and layers of cotton. The mask we must be more cautious can even be washed and than ever.” Tushar feels reused. 148

“The pandemic is raging and we must be more cautious than ever.” Image source: Pinterest 149

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