Tag: #lifestyle

Fit & Fabulous

Met Gala 2026: When Fashion Becomes Art

Tanisha Cardozo

One of the most anticipated fashion events in the world, the Met Gala, is all set to return on May 4, 2026, continuing its tradition of taking place on the first Monday of May. Known for its spectacle, exclusivity, and unmatched influence on global fashion, the event once again promises to capture worldwide attention with a theme that is as thought-provoking as it is expansive—‘Fashion is Art.’

The theme was officially announced by Vogue on February 23, sparking immediate excitement among fashion enthusiasts, designers, and pop culture followers. Unlike previous years, where themes offered more structured creative direction, this year’s concept is notably open-ended, inviting a broader spectrum of interpretation. By declaring fashion as art, the theme encourages celebrities and designers to push beyond conventional boundaries and embrace clothing as a form of artistic storytelling.

The inspiration behind this year’s dress code lies in the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition titled ‘Costume Art.’ According to the official description, the exhibition explores representations of the dressed body across The Met’s vast collection, pairing garments with artworks to highlight the intrinsic relationship between clothing and the human form. Spanning Western art from ancient history to contemporary times, the showcase delves into how fashion intersects with politics, identity, symbolism, and personal expression.

This layered and intellectual foundation sets the stage for what could be one of the most visually diverse Met Galas in recent memory. With ‘Fashion is Art’ as the guiding idea, the red carpet is expected to transform into a living gallery of creativity. Designers may draw inspiration from classical paintings, sculptures, and historical fashion, while also incorporating futuristic elements and avant-garde techniques. The result is likely to be a compelling mix of tradition and innovation, where each outfit tells a unique story.

In contrast to recent themes such as ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ in 2025, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’ in 2024, and ‘Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty’ in 2023, which offered more specific frameworks, this year’s theme provides a wide creative canvas. While that freedom opens doors for groundbreaking interpretations, it also presents a challenge—standing out in a space where anything is possible requires true originality and vision.

Adding to the excitement is the announcement of this year’s co-chairs, a powerful trio representing music, film, and sports. Beyoncé, one of the most influential artists of her generation, brings her signature blend of artistry and cultural impact. Nicole Kidman, known for her elegance and cinematic legacy, adds a touch of classic sophistication. Meanwhile, Venus Williams introduces a dynamic edge, symbolizing strength, individuality, and style beyond traditional fashion circles.

As co-chairs, their role goes beyond representation—they help shape the vision of the event, contribute to curating the guest list, and play a key role in promoting the theme. Their combined influence is expected to elevate the event’s global appeal and inspire memorable fashion moments.

With anticipation already building, fashion enthusiasts and viewers worldwide are preparing for a night that celebrates creativity in its purest form. The Met Gala 2026 is not just about what celebrities wear—it’s about how they interpret, challenge, and redefine the very idea of fashion as art.

TechPulse

Godrej Champions Indian Handlooms with Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines

Tanisha Cardozo

The Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has taken a significant step toward reviving India’s rich handloom heritage with its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. The move combines advanced AI-powered front-load washing machine technology with a cultural mission — to make handloom care effortless and encourage Indians to wear their traditional fabrics more frequently and proudly.

India’s textile landscape is deeply diverse, with each state boasting its own distinctive handloom traditions — from Kasavu of Kerala and Mysore Silk of Karnataka to Pochampally Ikat of Telangana, Paithani of Maharashtra, Chikankari of Lucknow, Bandhani of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Muga Silk of Assam. Despite their cultural and historical significance, many handloom fabrics are perceived as high maintenance, often requiring hand washing or dry cleaning. This perception has limited their everyday use and purchase.

To address this concern, Godrej has tested its advanced front-load washing machines on 25 different handloom fabrics, including Banarasi Silk, Patola Silk, Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machines’ gentle wash program has been validated for up to 25 washes, ensuring minimal wear and tear. Beyond visual inspection, the fabrics were also examined under a microscope at 40x magnification to assess structural integrity and acceptable levels of fabric stress.

Kamal Nandi, Business Head – Appliances Division, stated that preserving India’s handloom traditions requires collective effort and that technology designed specifically for Indian needs can play a pivotal role. Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to technology that is truly made for India, enabling consumers to care for handloom fabrics conveniently at home.

The Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, has been a leading player in India’s home appliance sector since 1958, when it became the first Indian company to manufacture refrigerators. Over the decades, the portfolio has expanded to include washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, thermo-electric cooling solutions, air coolers, deep freezers, medical refrigerators, dishwashers and insulin coolers — all guided by its philosophy of ‘Things Made Thoughtfully’.

Environmental protection remains central to the company’s operations, with both manufacturing units earning Platinum Plus GreenCo certification for eco-friendly practices. With over 950 service centres and more than 4,000 SmartCare service experts across India, the brand continues to combine innovation, sustainability and consumer-focused design while reinforcing the revival of India’s timeless handloom traditions.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In South Korea, Love Has 12 Official Dates a Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Did you know that in South Korea, the 14th of every month isn’t random — it’s romantic?

While much of the world circles February 14 as the only date that matters, South Korea has quietly stretched the idea of love across the entire calendar. Instead of one annual crescendo, romance unfolds in chapters.

January 14 begins softly with Diary Day. Couples exchange planners — not flashy gifts, but something symbolic. It’s about shared schedules, shared goals, shared futures. Imagine starting the year by saying, “Let’s write this together.”

February 14 follows a custom that surprises many outsiders. Women give chocolates to men. Not just to partners, but sometimes to friends or colleagues. Then comes March 14 — White Day — when men reciprocate with sweets or gifts. The back-and-forth creates anticipation. It builds momentum.

And then April 14 flips the script entirely.

Black Day belongs to singles. Instead of awkward silence about relationship status, people gather to eat jajangmyeon — black bean noodles — turning independence into a communal event. It’s ironic, playful and empowering all at once. Imagine a culture where being single gets its own social holiday.

By May 14, roses and yellow-themed dates dominate. June 14 is Kissing Day, openly celebrating affection. July 14, known as Silver Day, often marks the exchange of silver rings — subtle symbols of commitment without the weight of engagement.

August 14 encourages green outfits and nature dates. September 14 becomes Photo or Music Day — capturing memories or sharing meaningful playlists. October 14 leans into wine and red symbolism. November 14 sends couples to the cinema for Movie Day. December 14 closes the year warmly with Hug Day — and sometimes even Sock Day — practical gifts wrapped in emotional meaning.

What makes this fascinating isn’t whether every couple participates religiously. It’s that the rhythm exists at all. Twelve built-in reminders to pause. To acknowledge. To celebrate. Or simply to reflect.

It also reveals something deeper about modern Korean dating culture — how symbolism, commerce, social media and genuine emotion intersect. Cafés create themed menus. Gift shops stock color-coded items. Photo booths fill up. Instagram feeds align with the mood of the month.

Now imagine this: what if your calendar nudged you toward connection 12 times a year? Would relationships feel more intentional? Would single life feel less isolated? Would gratitude become routine instead of occasional?

In South Korea, the 14th quietly suggests that love — in all its forms — deserves more than one day of attention.

And here’s the final question: if you had to pick just one of the 14ths to celebrate, which would it be?

Special Occasion

Valentine’s Day 2026: More Than Roses, It’s About Real Love

Tanisha Cardozo

Valentine’s Day arrives each year wrapped in red roses, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinner reservations. But beyond the commercial gloss lies something far more meaningful — the human need for connection.

February 14 has evolved over centuries, from a feast day honouring Saint Valentine to a global celebration of romance. Today, it transcends borders, cultures and traditions. In cities, couples queue outside restaurants for the perfect dinner date. In quieter homes, handwritten letters are slipped across tables. In friend groups, “Galentine’s” brunches celebrate sisterhood. And for many, it becomes a day of intentional self-care.

But what truly makes Valentine’s Day special?

It’s the pause. The deliberate choice to express what we often assume is understood. A simple “I appreciate you.” A message you’ve been meaning to send. A bouquet that says what words sometimes cannot.

Interestingly, the meaning of love itself has expanded. Younger generations are redefining the day — focusing not just on romantic partners but on friendships, family bonds and self-worth. Social media feeds fill with proposals and curated surprises, but the most powerful moments are often the quiet ones: cooking together at home, revisiting a shared memory, or forgiving an old misunderstanding.

There’s also a growing emphasis on self-love. In a world that constantly demands productivity and perfection, Valentine’s Day can become a reminder to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others. That might mean buying your own flowers, taking a solo trip, or simply unplugging for an evening.

And perhaps that’s the most important shift. Love is no longer confined to grand gestures. It lives in effort, presence and intention.

So this year, ask yourself:
Who deserves to hear “I love you” from you?
Have you said it to yourself lately?

Valentine’s Day 2026 is not just about roses. It’s about reflection. It’s about gratitude. It’s about choosing connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

However you celebrate — extravagantly or simply — let it be real. Let it be meaningful. And most importantly, let it be yours.

Special Occasion

Galentine’s Day: Celebrating the Girls Who Show Up, Stay Strong & Shine Together

Tanisha Cardozo

Before Valentine’s Day fills timelines with roses, proposals, and candlelit dinners, February 13 quietly carries its own kind of magic. Galentine’s Day is not about romance. It’s about the women who walk beside us through every chapter of life — the friends who show up, stay strong, and shine together.

The concept first gained popularity through Parks and Recreation, when the endlessly optimistic Leslie Knope declared it a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.” What started as a fictional brunch scene soon turned into a cultural movement. Today, Galentine’s Day is celebrated across the world — from cozy living rooms to vibrant brunch tables — as a tribute to female friendships.

But beyond the cute captions and coordinated outfits lies something deeper.

Think about your journey for a moment. Who answered your late-night calls when things felt overwhelming? Who encouraged you to apply for that opportunity you were scared of? Who celebrated your smallest achievements as if they were headline news? And who stood quietly beside you when life didn’t go according to plan?

Chances are, it was your girls.

Female friendships often become our emotional anchors. They are built on shared secrets, inside jokes, mutual growth, and an understanding that doesn’t always need explanation. They evolve with us — from school corridors to college campuses, from first jobs to life-defining decisions. These friendships witness our awkward phases, our glow-ups, our heartbreaks, and our comebacks.

In a world that constantly glorifies romantic love as the ultimate destination, Galentine’s Day shifts the narrative. It reminds us that love is not limited to romance. Love exists in loyalty. Love exists in support. Love exists in that friend who sends you job links, checks in on your mental health, and reminds you of your worth when you forget it yourself.

There is no pressure attached to Galentine’s Day. It doesn’t demand grand gestures or expensive gifts. It can be a simple brunch, a beach evening, a pajama night with endless conversations, or even just a heartfelt message sent across cities and time zones. What matters is acknowledgment. What matters is gratitude.

Friendships, especially between women, carry immense power. They create safe spaces in a noisy world. They foster growth. They build resilience. And sometimes, they save us from versions of ourselves that were settling for less.

So this February 13, pause before the Valentine’s rush begins. Look at your group chat. Think of the women who have shaped your journey. Send that message. Plan that meet-up. Say the words you usually assume they already know.

Because long after the flowers fade and the chocolates are gone, it is often the friendships that remain constant.

And that kind of love deserves to be celebrated — loudly, proudly, and together.