When it comes to a style signature, it’s safe to say that denim is Deepika Padukone’s wardrobe MVP. Whether it’s boyfriend, acid-wash, paper-bag, ripped or oversized styles, she’s worn every kind like it’s second skin. She’s paired them with a racer-back tank or brought on high-voltage movie star glamour with more polished separates. It only makes perfect sense that this obsession with denim eventually manifested into a collaboration with Levi’s, the world’s most iconic denim brand. There’s no need for introductions. From Steve Jobs’ everyday uniform to Einstein’s obsession with his beloved brown Cossack jacket and Kamala Harris’ bedazzled rainbow jacket for World Pride, Levi’s has been rooted in historic cultural moments. The brand also pushes the envelope with their sustainability efforts through its partnerships with peer-to-peer platforms, Levi’s Secondhand–their foray into re-commerce and buyback programs, and their collaboration with R-Collective, a project that creates 100% traceable denim jeans with eco wardrobe tips and educative green fashion facts. Vogue India chats with Deepika Padukone, the brand’s newest global brand ambassador, on why this collection is Gen-Z first, her favourite pieces and her take on post-pandemic minimalism.Just earlier this year, you became the Levi’s global brand ambassador. It must be exciting to bring a fresh perspective to a legacy brand?It’s an exciting partnership. This is my first ever collaboration with Levi’s. It was important for it to be an authentic representation of my personal style. I feel like we’ve stayed true to that vision.A flared pair at Cannes, mom jeans with an off-white strap belt at the Chhapaak promotions; a fitted jacket when you’re on-the-go—denim has a prominent place in your wardrobe! How do you take classic denim pieces and elevate it into something current? Denim dressing is pretty mood based for me. For the day, I prefer a relaxed, almost slouchy fit with sneakers. I’d wear the exact same thing for the night, but I’d elevate it with a nice pair of heels. What does a Levi’s piece represent to you? I think most people’s earliest memory of denim is usually a pair of Levi’s jeans, so it’s always special. A good pair of denims are a necessity in any wardrobe. The fact that you can either dress it up or dress it down makes it the most versatile piece. It’s also just really comfortable. In the last year, there’s been an integral shift in how we view ‘everyday’ fashion. Casual culture has become the norm. Do you feel like the pandemic has changed the way you look at personal style now?In the last two years, we’ve seen the world really progress towards sustainability and utility. I think we were already headed in that direction and the pandemic only accelerated it. I’ve recently found myself veering towards a more casual aesthetic and you’ll see that as a theme across the capsule collection. I love experimenting with fashion, but I’ve always prioritised comfort. With athleisure, I get to enjoy the best of both. Millennials and Gen-Z are extremely conscious about their choices today. How does this collection fit in with their values?We’ve worked hard to make this collection both sustainable and relevant to today’s consumer. Something that stands out to me are the fabrics themselves. The whole line is 100% ethically produced. We’ve used organic cotton, super-soft tencel made from wood pulp, cottonized hemp and denim specially produced with the brand’s waterless technology. What do you love the most about this capsule collection?We’ve drawn inspiration from the ‘70s classics and given it a modern interpretation. With the silhouettes, I’ve included styles that I personally love and wear often — you’ll spot everything from long varsity jackets, co-ord sweatsuits, crop-tops, all-denim jumpsuits and bralettes. We’ve also got ​​high-waist jeans, cut and sew wide leg pants, cropped trucker jackets, oversized shirts, organza sleeves and elevated sweatshirts. There’s something in it for everyone. Also read:Think green and stride sustainably with Levi’s denims that are crafted to lastAll the new launches to watch out for in October 

As a fashion writer, watching a fashion show was a large part of my job description. Yet, when I stepped into the Jio World Center yesterday, it had been nearly two years since I had watched a show, IRL, as they say. And let me tell you, nothing beats, the experience.It seemed apt then that Tarun Tahiliani, titled his return to the physical runway in Mumbai, The Reunion, referring to the coming together of the fashion and the artisan community. “Its a celebration of varied art forms, crafts, inspirations from numerous historical monuments and showcasing each one through a small capsule collection. The amalgamation and coming together of all these various communities as one singular collection was why we titled it, The Reunion. It suited the sentiment behind it as well.”Tarun Tahiliani at the FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week
Vaqaas MansuriLike many, for Tahiliani this pandemic has brought to light some absolutes. “I truly believe that community is of the utmost importance. We went back to craft as the principal requirement of the hour and in supporting the local artisans. From embroidery to handwork to moving centres across rural India so that these communities could still earn a livelihood and not be relocated or disarticulated was something that we consciously worked towards.” Tahiliani, also created a special film, a digital precursor to the show, that highlighted this spirit of togetherness after 18 months of social distancing.

As we readapt to being out and about and embrace our former social habits, corset inspired tops are cropping up all over runways, the high street and our Instagram feeds. It’s no surprise that people are leaning towards the allure of the romantic and sultry silhouette after a year and a half of being locked in at home in nothing but sweats and loose-fitting nap dresses. There’s a sense of charm and poise in the garment that was recently brought back by Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton.What was once originally used to uncomfortably cinch the waist and enhance a woman’s curves has evolved into a surprisingly versatile garment that can be dressed for both day and night. Today’s iterations are undoubtedly softer, more breathable and flexible than those worn in the Regency and Victorian era. The modern-day versions do a great job at sculpting the silhouette without constricting the body.Gen Z stars from pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo to actors Ananya Pandey and Jahnvi Kapoor have been spotted sporting corsetry. Corsets also make a great layering option. Wear it with a thin bodysuit underneath or layer it over a button down like Deepika Padukone. Megan Fox and Dakota Johnson make a case for lingerie on the red carpet. The former chose a Barbie pink satin bustier with matching pants, while the latter served major glam in a sheer Gucci corset top paired with black high-waisted leather pants and pumps.Take inspiration from these celebrities and swap your tank top for a corset to feel the most confident version of yourself.As demonstrated by countless celebrities, you can pair a corset top with everything from baggy jeans to a matching mini skirt and even shorts. If you’re feeling brave, opt for low-waist bottoms that are gradually making a comeback. Don’t be afraid to mix bright colors and fun textures.Whether you’re looking for a classic vintage silhouette or a more laid back, modern-day version, there’s a version for everybody. Here’s our pick of the best corset tops you can add to your cart before Bridgerton returns for season two. Juliette corset top by Duygu Ay Collection
Black butterfly bustier by Kim Shui
Corsetry-inspired top by Zara
Corset bustier with straps by Laquan Smith
Denim corset by Dion Lee
Alice top by Staud Clothing
Knit corset off-white by Orseund Iris.
Impolite corset by Polite Society
Fiona denim corset top by Nykaa Fashion
Siobhan corset by I.AM.GIA
Also read:What is #Regencycore and why are celebrities obsessed with this trend?How to wear a summer corset like Hailey Bieber and Dua LipaJanhvi Kapoor proves her love for corsets once again in this sexy white blouse

For a one-man brand, Bandit’s reach is impressive—in addition to retailing out of stores across India (Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Kochi), they also have a small presence in Portugal, Croatia and Germany. The idea behind the concept, however, is intensely local. One of Vetoskar’s big moments of inspiration struck on an airplane, when he was flying into Mumbai. The descent carried him over a sea of blue tarpaulin that covers the roofs of shanties around the city’s airport. It was the material that would eventually find its way onto Bandit’s iconic backpacks such as the Kanazawa sling bag —but to begin with, it was especially difficult to source. “There is enough of tarpaulin which is sold in the shops, but these are all pure materials,” he says, “We still haven’t reached a point where I can reach out to a particular source and find it—I have to go to 50 different places, because nobody really understands why you would want the waste part of it.” What’s more, the bags have a lot more elements than just the tarpaulin—the seat belts, which he transforms into lining for the bags, are particularly difficult to source. “In Europe, there are places where you can just call and buy different components, but here in Goa and Mumbai, I am running behind scrapyards, and getting stuff washed, cleaned, then sending it to the factory. The factory doesn’t understand why I am using seat belts when they have regular stuff,” he explains.The challenge Vetoskar describes is the fight of a pioneer navigating uncharted territory and mapping a clear pathway for future generations to follow. Bandit is one of the few sustainable accessories brands in India, and as such bears the responsibility of creating and nurturing not just a new business model, but an entire circular ecosystem. The brand makes no attempt to hide the source material—a derivative of polyester—in fact, it celebrates repurposing it into utilitarian fashion accessories. The tarpaulin’s identifiable rivet and rope are treated as design details, through which customers can hang their trinkets and essentials. “Of course it has to be done ergonomically, but celebration of the material was key—it is like a surprise element,” says Vetoskar, “You have seen this material before, but you didn’t expect to see it in this kind of design.”New lease