14062025-LSTC-01.qxd 6/14/2025 12:34 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Healthy choice Life Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri dons a heavily embellished lehenga Bollywood actor Vidyut Jammwal recently attended a curtain raiser event for International Day of Yoga and UN Anti-Drug Day on the theme Yoga and De-Addiction - One Health, One Earth, in Bengaluru. CHANDIGARH | SATURDAY | 14 JUNE 2025 Miss Ethiopia Hasset Dereje Admassu shines in golden-rust glittery saree Miss Martinique Aurelie Joachim in magenta suit with silver embllishments Miss Poland Maja Klajda emerald green sequined lehenga choli Woman who draped the beauties! Mona I T was a milestone for Archana Kochhar as the fashion designer styled over a hundred contestants for the prestigious Miss World event in May. That was the highest point in the journey which started nearly 30 years ago. It all started when Archana, then just a teen, hosted her first trunk show with a simple aspiration — to create exquisite lehenga cholis. Today, that aspiration has evolved into a legacy of craftsmanship, empowerment and global recognition. Archana has built her name through years of dedication. As young women from around the world walked toward the Miss Fashion designer Archana Kochhar styled over a hundred contestants for the Miss World contest in Hyderabad World crown in her creations, Kochhar’s dream came full circle — from a teenage designer in Mumbai to a global fashion force, shaping the future of couture. Here’s a tête-àtête with Archana on all things fashion... On world stage It was an amazing and overwhelming experience. Since Miss World 2025 happened in Telengana, we got in touch with master weavers of the state for traditional silk. We sourced pearls, which the state is famous for, and created designs that carried ethnic essence and still were comfortable to wear. Since, most of them wore a saree or a lehenga for the first time, we had to make sure that it was easy to carry. It came out as a beautiful fusion, much loved by the girls. Styling celebs It’s always exciting to understand a celeb’s personal style and blend it with my design aesthetics. What makes it beautiful is how collaborative and creative the process becomes. For, each celeb brings along his or Celebs express sorrow over Air India plane crash Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, actor Shah Rukh Khan took to social media to offer his condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. Heartbroken: Shah Rukh ‘Absolutely heartbroken’ In a post on X, Shah Rukh Khan expressed, “Absolutely heartbroken with the news about the crash in Ahmedabad... my prayers for the victims, their families and all affected.” Salman Khan expressed grief over the incident, sending his heartfelt prayers to the affected people. In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the Ahmedabad plane crash... heartfelt prayers for the families of the passengers, crew and all those affected.” In prayers: Anushka Sharma Anushka Sharma also reacted to the incident, paying her heartfelt condolences to the victims. “Saddened to hear about the plane crash today. Thoughts and prayers with the passengers and their families,” she posted on Instagram Story. Riteish Deshmukh was also shocked by the tragic incident and wrote on X, “Absolutely heartbroken and in shock after hearing about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My heart goes out to all the passengers, their families, and everyone affected on the ground. Holding them all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.” Rest in peace: Sunny Deol Sunny Deol wrote on X, “Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying with all my heart for survivors — may they be found and receive the care they need. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this unimaginable time.” MASSEY MOURNS DEMISE OF HIS COUSIN Actor Vikrant Massey lost his cousin, Clive Kunder, in the tragic Air India plane crash. In an Instagram post, Vikrant offered condolences to the victims and their families, revealing Clive was the first officer on “that fateful” AI171 flight, which crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. “My heart breaks for the families & loved ones of the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today,” he posted. “It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the 1st officer operating on that fateful flight. May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all deeply affected,” he expressed grief. c m y b her own charm. It was an honour and delight to work with Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Malaika Arora. Summer pop For summers, I recommend breathable fabrics like mulmul, cotton-silk blends and linen. Flowy silhouettes, stitched saris are both comfortable and stylish. Colour-wise, this season is all about fresh pastels as well as bright colours. Don’t be afraid to add a pop with a bold accessory! What’s in a size? The fashion industry has long glorified a narrow standard of beauty. I believe fashion should empower, not exclude. Real women come in all shapes and sizes, and our clothing should celebrate that. My designs have always been crafted in a way that it includes various sizes. Being part of a dialogue that promotes body positivity has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a journey of breaking norms and embracing individuality — and I’m proud to be part of that change. Silken touch I have a deep love for Indian textiles and traditional handlooms. I find myself constantly drawn to rich silk fabrics. In terms of colour, ivory and gold have always held a special place in my heart — they are timeless and regal. As for styles, I enjoy experimenting with drapes and structured silhouettes that blend the old with the new. I love… I am inspired by travel and culture. Exploring different parts of India and the world has influenced my design sensibility. I also enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and working with causes that uplift women and artisans in rural communities. Designs on Chandigarh Chandigarh has always felt like a beautiful blend of culture, modernity and elegance. The women here have a distinct sense of style — graceful yet experimental. I would love to bring more of my collections to the city and collaborate with the vibrant fashion community here.