I always associate spring/summer with change. Of the good kind. I like that it signals the end of dreary winter days. I also enjoy the fact that despite the heat we will have endless long, sunny mornings. And yes, much as black is a personal favourite, I do like the colours that the season brings in. THIS MARCH, ROMANCE ALSO MAKES A COMEBACK. Lace, translucence and bows are all big and encourage you to bring out the girl in you. But at the same time, there is a huge demand for clothing that allows you to set free your inner tomboy with a range of sportswear-inspired clothing.

The year 2010 has been declared as “bright, energetic and daring…and high on heels”. To read more about this fun trend, turn to our special report from the catwalks of Paris, London, New York and Milan. Front row fashionistas insist that, “From head to toe, freedom is the word.” The same spirit of pleasure splashes across beauty look books. SEXY AND SULTRY RULE THE DAY WITH THE COUNTRY’S LEADING MAKE-UP ARTISTS AS THEY SHOW YOU HOW TO BRING OUT YOUR INNER BEACH BABE.

Of course, since appearances do matter, we also have a fabulous feature on how to get swimsuit-ready. Shown to you by the winners of Kingfisher and NDTV Good Times: The Hunt for Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2010.

The features section of the magazine is packed with stories that are very truly ELLE. FROM LADY GAGA WHO IS DETERMINED TO BREAK ALL PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS, TO THREE FABULOUS YOUNG WOMEN WHO SHARE A SLICE OF THEIR LIFE, WE CELEBRATE WOMEN AND THEIR RIGHT OF CHOICE. We also include in this issue two men who make us glad that we are female. Hugh Grant for being the one man we would all love to be romanced by. And author Aatish Taseer for giving us the words.