This has to be the most romantic time, ever.Fashion is having a moment of pure femininity. From the full bloom of florals to the glorious indulgence of sheer fabrics, soft drapes and exaggerated layers. There is also a wonderful freedom in the air – with inspi- ration coming from around the world. See Africa, India and the Far East on catwalks across the globe. Which is why the March issue is your absolute handbook of style as we bring you a special report onspring/ summer 2008 trends from the major cities of style: Paris, London, New York, Milan – and of course, India!

Fashion leads the Romantic Movement and I think it would be fair to say that the time has come for the joy of freedom. Today style is democratic and belongs to the world. This same openness is visible in the newsmakers of today. Therefore Keira Knightley (an ELLE favourite, especially after her role in Atonement), Denzel Washington (this interview has to be read to understand what a rarity the man is – and why we love him) and A R Rahman (India’s most important export) are now spoken of in the same breath. If one is a silver screen star, the
other is a most influential artiste.