House of Jaya Journal

Remember that one black t-shirt we all survived college in? The one that made it to early morning classes, impromptu dinners, and even a few awkward first dates. Some pieces just earn their place in your life. These are the kinds of staples you reach for without thinking. Now imagine having three essentials like that, only far more elegant for every South Asian American’s wardrobe. Tailored, textured, and timeless, some Indo-Western staples build the foundation of a closet that feels as personal as it is powerful. We’re talking about the kind of fusion wear that lives in the overlap of...

Some people return from their travels with magnets or mugs. Others come home with kanjeevaram borders discovered in a small textile workshop, or a silk batik scarf that caught the light just right on a breezy afternoon. For the global style collector, fashion is more than a memory. It is a language, a lens, and often, a quiet bridge between cultures. There’s something deeply personal about the way we collect clothing when we travel. It isn’t just about buying beautiful pieces. It’s about choosing what speaks to you across markets and metropolises, from tucked-away boutiques in Hanoi to handloom cooperatives...

Elizabeth Abraham has two names. In her medical practice, she’s Dr. Abraham, a family physician trained in India, now based in Chicago. But in the world of film, she’s simply Elizabeth: screenwriter, actress, and most recently, executive producer of her debut psychological thriller Text M for Murder. Both titles are accurate, but neither tells the full story. “I’ve always had my heart in storytelling,” she says, a smile lingering in her voice. “Even as a kid, I used to read all the time. That was my release.” Her most recent release? A 10-day shoot in Atlanta, where she wrapped production...

Growing up between two or more worlds isn’t easy, but it often comes with an unexpected gift: style with soul. For Third Generation South Asian Americans or Third Culture Kids (TCKs), fashion becomes more than self-expression but a form of quiet storytelling. It’s a way to honor heritage, adapt to their surroundings, and sometimes, rebel a little against both. Who Are South Asian Third Culture Kids? They’re the kids of South Asian parents who’ve built a life outside their native countries—often in the U.S. These children are raised on a blend of Bollywood and Beyoncé, biryani and bagels, Diwali lights...