Luxury Lifestyle · Tech · Fashion · Fragrance · Living Reviews
Lifestyle, curated.
@theakiolife
10K+ followers on Instagram
First looks, honest takes and the finds worth owning, before they hit the blog. Follow along, and DM for direct buying advice.
Follow on InstagramAs seen on Instagram
Latest
Fragrance & Beauty
Ajmal Silver Shade is one of the most talked-about affordable alternatives to Creed Silver Mountain Water. It opens with sharp, fresh citrus and dries down clean, woody and musky. Fresh, slightly metallic and surprisingly sophisticated for the price.
Fragrance & Beauty
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man Pure Parfum is the fragrance most often compared to Creed Aventus, which costs ₹25,000 or more. It opens with a powerful citrus blast and settles into a smoky, woody, masculine dry down. I liked it enough to buy a second bottle.
General Lifestyle
I was in the crowd at South Side Story in 2019. In 2026, I stepped onto that stage with my own band, AARAA, at KD Jadhav Indoor Stadium, Delhi. A full-circle moment.
General Lifestyle
I ordered a Fitspire whey protein and the box came with a complete performance stack: whey, nano creatine and protein bars. A pleasant surprise, and worth a look if you're stocking up on supplements.
Fragrance & Beauty
Versace Pour Homme is a bright, aquatic fragrance with a subtle citrus heart and a smooth, musky dry down. It doesn't announce itself when you walk into a room, but it lingers after you've left. Subtle, refined and timeless.
General Lifestyle
I spent the evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill, home to some of the finest designer labels, luxury brands and curated experiences. Beautiful interiors, inspiring conversations and talented creators.
Top 10 guides
Tech & Gadgets
The best 20,000 mAh power bank for most people in India is the Xiaomi Power Bank 4i (33W, about ₹1,899). If you want to charge a laptop, the Xiaomi Power Bank 5i (67W, built-in cable) is the best, and the Amazon Basics 20000 mAh (about ₹999) is the safest low-spend pick.
Tech & Gadgets
The best 55-inch 4K TV for most people in India is the Samsung Vision AI Mini LED (about ₹53,900): Mini LED contrast at a mid-range price. Picture purists and PS5 gamers should look at the Sony BRAVIA 3 II, and the Hisense UR8S RGB MiniLED is the flagship to aspire to.
Home & Living
The best air fryer for most Indian homes is the Philips NA120/00 (4.2 L, about ₹4,699), Amazon India's best-seller. For bigger families the Instant Vortex Plus 6 L is the highest-rated, and the Ninja MAX PRO gives the best crisping. To cook two dishes at once, pick the Philips NA352/00 dual basket.
Fashion & Style
The best automatic watch under ₹40,000 in India is the Seiko 5 Sports: proven, tough and great value at about ₹25,000. The Orient Bambino is the best dress automatic for less, Titan's skeletal automatics are the best Indian pick (Akio wears one), and the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the one to stretch for.
Fragrance & Beauty
The best beard trimmer for most men in India is the Philips BT3441/30: 90 minutes of runtime, 20 length settings and a 2+1 year warranty for about ₹1,550. The Xiaomi Beard Trimmer 2C is the best value, and the Philips OneBlade is best if you want to trim and shave with one tool.
Tech & Gadgets
The best earbuds under ₹2,000 in India are the boAt Airdopes Prime 701 ANC: 46 dB hybrid ANC, up to 50 hours of battery and multipoint. For the strongest noise cancelling pick the Moto Buds Bass (50 dB, LDAC); for the best ANC value, the Realme Buds N1.
The AkioLife promise
We help you make the better purchase.
From everyday essentials to the pieces worth investing in: what’s worth owning, how it really performs, and where to buy it.
Luxury
Luxury, considered. Perfume, designer fashion, watches and cars, told as stories.
General Lifestyle
Fragrance & Beauty
Everyday essentials
Smart, considered picks for everyday life: gadgets, home and fragrance finds, with clear pros, cons and prices.
Tech & Gadgets
Tech & Gadgets
Home & Living
Browse
Scents, skin and the rituals around them.
8Pieces worth owning, and how to wear them.
9Screens, sound and the gear that earns its place.
10Furniture, décor and better everyday objects.
4Tables, cafés and plates worth the detour.
1Stays and journeys, reviewed in full.
0Launches, events and everything in between.
6Gallery
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
An evening at the launch of the Second Floor at The Dhan Mill
Meeting Rajiv Makhni, one of India's pioneering tech journalists
Meeting Rajiv Makhni, one of India's pioneering tech journalists
Meeting Rajiv Makhni, one of India's pioneering tech journalists
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Mobiistar XQ and CQ launch in India
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
Honor 9 Lite launches in India with four cameras (2018)
The AkioLife letter
