The world of luxury and fashion continues to evolve, blending tradition and modernity. Looking to global collaboration, homegrown innovation, and timeless craftsmanship, these stories highlight a shared pursuit of elegance, cultural heritage, and sustainability. Dive into this celebration of creativity, tradition and the transformative power of fashion.
More than just an icon
Actor Sonam Kapoor has joined Dior as an ambassador representing the Maria Grazia Chiuri collection. The style icon embodies Dior’s fusion of elegance and bold femininity. She represents the French house alongside other notable figures such as Blackpink’s Jisoo and BTS’ Jimin. This collaboration deepens the cultural ties between Dior and India, honoring the shared ethos of sophistication and innovation rooted in the French luxury brand’s heritage.
Namaste, Barbie!
This Diwali, Barbie has been given a stunning Indian makeover in collaboration with Mattel and homegrown designer Anita Dongre. Dressed in a Moonlight Bloom lehenga set with a choli top, flowing lehenga and koti vest, Barbie’s look is completed with a bindi, golden bangles and earrings, embodying authentic beauty and strength. The collaboration aims to blend time-honoured traditions with modern global fashion and encourage girls around the world to celebrate themselves.
weaver’s story
Luxury handloom brand WeaverStory has collaborated with Tata Trust’s Antaran to launch the Venkatagiri Revival collection to commemorate National Handloom Day on August 7. The collection featured saris that had not been woven in over 70 years. WeaverStory revives traditional designs and drawweaving techniques of Mughal and Iranian origin. The first phase will introduce four archival patterns – Haat Jala, Rudraksh, Kattan Plaid and Sarada Sari, with many more patterns to come. The initiative aims not only to revive lost textiles, but also to educate patrons about its rich history while expanding its reach to new markets.
comfortable and chic
Intense meets comfort in the new Converse x Isabel Marant capsule collection. Celebrating Marant’s love for Chuck Taylors, this collection pays homage to her pioneering role in the 2010s sneaker wedge trend by reimagining the iconic Chuck 70 and Chuck 70 wedge silhouettes. Dubbed ‘Effortless Luxury’, the collaboration also features Converse’s signature hidden wedge heel for a subtle lift for added height and style.
peacock legacy
Falguni Shane Peacock opens its first luxury Pret store, designed by Gauri Khan, in Dhan Mill, New Delhi. Celebrating the label’s 20th anniversary, the space showcases a seamless fusion of French, Italian and Indian design aesthetics. Within its walls are carefully selected sections featuring haute couture-inspired prete, chic street luxe collections, cashmere, limited editions and global prints.
luxurious affair
RIMOWA presents the Original Bag, a unisex handbag inspired by the iconic suitcase. Featuring a sleek, durable exterior and interior crafted from Italian leather, it offers versatility for hand-held, shoulder-slung, or cross-body wear with a removable and adjustable strap. The distinctive button mechanism provides understated elegance. Available in silver and black only, it is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.
Heritage and horology
Jaipur Watch Company ventures into women’s jewelery watches with its ‘Brides of Jaipur’ collection. This collection is synonymous with luxury, culture and the majestic charm of Rajasthan. Each piece in this exquisite lineup is a tribute to Jaipur’s architectural wonders, intricate craftsmanship, and jewelery traditions. The collection skillfully combines artistry and elegance. “The entire collection is inspired by the architectural splendor of Jaipur’s palaces and havelis, as well as the city’s rich jewelery artisan tradition,” says Gaurav Mehta, founder of Jaipur Watch Company. .
Inspired by the delicate jaali latticework of the City Palace and the ornate motifs of the Palace of the Winds, this watch combines timeless tradition with a modern bridal spirit. Adorned with sparkling gemstones, these watches sparkle like traditional bridal jewellery, embodying elements of kundan, meenakari and mother-of-pearl to dazzle the eye. “The top three design elements are jhari, latkan and enamel work,” says Mehta. Brides of Jaipur is more than just a collection, it is a wearable piece that is a legacy of Jaipur’s regal history. This series is created to symbolize the love, beauty and grandeur of a bride’s most important moments.
cultural awareness
At a ceremony held at the French residence, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mattou awarded the Chevalier of the National Order to Karishma Swari, artistic director of Chanakya International and president of the Chanakya School of Crafts. This honor recognizes her extraordinary dedication to preserving India’s cultural heritage, promoting craft education, and fostering creative exchanges between France and India. Highlights of her work include collaborations with French haute couture houses and artists, particularly interdisciplinary projects and the iconic Dior in Mumbai highlighting the artistry of Indian and French textiles. This includes collaborations throughout the Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
green thread
Taking eco-friendly fashion to another level, London Fashion Week in September saw designer Aarti Vijay Gupta collaborate with LIVA Reviva to make sustainability a reality. Dubbed Postcards from Kashmir, the collection introduces bodycon styles with flowing drapes, intricate detailing and 3D sculptures on LIVA Reviva garments with designs inspired by the valley’s scenic landscape. Ta. The garment is made using up to 30% recycled textile waste generated during production. clothes. This fusion of fashion and sustainability was part of an ongoing effort to move the fashion industry towards more sustainable practices.
A timeless sanctuary
The Almost Gods store on Mumbai’s Perry Cross Road is an impressive shrine to brutalism. Its monumental design, inspired by Villa del Torre’s 16th-century “Maw of Hell” fireplace, celebrates resilience. This unique space offers a sense of permanence and embodies Almost Gods’ vision of creating lasting structures within an ever-evolving urban landscape.
All images: Brand
This piece originally appeared in the October-November print edition of Harper’s Bazaar India.
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