Valentino : "last emperor" of haute couture

A flamboyant designer noted for his retro pieces and celebrity collaborations, he is regarded as one of the preeminent figures in haute couture. He was an iconic Italian fashion designer celebrated as the "last emperor" of haute couture, known for creating timeless, elegant garments, particularly his signature "Valentino Red". A passionate, perfectionist visionary, he lived a luxurious lifestyle, aiming to make women feel beautiful through refined, romantic, and glamorous designs favored by Hollywood stars and royals. Valentino recently opened its flagship store in Delhi 2022 & Mumbai 2024 formally stepping into the world's biggest demoracy India.

Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani1 (1 May 1932 – 19 January 2026), known mononymously as Valentino, was an Italian fashion designer who founded Valentino a luxury fashion house, in 1960 and served as its Creative Director until 2007.

Born in Voghera, Valentino apprenticed in fashion design at a young age before moving to Paris to continue his studies. After attending the Beaux-Arts de Paris and the École de la Chambre Syndicale, he began his career at Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, later returning to Rome to work under Emilio Schuberth and Vincenzo Ferdinandi. He had opened his own fashion house on Via Condotti in 1960, achieving international recognition during the mid-1960s.

In 1960, Valentino left Paris and opened a fashion house in Rome on the fashionable Via Condotti, supported by his father and a business associate. More than a simple atelier, his father said the premises resembled a maison de haute couture - the operation was notably grand, with models flown in from Paris for his debut show. Valentino soon became known for his red dresses, in the vivid shade that the fashion industry remembered as Rosso Valentino.

On 31 July 1960, Valentino met Giancarlo Giammetti at the Café de Paris on the Via Veneto in Rome. Giammetti, one of three children, was in his second year of architecture school and living with his parents in the haut bourgeois Parioli district. That day, he gave Valentino a lift home in his Fiat, beginning a friendship that soon developed into a long-lasting partnership. Giammetti left for a holiday in Capri the following day and, by coincidence, Valentino was also travelling there; they met again on the island 10 days later. Shortly afterwards, Giammetti abandoned his university studies to become Valentino's business partner and life partner. When he joined the enterprise, the financial situation of Valentino's atelier was precarious: within a year, Valentino's excessive expenditure led his father's associate to withdraw from the business, leaving him close to bankruptcy. In 1961, Elizabeth Taylor, who was in Rome for the filming of Cleopatra, chose Valentino's white haute couture column for the premiere of Spartacus.

The Valentino brand continued to establish itself as a leading force in high fashion throughout the 1970s and 1980s, at one point becoming the best-selling Italian fashion export. He was the first Italian designer to feature on Parisian haute couture catwalks. His work further established itself as a staple of celebrity culture during the 1990s.

Valentino and his partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, sold the company to HdP Group for US$300 million in 1998. He presented his final haute couture show in 2008, having stepped down as creative director the previous year. He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1986 and a Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour in 1996, and was also made a Knight of the Legion of Honour and a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France, where he received the Medal of the City of Paris.

Several prominent Indian celebrities, business personalities, and fashion icons have worn Valentino dresses and ensembles, frequently choosing the Italian luxury brand for high-profile international red carpets, fashion events, and personal celebrations.

There are many notable Indians who have worn Valentino starting from Isha Ambani from the famous Ambani family. Isha Ambani famously wore the first and only Indian lehenga designed by Maison Valentino for her wedding reception in 2018. Isha Ambani's gold lehenga is considered a historic moment, as it was the only one of its kind created by the Maison. She has also been spotted in other Valentino gowns at private events. Nita Ambani attended a Valentino show in Paris in 2019 and was seen in a Valentino gown at the NMACC.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas commandingly wore a custom strapless black Valentino gown with a dramatic cape and white gloves to the 2023 Met Gala. She also donned a parrot green feathered Valentino dress in Rome in 2023. Kareena Kapoor Khan stunned in a rare vintage Valentino Spring/Summer 1993 ensemble (a beige blazer and skirt) to meet Lionel Messi in Mumbai in December 2025. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan embraced the brand's iconic pink with a Valentino pantsuit at the Cannes Film Festival 2022 and wore a shimmering green Valentino cape dress at Cannes 2023.

Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Kiara Advani, Athiya Shetty, Freida Pinto, Aditi Rao Hydari are few of the many celebrities who wore the iconic label at various occasions.

The fashion world got poorer with its Emperor gone – but his legacy lives on till the time people enjoy his craftsmanship, his vision & his genius.

DFA Awards 2025 announced !

 

Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) today announced the distinguished laureates of the DFA Awards 2025, honouring their transformative design achievement with global impact. This year, the DFA Awards features the debut of DFA Asian Design Vanguard, an award programme established to honour a designer with whose work resonates powerfully across the international design landscape.

Launched in 2003, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the lead sponsor, the DFA Awards continues its mission to honour extraordinary individuals and projects that have made a lasting impact in Asia, recognising the industry giants whose work has fundamentally shaped our world. The 2025 awardees represent a diverse spectrum of design excellence, including Don NORMAN, DFA Lifetime Achievement Award (DFA LAA) winner; Christina ONG, DFA Design Leadership Award (DFA DLA) winner; MA Yansong, DFA World's Outstanding Chinese Designer (DFA WOCD) winner; André FU, DFA Designer of the Year (DFA DOY) winner; and Rahul MISHRA, DFA Asian Design Vanguard (DFA ADV) winner.

This year, the DFA Awards introduced the new accolade of the DFA Asian Design Vanguard with the aim to honour the contributions of Asian designers in any region of the world, who have strong vision to redefine global demand through design. This designer demonstrated the innovation of creativity, impacting market with significant commercial success locally and globally. Parallelly, has created cultural influence through design or cross-industry reach. To synchronise the new award programme, the trophy, designed by esteemed designer Mui KINOSHITA, features a triangular cut-out at its centre that symbolises A-D-V, dramatically frames light and shadow to create dynamic views from every angle to distinguish the Award's eminent status.

Mr. Joseph LO, Chairman of HKDC, said, "This year's cohort of laureates represents a powerful convergence of legacy and future-forward thinking. We see a profound depth of contribution, from Don NORMAN's foundational theories that inspired us on how to interact with the world through design, to Christina ONG's visionary leadership in designing global lifestyle empires that seamlessly bridge fashion, hospitality and wellness. We also celebrate the distinct design languages of MA Yansong and André FU blending the modern and cultural element to a stylish living. The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard award allows us to honour a unique creative force, Rahul MISHRA, whose work is fundamentally influential and setting a new benchmark for what Asian design can connect social change and cultural preservation."

DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 (DFA LAA)
Don NORMAN
Founding Director emeritus
Design Lab, University of California, San Diego

Don NORMAN is a visionary leader who has profoundly shaped how we interact with technology. Renowned for championing the principle that design must serve people, his work seamlessly bridges the gap between social sciences and engineering, bringing a deep human perspective to product creation. His influential career includes pivotal leadership roles in the industry, such as Vice President of Advanced Technology at Apple, Executive at Hewlett Packard, and Founding Director of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego, which has inspired generations of designers, engineers, and business leaders worldwide. His ideas have been so transformative that Business Week (now known as Bloomberg Businessweek) once named him one of the world's 27 most influential designers.

NORMAN's exceptional contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including lifetime achievement awards from ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. His ongoing global impact is reflected in his advisory roles at leading institutions like Tongji University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 celebrates Don NORMAN's profound legacy - a career dedicated not just to humanising technology, but to empowering us all through design that is intuitive, accessible, and deeply respectful of human experience. His pioneering concepts have become the foundational lexicon for the entire field, ensuring that his principles will continue to guide the creation of meaningful technology for generations to come.

DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 (DFA DLA)
Christina ONG
Founder
COMO Group

Christina ONG is a visionary of global luxury, renowned for building an empire that seamlessly spans fashion, hospitality, and wellness. As founder of the COMO Group, her impeccable taste and astute leadership have established her as Singapore's preeminent style icon and a powerful shaper of international lifestyle trends across five decades.

Her journey began in 1972 with Club21, a single Singapore boutique she expanded into a global network of luxury stores across Asia and beyond. Her strategic acumen drove the celebrated revival of British luxury brand Mulberry. Her transformative vision extends to hospitality, where her Group owns a collection of award-winning Asian properties including Metropolitan Bangkok, Uma Ubud in Bali, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Central to her philosophy is COMO Shambhala, a pioneering wellness brand that integrates holistic well-being focused on balancing mind, body and spirit into each property, from urban retreats to resort sanctuaries. These achievements have earned her honours including the Italian Cavaliere del Lavoro award and the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame.

The DFA Design Leadership Award 2025 celebrates Christina ONG for masterfully curating a global lifestyle aesthetic that merges commerce with culture, and architecting complete ecosystems of luxury that empower artisans, champion wellness and set timeless standards of excellence. Her career stands as a powerful testament to how visionary leadership can redefine an industry through design and conscious enterprise.

DFA World's Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 (DFA WOCD)
MA Yansong
Founder
MAD Architects

Beijing-born MA Yansong is synonymous with the leading voice in a new generation of architecture. His vision is to create a future where cities balance humanity, nature, and the environment through futuristic, organic designs that reflect a contemporary Eastern affinity for nature.

Notable projects that embody this philosophy include the sprawling Quzhou Sports Park, the dynamic Shenzhen Bay Culture Park, the visionary Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, and the immersive Tunnel of Light in Japan. His significant contributions have been recognised with honours such as being named to the '20 Most Influential Young Architects' list by ICON, a British design and architecture magazine, in 2008, receiving the RIBA International Fellowship in 2010, being selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum in 2014, and being named one of the TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2025.

The DFA World's Outstanding Chinese Designer 2025 honours MA Yansong for his groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban design, celebrating his visionary approach that integrates humanistic values, the poetic essence of nature, and cutting-edge technological innovation. His work continuously reshapes the future of our urban environments and demonstrates exceptional creative leadership, establishing a new paradigm for what Chinese designer can achieve on the global design stage.

DFA Designer of the Year 2025 (DFA DOY)
André FU
Founder
André Fu Studio

Renowned Hong Kong-based interior designer and architect André FU has established himself on the global stage by revolutionising modern luxury with a signature style that seamlessly blends cultural sensibilities, art, and craftsmanship.

For the past fifteen years, his vision has drawn equally on European principles of beauty and Oriental qualities to create timeless and resonant spaces. His influential portfolio includes iconic hospitality projects such as The Upper House in Hong Kong, the Waldorf Astoria in Osaka, and most recently, the Dusit Thani reopened in Bangkok and Capella Taipei. His collaborations extend to furniture for Louis Vuitton's Objets Nomades and his own lifestyle brand, André Fu Living.

He has also received numerous awards, including Designer of the Year by Maison & Objet Asia, “Interior Designer of the Year” by Elle Décor China, Robb Report’s Icon of Luxury and the AHEAD Special Contribution Award.

The DFA Designer of the Year 2025 honours André FU for his unique vision that masterfully weaves together culture, craft and opulence. He is celebrated for creating a universe of iconic, cross-cultural spaces that are shaping the present and defining the future of modern luxury. Through his holistic practice, FU is establishing a new design chronology, offering a profoundly resonant aesthetic language that speaks to our moment and signals what is to come.

DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 (DFA ADV)
Rahul MISHRA
Founder & Creative Director
Rahul Mishra

Rahul MISHRA, a pioneering Indian designer, is renowned for integrating traditional craftsmanship with global haute couture. He made history as the first Indian designer invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, following his 2014 International Woolmark Prize win. In 2023, the French government also honoured him with the "Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" for his contributions.

MISHRA champions "mindful luxury," using fashion as a force for empowerment. Through his couture line and ready-to-wear brand, AFEW Rahul Mishra (AFEW), he creates sustainable employment for over a thousand Indian artisans. His work has drawn acclaim from industry legends; fashion critic and former International Vogue editor Suzy Menkes calls him a "national treasure." AFEW offers effortless luxury inspired by nature's elements—Air, Fire, Earth, and Water—blending timeless style with modern wearability. Both his couture and ready-to-wear collections are available at his flagship stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad, and through international retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, cementing his influence on the global fashion stage.

The inaugural DFA Asian Design Vanguard 2025 celebrates Rahul MISHRA as a visionary who is redefining the fashion industry, proving that design can be a powerful vehicle for social change, cultural preservation, and ecological responsibility. By creating a sustainable bridge between Indian artisans and the global fashion market, he demonstrates how luxury can be both beautiful and benevolent. His work offers a compelling blueprint for a more conscious and interconnected design future.
 

About DFA Awards 
Since 2003, the Hong Kong Design Centre has launched the DFA Awards to underpin the role of designers in society, to celebrate design leadership and exemplary designs and projects with commercial success or impact in Asia, as well as to recognise the rising force of emerging designers in Hong Kong. The DFA Awards, through its seven major award programmes, has grown in its international influence in Asia. The seven award programmes include DFA Lifetime Achievement Award, DFA Design Leadership Award, DFA World's Outstanding Chinese Designer, DFA Designer of the Year, DFA Asian Design Vanguard, DFA Design for Asia Awards and DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award.

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government, harnessing the city's distinctive East-meets-West position to create value through design.

To achieve our goals we

• Cultivate a culture of design

• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the power of design

• Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency 
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia's creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong's positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC's activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

World's First ever Fashion Magazines

 

The fashion world has had some amazing channels of promotion – magazines being the front runner in those. Today we have fashion magazines and journals covering major stories of creativity, development and tech updates from around the world. The story about the first ever fashion journal is quite interesting which we share here.

The first fashion magazine is generally considered to be "Le Mercure Galant," a French publication founded in 1672 that included fashion news alongside other literary and courtly topics. While Le Mercure Galant was a broader gazette, it pioneered the reporting of fashion trends and is often credited as the first fashion publication. Another important milestone was the creation of "Le Cabinet des Modes," which launched in 1785 and was the first publication dedicated entirely to fashion.

Le Mercure Galant (1672)

• Founded by Jean Donneau de Visé, this French literary gazette began reporting on fashion, luxury goods, and etiquette.

• It featured detailed descriptions of clothing, accessories, and fabrics, and later included special editions with fashion engravings.

• It is credited with being the first publication to regularly comment on new styles and played a significant role in spreading new fashion ideas.

Le Cabinet des Modes (1785)

• Launched in 1785, this was the first magazine to be completely dedicated to fashion news.

• It was published regularly and was available by subscription, both in France and abroad.

• Each edition contained hand-colored engravings of the latest styles, which helped guide the work of tailors and designers.

The women’s magazine as we know it—a lavishly illustrated celebration of consumption and beauty aimed at a popular audience—emerged in England in the 1870s. In a 1994 paper for the Journal of Design History, Christopher Breward explains how this new format grew out of shifting views of a woman’s role in society.

Breward writes that the nineteenth century brought a new populist model to women’s publishing, which had been, since the 1700s, an elite, literary affair. Better printing equipment, a falling newspaper tax, and rising literacy rates brought magazines to more households. The first popular interest British fashion magazine started up in 1806, but the 1870s and 1880s brought a new variety to the genre—graphics-heavy, with a focus on women’s position in the public world. In 1875, there were 20 such titles. By 1898, there were 30.

One magazine explained that its features on fashion and decorating had “the aim of being useful to others, who are prevented by duties or distance from visiting those houses where the best of everything is to be seen.” Breward notes that another, unstated purpose of the features was promoting advertisers’ products. Either way, he writes, the central idea was building a “feminized consumer culture.”

Breward writes that women of this era were navigating contradictions inherent in the way people understood the separate spheres of men and women. Women were portrayed as “pure angelic” wives and mothers without concern for material things, but they were also expected to communicate their families’ social positions through their clothing and appearance.

In the 1850s and 1860s, women’s magazines moralized about the need for women to embrace the role of homemaker. But by the mid-1870s, many of them were running stories that glamorized showy clothes and illustrations of beautifully dressed women in public spaces. Common scenes included women boarding a train or talking in groups at a café.

As department stores transformed fashion consumption in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the magazines increasingly showed images of women shopping. The illustrations often depicted an elegantly dressed woman choosing from a variety of hats or accessories.

Breward writes that the journals “not only encouraged the act of public buying, but engaged the reader in a form of private surrogate shopping. For the 3d. price of a journal, women bought the opportunity to peruse a fantasy world which released them from the immediate pressures of home.”

The magazines pushed their own form of male dominance—the idea that women should dress to please men—as well as the emerging notion of consumerism as a route to happiness. But they also offered a vision of freedom and independence that is still part of the appeal of today’s women’s magazines.

Courtesy : www.daily.jstor.org

Hermès trademark victory in India

 

The Delhi High Court held that the shape of the Birkin bag, the Hermès trademark, as well as two stylised versions of the Hermès mark, deserved to be declared as well-known trademarks.

Four trademarks owned by French luxury brand Hermes -- the distinctive three-dimensional shape of the iconic Birkin bag, the Hermes word mark, and two stylised logos associated with the brand -- have been recognised as 'well-known marks' in India by the Delhi high court.

Justice Tejas Karia passed the order in a trademark infringement and passing-off suit filed by Hermes International against Indian firm Macky Lifestyle Private Limited. The Paris-based brand had accused the company of advertising lookalike handbags online without authorisation.

The Indian company, in response, had submitted an affidavit, stating that it had neither manufactured nor sold any products resembling Hermes' designs, and had already wound up its business operations.

Following this assurance, the court proceeded to examine Hermes' request to have its marks formally recognised as well-known under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

To substantiate its claim, Hermes presented extensive documentation, including trademark registrations across multiple jurisdictions, evidence of consistent brand enforcement, and global recognition of the Birkin bag's design in high-fashion publications.

The material averred that the Birkin bag's shape has acquired distinctiveness and international reputation through decades of exclusive association with Hermes.

After reviewing the evidence, Justice Karia noted that Hermes' marks have been recognised by industry groups abroad, along with how the brand has consistently protected its rights in India and other countries, shows that these marks are unique and well-known.

'The plaintiffs'(Hermes') long-standing reputation and consistent use of the subject marks across jurisdictions establish a continuous and significant commercial presence. The documents on record also indicate that the subject marks have been used and promoted for several decades, supported by considerable promotional expenditure and consistent visibility in the fashion industry worldwide,' the order said.

The Court noted that Section 11(6) of the Act lays down five factors that the Registrar must take into account while considering an application for status of a well-known trade mark.

The factors are as follows:

The knowledge and recognition of the mark in the relevant section of the public including in India. In the instant case, Hermes has several stores in Mumbai and Delhi which prominently display the Birkin bag being the three-dimensional shape mark. Additionally, several magazines such as The Economic Times, Printfriendly and Harpar Bazaar have reviewed and recognized the plaintiff’s products.

The duration, extent and geographical area of use of the mark.

The duration, extent and geographical area of any promotion of the mark, including advertising or publicity and presentation at fairs and exhibitions. The Court noted that the plaintiff’s products bearing the subject marks have been extensively promoted and publicized in several international magazines globally.

The duration and geographical area of any registration of or any application for registration of that trade mark under this Act to the extent that they reflect the use or recognition of the trade mark. The Court noted that the plaintiffs enjoy international and national registrations for the three-dimensional shape mark of the Birkin bag as well as of the trade mark ‘HERMES’ in over 40 countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Japan etc.

The record of successful enforcement of the rights in that trade mark, in particular the extent to which the trade mark has been recognised as a well-known trade mark by any court or Registrar under that record. The Court noted that the plaintiffs have been vigilant in protecting their subject mark from misuse and have obtained preliminary injunction against several third parties. The Court also noted that the three-dimensional shape of the Birkin bag has been declared as well-known by the President of the French Federation of Leather and Travel Case makers Leather Bands.

Actor Amit Sadh Inaugurates Ethnix by Raymond's Flagship Store at Lake Shore Mall, Thane

 

Ethnix by Raymond, the ethnic wear arm of the iconic Raymond Group, unveiled its flagship store at Lake Shore, Thane (Viviana Mall) bringing its century-old legacy full circle to the city where it all began.

The grand launch was graced by acclaimed actor Amit Sadh (known for his roles in Breathe and Kai Po Che), who inaugurated the store and joined the Raymond leadership team for an exclusive walkthrough. Amit was accompanied by 18 models in ethnic ensembles, creating a striking visual moment that set the tone for the festive season. A soft pink embroidered Indo-Western ensemble from the Cocktail Collection, styled on Amit Sadh, added to the grandeur of the evening.

With over 100 years of heritage in premium menswear, Raymond has long been a trusted name in Indian fashion. Ethnix carries this legacy forward with 140+ exclusive business outlets across 70 cities, offering a complete wardrobe for every occasion — from weddings and festivities to poojas and celebrations. The collection includes regal sherwanis, classic bandhgalas, versatile kurtas, festive bundis, Indo-western ensembles, and accessories designed to dress not just the groom but his entire entourage.

Sharing his thoughts at the launch, Vipul Mathur, Chief Business Officer, Raymond Group, said, “Ethnix by Raymond is a cultural statement. With this launch, we’re inviting every man to experience the pride of wearing heritage. Our vision is to make ethnic wear more accessible, aspirational, and relevant to today’s generation. This store represents not just fashion, but a celebration of India’s rich traditions reimagined for the modern man.”

Amit Sadh added, “Ethnix by Raymond brings a perfect mix of tradition and modernity. It’s exciting to be part of a brand that celebrates Indian heritage while staying stylish and contemporary. I believe every man will find something here that reflects his personality, whether it’s for a grand wedding or a festive celebration.”

The launch event also featured a live guitarist performance, exclusive media interactions, and celebratory photo opportunities, making it a memorable milestone for Raymond.

About Raymond Group 

Raymond Group is one of the leading branded apparel players in the menswear industry with a portfolio of Power Brands – Raymond Fine Fabrics, Raymond Made-to-Measure, Raymond Ready-to-Wear (RRTW), Park Avenue, ColorPlus, and Parx. All these brands command a significant share of wardrobe solutions in the market. The Raymond brand enjoys considerable leadership over most competing brands, translating into iconic status. 

Star-studded launch of the Great Indian Wedding Book 2025

 

It was a glittering evening where luxury met legacy as Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan presented India’s Best Wedding Makers at IBWM 2025 conclave followed by versatile actor Neha Dhupia unveiling the 5th edition of The Great Indian Wedding Book (TGIWB) on Sunday, October 5, 2025, conceptualised by Copper Events at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The celebration also witnessed the presence of glamorous Esha Gupta, adding further sparkle to the night of creativity, craftsmanship, and luxury. The Great Indian Wedding Book (TGIWB), India is most celebrated annual coffee-table book chronicling luxury weddings.

India’s Best Wedding Makers (IBWM) Conclave was more than an event; it was a celebration of the brilliant minds and skilled hands that craft weddings into experiences of a lifetime. From visionary planners and couture designers to jewelers, photographers, chefs, and décor specialists, the conclave honoured excellence across every pillar of the wedding ecosystem. The unveiling of the IBWM Powerlist 2025 was a moment of recognition and pride; acknowledging visionaries who not only define trends but also shape India’s standing as a global destination for luxury weddings.

Pleased with the success of the event, Mr. Atul Pandey, Publisher of The Great Indian Wedding Book said, “We are honoured to present the 5th edition of The Great Indian Wedding Book, India’s flagship luxury wedding publication. Our vision was to create more than a book; it is a curated chronicle and a trusted reference point for families, creators, and brands navigating the luxury wedding space. With the launch of this edition and the unveiling of the IBWM Powerlist, we aim to set a benchmark that celebrates talent and places Indian weddings firmly on the global stage.”

Speaking at the occasion, Bollywood Actor Varun Dhawan said, “It’s an absolute honour to be here at the India’s Best Wedding Makers Conclave tonight. The energy in this room is truly inspiring, with so many visionaries from across the wedding world gathered to celebrate creativity and excellence. Indian weddings are not just events, they are living works of art, built with passion, imagination, and extraordinary effort. That is exactly what The Great Indian Wedding Book has always captured — the people, the ideas, and the innovations shaping this Industry.”

Mr. Prateek Tandon, as Co-founder of India’s Best Wedding Makers added, “Bringing India’s Best Wedding Makers Conclave to life has been a truly fulfilling journey. Our vision was to create not just an event, but a platform that unites the most brilliant minds shaping the wedding industry today. By curating an ecosystem where creativity, commerce, and culture intersect, we are proud to have built a stage that honours excellence while inspiring the future of Indian weddings on the global luxury map.”

Ms. Prachi Tandon, Co-founder of Copper Events said, “At Copper Events, we have always strived to deliver the finest solutions in the wedding industry. It is a matter of great pride for us to partner with India’s Best Wedding Makers and The Great Indian Wedding Book. We are truly honoured to have played a pivotal role in curating this landmark event, which has brought together astute clients, leading luxury brands, and the most exceptional talent from across the industry.”

Speaking at the occasion, Bollywood Actress Neha Dhupia said, “It was such a wonderful evening at the India’s Best Wedding Makers Conclave. The energy and creativity in the room truly reflected the spirit of the Indian wedding industry. The new edition of The Great Indian Wedding Book is incredibly beautiful and a must-have guide for anyone planning a big wedding, filled with inspiration, trends, and insights from the country’s top wedding experts.”

Speaking at the occasion, Bollywood Actress Esha Gupta said, “The new edition of The Great Indian Wedding Book is so beautiful! It captures the essence of Indian weddings with such style and detail. Kudos to the team and one must have it to plan a beautiful wedding. Being at the India’s Best Wedding Makers Conclave was an incredible experience. The atmosphere was electric, surrounded by the most talented people who are redefining how India celebrates love and luxury at weddings.”

In India, weddings are far more than ceremonies, they are identity statements. They serve as milestones where heritage, aspiration, and design come together with the grandeur of global luxury. With over 32 lakh weddings every year and an industry valued at nearly Rs. 4.7 lakh crore, weddings are not just personal celebrations but the very heartbeat of India’s cultural economy. They also stand as the ultimate stage for luxury, shaping and influencing couture houses, jewelers, hotels, automotive brands, and spirits companies alike.

Resonating with the opulence of India’s wedding industry, The Great Indian Wedding Book and its flagship annual platform, the India’s Best Wedding Makers (IBWM) Conclave, stand as both a showcase of excellence and a benchmark of credibility, filling a long-standing gap for an authoritative platform that honours creativity and innovation with objectivity. More than recognition, they offer permanence documenting the finest talent, setting new standards, and elevating Indian weddings onto the global stage of luxury and influence. Much like cinema has its festivals, fashion its runways, and literature its prizes, Indian weddings now have their own true marker of prestige.

Giorgio Armani : A Fashion Visionary

 

 

Giorgio Armani was an esteemed Italian fashion designer and the founder of the renowned Armani luxury fashion house. Celebrated as one of the most influential figures in contemporary fashion, Armani first gained prominence through his work with the fashion house Cerruti 1881 before establishing his own label in 1975. He became well-known for his minimalist, deconstructed silhouettes—particularly his jackets and suits—which are credited with redefining elegance for both men and women in a modern context. Armani also significantly impacted celebrity style, especially in red-carpet fashion. By the early 2000s, he emerged as the most successful Italian designer, expanding his brand into music, sports, and luxury hotels.

Born in Piacenza, Armani experienced a modest upbringing during World War II and initially pursued medical studies at the University of Milan. However, he left to serve in the Italian Army. Following his military service, Armani embarked on his fashion career as a window dresser and sales clerk at La Rinascente in Milan, later designing menswear for Nino Cerruti while freelancing for various manufacturers. In 1973, he teamed up with Sergio Galeotti to launch a design office, and in 1975, they founded Giorgio Armani S.p.A., introducing both men's and women's ready-to-wear collections. Armani's brand grew globally, incorporating several lines such as Emporio Armani, Armani Junior, and AX Armani Exchange, while also venturing into cosmetics, perfumes, and home furnishings. His work in costume design for over 100 films, particularly American Gigolo (1980), solidified his international acclaim.

Beyond fashion, Armani explored the realms of hospitality, sports, and music, including the Armani Hotel in Dubai, designing uniforms for Olympic and professional sports teams, and curating music compilations for Emporio Armani Caffè. He was a strong advocate for ethical practices, notably banning underweight models in 2007 and promoting sustainable fashion initiatives. Armani kept his personal life private, maintaining a long-term partnership with Galeotti until his passing in 1985.

Giorgio Armani is celebrated for pioneering a minimalist, relaxed elegance, particularly through the deconstruction of the traditional suit with flowing lines and softer fabrics. He transformed power dressing into an embodiment of quiet confidence. Armani built an independent global fashion empire that extended beyond clothing to lifestyle products, employing red carpets and Hollywood as platforms for his brand. His influence has reshaped modern fashion, characterized by timeless sophistication and a commitment to healthy body standards, leaving an indelible legacy on both style and business.

His legacy continues to inspire countless designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world. Armani’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and timeless design has become a benchmark in the industry, setting a standard that many aspire to emulate. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, he consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion, creating pieces that are both iconic and enduring.

Even today, Giorgio Armani's influence can be seen in the sleek silhouettes and understated elegance that dominate runways and fashion editorials. His commitment to ethical practices and sustainability resonates strongly in the modern era, where consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values. Armani’s vision has not only shaped the aesthetics of fashion but has also encouraged a more conscientious approach to design and consumption.

As the fashion world continues to evolve, Giorgio Armani’s contributions remain a guiding light, reminding us that true style is timeless, and that elegance lies in simplicity and authenticity. His work and philosophy continue to inspire new generations, ensuring that his legacy lives on as a testament to the power of creativity and vision in the world of fashion.

 

 

Global India Couture Week (GICW) 2025

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

The fashion spotlight turned to Mumbai this week as Global India Couture Week (GICW) 2025 delivered a spectacular four-day extravaganza at the Nesco Centre, Goregaon, bringing together over 40 designers from across India and abroad. From iconic veterans to emerging voices, the event served as a powerful convergence of design, culture, commerce, and global vision once again reaffirming GICW’s reputation as India’s definitive couture platform.

The event commenced with a dramatic solo showcase by renowned designer Rohit Verma, whose theatrical presentation was elevated by showstoppers Diana Penty and Maniesh Paul, setting a glamorous tone for the week ahead. As the showcase progressed, a diverse line-up of designers and institutions brought their vision to life. This included presentations by NIF Global, Gift Design Academy, Label Gayatri whose collection was highlighted by showstopper Lekha Prajapati,alongside Aankona, Battle Harbour, Andaloussia, Raj Sharma, and Lucilia Couture. The pairing of Nitin Singh x Forever Naveen Kumar offered a compelling blend of structure and elegance, while Manali Jagtap, presented by Dr Tvacha, captivated the audience with Daisy Shah as the showstopper. Closing the evening, Saisha Shinde’s edgy, sculptural showcase featured model Deepti Gujral, adding boldness to the lineup.As the week unfolded, the runway became a playground for creativity, celebrity, and couture. Ken Ferns delivered a modern, metropolitan collection.

 

Followed by an ode to Indian heritage by Odisha Textiles the next day. Students from IIFT (Bilaspur and Bareilly campuses) presented fresh interpretations of ethnic and fusion design. Designer Thomas Abraham brought sophistication to the runway with Manisha Rani as his showstopper, while Tina Ranka’s romantic silhouettes were modeled by Shruti Sharma. Kirti Rathore’s regal menswear line featured an ensemble of stars including Tina Ahuja, Neetu Chandra, and Aniruddh Dave. Gagan Kumar presented an edgy lineup, punctuated by showstoppers Shiv Thakare and Divya Aggarwal. The dynamic duo of Reynu and Nikhita Tandon Bhatia closed the segment with a glamorous celebrity parade featuring Deepti Sadhwani, Mallika Singhania, Krystle D’Souza, and Manika Vishwakarma, drawing thunderous applause.

The final stretch of the couture celebration offered an eclectic mix of student-led innovation, celebrity flair, and high fashion drama. IIFT’s Naraina, GK Campus, and Ghaziabad branches showcased experimental collections from emerging student designers. JD Institute of Fashion Technology brought theatrical energy to the ramp with Vedant Mahiwar and Prakruti Mishra as showstoppers. Harish Akkisetty, Aarya by Rashmi, and Sumit Goel, who featured Femina Miss India World Nandini Gupta as showstopper, expanded the style narrative with diverse themes and textures. One of the evening’s highlights was the emotionally rich showcase by Fraganta presents Robert Naorem, featuring Birjit Singh and Miss Supranational India 2025 Anushree on the ramp. The audience was further treated to collections by Naorem, Keembdanti by Sabyasachi, and Tamishka by Narendra Kumar, each of whom brought strong individualistic voices to the runway.

 

 

Capping off the week with a grand finale, celebrated designer Varun Bahl delivered an opulent and poetic couture presentation, featuring actress Fatima Sana Shaikh as the showstopper, a moment that brought the audience to its feet and brought GICW 2025 to a resounding close.

Speaking on the success of this year’s edition, Satyajit Mohanty, Managing Director of GICW, said, “Global India Couture Week is not just a fashion showcase it’s a cultural ecosystem that fosters dialogue between tradition and modernity. We are proud to provide a platform where Indian designers and global influences can co-exist and evolve together.” Adding to that, Dr. Sidharth Behera, Operational Director, stated, “This edition set new operational and creative benchmarks. From student showcases to international collaborations, GICW continues to be where couture finds its global voice.”

With an unmatched combination of over 40 design showcases, numerous celebrity showstoppers, and a stage that welcomed both legacy and next-gen talent, GICW 2025 marked a defining chapter in the evolution of Indian couture. As trends are born and talent discovered, the platform continues to bridge fashion, culture, and commerce charting the course for the future of Indian fashion on the world stage.

www.gicw.in

The First Fashion Model: Marie Vernet Worth

The Evolution of Fashion Modeling

In our saree stores, we frequently observe salespeople expertly draping the limited options chosen by customers. It's almost unbelievable how precisely they highlight the key design features of the sarees for their clients. Additionally, the speed at which they fold the sarees back into their original packaging is astonishing. This makes many of us ponder whether this practice led to the emergence of an entire profession dedicated to fashion modeling. It appears we are not far from the truth.

The First Fashion Model: Marie Vernet Worth

The first fashion model is widely recognized as Marie Vernet Worth, the wife of French fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth. In 1852, she began her career as a "house model," showcasing her husband's designs to clients. This practice was formalized by Worth in 1853, effectively establishing the profession of fashion modeling.

The blend of fabric knowledge and a passion for beauty inspired this remarkable talent to leave England and settle in Paris, the capital of fashion and art. To streamline the process—and perhaps to address the poor taste of some clients—Frederick Worth initiated a revolution. Previously, clients dictated their desires to the couturier, but now, the couturier proposed designs, and the clients chose. He introduced two groundbreaking concepts: the fashion seasons of fall/winter and spring/summer, and the idea of showcasing creations on a model rather than in catalogs. His wife, Marie Vernet Worth, a former clothing saleswoman, took on this role.

Marie Vernet Worth would step forward to allow customers to envision themselves adorned in the creations passing by. Following her, others would fill this role, initially referred to as look-alikes. The first model agency was established in England in 1928, where Gabrielle Chanel showcased them on her magnificent mirror staircase. French couturier Jean Patou popularized very thin women in fashion. Today, the industry still favors slim models, often enhanced through photo editing. We have strayed far from the original image of Marie Vernet, a brunette of fuller figure, and the true essence of this beautiful profession: wearing and showcasing the genius of human creativity.

Marie Vernet Worth initially modeled clothing for both her husband and her former employer, the silk merchant Gagelin et Opige, prior to her marriage to Charles Frederick Worth. Once the couple founded their fashion house, she became a full-time house model, working 12-hour days and even modeling during her pregnancies. As Worth's business expanded, she trained other women to model his creations, paving the way for more organized fashion shows. Marie Vernet Worth professionalized the practice of using living women to display garments, moving away from earlier methods that relied on mannequins or dolls. Her collaboration with Charles Frederick Worth played a pivotal role in establishing high fashion as we know it today and laid the foundation for the modern fashion industry.

Some part of this feature is taken from an article of Jérôme Monsieur de France. Through his stories, he invites people to discover French culture, its symbols, and the hidden treasures that make France a unique destination.

Jio World Plaza gets latest flagship store of Abu Sandeep

Maximalism may be enjoying a resurgence, but for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, it has always been in vogue. Long before the fashion industry embraced embroidery, brilliance, and opulence, this duo was already crafting a universe where “more is more,” executed with unrivaled artistry. Their latest boutique at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai is a seamless extension of that ethos—bold, luxurious, and deeply entrenched in Indian craftsmanship.

Upon entering, it becomes evident that this isn’t merely a store; it’s an immersive experience. A chandelier crafted from sharp glass elements gracefully hovers above a central space adorned with quilted mirrorwork curtains. The walls showcase bespoke Patola patterns embellished with radiant gold leafing. There’s an abundance of light and shine, but there’s also a profound sense of soul.

“We wanted to create a space that evokes joy, excitement, and awe,” the designers share. “Every detail has been drawn from India and her incredible crafts.”

There isn't a single focal point; rather, each corner narrates its own tale. From the hand-painted etched doors to the brass racks designed in the shape of the ‘Aikyam’ logo, which represents the harmony of masculine and feminine energies, every detail contributes to the narrative. This motif reappears on the custom-made, hand-carved door handles as well. If you observe closely, you'll discover how mirrors and lighting are strategically arranged to surprise you, transforming the ambiance of the space as you explore it.

 

“We love layered design. It’s complex, detailed, and meant to unfold slowly,” they say. “There are little surprises everywhere.”

The store might be new, but the energy it carries is decades in the making. “This is all of India, made in India, with all our hearts,” the designers say, adding, “It’s the sum of everything we’ve learnt over the years—brought together in one space.”

In a fun turn of phrase, when asked to describe the store as a movie character, they are clear: “She would be a queen, wearing her finest ensemble, layered with all her most precious jewels.” Fitting, considering how royal the store feels—without trying too hard to impress.

The interiors undoubtedly take center stage, yet the clothing on display is curated with equal precision to enhance the overall space. Signature AJSK embroidery styles—such as Chikankari, Resham, and mirror work—are artfully positioned throughout. You'll discover exquisite items like luxurious shirts and tunics, vibrant multicolored sarong sarees paired with concept blouses, and a striking bridal section featuring a dreamy red lehenga alongside a majestic sherwani. There's also a selection for men, showcasing crushed silks, Ajrakh and Resham Jaali embroidery, along with classic pieces from their ‘Shadow’ and ‘Bakhia’ collections. Enhancing this atmosphere is their new candle collection, inspired by themes of royalty and celebration, which adds another layer of storytelling through delightful scents.

 

What sets this space apart isn’t just how grand it is, but how intentional every element feels. “We want people to walk in and feel the richness of Indian heritage,” they say. “And we want them to walk out feeling proud of it.”

And the future? The duo is keeping that close to the chest—for now. “We’ve set our biggest project in motion,” they hint, “and we’ll be ready to talk about it very soon.”

For the time being, the new store serves as a testament to the fact that when it comes to showcasing Indian craftsmanship in the most captivating manner, no one does it quite like Abu and Sandeep.