Harper's Bazaar LuXperiences 2025—a celebration of luxury, design and creativity
A day-long tribute to the enduring spirit of luxury.
In a world where luxury constantly redefines itself, Harper’s Bazaar LuXperiences 2025 was a testament to its evolution—a confluence of timeless artistry, compelling narratives, and forward-thinking design mavens. From honouring the unparalleled legacy of Rohit Bal to exploring the transformative power of media, design, craft, and culture, the day broughtto the fore a cornucopia of ideas and inspiration. Here’s a look back at the moments that shaped what turned out to be an unforgettable day.
It began with an ode to one of India’s most celebrated designers in A Rohit Bal Retrospective—an evocative tribute to the legendary couturier that brought his timeless creations to life through a stunning showcase. Kicking off with a stunning classical performance by Ustad Zila Khan, a dear friend of Bal, followed by a spectacular runway show. What’s more—Bal’s favourite muses walked in his clothes and embodied the essence of his artistry.
The discourse commenced soon after with Kalli Purie, vice chairperson and executive editor-in-chief of the India Today Group, joined by Kim St. Clair Bodden, SVP and global editorial & brand director of Hearst, in conversation with Sonal Ved, group gigital editor, lifestyle division at the India Today Group, on the role of media in the evolution of luxury. Their incisive conversation explored how media shapes luxury, from creating aspiration to embracing the dynamic possibilities of digital storytelling.
Next, in a session titled Beyond Embellishments: Rethinking Indian Craft in Fashion Design, Karishma Swali, director, Chanakya International and founder of Chanakya Foundation and Chanakya School of Craft, joined by the founder of Les Ateliers 2M—Maximiliano Modesti—and Sanjay Garg, the founder of Raw Mango, in conversation with Supriya Dravid, delved into a nuanced dialogue on the depth of Indian craft. The discourse urged a reimagination of craft’s role in contemporary fashion, spotlighting its ability to bridge tradition and modernity.
The spotlight then shifted to the Business of Luxury: The New Landscape, where Thomas Dobrowolski, associate director, global brand development at Hearst, Pushpa Bector, the senior executive director at DLF, and Richa Singh, the managing director (India and the Middle East) at the Natural Diamond Council, in conversation with Sonal Ved, unpacked the evolving paradigms of luxury commerce. Sponsored by American Express, their discussion explored the rising trends of personalisation, and experiential retail, and examined the notion of what constitutes luxury.
Luxury accessories took center stage in Into the World of Luxury Accessories, with Alia Zaki Ali, Founder of L’alingi, Benedetta Bruzziches, founder, Benedetta Bruzziches, and Jyotika Jhalani, founder, Janavi India, in conversation with Ruchika Mehta, editor at large, luxury and lifestyle at the India Today Group and editor of Brides Today, unravelling the artistry behind their creations. The conversation served as a masterclass in storytelling and craftsmanship, inspiring a deeper appreciation for these wearable works of art.
As the evening unfolded, The Evolution of Indian Design was an insightful exploration of India’s design future. Shalini Misra, founder of Shakti Design Residency, Anita Dongre, founder of House of Anita Dongre, and Ridhi Khosla Jalan, interior designer and design content creator, in conversation with Rasna Bhasin, Editor, Harper’s Bazaar India, reflected on how heritage, sustainability, and global influences converge to shape contemporary aesthetics.
Then, in a masterclass on the Legacy of Couture and its Purpose, East met West as fashion powerhouses Tarun Tahiliani and Pierpaolo Piccioli came together to discuss why couture matters, how it continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and timeless artistry in the modern fashion landscape.
The day concluded with cinematic grandeur as Cinematic Couture: The Art of Costume Styling in Bollywood brought together Manish Malhotra, designer and stylist to the stars in an engaging conversation with Kalli Purie, joined by actor Khushi Kapoor. Together, they reflected on the role of costume styling in crafting Bollywood’s most iconic looks, blending fashion with the magic of storytelling—oodles of fun and insider takes on what makes Bollywood clothing tick.