Here's everything that's trending in the world of fashion and luxury

The world of luxury and fashion continues to evolve, blending tradition with modernity. As we look at global collaborations, homegrown innovations, and timeless craftsmanship, these stories highlight a shared pursuit of elegance, cultural heritage, and sustainability. Dive into this celebration of creativity, heritage, and the transformative power of fashion.

MORE THAN JUST AN ICON

Actor Sonam Kapoor joins Dior as an ambassador, representing collections by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The style icon embodies Dior’s blend of elegance and bold femininity. She joins other prominent figures like Blackpink’s Jisoo and BTS’ Jimin in representing the French house. This collaboration deepens Dior’s cultural connection with India, honouring a shared spirit of sophistication and innovation rooted in the French luxury label’s heritage.

NAMASTE, BARBIE!

Barbie received a stunning Indian makeover this Diwali through a collaboration between Mattel and homegrown designer Anita Dongre. Dressed in the Moonlight Bloom lehenga set, which features a choli top, a flowing lehenga, and a Koti vest, Barbie’s look is completed with a bindi, golden bangles, and earrings— embodying the beauty and strength of authenticity. This collaboration aims to blend traditional heritage with modern global fashion, encouraging girls everywhere to celebrate themselves.

A WEAVER’S TALE

Luxury handloom brand WeaverStory collaborated with Tata Trusts’ Antaran to launch the Venkatagiri Revival Collection to mark National Handloom Day on August 7. The collection featured saris not woven in over 70 years. WeaverStory has revived traditional designs and drawloom techniques of Mughal and Iranian origins. The first phase showcases four archival patterns: Heart Jala, Rudraksh, Kattan Checks, and Sarada Sari, with more to come. This initiative not only revives lost weaves, but also aims to educate patrons about their rich history while expanding their reach to new markets.

COMFORTABLE AND CHIC

Fierceness meets comfort in the new Converse x Isabel Marant capsule collection. Celebrating Marant’s love for Chuck Taylor, the collection reimagines the iconic Chuck 70 and Chuck 70 Wedge silhouettes, paying homage to her pioneering role in the sneaker wedge trend of the 2010s. Dubbed as “Effortless Luxury”, the collaboration also features Converse’s signature hidden wedge heel, offering a subtle lift for added height and style

PEACOCK LEGACY

Falguni Shane Peacock launched their first luxury prêt store, designed by Gauri Khan, at Dhan Mill, New Delhi. Celebrating 20 years of the label, this space showcases the seamless fusion of French, Italian, and Indian design aesthetics. Within its walls, you will discover couture-inspired prêt pieces, chic street-luxe collections, and curated sections featuring cashmere, exclusive limited editions, and global prints.

LUXURIOUS AFFAIR

RIMOWA introduces the Original Bag, a unisex handbag inspired by its iconic suitcases. Featuring a sleek, durable exterior and an interior crafted with Italian leather, it offers versatility with a removable, adjustable strap for hand, shoulder, or cross-body wear. The signature button mechanism ensures effortless elegance. Available exclusively in silver and black, it is perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

HERITAGE AND HOROLOGY

Jaipur Watch Company has ventured into women’s jewellery watches with its Brides of Jaipur collection. The collection is synonymous with opulence, culture, and Rajasthan’s majestic allure. Each piece in this exquisite range is a tribute to Jaipur’s architectural wonders, intricate craftsmanship, and jewellery heritage. The collection deftly fuses artistry with elegance. “The entire collection is inspired by the architectural splendour of Jaipur’s palaces and havelis, as well as the city’s rich jewellery craftsmanship traditions,” says Gaurav Mehta, founder of Jaipur Watch Company.

Inspired by the City Palace’s delicate jaali latticework and the ornate motifs of Hawa Mahal, the watches blend timeless traditions with a modern bridal spirit. Adorned with radiant gemstones, these watches gleam like traditional bridal jewellery, embodying kundan, meenakari, and mother-of-pearl elements that captivate the eye. “The top three design elements are jaali, latkan, and enamel work,” says Mehta. Brides of Jaipur is more than a collection—it is a legacy, a wearable piece of Jaipur’s regal history. The range is crafted to symbolise the love, beauty, and grandeur of a bride’s most cherished moments.

CULTURAL RECOGNITION

At a ceremony held at the French Residence, Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, awarded Karishma Swali, the Artistic Director of Chanakya International and Chairperson of Chanakya School of Craft, the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite. This honour celebrates her exceptional dedication to preserving Indian cultural heritage, advancing craft education and fostering Franco-Indian creative exchanges. Highlights of her work include collaborations with French couture houses and artists, notably through interdisciplinary projects and the iconic Dior Fall 2023 show in Mumbai, which underscored Indian and French textile artistry.

GREEN THREAD

Taking eco-conscious fashion to another level, the London Fashion Week, in September, witnessed the collaboration between designer Aarti Vijay Gupta and LIVA Reviva, bringing sustainability to life. The collection, called Postcard from Kashmir, introduced bodycon styles, with fluid drapes, intricate detailing, and 3D engravings of designs inspired by the Valley’s scenic landscapes on LIVA Reviva garments, made from up to 30 per cent recycled textile waste generated during the production of clothes. This marriage of fashion with sustainability was part of the ongoing efforts to lead the fashion industry towards more sustainable practices.

TIMELESS SANCTUARY

The Almost Gods store on Perry Cross Road in Mumbai is a striking brutalist sanctuary. Inspired by 16th-century “Hell-Mouth” fireplaces from Villa Del Torre, its monumental design celebrates resilience. This unique space offers a sense of permanence, embodying Almost Gods’ vision of creating lasting structures within an ever-evolving cityscape.

All images: The brands 

This piece originally appeared in the October-November print edition of Harper's Bazaar India. 

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