Fashion

India’s first self-discovery, 100% natural experiential luxury jewelry brand, Qween Jewels, presents a festive edit of contemporary fine jewelry designed to bring color, character and individuality to the season’s celebrations. From vibrant gemstones and distinctive silhouettes to timeless solitaires and versatile designs, the edit brings together pieces that effortlessly complement festive dressing, whether styled with traditional ensembles or contemporary occasion wear. From statement earrings and colourful pendants to refined bracelets and elegant rings, each piece is designed to add a distinctive finishing touch to festive looks, offering a considered way to celebrate the season in style. Link – https://www.qween.com/ For Festive Celebrations: Heartbeat Theory Bracelet Inspired by the eternity silhouette, the Heartbeat Theory Bracelet transforms alternating rubies and diamonds into a continuous rhythm that travels effortlessly around the wrist. Deep crimson rubies bring warmth and intensity, while brilliant diamonds create flashes of light between each stone. Finished in refined rose gold with soft blush tones, the bracelet brings together color, brilliance and timeless elegance. A sophisticated choice for festive occasions, it adds a refined statement to both traditional and contemporary looks. Price: ₹3,29,415 For a Touch of Colour: Colour Theory Pendant The Color Theory Pendant makes a vibrant addition to the festive jewelry wardrobe. A vivid pink tourmaline takes center stage, surrounded by a geometric bloom of multi-sapphire ombré that unfolds through layers of color and brilliance. Set in high-brilliance white gold with a cool-toned finish, the pendant brings a contemporary edge to festive dressing. Pair it with a classic Indian ensemble or a modern festive look for an unexpected pop of color. Price: ₹40,812 For the Statement-Maker: Worth Quoting Earrings Inspired by stories that deserve to be remembered, the Worth Quoting Earrings transform Qween Jewels’ signature apostrophe into a striking design element. A pavé-set diamond form leads into the iconic apostrophe silhouette, culminating in a vibrant oval ruby. Finished in warm 18kt yellow gold, the earrings combine bold design with festive glamour. Designed to stand out, they make an elegant statement for celebratory evenings, intimate gatherings and festive soirées. Price: ₹1,06,533 For Effortless Festive Styling: Girls Night Stackable Ring The Girls Night Stackable Ring brings versatility to festive dressing, with a design that can be styled in multiple ways. Its stackable silhouette allows it to be worn solo or layered with other favorites, making it easy to personalize every festive look. It’s warm gold finish adds an understated richness, making it a versatile piece that transitions effortlessly from daytime celebrations to evening occasions. Price: ₹2,35,490 For a Bold Festive Statement: Blushing Heart Earrings The Blushing Heart Earrings re-imagine the classic heart through a vibrant combination of color and gemstones. Pear-shaped pink tourmalines take center stage within gemstone-covered heart silhouettes, surrounded by pink sapphires and unexpected green accents. Bold, joyful and full of color, the earrings bring a playful energy to festive dressing. A striking choice for celebrations, they add a vibrant finishing touch to both traditional and contemporary ensembles. Price: ₹80,806 For Understated Festive Elegance: Eterna Solitaire Pendant The Eterna Solitaire Pendant offers a refined expression of festive elegance. A brilliant QWEEN of Hearts solitaire is suspended beneath a flowing, apostrophe-inspired bail, with every curve adding movement and softness to the classic silhouette. Finished in 18kt yellow gold, the pendant balances precision with fluidity. Its understated brilliance makes it an elegant choice for festive gatherings, whether worn on its own or layered with other delicate pieces. Price: ₹1,27,140

Bangalore Watch Company – Forty Seven Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven marks the brand’s first-ever pocket watch, inspired by the transformative years that shaped modern India. Its rocket science, technology acumen, and infrastructure-building ability are second to none. Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven reflects this journey through a design inspired by India’s formative years. This all began with a literacy rate of just 12 percent, a per capita income of a mere USD 50, and a country in debt. In the mid-twentieth century, India chose a future-facing vision—building a nation where girls could fly fighter jets, scientists could send rockets to space, entrepreneurs could build companies for the world, and every generation could dream a little bigger than the one before. Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven: A Tribute to Modern India Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven reflects this journey through a design inspired by India’s formative years. Since 2018, the brand has built watches inspired by aviation, cricket, space exploration and the outdoors. Each collection has explored a different chapter of modern India. With Forty-Seven, the brand goes back to the beginning of that era, to the mid 20th century, when a young nation chose to spend its time building the future. Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven brings this historical inspiration to life through a distinctive vintage pocket-watch design. “Forty-Seven is a tribute to the years that shaped modern India. A pocket watch was the natural choice, because it belonged to that time. Bangalore Watch Company™ has always told stories of the India of today. With this watch, the brand goes back to where those stories first began,” says Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder of Bangalore Watch Company™. Forty-Seven follows the design principles of traditional pocket watches from the early 20th century. Built with a surgical grade steel in a vintage gold finish, an off-white linen pattern reminiscent of the self-reliance movement of the time, and powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the watch makes for a fashionable carry accessory. Paired with a vintage leather lanyard, the watch can be worn around your neck, on your waist, or even as a bag charm. “We’ve demonstrated our capability as a watchmaker with several firsts – meteorites, aircraft carrier materials, and even captured carbon. The pocket watch is our attempt to broaden our capability as a watchmaker, and to give our customers a new format to enjoy high-quality time-telling devices with a strong backstory,” added Mercy Amalraj, Co-Founder of the brand. Bangalore Watch Company Forty-Seven combines heritage-inspired design with contemporary craftsmanship and personalization. Forty-Seven can be personalized with a custom caseback engraving, making every watch unique. The watch will be priced at USD 1250 (approximately INR 120,000) and will be available for pre-order on the brand’s website starting on 11th August 2026.

As Raksha Bandhan brings gifting to the forefront, timeless accessories by Tommy Hilfiger offer a thoughtful way to celebrate the brothers who are often overlooked when it comes to festive gifting. A Little Juicy for Your Favourite Sister This Rakhi Featuring classic belts and wallets, Tommy Hilfiger’s accessories combine timeless design with everyday functionality. From polished belts that complement both casual and formal looks to sleek wallets designed to keep everyday essentials organised, each piece brings a refined touch to his wardrobe. Rakhi Gifting Ideas for Sisters These fashionable pieces are also perfect for Rakhi gifting when you want to surprise your sister with something special, these versatile essentials make for effortless Rakhi gifts that he can use long after the celebrations. Tommy Hilfiger Binnion’s Gift set – 5,999/- Buy here – https://www.bagline.com/collections/tommy-hilfiger-gift-set/products/tommy-hilfiger-binnions-gift-set  Explore this trending collection on the Bagline website and stores near you! A Little Juicy for Your Favourite Sister This Rakhi Rakhi is the perfect excuse to spoil your sister and this year, make her gift extra Juicy. These fashionable pieces are also perfect for Rakhi gifting when you want to surprise your sister with something special. Juicy Couture’s Hobo Bag brings together effortless, off-duty cool with a little unapologetic glamour. Its relaxed, slouchy silhouette makes it an easy everyday favourite, while Juicy’s signature attitude adds a touch of playful glamour. From coffee dates and shopping runs to nights out with the girls, it’s the kind of bag she’ll reach for repeatedly. Because this Rakhi, skip the usual gifts and give your sister something as fabulous as she is something very, very Juicy. Juicy Couture Black Zipper PU Baguette – 7,999/- Sweet Rebel Maroon Shoulder bag – 7,999/- Instagram:juicycouture  Website: www.juicycouture.com

From L-R: India’s Leading artist Tricksingh with Anand Aiyer, Chief Business Officer, Peter England and THE IMBACHI Peter England VYBE marks the brand’s latest move to bring contemporary menswear to a younger generation. With modern fits, effortless styling and accessible prices, VYBE brings a more relaxed and individual expression to Peter England’s British-rooted, dressed-up sensibility. The result feels current and expressive, yet unmistakably Peter England. The Peter England VYBE collection is designed for young consumers seeking contemporary style, relaxed fits and versatile fashion. The Peter England VYBE launch also extends into music and youth culture through its VYBE Verified campaign. The launch introduces a range of overshirts, shackets, structured polos, oversized T-shirts, cargos, denim, Korean-fit trousers and coordinated separates. Designed with an emphasis on comfort, versatility and ease of styling, the range brings together elevated essentials that can be worn across multiple occasions. Starting at Rs 1,200, with every piece priced below Rs 2,000, VYBE makes contemporary fashion accessible without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or design. Peter England VYBE Brings Contemporary Menswear to a Younger Generation To mark the launch, Peter England has introduced VYBE Verified, an original music-led campaign conceptualised by Ogilvy, featuring independent artists Tricksingh and THE IMBACHI. The campaign reimagines what it means to be “verified”, celebrating individuals who trust their own instincts, express themselves with confidence and define success on their own terms. Commenting on the launch, Anand Aiyer, Chief Business Officer, Peter England, added: “VYBE is an important step in further deepening Peter Englands’ relevance with Gen Z and bringing younger consumers into the brand. Contemporary product, accessible pricing and a culture-led campaign create a strong platform for future growth while keeping the proposition distinctly Peter England ” The artists collaborated through a series of studio jam sessions to create an original track inspired by the brand’s creative idea. The partnership culminates in a music video that brings together fashion and music, positioning VYBE Verified as an expression of the confidence and creative energy that shape the brand. Commenting on the vision behind VYBE, Priyank Karanam, Creative Director, Peter England, said: “The creative idea behind VYBE was simple: to make dressing well feel effortless. Relaxed fits, fresh styling and considered details create looks that feel young and individual, while retaining the put-together character of Peter England.” Peter England created an immersive VYBE launch experience at its Indiranagar store in Bengaluru, bringing fashion, music and culture together. Designed as a content-friendly destination for creators and consumers alike, the space featured VYBE Verified branding across multiple touchpoints, inviting guests to engage with the brand and create their own interpretation of the campaign. The experience was brought to life through live performances by Tricksingh and THE IMBACHI as they unveiled the collection. The Peter England VYBE collection is now available across selected stores and online platforms The first drop of VYBE is now available across 50 Peter England stores nationwide and is also available on Peterengland.com and Myntra.

Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading direct-selling companies, has expanded its beauty portfolio with the launch of Vellino Blush You, a dewy cream stick blush, and three new shades of the Mistral of Milan True Define Eyeliner Pencil in Blue, Brown, and Green. The new products add to the company’s range of beauty and personal care offerings. Vellino Blush You: A New Everyday Beauty Essential Makeup, once associated with weddings, parties, and special events, has transitioned into an essential element of daily life. Today, everyday beauty products are increasingly taking precedence over event-based cosmetics. Vellino Blush You, the newly introduced dewy cream stick blush, is designed to provide buildable, long-lasting colour with a soft, natural-looking finish. The formulation contains Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Vitamin E and is designed to blend easily for a smooth, skin-like finish. The product is vegan and cruelty-free and is positioned for everyday use. The product has been developed around the growing preference for lightweight and natural-looking makeup. Its cream-stick format allows consumers to build colour according to their preferred look, while its lightweight, non-greasy formulation is designed for everyday wear and on-the-go touch-ups. Alongside Vellino Blush You, three new shades of Mistral of Milan True Define Eyeliner Pencil – Blue, Brown and Green have also been introduced, explaining the concept of “one collection, infinite expressions.” The new shades – Blue: defines confidence in motion, Green: defines fearless creativity and Brown: defines effortless luxury. All these shades expand the existing range and allow consumers to create different eye makeup looks. The pencils are designed for smooth application and long-lasting wear. Commenting on the launches, Mr. Gautam Bali, Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, “Beauty is becoming increasingly personal, with consumers looking for products that are easy to use, versatile and suited to their everyday routines. With Vellino Blush You and the new Mistral of Milan eyeliner pencil shades, we are expanding our beauty portfolio with products that encourage consumers to express themselves in their own way. These launches reflect our focus on bringing relevant and accessible beauty solutions to our customers.”

Traversing history, literature, mythology and cinema, Priyasi reflects on the universal pursuit of the beloved, transforming timeless narratives into contemporary couture through evolving silhouettes, layered craftsmanship and an immersive theatrical presentation Aisha Rao unveiled her latest couture collection, Priyasi, in a runway presentation at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, in association with Nexxus New York, an FDCI initiative. The showcase reimagined timeless stories of love through intricate craftsmanship, botanical symbolism and contemporary couture in an immersive theatrical experience. Across history, literature, mythology and cinema, every generation has searched for its own language of love. It has been found in the devotion of Shah Jahan, the longing of Salim and Anarkali, the restrained romance of Pride and Prejudice, the sweeping passion of Anna Karenina, and even in the earliest stories of Adam and Eve. Though separated by time, place and culture, each has been united by the same enduring pursuit of the ‘beloved’. This multiplicity became the genesis of Aisha Rao’s latest couture collection, Priyasi. Conceived as a co-creation through co-narration, the collection unfolded through three emotional states: Longing, Union and Remembrance. Rather than retelling familiar stories, Priyasi reflected on the emotions that have allowed them to endure across generations, inviting each wearer to discover their own interpretation within them. The collection evolved through Aisha Rao’s signature vocabulary of intricate embroideries, polychromatic appliqué and layered craftsmanship, translated into contemporary silhouettes that moved effortlessly between archival inspiration and modern expression. This season, the house further extended its commitment to purposeful luxury through the thoughtful integration of bio-based materials including bio-resham and bio-badla, allowing innovation to become a continuation of the brand’s design language. Botanical motifs, richly textured surfaces and sculptural forms became the visual language through which these emotions unfolded. Designed as an immersive theatrical environment, the runway transformed into a sculptural landscape of monumental tulips that emerged across the space like moments suspended in time. Long associated with expressions of love across cultures, the tulip became the emotional anchor of Priyasi. Together with layered lighting, a cinematic score and a live performance, the scenography dissolved the distinction between runway and stage, inviting audiences to move through emotion rather than simply observe fashion. Couturier Aisha Rao said, “Every generation inherits stories of love before it learns to tell its own. With Priyasi, I found myself returning to these stories that have shaped generations, not to recreate them, but to understand why they continue to resonate. Whether drawn from history, literature, mythology or cinema, each narrative carries the same emotional thread while belonging uniquely to its own time. I wanted the collection to feel like an evolving conversation between these worlds, where every garment becomes a fragment of a larger story, inviting the wearer to find their own meaning within it.” As the presentation concluded, each model carried a tulip in quiet unison. The gesture spoke to the enduring power of hope, solidarity and the quiet conviction that even in uncertain times, humanity finds ways to bloom. In partnership with Shree Jewellers, Aisha Rao unveiled a fine jewellery line personally designed as an extension of Priyasi, bringing the house’s distinctive design language into a new realm. Imagined as a seamless continuation of the collection, each piece echoed the house’s signature language through intricate detailing and thoughtfully placed coloured gemstones, allowing the dialogue between couture and fine jewellery to unfold as one complete narrative. The presentation was supported by Philips, Aisha Rao’s luxe gifting partner. Through its innovations in beauty, grooming and styling, Philips celebrates the rituals of getting ready that accompany life’s most meaningful occasions. Extending this philosophy through thoughtful gifting, the collaboration is united by a shared appreciation for purposeful design, meaningful experiences and the belief that the most memorable gestures are those that combine intention and care.

There is a reason every civilisation built a fort. Not to defend what it had, but to protect what it was becoming. More than stone and structure, a fort was a meeting place for ideas. Traders arrived with unfamiliar materials. Craftsmen exchanged techniques that would become heirlooms. Soldiers brought uniforms that found new life in ceremony. Musicians carried songs across regions, while storytellers passed down qissas that evolved with every retelling. Layer by layer, generation after generation, traditions were shaped not by a single hand, but by countless influences gathered over time. Rawalgarh begins with that idea. Presenting at FDCI Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, Rawalgarh is the most complete expression of the brand to date. Rather than introducing a new design aesthetic, it brings together the ideas that have consistently shaped Kunal Rawal over the past fifteen years. Military references. Hidden construction. Textile innovation. The ease of sportswear. The precision of architecture. The tactility of handcraft. This season, they converge within one world. THE PERFORMANCE // CUSTODIANS OF RAWALGARH The show opens with a monologue and glimpses into the world of Kunal Rawal, before revealing the sights, sounds and souls of Rawalgarh: its custodians. Keepers, protectors and the unmistakably Indian spirit of this imagined land, they stand like living nazar battus, welcoming the audience through its gates. Dressed in Rawalgarh’s interpretation of Indian Black Tie, they embody the spirit of the sangeet, where music, movement and celebration shape silhouettes engineered as much for performance as they are for occasion. The performance unfolds through the ritual of Shubh Muhurat, as a symbolic baton passes from one custodian to the next, marking the beginning of an auspicious new chapter. In that moment, Rawalgarh comes to life. THE FIRST-EVER MUSIC VIDEO // RAWALGARH DI JUGNI Rawalgarh di Jugni marks a new chapter in Kunal Rawal’s storytelling, introducing the brand’s first-ever music video and original musical universe. Shot at the iconic Alila Fort Bishangarh, the film brings together couture, music and cinema against a landscape whose raw stone architecture mirrors the collection itself: structure meets fluidity, heritage meets modernity, and permanence meets reinvention. Guiding the audience into Rawalgarh is the crow, a timeless messenger that leads us through its fictional gates before disappearing into the world beyond. Created by Kunal Rawal, Akshay & IP, the soundtrack builds on the brand’s distinctive sonic identity, blending rock-and-roll grit with Punjabi folk rhythm. At its heart is Jugni, imagined as the rani of Rawalgarh and a symbol of individuality, energy and light. The story extends beyond a single release into a four-track original EP, with Rawalgarh di Jugni, Ve Sohneya, Laung Da Vacha and Jogi forming the complete soundscape of the collection. THE COLLECTION // AN ALL-MENSWEAR CELEBRATION Rawalgarh unfolds through more than 150 all-menswear looks, marking the brand’s most expansive expression of menswear to date. The collection begins with studies in ivory. Contemporary chikankari. Softened florals. Garments reduced to their essentials before gradually revealing the full design language of Kunal Rawal. From there, Rawalgarh unfolds across three chapters: Couture Festive, Eveningwear and Ceremonial, tracing the modern Indian man’s journey from intimate celebrations to Indian Black Tie dressing, and finally, the groom. Rawalgarh presents a complete philosophy of occasionwear. Construction is treated with the same importance as embellishment. Comfort becomes the highest expression of luxury. Military precision coexists with handcrafted textiles, while engineering, adaptability and functionality become as integral to couture as craftsmanship itself. That philosophy extends into colour. Every shade is developed specifically for the world of Kunal Rawal, where depth, tonality and movement take precedence. Through layered threads, tonal embroideries, over-dyeing and signature techniques such as Dhup Chao, colour is engineered in-house, creating garments that shift subtly with light, texture and movement. Above all, Rawalgarh reflects the enduring curiosity that has always defined the brand: a belief that tradition grows stronger when challenged, craftsmanship becomes richer through innovation, and the future of Indian occasionwear lies in bringing them together. COUTURE FESTIVE // Rawalgarh opens in daylight, exploring the effortless ease of festive dressing through the lens of comfort, functionality and wearability. Military influences, artisanal craftsmanship and textile innovation come together to redefine the language of contemporary Indian occasionwear. Textiles lead the conversation. Heritage fabrics are reconstructed through modern tailoring and engineered construction, creating an entirely new vocabulary for menswear. Chikankari is reimagined with raffia, knot work and contemporary surface treatments, while Banarasis, brocades and tissue silks are developed into lighter, more fluid constructions. Familiar fabrics take on unexpected qualities: silk behaves like seersucker, twills borrow the softness of silk, and traditional textiles are transformed through washes, over-dyeing, reconstruction and richly developed woven textures. That same spirit of innovation extends to construction. Borrowing from the intelligence of performance wear, garments feature lightweight engineering, sweat-absorbing linings, technical panelling and refined pattern-making that challenge traditional notions of occasionwear. The result is couture that feels considerably lighter and more comfortable than it appears. Military thinking continues to shape the collection through functionality. Cropped bandhgalas, shorter bundis, deconstructed sherwanis, reimagined kediyus, collarless jackets and military-inspired overshirts introduce fresh proportions, while hidden pockets, engineered interiors and modular construction reflect the brand’s belief that true luxury is experienced as much by the wearer as it is seen by the observer. Adaptability emerges as another defining code. Attach-and-detach elements, reversible constructions, removable epaulettes, interchangeable embellishments and bespoke hardware allow garments to evolve throughout an occasion, reinforcing the idea that contemporary luxury lies in versatility as much as craftsmanship. Craft remains at the heart of the collection. Chikankari, French knots, Dhup Chao, Kantha, raffia, chattai work, custom Banarasis, brocades and intricate threadwork are brought together with military twills, washed linens and industrial textures, creating a conversation between heritage and innovation that has become synonymous with the world of Kunal Rawal. The palette reflects the same philosophy. Washed military olives, rusts, burnt oranges, taupes, charcoal, mulberry, faded pinks and warm salmons replace conventional festive colour, while Tangaliya weaves, layered neutrals and engineered tonalities create unique depth. Hardware and construction become signatures in their

“Do not ask the flower Why it blooms unseen. The heart that knows its purpose Needs no audience but love.” — Anonymous Sufi Poem At the 2026 edition of the FDCI Hyundai India Couture Week, in association with Nexxus New York, couturier Dolly J. presents ‘BRĀHM’, a collection inspired by one of the Himalayas’ most revered and elusive blooms — the Brahma Kamal. Flourishing quietly amidst the serene foothills of the mountains, this flower has long been regarded as a symbol of purity, spiritual awakening and transformation. This season the couture house’s ‘BRĀHM’ collection draws from this rare phenomenon, tracing the soul’s quiet passage towards enlightenment through the language of couture. Rather than seeking grandeur through excess, Dolly J.’s ‘BRĀHM’ collection finds beauty in restraint. Every silhouette is conceived as an expression of quiet strength, where craftsmanship becomes meditation and embellishment becomes poetry. Rooted in Dolly J.’s signature romantic aesthetic, the collection celebrates moments of stillness, introspection and graceful evolution. Speaking about the collection, couturier Dolly J. says, “with BRĀHM, I wanted to capture the beauty of transformation that unfolds quietly, without spectacle. The Brahma Kamal blooms in silence, yet carries immense spiritual significance, and that became the soul of this collection. Every silhouette reflects a journey of becoming, where heritage craftsmanship, delicate artistry and modern femininity come together in harmony. More than couture, BRĀHM is an invitation to embrace stillness, celebrate growth, and discover strength in softness.” In this collection, the atelier brings together intricate jali work and delicate kashidakari embroidery in an elegant dialogue, each motif executed with remarkable precision and devotion. Fine tassels cascade across garments like fleeting moments in time, echoing the morning dew gently settling upon petals before the first light of day. The result is a series of ethereal silhouettes that move effortlessly between contemporary cocktail dressing and timeless bridal couture. The collection comes alive through a rich and evocative colour palette that mirrors the many moods of the Himalayas — from dusk to dawn. Dolly J’s ‘BRĀHM’ collection superbly blends deep reds, antique golds, earthy rusts and rich wines with soft pinks, luminous ivories, shimmering silvers and warm coppers. Shades of midnight black, marine blue and celestial blue add depth and contrast, creating a visual narrative that moves seamlessly from ethereal bridal couture to contemporary eveningwear. Together, these hues allow the collection’s intricate craftsmanship, luxurious textures and sculptural silhouettes to to shine as the true protagonists. Known for continually reimagining Indian craftsmanship through a distinctly contemporary lens, Dolly J. once again balances heritage techniques with modern couture sensibilities. Every garment reflects meticulous artisanal excellence while embracing fluidity, femininity and quiet sophistication. More than a couture collection, ‘BRĀHM’ is an ode to transformation — the deeply personal moment when one chooses growth over fear, light over uncertainty, and beauty over transience. It is a celebration of becoming. For in the end, like the Brahma Kamal itself, the most profound transformations are often the ones that happen in silence.

Revisiting India’s rich textile traditions through a contemporary lens, CEREMONIAL explored how heritage crafts continue to evolve alongside the women who wear them, bringing together timeless craftsmanship, modern silhouettes and a renewed vision of occasion dressing. Arpita Mehta unveiled her debut couture collection, Ceremonial, in a runway presentation at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2026, in association with Nexxus New York, an FDCI initiative. The showcase celebrated the evolving language of Indian ceremonial dressing through a contemporary interpretation of heritage textiles, craftsmanship and immersive storytelling, marking a significant milestone in the designer’s journey. For over a decade, Arpita Mehta has cultivated a design language rooted in vibrant colour, intricate craftsmanship and modern femininity. With Ceremonial, the designer revisited some of India’s most celebrated textile traditions, not as relics of the past, but as living crafts that continue to evolve with each generation. The collection reflected the belief that ceremonies are no longer defined solely by convention; they are deeply personal, expressive and constantly changing, just like the women celebrating them. Drawing inspiration from India’s rich textile legacy, the collection brought together Bandhani, Banarasi and tissue, while introducing Kantha into the Arpita Mehta couture vocabulary for the first time. Rather than reinventing these crafts, the collection honoured their inherent identity, allowing each textile to retain its authenticity while reinterpreting it through the brand’s contemporary design language. Signature mirror work was layered with vintage-inspired gemstone embroidery, creating richly textured surfaces that balanced heritage with modernity. The collection unfolded through sculpted lehengas, fluid saris, corseted blouses, contemporary drapes and occasion separates that reflected the changing rhythm of Indian celebrations. Designed for women who move effortlessly between maximalism and restraint, tradition and individuality, the silhouettes embraced ease without compromising on craftsmanship. Shades of coconut, rose tan, sage, seafoam and teal gradually deepened into violet and sindoor red, while intricate embroideries and thoughtful surface techniques created garments that felt timeless yet unmistakably contemporary. Extending the narrative beyond the garments, the runway transformed into an immersive world inspired by the members-only lounge culture of the 1970s and 1980s. Conceived by creative show director Pranav Goswamy, the set was imagined as an extension of the Arpita Mehta universe, drawing inspiration from the brand’s visual identity and retail spaces. Rather than functioning as a conventional runway, it invited guests into an intimate, lived-in environment where fashion, interiors and storytelling came together seamlessly. Indo-European furniture, layered textiles, brass accents, suede, velvets and fringe detailing created a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that felt both familiar and refreshingly contemporary. In collaboration with Jaipur Rugs, richly textured rugs anchored the space, evoking the character of vintage Turkish and Persian interiors while adding warmth and authenticity to the set. Earthy shades of sage, rust, ochre, brown and powder blue, paired with ambient lighting and custom fringe lamps, completed the immersive setting, allowing guests to experience the collection as though they had stepped into the world of Ceremonial itself. The soundtrack echoed this dialogue between nostalgia and modernity, blending contemporary house music with subtle references to iconic Bollywood sounds from the 1970s and 1980s. High-energy yet refined, it reimagined the spirit of Indian celebrations through a youthful, fashion-forward lens, reinforcing the collection’s belief that ceremonies today are as much about joy, movement and individuality as they are about tradition. Together, the clothes, the set and the music came together to create an immersive experience that celebrated a new language of contemporary Indian occasion dressing. Together, the collection, the immersive setting and the soundtrack brought Ceremonial to life, celebrating a new generation of Indian occasion dressing where heritage and modernity exist in effortless harmony. Speaking about her debut showcase at FDCI India Couture Week, Arpita Mehta said: “Presenting CEREMONIAL at India Couture Week was a very special milestone for us. The collection came from a desire to celebrate Indian textile heritage as something living and evolving rather than something preserved in time. Every craft, every silhouette and every detail was designed to reflect the way women celebrate today—rooted in tradition but deeply personal in expression. Seeing that entire world come together on the runway, from the collection to the immersive set and music, was incredibly fulfilling, and I’m grateful to FDCI and everyone who helped bring this vision to life.” The showcase was complemented by jewellery from Jatin Mor, the official jewellery partner, and presented in association with Bergner, the Indian cookware brand.

A couture collection that reimagines mother-of-pearl through material innovation, transforming the precision of Mughal inlay and historic jewellery craftsmanship into contemporary textile design. Rimzim Dadu unveils INLAE, her latest couture collection, at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026 in association with Nexxus New York, on 26 July 2026 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. Named after the centuries-old art of inlay, INLAE draws inspiration from the precision of Mughal inlay work while reinterpreting its principles through an entirely contemporary material language. Continuing her pioneering exploration of material innovation, INLAE examines the relationship between light, material and craftsmanship through the iridescence of mother-of-pearl, the precision of Mughal inlay work and the artistry of historic Indian jewellery. The collection extends Rimzim Dadu’s ongoing pursuit of creating new textile languages that challenge conventional ideas of couture. At the heart of the collection lies mother-of-pearl, a material long admired for its quiet luminosity and ever-changing play of light. Rather than using it as ornamentation, Rimzim reimagines it as an intrinsic element of couture, translating its organic beauty into garments that are simultaneously sculptural and fluid. Drawing inspiration from centuries-old inlay traditions and traditional stone-setting techniques, INLAE interprets these craft practices through the language of contemporary fashion. Individually cut, buffed and hand-set pieces of mother-of-pearl are embedded into handcrafted textile structures developed using the label’s signature steel wire textiles and metallic cords. Thousands of meticulously placed elements come together to create surfaces that possess the intricacy of fine jewellery while retaining the movement and fluidity of fabric. INLAE introduces a new dialogue between the strength of steel and the delicacy of mother-of-pearl, expanding the expressive possibilities of both materials. Developed through months of research, experimentation and technical refinement, each garment reflects the brand’s commitment to transforming unconventional materials into textiles that are sculptural, fluid and wearable. Comprising approximately 45 looks, the collection reimagines Rimzim Dadu’s signature structured saris, sculptural fringe skirts, cropped bandhgalas and tailored bombers through this newly developed material vocabulary. Each hero piece is the culmination of more than a month of collaborative handwork, with teams of artisans dedicated to a single garment. Central to the collection is an extensive period of research and material innovation, during which the atelier developed entirely new methods of translating mother-of-pearl onto textile. Delicately engineered into intricate grid structures, the material adapts to the fluidity of the body while preserving its luminous, sculptural character, transforming a traditionally rigid surface into one that moves with remarkable ease. “INLAE began with the idea of translating the quiet luminosity of mother-of-pearl into something that feels alive in movement. I was fascinated by the precision of Mughal inlay and the craftsmanship behind historic Indian jewellery, and wanted to reinterpret these traditions through the material language that defines our practice. Every piece in this collection is the result of extensive experimentation, bringing together steel, mother-of-pearl and handcrafted textile structures in ways we hadn’t explored before. For me, couture is about constantly discovering new possibilities while remaining deeply connected to the craft traditions that inspire us,” says designer Rimzim Dadu. This season at FDCI India Couture Week, Emerald Jewels joins hands with Rimzim Dadu. “Collaborating with Rimzim at FDCI India Couture Week felt like a natural coming together because this collection looks at jewellery not just as an accessory but as part of the origin. Rimzim’s interpretation of inlay techniques and sculptural surfaces mirrors our own approach to transforming precious gemstones into heirlooms through precision, artistry and intention. While one works with metal and textiles and the other with rare stones, both disciplines are united by an uncompromising attention to detail and a shared desire to challenge convention. This collaboration celebrates the dialogue between couture and fine jewellery, where each elevates and inspires the other,” says founder, Dhara Patel. Anuj Anjaria, Founder of Studio Motionworks, collaborated with celebrated fashion designer Rimzim Dadu for her presentation at India Couture Week, creating a spectacular 80-foot-long kinetic installation that formed the visual centerpiece of the runway experience. The collaboration emerged from a natural convergence of design philosophies, with both Anuj and Rimzim sharing a deep appreciation for movement, material innovation, precision, and contemporary craftsmanship. Their overlapping aesthetic and creative vision made the partnership an organic extension of their respective practices, seamlessly blending kinetic art with couture to create an immersive and dynamic environment where fashion and motion became one.