Category: Fit & Fabulous

Fit & Fabulous

Maria Grazia Chiuri Appointed Artistic Director of Fendi, Ushering a New Era

Tanisha Cardozo

A historic chapter closes and another begins at Fendi as Silvia Venturini Fendi hands over the creative reins to Maria Grazia Chiuri. After more than thirty years defining the aesthetic of the Roman maison, Venturini Fendi steps back while remaining Honorary President, allowing Chiuri to usher in a new era that balances heritage with modernity.

Born in Rome and trained at the Istituto Europeo di Design, Maria Grazia Chiuri has left a distinctive mark on the fashion world, including her pioneering role as the first woman to lead design at Dior. Known for her poetic vision and political awareness, Chiuri champions fashion that is thoughtful, meaningful, and rooted in craftsmanship.

At Fendi, she inherits a house celebrated for its artistry, bold silhouettes, sumptuous materials, and deep ties to Rome. Her mission is to reinterpret this legacy through her own lens, marrying the discipline of tailoring with imaginative fluidity. Chiuri’s debut collection for Fall/Winter 2026–27 is eagerly anticipated as the first expression of this dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Silvia Venturini Fendi, the last active member of Fendi’s founding family, closes her chapter having shaped menswear, accessories, and countless iconic collections, her influence permanently woven into the house. This handover represents more than a leadership change—it is a convergence of two Roman women whose visions intersect in their respect for heritage and drive for reinvention.

As Fendi enters this new era, Maria Grazia Chiuri is poised to craft a narrative where femininity becomes a declaration, and fashion remains a living art form anchored in the present.

Fit & Fabulous

Rihanna Returns to the Red Carpet at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in Effortless Elegance

Tanisha Cardozo

Rihanna made a spectacular return to the spotlight at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, where she accompanied her partner A$AP Rocky, honoured as a fashion icon. The superstar, who recently welcomed her baby girl Rocki Irish Mayers, looked radiant and confident as she walked the red carpet in New York.

For her first public appearance post-motherhood, Rihanna embraced understated glamour. She wore a black floor-length trench coat, cinched at the waist, paired with flowy white trousers and sleek black patent leather heels. Her dazzling diamond earrings perfectly complemented her ensemble, while her natural post-baby glow stole the spotlight. Effortless yet statement-making, the look reflected Rihanna’s timeless approach to fashion — one that balances strength, sophistication, and authenticity.

A$AP Rocky, the man of the moment, coordinated his look with precision. The rapper wore a sharp tailored suit layered with a yellow V-neck sweater and cream-and-black dress shoes — a refined yet playful combination that perfectly matched Rihanna’s classic style. Together, the couple exuded chemistry, elegance, and confidence without overshadowing one another.

Their appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, not just for their style but also for the speculation it sparked. Just a week earlier, A$AP Rocky had referred to himself as Rihanna’s husband, sending fans into a frenzy over the possibility of a secret marriage. While neither has officially confirmed the rumours, their synchronized looks and affectionate red-carpet moments added more fuel to the buzz.

For Rihanna, this outing was more than a fashion statement — it was a celebration of strength, womanhood, and effortless power. From global music icon to style leader and now a devoted mother, she continues to redefine what it means to own every chapter of life with grace and individuality.

As the flashes dimmed and the applause settled, one truth remained undeniable: Bad Gal RiRi is back — and she’s shining brighter than ever.

Fit & Fabulous

Australian Label Kirrikin Marks 10 Years with Vibrant India Debut in Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

Australian designer Amanda Healy, founder of the First Nations fashion label Kirrikin, celebrated a major milestone — ten years of storytelling through fashion — with a spectacular debut in Delhi. Presented by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the Connection to Country showcase marked Kirrikin’s first major appearance in India.

For Healy, the moment was deeply personal — a chance to share the stories, colours, and artistry of Aboriginal Australia with Indian audiences. “To me, this is an opportunity to tell our stories and show what we’re capable of as Aboriginal people,” Healy said. “Like India, our country was colonised, and this is about showing that we’re still here, capable of creating on our own terms.”

Kirrikin’s collection was designed in Australia by First Nations artists and crafted in Noida, combining Aboriginal prints with Indian textile expertise. The runway featured pieces from the Evoke collection, inspired by the landscapes of southwest Western Australia — from earthy blazers and floral motif gowns to hand-painted viscose crepe dresses.

The line also included new designs — asymmetrical gowns, A-line skirts, and cashmere scarves that echoed the intricate patterns of Central Australian Dot Paintings. Each piece reflected Kirrikin’s philosophy of blending heritage, modernity, and sustainability.

Healy described the collection as her “Millennium Collection,” honouring the women behind Kirrikin’s success. “Kirrikin is a social enterprise — everything we earn goes back to our artists. I work with 12 Aboriginal women, most of them single mothers, building sustainable incomes for them. It’s about honouring their stories,” she said.

Having showcased across Australia, the UK, Japan, Chile, the US, and Saudi Arabia, Kirrikin’s entry into India represents the next chapter of cross-cultural collaboration. Healy sees deep parallels between the two nations — both rich in storytelling, colour, and creativity. Looking ahead, she hopes to collaborate with Indian designers and artisans, expanding Kirrikin’s impact while celebrating shared histories of resilience and artistry.

As the label enters its second decade, Kirrikin remains committed to its founding purpose — creating fashion that honours connection to country, kinship, and culture, while proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully.

Fit & Fabulous

Dubai Reinvents Halloween: A High-Fashion Celebration of Fantasy and Luxury

Tanisha Cardozo

Dubai’s Halloween scene has blossomed into a high-fashion spectacle where fantasy and luxury merge under the desert skies. The emirate now hosts rooftop catwalks, masquerade dinners, beach parties, and influencer-driven experiences, transforming the traditional Halloween celebration into a curated lifestyle event.

Luxury venues have embraced theatrical themes, ranging from “cursed circus” soirées to futuristic masquerade balls. Immersive indoor festivals, private yacht parties, and desert gatherings are now designed for fashion, nightlife, and photography, emphasizing exclusivity and Instagram-ready aesthetics.

Influencers and content creators play a central role in this new Halloween culture, invited as VIP guests to share the events across social media. Attendees no longer simply wear costumes; they curate entire characters, blending bespoke masks and couture-level outfits to transform the night into a runway.

Dubai’s warm climate, diverse expat population, and world-class hospitality infrastructure support large-scale outdoor and indoor events. Rooftops, beach clubs, and desert resorts offer perfect venues for theatrical and glamorous celebrations. This combination of climate, culture, and exclusivity has allowed Halloween to evolve into a premium entertainment and tourism opportunity.

For brands, Halloween has become a marketing moment to launch collections, host fashion shows, or align products with fantasy and glamour. For tourism, it adds another seasonal attraction, drawing high-spending visitors seeking nightlife and luxury experiences.

Looking ahead, Dubai’s Halloween celebrations are expected to become even more immersive. Organisers may introduce desert fashion festivals, celebrity-hosted events, high-tech masquerade lighting, and global influencer collaborations. As competition grows, venues will push creativity further, turning Halloween into a multi-day luxury spectacle.

Fit & Fabulous

Reliance Brands to Bring Italian Fashion Label MAX&Co. to India in 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) has entered into a long-term master franchise agreement to bring MAX&Co., the contemporary Italian fashion brand under the Max Mara Fashion Group, to India. The partnership will introduce MAX&Co.’s modern, quality-driven collections and mix-and-match approach to Indian consumers, expanding its appeal among fashion-forward women.

The first MAX&Co. store is set to open in Mumbai in early 2026, followed by expansion into major Indian metros. The store will feature the full range of the brand’s offerings, including apparel, accessories, and its signature seasonal “&Co.llaboration” capsules — limited-edition creative partnerships that highlight its directional and non-conforming spirit.

“MAX&Co. embodies a bold, modern expression of femininity — dynamic, joyful, and unapologetically individual — a spirit that deeply resonates with the evolving style and confidence of Indian women,” said Isha Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. “Through our partnership with Max Mara Fashion Group, we are proud to bring this iconic global brand to India and shape a new chapter in contemporary women’s fashion.”

Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, MAX&Co. Brand Divisional Director and Board Member of Max Mara Fashion Group, added, “We are pleased to join forces with Reliance Brands, whose expertise in building and nurturing global premium brands makes them an ideal partner. India represents a vibrant and forward-thinking market that shares our passion for creativity, style, and self-expression.”

Founded in 1986, MAX&Co. has evolved into a global contemporary fashion brand, distributed online and through over 400 stores worldwide. With this partnership, Reliance Brands continues to expand its portfolio of international luxury names, reinforcing its leadership in India’s fashion and lifestyle retail sector.