Tag: Fashion

Business

How 9K Gold Became India’s Smartest Jewellery Shift in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

Indian jewellery buyers didn’t intend to change long-standing preferences in 2025; escalating gold prices forced a rethink. As rates climbed sharply, consumers began gravitating toward lighter, design-forward pieces that delivered the look and emotional value of gold without the steep cost of 22k. This quiet change in mindset transformed 9kt gold from a niche experiment into one of the fastest-growing jewellery categories of the year.

The shift gained real momentum when the Bureau of Indian Standards formally brought 9kt gold under mandatory hallmarking in July 2025. Regulatory clarity removed lingering trust concerns and gave jewellers the confidence to innovate. Consumers responded immediately, seeing hallmarking as reassurance that affordability no longer meant compromise.

Retail experiences reflected this change clearly. At Mahendra Jewellers in Kolhapur, a teaser campaign around 9k jewellery led to a 10 percent increase in diamond jewellery sales during Navratri. Customers walked in specifically asking for 9k pieces and often purchased instantly once they realised they could achieve the same diamond-heavy look at nearly half the gold rate of 18k. This value proposition resonated strongly in a year when gold prices surged from ₹96,000 to over ₹1,22,000 per 10 grams.

Manufacturers and large retailers moved quickly to capture this emerging price band. Sky Gold’s collaboration with Senco Gold & Diamonds, CaratLane’s 9kt collections starting at ₹3,999, and Mia by Tanishq’s 9kt trials across select markets—including quick-commerce pilots—demonstrated how seriously the industry was investing in this shift. The focus was clear: attract Gen-Z buyers and young professionals who want style, flexibility, and entry-level pricing without abandoning gold altogether.

For jewellers, 9kt gold has opened a practical and strategic middle ground. It keeps gold relevant as an everyday luxury, protects diamond jewellery sales from price fatigue, and introduces younger consumers to trusted gold buying early in their journey. Most importantly, it achieves all this without diluting purity standards or consumer trust—proving that adaptation, not abandonment, is what keeps traditions alive.

Events in Goa

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Enters Goa with State’s Largest Jewellery Showroom in Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Malabar Gold & Diamonds announced its entry into Goa with the opening of its first showroom in the state at Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Miramar, Panjim. The new store, which is also the largest jewellery showroom in Goa, marked a significant milestone for the brand as it expanded into a market shaped by strong family traditions, lifestyle-led consumption and consistent domestic and international tourism.

The showroom was inaugurated by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor in the presence of Filsor Babu, Regional Head – Karnataka, along with senior members of the Malabar Gold & Diamonds management team, guests and well-wishers. Spread across more than 6,000 square feet over a Ground plus one floor layout, the Panjim showroom was designed as a large-format destination store with clearly defined category zones, comfortable browsing spaces and an organised service flow to enhance the customer experience.

Goa represents a distinct jewellery market supported by long-standing local demand and evolving lifestyle preferences. The Panjim showroom reflected Malabar’s strategy of entering high-potential markets with scale and depth, allowing customers to explore and compare a wide range of designs, price points and occasions under one roof.

The store showcased Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ extensive portfolio across bridal, festive and everyday jewellery. Customers could explore traditional wedding collections, heritage-inspired designs and contemporary styles across gold, diamond, platinum and gemstone jewellery, curated to suit diverse tastes and lifestyles. Alongside occasion-led jewellery, the showroom also featured modern everyday designs such as diamond pendants, bracelets, studs, cocktail rings and platinum pieces, offering versatility across age groups.

Commenting on the launch, M. P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, said Goa was a market with a deep cultural connection to jewellery and customers who value variety and quality. He noted that the large-format store was created to bring the full breadth of Malabar’s portfolio together while continuing the brand’s focus on transparency, comfort and consistent quality.

As part of the 15th edition of its Brides of India campaign, Malabar Gold & Diamonds extended limited-period offers at the Goa showroom, including up to 30 percent off on making charges on gold, uncut and gemstone jewellery and up to 30 percent off on diamond value, valid until January 18, 2026. The showroom also offered Malabar’s standard customer assurances such as transparent pricing, lifetime maintenance, BIS-hallmarked gold, certified diamonds and detailed product disclosure, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to trust and quality as it entered the Goan market.

Fit & Fabulous

Beyoncé Returns to the Met Gala After 10 Years as 2026 Co-Chair

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Beyoncé is returning to the Met Gala for the first time in a decade, stepping into the spotlight as a co-chair for the 2026 edition of fashion’s biggest night. Vogue announced that the “Cowboy Carter” creator will host the May 4 event alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. The prestigious annual gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will also mark the debut of the museum’s new 12,000-square-foot Condé M. Nast Galleries, named after the legendary magazine publisher behind Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. The Met revealed that the upcoming exhibition, titled “Costume Art,” will be the first major showcase within the new space.

Designer Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz will serve as co-chairs of the Met Gala Host Committee, joined by notable members including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Lisa, Sam Smith, Teyana Taylor, A’ja Wilson and others. With such an impressive lineup, the 2026 gala promises to be one of the most star-studded in recent history.

Beyoncé’s last Met Gala appearance was in 2016 for the “Manus x Machina” theme, where she stunned in a nude Givenchy Haute Couture gown. Over the years, she has delivered some of the gala’s most iconic looks, including her unforgettable sheer Givenchy gown for the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme. She made her Met Gala debut in 2008 and attended annually from 2011 to 2016, often choosing designs from Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci.

Vogue highlighted her influence in its announcement, noting that her long, groundbreaking career — spanning her Destiny’s Child era to her global superstar status today — has produced countless memorable fashion moments. Her return as co-chair is expected to bring another show-stopping red carpet moment after ten years away.

Met Gala co-chairs are not just figureheads; they play an important role in shaping the event. Along with hosting the night, they collaborate with Anna Wintour on guest lists, décor and the evening’s menu. Co-chairs are also known to take the stage during the dinner portion of the event, which remains off-camera for attendees only. With Beyoncé now part of the leadership for the 2026 gala, anticipation for the event — and the fashion — has never been higher.

Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Unveils Grand 15th Edition of ‘Brides of India’ Campaign, Celebrating India’s Diverse Bridal Heritage

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, November 25, 2025: Every Indian bride carries a universe of emotions — the rituals she grew up witnessing, the culture she represents, the memories she cherishes and the jewellery that becomes an intrinsic part of her identity. Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest gold and diamond retail chains, has deeply understood this emotional and cultural connection for decades.

Today, the brand celebrated a significant milestone with the unveiling of the 15th edition of its flagship Brides of India campaign — one of India’s most iconic and anticipated bridal showcases. This year’s edition brings together 22 brides and 10 distinguished celebrities including Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, NTR, Karthi, Anil Kapoor, Srinidhi Shetty, Rukmini Maitra, Sabyasachi Mishra, Prarthana Behere and Manasi Parekh, each representing the extraordinary diversity of Indian bridal narratives.

The campaign film — directed by Abhishek Varman with music by Shubhajit Mukherjee — captures the emotional depth, rituals and heritage that shape the Indian bride’s journey.
Brand film URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvW1EkLfGH4

A Tribute to India’s Bridal Traditions

Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. M. P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said:
“Each year, the Brides of India campaign is our tribute to the brides of this country. The 15th edition celebrates the depth of traditions — the memories, rituals and relationships that define her. With our commitment to transparency and quality assurance, we want families to feel confident in choosing jewellery that is meaningful and trustworthy.”

A Celebration of India’s Cultural Diversity

The 2025 edition spans the full spectrum of Indian bridal identities — from the regal polki craftsmanship of Rajasthan to Tamil Nadu’s temple-inspired gold artistry, Kerala’s kasavu-linked golden tradition and Bengal’s intricately designed cultural motifs.

The campaign highlights how brides today blend tradition with personal expression, honoring heritage while embracing their individuality.

Traditions That Travel Across Regions

A standout feature is the collection’s pan-India accessibility. Brides from any region can choose styles from any tradition — a Chennai bride can select a Rajasthani polki set and a Delhi bride can embrace temple jewellery from the South — showcasing Malabar’s expansive design archive and customisation capabilities.

Showcasing Malabar’s Signature Bridal Lines

The 2025 edition brings together celebrated bridal lines including:

  • Divine Collection – inspired by temple art and Indian heritage
  • Precia Collection – gemstone-rich designs with rubies, emeralds and sapphires
  • Diamond Collection – contemporary yet culturally-rooted diamond artistry

Each piece is crafted by Malabar’s master artisans, honouring a bride’s culture, rituals and the auspicious moments surrounding her wedding.

Celebrities Share Their Thoughts

Alia Bhatt said,
“Every bride brings her own personality into her wedding. Malabar captures this beautifully through jewellery that feels meaningful, contemporary and connected to her story.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan added,
“This campaign brings together India’s cultural narrative with sincerity while keeping the bride at the centre.”

Anil Kapoor shared,
“What I admire is how the campaign balances grandeur with the deep emotional journey of the bride. The jewellery reflects both beautifully.”

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

With the landmark 15th edition, Malabar reinforces its position as India’s leading bridal destination — offering diverse designs across gold, diamond, platinum and gemstone jewellery that are both auspicious and authentic.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds invites brides across the nation to explore jewellery that reflects their heritage, their identity and the memories they carry into their lifelong journey.

Social

Udant Honors Six Goan Icons on International Men’s Day, Celebrates the Spirit of Positive Masculinity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Udant marked International Men’s Day with an inspiring celebration that brought together distinguished achievers, dignitaries, artists, and well-wishers in an evening dedicated to honoring the evolving narrative of masculinity. The event emphasized that true strength lies not in dominance but in empathy, kindness, and the courage to remain authentic. The program commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Smita Patil, Chairperson of CII IWN, the Guest of Honor Capt. Rajesh Yadav—recently crowned Mr. India 2025 in the Senior Category—alongside former awardees and the Udant organizing team. Their collective presence gave the evening a solemn yet uplifting beginning. Children from the Udant Centre set an emotional tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome song, followed by a warm musical interlude by young guitarist Master Mathias, whose performance received enthusiastic applause.

The atmosphere grew more celebratory as Udant felicitated six remarkable Goan icons whose dedication and achievements have significantly shaped Goa’s cultural and social identity. Mr. Vinayak Khedekar was honored for his lifelong work as an eminent writer and folklorist, preserving the essence of Goan tradition through his insightful research and literary brilliance. Mr. Damodar Mauzo, an acclaimed author known for his fearless storytelling, was recognized for his monumental contribution to literature and his ability to portray the soul of Goa with striking authenticity. Mr. Siddhant Mulgaonkar Patil received the award for Inspirational Spirit, a testament to his resilience and commitment to transforming personal struggle into purposeful expression through writing and thought leadership.

Filmmaker and digital creator Mr. Mario Pimenta was celebrated for his innovative storytelling and ability to reach and inspire audiences across borders through social media. Dr. Pravin Gaonkar was recognized for his pivotal role as an Indian Classical Musician and educator, committed to nurturing young talents and preserving rich musical traditions. Acclaimed fashion visionary Mr. Praveen Saldanha, known as Monty Sally, was honored for his creative excellence in transforming narratives into distinctive couture, making a notable mark in the world of fashion.

The evening also witnessed the presence of former awardees, including renowned musician and composer Mr. Roque Lazarus and ace fashion photographer Mr. Prasad Pankar, whose attendance reaffirmed the lasting bond between Udant and the individuals it has honored over the years. Their presence added depth and continuity to the event’s spirit of mentorship and community. As the evening drew to a close, Mrs. Rahila Khan delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, awardees, performers, and guests who contributed to making the occasion truly memorable. The program concluded with a soulful performance by Scully Patricia Fernandes, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of joy, reflection, and appreciation.

Guests ended the evening with refreshments generously sponsored by Taj Cidade de Goa and Taj Vivanta Panjim, along with tea and vadas prepared by the chefs of Ddhyana – the wellness centre. The celebration not only honored outstanding individuals but also reaffirmed Udant’s commitment to fostering positive masculinity and recognizing those who uplift society with creativity, compassion, and courage.