Blenders Pride Fashion Tour took a leap into the future with its Gurugram edition, unveiling ‘The Futureverse of Fashion,’ an immersive exploration of how technology, design, and storytelling are transforming the way fashion is experienced. Departing from the theme of defining Fashion’s Next Move, this edition presented a visual spectacle where haute couture transcended fabric, merging with AI, code, and interactive elements.
Leading the showcase were renowned designers Falguni and Shane Peacock, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The event emphasized that modern fashion audiences seek experiences that engage all senses, turning the runway into a living canvas. Celebrities Shahid Kapoor and Tamannaah Bhatia elevated the presentation, participating alongside humanoid robots, dynamic projections, and motion-sensing visuals that responded to every model’s movement.
Shahid Kapoor described the show as “stepping into a new era where technology and couture seamlessly merge,” while Tamannaah Bhatia called it “an electrifying experience where creativity knew no bounds.” Debasree Dasgupta, CMO of Pernod Ricard India, highlighted that the tour continues to push creative boundaries by blending technology and style into an interactive space where audiences can experience design in motion.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, lauded the collaboration as a celebration of creativity and culture, setting the pace for Indian fashion’s future. The Gurugram showcase is now moving to Jaipur, where designers Abhishek Patni and Namrata Joshipura will present High-Octane Couture with Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu and rapper Raftaar on December 6, continuing the tour’s journey into the Futureverse of Fashion.
Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre, celebrated globally for championing Indian craftsmanship and sustainable luxury, has opened her newest flagship store in Beverly Hills. Located at Gardenhouse, this marks the brand’s 13th store worldwide and its most significant U.S. expansion since the opening of her New York City flagship in 2018. Following her historic debuts in New York and Dubai, Dongre becomes the first Indian designer to unveil a flagship in Beverly Hills — a milestone that furthers her mission of taking India to the world.
The new space brings Dongre’s distinctive design language to one of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations. Here, contemporary silhouettes meet traditional artistry, offering an immersive experience of handcrafted couture and ready-to-wear designed for global connoisseurs. “The West Coast represents a very global way of living — open, creative, and deeply connected to nature and culture,” said Dongre. “Los Angeles understands slow luxury, craftsmanship, and conscious living. This moment belongs not just to me, but to every artisan whose hands shape our garments.”
The store’s interiors reflect Dongre’s modern interpretation of Rajasthan — imagined as a sanctuary of serenity. A delicate fragrance greets guests into an oasis of calm, where Indian crafts merge with contemporary design. Hand-painted Pichhwai walls, depicting flora and fauna, were meticulously crafted by artisans in Rajasthan. Each cushion, wallpaper, and piece of furniture has been hand-embroidered or designed in India, embodying Dongre’s philosophy of mindful luxury. Every detail — from flooring to lampshades — narrates a story of nature, craft, and quiet opulence.
Anchoring the space is a striking elephant matriarch and calf sculpture from “The Great Elephant Migration,” a global art movement featuring works created by indigenous Indian communities using invasive Lantana weeds. The installation symbolizes Dongre’s enduring commitment to sustainability and biodiversity under her guiding philosophy of “Fashion For Good.”
Over the years, Dongre has dressed global icons including Priyanka Chopra, Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, and Dakota Johnson, earning acclaim for her fusion of ethical craftsmanship and modern design. Her recent collaboration with Mattel — where she became the first Indian designer to create a Diwali Barbie — sold out within days, spotlighting South Asian representation and the beauty of Indian artisanship on the world stage. “Every piece we create is touched by women artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. Bringing their craft to Beverly Hills gives their art the global stage it deserves,” she shared.
The opening event, hosted by Mindy Kaling and Poorna Jagannathan, brought together a vibrant mix of celebrities and tastemakers, including Anjula Acharia, Jay Shetty, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Deepica Mutyala, Anjali Bhimani, Francia Raisa, Richa Moorjani, Saagar Shaikh, Yvonne Orji, and Anita Chatterjee. The evening celebrated culture, community, and couture — uniting Hollywood and Bollywood under one creative roof.
For Dongre, this new Beverly Hills home is more than just a store. It is a bridge between two storytelling cultures — Hollywood and Bollywood — both of which celebrate identity, beauty, and emotion. “Fashion becomes a bridge when it carries cultural heritage with pride,” she said. “With a space in LA, we can deepen our connection with stylists and artists, and create a haven where creativity and craftsmanship coexist.”
Rooted in Rajasthan, Dongre has long supported India’s artisan communities through initiatives that preserve and contemporize weaving, embroidery, and block printing, providing sustainable livelihoods to thousands of craftspeople. As she continues to expand globally, her commitment to conscious luxury, cultural authenticity, and women’s empowerment remains unwavering — a reminder that true luxury lies in purpose, not excess.
The 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 opened with a spellbinding show in New Delhi, led by internationally acclaimed designer Rahul Mishra. The evening belonged to Tamannaah Bhatia, who graced the runway in two unforgettable looks that embodied the designer’s soulful new collection, Becoming Love.
Mishra’s collection, originally showcased in Paris, draws deeply from Sufi mysticism. Titled Becoming Love, it traces the spiritual evolution of love — from longing and attachment to divine connection. The garments featured intricate hand embroidery, motifs of blooming lotuses, garden landscapes, and celestial artwork depicting Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela.
“Becoming Love is not just about fashion. It’s a meditation on emotional and spiritual awakening,” said Mishra.
👑 Tamannaah: Muse and Magic
Opening the show, Tamannaah Bhatia first walked in a soft-toned, hand-embroidered gown — glimmering with sequins and delicately woven florals. Her elegance reflected the introspective beauty of love’s first stirrings.
Her second walk transformed the mood — she appeared in a brilliant lehenga, crafted with dazzling embellishments and layered embroidery. Though reminiscent of Indian bridalwear, the design felt refreshingly modern and bold.
“Tamannaah was not just a showstopper, she was the soul of the story,” noted fashion observers. “She brought Mishra’s vision alive.”
🌟 A Promising Start to Couture Week
The show was a grand opening to Couture Week’s 2025 chapter, signaling that this season will be a blend of deep artistry and bold expression. Mishra’s blend of Indian tradition and Parisian finesse offered a glimpse into the future of global couture — rooted in identity, yet expansive in imagination.
