From tradition to trendsetting Indian Handloom to take Center Stage with Indian Delegation at BRICS+Fashion Summit in Moscow.

Moscow is poised to transform into a global fashion epicenter for the upcoming week, commencing November 28, as it plays host to the inaugural BRICS+Fashion Summit. The Moscow Concert Hall “Zaryadye” and the adjacent park will be the esteemed venues welcoming representatives from 60 countries. Among the attendees are industry experts, designers, buyers, representatives of fashion educational institutions, and heads of international fashion associations. Delegations will converge in the Russian capital from diverse regions, including Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, South-Eastern Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The Indian delegation, led by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and spearheaded by Chairman Sunil Sethi, who also serves as the mentor of the show at BRICS+Fashion Summit, is set to showcase Indian handloom encapsulating the essence of Indian culture. This presentation is expected to be a highlight of the summit, featuring collections by Indian designers Ritesh Kumar, Naushad Ali, Gaurav Khanijo, and Shruti Sancheti.

On the occasion Mr. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “FDCI is thrilled to engage in the forthcoming BRICS+Fashion Summit in Moscow. Our steadfast dedication to advancing Indian handloom, in accordance with the Ministry of Textiles’ guidance, is apparent in our endeavors to present the collection for both B2B meetings and a fashion show. This also signifies our third international showcase of the Khadi ensemble, aligning seamlessly with the policies of the KVIC.”

The BRICS + fashion Summit event boasts a global representation of brands, including Lucas Leao (Brazil), CHNNYU (China), David Tlale (South Africa), Alena Akhmadullina (Russia), SADAELS (Argentina), Arzu Kaprol (Turkey), NIV NIV by KAT.

The Dubai runway show will feature looks from the Spring/Summer 2024 Michael Kors Collection show, which debuted at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York, as well as additional looks designed exclusively for the EMEA region.

The Spring/Summer 2024 collection channels barefoot glamour and the romance of escaping to blue skies, balmy weather and sunny days. Silhouettes are short and leggy or soft and floor-sweeping, including fluid goddess dresses, side-slashed skirts and breezy caftans. A palette of makeup tints is balanced by sorbet shades of melon, freesia and geranium, while bold florals and graphic giraffe prints lend a postmodern edge. Flat shoes add to the air of effortlessness, underscored by an artisanal hand woven bucket bag that nods to the legendary style of Jane Birkin.

 The Dubai presentation of the Spring/Summer 2024 Michael Kors Collection will be livestreamed globally on the brand’s social and digital channels.

Noted designer, craft revivalist, and Padma Shri recipient Laila Tyabji has been bestowed with the title of National Design Guru by the World University of Design.

Laila Tyabji is a name synonymous with the revival and renaissance of traditional Indian crafts and the empowerment of artisans across the country. Her remarkable journey as a designer, activist, and co-founder of Dastkar, a society for crafts and craftspeople, has left an indelible mark on the Indian cultural landscape. She has played a pivotal role in promoting indigenous crafts and preserving the rich tapestry of Indias artistic heritage.Over the last 35 years, Dastkar, under Laila Tyabjis visionary leadership, has partnered with numerous crafts organizations and NGOs to uplift artisans and provide them with economic opportunities.

Laila Tyabji’s commitment to artisans extends across the length and breadth of the country, encompassing diverse craft forms such as Banjara Needle Crafts, Rabari mirror work from Kutch and Maharashtra, Chikan craft from Lucknow, Gond, Phad, and Mata art from Pacheri, Madhubani painters, Kasuti embroidery from Karnataka, Handloom weavers in Bihar and Karnataka, as well as leather, textile, and terracotta artisans in Rajasthan.

Delivering the MP Ranjan Memorial Lecture at the felicitation ceremony, Laila Tyabji said: “All over India, we have crafts people with extraordinary skills who are able to handcraft everything, from a terracotta statue to a temple, from a wicker basket to diamond jewelry. They are not only an important part of our aesthetic and culture, but of our economy too. These skillsets and Knowledge systems represent a gold mine, an edge that we have over the rest of the world.

Having travelled the world, I have realized that what makes us interesting as a nation are our uniqueness and differences from others in the world, not our similarities. If we need to make a place for ourselves in the world, we should on our core strengths, the distinctive aesthetic of our crafts and knowledge systems.

Addressing the audiences, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice-Chancellor, World University of Design, said, “WUD started honoring Design Gurus to inspire design practitioners to strive for excellence as well as knowledge sharing within the community. The recognition of outstanding contributor not only motivates individuals but also draws attention to significance of design education. Laila is an illustrious member of that generation of ‘gurus’ who have, for more than three decades, supported and promoted the cause of crafts and craftspeople of India; designing, developing & contemporarising the crafts, honing skills, and developing markets. She has single handedly created awareness regarding Indian crafts in India and throughout the world.”

7 coveted couturiers win the FDCI Hall of Fame award for their enormous contribution to elevating design – Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Anju Modi, Varun Bahl, Shantnu and Nikhil, and Amit Aggarwal, while Rajesh Pratap Singh wins the newly instituted ‘India Fashion Award’.

 The Fashion Design Council of India’s third edition of the Hall of Fame honoured eight couturiers, in a glittering ceremony on Sunday, at the Taj Palace hotel, in the capital. Among those who took home the trophy were – Rahul Mishra, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Gaurav Gupta, recognised for their global presence and glorious achievements making the country’s presence felt on the global spectrum.

Craft revivalist Anju Modi, creating Indian modern with their silhouettes Shantnu and Nikhil, reimagining flower power Varun Bahl, and the maverick creator of sinuous shapes Amit Aggarwal, were awarded for their unique design ideology. The designer known for his simplicity of thought and craft Rajesh Pratap Singh was honoured with the newly instituted India Fashion Award by the Chairman FDCI Sunil Sethi. 

“The Hall of Fame awards pay homage to the brilliant work by our couturiers, and this evening was dedicated to honouring their superlative design thinking, as they bring to life their vision through age-old techniques giving couture its undeniable sheen. Our seven couturiers have narrated the India story, through their artistic renditions; and we have a new award The India Fashion Award, given for excellence in design conceptualisation. This evening is dedicated to their hard work and dedication” says Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI.

The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) recently concluded its Annual Graduate Show Unfold 2023, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of its graduating students. 

The Annual Graduate Show by IIAD fostered an environment that served as a platform for the graduating students to display their remarkable work across various design disciplines, including Fashion Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Communication Design and Fashion Business Management.

IIAD campus was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of creativity with each department creating unique exhibition spaces that showcased their mastery in translating imagination into tangible design solutions through projection mapping, audio-visual displays, immersive art installations, refurbished wooden furniture displays, retail window displays, alongside an engaging fashion show and interactive 3D interior walkthroughs. 

The event commenced with a lamp lighting ceremony by the chief guests Mr. Manjeet Baasi and Mr Ajit Chadha (Chairman, IIAD) had some of the prominent guests to felicitate the students on their Graduate Show, Mr. Rajeev Sethi – Founder, The Asian Heritage Foundation,  Sunil Sethi – Chairman Fashion Design Council Of India, Dr. Sudha Dhingra – Professor, NIFT Delhi, Mrs. Leena Singh – Director, Ashima Leena Design Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Indrani De Parker – Designer and Faculty IIIT, Ms. Mandeep Negi – Design Director, Shades of India, Mr. Rajeev Lochan – Former Director, National Gallery of Modern Arts, Mr. Suvir Saran – Chef, Author, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Dr. Vandana Bhandari – Dean Academics, NIFT and many more. 

Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) has signed a definitive agreement to invest (either by itself and / or through its affiliates) in India’s foremost Couturiers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla (AJSK) for a 51% majority stake.

The strategic partnership is aimed at accelerating the 35-year-old couture house’s growth plans in India and across the globe. Based in Mumbai, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are India’s premier couturiers their design legacy began in 1986. Their couture label Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla is internationally feted for its cutting-edge quality and classically elegant style. Each ensemble is a delicate mélange. The richness of India’s heritage suffused with divine, pathbreaking design makes every AJSK garment a modern masterpiece. The last three decades have seen them establish an enviable reputation as pioneers in resurrecting the best of the past and fashioning it for the future.

Trendsetters for high fashion, they are best distinguished for introducing Mirrorwork, Crushed Cotton and Silk, Chikankari and Khadi as Couture The label stands for excellence. The finest fabrics combine with the most exquisite embroideries and intricate embellishments to create unparalleled quality and aesthetic appeal. The emphasis is on timeless style rather than transient trends. It is this concentration on uncompromising quality and eternal elegance that results in clients wearing outfits purchased a decade ago to important events today.

An AJSK ensemble is considered a wise investment due to its repeat value.“Teaming up with India’s foremost couturiers, who hold an unparalleled position in Indian fashion for their fine craftsmanship and impeccable attention to detail, techniques and embroideries is thrilling, as it allows us to build a stronger platform for their zealous commitment to reinvention of Indian craft. Inspiration from the old to create with a brand new approach is their gift. Abu Sandeep have been extraordinarily successful for over three decades and it is time that their endeavour to present their unabashed vision of luxury reached every nook and corner of the world, carving a unique space for the brand globally, making them true Ambassadors of Indian Style”, said Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (holding company of all retail companies in Reliance Industries Limited group).

“When we started Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla our mission was clear, we wanted to bring India’s impeccable craftsmanship and sense of style that had developed over centuries to the modern world. We wanted Indians to feel proud of our culture and we’re determined to ensure it was revered in the global fashion landscape. In the past 35 years we have done just that, not only have we brought traditional techniques back to life, but we have also created new ones that reflect the tastes and culture of modern India. Now with the support of Reliance Brands, we will be able to finally fulfil our ambition of global expansion. With RBL’s world-class team steering our brand onto the global stage, this is an exciting time for Indian fashion. With this new venture we hope to permanently place our craft where it belongs, at the best runways and racks across the world,” said Abu Sandeep.

Milan – Alessandro Michele will present his new fashion show on May 16^th, 2022 at Castel Del Monte in the Apulia region of Italy, announced Gucci.

The choice of location continues the Creative Director’s ongoing dialogue with historic places, drawing from a site of incredible universal value, protected as a World Heritage Site since 1996 – managed by the Ministry of Culture – Regional Directorate of Puglia Museums.

Known for its unique geometric design, Castel Del Monte is the masterpiece of the creative genius, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, who commissioned its building around 1240. Seemingly isolated, the castle stands in Andria within the Apulia region of Southeast Italy, 540 meters above sea level on a hill inundated with sunlight at every time of day.

Given its formal perfection and harmonious blending of various elements from Northern Europe, the Islamic world and classical antiquity, Castel del Monte perfectly represents a crossroads of different peoples, cultures, civilizations, and religions that is the Mediterranean.

Lately, Bharat Soka Gakkai has joined hands with United Nation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with its end date coinciding with Soka Gakkai’s centennial in 2030. At the heart of the 17 SDGs is a collective pledge by Nations of the world to alleviate humanity’s suffering and work to create a better world where no one is left behind.

This pledge of the UN captures the dream of Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, who had once declared “I wish to rid the world of all misery”. As a direct disciple of Josei Toda and as an ardent supporter of the UN, realizing the SDGs is also a cherished dream of the third Soka Gakkai President Daisaku Ikeda.

In one of his interviews, President Ikeda has mentioned “The members of the SGI have been cooperating with the UN to raise awareness on issues relating to environment and to promote an ethic of global citizenship. Our stance is not that of bystanders, watching to see whether the UN will succeed or fail. Rather, we want to focus on developing a deeper sense of responsibility through our Youth, as they are the architects and change makers of sustainable global societies.

Young people have a central role to play in achieving sustainable, inclusive and stable societies by 2030. Not only because it is their future at stake but also because the promise of youth – their passion, idealism and spirit of challenge, is essential for delivering the promise of ‘leaving no one behind’ in this process.

Youth and the sustainable development resonates closely with Soka Gakkai’s theme for 2022, which is ‘The Year of Youth and Dynamic Progress’. Young people are the hope of the world; hence nurturing them and building a solidarity of awakened and empowered is our shared responsibility. President Ikeda shared, I am deeply confident that as long as there is solidarity among youth, there is no impasse we cannot surmount.”

To realise the SDGs, we need to involve youth in all stages of change-making as equal partners, and not just as token participants, and create the necessary conditions for their full and active participation.

Expanding the SDG’s vocabulary is Equality and Equity, as the Buddhist principle of cherry, peach, plum and damson expounds that despite our uniqueness and diversity as human beings, we all are equally worthy and capable of leading a life of dignity and value creation and develop sustainable human behaviour, understanding of our inter-connectedness and the spirit of leaving no one behind.

Since the beginning of 2021, Bharat Soka Gakkai has been organizing a virtual exhibition titled ‘Seeds of Hope & Action (SOHA): Making the SDGs a Reality’ every month in various schools and colleges of India, with the aim to spread awareness about sustainability to the young students of the country, encouraging them to overcome feelings of powerlessness, and highlight the fact that a single individual can initiate positive change.

President Ikeda said: “The decade from [2020]… to…[2030] will be crucial. We must be even more determined to show victorious proof of our own human revolution, to transform all great evil into great good and to effect a powerful change in the destiny of all humankind.” Adding further he said , If we do not rise to the challenge now, then when? If we do not fight today, then when? Life is a struggle against the limited time we have on earth. What will have been the purpose of our life if we do not fulfil our mission? If we abandon our dream, no matter how we try to justify ourselves, there will be little left in the end but emptiness and regret.”

Deeply anchoring ourselves on this guiding principle taught by our 3 founding Presidents, and solidly uniting with each other, Bharat Soka Gakkai is determined to open the way to realizing SDGs by 2030 and adorn the 100th anniversary of Soka Gakkai and create a world where no one is left behind.

Sonakshi Sinha stars in a new Mercy For Animals India, encouraging people to love and respect animals, saying “Animals deserve love and freedom”. “Sonakshi Sinha has always been an ardent animal lover and supporter of animal rights”, said Nikunj Sharma, chief executive officer of Mercy For Animals India Foundation. As we all enter the new year, we hope that Sonakshi’s message will encourage people to treat animals with love and respect.”

Mercy For Animals is a leading international nonprofit organisation, working to construct a compassionate food system. Active in Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, and the United States, the organization has conducted more than 80 investigations of factory farms and slaughterhouses, moved more than 300 food companies to adopt animal welfare policies, and helped pass historic legislation to ban cages for farmed animals.

“Animals suffer terrible neglect and abuse”, says Sonakshi Sinha. “Just because animals can’t speak for their rights, it is inhuman to deprive them. The only thing animals expect from us is love. Join me in supporting Mercy For Animals India Foundation’s (MFA India) #chooselove campaign, and pledge to treat animals with love, respect, and empathy. That is the least we can and must do as humans.”

Sonakshi Sinha is the second big Bollywood star to join Mercy For Animals India’s bandwagon. Last year, Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham joined MFA India on their fifth anniversary for their ‘Be Nice’ campaign by appearing in a public service ad.

“Sonakshi Sinha has always been an ardent animal lover and supporter of animal rights”, said Nikunj Sharma, chief executive officer of Mercy For Animals India Foundation. As we all enter the new year, we hope that Sonakshi’s message will encourage people to treat animals with love and respect.”