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NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
India Couture Week 2025 Kicks Off In Delhi On July 23 With Rahul Mishra Show
The 18th edition of the India Couture Week will kick off in the national capital Delhi on July 23. The fashion extravaganza will go on for a week, with the closing ceremony on July 30. Who All Are Part Of India Couture Week The seven-day gala will see fashion showcases from ace designers like Rahul Mishra, JJ Valaya, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Amit Aggarwal, Falguni Shane Peacock, Shantnu & Nikhil, Suneet Verma, Rimzim Dadu, Jayanti Reddy, Rose Room by Isha Jajodia and Aisha Rao. Opening Presentation By Rahul Mishra Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will open with a spectacular presentation by Rahul Mishra. The celebrated fashion designer has just made waves in Paris with his show titled "Becoming Love," where he paid a tribute to the seven stages of love, with creations inspired by 20th-century Austrian artist Gustav Klimt's works. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FDCI (@fdciofficial) Speaking about the upcoming showcase, Rahul Mishra said in a press note, "Every time we showcase in India, it fills us with immense pride to present our work on home soil, where the roots of our craft run deepest. Opening Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 with FDCI is an honour, and this collection feels especially personal. It explores the idea of love not just as a feeling, but as a transformation and a journey of becoming. Through every ensemble, we attempt to express that quiet surrender, where craft, emotion, and soul dissolve into one." Grand Finale By JJ Valaya The final show of the India Couture Week will be by couturier JJ Valaya. JJ Valaya, whose signature style lies in his ability to merge traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, told ANI last week, "I've always been a firm believer that, any kind of art or craft or design, the design speaks much more than the creator. And in this case also, I think it's the same thing. Whilst I can tell you that it's called East and the inspiration is based on various parts of the Eastern Hemisphere. But I believe that when we work eight months to put together a 25-minute presentation, it all comes together beautifully in that experience. So I think I'm going to let the collection speak for itself." Excited about having JJ Valya closing the show, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "JJ Valaya has been a visionary in the world of Indian couture, and we are honoured to have him close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. His deep-rooted legacy, exquisite detailing, and timeless designs make him the perfect designer to conclude this landmark edition. His closing showcase will undoubtedly be a fitting crescendo to a week celebrating India's finest craftsmanship and creative brilliance." The India Couture Week 2025 will be held from July 23 to July 31 at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. This is the 18th edition of the fashion festival.
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
JJ Valaya Set To Mark 33 Years With Closing Show At India Couture Week 2025
The India Couture Week 2025 will witness a closing showcase by JJ Valaya on July 30 in New Delhi. The much-anticipated India Couture Week is all set to take place in Delhi from July 23 to July 30. Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands and presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), will conclude its landmark 18th edition with none other than JJ Valaya – a designer long celebrated for his majestic aesthetic and mastery of couture. Known for redefining luxury through a uniquely Indian lens, Valaya will return to the runway as the closing couturier, promising a spectacular finale that intertwines heritage, opulence, and storytelling with contemporary finesse. A stalwart of Indian fashion, JJ Valaya's signature style, rooted in royal grandeur and architectural precision, has made his shows much more than just fashion presentations; they are immersive experiences steeped in culture and craft. His highly anticipated collection will not only mark the culmination of the week but also underscore his enduring influence in the world of couture. As always, expectations are high for a show that promises theatrical scale, exquisite detailing, and a narrative that bridges the past with the present. Talking about this upcoming show, JJ Valaya said, 'As we celebrate 33 years of JJ VALAYA, we could think of no better way to mark this milestone than by presenting the closing show of the 2025 edition of Hyundai India Couture Week. We thank Hyundai and FDCI for this opportunity, which promises to be an unforgettable showcase of elegance and grandeur – brought to life through our signature language of creative expression." Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for the third consecutive year at India Couture Week 2025. This year, we will showcase the Hyundai CRETA Electric at the 18th HICW 2025, symbolizing our vision for a sustainable and stylish future. We are especially excited about the grand finale showcase by the legendary designer JJ Valaya, whose work beautifully bridges tradition and modernity. We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with FDCI, as we drive forward our shared vision of progress and creative excellence." Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, shared his thoughts on the announcement: 'JJ Valaya has been a visionary in the world of Indian couture, and we are honoured to have him close Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. His deep-rooted legacy, exquisite detailing, and timeless designs make him the perfect designer to conclude this landmark edition. His closing showcase will undoubtedly be a fitting crescendo to a week celebrating India's finest craftsmanship and creative brilliance." Now in its 18th year, Hyundai India Couture Week remains the country's definitive platform for celebrating the finest in couture. The much-anticipated closing showcase by JJ Valaya is set for July 30, 2025, in New Delhi. view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 18:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
FDCI Presents Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 with Grand Curtain-Raiser in Delhi
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. officially launched the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in collaboration with Reliance Brands. The announcement was made at an exclusive press conference held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, marking Hyundai's third consecutive year as the title sponsor. This year's edition also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Hyundai Creta, with the new Creta EV set to be showcased during the event. The event saw the presence of leading names from fashion and corporate circles, including Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI; Tarun Garg, COO & Whole-Time Director, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.; J.T. Park, Executive Director (Sales, Marketing & Service), HMIL; and Virat Khullar, Group Head Marketing, HMIL. The afternoon began with a formal welcome and lunch reception, followed by Sunil Sethi's keynote address. He emphasized the synergy between fashion and automotive design, stating that Hyundai India Couture Week continues to be one of the most anticipated platforms for Indian couture and innovation. He extended his gratitude to participating designers and Reliance Brands for their continued support. Tarun Garg spoke about Hyundai's ongoing partnership with FDCI and the brand's commitment to creativity and culture. He highlighted the significance of showcasing the Hyundai Creta Electric at this year's event, symbolizing the blend of cutting-edge mobility with the glamour of haute couture. A standout moment at the press conference was the live runway presentation where models unveiled one signature ensemble from each designer, coinciding with the couturier announcements. This gave guests a vibrant preview of the couture excellence to come. The stellar couturier lineup for 2025 includes names like Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Amit Aggarwal, Falguni Shane Peacock, Rahul Mishra, Shantnu & Nikhil, Suneet Varma, Rimzim Dadu, Jayanti Reddy, Rose Room by Isha Jajodia, and Aisha Rao. Several designers also participated in an on-stage interaction, sharing insights into their inspirations, collections, and views on the evolving couture landscape. The conference concluded with a photo opportunity capturing key stakeholders and couturiers, symbolizing the power of collaboration and creativity. Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 is also supported by luxury and lifestyle brands Grey Goose Altius and Kohler, who add to the immersive experience of this iconic fashion celebration.
Fashion Network
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Manish Malhotra: 'The fashion world is finally looking at India with the reverence it deserves'
, a prominent name in the Indian fashion industry, recently completed 35 years working as a costume designer, stylist and fashion designer. He founded his eponymous fashion label in 2005, which includes couture, bridal wear, and diffusion lines. Since then, the designer has diversified into various verticals, including jewellery, beauty and film production. spoke with the designer about the brand's growth strategy, luxury market outlook, sustainable fashion, partnership with Reliance Brands, and his ambitious new project in movie production. You recently completed 35 years in the fashion industry. From starting as a costume designer in movies to being India's most celebrated designer, how has the journey been so far? Manish Malhotra: My journey has been a long and fulfilling one, filled with passion, challenges, and immense growth. It all started with my childhood obsession with films. Growing up in Bombay, I was captivated by the magic of cinema; how every little detail, from the clothes to the sets, told a story. That curiosity led me to pursue fashion, starting with costume design in films. My first big break came when I designed for Juhi Chawla for the film "Swarg". It was a turning point that opened doors I never dreamed possible. Of course, the journey wasn't without its challenges, but I've always believed in moving forward with a positive mindset. I truly believe fashion is about evolving, just like life. Over the years, I've transitioned from costume design to couture, high jewellery, and now, filmmaking. Each phase of my career has been a learning experience, teaching me the importance of creativity, adaptability, and staying true to my vision. FNW: How has costume designing in movies changed over the years? And has the evolving consumer behaviour coupled with access to celebrity looks via social media led to a change in costume designing? MM: Costume designing in cinema has evolved in the most fascinating way. When I started out in the 90s, the focus was very much on glamour and creating iconic, aspirational looks that stayed with the audience long after the film ended. There was a kind of magic to it. Designing for the screen meant creating larger-than-life moments. Today, that landscape has shifted quite significantly. There's a much greater emphasis on realism and character-driven design. As a designer, that challenges you to dig deeper, to really understand the psychology behind a role before sketching a single silhouette. And of course, social media has transformed everything. Earlier, you'd watch a film and then maybe read about it in a magazine weeks later. Now, a look from the set, the airport, or a wedding goes viral in seconds. There's a constant appetite for style, on and off screen. This means that the line between costume and personal style has blurred. So yes, consumer behaviour has had a huge impact. Fashion is more immediate, more influential. FNW: You have been credited for introducing the concept of a showstopper or celebrity models at fashion weeks. However, the Indian fashion world remains divided on this with many believing it should stop as it completely shifts the show focus onto celebrities. What is your take on this? MM: When I first started doing shows, the whole idea of a 'showstopper' wasn't a marketing gimmick, it was something very personal. Urmila Matondkar, who is a dear, dear friend, was my first showstopper. We were all young, passionate, trying to do something new. So many of the early showstoppers, whether it was Kareena, Rani, Preity, Karisma, they were all friends, it was about celebrating relationships, storytelling, and merging the worlds of cinema and couture, which I have always deeply believed in. I understand the debate. There are designers who prefer not to use celebrities, and I respect that. When a star walks the runway, especially when it's done with intent and authenticity, it elevates the mood, brings visibility, and sometimes even democratizes the experience for the audience watching. But that doesn't mean I ever compromise on the craftsmanship. The clothes have to speak. The embroidery, the silhouette, the artistry. Whether it's a model or a showstopper, they wear the story I've created. I also believe models are the backbone of any fashion presentation. They bring their own magic, their talent, their walk, their aura. They are trained professionals who understand how to carry a garment with finesse, and that's an incredible art in itself. I've worked with some of the most phenomenal models who've brought my vision to life in ways that words can't describe. So, it's never about one versus the other. It's about harmony, when models, muses, and moments come together to create something unforgettable. FNW: As per reports, India's luxury market is among the fastest growing in the world. By 2030, this market could be worth $200 billion. Many luxury brands are entering the Indian market as they see huge potential for growth. Do you see this as an opportunity or challenge and what it means for your brand and the industry as a whole? MM: The unprecedented rise of India's luxury market is not just an economic phenomenon, it's a cultural awakening. As you said that by 2030, as we edge towards that projected $200 billion mark, what we're truly witnessing is the emergence of a new Indian narrative: one that is unapologetically global yet profoundly rooted in heritage. I believe luxury in India or anywhere is no longer about ostentation; it's about personal expression, craftsmanship, and legacy. In that sense, the entry of global luxury brands into India is not competition, it's context. It forces us to sharpen our voice, elevate our artistry, and stand not just besides, but distinct. The world is finally looking at India with the reverence it deserves, not as a market to be tapped, but as a cultural powerhouse to be celebrated. And for those of us who've long believed in the poetry of Indian craftsmanship, this is our renaissance. This is our time. FNW: Reliance Brands made significant investments in your label by acquiring 40 percent stake in 2021. How has the investment and partnership with Reliance helped the brand so far and what are the future plans? MM: There was truly no one else I could imagine partnering with other than Reliance. Their deep understanding of the Indian consumer, combined with a global mindset and an unwavering commitment to excellence, made them the perfect fit. It wasn't just a strategic decision, it was an emotional one. I've built this brand from the ground up, and I needed a partner who not only valued that journey but also shared the vision for where it could go next. With Reliance, there's trust, scale, and the ability to dream without limits. As for the future plans, we are continuously evolving, pushing boundaries, and exploring new frontiers. FNW: After tapping a segment of the luxury market in India and catering to Indian diaspora abroad, will we see Manish Malhotra with the backing of Reliance move beyond its existing client base and enter the fashion capitals to take on the international brands across the globe? Will we see you tweak designs to cater to international clientele/consumer preferences or are Indian inspired ethnic wear designs ready to make global inroads? MM: Absolutely, the world is evolving, and so are we. While I cannot reveal too much just yet, I can say that the future is about expanding beyond our existing clientele. The beauty of fashion lies in its fluidity; it's never about just one market, one culture, or one style. It's about understanding the nuances of different tastes, while staying true to what we do best. As we continue to grow and evolve, you can certainly expect to see us tap into new territories and global markets. I think what makes us unique is our ability to merge Indian heritage with contemporary aesthetics, something that resonates across cultures. However, each journey takes time, and we will move forward with a lot of thought, vision, and respect for the heritage we represent. There's so much to look forward to. FNW: Many designers/luxury brands are turning to affordable collections to cater to a wider audience even though there is an untapped market for luxury wear. How do you see this trend, and will we see Manish Malhotra tweaking its strategy for future growth in India going from elite exclusivity to aspirational? MM: The beauty of fashion lies in its ability to evolve with the world around us. While luxury has always been the cornerstone of our brand, I've long believed in accessibility without compromising on elegance or craftsmanship. That's why we recently launched MM Ready to Wear, a thoughtful extension of our label that brings the signature Manish Malhotra aesthetic to a wider audience. It is for those who want to experience the magic of design every day, not just on momentous occasions. Indian weddings and celebrations are deeply emotional and personal, and every bride deserves to feel seen and celebrated. That is what we continue to honour, across price points. At the same time, exclusivity will always remain integral to our identity. Couture is about legacy, about a one-on-one connection between the garment and the wearer. So, while we are expanding our reach, the soul of the brand stays intact. FNW: With sustainability and eco-consciousness becoming a key concern for the fashion industry, how have you incorporated sustainability practices into your creations? As an industry veteran do you really feel fashion and sustainability can go together, your thoughts? MM: Sustainability, for me, is not a trend, it's a value system. As someone who has spent decades in fashion, I've always believed in the beauty of craftsmanship, the emotion behind a handwoven textile, and the stories that live within a garment. We work closely with artisans across the country, reviving age-old techniques and weaving them into contemporary design. Every piece is thoughtfully created not to be discarded after a season, but to be treasured, re-worn, and passed down. I've never been drawn to fast fashion. It may offer speed, but I've always stood for depth, clothes that make you feel something. Fashion and sustainability can absolutely co-exist, but I truly believe it demands intention. FNW: You have ventured into film production with Stage5. Usually, when someone enters the movie business from a particular field, they take that with them and make movies of similar genres due to their expertise. However, you've always said you want to tell stories that are different, does that mean fashion will be completely away from your movies. Tell us about your plans with Stage5? MM: While my foundation lies in fashion, and it's a world that continues to inspire me every day, my foray into film production with Stage5 comes from a place that goes far beyond couture. Films were my first love, long before I became a designer. So, when I say I want to tell stories that are different, I mean stories that surprise, move, and inspire. I don't want to be boxed into one genre or visual grammar simply because I come from a fashion background. Through Stage5, my vision is to collaborate with brilliant writers, directors, and technicians to explore a wide canvas of themes from dramas to layered social commentaries and stylised commercial entertainers. That said, my eye for detail and visual storytelling, honed over years of costume design and couture, will certainly find its way into the films.
Mint
21-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
Being fit is not an excuse to skip a health checkup. Here's why
Nine years ago, when I met him in his office for a column in this very publication, Darshan Mehta, then 55 and managing director of Reliance Brands, effortlessly jumped on to his desk and posed cross-legged for a picture. India Inc was well aware of his love of running and would regularly cite his example whenever they had to name someone who had built a successful career but also always made time for exercise, health and wellbeing. Very recently, the sexagenarian suffered a fatal heart attack while running on the treadmill. Jog the memory back four years and the dramatic heart attack that Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered on-field while playing a UEFA Euro Cup game comes to mind. Just 29 at the time, Eriksen was revived by doctors on the field, and was then moved to a hospital, as billions watched the whole thing unfold live on television. Eriksen, among one of the fittest men in the world, and Mehta aren't the first healthy people to suffer heart attacks. It's just that thanks to social media, the internet and instant messaging, the word spreads faster today. While those who don't want to exercise may use this as a valid warning to avoid anything 'strenuous", thereby, putting themselves at a greater risk of developing health problems, fit and active people need to pay heed to these incidents and make health screenings a regular part of their lives. Even people who appear extremely fit and active may have underlying health issues that are silent in the early stages, explains Dr Sandeep Doshi, consultant for internal medicine and executive health checkup, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. 'Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases, liver issues, or even certain cancers may show no symptoms initially but can still progress quietly," says Doshi. In medical terms, a 'fit" person is someone who meets a set of baseline physical and clinical health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20-24, has normal results on electrocardiogram (ECG) and Stress Test (an indicator of heart function), shows normal range on basic laboratory tests, including parameters like blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function. Additionally, they should be able to walk at least 5km in an hour, which is the minimum threshold of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness, say doctors and fitness experts. 'However, being fit does not always equate to being free of underlying health risks, which is why a deeper understanding of individual health status is important," warns Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant for internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, New Delhi. Regular medical check-ups help detect underlying and dormant health issues when they are still treatable or manageable. 'Specifically, these check-ups should include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing (fasting and post-meal), kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea), liver function tests, cholesterol and lipid profile, ECG and/or Stress Test (Treadmill Test), ultrasound abdomen (to detect organ changes), screening for breast and cervical cancer for women, and screening for colon cancer as per age guidelines for both men and women. These tests form the foundation of preventive health and are key to identifying silent conditions early," says Doshi. While Doshi says routine health check-ups should start at 40 years of age, Singla recommends starting earlier, between 20 and 30 years, and continuing for the rest of your life. Dr Udgeath Dhir, director and head of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, suggests people should start even earlier. 'Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers. These illnesses start at a young age, so school and college students should also get their blood pressure checked regularly," says Dhir. However, all three unanimously agree that if someone has a family history of disease or heart condition these check-ups need to begin at a much earlier age. 'Individuals with a family history of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, or cancer should be more vigilant. For them, starting check-ups earlier and more frequently (every three or six months) may be necessary to detect early warning signs and manage risks proactively," advises Singla. Doshi adds that people who smoke and who work in high-stress professions should also start check-ups earlier and more frequently. 'The frequency of the check-ups depends on the risk profile and previous findings, but annual evaluations are a common and effective benchmark for middle-aged and high-risk individuals," suggests Doshi. As an elite footballer playing for a top tier European football club, Eriksen underwent extensive 'medicals" and testing regularly. Mehta had access to the best healthcare and testing facilities in India. While regular medical check-ups are comprehensive and can help detect most illnesses and risk factors early, some health issues, especially certain cardiovascular conditions, may not be evident even in routine tests. This is why we sometimes see professional athletes (like Eriksen) and fit individuals, who undergo extensive evaluations and have access to top-tier healthcare, still suffer sudden and severe health events like heart attacks, explains Singla. 'Contributing factors could include genetic predisposition, undiagnosed structural heart anomalies, stress, or even random and unpredictable biological events. This underscores the fact that health screenings reduce risk but cannot eliminate it entirely," adds Singla. Doshi flags another dilemma that doctors face: there is always a clinical challenge in determining how far to investigate someone with no symptoms or complaints. 'A coronary angiography is an excellent test to detect blockages in the heart arteries. But would you conduct this invasive test on a person who feels completely fine and has no symptoms? While testing is powerful, routine use of high-end diagnostic tools in healthy individuals is not always justified, unless specific risk factors are present. Moreover, some events cannot be predicted, even with the best tests and technology," argues Doshi. For those who want to use untimely deaths of a few as a reason to not exercise, there is no greater disservice you can do to yourselves. Exercise is the cornerstone of long-term health and disease prevention. Without regular physical activity all major body systems deteriorate over time, muscles weaken, blood vessels stiffen, metabolism slows, and immune responses decline, says Doshi. Exercise prepares the body for emergencies be it fighting infections, managing stress, or recovering from illness. It helps maintain proper levels of electrolytes, hormones, prostaglandins, interferons, and other important biochemical compounds that keep the body running smoothly. It also preserves the tone and strength of skeletal and cardiac muscles, and ensures healthy blood circulation through the effective functioning of venous valves. Simply put, an active lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves quality of life, and increases longevity. At the same time, those who are already active and can finish a gruelling marathon with a smile, should avoid assuming invincibility and undergo medical check-ups as advised by their doctors. 'No matter how active one may be, it's important to be realistic about your body's changing capabilities with age. Just because someone could complete a marathon at 35, it doesn't mean they can or should attempt the same at 55 without proper reassessment and conditioning," notes Doshi. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness.
