From runways to rituals, the latest buzz in fashion and beauty is here

From high-octane couture launches to dreamy new stores, statement jewels, and skin-loving beauty drops—here’s your curated dose of the hottest happenings in the world of luxury fashion and bridal living.

Divine roots 

Bridal couture brand Divani has added another address to house their collection of handcrafted zardosi work— they now have a flagship store at Dhan Mill, New Delhi. A legacy retailer for over 75 years, Divani infuses the spirit of ‘Hindostan’ in all its couture. Designed by Zafar Choudhary and Team Habitat, the store aims to reflect their continued efforts to preserve heirloom traditions and revive craftsmanship. The ceiling is adorned with zardosi embroidery, semi-precious stones and nine shimmering tones of gold thread, and the walls and floors are earthy in palette, crafted out of chiseled wood and textured stone.

The spirit of Mumbai

As part of celebrations to commemorate the opening of the 100th Tata Starbucks outlet in Mumbai, the coffee giant has launched an exclusive collection of 16 tote bags in collaboration with couturier Anamika Khanna. Narrating stories of creativity and culture, each handbag highlights an aspect of Mumbai’s local culture—from the historical architecture of the neighbourhood of Fort to the street art of Bandra. Featuring detachable straps, adjustable sizing, two interior slip-in pockets and metal hooks for keys, the bags—available in all stores across Mumbai—can be used as both a traditional tote and detachable crossbody bag. 

The magic of Manish 

Ace couturier Manish Malhotra closed Dubai Fashion Week early in February with a spectacle of grandeur, marking his first international runway presentation with a show to remember. Unveiling his World Collection, the designer enlisted supermodels Adriana Lima and Valery Kaufman, who elevated the flamboyance of the exhibit. The showcase featured an interplay of fluid drapes and structured silhouettes accompanied with shimmering sequins, handwoven brocades, bold metallic tones and iridescent pearls. The celebratory night was a confluence of Indo-Western aesthetics and also commemorated the first anniversary of the opening of his first international flagship boutique at Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue.

Bejewelled identity 

Two statement-making maisons, House of Masaba and Amrapali Jewels, came together for a fine jewellery collection of 46 pieces. The collaboration, titled ‘Identity Crisis,’ emphasises self-expression through affirmation bracelets and cuffs with engraved text like ‘Strength,’ ‘Love,’ and ‘Peace.’ Their elaborate neckpieces and earrings feature rubies, emeralds, brilliant-cut diamonds and pearls embedded in 18kt gold. The avantgarde design of each piece of jewellery in this line is dynamic, playful and bold.

Skin revolution 

From wellness advocates Shrishti Yadav and Shubham Godara comes a brand that focuses on the connection between skin health and mental wellbeing—Scinq Neurocosmetics. Tailored for modern-day skincare challenges, the products merge plant-based botanicals with advanced chemical science to enhance the skin-brain link and address the unique challenges of Indian skin by offering solutions to combat urban stressors. Their first collection entails the Anti-Pollution Hybrid Cream and Anti-Stress Night Hybrid Cream, available exclusively online.

Blooming beauty 

Louis Vuitton’s much-awaited entry into the luxury beauty market is here. With La Beauté Louis Vuitton, the legacy brand will debut 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms and eight eyeshadow palettes, put together with Dame Pat McGrath as creative director. The new venture is punctuated with the brand’s signature codes—leather accents and opulent textures. The collection will be available globally starting this fall.

On your tiptoes 

Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin have merged their creative languages for their twin capsule collections: Maison Margiela by Christian Louboutin, which includes three styles of shoes, and Christian Louboutin by Maison Margiela, which includes four. The ‘Bridiela Una Strass’ in the former features diaphanous mesh and hand-encrusted crystals, in black and silver colour codes. The ‘Bilougiela 25’ in the latter stands out as a pointed ankle-strap sandal set on a 100mm heel.

Handcrafting heirlooms 

With a penchant for handcrafting curated celebrations, Pataaree, a leading name in wedding accessories, offers an exquisite selection of custom, handmade keepsake boxes and trousseau trunks. Rooted in the idea of transforming simple gifts into precious heirlooms, Pataaree aims to elevate the tradition of storing wedding attire and related memories. Designed with both function and sentiment in mind, their trunks are elegant, spacious and customisable. Moreover, their repertoire of luxury bridal accessories and umbrellas are all emblematic of love and tradition.

Bespoke at its best 

JJ Valaya, a leading couturier who pioneers personalised luxury, recently launched JJ Valaya Muse, a concept that entails crafting one-of-a-kind ensembles as an antidote to seasonal couture collections. The Muse experience spans over a period of six to 10 months, where the clients can engage in intimate conversations with the designer to craft bespoke garments. During the handover, the ensembles are delivered in handcrafted trunks with original stencils, an artistic sketch, a personal letter and a custom bag.

A masterpiece in motion

What are legends if not inspiring icons? The year has just begun, and we already have a meeting of two generational icons— Dua Lipa is the new face of the Chanel 25 handbag campaign. Captured in film by Gordon von Steiner, the bag flaunts the maison’s signature codes—quilting, interlaced, chains and multiple pockets—each reimagined. Available in three sizes, the handbag is both bold and functional. Propelling a sense of freedom, movement and selfexpression, it quite literally allows you to carry your world in it.

Parisian progeny 

Bringing its signature blend of luxury and sustainable artistry to the country, Sandro Paris is finally in India, with a brand new space at Jio World Drive, Mumbai. A showcase of fashion and art, Marmorino walls and Portuguese ceramics set the stage for menswear and womenswear zones in the 1,600sqft boutique. Leading the lot is their Holiday collection, featuring luxurious textures and embellishments—think rhinestone-studded tweed jackets and pleated trench coats.

Rosy romance 

Art of Eternity, the latest collection from Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, borrows from Parisian artistry. Merging French motifs and Indian craftsmanship, the garments range in shades of soft pastels as well as deep jewel tones. Symbolising the blooming romance of gardens in weaves, the collection is designed for those who seek an old-world charm with contemporary refinement—think delicate florals, intricate embroidery, and classic silhouettes.

Indian bling in Dubai

Indian craftsmanship has found a new address in Dubai-Hazoorilal Legacy has made its international debut with its first boutique at Dubai Hills Mall. Spanning over 2,500sqft, the store showcases India's artistry and innovation to the cosmopolitan audience of the Middle East. Think minimal design, earthy tones and exclusive displays. Their curated Legacy Collection, Vintage Voyage and stackable Zoori Collection cater to every kind of jewellery consumer worldwide.

Boxed beauty

Two revered experts of bridal beauty, stylist Ami Patel and wellness-beauty brand Shankara Naturals, have launched luxury bridal gift sets to celebrate the essence of self-care. The Maharani Radiance Ritual Box and the Indrani Iconic Glow Box contain thoughtfully curated products that preach intrinsic, timeless beauty for both the bride and groom. The boxes present an eight-step routine to its users, encompassing essential skincare elements like kumkumadi oil and organic sweet almond oil.

This article first appeared in Brides Today, January-March 2025 print edition.

Images: The brands

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