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Commemorating 15 years in service of Indian fashion, Vogue India took a page out of its international forbearer’s book, and brought the globally recognised Forces of Fashion event in association with Natural Diamond Council (NDC) to Indian shores.
The occasion celebrated India’s fashion community at large, bridging the gap between the global fashion industry and the local landscape. Forces of Fashion is an observation of talent and diversity spread across the country, and offers an introduction to the world on the rich and densely layered cultural nuances of the country. Conversations revolved around India’s legacy of artisanship, handcrafting—from natural fabrics to natural diamonds—and everything in between. The highlight of the night was the presence of Ms Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Global Editorial Director of Vogue, and Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast in conversation with Vogue India’s Head of Editorial Content, Megha Kapoor. With a panel discussion between the duo and the country’s celebrated designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the conversation revolved around themes of diversity, new age fashion media, sustainability and slow luxury, and the very fabric of India’s fashion scene.
In conversation with Megha Kapoor, the talk drew attention to “What the young voices are telling us today?” Anna Wintour said, “They are all about quality borderless content, having integrity, heart and strong values. It is good to have people who question you and have a different point of view; who will speak their mind and disagree. They are progressive, stand up for the choices they make and their beliefs. Diversity, sustainability, inclusivity are important values for us at the group as well and we have the opportunity to become the torch bearers for the future.”
The gala affair was held at the Royal Opera House, and was the first in-person Vogue India event ever since the pandemic—with the fashion industry’s biggest and brightest names in attendance. The event also had installations that showcased India’s ode to exquisite craftsmanship – an exquisitely crafted natural diamond jewellery display, and hand-embroidered installations spearheaded by master craftspeople under the umbrella of Chanakya School of Craft, and designer and artist Kallol Datta.
Forces of Fashion India celebrated the industry’s biggest and brightest names at the coveted event including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, Masaba Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, Amit Aggarwal, Sanjay Garg of Raw Mango, Falguni & Shane Peacock; while the style quotient was elevated with Ayushmann Khurrana, Tamannaah Bhatia, Manushi Chhillar, Ananya Birla, Vijay Verma, Mira Rajput, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shibani Dhandekar among other guests.
Slow luxury speaks to connoisseurs of all things exquisitely crafted and ever-lasting. There is nothing more eternal than jewellery, especially if it features natural diamonds. Design— whether jewellery or fashion lie at the heart of self-expression and individual style, two of the most salient features of fashion. While diamonds are symbols of conscious luxury, and it is this personal connection that came to the fore through Vogue Forces of Fashion.
Megha Kapoor, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India said, “We’re so thrilled to bring Vogue’s Forces of Fashion to India! It’s really fitting that the first Vogue event back in person was Forces of Fashion, because fashion should answer the bigger questions: where we are now, where we’re going next, and speak to the intersectionality around issues including representation, diversity & inclusion, and sustainability. Also, what a coup to have the Force of Fashion herself, Anna Wintour, to talk through the vision moving forward for Vogue and the industry on a wider level.”
Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council – India & Middle East said, “Natural diamonds are an integral part of fashion. They have the magical ability to complete any look – traditional or contemporary, formal or informal – while lending you an innate confidence and aura. And the driving force behind making these jewels such an intrinsic part of our culture and lifestyle are the craftsmen and visionary designers who bring this sparkle to life. Indian artisans are recognized as amongst the best in the world and we are proud to be part of Forces of Fashion, one of the biggest platforms that encourages conversations around artistry, styles, individuality and luxury, as we celebrate the allure and global impact of our country on the world of fashion.”
For news and conversations about the #ForcesofFashionIndia visit vogue.in and follow @VOGUEIndia on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
