HSBC presented Vivienne Westwood’s historic India debut at the Gateway of India, in partnership with Vivz Fashion School and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra.

On April 1, 2025, history was made at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India as Vivienne Westwood staged its first-ever fashion show in India. The evening was a grand celebration of India’s textile heritage, with a runway stretching 166 feet across the historic landmark, glowing under a spectrum of vivid lights. This momentous showcase was made possible through a collaboration with Vivz Fashion School and the Department of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra. It brought together the elegance of Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection and a special couture capsule crafted from India’s finest hand-woven Chanderi silks and Khadi cotton, wool, and silk. These fabrics—symbols of India’s rich artisanal traditions and independence movement—were sourced from esteemed textile houses like Khadi India and Aaranya/Gwalior.

For Andreas Kronthaler, Creative Director of Vivienne Westwood, working with these fabrics was more than just a design choice—it was an immersion into India’s cultural legacy. “I loved getting to know Khadi and Chanderi fabrics. There’s a soul in handwoven textiles, a human touch that makes them timeless,” he shared. The collection itself mirrored the natural beauty of these fabrics—airy white muslins, raw silks in earthy sand tones, deep stone-hued pashmina, sky blues, bold purples, and rich blacks. Staying true to Westwood’s signature style, the designs blended structured tailoring with soft draping, giving Indian textiles a fresh, contemporary twist. Each piece was designed to let the fabric shine, with no unnecessary embellishments, allowing the craftsmanship to take center stage.

For Vivienne Westwood’s CEO, Carlo D’Amario, this show was a long time coming. “India’s textile heritage is extraordinary, and after being introduced to Khadi through our partners at Vivz Fashion School, we knew we wanted to explore it further. Meeting Priyadarshini Scindia, the Queen of Gwalior, and learning about the work being done with traditional artisans was truly inspiring. Westwood has always valued craftsmanship and heritage—our partnerships have spanned the UK, Europe, Africa, and now, India. It’s an honor to be here at the Gateway of India for this incredible moment.”

The audience was as dazzling as the event itself, with a mix of royalty, Bollywood stars, top designers, and fashion influencers. Members of the Gwalior royal family, including Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Rao Scindia, attended, alongside dignitaries from Baroda, Panna, and Mayurbhanj. Bollywood stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Aditya Roy Kapur graced the occasion, while leading designers like Manish Malhotra, Kunal Rawal, and Falguni & Shane Peacock, along with stylists like Anaita Shroff Adajania and Shaleena Nathani, added to the glamour. Fashion influencers like Diipa Khosla and Aashna Shroff, who bridge the gap between Indian and global fashion, were also in attendance.

The event had strong brand collaborations, with HSBC as the presenting partner, offering an experiential zone dedicated to creativity. Tira brought its beauty expertise to the event, aligning with Westwood’s ethos of individuality. Porsche Centre Mumbai showcased the sleek all-electric Taycan, adding a futuristic edge, while Vedica, Anax Holding, World Villas by Arihant, and Fashion Entrepreneur Fund lent their support.

In a city that has long been a cultural crossroads, Vivienne Westwood’s India debut felt like a natural, yet groundbreaking, moment. It was more than just a fashion show—it was a tribute to craftsmanship, heritage, and the art of weaving the past into the future.

Also Read: Indian Mobility Awards 2025: Recognizing the Future of Innovation

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A week of major shifts and fresh projects! Get the latest scoop in this week’s pop culture recap.

This week has been full of interesting changes and updates. There have been some big shifts and exciting moves that have caught everyone’s attention. Let’s take a look at what’s been happening this week!

Donatella Versace’s Departure

Donatella Versace, 69, has stepped down as Chief Creative Officer of Versace after nearly three decades due to disputes over declining sales. She will transition to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador effective April 1, 2025, and is restricted from using her family name for future ventures. Dario Vitale, formerly the Design and Image Director at Miu Miu, will replace her as the new Creative Director. 

Donatella will now focus on supporting Versace’s philanthropic efforts and promoting the brand globally, while Dario Vitale aims to preserve Versace’s legacy while embracing modern innovation. 

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Expands Creative Horizons with Graphic Novel ALTER-EGO

Lisa from BLACKPINK has launched her own comic brand, Lalisa Comics, in partnership with Zero Zero Entertainment, releasing a 56-page graphic novel titled ALTER-EGO: The Official Comic alongside her debut solo album, Alter Ego. Created by Lisa and illustrated by Japanese artist Minomiyabi, the comic follows five alter egos—Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi—each representing different aspects of Lisa’s personality. The storyline features Vixi trapped in a virtual reality nightmare by bullies, with her friends stepping in to rescue her. Available for pre-order on the Lalisa Comics website, the release demonstrates Lisa’s creative expansion beyond music.

Frank & Eileen Launches “House of Frank & Eileen” with Julianne Moore

Frank & Eileen, a woman-owned and led fashion brand, has introduced the House of Frank & Eileen, a community design initiative collaborating with iconic women. The inaugural collection features “Waverly,” superluxe button-up co-created with award-winning actress and author Julianne Moore. This collaboration reflects Frank & Eileen’s commitment to authenticity and celebrates female entrepreneurship..

In a conversation about the partnership, Moore described her personal style as modern, easy, and fairly monochromatic, influenced by her profession’s frequent costumes and red carpet appearances. She found common ground with Frank & Eileen’s founder, Audrey, noting shared values of devotion to family and work, and a mutual appreciation for authenticity.

Lily Allen’s Musical Comeback

After a seven-year hiatus since her 2018 album “No Shame,” British singer Lily Allen is preparing a return to music. She’s collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, known for their previous hits like “Smile” and “The Fear.” Major labels, including BMG, have shown interest in her new material. Allen has also been active with her podcast “Miss Me?” and is set to star in the play “Hedda” at the Theatre Royal in Bath. Additionally, she’s developing a new musical but plans to focus on her current commitments before releasing new music.

All We Imagine as Light’ Triumphs at Asian Film Awards

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” won Best Film at the Asian Film Awards. The movie, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes, continues to receive international acclaim.

Passing of Oscar-Winning Producer Stanley Jaffe

Stanley Jaffe, renowned for producing films like “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “The Accused,” has died at 84. His work earned him an Academy Award, and he held leadership roles at Paramount Pictures.

Also Read: Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Leadership

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The Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025 brings together India’s leading entrepreneurs, startups, and business leaders to celebrate innovation and growth. 

The entrepreneurial spirit in India is thriving more than ever, with individuals and companies breaking new ground across industries. Whether it’s launching innovative startups, scaling up successful businesses, or contributing to transformative sectors, entrepreneurs are shaping the future of the country’s economy. But how do these visionaries get recognized for their hard work and determination? Well, the Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025 offers an incredible platform for those at the forefront of business innovation to be celebrated for their remarkable achievements.

What is the Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards?

The Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards is one of the most prestigious events in India’s business landscape. It’s an annual gathering designed to celebrate groundbreaking innovation, leadership, and the sheer spirit of entrepreneurship. This summit brings together some of the brightest minds in the business, including influential entrepreneurs, rising startups, investors, and industry experts. The event aims to inspire the next generation of leaders, while providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. It’s a chance to reflect on success stories, learn from failures, and discover what it takes to navigate the ever-changing industry. Whether you are a startup founder looking to make your mark or a seasoned business leader seeking fresh ideas, the summit offers invaluable opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

The Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025 welcomes applications from a wide range of business professionals. If you are a startup founder, a business leader, an investor, or someone who has created a disruptive business model, this event is for you. The summit is open to individuals and companies operating in India, whether you are just starting out or already have an established presence in the market. Importantly, if you have demonstrated innovation, market impact, or business growth, you are encouraged to apply.

Applications are also open to past winners who have made new achievements and want to showcase them in different categories. This flexibility allows both new and returning participants to benefit from the summit’s vast networking and learning opportunities.

The Nomination Process

The process of getting involved with the Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards is simple and structured. You’ll need to complete an online nomination form on the event’s official website. Along with your nomination, you’ll provide business details, highlights of your achievements, and any supporting documents that can help establish your credentials.

Once you’ve submitted your application, a jury panel will review the nominations and shortlist the candidates. If you’re selected, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the grand awards ceremony, where the final winners will be announced. The whole experience culminates in a celebration of excellence, and it’s a chance for you to be recognized for your contributions to the business world.

Categories of Recognition

One of the most exciting aspects of the Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards is its wide range of nomination categories. These categories celebrate a variety of achievements and contributions across different industries. Here are the categories you can apply for:

• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Startup of the Year
• Women Entrepreneur of the Year
• Tech Innovator of the Year
• Young Business Leader Award
• Sustainable Business Excellence Award
• Social Impact Entrepreneur Award
• Best Bootstrapped Business
• Most Innovative Business Model
• E-commerce Business of the Year
• Fintech Leader of the Year
• Healthcare Entrepreneur of the Year
• Edtech Entrepreneur of the Year
• Retail & E-Commerce Excellence Award
• Best Green Business Award
• Real Estate Business of the Year
• Food & Beverage Entrepreneur Award
• Fashion & Lifestyle Entrepreneur Award
• Creative Business Leader Award
• Best Use of AI in Business
• Best Disruptive Startup
• Manufacturing Excellence Award
• Luxury Brand of the Year
• Most Promising Brand
• Franchise Leader of the Year
• Agritech Entrepreneur of the Year
• Mobility & EV Entrepreneur of the Year
• B2B Business Excellence Award
• B2C Business Excellence Award
• Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year
• Best Social Enterprise
• Technology Startup of the Year
• Game Changer of the Year
• Investor of the Year
• Incubator of the Year
• Best Employer Award
• Excellence in Customer Service
• Most Scalable Startup
• Best Business Transformation Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award in Business

The Perks of Participation

Winning an award at the Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards offers more than just a trophy. Awardees will receive official photography and videography coverage of the award presentation, providing media exposure that can help boost visibility. You’ll also get the chance to interact with industry leaders and network with potential partners and investors. Your name and business will be featured across media platforms, giving you a much-needed boost in both credibility and market presence.

Moreover, winners can use the event’s branding rights to leverage their success in advertising campaigns. This includes permission to use the award certificate, logos, and event images in promotional material — be it for digital marketing or traditional media.

The Summit Experience

The summit is not just about awards; it’s a full-fledged experience designed to help you grow as a business leader. Participants can attend insightful panel discussions, listen to keynote speeches from top industry figures, and engage in networking opportunities with potential partners, investors, and mentors. This is the perfect space to discuss scaling strategies, market trends, and emerging business models. Whether you’re looking for investors or just seeking inspiration, the summit is the place to be.

For entrepreneurs and investors alike, this summit offers more than just recognition — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Indian business and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a nominee, a winner, or a delegate, the experience will leave you with invaluable insights, connections, and inspiration to continue your entrepreneurial journey.

Register Here

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