Just as we recover from the intense online shopping extravaganza known as Black Friday, it’s time to gear up for the best of onsite shopping too. The capital city is hosting two major exhibitions showcasing the best of Indian and international brands in one place. Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared to shop your heart out.
A Stardust Affair: The AiSPi Speakeasy at The Chanakya
A hybrid shopping fest that lets you shop in person and online? That’s ‘A Stardust Affair: The AiSPi Speakeasy’ for you. Slated to take place from November 25 to December 1 at The Chanakya, New Delhi and online, this ‘phygital’ trunk show offers a brand new type of shopping experience.
Curated in association with The Chanakya and conceptualised by The Artchitect and Qui Creatives, this event brings over 45 international brands to India, through virtual calling pods. Customers can experience fit checks, private style sessions with dedicated fashion advisors, and take lessons in styling from well-known names like Namita Alexander, Sabrina White, Ritika Sachdeva, Yashima Babber, and more.
“A Stardust Affair: The AiSPi Speakeasy is not just a fashion event, it is our first step into revolutionising the manner in which Indians shop for luxury. This one-of-a-kind event at The Chanakya is designed to help people interact with products and industry leaders, and find their investment fashion finds all from the comfort of their homes,” says Aisha Saraf Kothari, founder of AiSPi.
Further, AiSPi is flying down the design team from Italian luxury brand Rosantica to The Chanakya in New Delhi to exhibit their latest collection which will also be open to customisations. “Our collaboration with AiSPi started a few years ago,” says Federica Francisco, the brand manager of Rosantica. “I am very happy this time I will be able to join the event in Delhi in person. I can’t wait to chat with the customers and show them the new collection, as well as customise their beloved Rosantica bags for them!”
For the online pop-up, new collections will be unveiled from renowned brands like Rosantica from Milan, Mietis from Barcelona, Kat Maconie from London, Mlouye from Istanbul, WaiWai from Rio de Janeiro, Gedebe from Milan, Lara Di Gianni from Italy, Hayley Menzies from the United Kingdom, Fête Impériale from France, and Pé De Chumbo from Portugal.
Kothari adds, “I’m also excited about launching a new exclusive collection with London-based accessories brand L’alingi at The Chanakya. This unique two piece luxury collection was co-designed by me and the founder of L’alingi, Alia Zaki Ali, for the Indian market, following the success of our previous AiSPi x L’alingi exclusive which sold out at the pre-launch in April. This one-of-a-kind collection will only be retailed with AiSPi. We are also launching another exclusive collection of India-inspired designs with Georgian handbag brand 0711 Tbilisi which will feature selected colourways, sizes, and styles from this bestselling designer.”
Pushpa Bector, senior executive director and business head at DLF Retail, shares, “In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, we are taking our collaborations with high fashion international brands to a whole new level. As pioneers in the luxury retail industry, we identify and nurture disruptive brands through intimate showcases like our collaboration with AiSPi at The Chanakya, embodying shared values.” To this the vice president and head of DLF luxury malls, Saurabh Bharara adds, “Our collaboration with AiSPi strategically aligns our efforts and resources to curate an impactful event showcasing renowned global boutique brands at The Chanakya celebrated for their on-trend style and exceptional quality.”
JALSA at The Claridge’s, New Delhi
JALSA has been the pioneer in festive shopping for many years. It continues this mandate with its Winter Edit set to take place on December 1 at The Claridge’s Hotel, New Delhi.
“JALSA symbolizes inspiration and development for Indian homegrown fashion and lifestyle brands with an undeniable talent for creativity. Design geniuses from India and abroad come together for a magnificent display for all to experience. It is an event organized to kick start the winter season filled with glamour, style, and fun. Studded with an impressive array of fashion architects who bridge the world between fashion and art, JALSA is a platform for homegrown brands to heighten engagement and promotion. Assisting designers to accelerate their presence and letting their unique designs quickly find a loyal following among sophisticated fashion lovers has been our main aim here at JALSA,” says founder Timsy Anand.
JALSA exhibitions showcase the best collections of clothing designers as well as a number of home decor and lifestyle brands. Brands from across India and overseas will display their winter collection to suit the needs of the upcoming winter and festive season. The line-up of designers includes Buneko, Anaa India, Mauli Cashmere, Sanam Tamanna, Younglings, All Rugged Femme, KayKay Label, Sahi London, Jena Bags, Sana K Official, and Iraberry to name a few.
“At JALSA, we make sure to deliver the best quality to our clients and participants. The celebration and coming together of various artists with similar visions and missions helps set impeccable fashion standards and craftsmanship. We are grateful for all the support received that has seen JALSA reach the pinnacle it has today. My vision and mission when I started JALSA was not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with passion and style. With this belief, I work harder each passing day. Faith, the ability to dream, endurance, God’s timing, and my attitude has helped bring JALSA to where it is today. There is no ME, Only WE, JALSA made me find my fire!” says Anand, signing off.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.