International brands collaborating with Indian designers — gems, jewels to designer sweet hampers — Diwali exclusive capsule collections have a lot to offer

Mona

The famous red-soled beauty reportedly gets a desi makeover and the iconic designer Christian Louboutin, behind the idea, hopped onto the Diwali bandwagon along with hordes of others. Red with gold, neon-green and pink, more mustard, even more bling, Louboutin’s Diwali Edit is melange motifs in a riot of colours — it features bags and shoes, designed to elevate festive wardrobes.

Now, netizens might be summarily dismissing this India-inspired collection calling it ‘a random Youtuber’s DIY’, or ‘the best-out-of-waste project during the school summer break’ or hailing Lajpat Nagar as having better collections… The fact is that India is huge, as is Diwali! And, everybody, right from Zara to Swarovski, want a slice of it.

If in last year’s retail market, Diwali was put at approximately Rs 3.75 lakh crore, this year Indians are touted to spend manifold! Actress Ananya Panday, who was the face of Jimmy Choo’s Diwali/FW Collection year last, jumps the Swarovski campaign this time around. Swarovski’s Diwali Exclusive Capsule Collection — Idyllia offers dazzling hues and intricate designs, embracing the festive spirit.

After a series of not-so-successful Indian Barbie, Mattle has tied up with Indian couturier Anita Dongre to bring out a Diwali doll. Dressed in a blue lehenga with dahlias, jasmine and lotus motifs from Dongre, the doll is accessorised in golden shoes, bangles and dazzling earrings.

Couturiers seem to be choice of different brands in 2024. OPPO has launched a smartphone with Bollywood’s favourite designer Manish Malhotra. The Reno12 Pro 5G Manish Malhotra Limited Edition has intricate gold filigree and floral embroidery over an elegant black backdrop, paying an ode to Indian heritage. Malhotra, who started as a model, is today a celebrated couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur and revivalist. If this year he leaves his imprint on phones, last year he crafted artisanal hampers by Marriott Bonvoy for Diwali celebrations. This year, renowned designers Shantanu and Nikhil have also been roped in by Hyatt Centric Chandigarh to curate festive Diwali hampers.

International brands’ fascination for Indian culture has led to a commercial global renaissance. Bulgari offers mangalsutra — launched by international star and our very own desi girl Priyanka Chopra. Right from Madhuri Dixit Nene to Richa Chadha have been seen wearing these mangalsutras. Not just things, but also celebrations have expanded globally.

New York, New Jersey, Texas and Pennsylvania have recognised and declared Diwali as a holiday, off and on. One of the biggest Diwali bashes in London was thrown this year by Condé Nast Traveller and Cartier. Incense sticks as return gift; this glitzy bash saw Bhumi Pednekar dazzle in Torani ensemble, styled by Rhea Kapoor, flashing Cartier jewels.

Keeping up with the times, global retailer Zara has teamed up with artiste Jayesh Sachdev for a special Diwali capsule. National Award-winning multidisciplinary artiste and founder of the Quirk Box Jayeshm, along with Zara, launched an online Diwali collection last week and in select stores too. Don’t get too excited — no ghaghra cholis in Zara stores yet, but t-shirts and bags in colourful motifs! Even if you don’t intend to buy them, about time to get a glimpse of these innumerable Diwali exclusive capsule collections for they razzle and dazzle.