Forces of Fashion, Assemble!
Natural Diamond Council and Vogue India bring Forces of Fashion to Indian shores for the first time ever.
2017. The year Vogue created Forces of Fashion, a platform for the biggest and brightest names in fashion to come together and have an open dialogue on everything from the innovations, challenges to the future of the fashion industry.
Vogue’s signature creative conference will now also take place in India, only the third country to host this event after the US and UK – a recognition of the legacy, contribution and current role India plays in the global fashion context. As the forum has evolved over the years, the conversation has progressed to conscious luxury, sustainability, inclusivity and fashion culture.
Natural Diamond Council joins the force
For its official launch, the Natural Diamond Council joined hands with Vogue to bring the Forces of Fashion event to India for the first time. On this collaboration, 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. This made Natural Diamond Council our perfect partners with their values in slow luxury and a focus on handmade and craft. 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.”
The launch panel included Global Content Director, Vogue, Dame Anna Wintour, India’s celebrated design maverick Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Megha Kapoor who touched on India’s cultural landscape specifically its artisans and craftsmanship, the multiple aspects of sustainability and the changing face of fashion.
How the youth of today view, understand and consume ‘luxury’, and how that would affect the future of fashion. The discussion also included anecdotes from Sabyasachi on pioneering the movement of slow luxury that is central to his brand—whether fashion or his venture into jewellery.
Global Editorial Director of Vogue, Dame 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 stand by these choices. 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.”
An evening marking India’s fashion and jewellery legacy and craftsmanship
The launch event on November 23, 2022 was an intimate gathering of India’s most influential designers, creatives, and editors; taking place at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai – a heritage building and one of the last standing Baroque structures in the city. Complete with a Bharatanatyam performance, glorious textile installations from the Chanakya School of Craft and designer Kallol Dutta and an exquisitely crafted natural diamond jewellery exhibit, the evening was an ode to India-rooted fashion and homegrown talent.
The intimate event had a star-studded guest list including names such as Aditi Rao Hydari, Manish Malhotra, Gaurav Gupta, Mira Rajput Kapoor, Ananya Birla, Masaba Gupta and Ayushmann Khurrana.
The custom natural diamond exhibit included 10 unique pieces from legacy brands including DeBeers, Gem Palace, Raniwala 1881 and Jaipur Gems, each piece a tribute to Indian design and artistry. In addition, there were exclusive ‘try-on’ natural diamond jewellery displays which allowed the guests to interact with the pieces.
Speaking about the role that natural diamonds play in the local landscape, Richa Singh, Managing Director of Natural Diamond Council – India and Middle East says, “Natural diamonds have always been an integral part of not only fashion but also Indian culture. The driving force behind making these jewels such an intrinsic part of our lives are the craftsmen and visionary designers who bring this sparkle alive. Indian artisans are recognized as amongst the best in the world and Forces of Fashion was the perfect way to encourage such conversations at a global level while also celebrating the impact of our country on the world of fashion.”
The next editions of Forces of Fashion will bring forth a greater number of conversations with the brightest minds in the industry drawing attention to the future of fashion and the significance of slow, conscious luxury.
