Neha Mehrotra
18-Sep-2025
From destination weddings in paradise to fashion collabs, beauty launches, and iconic restaurant reopenings—discover the latest in travel, style, and culture making news this season.
1. Jamaica Celebrates 63rd Independence Anniversary with a Cultural Showcase in New Delhi
The Jamaican High Commission in New Delhi celebrated Jamaica’s 63rd independence anniversary with a vibrant cultural evening at Andaz Delhi, themed “Be Proud, Be Bold, in the Black, Green and Gold”. Over 900 guests, including diplomats, government officials, and cultural icons, enjoyed reggae performances by Tessellated, authentic Jamaican cuisine, Appleton Estate Rum, and Blue Mountain Coffee. High Commissioner H.E. Jason K. M. Hall highlighted Jamaica’s milestones and strong ties with India. Chief Guest Smt Anupriya Patel was felicitated, underscoring the enduring friendship between both nations.
2. Jaisalmer and Carcassonne Form Historic Twin-City Alliance
Rajasthan’s Golden City of Jaisalmer is officially twinned with Carcassonne in southern France, strengthening cultural and heritage ties built over four years of exchanges. Both cities are famed for their mediaeval fortresses, with Jaisalmer often called the “Carcassonne of the Desert”. The initiative originated in 2021. The partnership will promote collaboration in tourism, arts, sports, and heritage preservation through joint committees. Carcassonne, already twinned with Eggenfelden, Baeza, and Tallinn, will mark the new alliance with updated city entrance signs. This is Rajasthan’s second French cultural partnership after Udaipur’s tie with Château de Chambord.
3. Alia Bhatt Joins Levi’s® as Global Brand Ambassador
Levi’s® has announced Alia Bhatt as its new Global Brand Ambassador, marking a key moment in women’s fashion as relaxed fits, wide legs, and looser silhouettes become everyday essentials. Alia, who views denim as both personal and universal, will drive Levi’s® evolution toward trend-forward, style-led relevance. With her cultural influence, Levi’s® aims to strengthen its women’s portfolio while continuing to deliver timeless denim for a new generation
4. H&M Beauty Concept Makes its Grand Debut in India
H&M announces the first-ever launch of the H&M Beauty concept in India, expanding its universe beyond fashion & home concepts. The collection offers over 200 products across makeup, fragrance, and beauty tools. Hero launches include the Satin Icon Lipstick, Mad for Matte Liquid Lipstick, Never Ending Lash Mascara, and the versatile Do-it-All Stick Blush. For fragrance lovers, the H&M Beauty concept introduces the new Eau de Parfum collection with vegan formulas. All products are vegan and cruelty-free, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainable beauty. The H&M Beauty concept will be available from 2 October 2025 across all H&M stores in India and online.
5. Almost Gods x FILA Unveil their first Global Collaboration
FILA has partnered with Indian label Almost Gods for a limited-edition global collection launching 11 September 2025. Rooted in FILA’s clay-court tennis heritage and reimagined through Almost Gods’ cinematic brutalism, the line evokes a fictional sandstorm universe with tones of ash, oxidised red, and iron. Utility-driven silhouettes, layered outerwear, and symbolic graphics redefine sport-luxury with raw power and narrative depth. Available via Almost Gods, FILA stores and online, with early digital access on 10 September.
6. Matsya Home & Living Launches in New Delhi
A decade after its first home experiments, Matsya unveils Matsya Home & Living, expanding from couture to luxury lifestyle. The collection showcases platinum-painted bone china, crystal glassware with precious metal detailing, embroidered soft furnishings, silk scarves, handbags, and fine jewellery, alongside Global Pret apparel. Drawing inspiration from Masai Mara, Venetian Lions, and Matsya’s signature wings. Debuting at Khan Market Studio with limited access in South Extension and Hyderabad, prices range from INR 6,990 to 98,990, defining Matsya’s philosophy of Modern Royalty.
7. The Anantara Concorso Roma to Inaugurate in April 2026, with a Grand Affair
Debuting from 16 to 19 April 2026, the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma will transform Rome into a glamorous celebration of automotive elegance and refined living. Organised by Anantara Hotels & Resorts, with UBS as presenting partner, the event will showcase iconic Italian automobiles, including the 1902 FIAT Type 12/16 hp and 1963 Ferrari 275P. Centred around Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome, highlights include the Giro d’Anantara grand tour, a Champagne reception at Casina Valadier, and a black-tie Grand Palazzo Dinner at Palazzo Brancaccio. Expanded venues such as Piazza Bucarest add grandeur, while exclusive VVIP packages, weekend passes, and day tickets from €95 offer enthusiasts privileged access to this celebration of la dolce vita.
8. Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi Returns in an All-New Avatar
The Leela Palace New Delhi reopens Le Cirque, its iconic Franco-Italian fine dining destination. The new menu sustains the inspiration of the rich culture of France and Italy. Diners can look forward to signature highlights such as Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle Tart, Lobster Ravioli “Le Cirque”, the 40-Layer NZ Lamb Lasagna, Salt-Baked Mediterranean Sea Bass, and the Mille-Feuille à la Vanille, a classic Le Cirque finale. The 40-cover restaurant is hosting an exclusive four-hands pop-up featuring Chef Diego, the former head chef, alongside the current culinary head of the restaurant – Chef Vashisht – to celebrate the occasion. In the evenings, guests may choose between a five-course or seven-course tasting menu with vegetarian and vegan options thoughtfully incorporated. The acclaimed Le Cirque wine cellar features rare vintages and celebrated international labels, curated to complement the restaurant’s iconic Franco-Italian cuisine.
9. Picnic Island, Tasmania, to Begin Construction of New Host Suite
Picnic Island, Tasmania, is set to unveil a new host suite by January 2026, enhancing Australia’s most exclusive private island retreat. Expanding capacity to eight guests, the suite will offer an intimate escape for families, groups of friends, honeymooners, and celebrants. Designed with passive environmental principles, it will feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing Freycinet National Park, Tasmanian timber interiors, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Built sustainably under a penguin management plan with seabird ecologist Dr. Eric Woehler, the off-grid suite will be powered by solar energy and supported by integrated water and waste systems.
10. Reservations Now Open for Carbone Dubai at Atlantis the Royal
Atlantis Dubai, in partnership with luxury hospitality company Major Food Group (MFG), is bringing the legendary restaurant CARBONE to Atlantis The Royal. Set to open on Monday, 6th October, MFG will introduce its world-class, New York-style Italian menu to the UAE. Inside CARBONE Dubai, the dining room is elegantly adorned with chandeliers, a curated art collection, velvety jewel-toned nooks, leather banquettes, and damask-adorned walls with Venetian glass mirrors, while a sleek, elongated bar and plush, vibrantly coloured seating create an inviting, social atmosphere. At the heart of the restaurant lies a showstopping centrepiece – one of the largest jellyfish tanks in the world, stretching across an entire wall of the dining room. Guests may also choose to dine al fresco on the terrace, complemented by sweeping views of the Skyblaze Fountain Show and a semi-private dining room. Wine enthusiasts will also appreciate the extensive wine collection, showcasing over 450 labels, including rare vintages, boutique producers and Dubai firsts.
11. Delight in the Ultimate Bite at Rio Salao, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji
Savour layers of fresh vegetables, premium cuts, and gooey, melty cheese in every toast—perfectly balanced for flavour and texture. Pair it with a comforting cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a delightful riverside experience at Rio Salao – The River View Lounge.
Dates & Timings: 15th September 2025 onwards | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Whether it’s breakfast, a quick lunch, or a relaxed evening bite, each toast is crafted to indulge your taste buds all day long in an elegant riverside setting.
12. Lancaster Paris Debuts in India with Yogi Retail Ventures
Yogi Retail Ventures Pvt. Ltd., led by luxury retail veteran Yogendra Sharma, announces the exclusive launch of French leather goods icon Lancaster Paris in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Known for its minimalist design, versatile silhouettes, and Parisian elegance, Lancaster will soon open over 30 boutique and shop-in-shop locations by 2030. Alongside brick-and-mortar stores, curated collections will also be available via luxury e-commerce platforms and a dedicated D2C website.
13. Indian Craftsmanship Shines at Medusa Exhibit, London
Medusa Fashion House returns to London with the Medusa Exhibit, bringing together a vibrant collective of Indian designers and artisans. This edition will showcase distinctive creations from Harry’s by Harvinder Kaur, Amethyst by Rahul Popli, A’MEN, House of Indus, Venus Steps, and Aantardesi — celebrating the diversity and craftsmanship of contemporary Indian design on a global stage.
14. Frida Art House at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Presents a Landmark Exhibition
Frida Art House at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, is presenting Between Yesterday and Tomorrow: The Many Lives of Objects from 8 to 30 September 2025. Curated by Satyajit Dave, the landmark exhibition unveils over 85 rare works spanning three centuries of India’s cultural history, from temple Pichhwais and Tanjore paintings to Ravi Varma oleographs, M. F. Husain canvases, colonial porcelains, and Bollywood posters. Showcasing both sacred icons and domestic heirlooms, the exhibition offers Pune a rare confluence of heritage, memory, and modern artistic expression.
Cover Credits: Carbone Dubai
