The fifth edition of Chivas Alchemy, hosted in Hyderabad at the historic Taramati Baradari, was a masterclass in luxury and creativity, beautifully embodying the theme of Chrysalis. This multi-sensory journey celebrated transformation—capturing the spirit of evolution from inception to inspiration. With extraordinary Alchemists from the worlds of art, craft, fashion, and entertainment, the evening brought together luminaries to showcase a tapestry of metamorphosis.
Anaita Shroff: The Alchemist of Glam
Anaita Shroff’s spectacular contribution was a golden extravaganza—a metaphorical tribute to transformation. For her, collaboration and storytelling are essential in creating memorable fashion moments. “I don’t think anyone can work independently to create something beautiful, memorable, or aspirational,” said Shroff. She emphasised the synergy between diverse creatives, from photographers and designers to set artists and stylists.
Her approach to the Chivas Alchemy show was anything but ordinary. Driven by a vision of bold disruption, she crafted an immersive parade that was as inclusive as it was innovative. “When we first chatted, Chivas probably expected me to curate a literal interpretation of metamorphosis. But I wanted to go deeper—to create something bold, immersive, and alive.”
The result was a golden masterpiece—”gold on steroids”—that invited attendees to feel, touch, and be part of an extraordinary sensory journey. “We’re celebrating style as ageless and multi-layered, bringing luxury alive in ways that are tangible. It’s about spreading your wings and flying, not holding back.”
Naga Chaitanya: The Alchemist of Emotion
For Naga Chaitanya, the unveiling of the Chivas Luxe Collective Perfume was deeply personal. He described how its complexity mirrors his acting journey and the central theme of Chrysalis. “What inspired me about the perfume is its layered evolution—it grows on you, revealing different energies over time,” he shared.
As someone constantly seeking reinvention, Chaitanya saw parallels between the transformation process in his career and the evening’s theme. “As an actor, my goal is to keep progressing and challenging the audience with new characters and roles. That constant search for reinvention resonates with the theme of Chrysalis and Chivas Alchemy. I could immediately draw parallels to my personal journey. The process of transformation, much like a chrysalis, is something I strive to achieve regularly in my acting career.”
He also spoke on the emotional connection uniting craft, art, and design: “Emotion is at the heart of everything. It transforms a piece of art into something that moves you. As an actor, my goal is to evoke that same emotional connection with the audience.” He also mentions, “Whether I’m bringing a
character to life or interpreting a script, my goal is always to create an immersive experience for the audience, one that engages them emotionally and leaves a lasting impact. This event is a beautiful celebration of creators and their vision, blending different mediums to craft an experience that evokes emotion at every turn.”
Jayanti Reddy: The Alchemist of Craft
Jayanti Reddy’s creations encapsulated a deep respect for tradition, seamlessly fused with modern luxury. Drawing inspiration from Hyderabad’s cultural heritage, her designs featured intricate Bidri craft and textile art that celebrated evolution. Her journey as a designer mirrors the Chrysalis theme. “It started with raw ideas—unformed but brimming with potential. Over the years, I’ve worked to shape these ideas, blending cultural richness with innovation, and creating designs that feel alive and transformative. Every design is a moment of metamorphosis, much like the theme of ‘Chrysalis’ celebrated by Chivas Alchemy 2024.”
For Chivas Alchemy, Reddy drew inspiration from this process of metamorphosis, creating designs that embody the transformative essence of Chrysalis. “Every element reflects this theme of evolution, as I bring traditional designs into the modern world, where ancient techniques meet contemporary textiles seamlessly.”
When asked about her collabration with Chivas, she shared, “My creations for Chivas Alchemy underscore the intricate inlay and engraving of bidri craft and features a bar, a striking floor installation and textile art backdrop, emphasising how luxury can emerge from a profound understanding of tradition. I will be using beautiful Kadadu pattas to highlight the Hyderabadi royal garment that was traditionally worn, which is the Kadadu patta. We will also be pulling threads through it to depict Chrysalis. That’s essentially the concept behind it, and it’s my main inspiration.”
Aparajita Jain: The Alchemist of Art
As the curator, Aparajita Jain masterfully connected the theme of Chrysalis to the transformative power of art. For her, the theme was about unveiling layers of creation and merging vision with imagination. “Art allows us to shape our understanding of possibilities, revealing the beauty of transformation,” she explained.
Sharing more light on the theme, she adds, “The theme of this fifth edition of Alchemy, ‘Chrysalis,’ speaks deeply to me—it’s about peeling back the layers of creation, being at the very point of inception, and giving everything to that moment. It’s about merging the creator’s vision with imagination.” As a gallerist, she focuses on understanding trends and the future of art, while also engaging with the current work and expressions of our artists. “When Chivas approached us with this idea, we were deeply inspired. Art, in this sense, becomes a critical space where we can shape our understanding of what’s possible and how we can transform the world around us. We’ve worked with artists exploring Utopia, envisioning ideal futures.”
Through artists like Ayesha Singh and Martand Khosla, Aparajita brought life to the sprawling Taramati Baradari, transforming its spaces into immersive dialogues of light, shadow, and history. “This collaboration is about more than showcasing art—it’s about creating new realities and expanding how we see the world.”
A Night to Remember
Curated by Sunil Sethi and Aashish N Soni, the evening was a symphony of craft, emotion, art, and glamour, celebrating the essence of luxury as a journey rather than a destination. As Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, remarked: “Chivas Alchemy celebrates the refined craftsmanship and luxury that echoes the ageless quality of our brand. The theme ‘Chrysalis’ encapsulates this journey beautifully, inviting connoisseurs to experience luxury through imagination and emotion.”
The event was an engaging celebration, capturing the attention of attendees with its vibrant energy and innovative approach. Chivas Alchemy offered a fresh take on luxury.
