ELLE Graduates 2023 was a sundowner to remember. This event showcased up-and-coming brands and put them in the spotlight. Our alumni boast several names that have gone on to become brands, so ELLE Graduates is a much-coveted title. This year’s winners and trailblazers are the ones you need to add to your radar; they showed tremendous promise.
The evening began with a spectacular showcase by Crimsoune Club, which set the tone for an evening of stylish elegance and showcased a display of the stylish collection. Several celebrities put their best foot forward with picks from AJIO. The event was hosted by the charismatic Siddhi Karwa.
Leading designers and fashion experts such as Arpita Mehta, Alaya F, Aastha Sharma, Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Dolly J Mevin Murden, Nikhil Thampi, Nachiket Barve, Tanya Ghavri, Vaishali Shadangule, and Zoha Castelino were among the distinguished jury members who selected the ground-breaking winners.
Designers of the Year
In the limelight of fashion accolades, Econock Studio claimed Designer of the Year, Accessories & Jewellery, while Sonam Khetan took home Designer of the Year, Sustainable Wear. Ishan Naresh’s flair earned him Designer of the Year, Indian (Women’s) Ready to Wear, and WHENCUT GODDAMN won Designer of the Year, Menswear, and secured a scholarship from Istituto Marangoni. Nikhil Kolhe got accolades for Western sophistication, winning Designer of the Year, Ready to Wear. These designers now have their names etched in fashion history, and if history is anything to go by, they will go on to shape the fashion industry’s tapestry, leaving an indelible mark.
People Awardees
She absolutely owned the spotlight—Nayonikaa Shetty strutted her stuff and earned the title of Model of the Year. Prachi Sharma, known to capture the essence of the soul through her lens, earned the title of Photographer of the Year. Rahil Sayed’s social media prowess has everyone glued, and he was recognised as the Rising Social Media Star. James Lalthanzuala weaved his stylistic magic and was crowned the Stylist of the Year. The title of Power Pair went to Ramona and Zoeb for showcasing their collaborative brilliance. In the entrepreneurial space, Mahima Mahajan stood tall as ELLE’s Fashion Entrepreneur.
Celebrity Awardees
The stage boasted oodles of talent. Moses Koul emerged as the Rising Star (male), while Ishaan Khatter dazzled as ELLE’s Powerhouse Performer. Triptii Dimri’s style stole the spotlight, earning her the title of ELLE Sartorial Star. Orry took home the Gen-Z Trendsetter award, a fitting award given his affinity for practically creating trends. Ali Fazal’s unusual style choices made him the natural choice for ELLE Mould Breaker (Male), while Sanjana Sanghi took home the award for ELLE Exemplary Talent. DOT, aka Aditi Saigal, shone as the ELLE Rising Star (female). Lisa Mishra’s melodies struck a chord, and she won Music Maven. Harshvardhan Kapoor won ELLE Fashion Maverick, and Vedant Lamba was conferred the title ELLE Fashion and Business Excellence.
As the sun sets on this memorable sundowner, we bid adieu to a night of stars and style. Until next year, when the canvas of fashion unfolds anew.
Presenting Sponsor: Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai
Associate Sponsor: Crimsoune Club
Styling Partner: Ajio Life
Hydration Partner: Evocus Water
Celebration Partner: Bombay Sapphire
Also read, ELLE Graduates 2023: The Best Dressed Attendees At This Fashion Soiree