ELLE Graduates 2020 took place at Istituto Marangoni on January 15th, 2023. It’s safe to say that the event was a grand celebration of emerging talent and trail blazers of the fashion industry. In the words of Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, the Editor of ELLE India, “ELLE Graduates is a celebration of the future of Indian fashion and a one-of-a-kind platform that allows the potential of upcoming homegrown talent to be recognised and appreciated. With a mission to encourage, uplift and highlight the rising stars of tomorrow, ELLE Graduates 2022 introduces you to the next big things in fashion and puts emerging talent on your radar,”
The event was hosted by the absolutely stunning Glorious Luna who kept our audience engaged with their striking demeanour. Our first show of the night was by our associate partner, Crocs. Sharvari Wagh looked effortlessly cool as she turned showstopper in a fuss free pair with quirky jibbitz. Our clothing partner for the show was the talented homegrown brand, BALAV.
Our winner brands were chosen by our esteemed panel of eight industry experts across all walks of fashion. This panel included Rajesh Pratap Singh, Bandana Tewari, Mohit Rai, Zarine Manchanda, Ujjwala Raut, Isha Jajodia, Mevin Murden and Zoha Castelino. While the title of Designer of the Year – Ready to Wear (Western) was bagged by the strong silhouettes of AKHL, The Opal Tribe took home the award for Designer of the Year – Ready to Wear (Indian) with their beautifully designed collection. Designer of the Year – Fashion Accessories and Jewellery was awarded to the unconventional pieces of NO.NA.MÉ while Countrymade bagged the Designer of the Year – Men’s Wear award. Last but not least, Designer of the Year- Sustainable Wear was won by The Terra Tribe, which is known for its innovative craftsmanship and contribution to a more sustainable world. Each of the brands put on a spectacular show and made sure that all eyes were on them with each of their brilliant collections.
Istituto Marangoni also presented a scholarship that covers the tuition fees of a short course at the Milan Fashion School. AKHL won the scholarship.
The people’s category awards saw some of the most talented names across the industry. Subiksha Shivakumar took home the Face To Watch Out For award for breaking through stereotypical beauty standards and expressing herself through the power of make-up and style. Photographer Of The Year was won by Vansh Virmani for his unique style and art. While Sakshi Sindwani got the Social Media Star award for being herself unapologetically and advocating for self-love and body positivity, Stylist Of The Year was won by Chandini Whabi for making the best names in the industry level up their fashion game while also maintaining their personal aesthetics.
The ever-stylish and versatile Vijay Varma won the Entertainer of The Year Award. While our chocolate boy, Rohit Saraf, took home the Style Icon award (male) for his young and quirky fashion aesthetic, Sayani Gupta won the Style Icon award (female) for her unconventional and bold style. Tamannaah Bhatia took home the Mould Breaker award for breaking stereotypes and being unafraid to express herself.
All in all it was a wonderful day dedicated to recognising, uplifting and celebrating all things art and fashion.
Title Sponsor, Istituto Marangoni
Associate Sponsor, Crocs
Fragrance Partner, Engage
Pouring Partner, The Liquor Store
Tropical installations by Botanical Bias
Hospitality partners, Nine Hospitality
PR Partners, Shimmer Entertainment
