Picture of Soumya Jain Agarwal

Soumya Jain Agarwal

A writer, author, editor passionate about luxury & the intricacies around it, Soumya Jain Agarwal is the founder & chief editor of LuxuryFacts.com, a pioneering online luxury magazine with global content. Her extensive travels, from Mexico to Egypt to Paris, feed into her understanding of the unique and exquisite. Currently based in Chicago, USA, she keeps a tab on the Indian and American luxury market. She is also the co-editor of The Luxury Market in India: Maharajas to Masses, and a contributor to more academic publications on luxury and brand management. Along with freelancing, she also consults emerging luxury brands for their luxury content and branding needs.
Picture of Soumya Jain Agarwal

Soumya Jain Agarwal

A writer, author, editor passionate about luxury & the intricacies around it, Soumya Jain Agarwal is the founder & chief editor of LuxuryFacts.com, a pioneering online luxury magazine with global content. Her extensive travels, from Mexico to Egypt to Paris, feed into her understanding of the unique and exquisite. Currently based in Chicago, USA, she keeps a tab on the Indian and American luxury market. She is also the co-editor of The Luxury Market in India: Maharajas to Masses, and a contributor to more academic publications on luxury and brand management. Along with freelancing, she also consults emerging luxury brands for their luxury content and branding needs.

All articles by the author

Paisleys, Chintz, Makara Marble: ‘Inspired by India’ Explores the Contributions of a Single Country to Luxury

Since the 1st century, India has been inspiring fashion, jewellery and lifestyle world over. Its massive contributions have made the world what it is, though not many know about the deep-settling role of India. ‘Inspired by India’, an impressive coffee table book, highlights those contributions, while enhancing the experience through spectacular visuals.

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13 Questions with Gayatri Khanna

Juggling between the various roles which Indian women are now used to, Gayatri Khanna manages to balance her work with international luxury houses with duties towards her daughters. Lauding her spirit, we ask her some cheeky life questions

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Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s Paris: A Lesson in Luxury

Coming from the elegant Group Barriere, the multi-faceted Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s in Paris pampers and treats you, without any of the snob value, which French are quite wrongly accused of. Chic, stylish and full of glamour, the hotel will make you fall in love with the city, yet again

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Glenfiddich – Transforming Spirits

A 130 year old brand, Glenfiddich doesn’t plan to show its old age by holding on to tradition, but instead is learning to take advantage of its experience to create newer, nervier expressions of the brand

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TUMI, Chris Pratt & His Travel Shenanigans

Adventure movie actor Chris Pratt is an adventure-enthusiast in real life as well! As luxury luggage maker TUMI collaborates with the actor for their first exclusive Asia-Pacific and Middle East campaign, Mr. Pratt gives out his travel penchants. And, do watch the riotous video

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Veen – A Water Sommelier & His Trade

A luxury bottled water brand which sources its water from the most remote areas of Finland and Bhutan, Veen is making a clear splash in the bottled water segment as an haute hydrator. We delve into a discussion on water, its taste and its importance with Ganesh Iyer, India’s first water sommelier

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13 Questions with Eefa Shrof

Eefa Shrof radiates the happiness and joy that comes from someone who loves their life. A fitness chef and sports nutritionist to the rich and famous, this vivacious consultant packs a lot of enthusiasm in her day – which is quite evident from her answers to our 13 questions

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13 Questions with Abhay Gupta

An engineer, a consumer and retail expert, an educator, a researcher – Abhay Gupta wears multiple hats – all of which have shaped the cerebral personality he is. He, however, goes beyond those professional proficiencies to answer our 13 Questions

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InterContinental San Juan – An Idyllic Island Retreat

Perched on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, InterContinental San Juan is the ideal tropical resort you would want to spend your vacation in. A destination in itself, the hotel’s decor, smiling staff and appetizing food will make sure you get an archetype holiday

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13 Questions with Pierre Favresse

In our interview with Pierre Favresse, Lladro’s recently appointed Creative Director, he divulges honest and emotional information about the artistic life he has led since childhood, and how he sees life ahead

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13 Questions with Palak Shah

Co-founder and CEO of Ekaya – an Indian brand set out to promote Indian textiles – Palak Shah says it as it is. No fluff, no complication – which we realized while asking her our 13 patent questions

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9 Best Looks from Amazon India Couture Week 2015

An assortment of thread work, rich fabrics, jeweled shades and more, Amazon India Couture Week is certainly the best of all fashion weeks that happen around the country, around the year. We put together some of our favorite looks from 2015

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Big Bar – Creative Concoctions

The longest freestanding bar in North America with only two pillars supporting it, Big Bar at Hyatt Regency Chicago impresses us not just architecturally, but with its technology and menu too!

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Kil@wat – A Brunch to Remember

Kil@wat at InterContinental Milwaukee is not just a place to fill your stomach, but to enjoy each morsel, feast your eyes with the presentation, and glow with satisfied appetite

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Anouska Hempel – Spaces that Speak

Calling herself “like a grasshopper” who can jump between various design themes easily, Anouska Hempel, or Lady Weinberg, gives a feast to our eyes with her book which chronicles some of her most beautiful projects

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Neung Roi – A Thai Tribute

Presenting an incredible range of options and a fabulous experience, Neung Roi in New Delhi scores high on our fine dining chart. A mental note – we definitely want to go back to try the rest of the vast menu!

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Le Cirque – A Lavish Summer

Food is not just something that keeps you alive. It is an experience. Le Cirque at The Leela Palace New Delhi knows that very well, as we find that out from Marco Maccioni, who was in the city recently to launch the restaurant’s summer menu

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A. Lange & Soehne – Love Thy Neighbour

Dubai’s extravagant retail therapy has us delighted. And when you have the largest A. Lange & Soehne store there, it certainly beeps strongly on the radar of LuxuryFacts! We chat over espressos with Mr Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of Lange

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Sufi – For that Inner Calmness

Just like its name, the Sufi range of products by The Imperial Salon & Spa aim to quietly do their work, while giving a respite from the turmoil your skin faces each and everyday. It passes brilliantly through our test!

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Les Petits – Teaching Children Luxury

Giving India’s luxury market a new direction, Les Petits gives children something more to clap about with their kidswear collection and furniture. Bringing Young Versace into their store, we took the opportunity to ask the President, Ms Swati Saraf, about their journey till now and future plans

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Lord Mark Poltimore – Decoding India’s Art

You know you are in for a treat when fashion and art get together under one roof. And that is exactly what Sotheby’s planned for us, as we caught up with their charming Deputy Chairman, Lord Mark Poltimore, to ask about his impressions of the Indian art scene

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Blending Fashion’s East & West

Blending the east and west seamlessly, Project Renaissance, true to its name, creates a new fashion age, where fabrics and crafts from India merge with western silhouettes to create an evolved fashion sense

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Becoming Global the Indian Way

Countless international brands look towards India for inspiration and design. So what’s hampering India’s growth on the global scenario? We try to understand and provide some solutions

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Walter Lange – The German Watch Guard

You seldom get a chance to meet people who have strived hard for their passion and made it a success. Mr Walter Lange is one of them. In this rare interview, we have a short conversation with this gentleman, who revived A. Lange & Soehne at the age of 66, when most people retire

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Corneliani & OSL Luxury – Suiting up!

Corneliani has seen quite a rough journey in India. As they shake hands with another company, the OSL Group, we try to learn more by interviewing the brand’s staunch supporters, Mr Salesh Grover & Mr Prem Dewan

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Perry Oosting – Sensorial Luxury

“Luxury is different things for different people. It’s not a rational argumentation. It’s an emotional purchase,” says Mr Perry Oosting, President & CEO of Vertu. We hear more from this man who is single-handedly leading the luxury mobile phone category, and very well at that!

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Sonia Irvine – The Amber Life!

You want to party? Do it at the best haunt – Amber Lounge. But sorry folks, you got to wait till next year now. In the meanwhile, here’s a little glimpse as we talk to Sonia Irvine

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The 40 Shades of Purple

Smouldering eyes, healthy cheek blush and plush lips. Every woman wants these defining attributes. Thus, we figure out make-up trends this season from Lancome and Estee Lauder

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Westin Sohna Resort & Spa – Welcome the oil

Everyone in the city longs for fresh nature coupled with relaxation. Westin Sohna Resort & Spa gives the perfect formula with its newly constructed spa villas and partnership with Kairali to provide an authentic Ayurveda experience. Here’s our review

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A. Lange & Soehne – A Factory of Marvels

German silver, outsize date, honey coloured gold and double assembling are terms that are quite unique to A. Lange & Soehne. But this is not just it. We found out more during our visit to their manufactory in Glashutte

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Citibank Restaurant Week India – A Week of Gluttony

Food is one elixir which binds different cultures together. Americans like Indian food while Indians gorge on Chinese. Italian is the perennial favourite world over while Lebanese is the new darling. Citibank Restaurant Week India cashes on this very desire. We talk to Mr Azeem Zainulbhai, one of the founders, to find out more

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Le Cirque – Circus Chic

Meaning ‘the circus’ in English, Le Cirque is anything, but that. Serving French-Italian cuisine, organised, elegant and classy, there’s hardly any blunder or chaos. Legendary as its status is, we review their new Saturday brunch concept, which wins absolute adoration from us

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Prego – Jolly Good Fellows!

Make travelling to Gurgaon worth it with an entertaining and stiff-free dining experience at Prego at The Westin Gurgaon. We assure you, you won’t complain!

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Tarun Tahiliani – The Bridesman

Growing from strength to strength, Tarun Tahiliani’s Bridal Couture Exposition, has successfully given sound fashion advice to soon-to-be-married couples and their families. The 4th edition this year turned out to be even more spectacular!

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Cooke & Kelvey – A Master Creator

You may or may not have heard of Cooke & Kelvey. The exclusivity that this brand has maintained over the years could be a lesson in luxury for today’s global brands. We immerse ourselves in this world of legacy, and try to learn more about them, while talking with Mr Massod Huq about their future

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Raymond Weil – Watching & Walking Ahead

The saying ‘slow and steady wins the race’ may be true. Mr Olivier Bernheim of Raymond Weil, however, slightly increases the speed as he opens boutiques one after the other in India. Quite a new phenomenon in India where watchmakers are happy with multi-brand retailers only. We talk more with this far-seeing, suave gentleman

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Exploring Indonesia – Frolicking in Java

Much like India, Indonesia has a vast and varied culture, which can’t be fully explore in one trip. Going beyond the famous Bali, we scouted other regions of this chivalrous country. Taking forward from the first part, the second part of this article roams around Bandung and Jakarta in Java, which were more cosmopolitan and contemporary than Sumatra.

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Exploring Indonesia – The Discovery of Minangkabau

Much like India, Indonesia has a vast and varied culture, which can’t be fully explored in one trip. Going beyond the famous Bali, we scouted other regions of this chivalrous country. In the first part of this article, we show the various facets of the Western Sumatra region and the immense natural beauty that we encountered here.

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For the Love of a Mango!

Spice Route at The Imperial New Delhi gives a rebirth to the highly desired mango as it presents a luxurious, refreshing summer collection of innovative recipes.

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The Magnetism of Technology

Some love technology, while for others it’s a necessary evil. Ms Devita Saraf falls into the first category. So much so, that she calls it a “fun business”, as she talks about her six year old Vu Technologies.

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Megu – A Japanese Rendezvous

Japan is quickly making its way into the Indian luxe consumer’s mind – be it through fashion brands like Kenzo or cosmetic giants like Shiseido. Megu, Delhi’s latest swish place for Japanese cuisine, is a gem which takes the music to a crescendo

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A Vivid Discovery

Jewellery is not just about how it looks, as most Indian women understand. It’s also about the craftsmanship and comfort. Entice jewellery brand scores on all points!

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Spoons – Food Art

Making quite a creative impression, we think that the new Spoons restaurant in New Delhi will soon turn into a frequented bistro, due to its wonderful repertoire of cuisines and food

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Artistic Strokes

The India Art Fair had everyone spinning on its fingers as art experts, enthusiasts and connoisseurs flocked to the venue to experience pure beauty and intellect. The gallery owners who exhibited at the Fair are surely in high spirits!

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Certified Sophistication

If you are spending a fortune on a watch, you might as well have it proven tough in all aspects. Chopard does that for you by achieving three prestigious certifications for its latest LUC model. Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele is visibly proud!

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Anselm Reyle – A Splash of Art

Art has different perceptions for different people. Coming from a country which has produced some pathbreaking luxury cars and even highly mechanised watches, artist Anselm Reyle defies all pre-conceived perceptions, and gives contemporary art a new meaning as he showcases his work in Galerie Isa in Mumbai

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The Shining Light

If you see a brilliant light at the end of a dark tunnel, it can be one of those Golconda diamonds the world still lusts over today. One of them, The Light of Golconda, just fetched a whopping amount at an auction, courtesy Sotheby’s.

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Hunt the Jungles!

Two brands have scoured forests and mines to discover natural and rare materials to provide their customers with a new experience. House of Raro and Lindberg, both know that uniqueness is what sets a product apart, and that is the self-assigned goal they work towards.

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Remy iceBoxx – The Iced Cognac

In an age when deep pockets are looking for larger-than-life experiences to indulge in, Remy Martin dared to bring a short and extremely stimulating experience in the form of a small shot. it will keep you gasping for more certainly…

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Vacheron Constantin – The Cult of Bespoke

Vacheron Constantin had cultivated a fruitful relationship with India’s royalty in that glorious era which was defined by the royals’ love for everything unique and custom-made. We have a small glimpse of those times and see the future trend as well…

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Kitsch – Fashion Melange

By getting more renowned brands like Celine, Catherine Malandrino and YSL Homme in its portfolio, Kitsch has presented the style-conscious Indian with even more choices

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de Grisogono – Skin on Skin

Nobody stops us from enjoying the beauty of this Earth and its various creatures in myriad ways. One of them is jewellery made of stingray leather, especially when it has been crafted as beautifully as by de Grisogono. Are there any further consequences to this enjoyment?

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Glenfiddich – For Those Who Dare

Sometimes it takes just one quick decision made at the perfect moment to change your life. but very few have the courage, and shall we dd intelligence, to take a risk. Mr Brian Kinsman of Glenfiddich had that audacity, and so did the six pioneers who were honoured by the brand…

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Giorgio Armani – A Whiff of Glamour

How many of us actually go deep into the aspects of a fragrance? It just needs to smell good, right? But there are more layers beneath, as we analyse with the newly launched Armani Code Sport for men, and attempt to understand the Indian luxury fragrance market more

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Square Moon – Straighten up your Gun

You are all sweet and innocent from outside. But God forsakes those who dare provoke you! You can pull up a swift kick making hard contact with your victim’s chin! Is that what you have always dreamt about? It’s time to make this episode a reality…

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Size Zero Watches – Thinning Down

Those large and thick dial watches do make you look as if you know your mechanisms, But is there another way to make an impression in a classier way? You should probably look at thin watches and give your wrists some relief…

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Jordan – The Valley of Peace

When you are in Wadi Rum in Jordan, you are far away from the rest of the world. You get a chance to soak in the nature and probably understand yourself. Who needs a temple or a mosque or a church then to tune yourself to your inner thoughts?

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Jordan – A Taste of Good Times

Jordanian, or rather Lebanese food, is vibrant, appealing to the eyes and stomach and extremely healthy as well. Such a colourful and interesting cuisine demands a separate article for itself!

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MoMo Cafe – For the Black Suited

Not that everyone is a fan of lunch meetings, it is a very important way of bonding and getting good business. Want to make the whole ordeal a little more bearable? Try MoMo Cafe at Courtyard by Marriott

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The Imperial – A Breath of Fresh Air

One of the reasons for travelling is to get an experience of new worlds and cultures. But what if that world is filled with polluted air and inadequate clean water? That’s reason enough to make hotels shudder and clean up their act – like The Imperial New Delhi is doing…

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Cristiano Corneliani – Impeccable Finesse

The much known Corneliani brand, present in India through Blues Clothing Company, believes that tradition, hand-in-hand with modernity, is the reason of its success. We converse with Mr Cristiano Corneliani on the brand philosophy and more!

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Nirav Modi – Of Drops & Cuts

Mr Nirav Modi loves to talk more about his jewellery than himself. That’s bound to happen. Once you see the brilliant jewellery that is churned out by this craftsman, you would want to become a self-proclaimed brand ambassador of the jewellery…

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Dilip Kapur of Hidesign – Hobnobbing with Leather

Hidesign can’t be categorised as ‘just another brand’ in the luxury industry. First reason – their bags are built to be useful and functional – the sort which will truly last you forever in terms of quality and design as well. The second reason is the simple, honest and unaffected thoughts of its owner Dilip Kapur

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Safeguarding Craftsmanship

Numerous changes have come in the luxury industry due to many factors – globalisation, recession, and more. It’s the apt moment to go back to the roots and understand the original meaning of luxury – as understood by veteran like Mr Franco Cologni.

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Christophe Bourrie of Louis XIII – Talking to the King’s Man

The smooth body and flavourful taste of Louis XIII has been enjoyed by many a great and famous personality in the past century. It’s a treat to have even one glass of it, and you have to deserve it! We discover what makes it the way it is, its India journey and future plans, through Mr Christophe Bourrie, the easy-going and cheerful International Brand Ambassador of Louis XIII

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Il Malatesta – Route to Luxury

Working around the long-forgotten definition of luxury, the restaurant Il Malatesta is simple, and the owners infuse it with so much passion and love, that you’ll scramble to discover the magic that surrounds this ‘homely’ place

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Imperial Spa at Imperial Hotel – Luxury of Senses

The Imperial Hotel has seen New Delhi become what it is today. It is such an omnipresent part of the city that regulars can’t imagine going to some other hotel. The newly crafted Imperial Spa gives another reason to travellers to book themselves at this royal hotel…

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Glenfiddich – The Golden Liquid

Ian Millar, Global Brand Ambassador, Glenfiddich makes for a witty educationist. So we sat down with him to understand the various nuances behind single malts and decode them for you

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Celine Martin – The Art of Fragrances

Perfumes are meant to be inspired by ‘real’ surroundings. Sadly, very few understand that. Celine Martin is one of those who do…who integrates her French personality and Indian roots to create emotive fragrances…

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Classics that never fade: The Nehru Jacket

Fashion watchers consider India to be coming up on the global fashion scene now. The status of the Indian fashion industry is judged by the number of fashion weeks that happen here. But they forget to credit India for the Nehru Jacket, which became a fashion draw at a time like the 1960s!

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Devi Spa by L’Occitane at Devi Garh, Udaipur – A Relaxing Blend

The connection between India and France has always given spectacular results. Ask Louis Vuitton and Cartier. So the collaboration between French skincare brand L’Occitane and exotic Indian hotels is also bound to be impressive. Darpan Sanghvi, master franchisee of L’Occitane Spas in India, waxes eloquent on it

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Timex and Tarun Tahiliani – Going up the Ladder

It’s time to woo the Indian consumer aggressively. And Timex Group has understood that. VD Wadhwa, CEO, Timex Group India, talks about their newly launched Tarun Tahiliani watches and the strategy for their luxury watch brands like Versace, Valentino and Ferragamo

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Veda – Cuisine Wisdom

Indian restaurant Veda has been there for quite a long time in New Delhi now. The city had almost taken it for granted maybe. But the more recent one at DLF Promenade has snapped our attention back to this fabulous restaurant…

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Versace Unique – Lend me your ear

It’s uniquely Versace and high on technology quotient as well. It’s the Versace Unique Phone. Launched in India by Blues Clothing Company, read more about its DNA before you lay your hands on it…which we are sure you want to!

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Luxury Hotels entering India – Welcome!

Despite the many financial reports stating that global chains are planning to enter India, we thought that the said hotel chains would be slightly wary due to the lack of infrastructure and terrorism threats. But surprise! They are confident about the growth potential in Indian market and are actively seeking partners to enter this huge tourist cauldron called India

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Abhay Gupta – Cashing on Homes

Blues Clothing Company, Blues Jewellery Company and now Blues Home. The tireless attitude of Abhay Gupta, Executive Director, Blues Clothing Company, shows us how the company is managing to expand so widely and quickly!

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CEO Breakfast Forum

Held recently in New Delhi, the CEO Breakfast Forum aimed at scrutinising whether the said boom in Indian luxury industry is for real or not

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BMW X5 – Being Bullish!

The new BMW X5 is one of the best from the car manufacturer. And that’s not all! BMW is determined to take back its number one position in the Indian market with a series of changes

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Hendrick’s Gin – A Curious Tale

Hendrick’s Gin may not be the most well known brand in the world, but it certainly is well-loved by a handful of people, who like the quirky spirit and fruity wafts of the gin…

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Singh Sahib – Spirit of Undivided Punjab

Ironically, while a flood-ravaged Pakistan is refusing aid from India and India is trying alternative avenues to help out its neighbour, hotel Intercontinental Eros celebrates the flavours of pre-independence era through its restaurant Singh Sahib

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Ravissant – A Sterling Silver Wedding

Ravissant has always been synonymous with luxury. Whatever they have created has always come with a tag of exclusive. Their beautiful wedding collection this time creates a luxurious and vibrant impression

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Tamara Mellon – Of Shoes, Life & Luxury

Intelligent, business-savvy and a tough woman who has carved a global way for her brand. But there is another side to Tamara Mellon, founder of Jimmy Choo, which is filled with love, patience and integrity.

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Va Bene – Mexican Extravaganza

It is an art to keep your diners engrossed in the food and ambience. Italian restaurant Va Bene at Hotel Clarion Collection, which recently hosted a Mexican food festival, knows it perfectly well

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Mercedes-Benz – Safe Actions

Mercedes-Benz, through its well-engineered safety systems, ensures that its consumers are safe and sound inside a Merc. It will make any VIP sitting in a bullet-proof car jealous

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