Conceptualised by
MKJ Entertainment, The Runway Edit has been envisioned as a premium, multi-city
experiential luxury platform. Its proposition is built around the idea that
contemporary luxury extends beyond individual products to encompass access,
storytelling, craftsmanship and the experience surrounding them.
For its inaugural
Bengaluru edition, the platform collaborated with designer Shubhika Sharma,
founder and creative force behind Mumbai-based luxury label Papa Don't
Preach.
Founded in 2010,
Papa Don't Preach has developed a distinctive identity through its maximalist,
playful and unconventional approach to Indian fashion. Its repertoire spans
luxury ready-to-wear, bridal couture and accessories, while its philosophy
embraces inclusivity, equality and ethical making.
A 16-year
fashion retrospective
The centrepiece of
the evening was a conceptual presentation of 30 archival, iconic and
signature looks from Sharma's 16-year design journey.
Rather than a
conventional seasonal showcase, the presentation offered a visual retrospective
of the designer's evolving language — from colour and embellishment to
silhouettes and the reinterpretation of Indian fashion references.
The opening of The
Runway Edit featured Bollywood celebrity Riya Sen wearing 'The Imperial
Pop'—one of the iconic looks from Papa Don't Preach's latest collection, POP
PAISLEY."
While, Supermodel
Reha Sukheja closed the show wearing a scintillating lehenga set “Celtic
Hearts” from one of PDP’s iconic collections Bring Your Own Fairytale.
“For me, fashion
has always been about creating a feeling before it becomes a garment. Papa
Don’t Preach is rooted in individuality, joy and the freedom to express
yourself without rules. Experiences like TRE give us the opportunity to take
that world beyond the clothes—to create a space where fashion, culture and
community can come together in a way that feels immersive, emotional and
alive," said Shubhika Sharma, Founder & Creative Director, Papa Don’t
Preach.
More than a
runway
The Runway Edit was
designed to extend the luxury experience beyond fashion. Approximately 250
HNIs, UHNIs, global entrepreneurs, investors and cultural influencers attended
the invitation-only evening. Luxury partners were integrated into the event
through curated activations, allowing guests to experience their products and
stories within the broader narrative.
The partner
ecosystem included KNS Infrastructure as Presenting Sponsor, iUSTUS
as Luxury Living Partner, XTRA SQFT as Real Estate Experience Partner, Shakti
Autocars as Luxury Automobile Partner, Diageo as Celebration
Partner, Stok Beers as Chill Partner and Radio City as Radio
Partner.
Music added another
layer to the evening, with Indian classical artist and music director Anoop
Shankar performing live.
An ambition
beyond Bengaluru
For founder Mahesh
Kumar Gowda, the launch represented the beginning of a larger proposition.
Mahesh Kumar founder of The Runway Edit and Queens Premier League, has more
than two decades of entrepreneurial experience and has built platforms that
bring together entrepreneurs, cultural talent, influencers and brands.
“We are extremely
excited to bring The Runway Edit to life. It is a first-of-its-kind concept in
the country, and we are happy to create a platform that brings together premium
fashion, designers and an exclusive HNI and UHNI audience,” he said.
Mahesh has also
expressed an ambition to take The Runway Edit to other Indian cities and
develop it into a national platform.
KN Surendra,
Founder, KNS Infrastructure said, “It is a matter of great pleasure for us to
be associated with The Runway Edit as the Title Sponsor. We have had a
successful association with Mahesh Kumar Gowda and the Queens Premier League in
the past, and that experience has given us great confidence in his vision and
ability to create impactful events. The league witnessed an impressive reach of
over 1 billion views, which created strong visibility for our brand and had a
positive impact on our sales.”
He added, we are
delighted to continue our association with Mahesh Kumar Gowda and be part of
The Runway Edit as the Title Sponsor. We look forward to continuing this
journey together.
The Bengaluru debut
offered a glimpse of that larger proposition: a luxury property where fashion
provides the visual centrepiece, while music, conversation, hospitality,
craftsmanship and fine dining complete the experience.
For a city whose
luxury landscape continues to evolve, The Runway Edit arrived with a timely
proposition. The future of luxury may not be defined solely by what one owns.
It may be defined by what one gets to experience.
For more
information please contact Mr. Panchakshari @ panchakshari@qplindia.com
