Luxury News Wrap: From Pune Turf Club to Mac Duggal’s collection launch

Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla Remodel the Iconic Pune Turf Club

The Royal Western India Turf Club in Pune has been transformed through a two-year renovation led by Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla. This significant project has breathed new life into the historic venue, skillfully blending its storied heritage with contemporary elegance. The overhaul included a complete redesign of the club’s infrastructure, featuring 24 modern guest rooms, refined public spaces, and the restoration of charming cottages. Michelle Poonawalla’s design expertise is evident in the meticulously restored verandahs, the grand ballroom with its original wooden ceiling and dazzling chandeliers, and the reimagined lounges, dining areas, and card room. The club’s exterior has also received a notable uplift, with beautifully landscaped lawns and secure fencing enhancing the private and serene atmosphere. This transformation contributes significantly to the growth and sustainability of Indian horse racing.

Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia Appointed General Manager of Taj Mahal, New Delhi

Taj Mahal, New Delhi, has appointed Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia as Area Director – Operations and General Manager. Dr. Ahluwalia, a seasoned leader with over 20 years in luxury hospitality, previously served as Area Director – Operations in Goa, managing notable IHCL properties like Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa. In his new role, he will oversee Taj Mahal, New Delhi, along with properties such as Ambassador, The Connaught, and Soulinaire. Known for his strategic leadership and dedication to exceptional guest experiences, Dr. Ahluwalia is set to enhance the hotel’s rich legacy while driving innovation and sustainability. His appointment marks the beginning of a new era of excellence for Taj Mahal, New Delhi, blending its historic charm with modern advancements in hospitality.

Mac Duggal Launches Ready-to-Wear Collection in India

Mac Duggal is expanding its presence in India with the launch of its first ready-to-wear collection and a dedicated Indian website, www.macduggal.in. This collection features bold silhouettes, vibrant colours, and impeccable tailoring, including versatile pieces such as mini and midi dresses, stylish separates, and distinctive outerwear. The range is highlighted in striking shades of black, white, orange, and green. Building on its earlier couture line, Mac Duggal’s new ready-to-wear line combines modern and retro elements, designed for every occasion and dynamic lifestyle. This expansion positions Mac Duggal as a key player in women’s fashion in India, offering a diverse range of elegant and functional styles.

Gap’s Fall 2024 “Get Loose” Campaign Features Troye Sivan

Gap unveils its Fall 2024 campaign, “Get Loose,” featuring GRAMMY®-nominated pop star Troye Sivan alongside the CDK Company dance group. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Reis and set to Thundercat’s “Funny Thing,” the campaign highlights Gap’s new denim collection through vibrant dance and personal style. Troye Sivan stars in the campaign wearing Gap’s Men’s Baggy Jean and ‘90s Loose Cargo Jean, styled with relaxed tees and hoodies. The collection, showcased in seasonal washes and fits, promotes versatility and self-expression. Sivan’s involvement underscores his unique blend of music and style, perfectly aligning with Gap’s celebration of denim’s 55-year heritage and reflecting a spirit of modern luxury.

Bar Wars Returns for its Fourth Edition

Eric Pressly Launches epres™ in India

Eric Pressly is bringing epres™, his innovative haircare brand, to India. Following success in the UK, USA, and Spain, epres™ is set to transform the Indian market with its high-performance, acid-free bond-building treatments. The brand offers two products: one for salons and one for home use, both powered by Pressly’s Biodiffusion™ technology for ongoing hair repair. The Professional Bond Repair is a single-step solution that enhances salon treatments by re-bonding hair without disrupting pH balance. For home users, the Bond Repair Treatment Kit includes a spray bottle and water-free concentrate vials, offering a convenient way to maintain hair health and manageability. epres™ will be available in top salons across India starting August 2024, marking a notable advancement in haircare.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Introduces Elusive Umami in India

Johnnie Walker Blue Label unveils its latest innovation in India: Elusive Umami. This new blend captures the elusive ‘fifth taste’ of Umami, traditionally associated with Japanese cuisine, in a sophisticated Scotch whisky. Created by Master Blender Emma Walker and Chef Kei Kobayashi, this limited-edition whisky features a blend of sweet and savoury notes, including blood oranges, red berries, smoked meat, and a long, sweet fruit finish. Elusive Umami was crafted from just one in 25,000 casks, selected to achieve its distinctive flavour profile. The launch was celebrated with a special event at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace, featuring a culinary journey curated by Chef Dharshan Munidasa. This pioneering expression of Umami in whisky is now available in India.

Obeetee Unveils the Viraasat Collection

Obeetee launches its most expansive collection to date, Viraasat, celebrating India’s rich cultural tapestry. Featuring designs by top Indian designers Tarun Tahiliani, Anju Modi, Ashdeen Z. Lilaowala, and Anita Dalmia, each rug is crafted as a tribute to tradition, interweaving intricate stories of love, laughter, and friendship into its fibres. Drawing inspiration from Pichwai, the Ramayana, Persian embroidery, and more, these rugs serve as timeless heirlooms, bridging the past with the present. Viraasat’s designs are not just carpets; they are canvases that embody personal memories and cultural heritage, designed to be cherished for generations.

Royal Enfield x Nappa Dori Collaboration Unveils Stylish Accessories

Royal Enfield marks the ‘Year and the Decade of the Classic’ with the launch of its latest Classic 350 and an exclusive collaboration with Nappa Dori. Known for fusing Indian heritage with modern design, Nappa Dori brings a touch of elegance to a curated collection of accessories, including leather-crafted helmets, duffel bags, backpacks, laptop sleeves, and more. The collection, available exclusively on the Royal Enfield online store, captures a blend of rugged style and functional craftsmanship, elevating everyday essentials into timeless pieces. From the luxurious laptop sleeves and practical backpacks to stylish sunglasses cases and toolkits, each product reflects the spirit of adventure that defines Royal Enfield and Nappa Dori’s shared commitment to quality and design.

Tasva Opens Grand Flagship Store in Hyderabad with Tarun Tahiliani and Naga Chaitanya

Tasva, the wedding and occasion wear brand for the modern Indian man, has unveiled its spectacular flagship store in Himayatnagar, Hyderabad. Spanning 4,823 sq ft, this impressive space blends rich heritage with contemporary design, creating a luxurious shopping experience just in time for the festive and wedding season. Launched in collaboration with ABFRL and designer Tarun Tahiliani, the store was inaugurated with the presence of Hyderabad’s own Naga Chaitanya, adding a touch of star power to the event. The new flagship captures the essence of Hyderabad’s cultural heritage with a mix of earthy wood, brass elements, and modern aesthetics. It houses Tasva’s latest festive and wedding collections, featuring vibrant kurta sets, elegant sherwanis, and opulent angrakha styles that combine tradition with a modern twist. With this launch, Tasva solidifies its presence in the city, offering men a destination for stylish, high-quality Indian wear that celebrates every special occasion.