Mumbai, 1st February, 2023: After a three-year hiatus post COVID-19, Luxury Lifestyle Weekend is back as Ajio Luxe Wkend in association with Chivas Glassware and 360 One Wealth, this time with a more progressive, sustainable, and inclusive approach. By disrupting conventional norms in the luxury landscape, this edition will be more inclusive, connected, and interactive within the community. An experiential forward-play on design and art will cater to an audience that spans Gen X, Y, and Z.
From Art, Watches, Fashion, and Streetwear, to Beauty, Jewellery, and Automobiles—expect 250+ brands, across 14 categories rolling out curated events and bespoke, immersive affairs. Brand engagements with international entertainment, culinary experiences, homegrown talent, power panels, and health and wellness sessions, along with hosted brunches, high-teas, and cocktails with Industry Experts and Thought Leaders make up Ajio Luxe Wkend.
For the first time in India, The Fifty Nines–a high-energy live band from the UK with a set list packed with floor-filling chart hits from every decade.
The Pontiac – One of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 is also making an appearance this year. This Hong Kong stalwart, known for their all-female bar team, are set to create excellent chaos and show-off their cocktail credentials.
The much talked about Power Panels are pegged to be a highlight, with engaging conversations on Fashion, Sustainability, the Evolution of Luxury, The Future of Beauty, Circular Fashion, and more with Industry Experts and Thought Leaders.
A nostalgic drive with the Modern Classic Car Club, while looking towards the future with brands like Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ducati, to name a few, is another way this event looks to blend tradition with innovation.
Anaita Shroff Adajania has curated the Style Edit–a meticulous collection of International and Homegrown labels, while Ashiesh Shah, curator of the Home + Design category will showcase his discerning eye for design. Bringing art to life is Lekha Washington who is curating and designing immersive art installations across the show.
Chivas Glassware as an Associate Partner is hosting iconic experiences, including the launch of Chivas XX and a Restage collaboration of a limited edition drop by Santanu Hazarika, and a gender-neutral outfit by Param Sahib.
One of the largest sneaker wall pop-ups in the country will play host to the Star Ballers – the biggest celebrity basketball team in India. The match will bring sneakerheads, streetwear enthusiasts, and the creative community together to round off the Wkend.
And finally, returning to the stage is one of the leading Swing bands in Europe, Natty Congeroo and the Flames of Rhythm, who will close out the show during the farewell sundowner.
With the desire to consume better, the weekend is estimated to draw 20,000+ existing and new luxury consumers who can expect Hublot, Mercedes, Rosa Amoris, Jaipur Rugs, Bvlgari, Jeep, Mini Cooper, BMW, Chopard, Porsche, Ikai Asai, MJ Label, The Terra Tribe, Panerai, Franck Muller, Rosa Amoris, Vandals, Jo Malone, Estée Lauder, Aveda, and more.
Growing on the aspirations of the newly affluent, the country’s luxury sector is valued at over $5 billion with an expected growth of 10% within the next five years. There has been an 11% increase in people with incomes above $30 million since 2011, and the number is expected to reach 39% by 2026.
Speaking about the weekend, Akash Sheth, Founder, The Magnanimous Group said, “We’re back after a three-year, post COVID-19 hiatus and we’re pulling out all the stops. Thanks to the return of the shopper, the luxury market has bounced back, through an outburst of pent-up demand, and ever-growing consumers. We’re excited to be part of this revival and are looking forward to once again bringing the best of fashion, design, and luxury together in one space.
We have also meticulously co-curated a category close to all of us – Homegrown. With so much talent in our country, we’re proud to give them a platform to engage. We set the bar high with our previous editions and this year is no different. We have a stellar line-up of industry leaders like Anaita Shroff Adajania and Ashiesh Shah, who are curating the Style Edit and Design category respectively; and one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The Pontiac, who are set to give us all an experiential first.”
Co-Founder, The Magnanimous Group, Kunal Avanti added, “Conscious design has been reflected across Ajio Luxe Wkend. It was important to create a space that raised awareness about the responsibility we have towards our environment. We’ve eliminated the use of single-use plastics and flex; diesel generators have been replaced by raw power; and instead of ply, we’re using sustainable materials, repurposed wood, and other recycled materials across our build.
As part of our culinary curations across the weekend, we’ve incorporated plant-based and planet-forward restaurants. It’s unfortunate that people still don’t have enough to eat every day and events of this scale are notorious for food waste, so this year, we’ve collaborated with a team to donate all excess food to people in need. We hope this sets an example for the events industry. It’s a small step in the right direction and I’m proud to have a team that is aligned on working towards a better future for us all.”