The past week in the luxury lifestyle world was marked by pivotal milestones, heartfelt farewells, and glitzy fashion shows and launches. Most notably, the industry mourned the passing of Italian fashion stalwart Giorgio Armani, who left behind a global $10 billion empire spanning fashion, accessories, decor, luxury homes and more and an inspiring legacy. Yet, it was also a week of fresh beginnings; Deepika Padukone cemented India’s global fashion presence by joining the prestigious LVMH Prize jury, and Shantnu & Nikhil represented India at Moscow Fashion Week, for the first time. In addition, Bvlgari announced the debut of its Serpenti Infinito exhibition in Mumbai, further solidifying India as a luxury destination.
Further, as the 82nd Venice International Film Festival draws to its close, we saw celebrities dressed in “formal attire” and world premieres of acclaimed films with some even earning a 23-minute standing ovation! Meanwhile, Apple made headlines by opening two new stores in India ahead of the iPhone 17 launch, and Motorola brought sparkle to tech with its Swarovski-embellished Razr 60 Moto Buds Loop, reaffirming India’s appetite for aspirational luxury. Here’s a look at the major headlines shaping luxury lifestyle this week.
Deepika Padukone Joins LVMH Prize Jury
Indian actor Deepika Padukone has been named a special jury member for the LVMH Prize 2025, one of fashion’s most prestigious platforms for emerging designers. Joining 12 other jury members including fashion stalwarts like Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Nicolas Ghesquière, Phoebe Philo, Pharrell Williams, and Delphine Arnault, Padukone’s inclusion is an insignia of India’s rising influence in global luxury.
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Farewell to King Giorgio
The fashion world mourned the passing of Italian design maven Giorgio Armani, who passed away at 91. Known as Re Giorgio (“King Giorgio”), he revolutionised fashion with his sleek and androgynous power suits of the 1980s and 90s. His designs were worn by stars at Oscars, Met Gala, Grammys, and even for films like ‘American Gigolo’ (1980). A public funeral chamber will be held in Milan from Sept 6–7, honouring the man who redefined Italian luxury on a global scale.
Bvlgari’s Serpenti Infinito to debut in India
After successful showcases in Shanghai and Seoul, the Roman high jewellery brand Bvlgari will debut the third edition of its Serpenti Infinito exhibition at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai from (October 1–17). Curated by Nature Morte, the exhibition will feature works by Indian and international artists inspired by the house’s iconic serpent which stands as a universal symbol of power, transformation, and creativity.
Shantnu & Nikhil Debut in Moscow
Marking a global milestone, Indian couturiers Shantnu & Nikhil unveiled their first-ever all-women’s couture collection at Moscow Fashion Week. Their showcase, Armouré, paid an ode to the 1930s’ unapologetic femininity that combined sensuality with strength in a celebration of romance and rebellion.
Venice Film Festival 2025 Wraps
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival closed with memorable cinematic and sartorial moments. Stars walked the red carpet in Armani, Dior, Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, in a nod to the “formal attire” dress code cutting on extravaganza and drama. The festival had 21 films competing for the Golden Lion award, while Kaouther Ben Hania’s ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’, based on the real story of a Palestinian girl, caught the headlines for receiving a 23-minute standing ovation as a powerful statement on the state of war.
Apple Expands in India
Apple strengthened its India presence with two new flagship stores, one in Bengaluru (Hebbal) and Pune (Koregaon Park). Offering the latest lineup including the iPhone 16, iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro, and M4-powered MacBook Air, the stores also feature Today at Apple sessions, trade-in services, and personalised setup support.
Motorola x Swarovski’s Brilliant Collection
Merging tech with glitter, Motorola launched its ‘Brilliant Collection’ with Swarovski. The lineup includes the limited-edition Motorola Razr 60 Swarovski flip phone (₹54,999) and Moto Buds LOOP (₹24,999), both studded with Swarovski crystals. Available from Sept 11, 2025, the collection brings high fashion into everyday tech.
