Globally renowned designer celebrates 10th anniversary of his French collection with exclusive showcase in Mumbai
Mumbai, INDIA – Etihad Airways and Lakmé Fashion Week today announced a collaboration with one of the most lauded and inspiring international contemporary designers, Paris-based Manish Arora, who returns to the prestigious Mumbai fashion event after more than five years.
The celebrated Indian couturier marks the 10th anniversary of his colourful Paris collection by presenting ‘CosmicLove’ at the Lakmé Fashion Week Winter Festive 2017 on August 19. His show, Etihad Airways Presents Manish Arora, will take the star-studded audience of Bollywood celebrities, lifestyle media and fashion lovers on a visual journey that spans the tribes of Africa and the outer reaches of the universe.
Known for his astute craftsmanship and unique play on colours – his trademark being pink and gold – Arora’s designs are inspired by Indian heritage but with a contemporary vibe.
Etihad Airways flew Manish Arora on its recently-launched Airbus A380 Paris – Abu Dhabi service and onwards to India, capturing his journey on film from the French capital to Delhi, during which he speaks candidly about his inspiration from the varied cultures and environment for his renowned creations.
From the iconic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the fashionable Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to Delhi’s historic India Gate and one of the country’s oldest and busiest markets, Chandni Chowk, the video charts Manish Arora’s trip that also takes in his flagship stores in both cities. Watch the video here https://youtu.be/DyKynRER3OI
Manish Arora said: “I am delighted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my Paris collection ‘CosmicLove’ by showcasing it during Lakme Fashion Week. The line I am bringing to Mumbai is inspired by the tribes of Africa and outer reaches of the cosmos. Having spent 10 years of my working life in Paris after launching my career in Delhi, I have drawn much inspiration from my travels to the work I create. It’s wonderful to be associated with Etihad Airways, an airline I have admired and travelled with for so many years.”
The collaboration with Manish Arora is the latest initiative by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier to demonstrate its position as the fashion industry’s preferred airline. This will be the airline’s third presence at Lakmé Fashion Week over the past 12 months, further elevating its premium brand presence alongside the world’s most revered luxury names.
Last year, Etihad Airways struck a comprehensive global agreement with WME | IMG to become a long-term partner of the fashion community. The relationship helps further connect the airline with fashion capitals of the world and build travel loyalty with this vibrant sector.
Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways Vice President Marketing Partnerships, said: “Working with esteemed designers such as Manish Arora strengthens Etihad Airways’ commitment to the fashion industry, where we are fast becoming the airline of choice. Our video is a unique portrait of Manish’s journey back to Lakmé Fashion Week, one of the leading events on the international fashion calendar.”
Mumbai is the latest stop in Etihad Airways’ global fashion calendar, supporting 17 men’s and women’s fashion events worldwide every year, with shows in London, Milan and New York following next month.
Jaspreet Chandok, Head-Fashion, IMG Reliance Ltd, added: “It is a moment of absolute pride for us to announce the return of Manish Arora to Lakmé Fashion Week. The tie-up between a global brand such as Etihad Airways and India’s greatest fashion export Manish Arora is organic on many levels and will lead to a showcase that people will remember for a long time.”
During Lakmé Fashion Week, Etihad Airways will present Runway to Runway, an exclusive travel programme tailored specifically to the international fashion community, including editors, designers, models, photographers, stylists, students of fashion, bloggers and fashion industry executives, plus the global community of fashion devotees. Visitors will be encouraged to sign up and enjoy benefits such as airport lounge access and priority boarding and check-in.
Etihad Airways’ positioning as a premium lifestyle airline is reflected by its innovative and stylish designs in product and service offering onboard its luxurious aircraft. The carrier’s award-winning Airbus A380s, currently serving Sydney, New York, London, Melbourne and Paris from Abu Dhabi features The Residence, an iconic three-room suite in the air – a perfect fit for high flyers from the fashion industry.
Etihad Airways will be reporting from Lakmé Fashion Week between August 16 and 20. Follow coverage at #LakmeFashionWeek #EtihadAirways #ManishArora #RunwayToRunway
About Etihad Aviation Group
Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is a diversified global aviation and travel group comprising five business divisions – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways Engineering, Etihad Airport Services, Hala Group and Airline Equity Partners. The group has minority investments in six airlines: airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, and Virgin Australia. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to, or has announced plans to serve, more than 110 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of over 120 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. In 2013, it placed firm orders for 204 aircraft, which included 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. For more information, please visit: etihad.com
About Manish Arora
Manish Arora is one of the most celebrated and inspiring contemporary designers in the fashion world today. He is known for his astute craftsmanship and unique play on colours, such as his trademark palette of PINK and GOLD. His designs are inspired by Indian heritage but with a contemporary vibe. It was in 1997, that the world first viewed Manish’s aesthetic design with the launch of his label ‘Manish Arora’. With this he grew from strength to strength gaining a devoted following in the fashion world, which finally led to Manish exhibiting at London Fashion Week in 2005. In 2007, Manish showcased for the first time at Paris Fashion Week. He became a member of the distinguished French Federation of Pret-a-Porter the same year.
Today, Manish sells his creations worldwide across prestigious stores such as Printemps, Joyce and Beams .In 2011, Manish was appointed the Creative Director for Iconic French Fashion House ‘Paco Robanne’ where he designed two successful collections for them. He has also collaborated with eminent brands such as Walt Disney, Swarvoski, Swatch, Reebok, Barbie, Mono Prix, Nespresso, Nivea, MAC Cosmetics, Pommery, Amrapali among others. In 2014, the brand opened its first flagship store in Paris. On 16 February 2016, Manish Arora was awarded the ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’, by François Richier, French ambassador to India. Manish is the first Indian in the fashion Industry to be awarded this honour.
About Lakmé Fashion Week
Lakmé Fashion Week is jointly organised by Lakmé, the No.1 cosmetics and beauty services brand in India and IMG Reliance Pvt. Ltd., leaders in sports, fashion and entertainment marketing and management. Lakmé Fashion Week has been conceived and created with a vision to “Redefine the future of fashion and Integrate India into the global fashion world.” Lakmé Fashion Week is organised twice every year. For further information, log on to lakmefashionweek.co.in/