The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC) established itself as a premier international hub for Indian art and culture, with a grand opening event that attracted notable figures form the Indian film industry and Hollywood, reminiscent of the prestigious Met gala. The event, which outshone the Dior fall show held the previous night at Gateway of India, was an extravagant celebration attended by numerous luminaries.
The focus of the event was the influence of Indian culture on global fashion, and more than 140 striking pieces of India-inspired costumes were exhibited by the attending celebrities. These outfits illustrated the impact that India has had on the fashion industry worldwide. Among the notable fashion statements were saree ensembles worn by famous personalities such as Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, and Rekha, which generated enthusiasm not only among fashion enthusiasts but also across social media.
To mark the opening of its diverse visual arts, costume, and theatre-focused facilities, the NMACC commenced with a series of glamorous events, including panel discussions and musical performances, graced by prominent celebrities.
On the first evening of the inauguration, the spotlight was on The Grand Theatre, the venue´s main attraction, which was celebrated with a theatrical performance entitled “The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation.” The show, featuring an exceptional ensemble of Indian, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning artists, was a dazzling tribute to the venue´s grandeur.
As the opening of the NMACC drew near, Mumbai hosted Dior´s Pre-Fall 2023 show, which honored the master artisans from the Chanakya Atelier, with whom the French fashion house has collaborated since 2016. For instance, Gigi Hadid donned an intricately embellished golden sari drape jacket and skirt by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, which was embroidered with crystals, sequins, and metallic threads by artisans in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, Zendaya and image consultant Law Roach sported bespoke designs by Rahul Mishra, with the former looking stunning in a midnight blue sari-inspired skirt and bralette embroidered with stars.
The second night of the NMACC opening weekend saw guests treated to a sneak peek of the India in Fashion exhibition, the center´s extensive inaugural costume display. Curated by Hamish Bowles, editor-in-chief of The World of Interiors, and designed by Patrick Kinmonth with Rooshad Shroff, the exhibit celebrated the diverse impact that traditional Indian attire, textiles, and craftsmanship have had on global fashion aesthetics since the 18th century.
The exhibition includes impressive displays, such as rooms that trace the history of the sari, demonstrating the influence of Indian textiles and silhouettes on fashion icons like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior, and showcasing the mastery of modern Indian couturiers such as Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Anamika Khanna.
