NEW YORK, NEW YORK – The Annual All That Glitters Diwali Ball at The Pierre Hotel on October 12, 2024, marked the beginning of the festive season with a glamorous gathering of the Indian diaspora. This year’s guest list read like a who’s who of South Asian influencers, including actor Nora Fatehi, filmmaker Mira Nair, comedian Hasan Minhaj, and Business of Fashion founder Imran Amed, all coming together under the hotel’s stunning frescoed ceiling.
The night’s dress code, “South Asian Black Tie,” was interpreted with a flair that was anything but understated. Co-hosts Falguni and Shane Peacock showcased their latest couture, bringing a dazzling mix of tulle and tassels from the runway. Attendees like Mona Patel, who wore a Rahul Mishra pleated sari for the first time, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who twirled in a gold lehenga adorned with fresh jasmine, epitomized the evening’s extravagant spirit. “I’m trying to look like the new Barbie,” Maitreyi quipped as she made her way to the champagne bar.
Not too long ago, a discussion dubbed “NRI-gate” had sparked debate over the fashion choices of Indians abroad, often critiqued as lacking sophistication. But the landscape has transformed dramatically over the years, a shift acknowledged by designer Bibhu Mohapatra. “When I first came to America, access to fashionable Indian clothing was limited. Now, with designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Anita Dongre establishing boutiques in the U.S., the evolution is evident,” he remarked.
Guests echoed this sentiment throughout the night. Anjula Acharia dazzled in an embellished couture gown by Falguni Shane Peacock, paired with Cartier jewels, while discussing the significance of Diwali as a celebration of culture and fashion. “I want this party to reflect who we are and how far we’ve come as a community,” she stated.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee, dressed in a classic black sherwani, noted that platforms like Instagram have bridged the gap between Indian and NRI fashion. “Real-time information allows us to stay current with trends in India,” he explained.
Jessel Taank, in an old Hollywood-inspired feather and sequin gown, observed that while NRI fashion is still catching up, access to diverse styles is improving. “The rise of e-commerce platforms and the mainstream visibility of Bollywood have changed the game,” she said.
Falguni and Shane Peacock, who have been at the forefront of this shift, shared their vision for NRI fashion. “Our goal was to elevate the aesthetic, moving away from over-the-top designs to more refined silhouettes,” Falguni noted. “This event has become the Indian MET Gala!”
As the night unfolded, it was clear that the All That Glitters Diwali Ball was not just a celebration of a festival but a testament to the evolving identity of South Asians in the global fashion landscape.
