It wasn’t just a designer showcase. It was a testament to how education, innovation, and creative excellence can converge to shape the future of fashion. At Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution, and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) brought forth a spectacle that redefined how academia and industry intersect – presenting the visionary designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock in an unforgettable display of couture craftsmanship, vision, and avant-garde detailing.

Akshay Kumar walks the ramp for Falguni Shane Peacock presented by Pearl Academy

Known for dressing global icons and redefining couture with futuristic flair, Falguni Shane Peacock unveiled a collection that blurred the lines between fantasy and fashion. Inspired by the opulence of Indian maharajas and maharanis, the collection reimagined royal heritage with modern silhouettes, rich embroidery, and intricate detailing – exuding grandeur, drama, and theatrical finesse. Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar brought star power to the runway in an ivory bandhgala, paired with black sunglasses – a look that evoked princely elegance and effortless charisma.

In a rare and immersive opportunity, over fifty students from Pearl Academy, spanning disciplines such as fashion design, styling, communication, interiors, and business, worked behind the scenes with India’s leading couturiers, managing fittings, styling, sequencing, and backstage operations. They not only experienced the high-stakes energy of a live couture show but became part of its making. For many, it was a dream turned reality – a defining moment where classroom learning transformed into adrenaline-fuelled, hands-on experience that most design students can only imagine.

This wasn’t their first encounter with the world of couture. Just weeks earlier, Pearl Academy students had travelled to Paris for a Global Immersion Programme, where they participated in exclusive workshops and secured backstage access to the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week – one of only two official couture weeks in the world, the other being India Couture Week. From the fashion capital of the world to India’s most celebrated couture showcase, Pearl students are consistently stepping into real-world roles at the most exclusive fashion events globally – a reflection of the institution’s deep commitment to preparing future-ready professionals.

“We have always led with creativity – not by following trends, but by setting them,” said Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy. “This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to experiential learning. Our students don’t just watch fashion happen – they help make it happen.”

“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Pearl Academy for our showcase at Hyundai India Couture Week. Partnerships like these are always energising and add a meaningful layer to the overall experience,” added Falguni Shane Peacock.

This partnership reflected a shared commitment to creativity without boundaries. On one side, Falguni Shane Peacock – synonymous with future-forward couture and a celebrity clientele spanning Beyonc to Bollywood. On the other, Pearl Academy – a leader in creative education for over three decades. This powerful combination of cutting-edge fashion and academic excellence spotlighted Pearl Academy as the only educational institution at India Couture Week 2025, reinforcing its position as a changemaker in design education.

The show was a celebration of bold vision and technical precision – and for Pearl Academy students, it became a transformative experience. Their backstage involvement underscored the institution’s commitment to preparing industry-ready talent who don’t just learn design – they live it.

Backed by a pedagogy rooted in experiential learning, Pearl Academy continues to lead with future-focused initiatives – from launching India’s first Metaverse campus to global immersions in London, Paris, Milan, and New York, and social rehabilitation programmes like the Tihar Jail Fashion Laboratory. The institution consistently pushes boundaries in how design is taught, experienced, and applied.

As the only academic institution partnering with India Couture Week, Pearl Academy continues to lead from the front – transforming premier fashion platforms into powerful learning environments. For its students, this was not just an assignment. It was a front-row seat to their own future.

About Pearl Academy

Pearl Academy, a unit of the Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), is India’s leading creative education institution. Established in 1993, the institution offers a diverse range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes including B.Des/M.Des., BBA/MBA and short-term certificate courses across disciplines such as Fashion Design, Communication Design, Product Design, Interior Design, Textile Design, Fashion Communication, Fashion Styling, Fashion Business, and more.

With campuses in Delhi-South, Delhi-West, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, Pearl Academy provides world-class education backed by its affiliation with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), a Government of India Institution of National Importance on par with prestigious institutions such as IITs, IIMs, NIDs, and AIIMS. This partnership ensures that effective 2024 intake, all students will receive accredited degrees recognised by the Government of India.

With a legacy of 32 years, Pearl Academy has evolved into a globally renowned institution of higher learning, placing a strong focus on global exposure, entrepreneurship, technological expertise, and life skills. The institution has been a catalyst for success for its students through its constructive tie-ups with industry bodies such as FDCI, Tech Mahindra, Reliance Brands Ltd., MAC, and international universities. With an impressive track record of consistently exceeding a 99% placement rate, Pearl Academy has over 700 top recruiters hiring its graduates annually. The institution boasts 15,000+ successful alumni and continues to be a driving force in the creative industries, both in India and globally.

For more information, please visit www.pearlacademy.com.

Landmark Group, Gurugram’s leading developer, unveils its latest luxury residential project, Landmark SKYVUE, located in Sector 103, Dwarka Expressway. As “The Address in the Clouds”, SKYVUE hints at a lifestyle that invites you to experience modern day Indian luxury that is flexible, expansive, and mindfully designed for modern Indian families.

Landmark Group Unveils “Landmark SKYVUE – The Address in the Clouds”, a luxury residential project on Dwarka Expressway

Crafted not to impress so much as to serve exceptional living functionalities, the project offers a rare low-density and vastu aligned designed layouts in 500 ft. tall twin towers. The project will offer opulently sized 3BHK+ Utility and 4.5BHK+ Utility residences, blending elevated aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. The project will offer exclusive Skypad pickleball court, SORA Japanese restaurant, Skydeck observatory, and Skydome wellness club focused on cold plunge, healing room, and recovery zones.

Strategically situated on the rapidly developing Dwarka Expressway corridor, SKYVUE will offer a seamless blend of accessibility and aspiration. With proximity to IGI Airport, upcoming metro links, and key hubs of Gurugram and Delhi, the location is set to emerge as one of the most sought-after residential zones in NCR.

With SKYVUE, Landmark Group continues its legacy of developing timeless spaces that transcend brick and mortar to embody aspiration, artistry, and an elite lifestyle. The project reflects its commitment to creating spaces that are not just lived in, but experienced. Boasting more than 50 amenities focused on wellness, nature, and quality, SKYVUE aims to deliver modern day Indian quality of life to its future residents.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, and a design-led approach in collaboration with the architectural firm, ACPL, Landmark is set to deliver its mark on Dwarka Expressway.

The term ‘Billionaire Belt‘ captures more than just a cluster of wealthy neighborhoods-it reflects a new geography of aspiration taking shape in India. Stretching across parts of Delhi-NCR, this belt is defined by a rare convergence where rising concentrations of ultra-rich individuals, a maturing luxury real estate market, and world-class infrastructure that supports global lifestyles can be observed.

Luxury Housing

Delhi-NCR recorded a 209.4% spike in luxury home sales in the last one year. Nearly 3,960 homes priced at ₹6 crore and above were sold in just the first half of 2025, up over three times from 1,280 units last year, according to a new CBRE-ASSOCHAM report. Over half of the country’s luxury transactions now flow through this region-an unmistakable sign of where wealth is choosing to settle. Gurugram and Noida lead this wave, with high-value launches dotting their micro-markets.

What’s driving this surge is the union of factors like rising disposable incomes of buyers along with the growing desire for larger and well-located homes owing to post-pandemic lifestyle upgrades. On top of that, the surge in HNIs and NRIs across India, particularly in and around the capital, is quietly but powerfully reshaping the contours of luxury housing.

Looking at the bold yet considered choices of these buyers, developers are focusing more on transparency, experience, and high-end finishes, boosting buyer trust. Complementing this, RBI’s pause on rate hikes has made home loans relatively more attractive, even in the luxury segment.

Mohit Gawri, Vice President-Sales, RISE Infraventures says, “Luxury housing demand is being shaped by a new psychology of permanence. Buyers aren’t flipping properties-they’re curating generational homes. The NCR’s billionaire belt reflects this shift with high-end homes getting booked early. There’s also strong NRI traction and domestic movement from metro cores to planned peripheries, showing that buyers are investing in homes that feel like sanctuaries and signal permanence.“

Salil Kumar, Director, Marketing and Business Management, CRC Group says, “A home is more than a personal landmark- it is a reflection of success. In the luxury segment, there is virtually no upper ceiling; from sprawling bungalows in posh locations like South Delhi to sky villas in Gurugram, high-net-worth individuals seek homes that match their ambition. But with supply tightening in legacy zones, buyers are exploring new luxury corridors across Noida-Greater Noida. These locations are the new epicentres of luxury demand, and the momentum here is only set to grow. At CRC, we’ve been mindful of this lifestyle shift, catering to buyers who view their home as both a retreat and a lasting legacy.”

Besides, tier-II cities or second-home destinations like Sonipat, Kundli, and Chandigarh are witnessing a significant rise in demand within the luxury real estate segment. Buyers are increasingly drawn to locations that offer cleaner air, lush surroundings, and a peaceful lifestyle, which is not possible in fast-paced metro cities.

Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC Group, says, “Luxury homebuyers prioritize space, privacy, and long-term value over just centrality. However, post-pandemic, they are more inclined towards locations that offer scenic value, rental potential, and a quality lifestyle. Against this backdrop, tier 2 locations like the Sonipat-Kundli belt are witnessing a quiet luxury surge, going beyond the title of Delhi spillover. Business owners, professionals, and legacy families from the capital are investing here for larger land parcels and less congestion, reflecting an appetite for locations with urban access and suburban tranquillity.“

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “Tier-2 cities are the next luxury frontier, especially among NRIs, industrialists, and second-home seekers. This shift is putting cities like Chandigarh at the forefront of high-end housing demand. With its planned infrastructure, cleaner environment, and cultural refinement, the region is a haven for expansive homes, wellness-centric communities, and a sense of balance. Thus, demand here isn’t incidental-it’s accelerating, making tier 2 locations India’s most sought-after luxury housing destinations.”

Moreover, on the sales and supply front, during April-June quarter housing sales in Delhi-NCR rose by 16% to more than 11,700 units on high demand for luxury homes and new launches, according to PropEquity. New supply was estimated at 13,823 units in the second quarter of this year, up 37% from 10,084 units in the year-ago period.

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says, “Gurugram continues to lead NCR’s luxury housing evolution, driven by a clientele that values brand legacy, prime addresses, and architectural statement. Branded residences, especially along corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, are being viewed as generational assets. The demand here is as much emotional as it is financial, turning Gurugram’s billionaire belt a proven destination for enduring value.”

Therefore, as India’s wealth landscape continues to expand, the term Billionaire Belt is evolving from a metaphor into a tangible force in the country’s real estate story. This belt is no longer just about prime locations-it’s about ecosystems that support legacy living, global connectivity, and lifestyle integration at the highest level.

Valued at $8.45 billion in 2024, the global vegetable seed market is expanding rapidly and experts believe India is well-positioned to become its next major hub, provided the right policies are introduced and effectively implemented. With the government placing renewed focus on the horticulture sector through its comprehensive programme for vegetables and fruits, experts in a national conference asserted that strengthening IPR and introduction of biotech along with enabling policy support could drive the Indian vegetable seed market from $740 million in 2023-24 to $970 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Experts shared insights and perspectives at the National Workshop on ‘Role of Vegetable Seed Sector in Making India a “Global Seed Hub”

“India’s rise in horticulture specially vegetable production is linked to the rich germplasm, diverse growing conditions, R&D innovations and strategic investments by the private and public institutions,” said Dr P K Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. “Horticulture has moved from the margins to the mainstream, driven by Seed sector R&D, hybrid seed adoption, and a shift towards a science-led seed industry. Yet, our global potential remains largely untapped.”

At a national conference titled ‘Role of Vegetable Seed Sector in Making India a Global Seed Hub’ organised by Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) in Capital on Friday senior government officials, agricultural scientists, seed industry leaders, and policymakers deliberated on regulatory hurdles and ways of unlocking the country’s export potential.

“India’s seed sector is at a defining moment. With rich agro-climatic diversity, competitive production systems, a dynamic private sector, and strong public research institutions, we have all the building blocks to become a global seed production hub,” said Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, IAS, Joint Secretary (Seeds), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

“The Ministry is streamlining licensing, introducing science-based regulatory reforms, enabling digital traceability through the SATHI platform, and investing in modern seed infrastructure including processing plants, storage, and testing labs. These steps will ensure farmers get timely access to certified, high-quality seeds with full QR-code-based traceability, helping reduce crop losses, improve productivity, and protect them from spurious inputs,” he added.

While government officials highlighted the enabling policy ecosystem being built to catalyze India’s global competitiveness, agricultural scientists emphasized the transformative role of hybridization, biotechnology, and public-private collaboration in enhancing productivity.

India currently exports about $120 million worth of vegetable seeds annually, mainly to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Experts believe this could easily double or triple if long-standing policy hurdles are addressed, chief among them a backlog of over 100 Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) pending since 2016, stalling trade worth an estimated $55 million.

“We call for a unified regulatory approach and the introduction of “One Nation, One Licence” model for domestic seed registration and a single-window export clearance system. These, along with digitized approvals and longer duration license validity, are critical to improving India’s ease of doing business in seeds,” said Mr Rajvir Rathi, Vice Chairman, FSII, Director, Agricultural Affairs & Policy – IBSL & Lead, Traits Licensing, Bayer CropScience Ltd.

India’s comparative advantages, diverse agro-climatic zones, low production costs, a vibrant R&D ecosystem, and skilled workforce, position it uniquely to lead the global seed trade. Already, over 300 companies operate in the country’s formal seed market, contributing 80-85% of the value and investing more than $200 million annually in research.

Beyond productivity, the vegetable seed sector has profound socio-economic ripple effects. It supports over 100,000 direct jobs, empowers women smallholders, and offers year-round income stability in rural areas. Nutritionally enhanced vegetables are also addressing hidden hunger by providing essential micronutrients at scale.

As global food systems brace for climate and population shocks, the conference concluded with a strong consensus; India must reform fast, innovate continuously, and position itself as the world’s most reliable and responsible supplier of high-quality vegetable seeds. The seeds of global leadership, it appears, have already been sown.

Delhi-NCR’s retail landscape is seeing a compelling revival. Footfall in malls has not only bounced back post-pandemic but is surpassing pre-COVID levels during weekends, holidays, and festive periods. This resurgence reflects a deeper shift in consumer behavior, where physical spaces are once again central to how people shop, socialize, and unwind.

Retail Redefined: NCR Malls Transform from Shopping Hubs to Experience-Driven Destinations

In response, mall operators and developers are reimagining these spaces to go beyond transactions. By blending entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences, they are aligning with the expectations of experience-hungry, digitally aware consumers.

Indias retail sector is poised for historic expansion, with a record 16.6 million sq. ft. of Grade A mall space expected to be completed across the country’s top seven cities by the end of 2026, as per Anarock’s report. Leading this growth are Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR, which together will contribute nearly 65% of the new retail space, reaffirming their position as the country’s most promising consumption hubs. The research reflects a broader trend of rising consumer demand, fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and the entry of global retail brands into the Indian market.

The report also notes that leasing activity remains robust, with over 12.6 Mn sq. ft. projected to be leased across 2025 and 2026. A key driver of this momentum is the entry of more than 60 international brands across fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and food & beverage sectors in the past four years. As a result, mall developers are increasingly focusing on quality and location, with a clear shift toward Grade A developments.

Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls – Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, says, “In the NCR region, malls have become central to redefining how modern India experiences retail. Consumers are seeking deeper, more curated interactions, placing value on ambiance, events, personalisation, and lifestyle integration. In Gurugram, rising disposable incomes, strong metro connectivity, and significant infrastructure upgrades have made the city a magnet for top-tier Indian and global brands, rivalling even Delhi. At Ambience Malls, we’ve responded to this shift by creating immersive, multi-sensory environments, combining gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas. We’ve also integrated sustainable design elements and eco-conscious dcor to align with evolving consumer values. Our malls are designed to be places where people not only shop but build lasting emotional connections and experiences they return to.”

As malls evolve into holistic lifestyle destinations, developers are rethinking how space is planned and experienced. Fashion, F&B, entertainment, and essential services are being blended more intelligently to guide consumer flow and maximise engagement. Theres a clear move toward premiumisation of the tenant mix, with high-end brands and gourmet experiences gaining ground, but without distancing the broader, value-conscious audience.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, “Gurugram’s commercial growth has been a catalyst for the city’s thriving retail ecosystem, driving strong momentum in leasing activity. We’re seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations-people now gravitate toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Interestingly, Gurugram’s next big retail story is emerging from high-potential yet untapped micro-markets, and we see a significant opportunity in locations like Old Gurgaon, where curated, experience-led retail formats will strike the right balance between convenience and discovery.“

Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, “High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. Unlike traditional mall environments, high streets allow brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives, while benefiting from easy accessibility and a vibrant street-level presence. Thus, with strong interest from both national and international brands, we see high street retail as the next frontier in urban shopping experiences, especially in dynamic cities like Gurugram.”

Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, says, “Retail leasing in NCR is growing momentarily, particularly with the renewed focus on organised high-street formats and evolving investment preferences. We’re seeing global and domestic brands increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Thus, we see the market clearly shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail.”

Thus, the resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals more than just a return to pre-pandemic normalcy-it marks a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. While the numbers are encouraging, the real challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time.

The academic journey of a child is marked by several milestones and the first day of the year is always special. The quiet bravery of a young child letting go of a parent’s hand, the excitement of older students eager to create new memories, and the teary yet proud smiles of parents reassured they’ve made the right choice. All moments that become powerful memories that forge the connect between school and students.

Students walk into a vibrant welcome on their first day back to school, filled with bubbles, banners, and boundless excitement for a new academic journey

At Oakridge International School, Gachibowli, the recent “Back to School” event was more than just a return to classrooms. It was an experience carefully designed to leave a mark on hearts. Crafted with emotion and intention, it wasn’t simply a beginning; it was a moment of belonging.

“The warm welcome gesture on reopening day is a reiteration of our belief that every student thrives best in a safe and nurturing environment. A happy start is the springboard to success, and we stand united to ensure that Oakridgers receive the best academic experience curated with focus, commitment, and care,” shares Dipika Rao, Principal, Oakridge Gachibowli.

Every learner, from the youngest to the oldest, was welcomed into an environment thoughtfully curated to match their age-appropriate interests. For early years students, the experience was vibrant, warm, and emotionally grounding, the kind that makes children feel instantly safe and offers a sense of peace and serenity.

According to Jemima Victoria, Early Years Teacher, “For our little ones, this wasn’t just a school day; it was the beginning of a magical journey filled with colour, laughter, and wonder. A warm, exciting welcome like this energises and sets the tone for an action filled year ahead.”

For older students, the experience took a different shape, more reflective, more thought-provoking, and aligned to their growing sense of identity and purpose. There was a greater focus on AI being a part of their lives and the impact of a positive engagement with it to support their learning.

Designing Transitions That Matter

The beginning of the academic year brings renewed energy and purpose. Esheita Gupta, MYP Coordinator, noted, “A new year offers every student the chance to set meaningful goals, adopt positive habits, and embrace the journey ahead with curiosity and determination. At Oakridge Gachibowli, we are committed to guiding and supporting our young learners through this important chapter.”

The return to school is a crucial transition for students and parents. It reintroduces routines and structure that help children thrive emotionally and intellectually. Predictable rhythms build security, while school environments nurture social skills essential for personal growth. Shreya Sangam, a pre-nursery parent, shared, “The welcome we received was magical, warm, thoughtful, and so well-planned. I’ve never seen my child this engaged on the first day of school. The environment feels so open and friendly, I truly believe every child would feel right at home.”

Educators at Oakridge play a central role as facilitators, focused on building trust before diving into academics, and they are not alone in this journey. The parents seek active involvement in their child’s education, and the school welcome this partnership. Oakridge Gachibowli believes parents’ role is vital, especially during the transition into a new school year.

In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and global shifts, the way children are welcomed into school sets the tone for the year that follows. At Oakridge Gachibowli, learning begins the moment a child steps through the doors, with wonder, courage, and confidence that they are in a safe space where they will be nurtured, challenged, and celebrated.