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Pearl Academy students ‘find themselves’ on Lakmé runway, Ikigai gets a catwalk makeover
MUMBAI: Pearl Academy, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), unleashed “First Cut” at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI, a student showcase. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Ikigai – the secret sauce to a long and happy life, apparently – the students didn’t just walk the runway; they strutted through the existential.
This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill frock parade. Oh no, this was a deep dive into the emotional vortex of today’s youth, a sartorial therapy session if you will. The Ikigai pillars – passion, mission, vocation, and profession – were translated into four thematic acts, each a chapter in a style-driven self-help manual.
“Make Nothing from Scratches” (passion) saw deadstock fabrics resurrected into rebellious silhouettes, proving that one person’s trash is another’s avant-garde treasure. “Juxtapose” (success) threw a curveball at conventional achievement, blending layers like a fashion smoothie gone wild. “Reimagine” (purpose) gave Indian pattern-cutting a global glow-up, marrying heritage with high-street swagger. And “Love is Blind” (love) was a technicolour celebration of connection, from digital dalliances to mature musings.
FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi waxed eloquent about nurturing young talent, stating, “Fashion was an evolving dialogue, and this showcase allowed students to engage with its transformative power.” Indeed, this wasn’t just about pretty clothes; it was about provoking thought, sparking conversation, and maybe, just maybe, finding oneself amidst the sequins and stilettos.
Pearl Academy students, collaborating like a well-oiled fashion machine, proved that they’re not just learning the ropes; they’re rewriting the rulebook. With past themes tackling everything from post-pandemic blues to lunar landings, this year’s inward gaze was a refreshing twist. “First Cut” wasn’t just a show; it was a statement, a reflection, and a wink to the ever-evolving nature of identity. In a world spinning faster than a runway model, these students showed us that fashion can be a map to finding yourself, one stitch at a time.
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Primus Partners appoints Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri as independent director
Veteran aviation and defence professional joins as independent director
NEW DELHI: Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri, a founding member of Akasa Air, as an independent director, strengthening the consulting firm’s board as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Khatri brings more than three decades of experience across defence, aviation, aerospace technology and consulting. She was part of the core team that helped build Akasa Air from concept to launch, contributing to what has been widely described as one of the fastest airline scale ups in recent aviation history.
At Primus Partners, she will provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and help steer the firm’s long term growth plans. Her experience of building a start up into a full scale organisation is expected to support the consulting firm as it expands its footprint.
Primus Partners co-founder and chairperson Davinder Sandhu, said the appointment brings valuable expertise to the board. “Neelu’s journey across defence, aviation and consulting brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic thinking. Her experience in rapidly scaling Akasa Air will be invaluable as we continue to grow while maintaining a strong focus on corporate governance,” he said.
Primus Partners, an India headquartered management consulting and solutions firm, has emphasised governance and board oversight since its early days. The company has also taken an unconventional approach by inviting its Gen Z employees to attend board meetings so that younger perspectives can contribute to discussions.
Speaking on her appointment, Khatri said the consulting sector is entering a transformative period shaped by emerging technologies. “The industry is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI. This is an exciting moment for an Indian origin consulting firm like Primus Partners to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence globally,” she said.
She added that as the firm pursues ambitious expansion plans, her focus will be on ensuring strong governance frameworks and effective risk management as the organisation scales.
