Brands
Raymond turns 100 in style, raises the bar with The Chairman’s Collection
MUMBAI: They say style never ages—clearly, neither does Raymond. The 100-year-old titan of Indian menswear just toasted its centennial with a bash that screamed old-world charm meets modern majesty. On 25 March 2025, under the golden hues of a champagne sundowner at The Atelier, Raymond dropped the curtain on its pièce de résistance: The Chairman’s Collection.
The evening, curated by luxury doyenne Nisha JamVwal, was less launch and more theatrical spectacle. Picture five dapper models strutting through Mumbai’s glitterati in silk shirts and velvety bandhgalas so rich they could pay your rent. Add an art installation dedicated to the regal bandhgala and you’ve got a tribute not just to tailoring—but to time itself.
“This is a milestone year for Raymond, and this limited edition of The Chairman’s Collection is our tribute to India’s rich heritage and craftsmanship. This impeccably styled collection – ranging from silk shirts to bandhgalas – exudes elegance and style, hallmarks of Raymond. As a homegrown Indian brand loved by millions, Raymond has crafted menswear offerings across price points for all occasions,” said Raymond Lifestyle Ltd chairman Gautam Singhania.
JamVwal, whose taste rarely misses a beat, added, “The grandeur and flamboyance of every piece were so striking that I was excited to showcase them to the city’s glitterati! I could see Gautam Singhania’s passion for perfection and artistic excellence reflected in the collection.”
The collection, which spans Raymond Ready-to-Wear, Park Avenue, and Ethnix by Raymond, offers a lush spread of opulence: silk shirts embroidered in gold and silver, bandhgalas channeling Baroque drama, and tuxedos sharp enough to cut through small talk at any gala. Think deep jewel-toned velvets, sculpted silhouettes, and enough zari to blind your Instagram followers.
The evening closed on a high note, with the audience sipping bubbly and basking in what can only be called India’s answer to Savile Row swagger. The Chairman’s Collection will soon hit select Raymond stores—and if the preview was any indication, men’s wardrobes are about to get a serious upgrade.
Brands
KKR sixes to power EV charger rollout under VIDA campaign
Cricket meets clean mobility as big hits spark India’s charging growth
NEW DELHI: VIDA, the electric mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, has teamed up with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that turns cricketing flair into real-world impact.
Titled ‘6 for 6’, the initiative promises to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The idea is simple but powerful, as each big hit on the field contributes directly to expanding India’s fast-charging infrastructure.
The campaign builds on VIDA’s growing network, which already spans over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. With EV adoption gaining pace, the brand is using cricket’s mass appeal to accelerate both awareness and infrastructure growth.
Explaining the thinking behind the move, Hero MotoCorp emerging mobility business unit chief business officer Kausalya Nandakumar said, “Cricket has an incredible ability to unite and inspire millions across the country. With the ‘6 for 6’ campaign, we are turning every big hit on the field into a step towards a cleaner and a more accessible mobility future.”
She added that VIDA’s expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology are designed to make EV ownership more convenient and practical for everyday users.
From the franchise’s side, the campaign is also about giving on-field moments a larger purpose. Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive officer Venky Mysore said, “The ‘6 for 6’ campaign exemplifies the potential of sport as a platform for meaningful, real-world impact. By linking every six to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, this partnership transforms fan excitement into tangible progress.”
As part of the rollout, VIDA has introduced co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colours, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. The chargers are designed for quick top-ups, powering VIDA scooters from zero to 80 percent in about an hour, while also being positioned along key highways to support longer journeys.
The initiative also taps into VIDA’s removable battery system, which allows users to charge using standard household plug points, adding flexibility to the charging ecosystem.
By blending the thrill of cricket with the urgency of clean mobility, VIDA and KKR have found a neat way to make every six count twice, once on the scoreboard and again on India’s road to an electric future.
