One of The Prince’s Charities, The British Asian Trust, hosted an exclusive preview of the latest Festive collection presented by celebrated Indian designer, Manish Malhotra, on Thursday 24th September. The event took place at the UK’s leading, Indian high fashion multi-brand store, Aashni + Co, Notting Hill, London. Against the sumptuous backdrop of the fashion talent’s latest couture designs, the announcement was made of his ambassadorship for the charity to an attending guest list of VIP’s, influencers, media and The British Asian Trust ambassadors such as actress Laila Rouass; newsreader and presenter Sonali Shah; and BBC Radio news presenter, Ritula Shah.
Manish Malhotra’s creativity and genius span the broad spheres of Bollywood design, Styling, Diffusion and the Everlasting Bridal and Couture. Manish is a pioneer in the field of fashion in India today and renowned globally. His diffusion label MANISH MALHOTRA has become a success since its launch in 2004 and has proved once again why he is the country’s favourite when it comes to dressing India’s most beautiful and glamorous. Manish, known for his bridal wear and immaculate colour sense, has designed for some of the most striking personalities in the Indian film industry, high profile politicians, industrialists, top global corporates and affluent families across the globe. He has also been felicitated by National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi and the Indo American Society for his contribution to fashion designing. He was also presented the Rajiv Gandhi Award by the Mumbai Pradesh Youth Congress 2002 for his contribution to fashion in India.
The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales, who wanted to do something about the widespread poverty and hardship that he saw in South Asia. He turned to the entrepreneurial spirit of the British Asian diaspora, aiming to link them with innovative social entrepreneurs and grassroots interventions in the region. Since its inception, The British Asian Trust has convened funds, become a trusted navigator and raised awareness through the backing of high profile voices like Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, music mogul Simon Cowell and Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji. To date, the Trust has made a real difference in the lives of over three million people in South Asia.
Founded in 2012 by one of the UK’s leading South Asian fashion influencers and tastemakers, Aashni Anshul Doshi (Shah), Aashni + Co pioneers the most desirable edit in Indian high fashion. A beautiful concept store in London’s Notting Hill with e-commerce site, Aashni + Co has been established with the purpose of providing access to visionary designers of India for the residents of UK.
Speaking at the event, Manish Malhotra said, “I am overwhelmed at the opportunity of coming on board as an ambassador for The British Asian Trust. I have been observing their great work for some time and am looking forward to contributing in my own way. There has been an overwhelming response from guests and media this evening to the new collection also. Aashni + Co is one of the first stores in the UK to really showcase Indian fashion. I’ve been a part of Aashni + Co since the beginning. It’s a serious store and a great showcase for the West to see what’s happening in India today.”
Hitan Mehta, Executive Director, The British Asian Trust said, “It has been a great evening, celebrating and showcasing the best of the Indian fashion industry that is Manish Malhotra and at the same time raising the awareness and funds to help those disadvantaged in South Asia. We are very excited to have Manish on board as an ambassador for the Trust and would also like to say a huge thanks to Aashni Anshul Doshi for being such a fantastic supporter of the Trust.”
Aashni Anshul Doshi (Shah), Founder and Creative Director of Aashni + Co, said, “It’s been a wonderful evening with an amazing response to Manish’s new collection, as well as to the news of his ambassadorship for The British Asian Trust. We are proud of our relationship with Manish and are so delighted to be presenting his latest, festive collection in-store, as well as sharing the news of his involvement with an extremely noble cause.”
