Selfridges’ Private VIP Lounge became an intimate stage for a different kind of cultural exchange – one that brought together India’s most celebrated couturier, Manish Malhotra, and the UK–India Creative Circle (UKICC) for a showcase rooted in craftsmanship, influence, and cross-cultural dialogue.
The UK–India Creative Circle, an initiative designed to deepen creative and commercial ties between the two nations, has been steadily shaping a new framework for how South Asian creativity is supported and seen in the UK. This latest gathering reflected exactly that intention: a meeting of industry leaders, designers, and cultural stakeholders brought together for thoughtful exchange.
Hosted by UKICC Founder and Chair, Dr Sri Ram, the evening underscored a shared mission: elevating the creative industries that sit at the heart of both nations and spotlighting the people who are pushing them forward.
Dr R. Sri Ram, Founder & Chair, UK–India Creative Circle
“Tonight represents a milestone in our mission to strengthen the creative bridge between the UK and India. Manish Malhotra’s work embodies innovation, heritage, and artistic excellence, values that lie at the heart of the UKICC. We are delighted to welcome him as our inaugural ambassador and to celebrate Diwali with a showcase that reflects the vibrancy and global influence of South Asian creativity. This evening is only the beginning of a new era of cultural collaboration and shared inspiration between our two countries.”
Manish Malhotra, Fashion Designer & UKICC Ambassador
“It’s an honour to represent India as the first ambassador for the UK–India Creative Circle. For over 35 years, my work has been inspired by the dialogue between India’s craftsmanship and the world. As my label celebrates 20 years, I’m excited to bring my Inaya World collection to the UK and continue that exchange, showcasing the artistry of Indian design.”
Malhotra’s presence brought a magnetic pull. His work, known for its intricate craftsmanship and cinematic allure, sat naturally within Selfridges’ refined environment. Rather than a public activation, the private setting allowed guests to observe closely and engage in real conversation – about design, heritage, and the increasing global appetite for South Asian creativity.
The evening also reflected UKICC’s broader ambition: to bridge policy with practice. Their work sits at the intersection of government, industry, and culture, but its impact is felt most clearly in moments like this – when doors open, networks expand, and designers gain access to audiences they might not otherwise reach. Much of the discussion centred on shifting perceptions of Indian fashion. No longer confined to clichés of “ethnic wear,” contemporary Indian design is finding its rightful place within the global luxury landscape – modern, confident, and culturally grounded. Malhotra’s pieces, displayed in an environment typically reserved for high-level clientele, reinforced that shift.
The event also echoed a rising value system within the cultural industries: thoughtful production, ethical leadership, and long-term sustainability. While not the explicit focus of the evening, these principles are embedded in UKICC’s work, ensuring that emerging designers and creative entrepreneurs can grow within systems that honour craft and community.
As the Circle continues expanding its reach, its collaborations are stretching beyond fashion into art, education, film, and cultural programming. The goal is not simply to host events, but to cultivate a lasting ecosystem: one that feels strategic and genuinely transnational.
If this Selfridges gathering was any indication, the UK–India Creative Circle is evolving into far more than a convening body. It is becoming a cultural movement – one that reframes how South Asian creativity enters, influences, and enriches the global stage.
