Milan Fashion Week became the stage for a powerful cultural and social movement as The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, partnered with Ara Lumière by philanthropist and social entrepreneur Kulsum Shadab Wahab to present The Phoenix Circle at a private dinner hosted at Portrait Milano on 24th September. Conceived as a cultural bridge, the evening fused the soul of Indian luxury with a movement that is rewriting fashion’s role in empowerment and social change.
Empowering Women Survivors
At its heart, The Phoenix Circle is an initiative by Ara Lumière that empowers women acid attack survivors, transforming their stories into legacies. Partnering with The Leela amplified this message on a global stage, creating an immersive experience where culture and purpose converged.
A Gathering of Global Leaders
The dinner gathered a formidable circle of global leaders including Carlo Capasa, President of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana; Marco Bizzarri, globally renowned luxury leader and former President & CEO of Gucci; and Angela Missoni, Creative Director of Missoni. Their presence elevated the evening into a cultural milestone, where Indian luxury and purposeful fashion came together to inspire dialogue and drive impact.
Leadership Perspectives
“Milan Fashion Week is more than a showcase of design; it is a forum for ideas that move the world. As custodians of true Indian luxury, we see it as our responsibility to use our platform to create experiences that transcend hospitality, weaving in mindfulness, cultural storytelling, and impact. Partnering with Ara Lumière on The Phoenix Circle is a way of reinforcing India’s voice as a leader in meaningful global luxury,” said Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President – Operations (South) and Head of Sales, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.
Founder’s Vision
“The Phoenix Circle was created to transform survivors’ stories into legacies – to show that fashion can be a revolution and a platform for dignity. To bring this vision to Milan with The Leela is to prove that when luxury aligns with purpose, it has the power to change narratives and inspire the world,” said Kulsum Shadab Wahab, Founder of Ara Lumière and Executive Director, Hothur Foundation.
Impact Beyond Fashion
Together, The Leela and Ara Lumière redefined what it means to make an impact at Milan Fashion Week, marking a moment where Indian luxury was not just showcased, but used as a force for empowerment, resilience, and global cultural dialogue.
