On the evening of July 26, First Look hosted the first edition of PROLOGUE: to Celebrations at Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio’s heritage location at Ismail building in Mumbai. Situated in the heart of the city, the historic architecture of the property brought together industry leaders across beauty, fashion, skincare, jewellery and wedding.
As visionaries, designers, and distinguished guests stepped through the doors, they were welcomed by an immersive showcase of India’s rich craft heritage, brought to life through exquisite installations by Prastuti and Paasbaan. The two labels presented an exclusive selection of pieces that celebrated the artistry, patience, and precision intrinsic to traditional Indian embroidery. Prastuti highlighted the delicate intricacies of Parsi gara, known for its evocative motifs and painstakingly detailed hand embroidery, while Paasbaan brought the timeless elegance of chikankari through sarees featuring nuanced craftsmanship. Together, the installations offered an intimate introduction to an evening dedicated to the art of celebrations.
The event was elevated by a spectacular performance by Indian sitar maestro, Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee who captivated the room with a mix of classical and contemporary tunes. The musical prelude was followed by two engrossing panel discussions.
The opening conversation, driven by Simran Grewal [ Creative Consultant and Strategist ], explored the evolving rituals preceding Indian celebration. Present on the panel were celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad, revered designer Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor and the driving force behind Surat Jewels. Through an intriguing exchange of dialogues, the panel discussed the discernments of new-age consumers, changing social media trends and the meaning of self-expression today.
The following panel was led by Parthip Thyagarajan [ Co-founder and CEO, Wedding Sutra ], which included trailblazers from the wedding industry, namely, Aashna Saran [ Aash Studio ], Ankita Asthana [ WeddingNama ], Jai Sharma [ The Envelop ], Taral Jadhav [ Do It Up ] and Sheldon Santos [ Celebrity Photographer ]. From spatial design to hospitality, photography, invitations and visual storytelling, the second round of conversation at PROLOGUE was all about the evolving nature of celebrations. Whether it is an intimate ceremony or a grand destination wedding, the discourse examined the creative disciplines shaping the future of gathering, hosting and creating lasting memories.
The soirée concluded with a customised perfume-making station, delectable toasts and a divine tablescape filled with hors d’oeuvres inspired by traditional celebratory foods but with a modern twist. As PROLOGUE came to a close, the evening left behind a lingering sense of discovery; an ode to the ceremonial rituals shaped by today’s creative voices. More than a gathering, it was a celebration of ideas and artistry, where traditions found new expression through contemporary perspectives, setting the tone for conversations and collaborations still to come.