As we deliberated upon on our theme for the November issue, the conversation turned to the notion of luxury as being something that is essentially unattainable, thus making it a relative concept. If one were to ask Arianna Huffington, sleep would be one, if not the greatest, luxury a person can have in today’s world. Time is possibly the most elusive extravagance, topped only by our desperation to stop it. This month, we take a closer look at the art of bespoke luxury an arena where consumerism is given a millennial twist.
Going towards its 17th year now, Verve has been at the vanguard of the lifestyle industry in India since its inception. Being India's first fashion and luxury monthly and targeted as the spirit of today’s woman, it celebrates the interests of the multifaceted contemporary global Indian, including fashion, beauty and style, glamour, arts and culture, travel and wellness. The editor and publisher, Anuradha Mahindra, has received top billing in Avenue Asia's list of Indians involved in the media. More than just a magazine that reports and interprets, Verve is a catalyst for conversations around contemporary Indian culture in the world, and these conversations take place between the pages of the magazine, on the internet as well as through several Verve-organized offline event initiatives: Our theme-based Verve Lounges held in different Indian cities have become the talk of the arts, culture and fashion world; being the first of its kind in India. Among the new activities, Verve had a starring role in the Bollywood blockbuster film Dostana, featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra where the magazine was organically integrated into the film's storyline and was the focus point of a significant part of the film’s narrative. Verve has, for three years running, been a premier partner of the Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) fashion extravaganza, bringing behind-the-scenes news and coverage. Verve is also a member of the International Council of Altagamma, the Italian Luxury council and the magazine’s continuous success has been closely watched and studied, including at the Harvard Business School. Verve holds premium partnerships across industries and in the arts, culture and fashion fields. It has partnered Louis Vuitton with the Albert Kahn show and hosted a dinner for artists at Zodiac Grill, Taj. Verve was the magazine partner for the Toofles CEO fashion show and trunk show of Stella McCartney with Priya Chatwal and for ‘Women Mean Business’, a Cherie Blair initiative. Verve and Muse launched New York’s Breakthrough in Mumbai. Verve also ties up with several tourism boards and designs special evenings for the same.