This year, it feels like we’ve been on a festive roll, starting with Diwali, then Halloween, slowly merging into Christmas before we’ve even realised it. Halloween celebrations did not disappoint, with various watering holes around the city pulling out all the stops to ensure a ‘spooktastic’ time. Popular costumes this season were Maleficent, Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, shown off in equal measure by both men and women, and a whole lotta Freddy Mercurys. You can say you’ve seen everything when you happen upon two Freddy Mercurys and a Fred Flintstone in deep conversation at a party. My better half and I went the GOT route dressed as Khaleesi and the Night King, only to bump into ‘Jon Snow’ as the night wore on. It was a happier reunion than one might have expected.
We went from scary to glam, with our next stop being the Prawolion Fashion Week, where I got to wear an outfit by designer Bandana Narula. She opened the show, to a packed house, with her Lakme Fashion Week collection Dazva. My other favourite was the finale by Ken Ferns, a riot of colour, complemented by killer accessories.
The rest of the week went by in a blur of cake mixing ceremonies, making me wonder just how much Christmas cake we’re going to be eating this year. First up was Courtyard by Marriott with a fun ceremony attended by expats and the influencer brigade. Many of the same faces were seen at Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road for mixing, loads of photos and high tea. Those who didn’t manage to make it would’ve really felt like they missed out on all the fun, with the barrage of pics on Instagram. While Holiday Inn went with a Mexican theme to raise the curtain on their Mexican Food Festival, ITC Grand Chola went the traditional route, with Chef Ajit Bangera taking charge.