Chennai’s thriving social scene: From Macaw’s grand opening to Vimonisha’s 35th anniversary and the Radiant Wellness Conclave

It was yet another jam-packed week, with launches, parties, and more. While everyone complained about the sudden spike in temperatures, that didn’t stop them from enjoying all that was on offer. The weekend saw the launch of Macaw by Stories, Tamil Nadu’s largest bar. Party animals from all corners of the city converged on the latest spot set to ‘ignite Chennai’s nightlife’. From burlesque dancers to flair bartending, the hosts pulled out all the stops to make sure it was a night to remember. We saw many of the same faces at two more events, the first of which was the opening of Pernia’s Pop up studio, finally in Chennai. Stylists, designers, choreographers, models and other popular faces from the fashion fraternity were in attendance. Guests were excited to check out the new space, which is sure to become a favourite with shoppers, especially brides-to-be. The next stop was Off The Record to celebrate the success of the 10th edition of the Madras Couture Fashion Week. The team and their supporters raised a toast to the milestone and a successful decade of fashion.

And speaking of milestones, this week saw the 35th anniversary of Vimonisha, one of South India’s popular lifestyle exhibitions. Kicking off just in time for the festive and wedding season, this edition offered a diverse selection ranging from Indo-Western outfits to ethnic prêt-a-porter, to fun travel pieces. It was great to see Chennai’s fashionable ladies turning up in large numbers to support women entrepreneurs. Many of them have been shopping at the pop-up for several years. Chatting with Monisha Gidwani, who is the face behind it all, she’s filled with pride and a tinge of nostalgia. “When my mom started the Vimonisha gallery, I was very young. Women would come to rent space and showcase their collections, and now, 35 years later, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come,” says Monisha. She shares how this evolution has transformed Vimonisha from a traditional shopping destination into a vibrant fashion carnival.

Switching gears a little bit was the Radiant Wellness Conclave, which commemorated the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War this year. In honour of this milestone, the Conclave paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of those killed in action, wounded, and veterans of the Kargil War, spotlighting their remarkable contributions to the nation’s defence. Among the esteemed guests was General Ved Prakash Malik, the Chief of Army Staff during the Kargil War, who played a pivotal role in leading India to victory.

The entire day was inspirational, from start to finish, with veterans’ stories, distinguished speakers, and panel discussions. Prominent figures like Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and Barkha Dutt joined the veterans and subject matter experts to discuss the significance of the Kargil War and its impact on national strategy and the personal ethos of the public. I, especially enjoyed “The Role of Women in the Kargil War,” led by Dr Renuka David, founder of Radiant Wellness Conclave, an eye opener for sure. The day ended with an award ceremony, with the Radiant National Icon Award being presented to Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, for bravery and devotion to duty.