Raymond at 100: A Landmark Celebration for Gautam Singhania and family, in Association with Luxury Consultant Nisha JamVwal

The industry that truly made Mumbai the commercial mahanagari it is today is the textile industry. With the opening of the Suez Canal, trade routes brought ships directly to Mumbai, making it the first port of call for undocking, refuelling, and global commerce. From that moment, Mumbai clothed the world. Among the legendary textile brands that rose from this heritage, none shines brighter than Raymond, a brand that has completed an extraordinary 100 years of dressing the most successful men of the city.

The milestone was celebrated in unmatched grandeur at the grand Jasmine Room, Jio Convention Centre, BKC. The centenary gala was hosted in association with celebrity columnist Nisha JamVwal, who was a luxury consultant for Raymond for the evening.

The celebration also coincided with the 60th birthday of flamboyant Chairman Gautam Singhania, making it a double occasion of festivity.

Nisha JamVwal's Visionary Touch

Nisha JamVwal absolutely nailed it for the centenary celebrations of Raymond. She created pure magic. We enjoyed firsthand how she seamlessly brought together Mumbai's finest, orchestrating every single detail like a true maestro. Her attention to detail was nothing short of spectacular! JamVwal’s organization skills were flawless , all the time making sure that the entire narrative reflected Raymond’s century-long legacy. Every guest felt like royalty.

The Raymond team ensured that everything flowed like absolute clockwork - not a single moment out of place! Raymonds breathtaking couture installation and show combined with the most gracious hospitality by Nisha JamVwal elevated Mumbai's luxury scene to another level! This is what happens when talent meets dedication meets pure heart. Massive kudos Gautam Singhania, Raymond and Nisha JamVwal - you are the ultimate event virtuoso!

Speaking about the evening, Nisha JamVwal said, “I wish Gautam Singhania a very happy birthday. His speech was immaculate and heartfelt - his kindness and sensitivity shows up in his friendships and loyalties and care and concern which i am privy to! Friends have flown in from all over the world to celebrate him and Raymond—he truly set the tone for a celebration worthy of Raymond’s legacy.”

A Star-Studded Celebration

The evening sparkled with a brilliant mix of international dignitaries, celebrities, and cultural icons. Celebrities from Bollywood sparkled the evening, Anu Malik with Anmol Malik, Shekhar Suman, Sudhanshu Roy, Dalip Tahil, Madhur Bhandarkar, Abhimanyu Singh, Sheeba and Akashdeep Saigal, Amit Sadh, Tarun Khanna (beloved for his portrayal of Lord Shiva on television), Sandeep Soparkar, Malishka Mendonza, Sara Arfeen Khan and Arfeen Khan, Ojas Rajani, AD Singh, Vikram Kamat, Naari Ahmed, added cinematic glamour, while diplomats, politicians, corporate head honchos, Doctors Lawyers, Artists chief Postmaster General Amitabh Singh, Harjinder Kang, Kobbi Shoshani, Milind And Dhanashri Hardas

Corporate honchos Parthiv Kilachand, Anand Jain, Dr Farhad Taraporewala, Vivek Phansalkar, Ankita and Nihar Thackery, Mukesh Batra, Dr Keki Turel, Dr Amit Karkhanis, Dr Hrikesh Pai, Dr Sunil Bhoolabhai, Dr Nandita Palshetkar, Shailendra Singh, Naina Kanodia, Vilas Shinde, Dilip Sharma lent gravitas to the gathering. Socialite Shalini Passi of Bollywood Wives flew in from Delhi for this grand celebration.

Fashion, Heritage, and Performance

Guests were treated to a stunning showcase of Raymond’s ethnic wear collections, the elegant Park Avenue line, and even heritage automobiles, symbolising the brand’s evolution across eras. The hall was alive with a dazzling light-and-sound spectacle, world-class performances, and immaculate staging. Traders, wholesalers, and retailers from all over the country attended, showing their loyalty to a brand that has supported and enriched them for decades.

A Feast for All the Senses

The food was as memorable as the production. One highlight was the pesto so delicious I couldn’t help but call it “the bestesto pesto” when complimenting Chef Saad, who prepared it. The coincidence wasn’t lost on the guests, as actor Amit Saad was also in attendance, sharing the chef’s name.

The evening continued with a soulful afterparty, where I had the honour of performing a baritone rendition of “Ave Maria”—a fitting tribute in this festive season of the Blessed Virgin Mary, leading up to the Bandra Feast on September 14.

A Century of Elegance, A Chairman’s Vision

More than lights, music, and fashion, the heart of the celebration was in its people—those who believe in Raymond and carry its story forward. At its centre stood Gautam Singhania, whose vision has shaped the Chairman’s Collection and guided Raymond into a new era.

He was joined by his wife, Nawaz Modi Singhania, whose gracious presence added warmth to the occasion and underscored the evening’s personal as well as professional significance. Together, they embodied the spirit of continuity and family at the heart of Raymond’s legacy.

As the Raymond tune hums softly in the background of memory, this evening reminded everyone that Raymond is more than fabric—it is India’s cultural and sartorial legacy.

Congratulations to Raymond on completing 100 years, and our warmest wishes to Mr. Gautam Singhania for continued success and elegance in the years ahead.

We once again join Nisha JamVwal in wishing Gautam Singhania a very happy 60th birthday and celebrating his impeccable leadership.