MAM
L’Atelier 1664 returns to Lakmé Fashion Week with Abraham & Thakore
Design platform showcases ‘The Sari’torial’ blending tailoring and drapes.
MUMBAI: When couture meets craft, even a sari can learn a few new tricks. L’Atelier 1664 is returning to Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 in Mumbai, continuing its design led partnership with one of India’s most influential fashion platforms. The cultural platform will once again spotlight the intersection of fashion, craftsmanship and contemporary lifestyle, this time through a special runway collaboration with design house Abraham & Thakore.
Titled “The Sari’torial,” the curated showcase reimagines the sari through a conversation between structured tailoring and fluid draping. Drawing inspiration from the relaxed elegance of French style and the rich heritage of Indian textiles, the collection explores everyday silhouettes refined with signature fabrics, subtle detailing and a restrained colour palette highlighted by L’Atelier 1664’s distinctive house blue.
The collaboration marks a continuation of L’Atelier 1664’s presence at Lakmé Fashion Week after its debut association last year, reinforcing the platform’s growing engagement with India’s creative and fashion ecosystem.
Beyond the runway, the brand will also host its signature lounge at the fashion week venue, creating an immersive experiential space designed to bring together design, culture and contemporary lifestyle in one setting.
Carlsberg India vice president for marketing Partha Sarathi Jha said the association reflects the brand’s interest in supporting creative expression. “Lakmé Fashion Week is one of the most important platforms for fashion and creative expression in India. Through L’Atelier 1664, we aim to celebrate this intersection of culture, design and contemporary lifestyle. We are excited to continue our association with Lakmé Fashion Week and collaborate with Abraham & Thakore to bring this vision to life on the runway,” he said.
Designers David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore added that the collection explores a cross cultural design dialogue. “With Sari’torial, we wanted to explore a conversation between French ease and Indian craftsmanship. Our collaboration with L’Atelier 1664 blends a relaxed French sensibility with the richness of Indian textiles, reinterpreting traditional crafts through a modern lens,” they said.
L’Atelier 1664 is part of the portfolio of Carlsberg Group, the Denmark headquartered beverages company whose Indian arm has operated in the country since 2007. Today, Carlsberg India runs 14 breweries across the country, including eight company owned facilities and six contract manufacturers, supporting a portfolio that includes brands such as Carlsberg Smooth, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong, Tuborg Ice Draft, Tuborg Classic and 1664 Blanc.
Through its continued presence at Lakmé Fashion Week, L’Atelier 1664 is positioning itself not just as a sponsor but as a cultural platform connecting fashion, design and lifestyle conversations in India’s evolving creative landscape.
MAM
Kitkat installs ‘The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World’ in Hyderabad
Campaign encourages busy Indians to pause and take a mindful break.
MUMBAI: In a world that runs on instant everything, Kitkat has decided to hit the brakes literally. The iconic chocolate brand, in collaboration with global creative company VML and Delhi-based production house The Other Half, has unveiled “The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World” in one of Hyderabad’s busiest commercial hubs.
Instead of dispensing a Kitkat in the usual three seconds, this unique installation takes its sweet time. Once a coin is inserted, the chocolate bar embarks on a whimsical, slow-motion journey through miniature scenes inspired by everyday Indian life riding a toy train, spinning on a Ferris wheel, travelling in an iconic truck, floating down a river, and joining a festive procession.
The experience is designed to gently remind people to slow down and enjoy a mindful pause, even in the middle of a hectic day. “Have a break. Have a Kitkat.” has never felt more intentional.
Nestlé director of confectionery Gopichandar J said the idea was born from observing how even breaks in India are becoming shorter. “Vending machines are built for speed and convenience. We wanted to explore whether a small pause could feel meaningful.”
VML India chief creative officer Kalpesh Patankar added with a smile, “While the average vending machine pops out a snack in three seconds, ours takes a luxurious ride in no hurry at all.”
VML global chief creative officer for innovation & chief creative officer for EMEA Bas Korsten summed up the philosophy, “Everything today is about speed and multitasking. But what happened to taking a moment for yourself?”
The installation quietly drew crowds who lingered longer than usual, watching the journey unfold with smiles and a rare moment of stillness.
In a city known for its fast pace, Kitkat has created a delightful reminder that sometimes the best things like a good break are worth waiting for. A simple, clever idea that proves even a vending machine can teach us to slow down and savour the moment.
