A thunderous roar echoes past the broad walkways, down the smooth elevators and beyond, at ITC Grand Chola. A Harley Davidson and an Indian Motorcycle, with their guttural retorts and looks, have the audience turn paparazzi. A few feet shy of the stage stands BMW M3, a capacious steel blue beauty.
“This is just a preview of the luxury products and services you are going to see this weekend at The Indian Luxury Expo,” says Vishal Reddy, co-founder of the Expo, at a press meet organised to announce the event’s first edition in the city. “We are bringing Aston Martin (think James Bond) for the first time in the Chennai market,” chips in Karan Bhangay, founder of the Expo.
Started in 2012 by the Hyderabad-based duo, the travelling expo brings together high-end brands — cars and bikes, jewellery, clothing, travel and more — under one roof. The show travelled to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chandigarh and Delhi, before Karan thought that it was due time Chennai got its dose of luxury too, thanks to Dakshna Moorthy Naidu, founder-publisher, Wedding Vows Magazine (co-host of the event).
Karan says, “Chennai is growing when it comes to the luxury market. And I think jewellery tops the list, with real estate following a close second. Also, I believe that people here make smart investments, they chose products that appreciate in terms of value over time.”
For the Chennai chapter, the team will be supported by an advisory board consisting Tina Malhotra, founder, Evoluzione; Madhurima and Balsingh George, MD Golden Homes; Vimmi Deepak, entrepreneur; Ranvir Shah, founder-trustee, Prakriti Foundation; Pooja Malhotra, founder, Vajra, a non-profit organisation that promotes self-defence among girls.
The expo, which will be on from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on August 8 and 9 at ITC Grand Chola, will showcase around 60 brands including Rolls Royce, Evoluzione, Raa Jewellery, Mini Cooper, Karthik Srinivasan, Sultan Jewellers, Lotus Cards and many more. Entry is by invitation.
Others can visit by a donation of Rs. 500 towards Vajra.
