The Hottest Diwali Party in London: Rahul Mishra, Divya Mishra and Tamannaah Bhatia Light Up Selfridges’ 40 Duke
By: Rishini Weeraratne
London has certainly embraced Diwali in spectacular fashion this year, but some celebrations shine a little brighter than others. On the 3rd of November 2026, Selfridges' exclusive 40 Duke became the setting for what was arguably the hottest Diwali party of the season, as celebrated Indian designer Rahul Mishra, his wife Divya Mishra and Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia hosted a glamorous evening celebrating Indian fashion, fine jewellery and the unmistakable energy of London's South Asian creative community. The occasion brought together AFEW by Rahul Mishra and Tamannaah Fine Jewellery in a collaboration that felt both culturally significant and effortlessly chic. With delicious Indian chaats, a beautifully laid mithai table, free-flowing champagne and a DJ spinning toe-tapping music, the evening had all the ingredients of a fabulous Diwali celebration, with a distinctly fashionable twist. And then there were the guests. A beautifully dressed crowd of London's South Asian tastemakers, entrepreneurs, editors and creatives arrived in their festive finery, transforming the intimate luxury setting into a dazzling celebration of contemporary Indian identity.
Where Indian Glamour Meets London Luxury
There could hardly have been a more fitting venue than 40 Duke, Selfridges' exclusive luxury destination, where private shopping meets sophisticated hospitality. For one evening, the prestigious address became a celebration of Indian creativity, bringing together two distinctive design sensibilities under one roof. Rahul Mishra, internationally acclaimed for his extraordinary craftsmanship and poetic approach to fashion, has long championed Indian artisans and traditional embroidery techniques. His contemporary label, AFEW by Rahul Mishra, translates that artistic vision into a modern wardrobe that is expressive, imaginative and decidedly wearable. AFEW, an acronym for Air, Fire, Earth and Water, reflects Mishra's fascination with the natural world and his commitment to creating fashion that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. For the occasion, AFEW's fashion universe met the sparkling world of Tamannaah Fine Jewellery, the contemporary jewellery label founded by actress Tamannaah Bhatia. The collaboration was a natural marriage of fashion and fine jewellery, celebrating craftsmanship while embracing the confidence and individuality of a new generation of Indian luxury consumers.
AFEW by Rahul Mishra
For me, the evening was made all the more special by the pleasure of being dressed by AFEW by Rahul Mishra. I wore a Chiburi overlay that fit me like a glove, a beautifully considered piece that was effortlessly flattering, wonderfully comfortable and exactly what I wanted to wear for such a glamorous occasion. There is something quite magical about slipping into a designer creation that feels as though it was made just for you. The silhouette, the movement and the attention to detail came together beautifully, making it a genuine pleasure to wear. Mishra's AFEW collections have explored the relationship between Indian Bandhani and Japanese Shibori, the traditional resist-dyeing technique, drawing connections between craftsmanship across cultures. It is precisely this dialogue between heritage and contemporary design that makes his work so compelling. As I moved through the evening, champagne in hand, surrounded by London's most stylish South Asians, I couldn't have imagined a more fitting ensemble for the celebration.
Chaat, Champagne and Conversation
Of course, no memorable Diwali celebration is complete without exceptional food, and this party delivered its own delicious interpretation of festive hospitality. Guests enjoyed an assortment of Indian chaats, those irresistible combinations of tangy, spicy, sweet and crunchy flavours that are practically synonymous with a good Indian celebration. A beautifully presented mithai table offered an equally tempting tribute to the festival's sweeter traditions. Champagne flowed freely as conversations moved between fashion, beauty, business and the latest happenings on London's social circuit. Meanwhile, the DJ kept the energy high with toe-tapping music, creating the kind of infectious atmosphere that makes guests forget about their next engagement. The dress code, unofficially at least, appeared to be unapologetic glamour. Beautifully dressed London South Asians brought their individual interpretations of festive style, proving once again that few communities understand the art of dressing for a celebration quite like the South Asian diaspora. It was glamorous without being stiff, exclusive without losing its warmth, and wonderfully South Asian in spirit.
The guest list read like a who's who of the British Asian creative establishment, bringing together influential names from fashion, publishing, beauty, jewellery and luxury entrepreneurship. Among those attending was Akash Mehta, co-founder and CEO of the globally successful Ayurvedic-inspired haircare brand Fable & Mane, alongside Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, whose influence extends across the international worlds of luxury travel, culture and lifestyle. Aarti Pal, founder of the South Asian Beauty Collective, joined the celebrations, as did Chandni Modha, the London-based luxury publicist and entrepreneur known for her work in celebrity relations and brand partnerships. Adding to the fashion credentials was designer Anuj Sharma, the creative mind behind Button Masala, celebrated for his innovative, stitch-free approach to clothing construction. Also present was London-based stylist and creative director Zunaili Malik, formerly Fashion Editor at Harper's Bazaar India, alongside Radhika Somaia, a jewellery writer whose work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar India and Vogue India. It was a gathering that reflected the remarkable influence of South Asians across London's creative industries, with conversations and connections flowing as easily as the champagne.
Tamannaah Fine Jewellery Takes Centre Stage
For Tamannaah Bhatia, the evening marked another exciting chapter in her journey as a jewellery entrepreneur. Her label, Tamannaah Fine Jewellery, celebrates the idea that precious jewellery need not be reserved for weddings, festivals or milestone occasions. With its philosophy of Beyond the Occasion, the brand champions diamonds and fine jewellery as expressions of everyday individuality. Its contemporary designs crafted using gold, diamonds and gemstones, speak to women who appreciate beautiful objects but prefer to wear them on their own terms. Against the artistic backdrop of AFEW by Rahul Mishra, the jewellery offered a compelling counterpoint to the designer's richly imaginative world. There was something particularly fitting about bringing these two brands together for Diwali, a festival where jewellery, beautiful clothing and the joy of dressing up have always held a special place.
A Celebration of Indian Creativity
Beyond the glamorous guest list and festive indulgences, the evening reflected something more meaningful; the growing confidence and visibility of Indian creativity on the international luxury stage. As prestigious London institutions increasingly embrace Diwali, celebrations such as this are becoming important cultural moments, bringing together designers, entrepreneurs and tastemakers whose work is reshaping perceptions of Indian luxury. For Rahul and Divya Mishra, the evening celebrated a design journey rooted in craftsmanship and artistic expression. For Tamannaah Bhatia, it provided a stylish platform for her evolving jewellery brand. Together, they created a celebration that felt contemporary, cosmopolitan and proudly Indian. As the music played, champagne glasses clinked and guests mingled over chaats and mithai, one thing was abundantly clear. London may have no shortage of glamorous Diwali invitations, but this was one party that effortlessly captured the spirit of the season. Fashion, fine jewellery, fabulous people and a generous helping of Indian hospitality. What more could one ask for? At 40 Duke, Diwali had never looked quite so chic.
