Forevermark’s 2018 Red Carpet Collection: A Radiant Declaration of Gender Equality and Empowerment

In a dazzling display of exquisite craftsmanship and profound social commitment, Forevermark, the esteemed diamond brand from the De Beers Group, unveiled its highly anticipated Red Carpet Collection 2018. This momentous event, held on April 18, 2018, in the vibrant city of Mumbai, transcended the traditional boundaries of a fashion show. It ingeniously wove together the glamour of high-end diamond jewelry with a powerful advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment, marking a significant milestone in the luxury industry’s evolving role in social responsibility.

The unveiling was not merely a showcase of breathtaking diamonds; it was a testament to purpose-driven luxury. Acknowledging the pivotal three-year partnership between the De Beers Group and UN Women, Forevermark orchestrated a truly unique fashion spectacle. Instead of solely featuring professional models, the brand extended an invitation to over 20 extraordinary women from diverse fields. These trailblazers, each a beacon of progress in their respective domains, were celebrated for their invaluable contributions to women’s advancement and the broader cause of gender equality. Their presence on the ramp alongside seasoned models created a powerful visual narrative, symbolizing the strength, elegance, and multifaceted achievements of women.

This pioneering partnership underscores a deep-rooted commitment between De Beers and the United Nations to propel gender equality forward on a global scale. As a tangible demonstration of this dedication, the De Beers Group has allocated a substantial US$3 million investment. This fund is strategically channeled towards empowering women in its diamond-producing countries, fostering inclusive practices across its entire business operations, and integrating messages of empowerment into its global marketing campaigns. This holistic approach ensures that the impact of their commitment resonates from the very source of their diamonds to the consumer, reinforcing a message of ethical sourcing and social responsibility.

Inspiring Leaders: The Faces of Change on the Runway

The women achievers who graced the ramp were a diverse group of inspiring individuals, each with a compelling story of impact and dedication. Their participation elevated the event beyond mere aesthetics, transforming it into a platform for recognizing and celebrating real-world change-makers.

• Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari: An acclaimed Indian filmmaker, Tiwari has consistently captivated audiences with her powerful narratives, often centering on strong, resilient female characters. Her films not only entertain but also challenge societal norms and inspire women to find their voice and pursue their aspirations.
• Lucky Morani: Through the NGO Save & Empower the Girl Child, Morani has been a tireless advocate for menstrual hygiene in rural villages. Her work addresses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of women’s health and dignity, breaking down taboos and fostering empowerment through education and access.
• Mrunalini Deshmukh: A highly respected lawyer, Deshmukh is renowned for her unwavering dedication to gender justice and women’s rights. Her legal expertise and advocacy have been instrumental in championing the rights of women, ensuring fair treatment and equality within the legal framework.
• Soudamani Sawant: An architect by profession, Sawant has extended her impact beyond design by providing invaluable educational opportunities to domestic staff. Her initiative empowers a vulnerable segment of society, offering pathways to self-reliance and improved quality of life through knowledge.
• Mala Mansukhani: A passionate fitness enthusiast, Mansukhani specializes in wellness programs tailored specifically for women over 60 years of age. Her work promotes healthy aging, vitality, and self-care, encouraging women to embrace their strength and well-being at every stage of life.

Each of these remarkable women was adorned with exquisite, rare, and responsibly sourced Forevermark diamond jewelry, symbolizing not just beauty but also the profound value and positive impact they bring to society. Their presence underscored Forevermark’s commitment to connecting the inherent beauty of its diamonds with the intrinsic beauty and strength of women.

Adding to the star power and reinforcing the message of women empowerment, Bollywood luminary Taapsee Pannu, herself a vocal advocate for gender equality, also made a compelling appearance on the runway. Her participation amplified the event’s reach and reinforced its central theme to a broader audience.

Global Commitments: Voices from De Beers and UN Women

The event also featured powerful addresses from key leaders, further emphasizing the global significance of the partnership and the initiative.

Bruce Cleaver: Championing HeForShe

Bruce Cleaver, CEO of the De Beers Group, addressed the distinguished audience in his capacity as a UN Women ‘HeForShe’ Thematic Champion. The HeForShe initiative is the United Nations’ groundbreaking global movement dedicated to accelerating gender equality by engaging men and boys as advocates for women’s rights. Mr. Cleaver stands as one of only eight global Thematic Champions who have made an explicit commitment to implement transformative policies and actions within their organizations to advance gender equality. His leadership at De Beers Group exemplifies how major corporations can integrate social responsibility into their core values, driving meaningful change from within and beyond.

Nishtha Satyam: Partnering for Sustainable Development

Nishtha Satyam, the Deputy Country Representative for UN Women, articulated the profound importance of such strategic collaborations. “We look forward to the global partnership with De Beers to advance the cause of gender equality and the empowerment of women,” she stated. Satyam highlighted the immense potential and synergy inherent in this collaboration, underscoring its capacity to create significant and lasting impact. She emphasized that such unwavering commitment from the private sector is absolutely crucial for progressing towards the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The ultimate vision, she reaffirmed, is to “leave no one behind,” ensuring that the benefits of progress are shared by all members of society.

The Dazzling Collection: Red Carpet Radiance and Indian Craftsmanship

As the evening progressed, the air was ablaze with the unparalleled sparkle of Forevermark diamonds, reflecting the brand’s commitment to both beauty and brilliance. The stunning Red Carpet Collection of 2018 was unveiled on the ramp, captivating all present with its exquisite designs and masterful craftsmanship. Models sashayed down the runway, elegantly showcasing a breathtaking array of high-jewelry pieces. The collection featured magnificent chandelier earrings, delicate yet impactful bracelets, unique palm jams (ornaments worn on the back of the hand), sophisticated cocktail rings, and show-stopping statement necklaces. Each piece was meticulously crafted to highlight the inherent beauty and rarity of every Forevermark diamond.

A significant highlight was the revelation that over 37 pieces of Forevermark jewelry from India had been prominently showcased at the prestigious 90th Academy Awards. These acclaimed designs were painstakingly created by Authorized Forevermark Jewellers from across the country, a testament to the exceptional talent and creativity within India’s jewelry design community. This global recognition not only showcased the unparalleled beauty of Forevermark diamonds but also put a spotlight on the innovative spirit and world-class craftsmanship of Indian designers on an international stage.

Forevermark’s Vision: Diamonds That Do Good

Speaking passionately on the occasion, Sachin Jain, President of Forevermark India, articulated the brand’s profound philosophy. “Today marks a very special occasion. We are celebrating ‘Diamonds’ that do good,” he declared. Jain elaborated on Forevermark’s holistic approach to responsibility, which permeates every facet of its business, from sourcing to ethical practices. He emphasized that as part of their unwavering commitment to the UN Women partnership, the brand is actively striving for the advancement of women, and the evening was a glorious celebration of this vital initiative.

Jain continued, expressing immense pride in the 2018 Red Carpet Collection. “Our exclusive Red Carpet Collection 2018 is another testimony to the celebration of women,” he stated. He lauded Forevermark’s Indian retail partners, acknowledging how “year after year our Indian retail partners have pushed the boundaries of creativity, craftsmanship and the world has stood up and taken notice.” This collection, according to Jain, embodies all that Forevermark diamonds represent: timelessness, enduring beauty, inherent rarity, classic opulence infused with contemporary aesthetics, unparalleled grace, and profound love. But above all, he concluded, the collection signifies the brand’s core values of Responsibility and an unshakeable commitment to making this world a better, more equitable place for everyone. Through such initiatives, Forevermark solidifies its position as a leader in luxury, demonstrating that true elegance is deeply intertwined with purpose and a commitment to positive social impact.

The unveiling of the 2018 Red Carpet Collection by Forevermark was more than just a launch; it was a powerful statement. It demonstrated how the world of luxury can beautifully intersect with pressing social causes, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and change. By honoring women achievers, advocating for gender equality, and committing substantial resources, Forevermark and the De Beers Group are not just selling diamonds; they are investing in a future where brilliance is measured not only by carat and clarity but also by impact and integrity. This event reinforced the idea that every Forevermark diamond, carefully selected and responsibly sourced, carries with it a promise of beauty, rarity, and a profound commitment to making the world a brighter, more equitable place.