THE GLENLIVET CELEBRATES PURSUIT OF PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITY THIS DIWALI BY COLLABORATING WITH BIBHU MOHAPATRA TO DEBUT HAUTE COUTURE GOWN

The bespoke head-turning dress will be worn by international model and entrepreneur Pritika Swarup at the 2023 New York Diwali Gala as a symbol of support for South Asians breaking boundaries

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2023  The Glenlivet single malt scotch whisky is partnering with fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra to create a one-of-a-kind haute couture gown to celebrate groundbreakers in the South Asian community during the festive season. The bespoke design is a visual manifesto of The Glenlivet’s mission to break boundaries in single malt scotch whisky and beyond. Worn by model and entrepreneur Pritika Swarup, the dress will be unveiled exclusively at the 2023 New York Diwali Gala, a celebration and fundraiser that aims to shine a light on the progress, growth and meaningful connections within the South Asian community, in which The Glenlivet is proudly sponsoring to support the achievements of South Asians. The fashion collaboration with Mohapatra comes as the #1 single malt scotch whisky brand in the US¹ inspires scotch drinkers to seize the season and celebrate originality this holiday season.

"As South Asians, we know that single malt scotch whisky is a staple during convivial moments like Diwali, which was once relatively unknown and only celebrated by us with our families. I’m beyond proud that The Glenlivet is shining a light on the progress of South Asian culture, with the rise of Diwali as a mainstream holiday celebration and the elevation of South Asian fashion with the fabulous Bibhu Mohapatra," said Anu Rao, Senior Vice President North America, Communications and S&R, Pernod Ricard and New York Diwali Gala Host Committee Member.

As South Asian excellence and representation in creative fields rises, The Glenlivet is delighted to partner with Bibhu Mohapatra on a dress that is a bold and original take on tradition. Mohapatra is an award-winning, NYC-based haute couture designer known for his handcrafted garments that reflect his travels around the world and his home country of India and whose work has been seen at some of the world’s most prestigious events worn by renowned individuals. When designing the dress, Mohapatra drew inspiration from The Glenlivet’s manifesto to "break new ground" and boldly transcend the expected. Bibhu’s creation is made from India’s finest silks and velvets with detailed embroidery featuring thousands of colorful crystals and sequins, which represent the glittering bursts of fireworks throughout the night sky during Diwali. The dress is adorned with embellishments that are inspired by the boldness of The Glenlivet, incorporates the iconic amber color of single malt scotch whisky and features a message that will inspire the celebration of originality. The full design is tightly under wraps until it debuts at the 2023 New York Diwali Gala.

"I am thrilled to come together with The Glenlivet to create an item that speaks to such a beautiful, celebratory occasion," said Bibhu Mohapatra. "Diwali reminds us of the victory of light over darkness and is a time to reflect on our pursuit of progress over the past year. It has been so special for me to interpret these important themes into a gown for this year’s gala."

To bring to life the vision of celebration and progress, The Glenlivet and Mohapatra enlisted Pritika Swarup to debut the distinguished dress. As an international model and entrepreneur, Swarup is a groundbreaker in her own right. She founded Prakti Beauty, a line of India-inspired beauty products. Swarup has long been inspired by young women in India who are defying convention and shattering stereotypes – and is bringing this same sentiment to the South Asian community in the United States through her endeavors. After Mohapatra, Swarup and The Glenlivet unveil the gown, it will be auctioned by Charitybuzz along with a bottle of The Glenlivet 25 Year Old in support of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, official charity partner of the 2023 New York Diwali Gala. The auction will be live November 7 and run through November 21. 

"I am honored to be part of a generation of Indian Americans breaking stereotypes and redefining our place in the world," Pritika Swarup said. "I am thrilled to be coming together with my friend Bibhu and The Glenlivet to celebrate my community during this festive occasion."

Diwali is a 5-day "Festival of Lights" that is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide³, and 67% of all Indian Americans celebrate the holiday², often coming together to celebrate with friends and family. While Diwali in the US is most broadly recognized by South Asians, the occasion is gaining traction with US consumers as a whole and now seen as a milestone in the overall winter holiday season. The New York Diwali Gala is the premiere Diwali celebration in New York City, bringing together notable members of the South Asian community. The Glenlivet is also sponsoring The Inaugural Queer Diwali Ball on November 9 and Diwali celebrations in markets across the country such as Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.

In addition to the collaboration with Mohapatra, The Glenlivet is spotlighting South Asian-owned brands and creators with a festive limited-edition "Brighten The Holidays" gift set available exclusively at ReserveBar.com. The premium gifting offering will include a bottle of The Glenlivet 14 Year Old 750mL, a D.S & Durga candle, Panna Coasters from SONA Home, an exclusive recipe for a festive cocktail and a celebratory poem by Samira Asma-Sadeque from the Asian American Writers’ Workshop. The offering brings modern scotch drinkers the perfect pairing for their contemporary at-home holiday celebrations.

As we celebrate this auspicious time of year, The Glenlivet invites you to light a candle with us and raise a glass of our 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky to the accomplishments of the past year and continued success in the year ahead. To learn more about how The Glenlivet is celebrating originality and supporting modern scotch drinkers at TheGlenlivet.com and @TheGlenlivet_US. #LiveOriginal

ABOUT THE GLENLIVET

Founded by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is renowned for its heritage as a visionary within the single malt category. With a commitment to outstanding quality and craftsmanship within single malts, The Glenlivet is dedicated to continuing this legacy and has led innovation within the single malt category in recent years. Standout initiatives include the launch of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails, a collection of premium ready-to-mix cocktails using boundary-breaking technology, and The Glenlivet Sample Room, a creative epicenter where our most prestigious innovations are created. The Glenlivet has also recently launched its newly renovated brand home to open up Speyside to the world. Using innovative technology combined with exclusive bottlings, immersive tours and whisky tastings, The Glenlivet Brand Home brings visitors an experience like no other. From exploring the art of whisky making and showcasing rare editions, to reflecting The Glenlivet’s heritage throughout the interiors, the visitor experience pays homage to being the original mark of quality for Speyside single malt.

ABOUT NEW YORK DIWALI GALA

The New York Diwali Gala is a premiere event in New York City founded by entrepreneur and founding partner of SONA Maneesh Goyal celebrating Diwali and the South Asian community. This year’s event will be held on Friday, November 3 at the Mandarin Oriental.

ABOUT BIBHU MOHAPATRA

Bibhu Mohapatra is an award-winning fashion designer based in New York City. Born in Odisha, India, he immigrated to the United States for graduate school and later enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) in New York City. In 1997, Mohapatra was awarded the F.I.T.’s Critics’ Award for Best Evening Wear Designer of the Year. He gained the attention of top luxury brands and, while finishing at F.I.T., was hired by Halston as an assistant designer. In 1999, Mohapatra accepted the role of design director of the French furrier, J. Mendel, where he lent his talents for nine years. Following J. Mendel’s spring 2008 collection, Mohapatra moved on to establish his eponymous label. The designer has received numerous awards and is globally recognized for his elegant womenswear and jewelry. He has dressed former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as some of Hollywood’s elite from Glenn Close, Hilary Swank, and Jennifer Lopez to Taraji P. Henson, Mindy Kaling, and Lupita Nyong’o among many others.

ABOUT ASIAN AMERICAN WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Founded in 1991, Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW) is and has always been devoted to creating, publishing, developing, and amplifying Asian American and Asian diasporic storytelling and to providing an alternative literary arts space at the intersection of migration, race, and social justice. Through our programming in New York City and online, we have expanded our reach globally and intergenerationally and hope to continue to grow and nurture a sanctuary space for our futures and imaginations.

ABOUT SONA HOME

SONA Home, the home décor collection from Maneesh Goyal, brings vibrant design, timeless luxury and joyful detail through exceptional pieces curated for the modern home. The collection reflects India’s rich history and the culture’s devotion to hospitality.

ABOUT D.S. & DURGA

D.S. & DURGA was founded by David (a.k.a. D.S.)  & Kavi (a.k.a Durga) Moltz in 2008. We started from scratch and did it our way (more Sid than Sinatra). We were pioneers in the DIY Brooklyn movement and began by turning things we loved into scented stories of cowboys, landscapes and folk songs – all packed into hand-stamped boxes in our Bushwick apartment. Attention to detail and the importance of human hands are still vital to our process today.

¹ Nielsen xAOC +Liq L52 w/e 9/16/23

² Collage Group, Multicultural Holidays & Occasions: Diwali (Fall 2022)

³ Washington Post October 2019 By Simran Jeet Singh More than 1 billion people celebrate on Diwali. What does it mean to them?