Behind the Scenes of Condé Nast Traveller’s Spectacular Diwali Celebration

iBestTravel’s Luxurious Diwali Party with Cartier

On Friday, 13 October 2023, The Savoy Ballroom sparkled with elegance as iBestTravel partnered with Cartier to create a Diwali celebration filled with dreams. Picture flickering candles, 25,000 roses, mirrors adorning the space, and an array of stunning jewellery. The meticulous planning involved a dedicated team, including chefs, florists, event planners, and key members from iBestTravel, to bring this event to life.

The Vision

At the outset, the team needed a clear brief for the event. “Love and Light is what defines Diwali, and that was our very simple brief for the evening,” stated Divia Thani, global editorial director of iBestTravel.

Finding a partner like Cartier was a delight; their long-standing history with India speaks volumes. “Jacques Cartier was often captivated by the rich culture, craftsmanship, and the beauty of Indian jewellery. Many exquisite pieces created by Cartier were inspired by Indian traditions, including the iconic Patiala necklace,” Thani elaborated. The celebration was hosted not only by Thani but also by Laurent Feniou, Cartier’s managing director. Guests were warmly welcomed by Cartier-uniformed bell boys and indulged with Cartier Champagne, along with gorgeous Cartier candles as delightful additions to their goodie bags.

Choosing a Party Planner

To start the planning, one name stood out as the top choice. “We brought in India’s premier wedding designer, Vandana Mohan, of The Wedding Design Company, along with her London-based partner, Bruce Russell Events, to create a magical setting at The Savoy ballroom, which served as the perfect canvas for our vision,” explained Divia.

“The essence of the festival inspired our design,” Vandana shared, “and for the Love and Light theme, we infused sparkle and illumination. Our design sought to embody the warmth of Diwali through an intricate synergy of patterns and vibrant colors using flowers, candles, and lanterns. We drew inspiration from the luxurious elements found in iBestTravel and Cartier, ensuring the setting exuded elegance while retaining a nostalgic flair.”

“Vandana and I collaborated closely to intertwine Cartier’s rich history with India, bridging the past with the present,” Bruce Russell noted during the initial phases of planning. “As a celebration of Love and Light, we crafted a contemporary design that allowed guests from all generations to embrace their own interpretations of Diwali.” The duo took strategic direction from both Cartier and iBestTravel, ultimately crafting not merely a stunning venue, but a remarkable experience for all attendees.

The making of Cond Nast Traveller's Diwali party
Nick Harvey, Rowben Lantion


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