DIGITAL MAGAZINE
LOCAL IS BEAUTIFUL MADE IN MAURITIUS
HEATHER STEPHENSON NGODA BEYOND THE PARADISE
Nirusha Routho
HARSHITAA NUNΚOO FOR WOMEN WHO WANT MORE
When dance becomes a language PRESENTS SHAAN LIVE IN MAURITIUS
@newstylemauritius | www.newstyle.mu
ISSUE 109 O C T
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CONTENTS
NIRUSHA ROUTHO HEATHER STEPHENSON NGODA
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HARSHITA NUNKOO
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TICKETBOX WITH SHAAN
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BALLET DANCE
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ISSUE 109 Mauritius, where ambition meets artistry Creativity takes many forms. It can be found in the discipline of a dancer, the precision of a couture silhouette, the courage to build a business in unfamiliar surroundings or the emotion stirred by a performance that transcends borders. In Mauritius, these different expressions of ambition come together to tell a compelling story of talent, identity and cultural exchange. Our cover story celebrates Nirusha Routho, whose lifelong devotion to dance has evolved from childhood performances with her sisters and friends into the creation of Krumania Dance Academy and her role as an Artistic Director. For her, movement extends far beyond the stage, connecting fashion, travel and cultural discovery through a singular artistic vision. Today, she is passing that passion on to a new generation, demonstrating how discipline and imagination can become the foundations of a lasting legacy.
Gabriel Froid
Editor & Fashion Stylist
The creative spirit takes another form through Harshitaa Nunkoo, whose Parisian dream has found its expression in Mauritius with IRIINA. Through her debut couture collection, AMBITION. SHAPES. SIGNATURE., she explores the relationship between craftsmanship, individuality and feminine identity, positioning fashion as a powerful statement of self-expression. Entrepreneurship, meanwhile, is at the heart of Heather Stephenson Ngoda’s story. From Tanzania to Mauritius, she has transformed an unexpected chapter into an opportunity for personal growth and professional fulfilment. Through HomeFront Realty, she is building a vision rooted in trust, meaningful relationships and a genuine desire to contribute to her adopted home. Beyond these individual journeys, Mauritius continues to embrace the arts and celebrate its place on the international cultural stage. The elegance and discipline of Russian ballet recently captivated local audiences, while Indian singer Shaan brought the unmistakable spirit of Bollywood to Mauritius in a concert presented through Ticketbox. Both events reflect the island’s enduring appetite for artistic discovery and its ability to bring diverse cultural traditions together. Through the images featured in this issue, we revisit these moments that enriched Mauritius’s cultural calendar and brought audiences closer to the arts they love. Together, these stories reveal an island where artistic discipline, entrepreneurial vision and international influences intersect. Yet the real measure of a vibrant cultural landscape lies not only in the talent it attracts, but also in the opportunities it creates for its own people. Mauritius has the potential to be more than a crossroads of cultures. It can be a place where creativity finds its voice, ambition takes shape and local talent earns its place on a wider stage. Ultimately, it is this meeting of individuality and shared experience that gives the island its distinctive character.
Gabriel Froid For any queries regarding the magazine, please do not hesitate to contact us on our Instagram and Facebook page. Newstyle is uniquely suited to bring the world of international fashion closer to Mauritians. With the promotion of local skills through photography, Newstyle leaves no room for money transactions. Our collaboration with make-up artists, fitness enthusiasts, designers or models gives them the opportunity to highlight their work and help them gain further expertise. Our goal is to be at the vanguard of fashion. Each issue of Newstyle focuses on a new face to highlight them.
Newstyle Editorial Team Sachin Sagar Gabriel Froid Sidiquah Rujak & Team Pascal Philogene
DISCLAIMER Newstyle is a collaboration magazine! Photos will be given one month after the publication. Collaborators will have to give us their facebook name or email address so that we can send them a Wetransfer link. Credits : Anyone taking clothes with sponsors are responsible to give the magazine the correct credits after the shoot. Failing to do so; NO corrections will be possible in magazine and NO responsibility will be taken by Newstyle magazine. Every collaborator should be mention when using a photo from the magazine.
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Photographer : Sachin Sagar Makeup : Siddiquah Rujak Accessories : Neamuth Zaafir Location : Sachin Sagar Studio
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Nirusha Routho
When dance becomes a language
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From childhood performances with her sisters and friends to the creation of Krumania Dance Academy and her evolution into an Artistic Director, Nirusha Routho has built her life around movement, creativity and an unwavering belief in the power of discipline. Dance, fashion, travel and cultural discovery have all become part of the same artistic language, one that she continues to share with a new generation of dancers. For Nirusha Routho, dance was never a carefully chosen career path. It was simply part of who she was. From an early age, music, movement and performance came naturally to her. She remembers dancing with her sisters and friends, creating little performances and losing herself completely in the music. It was only as she grew older that she understood dance had become much more than a hobby. It had become a language through which she could express emotion, strength, femininity and vulnerability.
Her artistic journey also took her into fashion design, another world that allowed her to express herself creatively. It taught her to appreciate silhouettes, textures, colours and details, as well as the way clothing can transform the way a person carries themselves. Eventually, she realised that fashion and dance were not separate disciplines at all. Both were forms of visual storytelling. The movement of a dancer and the silhouette of a costume could come together to create a complete artistic statement. Dance also taught her one of the values that would remain central throughout her life: discipline. Talent, she says, is never enough on its own. You have to practise, repeat, make mistakes, start again and remain committed even when nobody is watching. That philosophy would prove invaluable when, still very young, she founded Krumania Dance Academy.
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Krumania Dance Academy grew out of something entirely genuine, the love of dance she shared with her sisters and friends. They were young, passionate and ambitious, without necessarily realising where that passion might eventually lead. What began as a shared enthusiasm gradually became a vision: to create a space where people could learn, perform, discover themselves and develop confidence through dance. Creating and running an academy also taught her lessons that went far beyond dance. Leadership, organisation, responsibility, motivation and consistency became part of her everyday life. Over the years, Krumania has grown into much more than an academy. It has become part of her identity and a platform through which she can help other dancers discover their own potential.
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Behind the artist and Artistic Director, however, is also a devoted mother of two children, who receive much of her time, energy and love. One of her children is autistic, and this deeply personal experience has led Nirusha to become an advocate for greater awareness and understanding of autism. Her commitment reflects the strength required every day to ensure that her child receives the education, support and guidance they deserve, while helping others better understand the realities faced by autistic children and their families. It is a quiet but powerful part of her journey, rooted in love, determination and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Her fashion background naturally influenced the way she imagined her performances. For Nirusha, choreography is never simply a sequence of movements. Costumes, colours, styling, formations and presentation all contribute to the story. The dancer becomes part of a complete visual experience.
Her own exploration of dance has been wonderfully eclectic. Bollywood brought entertainment, expression and storytelling. Classical dance taught her discipline, precision and respect for technique. Bharatnatyam gave her a deeper appreciation of structure, control and the extraordinary storytelling possibilities of the body. Hip-hop brought freedom, energy and individuality, while salsa taught her about connection, rhythm and sensuality. But flamenco occupies a particularly special place in her heart. Fierce, emotional, sensual and proud, it combines sharp rhythms, intricate footwork, posture, hand movements and an intense gaze with a powerful sense of determination. Her passion for the art form eventually took her to Spain, including Seville and Barcelona, where she undertook flamenco courses and immersed herself in both the technique and culture behind the dance.
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The experience changed her understanding of flamenco. It was not simply about learning choreography. It was about attitude, musicality, control, emotion and authenticity. Every movement has intention and every rhythm requires precision. Her fashion background also made her particularly sensitive to its visual language, from dramatic silhouettes and flowing fabrics to ruffles, moving skirts and the relationship between costume and choreography. “Flamenco therefore speaks to both sides of me: the dancer and the designer.” In many ways, she feels the dance also reflects her personality: strong, feminine, passionate, disciplined and unapologetic. Her journey has not been without challenges. Being a woman, a young leader and an entrepreneur in the arts has sometimes meant having to prove herself repeatedly. There were people who questioned her choices, underestimated her or believed that women should remain within certain boundaries. Her response was not to be defined by their opinions, but to continue working.
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For Nirusha, discipline means showing up when you are tired, rehearsing when nobody is applauding, continuing to train, learn and improve. The same philosophy applies to fashion design. A beautiful idea may be the starting point, but turning it into reality requires patience, precision and hours of work. Over time, she also learned that strength does not always have to be loud. Sometimes strength is simply consistency. Sometimes it is entering a room knowing exactly what you have worked for and refusing to apologise for your ambition. “I learned to let my work speak for me.” Today, Nirusha spends much of her time creating, choreographing and guiding her dancers rather than performing herself. Yet she does not see this as stepping away from the spotlight. She sees it as moving into another role, one that now gives her an even deeper sense of purpose.
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As an Artistic Director, she naturally looks at the bigger picture. Choreography, costumes, styling, formations, colours and the overall visual presentation must work together to create a complete performance. But beyond the aesthetics, she wants her dancers to understand the discipline behind every successful performance: punctuality, commitment, physical preparation, respect for the team, repetition and mental strength. For her, one of the greatest rewards is watching a dancer who once lacked confidence suddenly take ownership of the stage. Their transformation is deeply personal to her. “When my dancers succeed, a part of me feels that I am succeeding too.” Her creative process can begin anywhere. Sometimes it is the music that creates an immediate visual picture in her mind. Sometimes it is an emotion or a story she wants the audience to experience. At other times, a single movement becomes the starting point for an entire choreography.
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Her fashion background means that she often imagines the complete picture from the outset: the movement of fabric, the silhouette, the colours, the lighting, the positioning of the dancers and the emotion that the audience will take away. She is particularly interested in contrasts, strength and softness, sensuality and power, precision and freedom. Technical discipline is important, but it must always serve communication. For Nirusha, a beautiful choreography is not simply about making movements look good. It should make people feel something. That desire to communicate extends beyond the stage and beyond Mauritius. When Krumania dancers travel internationally, Nirusha sees them as ambassadors not only for the academy but for the country itself. Seeing Mauritian dancers perform abroad reminds her of the extraordinary artistic talent that exists on the island
and provides an opportunity to share its culture, creativity and identity with audiences around the world. For her, sending dancers abroad also comes with a responsibility. They carry more than choreography. They carry the discipline, professionalism and cultural pride of their team and of Mauritius. Her own experience in Spain reinforced the importance of cultural immersion. To truly understand a dance form, she believes, you must discover the history, people, traditions and spirit behind it, not simply learn the movements. It is an experience she hopes her dancers will also have whenever they have the opportunity to represent Mauritius internationally.
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And if she could return to the teenage girl who once danced with her sisters and friends at school, Nirusha knows exactly what she would say. Believe in yourself earlier. Do not be afraid to dream too big. Do not allow other people's doubts to become your limitations. The journey will not always be easy, and there will be moments of selfdoubt, but those moments will also shape you. She would tell that young girl to remain disciplined, keep learning, travel, explore different cultures and dance forms and never be afraid to step outside her comfort zone. Most importantly, she would tell her that her passions never needed to compete with one another. Dance, fashion, creativity and travel could come together and create something far greater. Her journey, from those first performances with her sisters and friends to fashion design, the creation of Krumania, her exploration of multiple dance disciplines and her journey to Spain to deepen her understanding of flamenco, has added layer upon layer to the woman she has become. “I would tell her to never lose the joy that made her dance in the first place.” 20
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And perhaps that is the essence of Nirusha Routho. Beneath the discipline, the responsibilities, the costumes, the choreography and the achievements, the little girl who simply loved to dance is still there, listening to the music, moving with it and allowing it to tell her story. NEWSTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 109 | OCT 2026
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B EYO N D T H E PA R A D I S E
HEATHER STEPHENSON NGODA Photographer : Sachin Sagar Location : Sachin Sagar Studio
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From her roots in Tanzania to the life she is building in Mauritius, Heather Stephenson Ngoda’s journey is one of courage, growth and belonging. What began as an unexpected chapter has become an opportunity to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions while discovering a deeper sense of independence, fulfilment and home. Through HomeFront Realty, she is turning that journey into a vision shaped by trust, human connection and a genuine desire to contribute to the island she now calls home. What began as a move prompted by circumstance gradually became a conscious decision to establish lasting roots. Coming from Tanzania, Heather Stephenson Ngoda recognised familiar qualities in Mauritius: its African identity, multicultural fabric and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet the island also offered an international outlook and an expanding range of opportunities, particularly in property, tourism, foreign investment and the growing community of people choosing to live, work, invest and establish businesses here. She gradually discovered that Mauritius could offer something more enduring than a tem26
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porary expatriate experience: the opportunity to build a meaningful professional future. Tanzania remains integral to Heather’s identity, having instilled in her a strong sense of community, resilience and ambition. Independence, too, has long been central to her character. Uncomfortable with simply following established paths, she has always preferred to understand circumstances for herself, make her own decisions and shape a life consistent with her personal vision. Relocating to another country sharpened those instincts, teaching her to adapt, communicate across cultures, navigate unfamiliar environments and discover the extent of her own capabilities. Entrepreneurship subsequently deepened these lessons, demanding patience, discipline and resilience, as well as the ability to alternate between strategist, problem-solver, salesperson and self-motivator. Her journey has been shaped by the convergence of her origins, her experiences abroad and her determination to persevere, even when the road ahead has proved challenging.
Gown: The Bridal Boutique
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Her entry into real estate reflects an interest that extends well beyond the mechanics of buying and selling property. For Heather, property is intrinsically connected to people’s aspirations and life choices. A home can provide security; an investment property can represent the prospect of future financial independence; and, for an expatriate, finding the right address can be an essential step towards establishing an entirely new life in a foreign country. It is this human dimension that makes the sector particularly compelling. “Mauritius is particularly interesting because you have several different markets existing alongside each other: local buyers and investors, expatriates, international investors, students, landlords and people looking for second homes or a base in Mauritius.” This diversity presents both opportunities and responsibilities. Through HomeFront Realty, Heather seeks to understand the distinct needs of these different audiences and help clients navigate the market with greater confidence. Her ambition is not simply to present a property and conclude a transaction, but to ensure that clients understand their
decisions, appreciate the implications of their commitments and feel that their objectives are genuinely understood. She sees Mauritius as a market where lifestyle and investment intersect. Its beaches, quality of life, multicultural society and established tourism industry are compelling attractions, but the island’s economic and business environment deserves equal consideration. Location remains fundamental, with different regions offering distinct residential experiences and investment dynamics. The west, for instance, appeals to those seeking coastal living and an established expatriate community, while other parts of the island offer different residential, commercial and investment opportunities. The island’s international character further enhances its appeal. Mauritius can serve as a home, an investment destination or a gateway to the wider region. For Heather, this breadth of possibilities makes the island considerably more than a destination for holiday properties.
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Living in Mauritius has also reshaped her understanding of success and happiness. An inherently ambitious person, she once associated achievement primarily with expansion: greater financial resources, a larger enterprise, a more prominent title and increasingly ambitious objectives. Experience has encouraged her to consider a more fundamental question: what kind of life should those achievements ultimately make possible? “I value the ability to have ambition while still being surrounded by beauty and a slower rhythm of life. Mauritius has reminded me that you can want a lot from life without necessarily wanting life to become chaotic.” This philosophy reflects a more considered understanding of fulfilment, one in which professional achievement need not come at the expense of personal well-being. Living away from her country of origin has also strengthened her independence, requiring her to establish her own stability and cultivate a sense of community. Happiness, consequently, has become less about reaching a predetermined destination and
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more about creating a life that reflects her values and aspirations. This perspective informs her understanding of Mauritius itself. Visitors may see the beaches, sunsets and beautiful hotels, yet overlook the people whose work sustains the economy, the entrepreneurs establishing businesses, the families building their futures and the complexity of a multicultural society. Mauritius is not merely a tropical paradise; it is a country with its own ambitions, challenges, culture and identity. Its cultural diversity has been particularly meaningful to Heather as someone arriving from another African country. It has allowed her to experience Africa through a different lens while developing a more international outlook. The island, she believes, reveals its true richness when attention extends beyond its celebrated scenery to the people and realities that define it.
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As a woman and a foreign entrepreneur, Heather is keen to challenge the assumption that a small market necessarily offers limited possibilities. On the contrary, she believes Mauritius can enable entrepreneurs to identify opportunities and cultivate relationships in ways that may prove more difficult in larger economies. Property, tourism, education, professional services, technology, hospitality and numerous other sectors offer scope for development. However, she emphasises the importance of arriving with the intention to participate in the economy rather than merely enjoy the lifestyle. Building meaningful relationships, understanding the market and contributing genuine value are, in her view, essential to establishing a sustainable professional presence. Her own experience has reinforced the importance of initiative, continuous learning and professional self-confidence.
This conviction is central to Heather’s message to women considering their own entrepreneurial journeys. She encourages them to put themselves forward, take their ambitions seriously and recognise the value of their individual perspectives. Rather than regarding their origins as a limitation, she believes they should draw upon their experiences as a source of distinction and strength. These principles are reflected in the values she seeks to establish through HomeFront Realty. Trust is paramount in an industry involving substantial financial commitments and deeply personal decisions. Transparency and professionalism are therefore indispensable, and she wants the company’s reputation to rest not simply on the properties it offers, but on the integrity of its practices.
“Your background does not have to limit you. It can actually become part of what makes your perspective valuable.”
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Education is another central component of her vision. First-time investors, foreign purchasers and those entering the Mauritian market may lack a clear understanding of the property landscape. Heather wants HomeFront Realty to serve not only as a marketing platform, but also as a source of knowledge, helping clients make informed decisions. Her international background has further inspired her ambition to connect people across borders, particularly throughout Africa and beyond. She envisages a company capable of helping international clients understand Mauritius, access its opportunities and navigate property decisions with confidence. Ultimately, she hopes to establish a credible real estate brand distinguished by expertise, knowledge and a strong international identity, extending beyond the traditional boundaries of an estate agency. Building a business while establishing a life in a new country is not without its demands, and Heather readily acknowledges that she has yet to master the balance between professional and per-
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sonal fulfilment. Entrepreneurship is not invariably glamorous; periods of intense concentration and responsibility are inevitable, particularly when the enterprise being built matters so deeply. Nevertheless, she has become increasingly conscious that professional success should not come at the expense of living. “Actually, they are part of the life I am working towards.” Travel, cultural discovery, selfcare, time with loved ones and the possibility of building a family are not diversions from her ambitions. They are integral to the future she is working towards. This distinction has prompted her to reconsider the relationship between identity and work. A business, she believes, should support the life its founder wishes to create rather than become the entirety of that person’s existence. She is learning to pursue her ambitions with purpose while resisting the compulsion to hurry constantly towards the next milestone.
Five years from now, she hopes to look back on a substantial achievement. Professionally, she wants HomeFront Realty to have become a respected and recognisable name in Mauritius, associated with professionalism, transparency and quality service. She also envisages expanding beyond conventional property transactions into property management, student accommodation, relocation services, investment advisory and stronger connections with international clients.
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COUTURE DESIGNER
Harshitaa Nunkoo
For women who want
more
Designer dresses : IRIINA by Harshitaa Nunkoo Photographer : Saachin Sagar Makeup artist : Akshay Goteea and Neha Jugun Models : Lakshana, Carla, Yakshikaa, Kareena Location : Saachin Sagar Studio
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Born from a Parisian dream and brought to life in Mauritius, Harshitaa Nunkoo’s IRIINA is a new couture house built around craftsmanship, individuality and a distinctly feminine sense of power. With its debut collection, AMBITION. SHAPES. SIGNATURE., the designer introduces a vision of couture that is as much about identity as it is about the gown itself. There are fashion houses that begin with a sketch, a fabric or a business plan. For Harshitaa Nunkoo, IRIINA began with a name. In May 2024, before travelling to Paris, Harshitaa created the name IRIINA for herself. She wanted to romanticise the experience of discovering a new country by stepping into
it with a slightly different identity. At first, she simply loved the way the name sounded and felt. Only later did she discover that “Irina” derives from the Ancient Greek eirēnē, meaning “peace”. Paris would soon give that name an entirely new meaning. During her stay, Harshitaa visited La Galerie Dior on Avenue Montaigne. The experience changed the way she looked at fashion. She was captivated not only by the couture itself, but by the craftsmanship, heritage and storytelling behind it—the ability of a fashion house to create an entire world around its identity.
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It was there that the first idea of creating a house of her own began to take shape. A name originally created for a new version of herself in Paris would eventually become the identity of something much larger. IRIINA officially launched in 2025, with Harshitaa determined to create a new generation of Mauritian couture rooted in craftsmanship, exclusivity and storytelling. For her, couture should remain personal. IRIINA’s gowns are made locally in Mauritius, with an emphasis on handmade craftsmanship, intricate detail and individuality. Rather than reproducing the same designs repeatedly, Harshitaa ’s intention is to create exclusive pieces that feel truly personal to the woman who wears them. 40
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At IRIINA, exclusivity is therefore not simply about price. It is about rarity, intention and the feeling of wearing something that was created to be distinctive. That philosophy comes to life in the house’s debut collection, AMBITION. SHAPES. SIGNATURE. The three names form a single statement: Her ambition shapes her signature. For Harshitaa , the collection is a celebration of women who are defining themselves on their own terms. It is about confidence, individuality and the freedom to pursue what matters to them. Rather than delivering a literal message, she lets the gowns express it through silhouette, colour and attitude.
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Colour becomes an essential part of that language. Dark red, burgundy, plum and black create a palette that is sensual yet commanding. Deep reds and plum evoke intensity and femininity, while black introduces strength and timelessness. Together, they establish IRIINA’s visual identity: bold, elegant and unapologetically feminine. AMBITION, worn by Kareena, is a long black gown featuring intricate beading and a dramatic slit. Refined rather than ostentatious, it was designed for a woman who understands that presence does not require excess. Its strength lies in its restraint. SHAPES, worn by Yakshikaa and Carla, reflects Harshitaa ’s fascination with geometry and structure. An inverted-triangle corset with floral embellishments is paired with a bubble
skirt and a detachable black tulle mermaid layer. The result is a highly versatile piece that can shift from statement corset to mini silhouette to fulllength gown. It demonstrates Harshitaa ’s belief that couture can be transformative as well as beautiful. Then comes SIGNATURE, worn by Lakshana—the defining silhouette of the collection. The embellished mermaid gown draws on a shape that appeared in some of IRIINA’s earliest creations and gradually became part of the house’s identity. Harshitaa has long been drawn to the silhouette for the way it follows and celebrates the curves of the body. Feminine, powerful and bold, it feels like a natural expression of the house. But the campaign is about more than the clothes.
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Harshitaa deliberately chose women who embody the spirit of each design rather than simply placing models in gowns. Kareena represents AMBITION, Yakshikaa and Carla represent SHAPES, while Lakshana represents SIGNATURE. Each brings her own personality, experiences and perspective to the campaign. They are not simply the faces of IRIINA. They are part of its narrative. Alongside the editorial shoot, each woman was interviewed about her goals, achievements, confidence, aspirations and the woman she hopes to become. The aim was to give the women behind the photographs a voice as well as a presence. For Harshitaa , that distinction matters. Fashion can make a woman visible, but it can also 44
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give her a platform to tell her own story. By placing real women and their experiences at the heart of the campaign, IRIINA moves beyond traditional fashion imagery and towards something more human. Ultimately, this is what Harshitaa Nunkoo is building with IRIINA: not simply a couture label, but a house with a point of view. One where craftsmanship creates the garment, individuality gives it meaning, and the woman wearing it completes the story. From a name created in Paris to a couture house built in Mauritius, Harshitaa ’s journey has come full circle. And the message at the heart of her first collection remains simple: Her ambition shapes her signature.
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PRESENTS
SHAAN LIVE IN MAURITIUS
Photographer : Sachin Sagar Location : Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa
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MAGIC OF RUSSIAN BALLET Photographer : Sachin Sagar Location : Caudan Art Centre
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