In keeping with the international scene’s maharaja-style parties, the theme for society hostess, Sheetal Mafatlal and industrialist hubby, Atulya’s recent shebang, was right royal. The occasion demanded it of course. The glamorous evening felicitated and welcomed to Mumbai, Prince Michael of Kent, on a business visit to India as patron of the World Luxury Council (WLC) which is marking the initial stage in the development of an international business network aimed at boosting the luxury brand sector, worldwide. Eighth in line to the throne at the time of his birth, the prince lost his right of succession under the 1701 Act of Settlement, following his marriage to Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz, because the princess is a Roman Catholic.

It was appropriate that blue blood be feted with palace décor. If some felt that the overly burgundy theme leaned towards the bordello-ish, they were not terribly concerned, putting it down to a new take on regal chic. Antique chandeliers and candleholders decorated the counters and period furniture, apparently carted from the Mafatlal home, imparted imperial tones.

“You know me and my madness for décor,” pouted the ‘princess of bling’, society hostess, Sheetal, who arrived fashionably late, bright green Manish Malhotra sari twined to closely hug her petite form. Sheetal brings her own coquettish style to hostessing, starting with the not-to-be-outdone invitation with the personal crest embedded in a lacquer seal. Atulya, on the other hand, was there on the dot, to hold the royal fort. “I belong to the old school,” he claimed, downing a warm gulp of whisky. “My father would have killed me if I had ever been late.” The supportive, bemused husband takes in his spouse’s attempts at decorating. “My wife drives me nuts in her quest for perfection. At home, I cannot eat pizza out of a box.”

Prince Michael makes a rather discreet entrance at 9.00 p.m. and is surrounded by the city’s royalty worshippers, hoping to tune into the sovereign vibe. His bearing is Russian Tsar meets English CEO. (Being related through his grandmother to Tsar Nicholas II may be responsible for this.) In keeping with the mood and the theme, a throne-in-waiting is, well, waiting, but is unceremoniously cast aside as the prince discovers his plebeian side and stands with the rest of the guests, meeting some, not meeting the majority. ‘Have you met the prince?’ was the titter as, all around, the city’s glitterati twittered and air kissed while champagne flowed like water. Television’s glam anchor, Simi Garewal, chose to sip at a burgundy-hued, cranberry juice, instead, which looked colour coded with the décor. Bollywood’s Urmila Matondkar and star designer, Manish Malhotra, arrived really late with actor, Tusshar Kapoor.

PRINCE SPEAK

Even as city socialites and businesspersons tripped over each other to get near Britain’s Prince Michael of Kent, on his Mumbai visit, the prince made it quite clear that there was business at hand. In the country to promote the World Luxury Council (WLC), the keen sportsman, vintage car enthusiast, qualified pilot and master of languages, takes a moment off to speak with Verve

What brings you here? As patron of the World Luxury council, (international arm of the British Luxury Council), we opened our first offices two weeks ago in Dubai and now, in Mumbai.

Why Mumbai? It is very good timing to come here. We have identified India now, due to the enormous history of economic growth in the last 10 years. Also, an enormous history of hard work. Asian, predominantly Indian, CEOs in British companies are more or less running the British economy (laughing).

Is India ready for this influx of luxury goods? It is. It was a very easy thing for us to work out which were the best markets to go to and India was very much the best. You have a wonderful film industry, your textiles, jewellery... we have a lot to learn from those skills here. This is not about Britain coming to India, this is not about British ‘Best of Brands’ (luxury goods) but also about Indian ‘Best of Brands’ being known internationally.We wish to build on this idea where the luxury or ‘best of breed’ sector becomes an international sector, cross marketing and cross-fertilising and helping each other.