Buoyed by good champagne and better company, Tony Alston, head of the international office, London College of Fashion, was his charismatic self, one warm afternoon at Vetro, Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai, at a luncheon organised by Verve. The London College of Fashion comes under the aegis of The University of Arts, London, which consists of five internationally renowned colleges, Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design, London College of Communication and London College of Fashion. Alston, 'a typical product of the UK's unique design and education system', nearly four decades at the centre of London fashion as designer, art director and fashion educator, has seen London grow from the 'spontaneity of the '60s to the sophistication of a world fashion capital, today. Besides, he counts among his better friends, the rather reserved designer of coveted footwear, Jimmy Choo, one amongst London College of Fashion's remarkable alumni. Others include designers John Galliano, Aleaxander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Hussein Chalayan....

The guest list at lunch, remained small and eclectic. Designers Narendra Kumar and Falguni and Shane Peacock; 'silversmith' and jewellery designer Niharika Khan; creator of furnishings and interiors, Krsna Mehta; Kimaya's Pradeep Hirani; journalists Priyanka Sinha and Shweta Shiware and Verve writers, Shernaaz Engineer and Bandana Tewari. Alston revealed that he had always been lucky to find himself in the right place at the right time and this was certainly the right place to be at this time. In black linen shirt and suit, he professed his love for India and all things Indian with the confidence of someone who has visited the country at least 20 times in the last 10 years, which we discover that he has. "The more I learn about Indian fashion, the more it needs be explained to me," he admitted, over a glass of champagne. "There is a code there that is not easily understood." Alston was certainly better placed now to be able to crack that enigmatic code as discussions on all things fashionable ranged from opinions on whether Kolkata or Bangalore can be considered fashion's new capitals, on the marketability of Indian designers abroad and on what couturier Sabyasachi is doing right.

With this event, Alston and the University of the Arts London, acquired their first 'circle of friends' here in India. A concept that Alston thoroughly believes in, he feels that small groups lead to big ideas and events. This becomes really relevant today, where, The University of the Arts London has recently won a UK government bid worth five million pounds. "The University of the Arts London, one of the world's leading specialist universities for creative arts, design and communication will lead a partnership, with London Business School, Kings College London and SOAS to launch Creative Business Centres in Mumbai and Delhi in January 2007," says Alston. "The Centres will create and support unique partnerships and collaborations between the Universities, creative companies in London and the UK and businesses in India."

With this event, Alston and the University of the Arts London, acquired their first 'circle of friends' here in India. And even as we unravel the mysteries of Indian fashion for this India enthusiast, we are happy to introduce and include him in Verve's circle of friends.