Paris has never been short of a good dinner party but on a November evening in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, Silla Paris offered something beyond a beautifully curated table. Bringing together fashion, food, music and a guest list of creatives, buyers, entrepreneurs and cultural tastemakers from across France and South Asia, its Diwali dinner felt like a glimpse into a creative scene with so much potential, and even more room to grow.
Hosted by Silla founder Shaleen Bains Dugué, in collaboration with Tandoor Club at Mumbai Café, the intimate gathering of around 30 to 40 guests was as much a reflection of Silla’s ethos as it was a celebration of Diwali.
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
A strategic and creative agency championing independent designers and artisanal brands, Silla is on a mission to build a bridge between South Asian brands and European markets, and vice versa. But for Shaleen, this is about more than getting beautiful products onto international shelves. It’s about giving independent designers and artisans the visibility and access they need to be recognised for the work they are already doing.
Having grown up in India before moving to Europe, Shaleen experienced first-hand the disconnect between the quality of Indian craftsmanship and its perception on the international stage. She recalls introducing European audiences to homegrown Indian brands, only to find people surprised by the origins of the pieces. Too often, Indian fashion was still being associated with Bollywood’s flamboyance, overlooking the breadth of design, craftsmanship and creativity coming out of the country.
A visit to Rajasthan further cemented this for her. While there, she witnessed major European fashion houses sourcing materials and talent from India, yet the artisans and independent designers behind so much of that craftsmanship remained largely unrecognised. The talent was already there. What was missing were the channels to get these brands in front of the right people. It was this realisation that led to the creation of Silla.
Even the name reflects the agency’s ethos. Drawing on its Sanskrit meaning, Shaleen describes Silla as representing the values and ethics one stands for. A fitting name for an agency built around championing independent creativity and the people behind it.
Rhia Kapoor (@rhiakapoor) with Shaleen Bains Dugué (@shaleenbains)
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
In our conversation, we spoke about the South Asian presence in France and what is still missing from its creative landscape. There is no shortage of South Asian talent or community in Paris, but the infrastructure connecting creatives, brands, buyers and industry opportunities is not yet at the level we’ve seen develop in London. Having witnessed the growth of London’s own South Asian creative scene, it’s difficult not to wonder what Paris could look like with the same kind of support and connectivity. It’s a gap Shaleen is determined to address, and if the dinner was anything to go by, she’s already bringing the right people into the room.
Walking into Mumbai Café, the restaurant was already buzzing with its usual customers. But as you turned towards the section reserved for the evening, you were transported into something entirely different. Marigolds, red chillies, candlelight and floral arrangements transformed the space into a celebration of South Asian excellence. There was something about the colours and details that made you remember just how much there is to be proud of. Set design by Serj and floral styling by Lotier brought the space together, while fragrances from Sept Fragrances and pieces from the featured fashion brands added the finishing touches.
Set Design and Floral: Serj (@fominisd) and Lotier (@lotier.fleurs)
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
Fashion was woven into the evening rather than simply being something to admire from across the table. With styling and brand curation by Rhia Kapoor, attendees were dressed in pieces from the independent labels Silla works with, spanning clothing, jewellery, accessories and bags. Rahul Mishra Couture, Twinkle Hanspal, Outhouse Jewellery, Martinas Bags, La Fuori, Deme by Gabriella and Rescha were among the brands represented. Rahul Mishra’s menswear was a particular standout for me. He never disappoints, and seeing his pieces amongst the evening’s curation was a reminder of the craftsmanship and designs that deserve a much wider international audience.
Another discovery of the evening was Sept Fragrances. Rose Caravan, Lores and Glazed Oud were among the scents introduced, and I can confidently say I was not leaving without finding a favourite. Glazed Oud quickly won me over. You know when someone walks past wearing a fragrance so good that you have to turn your head and wonder what on earth they’re wearing? That’s the kind of scent we’re talking about.
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
Following a welcome speech from Shaleen, guests took their seats for a bespoke Diwali menu curated especially for the occasion by Tandoor Club. The evening began with pani puri shooters and mini vada pav, followed by shakarkandi and pyaz kachori, Bombay sandwiches and a feuilleté-style sausage roll. The main courses brought together mushroom and saffron biryani, tandoori duck with tomato and coconut sauce, and a Diwali-special chicken or paneer curry, accompanied by chana masala, palak dal and a basket of naan, onion kulcha and roti. Assorted choux rounded off the meal.
My personal favourite? The chicken curry with biryani and roti. I’m still thinking about it. And the kheer-flavoured cocktails deserve a special mention. I was obsessed.
Mumbai Café (@tandoor.club)
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
As the main courses arrived, the evening took another unexpected turn. DJ UN*DEUX began his set from inside the kitchen, a sight in itself, with even the chefs taking their own humorous turns behind the decks. It was one of those moments that you couldn’t have planned better.
With event management and production by The Gemini Agency, the evening moved effortlessly into a lively Parisian after-hours gathering. Conversations carried across the room, laughter filled the space and guests seemed genuinely invested in one another. There was a familiarity in the room, a shared cultural connection, but also a real curiosity about what everyone else was doing. People weren’t simply floating around exchanging pleasantries. They were sitting, listening, sharing stories and making connections.
DJ: UN*DEUX (@undeux)
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
I found myself in particularly memorable conversations with Usha Jay and Amrit, both of whom had so much to share about their journeys as creatives. It’s one of the things I appreciated most about the evening. In a room of around 40 people, the opportunity to connect felt genuine rather than transactional. Everyone seemed to have something quite literally to bring to the table.
As guests eventually made their way out, Silla sent everyone home with thoughtfully assembled gift bags featuring Amyra Bags, Sept Fragrances and Charkha & Loom. A final touch that carried the evening’s celebration of independent brands beyond the dinner itself.
Leaving Mumbai Café, I felt like I’d experienced the most magical first night in Paris. Between the people I’d met, the conversations I’d had and the brands I’d discovered, I left feeling inspired and, more than anything, excited about what the city’s South Asian creative scene could become.
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
London has spent years building and strengthening its South Asian creative ecosystem, creating platforms, networks and opportunities for its talent to be seen and celebrated. There is no reason Paris cannot experience its own evolution. The talent and community is here but what is needed is the infrastructure to bring it all together.
Silla’s Diwali dinner felt like a glimpse of what that could look like. Sometimes building a creative scene doesn’t start with a grand launch or an industry conference; sometimes it starts with a room full of people around a dinner table, a shared cultural connection, a few introductions and the willingness to make space for something new.
And in the heart of Paris, Shaleen is doing just that.
Photographers: Giuseppe (@giuseppetriscari_) and Zak (@zak.bance.photography)
