The inaugural edition of IIFA Connex, titled “From Styled to Screen,” celebrated the powerful and enduring relationship between cinema and fashion, highlighting the creative voices that continue to shape aspiration, identity and popular culture both in India and across the globe.
Setting the tone for IIFA 2026 with an evening centred around style, strategy and cultural exchange, the event brought together some of the most influential names from the worlds of cinema, fashion and entertainment for an evening of insight, elegance and meaningful conversation.
Among the key speakers was filmmaker and producer Karan Johar, widely regarded as one of the defining voices of contemporary Indian cinema, whose influence extends beyond films into fashion, luxury and global entertainment.
Reflecting on his long-standing association with IIFA, Karan Johar said, “IIFA has always been much more than an event for me; it’s been family, celebration and an important part of my journey through cinema.”
He further praised the launch of IIFA Connex, calling it a fresh and relevant platform designed to encourage creativity, culture and meaningful dialogue within the industry.
“What I’ve always admired is IIFA’s ability to keep evolving and creating platforms that move the industry forward. That’s what makes IIFA Connex so exciting,” he shared.
Speaking about the inaugural theme “From Styled to Screen,” Karan noted that cinema and fashion have always shared a deep and influential relationship, with many iconic film moments being remembered not only for performances, but also for their defining sense of style.
Sharing the stage with celebrated stylist and costume designer Anaita Shroff Adajania, Karan described the session as “a wonderfully candid evening” and added that if the launch edition is any indication, IIFA Connex is set for a very promising future.
Congratulating the team on the initiative, he said he is already looking forward to returning for future editions of the platform.
Globally acclaimed stylist and costume designer Anaita Shroff Adajania, known for creating some of Indian cinema’s most iconic fashion moments, shared her excitement about being part of Connex and its inaugural segment, ‘From Styled to Screen’.
Calling cinema “the ultimate canvas for style,” Anaita said the timing for Connex feels especially significant as India continues to dominate the global fashion conversation.
“‘From Styled to Screen’ is not just about revisiting iconic looks, it’s about understanding how Indian storytelling continues to influence and shape global trends,” she said.
Highlighting the deeper role of fashion in films, Anaita added that style in cinema has never been merely aesthetic for her, but an essential part of character-building, storytelling and creating cultural moments that stay with audiences long after a film ends.
Expressing her enthusiasm, she said she is thrilled to be part of the inaugural edition at a time when India’s creative voice is becoming “more confident, more visible, and more powerful than ever on the world stage.”
