Telangana stages proof-of-concept fashion gala for adaptive reuse of heritage

On Friday evening, the steps of the Residency building in Hyderabad turned into a runway for men and women modelling Tarun Tahiliani’s creations. As Hyderabad’s social elite, from Prince Azmet Jah to businessmen Sanjay Reddy and Anil Kamineni, sat in the audience, what was on display was not the clothes or the designs of Mr. Tahiliani. Instead, it was a proof-of-concept staged by the Telangana Government and the World Monuments Fund about the adaptive reuse of restored heritage monuments.

“The State is seeking partnerships with corporates and private individuals that ensure sustained engagement in conservation efforts, which will significantly strengthen the structural, functional and cultural health of Telangana’s heritage assets. We invite you to partner with the government of Telangana in safeguarding and reimagining our shared heritage,” said Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, launching the programme that seeks to secure private funding for the upkeep and reuse of heritage sites.

The programme includes implementing long-term conservation strategies and innovative revenue streams to reduce reliance on government funds for the sustainable management of heritage sites. It also aims to transform under-utilised heritage structures into active cultural hubs and create local livelihoods.

“For phase one of the heritage partner scheme, we have identified 25 sites, 20 within the TCU region in Hyderabad and another five across Telangana,” said the minister.

The Residency building, which functions as Veera Naari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, was transformed, with the durbar hall showcasing designs by Mr. Tahiliani, who celebrated 30 years of the fashion label. The two rooms on either side of the Durbar Hall were turned into a space explaining the adopt-a-monument programme and another for the TT label. The space around the fountain at the front was converted into a dining area.

“I am delighted to be here in Hyderabad at the close of the World Monuments Fund’s 60th year. The Residency is living proof of a successful collaboration that reflects WMF’s broader conservation philosophy, where safeguarding historic places goes hand in hand with sustaining craft traditions, livelihoods and cultural continuity,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, president and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, before the curtains came down in the evening.