Belagavi’s Paris connection via Mumbai: Navneet Patil Takes Local Models to Salon du Chocolat India

Ten years ago, designer Navneet Patil made a life-altering decision. At the peak of his career in Mumbai—as a known fashion designer and Head of Department at the Raheja School of Fashion—he chose to move back to Belagavi to fulfil family responsibilities. It meant leaving behind the glamour, the city, and an enviable professional life. What it did not mean, however, was leaving fashion behind.

Navneet’s label, Serendipitous by Navneet, continued to stay relevant from Belagavi itself. Year after year, his much anticipated annual shows not only showcased his evolving design language but also created rare opportunities for local models, consistently raising the bar for fashion presentation in the region.

This year marked a defining milestone. Navneet gave six Belagavi models the opportunity of a lifetime by taking them to Mumbai to walk for Salon du Chocolat, a Paris-based global phenomenon, at its first-ever India edition. Navneet was responsible for designing the outfits, selecting, training and styling the models and choreographing the whole event. To add to Belagavi’s repute, local boy Mihir Herekar compiled the music for the entire 45 minute event.

About Salon du Chocolat

Salon du Chocolat is the world’s largest and most prestigious event dedicated to chocolate and pastry. Founded over three decades ago in Paris, it has grown into a global celebration across 11 countries, spotlighting the fine art of chocolate-making and pastry craftsmanship. Each edition features spectacular chocolate fashion shows, immersive workshops, and live demonstrations by leading chocolatiers and pastry chefs. In India, the event is represented by:

• Chef Anil Rohira, Co-Founder and Director of S.E.P., Corporate Pastry Chef for Felchlin Switzerland and a key speaker known for innovative demonstrations such as the Dubai Kunafa Bar.
• Farzana Gandhi, Strategic Consultant and Curator for Hospitality and Culinary Initiatives. Co curator for chocolate fashion shows, a key collaborator on Cocoa & Concrete and project collaborator – Salon Du Chocolat India.

Together, they curated an experience where fashion was quite literally whisked, moulded, and styled in chocolate—a runway where garments weren’t stitched but tempered, and where silhouettes, textures, and forms came alive through edible art. Selected pastry chefs from across India were invited to present their creations, making it a grand platform for the fine art of chocolate. The event, held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai on 16^th and 17th 18th January 2026, drew an audience of over 700—a staggering turnout that stunned organisers in its very first Indian Edition.

Why Navneet

Farzana Gandhi, familiar with Navneet’s craft for over a decade, reposed complete faith in him. “I got four professionals in one in Navneet,” she said. “He was the stylist, designer, choreographer, and coordinator for the fashion show.” Beaming with pride, she adds “We have already started getting inquiries for the next year’s show, which, we’re sure, will be grander and bigger than this”

The show exclusively featured Belagavi models, chosen by Navneet for their calibre, composure, and ability to carry not just his specially designed garments, but also extraordinary chocolate installations—ranging from delicate chocolate flowers to an entire chocolate dress, and even a giant chocolate crocodile carried on a model’s shoulders.

Here, grace alone was not enough. The models needed calm, poise, and a deep understanding of runway dynamics.

“Navneet trained us well in advance. We were overjoyed to be selected for such an international show,” said Raddheka Danwadkar.

Shambhavi Deshpande Herekar, a practising advocate, walked the ramp purely for the joy of the experience, while Tejas Naik, an engineer with a passion for modelling, became a crowd favourite. Another Belagavi student Emil Joy, was over the moon to have found this avenue at the start of her career in fashion. “Hailing from Belagavi, I can’t imagine I would have got this opportunity if not for Navneet” she said, gushing. While Deepthi Janu and Priyanka Kokare are already active in the fashion world, all the six models experienced first- hand how the global fashion industry works and how one right exposure can change the trajectory of their careers. The before and after personality change in these young models is palpable.

The show came with its own challenges. To prevent the chocolate creations from melting, the venue temperature was kept extremely low, and the models had to endure the chill for extended periods. In a moment that captured the spirit of the event, one model tripped and fell on the ramp. She rose immediately; the chef gently placed her chocolate crown back on her head, and she struck a confident pose—earning loud applause for her presence of mind, resilience, and grace under pressure.

While a few models had prior experience of walking the ramp at local events and some advertising assignments, they were stunned by the global experience.
Chef Anil Rohira says “We never once felt these models are from Belagavi. They had so much confidence and poise and they showcased utmost professionalism, that we were surprised”. All the models were hosted by the respective Chefs whose creations they showcased, in five star hotels and taken very good care. “The chefs made us feel so comfortable, they kept checking if we’re fine, arranged our logistics and even today, keep in touch long after the event is over” says Priyanka.

Navneet Patil intends to provide more such platforms for Belagavi models in the future. Very soon, he is coming up with a unique show that will provide people of all ages to avail his training, walk the ramp in his designer outfits and find a platform to be a part of this glamour world. From Belagavi to a global Parisian brand’s Indian debut, Navneet Patil’s journey tells us one thing- talent does not diminish with geography, and meaningful opportunities can emerge when craft, courage, and conviction come together.
@ serendipitousbynavneet