India Turns Historic Palace Into Fashion Runway for Good

When designer Tarun Tahiliani's models walked down the steps of Hyderabad's historic Residency building on Friday, they weren't just showcasing fashion. They were proving that India's crumbling heritage sites can become vibrant community hubs again.

The Telangana state government partnered with the World Monuments Fund to launch an innovative program that invites private companies and individuals to help restore and reimagine 25 historic monuments. Instead of letting these architectural treasures decay, the state wants to turn them into active cultural venues, event spaces, and local employment engines.

"We invite you to partner with the government of Telangana in safeguarding and reimagining our shared heritage," said Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao at the launch event. The program targets 20 sites in Hyderabad and five more across the state.

The Residency building itself shows what's possible. Now home to Veera Naari Chakali Ilamma Women's University, the restored palace hosted the fashion gala in its grand durbar hall. Two side rooms displayed exhibits about the heritage adoption program, while the fountain courtyard became an elegant dining area for guests.

The initiative creates a win for everyone involved. Historic buildings get the funding they need for long-term conservation. Private partners gain access to stunning venues for events and businesses. Local communities see new jobs and cultural activities in their neighborhoods.

The Ripple Effect

This model could reshape how countries preserve their past while building their future. By reducing reliance on stretched government budgets, the program ensures heritage sites don't just survive but thrive as living parts of modern communities.

The approach blends conservation with economic opportunity. Craftspeople find work restoring traditional elements. Event staff, tour guides, and hospitality workers gain employment. Cultural traditions stay alive through active use rather than museum preservation.

"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.

The fashion show attracted Hyderabad's business leaders and even Prince Azmet Jah, demonstrating the kind of high-profile support that can make heritage preservation both fashionable and financially sustainable. When a 30-year-old fashion label celebrates its anniversary at a restored palace, it sends a powerful message about the value of honoring history.

Twenty-five sites now have a chance at new life, and the communities around them stand to benefit for generations to come.