Mumbai: Following the success of Vogue, GQ and Cond? Nast Traveller, publishing group Cond? Nast India launched their 4th magazine title, the Indian edition of AD Architectural Digest at the Aman in New Delhi on 9th March 2012. AD showcases the very best of international and Indian architecture and design, inspiring readers and design enthusiasts to create the homes they?ve always dreamt of. As the 9th edition of the magazine after U.S., Italy, Germany, France, Mexico, Russia, Spain and China, AD is the international design magazine that brings the most beautiful homes in the world and contemporary homes of the affluent Indian. The launch event of AD was held in association with India Design Forum (IDF) and supported by Absolut Elyx and Maserati.

Prominent design personalities, architects and socialites attended the launch celebrations including Deepika Padukone, Suzanne Roshan, Tarun Tahiliani, Rajshree Pathy, Manish Arora, Suneet Varma, JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Raghavendra Rathore, Kalyani Chawla, Tikka Shatrujit Singh, Jitish Kallat, Rajeev Sethi, Navin Ansal, Sandeep Khosla, Bharat Sikka, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Narain Karthikeyan, AD Singh, Kabir Bedi, Simone Singh, Aditi Govitrikar among others. The elegant Bollywood Actress Deepika Padukone, who graces the cover of the inaugural March issue of AD unveiled the launch issue along with Alex Kuruvilla, MD, Cond? Nast India and Manju Sara Rajan, Editor, Architectural Digest India. A host of eminent speakers of the India Design Forum (IDF) were also present.

The launch of AD saw the lawns of The Aman transform into a large living area with a blend of traditional and contemporary designs by famous Art Director, Sumant Jayakrishnan whilst Delhi-based design duo Thukral and Tagra conceptualized an awe-inspiring art installation that set the tone for the evening. Thukral and Tagra concocted a wall of boxes with each box being "just another brick in the wall." The boxes fitted together to create a mural inspired by the sprawling houses that signify the heart of contemporary India.

Recognized as the world?s design bible, Architectural Digest is the most trusted authority on design, architecture and living. The Indian edition offers exclusive access to extraordinary people, places and things and aspires to introduce the best of modern living to readers.

Commenting on the occasion, Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director of Cond? Nast India said, "Having established leadership in the luxury lifestyle space with Vogue, GQ and Conde Nast Traveller, and with a rapidly increasing affluent audience we feel the time is right to introduce AD Architectural Digest in India. The affluent Indian will settle for only the best and AD provides just that - the most beautiful homes in the world!"

Manju Sara Rajan, Editor shared, "The editorial content of our bi-monthly magazine will have photo spreads of some of the best homes in the world, feature stories on the latest developments in architecture and design, plus loads of practical advice and solutions for home improvement. AD aims to become an essential resource for home-owners planning luxurious spaces." She further added, "By showcasing the best of contemporary Indian design and key international trends, AD will help readers visualize, plan, adapt and innovate homes to reflect the personalities of the people who live in them."

Young, successful, a new homeowner, design enthusiast and a globe trotter, Deepika Padukone shared her thoughts on being on the AD launch cover, "Interiors are something that I?ve been passionate about since my childhood days? I kept telling my mother that when I grow up, if I didn?t become an actor, I?d want to be an interior designer. Being on the cover of AD for me is a sense of achievement. Also, I think a home should reflect your own personality-AD was my research!"