Luxury London shopping destination the Royal Exchange is now home to a lavishly decorated baby Asian elephant, as The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts shows its support for the Elephant Family charity’s Elephant Parade, 2010.

The Leela’s sponsored elephant is a uniquely detailed design by leading Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. It features more than 3,000 jewels, including pearl and gold hemispheres and bespoke jewels, epitomising Tarun Tahiliani’s signature mix of beauty and luxury.

The London Elephant Parade features 250 life-size baby elephants, all hand-painted by an assortment of established and emerging talent from the art and design world. Working with the Wildlife Trust of India, funds raised by the Elephant Parade will be used to buy and manage vital wildlife habitat across Asia, giving Asian elephants a safer and more sustainable future.

Richard Paiva, regional director UK and Ireland for The Leela says Tarun Tahiliani is the perfect choice as his designs are inherently Indian yet with international appeal.

“As The Leela is a pan-Indian hotel chain, the plight of the Asian elephant is a cause that is close to our hearts.  Tarun has created a stand-out design and we’re confident it will be auctioned at a high price, ensuring Elephant Family benefits as much as possible from The Leela’s involvement,” says Paiva.

Tarun Tahiliani has been a supporter of Elephant Family for several years.  In 2008 he supported the charity’s ‘Conservation Couture’ event, which saw world famous designers create couture blankets for full-sized elephant sculptures. Tarun Tahiliani’s blanket was sold to the highest bidder; Sarah, Duchess of York.

The Leela elephant is located inside the Royal Exchange, a luxury shopping centre in the heart of London’s square mile.  The Royal Exchange is home to many of the world’s finest brands including Tiffany & Co., Hermés, Omega and Cartier, as well as an unrivalled collection of cafés and restaurants. It is located between Cornhill and Threadneedle Street, close to exit 3 of Bank Tube Station.