Fashion retailers like Arvind Fashions, Trent, Blackberrys, and Madura Fashion & Lifestyle are accelerating their collection rollouts, shifting from the traditional six-month cycle to frequent launches. This shift aligns with rising consumer demand, particularly from Gen Z, for fast-changing styles influenced by social media trends.

A recent study reveals that 11 per cent of collections now launch in 3-5 months, with 2 per cent reducing lead times to under three months compared to the previous norm of 6-9 months for 39 per cent of collections.

Retailers are streamlining supply chains to improve agility. Arvind's Vice-Chairman Kulin Lalbhai notes that moving from wholesale to direct distribution has enhanced control and speed. Trent’s MD, P Venkatesalu, says manufacturing timelines have shrunk by 20 per cent due to improved ecosystem efficiency.

Startups like Groyyo, Zyod, and Fashinza are leveraging tech to cut design-to-launch times from six months to six weeks. They optimize procurement, track production, and reduce inventory risks. Zyod co-founder Ankit Jaipuria says they create nearly 10,000 styles monthly.

With tech-driven efficiencies, Indian fashion retailers are rapidly adapting to a dynamic market, ensuring quicker, trend-focused launches.

India will boost its presence at the Moscow Fashion Week this year, with two brands by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI): Khadi India and designer Samant Chauhan showcasing their collections at the event.  

Known for his exquisite embroidery on Bhagalpur silk, Chauhan is a regular at international fashion events. He emphasizes, the opportunity offered by the Fashion Week allows the brand to expand its global reach and connect with the Russian market, he says. The platform allows the brand to showcase its designs to an international audience, adds Chauhan.

The collaboration between Moscow Fashion Week and the FDCI has fostered a strong exchange between the two fashion scenes. Last year, known for its modest fashion, Russian label Measure made a successful appearance at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI in India. This year too, the brand will make a comeback with its collection in Moscow.  

Another Russian brand, Solagel will present its evening wear featuring crystal-embellished fabrics. The brand’s designs have graced celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez, who recently wore a custom leopard-print jumpsuit by the brand in the UAE.

Continuing  to strengthen its position as a major fashion hub, Moscow Fashion Week fosters international collaborations while also showcasing diverse design talent.  

Disruption is no longer a choice but a necessity in the fashion industry, said Kulin Lalbhai, Vice Chairman, Arvind, in a keynote address at The Economic Times Great India Retail Summit 2025 in Mumbai. “The future belongs to those who disrupt themselves before being disrupted,” he asserted, urging brands to rethink their strategies in an era dominated by digital innovation, rapid inventory shifts, and sustainability concerns.

With a legacy spanning 120 years, Arvind has been at the forefront of India’s fashion evolution—introducing denim to the country and building iconic brands like Arrow, Flying Machine, U.S. Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. Lalbhai emphasized continuous reinvention is the key to survival. “Retail has always centered around the store, but today, the real battleground is the smartphone,” he pointed out, a paradigm shift towards digital-first consumer engagement.

India’s evolving fashion market

India’s fashion industry, valued at $100 billion and growing at 10 per cent annually, faces a paradox. While brands grapple with sluggish consumption trends, consumer demand remains strong for those who can innovate. Citing an example, Lalbhai noted, “While we discuss sluggish consumption, the same market saw Mahindra sell Rs 9,000 crore worth of EVs in a single day. There is demand, but brands must evolve to tap into it.”

To thrive in this rapidly shifting landscape, Lalbhai outlined three key transformations that fashion brands must embrace:

Become smarter:  AI-driven decision-making, is replacing traditional manual planning across design, sourcing, merchandising, and marketing. “Data-backed insights will soon dictate every aspect of fashion retail,” he said.

Become faster: The era of seasonal collections is fading, making way for real-time inventory turns and instant trend adaptation. Brands must be agile and responsive to ever-changing consumer demands.

Become greener: Sustainability is no longer a mere value-add; it is a fundamental expectation from consumers. “Eco-friendly processes and responsible sourcing are now critical to long-term brand loyalty,” Lalbhai stressed.

The retail revolution, a call to action

Lalbhai’s vision for ‘Fashion 4.0’ goes beyond adaptation—it’s about leading the charge in retail disruption. “Retail’s next phase isn’t about keeping up—it’s about leading the disruption,” he concluded, challenging industry leaders to take bold steps toward digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainable fashion practices.

As brands navigate the complexities of modern retail, Lalbhai’s insights serve as a reminder that the future will favor those who proactively embrace change rather than react to it.

Actor Adhyayan Suman will collaborate with former Miss Universe India Divita Rai and designer Alka Suman to launch a luxury fashion brand titled, ‘Duchess Kumari.’

The brand, ‘Duchess Kumari’ will be launched with two distinct ranges; pret and bespoke that will include pantsuits, gowns, dresses, etc.

The brand’s designs will include a bold mix of Indian textiles like brocades, raw silk, chanderi, and ikkat coupled with western-inspired elements such as bows, polka dots, pearls, and crystal embellishments.

In a joint statement, Suman and Rai say, the brand is a product of the prevalent mindset shift amongst individuals that emphasizes on creating one’s own success story rather than waiting for an opportunity to do so,

The brand will launch its debut collection on March 23, 2025.   

The 2025 edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) X Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) will launch with a fashion show by designer Anamika Khanna’s label AK|OK in Mumbai.

The fashion show will be held in collaboration with Lakme 9 to 5 hya-matte range. The collection celebrates bold, ambitious women who own their space, lead with confidence, and inspire others with their strength and individuality, says Khanna.

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakme adds, the initiative brings together two legacy brands that share a deep commitment to innovation and individuality. Rooted in effortless sophistication, Khanna’s signature aesthetic perfectly complements the Lakme 9 to 5 hya-matte range with both being designed for the modern woman who balances style with substance.

Scheduled from March 26-30, 2025, Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2025 edition will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. 

India's fashion and apparel industry is transforming, with rising disposable incomes, a young and tech-savvy population, and rising urbanization. By 2035, the Indian retail market is expected to reach $2,500 billion, with the fashion and apparel sector playing a significant role, says a report titled ‘Indian Retail: Changing Orbits for a New Trajectory’ by Anarock and ETRetail. Growth is driven by several factors, including the rise of e-commerce, the penetration of organized retail into Tier II and Tier III cities, and the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.

The rise of e-commerce

E-commerce has revolutionized the way Indians shop for fashion and apparel. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with the increasing availability of affordable smartphones and data plans, has led to an increase in online shoppers, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities. By 2035, the number of online shoppers in India is expected to reach 700 million. E-commerce platforms offer a vast selection of products, competitive prices, and personalized shopping experiences, making them an attractive alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the shift to online shopping, as people sought safer, contactless shopping alternatives.

One success story in this e-commerce space is that f Myntra. The online fashion retailer is particularly excited about the opportunities in India's e-lifestyle market. As Venu Nair, Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omnichannel, Myntra says, “At Myntra, we are particularly excited about the opportunities as India's e-lifestyle market is expected to scale from $16-17 billion to $40-45 billion by 2028." Myntra is focusing on providing a seamless omnichannel experience to its customers, integrating its online and offline channels to offer a personalized and convenient shopping experience.

Table: India’s e-commerce growth

Growing demand in Tier II and III cities

The growing demand for fashion and apparel in Tier II and III cities is another key growth driver. Rising disposable incomes, coupled with increasing aspirations and the reach of e-commerce, have led to a rise in retail activity in these cities. Retailers are targeting these markets, offering a wide range of products and brands to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. The improved infrastructure and connectivity in these cities have also made malls and retail real estate a more attractive investment option. No wonder Trent, the retail conglomerate is expanding its footprint in Tier II and III cities, recognizing the untapped potential in these markets. "They are increasingly akin to metros in terms of vibrance and aspirations. Yet they are heterogenous in terms of retail potential depending on the local economy and hinterland that each of the cities serve," explains P Venkatesalu, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director. Trent is adopting a localized strategy, tailoring its product offerings and marketing campaigns to suit the local tastes and preferences.

Evolving consumer preferences

Indian consumers are becoming more brand-conscious, quality-driven, and tech-savvy. They are also seeking more personalized and experiential shopping experiences. This has led to the rise of new retail formats, such as concept stores, pop-up shops, and interactive flagship stores. Malls are also transforming into experience hubs, incorporating entertainment, dining, wellness, and digital innovation to attract consumers. The future of retail lies in hybrid spaces that blend online and offline shopping seamlessly, offering consumers a unique and personalized shopping experience. "Across the industry, there is a growing focus on creating environments that are interactive, curated, and experiential that seamlessly blend commerce with lifestyle," opines Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director and Business Head Retail, DLF Malls. In fact, DLF is transforming its malls into experience hubs, incorporating entertainment, dining, wellness, and digital innovation to attract consumers. DLF Malls is also focusing on sustainability, prioritizing green buildings and energy-efficient designs.

Sustainability and ethical consumption are also gaining importance among Indian consumers. This has led to a rise in demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, pushing brands to adopt more responsible and ethical practices.