Esteemed Argentinean apparel brand, La Martina joined hands with one of India's foremost designers, Rajesh Pratap Singh, to launch a capsule collection at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). Blending fashion and sport, the collection pays a tribute to the rich tradition and prestige of Polo in India.

Presenting their luxurious polo collection for Spring/Summer 2024, La Martina introduces a range of styles that have quickly become essential for both sports and fashion enthusiasts alike. From the adventurous La Martina Argentina line to the colonial-inspired aesthetics of the Guards Polo Club collection, each piece exudes the brand's commitment to expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The collection accentuates heritage and innovation, featuring intricate details such as flat Knit Itarsia, fine mercerised flat knits, Chevron Itarsia variations, zardozi badges, hand block printing, and miniature art-inspired polo digital art. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of Jaipur, the embroidery reflects a meticulous blend of tradition and modernity. The fabrics, ranging from custom-woven jacquard to silk twill, along with satin prints and fine linens, are crafted with meticulous care, particularly evident in the riding breeches designed with distinct elegance.

A special highlight of the collection is the curation of handmade and hand block signatures, adding a striking fusion of the polo spirit and Rajasthan's heritage. The polo scarves, woven in the finest Pima and mercerised yarns, epitomise the perfect blend of heritage styling and modern luxury.

Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Singh emphasises on the collection's tribute to the game of Polo in India, celebrating its enduring charm and deep-rooted cultural significance. .

Adrian Simonetti, Co-founder and President, La Martina, emphasises the sophistication of customers who are delving deeper into the category, seeking authenticity and originality.

Fashion designer Rajesh Pratap Singh made a striking debut at the Lakme Fashion Week x Fashion Design Council of India event with a new collaborative capsule collection alongside the polo-inspired apparel brand La Martina,
Singh emphasised that the new collection transcended mere fashion, serving as a celebration of heritage and sport intricately intertwined. The upcoming pieces showcased intricate details and vibrant cultural motifs, paying a heartfelt tribute to the dynamic spirit of Jaipur.
Held at an offsite location, the collection underscored the deep-rooted connection between Jaipur and Polo. Singh's signature Indian style seamlessly melded with La Martina's Argentinian heritage, evident in the meticulously crafted details such as flat knit intarsia, fine mercerized flat knits, chevron intarsia variations, zardosi badges, and hand block printing.
Adrian Simonetti, Co-founder, and President, La Martina, describes Polo as a realm synonymous with luxury, emphasising its association with passion for horses, an extravagant lifestyle, breathtaking landscapes, and an elite clientele. He noted a growing curiosity among discerning customers, who seek authenticity and originality in their luxury pursuits, thus deepening their appreciation for the sport and its accompanying lifestyle.
Spanning from March 13-17 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the event serves as a prestigious platform to bring together designers from across India. Featuring a blend of physical runway shows and digital showcases, it encompasses various design competitions and fashion seminars, showcasing the diverse and dynamic landscape of Indian fashion.

Held from Mar 07-08, 2024, at the St Regis Hotel in Mumbai, the 4th edition of the FEF India Fashion Awards (FEF IFA) 2024 x WION focused on sustainable fashion.

The event was inaugurated by esteemed figures including Sa'ad Al Qaddumi, President, World Crafts Council-International; Dr Darlie Koshy, former Chairperson, NIFT and a prominent figure in the fashion industry; Sanjay Nigam, Founder, FEF India Fashion Awards; Vinod Dugar, Co-promoter, RDB Group and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi; and Neeva Jain, Chief Public Relations Officer, FEF IFA.

The inaugural day witnessed engaging discussions and panels under the theme of 'Fashion for Good,' focusing on the intersection of sustainability, culture, and innovation in fashion. Celebrities like the talented actor Tamannaah Bhatia, and renowned fashion designer and actor, Masaba Gupta provided their insights and perspectives at the event.

Vaghish Pathak, Chairman, FEF India Fashion Awards, highlighted the role of small artisans and craftsmen in preserving heritage while Nigam emphasised on the event's mission to promote sustainable fashion and provoke meaningful change in the industry.

Sa'ad Al-Qaddumi, President, World Crafts Council, commended the industry's readiness for a sustainable shift, echoing the need for responsible fashion that respects the environment and cultural heritage.

Koshy emphasised on the need for innovation in creating a sustainable fashion ecosystem, from production to consumption.

Bhatia reflected on the evolving role of fashion in self-expression and individuality, emphasising the importance of making conscious choices.
Gupta shared insights into her brand's sustainable practices, highlighting efforts to repurpose waste fabric and implement recycling systems.

Presented by Pepsi, the event aimed to celebrate and reshape the future of fashion, emphasising sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation.

Despite experiencing a period of slow growth in fiscal ending March 2023, High Street Essentials, the parent company behind brands such as ‘FabAlley’ and ‘Indya,' managed to keep its losses steady.

Annual financial statements filed with the Registrar of Companies show, the revenue of High Street Essentials from operations increased by 17.8 per cent to reach Rs 185 crore in FY23 from Rs 157 crore in FY22.

Apparel sales constituted 77 per cent of its total operating revenue, amounting to Rs 142 crore in FY23. The remaining income came from agency commission, which saw a significant increase of 38.7 per cent to Rs 43 crore in the same fiscal year.

The cost of material procurement for the fashion brand increased by 6.8 per cent to account for 27 per cent of overall expenditure, totaling Rs 63 crore in FY23. Cost of advertising and selling grew by 30.8 per cent to Rs 235 crore during FY23 from Rs 206 crore in FY22.

Despite maintaining a flat scale and cost, High Street Essentials reported consistent losses of Rs 45 crore in FY23. Its Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) stood at -247 per cent, with an EBITDA margin of -14.2 per cent. On a unit level, the company spent Rs 1.27 to earn a rupee in FY23.

Established in 2012 by Shivani Poddar and Tanvi Malik, High Street Essentials focuses on two women-centric brands: Indya, which specialises in ethnic clothing and accessories, and FabAlley, catering to Western apparel and loungewear.
The company boasts a presence of over 30 stores nationwide.

Leggings, once relegated to the realm of 80s fashion faux pas, have undergone a remarkable transformation. They've shed their questionable reputation and become a wardrobe staple, propelling the global leggings market to a staggering $32.89 billion in 2022, with projections reaching a phenomenal $57.97 billion by 2031. This sartorial shift isn't just about fleeting trends; it's a story of comfort, function, and cultural change. As per Statista by 2027 four billion pairs of tights and leggings will be produced.
The leggings revolution can't be attributed solely to a change in taste. It's a story intertwined with the rise of athleisure and the increasing focus on health and fitness. Gone are the days of ill-fitting, uncomfortable leggings. Today's iterations are made from high-tech, breathable fabrics like those pioneered by California brand Vuori. Their ‘BlissBlend’ fabric, for example, uses recycled materials to create a stretchy, weightless feel. This focus on performance and comfort has resonated with a generation that prioritizes both style and functionality in their clothing.
India’s love for leggings
India's embrace of leggings is a unique story within this global phenomenon. The activewear market in India is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2025 as per Ken Research. The country's booming middle class, with its growing disposable income and rising health consciousness, has fuelled demand for comfortable, versatile clothing. Leggings fit the bill perfectly. They can be easily integrated into traditional kurtas and salwar kameez, or worn for workouts and casual outings.
The comfort and affordability of leggings resonated with Indian women, from metros to small towns. Brands like FabIndia and AND have emerged and are offering leggings with unique prints and patterns that catered to the Indian aesthetic. Similarly, brands like House of Pataudi and The Tribe are capitalizing on this trend, offering high-performance leggings with an Indian touch.
Versatility boosts popularity
The beauty of leggings lies in their versatility. They've transcended the gym walls and become a staple in everyday wardrobes. In India, this is particularly evident. Leggings are paired with long tunics, trendy crop tops, or even saris, creating a fusion of tradition and modern comfort. This trend is being driven by social media influencers who showcase stylish ways to incorporate leggings into everyday wear.
Social media too has played a crucial role in normalizing leggings. Fitness influencers and celebrities flaunt their toned legs in trendy leggings, making them a desirable fashion item. In India, Bollywood actresses and social media stars are major trendsetters, and their embrace of leggings has further cemented their place in the fashion landscape.
A sustainable future for leggings
The leggings industry is not without its environmental concerns. The production of synthetic materials can have a negative impact on the planet. However, there's a growing awareness of this issue, and many brands are taking steps towards sustainability. German brand Hey Honey Yoga is a prime example, with their leggings being both PETA-approved vegan and OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring responsible production. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, this focus on sustainability is likely to be a major factor in the future of the leggings industry, including in India.
In fact, in India, there's a push for using organic cotton and recycled materials in leggings production. Companies like EcoWeave are leading the way, offering eco-friendly leggings made with minimal environmental impact.
Indeed, leggings have come a long way from their 80s origins. Their comfort, versatility, and ability to adapt to different styles have propelled them to the forefront of the fashion world. In India, leggings have become more than just a clothing item; they represent a shift towards comfort, functionality, and a healthy lifestyle. The future of leggings is bright, with innovation in fabrics, a focus on sustainability, and a global embrace of comfort leading the way.

Renowned Italian luxury fashion house, Bulgari experienced unprecedented success in India in 2023 and the trend continues to soar in 2024, says Jean Christophe Babin, CEO.

Babin attributes this achievement to the robust demand for Bulgari's jewelry offerings, particularly its India-inspired creations like the Mangalsutra and the B.zero1 Kada bracelet.

The recent inauguration of the Jio World Plaza, a luxury mall in Mumbai,played a significant role in Bulgari's success, delivering impressive results. Babin emphasises the importance of tailoring products to resonate with Indian culture, noting the country's deep-rooted traditions. He highlights Bulgari's unique position as one of the few global jewelers offering Indian-centric designs, such as the Mangalsutra, which consistently sells out and has generated waiting lists, even among non-Indian clientele.

To capitalise on this momentum, Bulgari plans to expand its presence in India by opening more boutiques in key cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Babin acknowledged the challenge posed by the scarcity of quality retail space, particularly in luxury malls, and called for greater collaboration between luxury brands and landlords to unlock India's immense potential.

Additionally, Bulgari is exploring opportunities in e-commerce, considering partnerships with established platforms like Ethos to leverage their robust supply chain for online sales. Babin emphasised the importance of a hybrid approach, combining brick-and-mortar stores with digital touchpoints to reach a broader audience.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Babin expressed optimism about India's recovery and the strong affinity for Bulgari's brand among Indian consumers. He highlights the synergy between Bulgari's bold and colorful designs and India's rich cultural heritage, emphasising the country's appreciation for colored stones beyond just diamonds.

Renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee has unveiled his exclusive collection, titled ‘Cinématique: The Red-Carpet Collection’, at the newly inaugurated Saks Fifth Avenue department store in Los Angeles, United States.

The launch event at Saks Fifth Avenue was attended by the designer himself, alongside notable guests such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kathy Hilton, and Roopal Patel.

Situated in Beverly Hills, the store features a diverse array of couture, jewelry, ready-to-wear, and accessories. Crafted to provide Los Angeles residents with a glimpse into Mukherjee’s opulent world, the Cinématique showcase is complemented by a series of campaign images showcasing the designer's creations on classic American models, emphasising the brand's heightened focus on the US market.

Saks Fifth Avenue recently opened its luxury department store at the former Barney’s New York location on Wilshire Boulevard. The relocation signifies a strategic move for Saks, which previously operated a store on the same street, necessitating significant renovations in its new premises.

Highlighting a flourishing partnership between the Ambience Group and the prestigious lingerie brand, Victoria's Secret has opened its store in the Ambience Mall in Gurugram.

Founded in 1977 in San Francisco by Roy Raymond, Victoria's Secret is the largest American seller of lingerie and a global specialty retailer offering modern, fashion-inspired collections. Their diverse range includes bras, panties, lingerie, sleepwear, athleisure, as well as award-winning fragrances and body care products.

Known for its exquisite architecture and upscale retail outlets, the Ambience Mall in Gurugram epitomises luxury shopping experiences. It reflects the Ambience Group's commitment to providing unmatched luxury to its discerning clientele.

In collaboration with the Apparel Group's Indian arm, Ambience Mall now proudly hosts Delhi's second Victoria's Secret outlet. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Ambience Group's dedication to luxury, bringing an unparalleled level of elegance to the city.

The opening of Victoria's Secret at Ambience Mall transcends traditional shopping experiences, offering an immersive journey into the world of high-end fashion in a luxurious ambiance. Visitors can expect a meticulously curated shopping environment reflecting the brand's identity.

With a total built-up area of 18 lakh sq ft and over 230 stores and food outlets, the Ambience Mall has become a vibrant shopping and dining haven. It hosts several prestigious brands catering to discerning tastes, including Tom Ford, Huda Beauty, and Jo Malone.