Renowned multi-brand luxury Indian fashion retailer, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop is all set to host a captivating summer wedding-themed shopping fair in Ahmedabad. Scheduled to kick off on March 8, 2024, the event will showcase a splendid array of bridal wear collections from various esteemed labels, transforming the city into a hub of exquisite fashion.
The fair promises to offer an extensive selection, catering not only to brides but also to wedding guests seeking occasion wear. Participating brands such as Bunka, Clos, and Oja, etc, will grace the event with their exquisite creations. While traditional bridal attire will take center stage, fusion style options will also be available, adding a contemporary flair to the offerings.
Founded by designer and entrepreneur Pernia Qureshi, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop initially emerged as a multi-brand e-commerce venture. Subsequently acquired by Purple Style Labs, led by entrepreneur Abhishek Agarwal, the retailer continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts across India. Renowned for its vibrant events held in metros nationwide, Pernia's Pop-Up Shop aims to provide engaging experiences for shoppers and drive offline footfall. From designer meet-and-greets to festive shopping fairs, the brand consistently delivers moments of sartorial delight for its discerning clientele.
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Renowned fashion luminary Rohit Bal has embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with an innerwear brand to introduce the MW Signature Collection,
Inspired by the resplendent wonders of nature, this collection seamlessly marries opulence with ease, presenting prints that exude resilience and self-assurance.
The MW Signature Collection serves as a testament to Bal's boundless creativity and his profound affinity with the natural world. Drawing from untamed landscapes, the collection showcases motifs of birds and beasts, emblematic of freedom and fortitude.
Bal's creations have long captured the admiration of Bollywood's elite, with luminaries such as Ranveer Singh and Sonam Kapoor lauding his ingenuity. Their endorsement underscores his ability to captivate a diverse audience, solidifying his status as a trailblazer in Indian fashion.
Bal acknowledges his arduous journey to success in the Indian fashion milieu, navigating through shifting perceptions and global trends. He reflects on the conservatism that once pervaded Indian fashion, contrasting it with the contemporary era marked by openness and experimentation. Yet, the task of imparting the true essence of fashion persists as a challenge. However, Bal's fervent dedication and competitive spirit inspire him to craft collections that epitomise originality and allure.
Two prominent Indian fashion brands, NBC and Geisha Designs, are set to present their collections at Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) from Mar 01-08, 2024.
Captivating audiences globally, Geisha Designs reimagines classic Indian silhouettes with a modern twist. Their designs have been featured in prestigious fashion weeks worldwide and are available in over 200 stores internationally.
Similarly, led by Nitin Bal Chauhan, the NBC brand promises to enthrall audiences with its innovative storytelling and craftsmanship. Their ‘theatrical fashion’ blends experimentation with captivating narratives.
Featuring over 120 designers and attracting over 70,000 attendees and millions online, this prestigious event offers a platform for Indian fashion to shine on the global stage.
Following the success of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, where Indian designers gained recognition, this year's MFW participation strengthens the connection between Indian creativity and the Russian fashion scene. Notably, Paras Bairoliya of Geisha Designs, a key figure at the Summit, returns to showcase his latest collection.
Held in iconic Moscow venues, MFW attracts individuals from all corners of the world, further enhancing its grand atmosphere. With Indian designers at the forefront, the event offers a remarkable display of global fashion and creativity.
Language, a pioneer in fashion, launches its newest ethnic collection catering to men, perfectly timed for the bustling wedding season.
The collection, featuring meticulously curated trio of Casey, Barry, and Rene loafers, exudes opulence and heritage, elevating the essence of celebratory attire.
The Rene Loafer, adorned with hand-embroidered zari work, epitomizes luxury footwear, with its plush velvet upper and cushioned leather footbed ensuring both style and comfort.
Embodying ethnic grace, the Casey Loafer dazzles with its floral design and moisture-absorbing leather lining, striking a harmonious balance between tradition and elegance.
Meanwhile, the Barry Loafer intricately embroidered with sequins and floral motifs, promises to captivate with its premium craftsmanship and comfort.
In essence, Language's latest collection for men encapsulates the essence of tradition and modernity, offering a seamless blend of style and sophistication for every festive occasion.
A renowned fashion brand known for its sustainable ethos, KH House of Khaddar, has unveiled its latest venture, ‘Loominaire’, a versatile clothing line that caters to both men and women. Emphasising eco-conscious practices, the collection offers a range of formal and semi-formal attire.
Describing Loominaire as a tribute to tradition, Amritha Ram, Creative Director, says, the brand is a symphony of colors, and an expression of individuality. It encourages patrons to embrace the timeless charm and effortless grace of its classic suiting, she added.
The collection showcases an array of men’s western-style suits, finely crafted overcoats, and color-blocked separates, alongside playful white Khadi denim ensembles. Drawing inspiration from nature, the eco-conscious line blends soft neutral tones such as pine, brown, and lilac with vibrant dashes of yellow and red, infusing the collection with energy. It injects a contemporary twist into traditional suiting to achieve a perfect blend of style and comfort.
Founded in 2018 by Amritha Ram, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and entrepreneur Kamal Haasan, KH House of Khaddar collaborates with ethical weaving clusters, to present to make Khadi textiles more accessible and promote the sustainable heritage craft.
Scions of the esteemed designer Anamika Khanna, Vishesh Khanna and his brother Viraj Khanna have launched a new luxury ready-to-wear brand called AK-OK.
Departing from conventional bridal wear, AK-OK embodies a tale of resilience, optimism, and a fresh perspective on luxury attire. The genesis of the brand intertwines with a narrative of struggle and the potency of positive affirmation.
AK-OK innovates luxury fashion by blending modern designs with intricate craftsmanship, appealing to a younger demographic while respecting India's fashion heritage. With a philosophy of optimism and acceptance, the brand aims to resonate globally, offering pieces imbued with positivity.
AK-OK’s commitment to quality, coupled with its unique backstory and philosophy, positions it favorably among consumers seeking authenticity and meaning. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, the brand shines as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and a positive outlook, heralding a new era in luxury fashion.
Renowned clothing brand, OG&Co has unveiled its latest venture into the realm of high street fashion with the introduction of 'Thy Earth Summit' line. Crafted by brand founder and designer Urshila Rao Ganji, the collection embodies a poetic ode to nature fused with the essence of contemporary fashion.
Ganji says, Thy Earth Summit encapsulates the ethos of nature within the realm of fashion's new era. While being committed to sustainability, the collection offers a diverse array of garments tailored for both men and women. Each garment piece in the collection, from oversized tees to chic co-ords and flowing dresses, resonates with the brand's dedication to environmental responsibility, she adds.
Meticulously designed to resonate with Gen Z consumers in India, the collection features a blend of trend-driven styles crafted from innovative textiles such as hemp, orange peel, milk, soya, and bamboo. From oversized t-shirts to fitted dresses and statement shirts, the line showcases a fusion of comfort, style, and eco-consciousness.
Made from orange peel fabrics, the collection offers antibacterial properties and UV protection, while grass pulp and bamboo blends provide moisture-wicking and insulation benefits, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather.
Currently in production, 'Thy Earth Summit' will be available exclusively through OG&Co's direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, promising a holistic approach to sustainable fashion for the modern discerning consumer.
Revolutionising the fashion landscape in India, Blenders Pride Glassware has launched a groundbreaking event, the Blenders Pride Fashion NXT Festival.
A pioneering initiative, this festival transcends traditional runway presentations, offering a dynamic fusion of style, innovation, and immersive experiences. Debuting in Pune and Bhubaneswar in March 2024, Fashion NXT Festival aims to redefine fashion across new horizons.
At its core, the festival celebrates India's leading designers and trendsetting celebrities, reimagining their influence in a fresh context. Moreover, it embraces a collaborative spirit, partnering with vibrant lifestyle brands to curate an array of captivating experiences.
Nasher Miles, a contemporary fashion accessory brand featured on Shark Tank India, epitomises the festival's spirit of innovation and travel. Meanwhile, All You Can Street, a dynamic streetwear collective, invites attendees to customise their attire at DIY stations, fostering individual expression and creativity.
In addition, grooming and styling stations by Beardo and MyGlamm offer festival-goers expert makeovers, while John Jacobs showcases cutting-edge eyewear with virtual try-ons. Doodle Mapuls adds an artistic flair, providing live sketching and apparel customisation. Audi (Pune) adds a touch of luxury, presenting its latest collection to captivate audiences.
The festival's vibrant atmosphere is further elevated by exclusive fashion showcases. In Bhubaneswar, designer Nachiket Barve collaborates with Sanya Malhotra, while Pune sees designer Varun Bahl alongside Aditi Rao Hydari, presenting avant-garde collections that redefine contemporary style.
Musical performances by renowned artists like Ritviz, Kayan, Progressive Brothers, and Rabab Randhawa infuse the festival with pulsating energy, ensuring an electrifying ambiance throughout the day.
Gone are the days of brick-and-mortar dominance in the Indian fashion scene. Leading retailers like Shoppers Stop for example are embracing this trend with initiatives like ‘Endless Aisles’ allowing customers to browse online inventory in physical stores and order for home delivery. Similarly, Lifestyle offers ‘Buy Online, Pickup In-Store’ and ‘Reserve Online, Try In-Store’ options, enhancing convenience and flexibility. Weaving technology into their operations helps them offer innovative experiences and disrupting the industry landscape.
Blurring the lines between online and offline
Omni channel initiatives have helped retailers increase sales. For example Shoppers Stops’ Endless Aisles service allows customers to order online products unavailable in-store for delivery or in-store pick-up increased customer convenience, reduced cart abandonment, and improved sales conversion. Shoppers Stop reports a 15 per cent rise in online orders fulfilled through ‘Endless Aisle’ Lifestyle's ‘Endless Checkout’ enables seamless online or offline payments across channels.
Bridging the gap between imagination and reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have helped in boosting experience. Trent Hypercity, a hypermarket chain, partnered tech a startup to offer an AR ‘virtual wardrobe’ experience, allowing customers to virtually try on clothes before purchasing. This improved customer engagement, reduced product returns, and personalized shopping experiences. Hypercity witnessed a 20 per cent increase in apparel sales with its AR virtual wardrobe. Trent's Westside chain partnered with tech company InfiAR to introduce virtual try-on for footwear, allowing customers to see how shoes look on their feet before purchase. Similarly, Reliance Retail, through its Ajio platform, incorporates AR features like ‘Virtual Try-On’ for shoes and accessories, enhancing customer engagement and reducing product returns.
Riding the Artificial Intelligence (AI) bandwagon
Reliance Retail's Azorto platform uses AI-powered chatbots to answer customer queries, recommend personalized outfits based on browsing history, and predict upcoming trends based on social media data. This enhanced customer service, personalized shopping experiences, and data-driven inventory management. Azorto reports a 20 per cent increase in customer satisfaction with AI-powered recommendations.
Personalization is key in today's competitive market, and AI is playing a pivotal role. Shoppers Stop's ‘MyStyle’ program leverages AI to understand customer preferences and recommend personalized outfits, while Lifestyle's ‘Style Advisor’ chatbot offers real-time styling advice based on individual needs. Similarly, Reliance Retail utilizes AI-powered demand forecasting to optimize inventory management and predict upcoming trends.
Robots revolutionize operations
Automation is transforming the back-end of fashion retail. Trent utilizes robots in its warehouses for faster order fulfilment and inventory management, while Shoppers Stop employs automated sorting systems to improve efficiency and accuracy. This not only reduces costs but also ensures timely deliveries, enhancing customer satisfaction. Myntra, along with Flipkart, utilizes robots in its warehouses for faster order fulfilment and inventory management. This resulted in reduced order processing time, improved accuracy, and cost savings. Myntra claims a 50 per cent reduction in fulfilment time with robots. Lifestyle also leverages automated sorting and packing systems in its fulfilment centres to expedite deliveries.
Sustainable practices
This promotes circular fashion, reduces environmental impact, and caters to eco-conscious consumers. Trent, through its brands Zara and Massimo Dutti, implements initiatives like garment collection for recycling and in-store water conservation measures. Shoppers Stop launched ‘Green Cart’, a platform for selling eco-friendly and sustainable fashion products. And reported a 10 per cent increase in sales through this platform. Similarly, Lifestyle has launched its Green Passport’ program, promoting sustainable products and educating customers about responsible choices. Reliance Retail's ‘Green Collection’ focuses on eco-friendly materials and processes.
Impact of technology on Indian retail
Rise of the phygital experience: Technology will bridge the gap between online and offline retail, creating a unified shopping journey.
Personalization and customization: AI and data analytics enable brands to offer highly personalized product recommendations and tailor experiences to individual preferences.
Greater operational efficiency: Automation and robotics will streamline processes, boost efficiency, and reduce costs.
Sustainable fashion revolution: Technology will play a crucial role in promoting eco-conscious practices and responsible consumption within the industry.
Indeed this is just the beginning of a fascinating chapter in Indian fashion. With technology as the guiding thread, the industry is weaving a new narrative – one that is personalized, sustainable, and accessible to all.
Embodying the brand’s dedication to ethical fashions standards, Earthy Tweens has expanded its flagship line, 'The Women’s Saga Collection’ with sustainable fabrics.
Capturing the essence of the modern woman, the collection includes garments ranging from everyday casual wear to sophisticated attire for special occasion. It offers a diverse array of choices, tailored to cater to the discerning tastes of eco-conscious consumers.
Nishant Kumar, CEO. Earthy Tweens, says, the collection helps Earthy Tweens redefine fashion by seamlessly blending ethics with elegance. It inspires women to embrace mindful fashion choices that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
The Women’s Saga Collection boasts a harmonious palette of soothing hues and timeless designs, resonating deeply with the contemporary woman’s quest for style with a conscience.