Reliance Retail-owned fashion e-tailer Ajio has launched a new ethnic wear collection in partnership with Netflix.

Inspired by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,’ the limited-edition collection includes shararas, kurta suit sets, lehengas and saris. It also includes official recreations of select outfits worn by the actors in the series. The collection has been launched under ‘The House of Ethnics’ by Ajio.

Vineeth Nair, CEO, Ajio says, the collection explores themes rooted in Indian culture, tradition and heritage. Its launch under the ‘House of Ethnics’ enables customers to access desirable fashion to create the Bollywood-inspired look.’

Shilpa Singh, Senior Director-Marketing Partnerships APAC, Netflix, adds, the collection offers fans an incredible opportunity to own the exquisite designs worn by the leading ladies in the show.

Priced between Rs 4,000 ($50) to Rs 1.5 lakh, the collection is available for purchase exclusively on Ajio’s e-commerce platform.

Physical stores/markets have once again become the preferred choice for apparel buyers in India who had switched to online shopping during the pandemic, as per a report by community platform LocalCircles.

Titled, ‘How India Buys Apparels, the report reveals, around 47 per cent of consumers continue to shop for clothes in either a mall or store, as they prefer to try these by purchasing. Around 40 per cent of consumers prefer to balance their in-store purchases with online purchases while 4 per cent consumers primarily purchase them online and 9 per cent consumers get them custom made from our local tailor.

Online apparel buying in India is likely to stagnate in the next few years unless retailers continue offering higher discounts, says Sachin Taparia, Founder, LocalCircles.

According to the report, access to digital devices and the internet has enabled the masses to experience online shopping irrespective of whether they live in urban or rural areas. This has boosted the personalised shopping experience of the customer. However, as compared to the overall apparel sales, online sales continue to be in the range of high single-digit percentage.

Customers generally opt for online shopping for the repeat purchases of branded apparels as the fit and quality are already known. However, they prefer to make their first purchases in store.
Though some customer prefer buying apparels online due to the discounts offered on these followed by ease of exchange and return, adds Taparia

Whether online platforms will become the preferred mode for apparel shopping in future depends on how fast these platforms can deliver and a better shopping experienced provided by them, adds the report.

Gurugram-based kidswear brand Includ plans to enhance its supply chain, develop in-house technology and increase brand awareness with the $1.5 million capital raised in a seed funding round led by Incubate Fund Asia.

The company also plans to acquire new technologies to vertically integrate with its suppliers and build a robust and efficient supply chain. For this, Includ aims to develop its front-end platform and mobile application to ensure a seamless shopping experience for customers. Additionally, the company will use the funds to implement effective marketing and brand strategies.

Founded in 2023 by Ashwin Rastogi, Includ offers a wide range of clothing options to children aged between 0 to 14 years old.

India’s kidswear market is experiencing a dynamic shift with a rapid growth in demand for in-trend clothing in affordable premium segment being witnessed.

With its innovative collections, Includ aims to empower kids to embrace their individuality while offering parents quality and affordability, says Ashwin Rastogi, Founder, Includ.

The company ensures every piece of clothing it creates is not just fashionable but also safe and environment-friendly by using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

French luxury brands Chanel and Dior plan to enter the Noida market with new stores in the New Delhi suburb.

Currently operating a pop-up store in DLF’s Mall of India in Noida, Chanel plans to open a full-fledged 700 sq ft store in the Noida Mall in the next three months, reveals Pushpa Bector, Senior Executive Director and Business Head, DLF Retail, the shopping centre unit of New Delhi-based real estate giant DLF Ltd. The Noida mall will also open a store for the brand Dior in the shopping center.

Also operating two boutiques in other DLF properties of Chanakya and Promenade, luxury brand Chanel retails fashion, jewelry, watches, eyewear and beauty products among other expensive items from its stores. The brand is expanding its operations in India. In January this year, it introduced its newest fragrance and beauty boutique in the Phoenix Palladium Mall. Chanel also operates fragrance and beauty stores in two of New Delhi’s prominent malls–Select Citywalk Mall in Saket and DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj.

One of India’s largest malls, the DLF Mall of India is home to more than 400 Indian and global brands and more than six dozen kiosks. The two million sq. ft. mall is divided into five zones spread over seven floors of shopping, food and entertainment. The ground floor of the mall – dubbed International Boulevard—is home to swish brands including Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer, Starbucks, Sephora, Armani Exchange, Calvin Klien, Nike, Under Armour, Pret A Manger, Tommy Hilfiger and dozens of global brands. The International Boulevard is where both Chanel and Dior are set to open their outlets.

India's retail sector is witnessing a boom, with international brands making a beeline and setting up shop in 2024. This influx is driven by the country's growing young population, rising disposable incomes, and a booming e-commerce market.
The India lure
Burgeoning consumer base is major attraction, as India boasts of a young and growing population with rising disposable incomes, making it a lucrative market for global brands facing saturation in developed economies.
Moreover, the evolving retail landscape with e-commerce thriving, offering brands new avenues to reach customers beyond traditional brick-and-mortar stores. And what is attracting them more are the strategic partnerships they are forging as many international brands are entering through partnerships with established Indian retail giants like Reliance Industries and Aditya Birla Group, leveraging their local expertise and distribution networks.
Brand looking for India foray
Several big names are either confirmed or rumored to be entering the Indian market. These encompass fashion and lifestyle segment.
Fashion: The apparel sector is seeing a flurry of activity. Spanish fast-fashion giants Pull&Bear and Bershka from Inditex Group known for their brand Zara in India, are expected to arrive, along with French luxury brands Sandro and Maje. British online retailer Asos is in talks with Reliance Brands for a potential entry. American casualwear brand Old Navy is another name generating buzz. Footwear giant Foot Locker is also eyeing the Indian market, catering to the growing demand for athletic and trendy shoes.
Lifestyle: Department store giant Galeries Lafayette from France is partnering Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) to set up luxury retail destinations. Food and beverage are also heating up, with Jamba Juice from the US and Giorgio Armani Caffe setting their sights on Indian consumers.
Many brands are also looking at established Indian players for a smoother entry. Reliance and ABFRL are at the forefront, partnering with international brands like Asos and Galeries Lafayette respectively. This not only reduces logistical hurdles but also leverages local expertise. ABFRL partnered Shoppers Stop to bring French luxury brand Maison Margiela to India. This collaboration leverages expertise in both retail and luxury brand management.
Segmentation strategies
The incoming brands cater to various segments. In luxury segment Maison Margiela's recent Mumbai store opening exemplifies the growing interest in the luxury segment. Giorgio Armani Caffe falls into this category as well. In premium segment are brands like, Sandro, Maje, and potentially Asos offer premium clothing and accessories. While Pull&Bear, Bershka, Old Navy, and Foot Locker cater to the mid-range and value segments.
However, for success these brands entering India are likely to adopt various strategies:
Localization: Many brands will adapt their product offerings and marketing campaigns to suit Indian tastes and preferences. They might introduce culturally relevant designs and price points more accessible to the local market.
Omnichannel approach: Brands are expected to leverage both online and offline channels to reach a wider audience. Establishing a strong online presence alongside physical stores will be crucial.
Look beyond metros: India's smaller cities are witnessing a rise in disposable incomes. Brands might explore expansion into these areas to tap into this growing consumer base.
The influx of global brands in 2024 signifies India's growing importance in the global retail landscape. As these brands adapt and collaborate with local players, Indian consumers will benefit from a wider variety of products, increased competition, and potentially improved customer service. This will further shape the Indian retail sector into a vibrant and dynamic space.

The Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond Show 2024 (FAB Show 2024), organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded its fourth edition with resounding success. Held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, from April 15 to April 17, the event surpassed industry expectations, igniting optimism and projecting high business prospects for the textile sector. With an estimated business generation exceeding 2,100 crores, the three-day trade show emerged as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders.
Impressive turnout and international presence
Drawing attention from across the nation, the FAB Show welcomed 10,200 trade visitors representing more than 320 cities in India. Notably, the event witnessed the participation of over 1,500 elite platinum buyers. Adding to its international allure, buyers from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, UAE, and the USA, graced the show, underscoring its global significance. The presence of sourcing heads from esteemed brands like Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail and Reliance Brands further underscored the event's stature as a premier sourcing destination.
Industry reflections and projections
Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, hailed the success of the FAB Show, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on the garment industry's supply chain. Masand highlighted the event's role in fostering immediate business opportunities and forging long-term strategic partnerships, instilling confidence in the industry's trajectory. Against the backdrop of subdued demand and recent challenges, such as amendments affecting MSME payments, the FAB Show's triumph signals a revitalized industry poised for growth.
Innovation and sustainability take center stage
The 2024 edition of the FAB Show emerged as a hub for innovation and sustainability within the textile and apparel sector. Over 200 domestic exhibitors, including industry stalwarts like Grasim and Arvind, showcased cutting-edge offerings, emphasizing environmental consciousness and circularity. Naveen Sainani, Chairman of FAB Show, underscored the event's commitment to driving growth while promoting sustainable practices. The Sustainability Zone, a highlight of the fair, spotlighted fabrics crafted from recyclable materials and advocated for responsible waste management.
Regional Excellence: The Surat pavilion
The Surat Pavilion, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), stood out as a beacon of regional excellence at the FAB Show. Hosting over 40 leading fabric manufacturers, the pavilion showcased the latest trends and catered to the evolving needs of the garment industry. Siddharth Dhawan, Director of Gokul Tex Print, expressed confidence in the region's growth trajectory, foreseeing signs of expansion in the coming months.
Positive industry outlook
Murugan Thenkondar, President of Marketing & Global Head of Business Development at Aditya Birla (Cellulosic Fibres), highlighted the resilience of the domestic market amid global uncertainties. With a focus on the textile value chain, the FAB Show provided a comprehensive platform for industry players to meet sourcing requirements and foster business collaborations. Sailesh Kukreja, Managing Director of Bhagwan Enterprise, commended the organizers for facilitating a dynamic and well-attended exhibition, paving the way for future successes.
Commitment to sustainability
Amid growing environmental consciousness, industry participants like J P Singh of Ramtex - Parmeshwari Silk Mills, emphasized their commitment to eco-friendly practices. The adoption of sustainable processes not only aligns with consumer preferences but also reflects a broader shift towards responsible consumption. With markets expanding beyond traditional strongholds, manufacturers are witnessing increased demand for eco-friendly fabrics across diverse regions.
Exciting engagements and rewards
In addition to business engagements, the FAB Show offered visitors and exhibitors a chance to participate in a lucky draw contest. With prizes ranging from scooters to holiday vouchers, the contest added an element of excitement and further enhanced the event experience.
As the curtains close on the FAB Show 2024, industry players are poised to leverage the momentum gained from the event. With renewed optimism and a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, the textile industry sets its sights on a future marked by growth and resilience.

In a notable collaboration, esteemed luxury clothing and accessories brand, Tory Burch has unveiled its latest flagship store in Mumbai alongside Reliance Brands. Nestled within the bustling Jio World Plaza, this launch marks the brand's second venture into the vibrant Indian market.

The store boasts a striking façade crafted from geometric natural wood, drawing visitors into a warm and inviting interior. Adorned with small trees, the space exudes a serene ambiance, while golden shelves elegantly display Tory Burch's signature structured handbags and accessories.

Aligning with the unveiling is the debut of Tory Burch's Spring/Summer 2024 collection, showcasing an array of subtly monogrammed shoulder bags and pristine white leather satchels, among other exquisite designs.

In India, Tory Burch operates under the subsidiary of Reliance Retail-Reliance Brands. The brand has an exclusive outlet at the DLF Emporio in New Delhi.

Founded in New York City in 2004, Tory Burch has garnered acclaim for redefining American luxury fashion with a global sensibility. Notably, the label regularly showcases its innovative and sophisticated collections at the New York Fashion Week.

Numero Uno, India’s renowned denim and apparel brand, has unveiled its latest collection of sustainable denims, elevating both style and environmental consciousness. Emphasizing eco-friendly materials and processes, the collection champions reduced water, energy, and chemical usage, epitomizing a commitment to sustainability.
Manjula Gandhi, Chief Product Officer at Numero Uno, underscores the brand's dedication to eco-friendly practices. Utilizing organic cotton and minimizing toxic dyes and treatments not only minimizes environmental impact but also prioritizes the well-being of production workers. The result, denims that endure longer wear and offer unparalleled comfort.
Numero Uno's sustainability ethos extends throughout production, meticulously managing water consumption at every stage. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Zero Liquid Discharge and innovative processes like automated line drying, the brand achieves remarkable efficiency in water recycling and reuse, reducing overall consumption by 55-60 per cent.
Looking forward, Numero Uno aims to amplify its sustainability efforts, targeting goals of 85-90 per cent sustainability within the next 4-5 years. Gandhi expresses pride in the brand's latest launch, which celebrates the "Blue to Green" evolution in sustainable denim, reaffirming Numero Uno's position as a trailblazer in eco-conscious fashion.

Innerwear brand Bummer has secured Rs 9.25 crore in a Pre-Series A1 funding round led by Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund. The brand is being backed by Fluid Ventures which has been consistent in its strategic support since December 2022.

The funds will ease Bummer’s journey towards becoming a formidable $100 million company within the next 5 years. The brand aims to expand its presence in the Tier II, II and IV cities across India with a focus on generating 50 per cent of revenues from key cities like Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bhopal, and Jaipur.

Sustainable growth is at the forefront of Bummer's strategy, with a target to
achieve EBITDA breakeven within 12 months. The company is actively recruiting experienced key management personnel (KMPs) to drive expansion into new channels, including offline retail. While India remains the primary focus for the next 24 months, Bummer envisions venturing into Southeast Asia and the Middle East as potential global markets.

Bummer plans to conduct smaller, intermittent pilots in global markets to assess opportunities, with less than 5 percent of the budget allocated to these endeavors. Sulay Lavsi, Founder and CEO, says, the brand is committed to propelling growth with skilled teams, and a strong trustful image. It also aims to elevate its fashion quotient by adopting sustainability in operations, he adds.

Italian fashion brand United Colors of Benetton (UCB) has unveiled its largest store in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh. Spanning 3,000 sq ft, the store is managed by KJ Fashions & Designers as the master franchisee and distributor for the brand in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.

Besides showcasing the brand's signature vibrant apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, kids, and newborns, the store also launches Benetton's Spring-Summer 2024 collection.

Founded in 1965 by Luciano Benetton, the Benetton Group originated in the Veneto, North Italy. Venturing beyond Italy, the group launched its maiden store in Paris in 1969. Currently, it has over 600 outlets of the brand Benetton across 120 cities. These outlets sell around 150 million garments annually, as per Pentagram.com.

Having forayed into the Indian market in 1991, UCB currently operates over 400 stores across 100-plus cities across the nation.

Embracing the metaverse trend in 2022, the brand launched PlayChange, a platform accessible through the popular online gaming platform Roblox.

Chennai-based knitwear brand Alonge by designer Nithya Prakas has launched its debut collection featuring sweatshirts, jackets, lined camisoles, knee-grazing dresses, shorts, pants, co-ords, skirts, oversized T-shirts in ecru, black, white, warm pink, lavender, blue, grey, and green shades.

The collection features garments having hand, embroidered and embellished florals with blooms ranging from hibiscus to protea and birds of paradise. It focuses on hand embroidery and stitches. For example, the show-stopper sweatshirt has flowers that have been embroidered using sequins and beads. While the garments are designed in Chennai, the manufacturing unit is in Tiruppur and the materials come from all over the world including beads and sequins from Japan, lining from Germany, and zips from Hong Kong.

Denim brand Lee has teamed up with designer Suneet Varma to launch an avant garde collection inspired by the rich vistas of Indian culture and the unyielding charm of denim. From corsets to bell-bottom jeans, and maxi skirts to statement dresses, the collection offers a fusion of contemporary flair and timeless elegance.

A homage to the bold, the innovative, and the rule-breakers, this collection celebrates individuality and the courage to stand out. It pushes the boundaries of denim beyond traditional constraints. Each piece of the collection showcases a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and creativity, featuring intricate washes, digital prints, lavish gold foil embellishments, and unique fabric manipulations.

The designs of the collection are a blend of tradition and modernity, resulting in a collection that is both timeless and contemporary. Through meticulous research and development, the designers explored a multitude of washes and treatments, collaborating with sustainable factories to ensure environmental responsibility.

The collection is divided into thematic narratives such as India Martini, Art, Deer Mountain Denim, and Rock and Roll, each piece encapsulating a story that celebrates Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. Traditional elements are seamlessly woven into denim's modern fabric, with motifs, patterns, and techniques paying homage to India's diverse heritage.