24 February 2024, Mumbai 

Kazo has unveiled its highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Kazo 2.0, with Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor as its muse. This collaboration not only showcases the brand's versatility but also epitomizes empowerment and individuality.

The collection boasts a vibrant yet sophisticated color palette, evoking romance and elegance. Featuring a wide range of printed co-ord sets, chic shirts, statement blazers, floral tops, trendy trousers, and captivating dresses, Kazo 2.0 offers a blend of comfort and style. Kapoor's allure effortlessly permeates through each piece, offering versatile styling options for various occasions, be it social gatherings, basking under the summer sun, or commanding attention in corporate settings.

Divya Aggarwal, Creative Director, Kazo, affirms, the collection embodies diverse styles and elevated fashion, seamlessly integrating work, social, and glamour aesthetics. Departing from its traditional party-centric focus, Kazo 2.0 extends an inclusive invitation to embrace elevated clothing. The collection resonates with Kapoor’s personal style, reflecting empowerment, comfort, and readiness to shine on any occasion.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, the collection incorporates BCI cotton and a variety of natural fabrics such as linen, viscose, cotton gauze, blended linen, and textured dobbies. Kazo has meticulously crafted each piece to ensure that every woman experiences the perfect fusion of confidence and comfort.

With this collaboration, Kazo aims to engage its diverse customer base, offering a blend of superior craftsmanship, eco-conscious elements, and timeless elegance.

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24 February 2024, Mumbai 

Renowned American specialty retailer, Victoria’s Secret has expanded its presence in India with the opening of new stores in Gurugram and Mumbai.

The latest additions are located at Ambience Mall in Gurugram and Phoenix Marketcity in Kurla, Mumbai. Victoria's Secret is introducing its innovative ‘Store of the Future’ concept at these locations to offer customers a more engaging shopping experience. Both stores feature the complete range of Victoria's Secret beauty products and accessories, including the newly launched Bare Rose collection.

Tushar Ved, President, Apparel Group India, says, these additions align seamlessly with the company’s vision to offer unparalleled luxury and style to customers. He emphasised on the brand's commitment to provide immersive shopping experiences that highlight the iconic allure of Victoria's Secret.

Victoria's Secret forayed into the Indian market in 2021 through a partnership with Apparel Group India, initially establishing its presence with an e-commerce platform. Since then, the brand has been expanding its physical retail presence across the country.

In Q3 FY’23-24, Victoria's Secret opened over four new stores, including two in Pune, and one each in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Additionally, it recently launched its first beauty store in Mumbai.

Founded in 1977 by Roy and Gaye Raymond, Victoria's Secret has evolved into a prominent American retailer of lingerie, clothing, and beauty products. It currently operates approximately 1,360 retail stores in 70 countries worldwide, according to its official website.

The brand’s expansion in India began in 2022 with the opening of its first physical store at Palladium Mall in Mumbai, followed by another store at Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Subsequently, Victoria's Secret continued its expansion by inaugurating its first store in Pune at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in November 2023.

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 23 February 2024, Mumbai

United Colors of Benetton unveils its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, encapsulating the essence of summer with a fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Under the creative direction of Andrea Incontri, the collection, themed ‘Be On,’ showcases a vibrant array of garments designed to celebrate individuality and style.

Denim takes center stage, featuring prominently across various pieces such as miniskirts, jumpsuits, and jeans in diverse silhouettes. The collection embraces utility-driven designs, with unlined blazers, buttoned dresses, and midi skirts offering versatility for everyday wear.

Color remains a key element, with pastel shades infusing sophistication into tweed suits and sweaters adorned with rhinestone collars. Vibrant hues like red, green, pink, and blue dominate summer blazers and t-shirts, while fruity prints and floral motifs add a whimsical touch.

The iconic polo shirt receives a contemporary twist, transcending gender boundaries with its democratic elegance. Stripes make a bold statement across poplin shirts and cotton jerseys, adding versatility to summer dressing.

Light-as-air knitwear, featuring crochet designs, complements skirts and maxi dresses, offering both comfort and style for the warmer months ahead. The collection for both men and women celebrates practicality and clean-cut aesthetics, with fun motifs adorning boxy shirts and oversized t-shirts.

Collared shirts, crafted from organic cottons or openwork jerseys, exude refinement and timeless appeal. Placed prints in refreshing hues of aqua green, light blue, and faded pink evoke the essence of summer, making United Colors of Benetton's SS24 collection a must-have for those seeking contemporary fashion with refined ease.

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28 February 2024, Mumbai

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has urged the government to accord industry status to the retail sector, emphasising the need for streamlining the foreign direct investment (FDI) policies particularly in single-brand retail.

Discussions at a closed-door meeting attended by top retailers such as Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, Bestseller, Biba, TCNS Clothing, Shoppers Stop, and government representatives including Rohit Kansal from the Ministry of Textiles, centered around the potential and challenges of the retail industry in India.

Spotlight

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, highlighted, there is a unanimous desire among stakeholders for the retail sector to be recognised as an industry. Currently subject to varying state regulations, It is important for the central government to standardise policies and decision-making processes, he added. The retail industry needs to be treated on par with manufacturing industries, enabling more cohesive policymaking and support mechanisms, he added further

The meeting also raised concerns over the complexities surrounding FDI regulations, particularly for single-brand retailers operating multiple brands. The cumbersome process of obtaining licenses and establishing multiple entities was identified as a barrier to foreign retailers seeking to enter the Indian market.

CONTEXTUAL

In response to these challenges, CMAI said, it intends to submit a white paper to the government outlining industry obstacles and proposing measures to enhance the ease of doing business for retailers. Additionally, the association advocated the establishment of a retail upgradation fund to support the expansion of small brands' into smaller towns and cities.

iNTERESTING DATA-POINT

Deloitte's 2023 report estimates, valued at $930 billion in 2022, India’s retail market is projected to grow to $1,930 billion by 2030. Against this backdrop, the call for industry status and policy reform underscores the sector's pivotal role in India's economic landscape.

23 February 2024, Mumbai 

The fashion industry is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by a wave of innovative startups challenging the status quo.

These young companies are strategically changing market dynamics, rewriting the rules of engagement with customers, and carving out new pathways for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Multiple data-points

The global fashion tech market is estimated at $532.9 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2028, at a CAGR of 23.9 percent, as per Allied Market Research. What works for startups is that they prioritize personalization, on-demand services, and direct-to-consumer strategies, fostering deeper customer relationships and bypassing traditional retail channels.

AI-powered tools analyze customer data to predict trends, optimize inventory, and personalize marketing campaigns. Eco-conscious startups are leading the charge, using recycled materials, upcycling processes, and transparent supply chains. What works for start-ups is their business model.

Key growth drivers

The growing smartphone penetration and mobile shopping convenience drive online fashion sales, a key market for startups. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are powerful marketing tools, reaching targeted audiences and building brand communities. The market is being driven by millennials and Gen Z.

These generations prioritize experience over ownership, embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and personalized shopping, which aligns perfectly with many startup offerings.

What works for start-ups is:

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model: Bypassing traditional retailers, startups like Everlane and Reformation connect directly with customers, offering transparency in sourcing and production. This allows for faster trend adoption, reduced costs, and better brand control.

Personalization: Utilizing AI and analytics, startups like Stitch Fix and Rent the Runway personalize recommendations, optimize inventory management, and predict trends. They curate personalized shopping experiences, leveraging data and algorithms to recommend styles and sizes tailored to individual preferences.

Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly options. For example, Patagonia and Veja champion ethical and eco-conscious practices, using recycled materials, fair trade labor, and minimizing environmental impact. This resonates with a growing segment of conscious consumers.

Technology integration: Virtual try-on tools and augmented reality experiences offered by startups like Zepeto and Wannaby bridge the gap between online and offline shopping.

Subscription services: Platforms like Nuuly and Le Tote offer clothing rental subscriptions, catering to the desire for variety and sustainability without ownership burden.

However, the path to a successful startup business is not easy. The market is saturated, making it difficult for new entrants to stand out. Moreover, brand building and customer acquisition are not easy tasks.

Building brand awareness and trust takes time and resources, especially against established players. Then, achieving sustainable margins can be challenging, particularly for smaller startups with limited economies of scale.

Curated solutions chronicled

The business models vary greatly, with some focusing on subscription boxes, curated shopping experiences, or DTC sales. Profitability depends on factors like product margins, customer acquisition costs, and operational efficiency.

Scalability can be achieved through partnerships, technology adoption, and expanding product offerings. While many startups started online, some are venturing into physical stores to offer a more immersive brand experience and cater to customers who prefer offline shopping.

Emerging landscape

Pop-up shops and collaborations with established retailers are gaining popularity.

Fashion startups are revolutionizing the industry with innovative approaches, catering to evolving consumer preferences, and driving positive change.

While challenges remain, their agility and focus on sustainability, personalization, and technology position them for continued growth and disruption.

As the industry evolves, it will be fascinating to witness the future pathways these innovative companies forge.

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