Despite current headwinds, India's largest ethnic wear retailer, Vedant Fashions remains bullish about its expansion plans, particularly targeting the untapped South Indian market.

The Indian wedding market is currently experiencing a slowdown compared 2023's post-pandemic rebound. Middle-class consumers are tightening their belts, impacting discretionary spending. This is translates to a no-growth year for Vedant Fashions, with net profits dipping by 6.8 per cent

The pinch is been felt more by lower middle class and working class consumers of the company, while affluent consumers continue to splurge

This huge gap in the urban and rural revenues is impacting the sales of brands like Manyavar and Mohey. However, high-end designer brands catering to the affluent, like Ritu Kumar and Sabyasachi, are flourishing.

Undeterred by the slowdown, Vedant Fashions’ retail space increased by 172,000 sq ft to 1.64 million sq ft in FY24. Its store count also jumped to 673 from 530 in the same period.

Arrow, the American menswear brand, has revamped its identity stores, emphasizing a fresh BWB color palette—black, white, and beige—departing from the conventional blue.

Notably, the new stores boast increased utility and density, featuring a stackable ensemble layout within an average space of 1200 sq. ft.

The brand embraces digital integration, introducing interactive screens for real-time information on trends, promotions, and styling tips.

Recently launched stores include prominent locations like Mall of Asia and Forum Mall, marking a significant stride.

Arrow, the esteemed menswear brand, is strategically shifting focus towards omni-channel expansion, aligning with India's dynamic consumer landscape.

December saw the brand's noteworthy launches, introducing the 'Ceremonial Collection' and unveiling a chic Bengaluru outlet at Phoenix Mall of Asia.

Aiyer anticipates Arrow's unwavering commitment to set new fashion benchmarks and lead in trends, reflecting the brand's evolution since its Indian debut in 1993.

Luxury leather goods brand, Gioia has opened its third store in India, located in the Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bangalore.

The store offers a wide range of leather goods, including handbags, wallets, and belts. To celebrate the grand opening, Gioia has launched an exclusive limited-edition Bella collection that will only be available at the new store.

The store represents a significant leap for the brand. It amplifies the brand’s passion for creating unforgettable experiences besides mirroring its vision of luxury in truest form, says Diksha Bhatia, Director and CEO.

Gioia was founded in 2021 and has quickly become a popular luxury leather goods brand in India. The brand has a strong online presence and now has three physical stores in India.

Since shifting from omni-channel to online only retail, women’s western and fusion wear brand Cinnamon Closet has been growing at a steady pace. The brand’s revenues grew by 100 per cent last year with a good customer base being create at the brand’s store. After COVID-19 outbreak, the brand completely shifted its operations online.
The brand has also expanded its product range to drive growth. Beginning as a workwear-focused brand in 2017, Cinnamon Closet adapted to the work from home style and introduced more casual type garments to customers.

In terms of product types, Cinnamon Closet has been very innovative and created western tops and dresses with Indian fabrics and design sensibilities. As the brand offers timeless and elegant styles, customers shop with it across the year avoiding decision fatigue.

The News 18 Punjab/Haryana hosted the prestigious L’Aspiration Summit at JW Marriott, uniting India's former Royals and prominent figures in the worlds of art and entertainment. Aaliya Sultana Babi, Mallyka Singh Dundlod, and Siddharth Daspan, scions of Balasinor, Jhunjhunu, and Jodhpur, graced the stage with actors Jonita Doda, Aahana Kumra, and Niharica Raizada, along with artist Shan Bhatnagar.

A celebration of luxury trends and lifestyles

L’Aspiration Summit, a unique initiative by News 18 PH, is a celebration of ideas redefining luxury. The event, divided into six sessions, explored themes like Rethinking Luxury, Reviving Tradition, and Redefining Royalty, offering insights into the evolving world of opulence.

Royal transformations and artistic collaborations

Siddharth Daspan, a designer and scion of Jodhpur, shared his journey of transforming the century-old "House of Daspans" into an unconventional tourist haven. He detailed his Soapbox initiative, fostering artistic collaborations and experiments in culinary art.

Art, conservation, and spiritual connections

Shan Bhatnagar, an artist and collector, presented vibrant artworks merging traditional Rajasthani elements with Pichwai painting. He emphasized the spiritual connection in his creations, asserting that "luxury is a state of mind."

Dinosaur tourism and equestrian heritage

Aaliya Sultana Babi, known as Dr. Dinosaur, spoke passionately about her commitment to preserving dinosaur fossils in Gujarat. Mallyka Singh Dundlod, founder of A Baisa’s Adventures, delved into her equestrian roots, highlighting the resurgence of indigenous Marwari horses.

Acting, nepotism, and beauty with purpose

Actors Jonita Doda, Aahana Kumra, and Niharica Raizada shared personal and professional anecdotes. Aahana Kumra addressed nepotism in Bollywood, emphasizing her journey from theatre to success in 'Lipstick under my Burqa.' Niharica Raizada, a medico-scientist turned actor, discussed her return to India and the evolving role of Indian faces in luxury branding.

A Night of royalty, glamour, and insightful conversations

The L’Aspiration Summit created a distinctive evening where India's royalty intertwined with fashion, art, and entertainment, offering a nuanced perspective on luxury, tradition, and talent.

Bamboo-based kids fashion brand Kidbea plans the use the $1 million funds it raised in a pre-series A round to boost its marketing and branding initiatives.

Besides, the brand also plans to expand its team and improve operations. It will also allocate a portion of these funds for research and development of new technologies, says Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Cofounder and Managing Director, Venture Capital which led the brand’s funding round.

The funding round was also attended by Agility Ventures and BestVantage Investments, as well as Sandeep Agarwal and Upasana Agarwal, Founders, Droom alongside a group of experienced angel investors, and Japanese actor Hiro Mizushima.

The funding will help the brand improve its sustainable offerings and expand global presence, says Swapanil Srivastav, Co-founder, Kidbea

Founded in 2021 by Swapnil Srivastav, Mohammad Hussain, and Aman Kumar Mahto, Kidbea offers bamboo plant-based, skin-friendly children's apparel. The garments made by the brand help deal with issues such as discomfort, skin rashes, and food spillage in newborns. The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified clothing is environmentally friendly and gentle on children's skin.

Currently present on all major online platforms, Kidbea is also available in over 30 partner stores of premium children's hospitals. Besides, the brand is available in international markets including UAE, Bahrain, and Australia. It mainly retails kids' rompers, bodysuits, reusable cloth diapers, soft toys, and accessories.

Renowned for its embodiment of timeless elegance and sophisticated fashion, Language has unveiled its latest partywear collection of hand-crafted patent leather shoes for men.

Embodying intricate designs with flawless skills, the collection oozes modernity and refinement. The smooth designs and rich texture of these shoes make them an essential addition to all individual’s wardrobes. They serve as a perfect accompaniment for all celebratory occasions from New Year parties to family get-togethers.

The is currently available at Language’s exclusive brand outlets at Nungambakkam Chennai, Express Avenue Chennai, Sarath City Mall Hyderabad, Lulu Global Mall Bengaluru, Lulu Mall Kochi, Pavilion Mall Ludhiana, HiLITE Mall Kozhikode Bhupindra Road Patiala and Mall Road Bathinda. The brand also retails in more than 250 multi-brand outlets across the country, at Viz., Metro Shoes, Mochi, Rocia, Delco, Inc.5, Centro, Atesber, Regal Shoes. Customers can also shop the collection online at www.languageshoes.com and on www.amazon.in

08 January 2024, Mumbai

Zudio, the value fashion brand from the Tata Group, aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for affordable clothing by opening 150 to 200 new stores by the end of the fiscal year 2025.

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Despite the prevailing market slowdown, Zudio remains resilient and continues to thrive, benefiting from the growing cost-consciousness among customers who seek budget-friendly fashion trends.

As a part of the Tata Group's retail business Trent, Zudio has already launched approximately 100 exclusive brand outlets in the ongoing fiscal year (FY2024) and intends to continue expanding its retail presence in the coming months.

Nuanced picture

Introduced by the Tata Group seven years ago, Zudio is strategically positioned to meet the demand for value fashion among the youth in India.

The brand offers a diverse range of casual wear, party wear, and loungewear for men, women, and children, complemented by accessories and lifestyle goods, all priced below Rs 1,000.

Trent, the retail entity, not only oversees Zudio but also manages the department store chain Westside.

Furthermore, Trent has entered into a joint venture with the Spain-based giant Inditex SA to retail Massimo Dutti and Zara products in the Indian market.

Latest Textile Events

Taneira, the women's ethnic wear brand under the Tata Group, marked a triumphant year with the launch of 20 exclusive outlets nationwide, spanning cities like Patna, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada.

The expansion aims to weave Taneira's elegance into both metro and non-metro markets, reaching diverse corners of India.

Taneira plans further expansion in 2024, integrating brick-and-mortar stores and online retail through its e-commerce platform as part of an omni-channel strategy.

A prominent name in the Indian fashion industry, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL), has collaborated with world-renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin to oversee the integration of the brand’s Indian business into a newly formed subsidiary of ABFRL, with both partners holding equal stakes.

Established in 1991 in Paris, Christian Louboutin is globally recognized for its high-end footwear, particularly its signature red sole shoes. Having a strong retail presence in over 30 countries, the brand has diversified into men’s footwear, leather goods, accessories, beauty products, and kids’ collections.

A part of the Aditya Birla Group, ABFRL has nearly 4,000 stores, and a presence in over 33,000 multi-brand outlets and department stores across the country. The company owns brands such as Louis Philipe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England. With exclusive partnerships with international brands like Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker, etc, the brands revenues totaled Rs 12,418 crore in FY’23.