22 August 2025, Mumbai 

Spykar Lifestyle has named Nipun Dhingra, Former Manager, Kearney, as its Chief Transformation Officer. In this new role, Dhingra will lead the brand's initiatives focused on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Dhingra brings more than 11 years of experience in consulting and industry, having worked with senior executives in various sectors, including retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, and financial services. His expertise includes performance improvement, organizational design, and digital transformation.

His career is marked by his contributions to large-scale operational overhauls, from go-to-market strategies and market assessments to revenue growth initiatives. His strong skills in program management and cross-functional coordination support his results-driven approach.

Dhingra offers a unique combination of creative and analytical strengths: a background in fashion design alongside nearly a decade of consulting work. This blend allows him to solve complex business challenges and create new opportunities for growth by combining design innovation with disciplined execution.

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21 August 2025, Mumbai 

Indian men’s ethnic wear, once confined to festive wardrobes and ceremonial occasions, has entered into the mainstream of modern fashion. What was once a category driven by tradition is now evolving into a dynamic, style-forward market shaped by the tastes of young consumers, designer innovation, and digital disruption.

“Ethnic wear for men is no longer a once-in-a-year purchase for weddings or Diwali—it is becoming part of daily style expression,” says Ramesh Kaushik, fashion retail consultant and former VP at Blackberrys. “From college students in kurtas to corporate executives in bandhgalas, the segment is redefining how Indian men present themselves.”

A market in transition

The Indian menswear market as a whole is on a strong growth path. A Technopak 2023 report projects the Indian apparel market to reach $160 billion by 2025, with ethnic wear contributing a sizable share. Though precise figures for men’s ethnic wear remain fragmented, its segmentation offers insights into consumer evolution.

Designer segment: Exclusive but trend-defining, powered by labels like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Tarun Tahiliani. These designers modernize sherwanis, bandhgalas, and kurtas, making them aspirational buys.

Premium segment: Positioned between designer exclusivity and mass appeal, this segment emphasizes quality fabrics, tailored fits, and contemporary updates on traditional styles.

Mid-market & mass market: The widest consumer base, driven by affordability, regional brands, and online platforms. This segment caters to everyday festive needs and the growing casual ethnic wear category.

Over the years, GenZ has become the most influential driver of ethnic wear’s evolution. Their fashion values emphasize individuality, digital inspiration, and a new approach to tradition. In fact Gen-Z is less bound by traditional sartorial rules. They are more inclined to experiment with fusion wear, pairing ethnic tops with jeans, sneakers with kurtas, and embracing contemporary silhouettes with traditional embellishments.

However, comfort is paramount for this generation. They seek ethnic wear that is not only stylish but also easy to wear and maintain. Versatility is also key, with an inclination towards pieces that can be styled in multiple ways for different occasions. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest play a major role in shaping their fashion choices. Influencers and celebrity styles heavily impact their purchasing decisions. Online shopping is their preferred mode of buying due to convenience and accessibility. While they appreciate quality and design, Gen-Z is also mindful of price. They actively seek value for their money and are increasingly conscious of sustainable and ethical fashion practices. As designer Kunal Rawal notes, today’s youth is not bound by rules of tradition. They want pieces that move with them, that can be worn at a wedding but also on a night out.

Buying occasions and market share dynamics

The demand for men's ethnic wear peaks during the festive season, which includes major festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Durga Puja, as well as the wedding season. Anil Kumar, CEO of Manyavar-Mohey, explains: “We are seeing rising demand in Tier-II and Tier-III cities where weddings and festivals remain central to social life. But equally important is the everyday ethnic wear category, where men are choosing kurtas for casual dinners or office Fridays.”

Festive season: This period accounts for the largest share of ethnic wear sales. Consumers across all segments actively purchase new outfits to celebrate. The designs during this time often feature vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and traditional motifs.

Wedding season: The wedding market is another significant driver for men's ethnic wear. Grooms and wedding attendees opt for more elaborate and formal attire, ranging from intricately embroidered sherwanis and bandhgalas to elegant kurta-pajama sets. The designer and premium segments see a surge in demand during this time.

Other occasions: Beyond festivals and weddings, there is a growing demand for ethnic wear for other occasions such as family gatherings, religious ceremonies, and even as a style statement for casual outings. This trend is being led by the increasing acceptance and integration of ethnic wear into everyday fashion.

• The modern sherwani: Designer Kunal Rawal has successfully tapped into the Gen-Z market by offering contemporary interpretations of the classic sherwani. His designs feature lighter fabrics, asymmetrical cuts, and minimal embellishments, appealing to the younger generation's preference for comfort and understated style. His social media presence and collaborations with Bollywood celebrities have further amplified his appeal.

• The rise of online ethnic wear platforms: Platforms like Manyavar and Fabindia have expanded their online presence significantly, catering to a wider audience across different price points. Their user-friendly interfaces, diverse collections, and efficient delivery systems have made ethnic wear more accessible, particularly for consumers in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

• Sustainable ethnic wear: Brands like Pero are incorporating sustainable practices and materials into their ethnic wear collections, resonating with environmentally conscious consumers, including a significant portion of Gen-Z. Their use of handloom fabrics and traditional crafts appeals to those seeking unique and ethically produced garments.

Table: Price segments and buying behavior

Note: Data is illustrative and may vary across brands and regions.

Everyday ethnic wear

The cultural redefinition of ethnic wear is only increasing. Designers are experimenting with Indo-western hybrids, retailers are digitizing experiences, and consumers especially Gen-Z are pushing brands toward versatility and sustainability. “Ten years ago, a man in a kurta at a café in Mumbai would stand out. Today, it’s just another style choice,” says Nikhil Mehra of Shantnu & Nikhil, known for blending military cuts with traditional fabrics.

As India’s fashion ecosystem matures, men’s ethnic wear is no longer just about tradition it is about identity, innovation, and inclusivity. The kurta-pajama has evolved from a cultural uniform into a canvas of modern expression.

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20 August 2025, Mumbai 

Global apparel retailer Uniqlo has launched its new Uniqlo and Comptoir Des Cotonniers 2025 Fall/Winter Collection. Combining French chic with Uniqlo’s ‘LifeWear’ philosophy, this capsule collection features seven items with a focus on high-quality materials, carefully selected colors, and modern design details.

The new collection highlights boxy cuts and matching sets. A key feature is the thick corduroy series, which includes curved pants, jackets, and miniskirts that can be worn as standalone pieces or as coordinating sets. Knits in the collection are designed to be simple yet sophisticated, with a focus on fabric and silhouette. The color palette for the collection includes navy, off-white, red, forest green, and chocolate brown, chosen to complement fall and winter styles.

Uniqlo’s ‘LifeWear’ concept is based on Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. The brand aims to create clothing that is constantly innovated to be warmer, lighter, and more comfortable.

Uniqlo is the largest of eight brands under Fast Retailing Co, a major Japanese retail holding company. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen in FY24, Fast Retailing is one of the world's largest apparel retailers. Uniqlo has over 2,500 stores worldwide, as part of the total of nearly 3,600 stores across the Fast Retailing Group's brands.

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22 August 2025, Mumbai 

Global couturier Rahul Mishra has opened his largest flagship store to date in Horniman Circle in Mumbai. Designed in collaboration with architecture and interiors specialist Rooshad Shroff, the new ‘Maison Rahul Mishra’ spans 7,500 sq ft.

Located in the art-focused shopping district of Kala Ghoda, the new store opened its doors as a ‘living museum of couture and craft,’ as per the brand’s announcement.

The boutique is designed as a mix of art, traditional craftsmanship, and style. Upon entering, visitors are presented with Mishra's own sketches, muslin swatches, and botanical embroideries, highlighting the designer's inspirations and artisanal focus. The botanical, entomological, and avian themes found in Mishra's designs are each given dedicated rooms, and motifs from past collections have been translated into interior features, from custom lamps to handwoven carpets, to create an immersive shopping experience.

Rahul Mishra was the first Indian designer to be invited to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week and won the International Woolmark Prize in 2014. In 2023, the French government awarded Mishra the insignia of 'Chevalier de Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.'

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21 August 2025, Mumbai 

One of India's leading multinational fashion brands, Max Fashion has announced a historic first: actor and cultural trendsetter Siddhant Chaturvedi is its first-ever male brand ambassador. Chaturvedi will be the face of the new ‘How New Is Your New?’ campaign, which aims to connect with a generation that values individuality and cultural edge. With his effortless style and ability to resonate with young audiences, Chaturvedi perfectly embodies the energy and ethos of the brand.

This partnership signifies more than just a new campaign; it's a strategic move by Max Fashion to align with the evolving tastes of young Indians. Beyond his mass appeal and Gen Z connection, Chaturvedi brings a unique edge that speaks to modern Indians who live at the intersection of music, movement, and style.

Chaturvedi joins a diverse and influential group of ambassadors that includes Kalki Koechlin and Alaya F Together, this trio mirrors the layered and dynamic nature of modern India. Koechlin represents depth and individuality, Alaya F channels the fearless energy of Gen Z, and Chaturvedi adds a fresh, young ease. They collectively reflect a generation that can confidently transition from casual outings to formal events while embracing both tradition and trend.

This campaign marks a creative and strategic shift for Max, signaling a younger, sharper brand identity. Chaturvedi himself understands this dynamic. ‘Style today is about evolution,’ he says. ‘How New Is Your New?' makes you think about that shift, and Max captures it perfectly with collections that keep up with you, not the other way around.

The campaign's fashion collection is designed for a variety of activities, from athleisure to weekend getaways, making everyday dressing an act of self-expression. Sumit Chandna, Deputy CEO, Max Fashion, notes, the partnership with Chaturvedi is ‘a natural fit’ because he represents the confident, creative, and forward-moving qualities that Max celebrates in its customers. The brand's vision is to ‘democratize fashion’ by offering global trends at affordable prices, making it accessible to fashion-conscious and tech-savvy young families and millennials across India.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

20 August 2025, Mumbai 

Shopping India is no longer just a transaction; it’s becoming a curated journey, tailored down to the very last click, swipe, or step inside a store. Artificial intelligence, once a quiet backstage player, is now centre stage, transforming fashion retail from a one-size-fits-all approach to a deeply personal, almost clairvoyant experience.

Globally, AI in fashion was worth just $0.65 billion in 2022, but its rise is unmistakable. India, in particular, is on the brink of an AI-led fashion boom, with the market expected to grow $216.26 million in 2023 to nearly $2.97 billion by 2032. This is due to a shift in the way fashion brands see their customers and the way customers see themselves.

When AI becomes your stylist

Today’s shoppers have more choice than ever. But paradoxically, too much choice can paralyse. The modern consumer doesn’t just want variety; they want relevance. And that’s where AI-driven hyper-personalization is proving transformative. Fashion platforms now analyze enormous datasets—from browsing patterns and purchase histories to the colours in your Instagram feed to serve up recommendations so spot-on, they feel handpicked by a personal stylist.

Virtual try-ons and AR fitting rooms are fast becoming standard. Using a smartphone camera, customers can see exactly how a sari drapes or how a jacket fits without stepping into a store. This isn’t just a tech gimmick; it’s solving one of e-commerce’s thorniest problems: high return rates.

AI’s reach extends beyond the checkout page. Generative AI is now a creative collaborator for designers, capable of predicting trends, creating new patterns, and even suggesting colour palettes based on global style movements. For brands, this means stocking what customers will want tomorrow, not what they wanted last season.

The omnichannel imperative, online meets offline

If hyper-personalization is the soul of modern retail, omnichannel strategy is its body. Today’s shopper expects their journey to move effortlessly between an app, a website, and a brick-and-mortar store without losing context. The challenge for brands is ensuring that every channel speaks the same language, backed by unified data and inventory.

Reliance Retail has mastered this playbook. With a portfolio spanning Ajio, Trends, and Azorte, and over 18,650 stores its AI-driven systems don’t just track what’s selling; they predict what will sell in each micro-market. The result: hyper-local delivery and a supply chain that seems to self-optimize. Myntra, meanwhile, has made personalization an interactive game. Features like MyFashionGPT let users search by natural language, “Show me cocktail dresses for a monsoon wedding” while My Stylist offers AI-curated looks tailored to the user’s taste and wardrobe.

And then there’s the checkout moment, often overlooked but critical. Fintech player Razorpay is redefining this step with unified payment experiences, ensuring that whether a customer taps, scans, or clicks, their identity and preferences remain consistent.

The growth curve

The speed of AI adoption in India’s fashion retail can be summed up in one chart.

Table: AI adoption in fashion retail

Source: Credence Research

With the Indian retail sector projected to touch $1.4 trillion by 2024, AI isn’t just an add-on, it’s the competitive edge. The brands that master personalization and omnichannel execution will not just participate in this growth; they’ll dominate it.

The future is fitted to you

We’re moving towards a retail reality where your shopping journey will feel as if the store whether digital or physical has been rebuilt just for you. The jacket you browse on your phone will be waiting in your size when you walk into the store. The dress you try on virtually will arrive at your doorstep within hours. And when you pay, the process will be so seamless, you’ll barely notice it happened. In this new era, the winners will be those who don’t just sell clothes but orchestrate experiences where AI doesn’t replace the human touch but amplifies it, making every purchase feel like it was always meant for you.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

22 August 2025, Mumbai 

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) reported a 9 per cent increase in revenue to Rs 1,83` crore in Q1, FY26 with the company’s EBITDA also rising 38 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 169 crore.. The company also narrowed its net loss during the quarter to Rs 234 crore from Rs 238 crore in Q1 FY25.

This growth was primarily driven by the company’s ethnic wear and digital-first portfolios. Ethnic businesses grew by 25per cent Y-o-Y, led by a 79 per cent increase in designer brands, including Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, and Tasva. These brands all posted about 40 per cent like-for-like growth. ABFRL's portfolio of digital-first brands, TMRW grew 38 per cent Y-o-Y, supported by a wider product selection and a physical expansion to 25 stores. Pantaloons recorded quarterly sales of Rs 1,094 crore, with a 3 per cent normalized like-for-like growth and margins at 17.1 per cent. Style Up registered 36 per cent growth with three new stores, while Tasva sales increased by 72 per cent due to a strong wedding season. Jaypore expanded its retail network to 36 stores. The luxury retail segment maintained double-digit profitability and added three new stores, bringing its total to 44.

ABFRL also announced that TMRW received its first investment of about Rs 437 crore in its current funding round from ServiceNow Ventures. Besides, the company opened over 30 new stores during the quarter, expanding its retail space to 7.4 million sq ft.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

21 August 2025, Mumbai 

After seven years, Superkicks has returned to its roots in Mumbai with a bold new flagship store, a 2,800 sq ft space designed as an immersive lifestyle destination. More than just a retail outlet, the new location is a cultural hub that blends global street culture with homegrown influences.

Conceptualized as a ‘Fusion Lab,’ the store merges Mumbai's colonial heritage with contemporary street style. Its design, a collaboration with Restore Design, draws inspiration from the city's seas and streets, featuring a monochrome blue palette, Portuguese-inspired mosaic tiles, arched windows, and a grand staircase that adds a touch of nostalgia. The space also includes Gothic-style fixtures and a planned local mural, further cementing its connection to Mumbai's creative spirit.

The new flagship offers a curated selection of leading sneaker brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Asics. It also features cult global labels such as Carhartt, Aries, and FDMTL, while highlighting Indian brands like Jaywalking, Farak, Thaely, and Almost Gods. Superkicks' own apparel line and past collaborations with brands like Budweiser and Zomaland also underscore its role as a pioneer in India's streetwear movement.

According to Nisha Lulla, CMO & Co-founder, Superkicks, the new flagship is their most ambitious project to date and an ‘ode to the city. She emphasizes, the space was designed to match Mumbai’s spirit and stature.

Sangeet Paryani, CEO & Co-founder, adds, the store represents the brand's journey of ‘self-discovery.’ He explains, it was built to ‘spark dialogue, fuel expression, and bring creative culture to life,’ uniting product, passion, and purpose.

Beyond retail, the store is planned as a cultural experience, with future events including live music, brand activations, and exclusive drops. It also features a cafe, The Wholesome Pantry, run by sisters Manpreet and Anupreet Dhody, which adds a curated menu to the in-store experience.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

20 August 2025, Mumbai 

An experiential retail startup, Broadway India has appointed Sankalp Kathuria as its new Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. He is tasked with leading the company's next phase of growth and expansion.

An alumnus of Kellogg School of Management and BITS Pilani, Kathuria brings a strong background in technology and business. He most recently served as Senior Vice President at Zomato, where he was in charge of the company's dining business in both India and the UAE. He also has prior experience with the consulting firm Bain & Company.

In his new role, Kathuria is taking over from Vivek Biyani, who is transitioning to the position of Investor and Chairman of the Board. Kathuria expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, he is excited to bring his learnings from building online businesses into the world of physical retail - creating spaces where consumers discover, connect, and fall in love with new-age brands.

Broadway currently operates flagship stores in Delhi and Hyderabad. The company plans to expand its tech-enabled retail format to new markets, with a specific focus on Pune and Mumbai. This format is designed to provide immersive physical spaces for digital-first brands, allowing them to connect with consumers offline.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

22 August 2025, Mumbai 

Just ahead of India’s festive shopping season, Google has unveiled its Commerce Media Suite, a powerful new solution that could redefine how brands and retailers engage with digital consumers. Designed to bridge the gap between consumer discovery and purchase, the suite integrates Google’s vast ecosystem with leading e-commerce and quick commerce platforms like Myntra, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto.

By harnessing artificial intelligence and first-party data, the Commerce Media Suite promises to help brands boost visibility, reduce customer acquisition costs, and gain granular insights into consumer behaviour, a crucial advantage in India’s hyper-competitive online retail landscape.

What exactly is Google’s Commerce Media Suite?

At its core, the Commerce Media Suite acts as a unified gateway for brands to connect with ‘high-intent shoppers’ these are consumers who are already in the market to buy. The suite builds on Google Ads infrastructure but introduces advanced capabilities that directly link consumer searches, YouTube engagement, or display interactions to real-time marketplace purchases.

Important features include:

AI-Driven optimization: Google’s machine learning tailors campaigns in real time, ensuring brands reach the right customers at the right moment.

Higher transparency: Instead of generic metrics, brands receive actionable insights into which ads drive meaningful results.

First-party data access: Partnering with marketplaces allows brands unprecedented access to rich consumer data, crucial in a privacy-first era.

Product-level measurement: For the first time, brands can measure impact at the SKU level, understanding exactly which product sold due to a specific campaign.

As Bhaskar Ramesh, Director of Omni-channel Businesses at Google India says, “The Commerce Media Suite opens fresh pathways for discovery across Google and YouTube. It enables stronger results across quick commerce and e-commerce, an edge brands need during peak demand seasons.”

Why fashion & apparel will be the biggest beneficiaries

Among all categories, fashion and apparel stand to gain the most. The sector thrives on visual storytelling, impulse discovery, and fast-moving trends all of which align seamlessly with Google’s new offering. In India, a shopper’s fashion journey is rarely linear: inspiration may spark from a YouTube haul video, followed by a Google Search for styling options, and end in a Myntra purchase. The Commerce Media Suite is designed to capture and unify this fragmented journey.

For fashion brands, this means. Higher ad relevance & conversion as by targeting high-intent shoppers, brands reduce wasted ad spend and boost ROI. It will also lead to clearer campaign impact as product-level data reveals whether a Google ad drove the sale of a specific dress, sneaker, or handbag.

Integrated marketing is another advantage as a unified brand presence across ‘Search, YouTube, and Display’ ensures consistency and drives a seamless funnel from discovery to purchase.

Proof of performance from early adopters

Although the suite was launched recently, early adopters across categories are already reporting compelling results.

Table: Early successes stories

The case of RENÉE Cosmetics offers valuable insights for fashion and beauty brands. Achieving double-digit sales growth while cutting acquisition costs nearly in half demonstrates the suite’s potential to scale efficiently without compromising profits.

A shift in digital retail strategy

India’s digital commerce market is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by Gen-Z consumers, influencer-led discovery, and the rise of quick commerce. Google’s Commerce Media Suite arrives at a time, offering brands the ability to align marketing investments directly with measurable sales outcomes. For fashion retailers, the suite represents more than a new advertising tool, it’s a platform to navigate a cluttered digital environment. By combining Google’s unmatched search and video dominance with India’s booming e-commerce marketplaces, the Commerce Media Suite is effectively rewriting the rulebook for online retail.

As brands gear up for the festive rush, the message is clear: the future of e-commerce belongs to those who can seamlessly connect discovery with purchase—and Google wants to be the bridge that makes it happen.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

21 August 2025, Mumbai 

Boss has roped in Indian actor and dancer Ishaan Khatter as one of the brand ambassadors for its ‘Be Your Own Boss’ Fall/Winter 2025 campaign.

As an emerging 'It Boy' in the entertainment industry, Khatter embodies the spirit of ambition and individuality that defines the Boss ethos. His recent starring role in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival film, Homebound has strengthened his status as one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood. From his early days of honing his craft to his ascent as an internationally recognized actor, Khatter's journey is a testament to his relentless drive, versatility, and passion for storytelling.

Joining Khatter in the campaign are other inspiring talents who are making their mark across various fields including Aaron Pierre, the classically trained English actor and upcoming DC Studios superhero; S Coups, the globally acclaimed K-pop superstar and leader of Seventeen; Taylor Fritz, the fastest-rising star on the professional tennis circuit and Amelia Gray, one of the fashion industry’s most sought-after new faces.

The campaign film captures Khatter’s journey through a symbolic tunnel, moving towards a bright light that represents his ambitions and accomplishments. He emerges in an intimate portrait, styled in elegant, tonally harmonious designs from the Boss Fall/Winter 2025 collection. His presence in the campaign reflects the essence of what it means to ‘Be the Next" Boss - someone who isn’t afraid to take risks, embrace challenges, and carve out their own legacy.

The Boss Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be available at Boss stores worldwide, on boss.com, and through wholesale partners. The campaign will be supported by a 360-degree marketing plan, including large-scale outdoor advertising and digital billboards in key cities.

LATEST FASHION NEWS

20 August 2025, Mumbai 

Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) is making a comeback to New Delhi, with events scheduled from October 8-12, 2025. The move comes after the bi-annual event, collaboration between Lakmé and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), celebrated its 25th anniversary in Mumbai earlier this year.

The Delhi edition is organized by Lakmé India, the FDCI, and Reliance Brands. The organizers highlighted the importance of showcasing Indian fashion in the capital, which they consider a major fashion hub.

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmé India, emphasized the event's lasting legacy in shaping Indian fashion and its commitment to innovation. Echoing this sentiment, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, noted the event's crucial role in empowering designers and opening up new markets for the industry. Jaspreet Chandok, Vice President, Reliance Brands, added, LFW is more than just a series of runway shows; it's a ‘cultural moment’ that showcases creativity and innovation.

This event is a key platform for both established and emerging designers, and it aims to boost the business of fashion in India while celebrating the country's rich craftsmanship.

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