30 July 2024, Mumbai

Now available at Bata India, America's renowned fashion accessories brand, Nine West has teamed up with India's leading couturier AmitAggarwal to unveil their latest collections at the FDCI India Couture Week. The collaboration artfully explores the concept of 'Time' from various perspectives, showcasing the future of fashion in India. The new collections of both these brands reflect the spirit of the modern Indian woman—mysterious and inspired by the ever-changing landscape of global fashion.

DeepikaDeepti, Head –Marketing, Bata India, states, the runway-ready heels by Nine West paired with Agarwal’s avant-garde couture create a perfect blend for a stylish spectacle. The availability of these heels at select Bata stores across the country and on Bata.com, make runway-inspired footwear accessible to everyone.

Attended by the country's top fashion critics, style icons, and influencers, the runway presentation featured Aggarwal's stunning designs paired with Nine West's latest collection. The collaboration celebrated the empowered women of today, featuring an exquisite array of sleek embellished stilettos and metallic heels alongside Aggarwal's 'Antevorata' collection, showcasing modern femininity and timeless couture elegance.

Footwear from the showcase will be available for purchase at select Bata stores across India and on bata.com, offering fashion enthusiasts the chance to incorporate these runway-inspired pieces into their special occasion wardrobes.

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 29 July 2024, Mumbai

Designer JJ Valaya unveiled his new autumn/winter collection, ‘Muraqqa’ at the India Couture Week 2024.

A tribute to the enduring legacy of Islamic art, the collection capturesthe essence of the traditional muraqqa—a term historically referring to a patchwork manuscript. It weaves together the artistic influenceand aesthetic heritage of the three iconic capitals: Istanbul, Isfahan, and Delhi.

Each piece in the collection symbolises the timeless beauty and intricate craftsmanship synonymous with these cultural centres. It narratesa tale of tradition and opulence while embracing contemporary design elements.

Inspired by the beautifully decorated albums in the Islamic world known as Muraqqa, the collection offers a modern interpretation of the artistic legacies of these capitals. It celebrates the depth and beauty of Islamic art by connecting the past with the present.

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27 July 2024, Mumbai

Expanding its retail footprint in Maharashtra, premium apparel brand Ranna Gill has launched its maiden store in the Kopa Mall, Pune.

Marking the brand's 10th flagship location in India, the new store features a glass façade with an ivory and gold interior. It offers a serene, oasis-like atmosphere. The store launched with Gill’s Summer 2024 collection including printed sets, floral blazers, and other fusion-style women’s ready-to-wear items.

Gill already operates five exclusive brand outlets in the Delhi NCR area and four in Mumbai. The brand also sells directly to customers through its e-commerce store and plans to further expand its physical presence across India. The brand’s store in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ludhiana are set to open soon.

Launched by designer Ranna Gillafter her graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, the eponymous brand retails across the globe through multi-brand boutique Anthropologie.

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30 July 2024, Mumbai

Bella Casa Fashion & Retail recorded a 58 per cent growth in revenues to Rs 78 crore during Q1, FY25 as against Rs 47 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous fiscal. The company’s profit for the quarter increased by 65 per cent to Rs 3 crore ($358,271) as against Rs 2 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

This surge in the company’s revenues and profit was driven by a significant 173 percent increase in apparel sales volume, reaching 21 lakh pieces, while home furnishing sales remained strong with 3 lakh units sold.

Saurav Gupta, Director, Bella Casa, states, the quarter marks a robust start to FY25, with peak utilisation and a promising business outlook indicating exciting growth ahead. The company’s strategic decisions, particularly its frugal yet impactful investments in capacity expansion, are geared towards optimising returns on equity and capital employed, ensuring superior cash conversion cycles.

One of India's largest manufacturers of home furnishings and designer ethnic wear, Bella Casa Fashion serves over 50 domestic brands.

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29 July 2024, Mumbai

Celebrated fashion designer TarunTahiliani'sikat-inspired uniforms for the India contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics are being heavily criticised by industry stalwarts from across all quarters. Designed in the colors of the national flag, the uniforms are being slammed as cheap and tacky on social media.

Columnist DrNanditaIyer says, she has seen better sarees sold in Mumbai streets for Rs. 200 than the ceremonial uniforms designed by Tahiliani. She describes these uniforms as a combination of digital prints, cheap polyester fabric, and an unimaginative use of the tricolor.

Echoing similar sentiments, actor Tara Deshpande comments, the uniforms look absolutely awful. An user of the social media platform X, Namita, adds, crumpled kurtas, polyester printed sarees, faded colors, coming from the land of a hundred-plus handloom fabrics, numerous outstanding weaves, and vibrant colors. Travesty.

The uniforms featured male athletes in white kurta pajamas with jackets showcasing the saffron and green of the Indian tricolor, while female athletes wore sarees. Critics questioned the decision to use printed ikat instead of genuine ikat weaves. Malayalam writer NS Madhavan remarks, Indian athletes like this - dull and ordinary in these uniforms. Tahiliani’s mix of plastic-sheet-like saree, printed ikat, and unimaginative use of tricolor shut the window to the splendid world of Indian textiles.

Defending his choices, Tahilianiexplains, ikat was chosen as it is emblematic of a weaving tradition practiced around the country. However, to meet timelines, his Tasva team had to use digital print ikat.

Tahiliani also defended the use of viscose over cotton, stating, viscose is a wood pulp fiber and lets you breathe. It is cooler than silk.

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27 July 2024, Mumbai

Online fashion retail brand KingsCraft Online Brands has targeted Rs 50 crore in revenue from its newly launched e-commerce platform, Underrated Club, within this fiscal year. The Pune-based company also plans to venture into offline segments by establishing 50 fashion retail stores across Tier-I cities by March next year.

Bootstrapped with an investment of Rs 8 crore, Underrated Club is strategically positioned as a key player in the affordable luxury streetwear segment. The company plans to tie up with leading e-commerce platforms and establish a physical presence through retail partnerships, pop-up stores, and flagship stores in key metropolitan cities.

As part of its expansion, the company plans to establish physical retail stores in cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad within the current fiscal year. Its goal is to reach Rs 200-crore topline from the platform over the next three years.

URC brings a fresh, dynamic edge to streetwear tailored specifically for the youth, says KartikAnand, Co-founder of Underrated Club. The brand is expanding its offerings to include a diverse mix of fashion elements, ensuring there's something for everyone, he adds.

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29 July 2024, Mumbai

India's vibrant fashion scene is facing a fiery challenge: climate change. With increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, particularly in North-Western regions like Rajasthan and Delhi, the way Indians dress is undergoing a transformation. Let's explore the impact of these scorching summers on fashion trends.

Data from the World Weather Attribution initiative paints a concerning picture. The likelihood of extreme heatwaves in India has risen a staggering 45 times due to climate change. This primarily affects the densely populated Indo-Gangetic plains and central India, where heatwaves are becoming longer and more intense.

Shifting styles from fabric to fashion

The most immediate impact is on fabric choices. Traditionally heavy fabrics like brocade and silks, especially popular in wedding attire and formal wear, are taking a backseat. "Customers are actively seeking lightweight materials like cotton mulmul and khadi," says Mumbai-based designer Anya Rao, "Natural fibers that breathe are becoming the new gold standard."

The shift extends beyond fabrics. Sari drapes are getting shorter and more manageable, while kurta pyjamas are opting for looser fits. "Sales of dhotis, which were already declining, have almost plummeted," says Delhi-based menswear designer Shrey Jain, "The comfort factor is paramount now."

Breathable materials like cotton and khadi are gaining popularity, points out Aisha Rao. There is an increase in demand for breezy cotton kurtas and flowy dresses. Synthetic fabrics are taking a backseat due to their heat-trapping properties.

Long-term impact

In the long-run, heatwaves impact on Indian fashion is a double-edged sword. While summers are undeniably hotter, some experts believe winters might become milder due to climate change. This could lead to a potential year-round focus on lightweight, breathable clothing. However, there's also a concern about unpredictable weather patterns. "We might see a rise in 'transitional' clothing that works for both hot and slightly cooler days," says Rao.

Meanwhile consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious. A 2023 survey by Assocham Social Responsibility Council found 72 per cent Indian millennials are willing to pay a premium for sustainable clothing. This shift in consumer behavior is likely to incentivize brands to adopt greener practices.

However, Indian fashion industry is known for its resilience and ability to adapt. This heatwave challenge is no different. Sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo are gaining traction due to their breathability and lower environmental impact. Additionally, innovations in textile technology, like moisture-wicking fabrics, are being explored to combat the rising heat.

The future of Indian fashion is likely to be a blend of tradition and innovation. Designers will need to balance the rich heritage of Indian textiles with the practicalities of a warming climate. As Jain puts it, "We need to find a way to be comfortable in our own skin, and in our clothes, in this new reality."

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 29 July 2024, Mumbai

Grappling with a prolonged slowdown in consumption, major retail chains in India like Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, and Spencer’s Retailare embarking on cost cutting initiatives including exiting unprofitable markets, and raising debts.

Having persisted for over 18 months, the current slowdown was exacerbated by an extended election season and heatwaves across several regions last quarter. Companies that rapidly expanded their store networks to capitalise on post-pandemic revenge shopping are now rationalising their operations to sustain business, according to executives.

In the last three months ending June 2024, India’s largest retailer, Reliance Retail, closed 249 stores. The company also decelerated its expansion, opening 331 new stores in the quarter compared to 470-800 stores per quarter in FY22, FY23, and FY24. Consequently, Reliance Retail made 82 net new store additions last quarter—the lowest in 15 quarters.

Spencer’s Retail has decided to exit the North and South India markets entirely, closing 49 stores in the National Capital Region (NCR), Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This move will eliminate Rs 490 crore in annual revenue, but the company hopes it will enhance profitability.

Kavindra Mishra, CEO, Shoppers Stop, informs, forced by regulatory and other issues, the company aims to defer store openings this fiscal year. Additionally, it also plans to borrow Rs 100 crore for expansion as demand remains weak.

V-Mart Retail closed 22 stores in the first six months of 2024, according to its latest investor presentation. The company is pruning underperforming locations during these times of demand stress, says DevangshuDutta, CEO, Third Eyesight, a retail sector consulting firm

Analysts note, banking on pent-up demand and revenge shopping, most retailers expanded rapidly after the pandemic. However, now with demand being sluggish, the industry has initiated measures to sustain operations.

Led by Dinesh Taluja, CEO, Reliance Retailis streamlining operations to improve margins while Spencer’s Retail is closing 49 stores that account for nearly 22 per cent of its revenue. The company now plans to focus on Uttar Pradesh and the East, notes Anuj Singh, CEO.

The sustained demand slowdown led chains like Pantaloons, Spencer's Retail, and Nature’s Basket to close more stores than they opened last fiscal year. Retailers such as V-Mart Retail, W, Aurelia, and Titan Eye+ experienced a higher rate of store closures than openings in the March quarter.

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 27 July 2024, Mumbai

Expanding its retail presence in the Indian market, global fashion retailer H&M has launched its new store in Mumbai.

Located at KL Victoria in Bandra, the store is spread across 2,020 sq m. Inaugurated by actor Aditya Roy Kapur, the store houses a range of collection for men, women, and children across categories.

Yanira Ramirez, Country Sales Manager, H&M India, says, the new store exemplifies the brand’s efforts to elevate the shopping experience of its customers. Inspired by Mumbai’s vibrant and dynamic community, the store offers the latest trends and sustainable fashion choices, he adds.

H&M India currently is present across all major in cities across India, and also sells online through its website.

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29 July 2024, Mumbai

Celebrity weddings in India are not just about extravagant ceremonies and A-list guests, they're also a massive driver for the fashion industry. This trend, that got a boost from social media and lavish events, has seen a rise in both Indian designers and global brands catering to the booming bridal wear market.

Indian designers take center stage

Traditionally, Indian weddings were a showcase for opulent ethnic wear. This trend continues, but with a twist. Designers like Rahul Mishra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Manish Malhotra have become household names, creating intricate bridal lehengas and wedding ensembles that blend heritage with modern aesthetics. Their success is evident in the long waiting lists and the significant rise in their businesses, driven largely by weddings.

Celebrity influence

High-profile weddings like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's in 2017, and more recently, Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's pre-wedding festivities, have put Indian fashion in the spotlight. These events, splashed across social media and traditional media, serve as major advertisements for the designers chosen by the bride, groom, and their families.

While designers remain tight-lipped about exact costs, the price range can be staggering. For instance, bespoke lehengas by Manish Malhotra can range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs14 lakh, depending on the intricacy of the embroidery. Similarly, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla's creations start at Rs 3 lakh and can go up to Rs15 lakh per piece.

Global brands get a slice of the pie

While Indian designers reign supreme, global brands are not to be left out. The Ambani wedding celebrations showcased high fashion labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Roberto Cavalli alongside Indian designers. Even for non-celebrity weddings, the influence of global brands is undeniable, with brides and guests seeking a curated, uniform aesthetic.

A pan-India trend

The wedding fashion boom isn't limited to big cities. Statista, a European data firm, reports that prominent Tier II cities are witnessing significant growth in fashion spending, driven largely by weddings. This is attributed to rapid urbanization and growing prosperity in these regions.

The Indian fashion industry is on a steady growth path, projected to reach $200 billion by 2030. This is being pushed up by a growing affluent class, rising disposable income, and increasing e-commerce penetration. With celebrity weddings continuing to grab headlines and social media attention, Indian designers and global brands alike can expect to benefit from this booming market.

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29 July 2024, Mumbai

French casualwear giant Lacoste has inaugurated a new store spanning 1,400 sqft in Bhatinda, Punjab.

The new outlet raises the total store count of Lacoste in Punjab to four with other locations being Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, states Abhishek Raj, Chief Operating office.

Indicating the brand’s strong appeal amongst younger, almost one-third of Lacoste’s sales in India are generated by the youth demographic, as per a report by IndiaRetailing. The brand offers a diverse products range including apparel, accessories, leather goods, watches, sunglasses, perfumes, footwear, and underwear, catering to a variety of fashion needs.

Since its entry into the Indian market in 1993, Lacoste has expanded to over 50 stores across more than 20 cities. Founded by French tennis player René Lacoste and co-founder André Gillier, the brand is the first label to feature a logo on its clothing.

Today, Lacoste operates over 1,000 stores and has 15,000 points of sale in 98 countries. Additionally, its products are available through 32 online stores worldwide, ensuring a robust global presence.

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 27 July 2024, Mumbai

India’s leading ethnic wear brand, Libas is adopting an omnichannel approach to boost sales during its flagship event, 'Purple Days,' being held from July 27- Aug 4, 2024

At the sale event, Libas has activated multiple sales channels, both online and offline to expand reach across the country. The brand is also amplifying the event’s reach by partnering with influencers and brand ambassadors.

SidhantKeshwani, Founder and CEO, says, the sale promises to be the most remarkable event yet for the brand. The omnichannel approach adopted by it ensures maximum consumer engagement both online and in stores.”

The approach allows customers to enjoy the same exceptional discounts and offers, whether they choose to shop from the comfort of their homes or visit our physical locations. This seamless integration reflects the brand’s commitment to provide an unparalleled shopping experience.

Libas recently raised Rs 150 crore from IAF Series 5, a fund managed by ICICI Venture, to expand its operations and open new stores.

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