One of India’s greatest designers, Rohit Bal presented his latest collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, at the finale of this season's LFW X FDCI 2024 held at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi.

The model lineup to showcase the collection aligned perfectly with the designer’s vision as supermodels Lakshmi Rana and Sheetal Mallar created a mesmerising sight with their iconic twirls in Bal's kalidaar dresses.

A poetic tribute to the beauty of nature, Bal's collection featured exquisite hand-painted motifs of roses, peacocks, horses, and parakeets, each piece contributing to the visual feast. The entire showcase was a celebration of nature’s artistry on the runway.

While many designers struggled to make a lasting impression at the fashion show, Rohit Bal proved to be the saving grace at LFW X FDCI 2025. His mastery of craft and storytelling set him apart, leaving fashion enthusiasts in awe.

After nearly six quarters of sluggish growth, demand for clothes and accessories is on a rebound. Sales in the discretionary category have been rising since the last twoweeks. Driven by winter and the upcoming wedding season, demand will continue to remain strong over the next few quarters, says Lalit Agarwal Chairman, V-Mart, a value retailer with nearly 470 stores in smaller towns.

After two years of pandemic-induced growth, sales of discretionary items, including apparel, footwear, and beauty products, began slowing in 2023. Retailers faced weak consumer sentiment, particularly in mass and lower-priced categories, as inflation-strained consumers reduced spending.

However, the first two weeks of October saw promising growth, spurred by the festive season. This momentum is expected to continue upto Diwali, opines Dinesh Taluja, CFO, Reliance Retail. Echoeing his optimism, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas & Unity Group, adds, a rise in wedding-related purchases will lead to an improved outlook for the sector.

As per a recent report by Centrum, recovery in rural market is driving the demand for value apparel which is witnessing 15 per cent sales growth. Consumers at the bottom-of-the pyramid have also started buying again, adds Devarajan Iyer, CEO, Lifestyle International.

However, retailers continue to remain cautious about placing new orders to avoid inventory pileups. Manish Kapoor, Managing Director, Pepe Jeans, emphasiseson a careful inventory management, preferring stock-outs over excess stock. Rising cotton prices, along with higher shipping costs and currency depreciation, have previously contributed to the slowdown in the mass-priced segment, he says.

Exploring the idea of infinity through their creations, designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi launched their latest collection, ‘Loop’ at the LFWXFDCI 2024.

Offering everything from smart casual structured jackets and wide leg pants to embellished evening wear looks, the collection also includes kimono bomber jackets, structured cocoon skirts, and jumpsuits with defined waistlines and clean silhouettes.

Featuring structured silhouettes, the collection is innovatively designed and plays with structures and added dimensions. It transforms the infinity loop pattern into a signature lattice-like textile, used to create structure and drama. Made from materials including felted wool, glazed silk organza, and Duchess Satin, the collection boasts of a color palette ranging from burgundy to light blue with swathes of monochrome.

Held from Oct 09-13, 2024 in New Delhi, the LFW X FDCI 2024 event featured brands including Tarun Tahiliani, Antar Agni, Samant Chauhan, Pero, etc.

Despite the rise of e-commerce, India is witnessing an increase in demand for physical retail space. What explains this seemingly contradictory trend? This paradox is highlighted in, JLL's recent report ‘India Retail: Evolving to a New Dawn. While e-commerce continues its rapid growth, demand for physical retail space is also on the rise.

India's e-commerce market is expected to reach $150 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 25 per cent. Meanwhile over 38 million sq ft of retail developments are in the pipeline across India's top cities between the second half of 2023 and 2027. While specific data from the JLL report is unavailable, India's private consumption expenditure grew by 6 per cent in fiscal year 2023.

Resolving the paradox

There are several factors behind this seemingly contradictory scenario.

Omnichannel strategy: Retailers are increasingly adopting an omnichannel approach, integrating online and offline channels to provide a seamless shopping experience. Physical stores serve as experience centers, showcasing products and building brand loyalty, while online channels offer convenience and wider reach.

Experiential retail: Malls are evolving into lifestyle destinations, offering entertainment, dining, and social experiences alongside shopping. This attracts consumers seeking more than just transactional interactions.

Tier II & III city expansion: Retailers are expanding their footprint beyond major metros, lured by the growing disposable incomes and purchasing power of Tier II and III cities consumers. These cities often have limited e-commerce penetration, making physical stores crucial for reaching new customers.

E-commerce limitations: Despite its growth, e-commerce faces challenges in India, including logistics, delivery infrastructure, and consumer trust, especially in categories like high-value items and fresh produce. Moreover, while e-commerce offers convenience, many consumers still value the tangible experience of shopping in physical stores, especially for apparels, footwear, and beauty products.

Investment in infrastructure: Government initiatives like the development of highways and EV charging stations are creating new opportunities for "highway retail," further driving demand for physical retail spaces.

Therefore, the simultaneous growth of e-commerce and physical retail in India is not a contradiction rather it’s a reflection of the evolving retail landscape. Retailers are adapting to changing consumer preferences by embracing omnichannel strategies, creating experiential spaces, and expanding into new markets. This dynamic interplay between online and offline channels is shaping the future of retail in India, offering consumers greater choice and convenience.

Giving a glamorous twist to sustainable fashion, designer Abhishek Sharma organised a runway show at LFW X FDCI 2024.

Titled, ‘Trin,’ the show featured a blend of earthy and shimmering textiles. It culminated in a stunning finale with model Ujjawal Raut closing the show in a sparkling gown.

Inspired by the Indian grassland, garments in the collection were made from layered fabrics, shaped like large blades of grass. Blending surface ornamentation with kantha embroidery, 3D hand embellishments, draping, and beadwork, Sharma created dramatic occasion wear looks.

Held in New Delhi from Oct 09-13, the LFW X FDCI 2024 show featured numerous design challenges including a dedicated Sustainable Fashion Day. The event united both established and emerging designers from across India.

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged the state government to introduce a new policy to protect the interests of local retailers and streamline the sector’s functioning in Goa.

Local traders in the state find it difficult to comply with the various rules introduced by the Department of Legal Metrology, says Manoj Caculo, Former President, GCCI and Chairman and Managing Director, Caculo Group of Companies. This often leads to small businesses and retailers often bearing the brunt of lapses by the manufacturing companies, he adds.

Already under pressure from the e-commerce industry, Goa’s retail sector is further challenged by the ever-increasing regulatory compliances, notes GCCI. Around 85 per cent of the state’s retail sector is unorganised and government needs to introduce a simplified single-window system for retailers, the organisation adds.

To train and equip Goa’s smaller brick-and-mortar stores with the tools required to compete with larger e-commerce companies, GCCI plans to collaborate with the Retailers Association of India (RAI) in the state. The collaboration will enable GCCI to empower small mom-and-pop shops to compete with the bigger players, adds Caculo.

According to Hari Kaul, Chairman-Retail Committee, GCCI, having about 20,000 to 25,000 retailers and wholesale traders, the retail sector in Goa is largely unorganised. There is not a single source of information for mid-size or a small retailers to know about the changing compliances, he adds.

A premium women’s fashion brand, Niyara India launched its exclusive online store on Oct 12, 2024, with a mission to deliver high-quality, stylish, and accessible fashion to modern Indian women. With India’s fashion industry projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, Niyara is poised to offer designs that blend luxury, comfort, and empowerment.

Featuring a variety of evening gowns, dresses, shirts, trousers, etc, the Niyara collection offers elegant workwear, casual wear, and signature gowns for special events. Designed with high-end fabrics and intricate detailing, the garments blend luxury and comfort in equal measure. Through this collection, Niyara India aims to offer women fashion that helps them express their individuality with confidence.

Targeting the rapidly growing online fashion market in India, Niyara India expects a turnover of Rs 5 crore in its first year. The brand launched with online retail, collaborations, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed at reaching fashion-forward consumers. Its online store makes globally inspired, premium fashion more accessible to Indian women, says Manasi Shetty, Director and CEO.

Under Shetty’s leadership, Niyara India aims to redefine the standards of premium fashion by making stylish, high-quality clothing accessible to women across the country.

Renowned actor and entrepreneur, Rana Daggubati has joined India’s first all-white lifestyle brand, Kingdom of White as an investor.

Known for redefining the concept of wearing white by offering versatile, sophisticated styles, Kingdom of White will benefit significantly from this investment. It will enable the brand to expand its presence across India by taking the omnichannel route.

Daggubatti’s investment in the Kingdom of White also reaffirms the brand’s vision to offer timeless and effortless style to customers who appreciate the versatility of white, notes Vineet Haralalka, Co-founder. His support will help the brand grow its footprint across India besides introducing minimalist styles to a wider audience, he adds.

Kingdom of White’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and style is outstanding, states Daggubati. The versatility and timeless appeal of their designs resonate with consumers who appreciate simplicity and sophistication, he adds.

Daggubati’s involvement with Kingdom of White aligns with his reputation as a sharp investor and entrepreneur, alongside his remarkable success in Indian cinema. His support to the brand highlights his commitment to innovative businesses that resonate with consumers and promote refined, elegant fashion.

Gen Z, the digital natives born between 1997 and 2012, are rapidly emerging as the key consumer segment in India. With their unique preferences and behaviors, they're keeping fashion retailers on their toes and prompting a wave of innovation and adaptation.

Gen Z, the ‘Vibe’ shoppers

As per Bain & Co. and Myntra, India has almost 60 million Gen Z shoppers who actively buy online. This demographic holds a significant 20-25 per cent share of the online lifestyle market, valued at approximately $4 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV). As per Mint, the Gen Z segment is poised for significant growth. In terms of spending behaviour, while Gen Z shoppers spend less per transaction than millennials (an average of $7-8 vs. $14-16), they make up for it with higher shopping frequency, averaging 8-9 purchases annually compared to the national average of 5-6. No wonder, Myntra, the leading online fashion platform, aims to grow its Gen Z shopper base from 16 million to a remarkable 40-45 million in the next few years.

Gen Z shoppers are known for their distinctive style and preferences. They are trend-conscious and heavily influenced by social media, constantly seeking the latest styles and looks. Their signature style often leans toward athleisure, with oversized trousers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, crop tops, and sneakers being popular choices. They are not afraid to experiment with different looks and express their individuality through fashion. What’s more they are budget-minded, they prioritize value and are drawn to online-first brands that offer trendy styles at affordable prices.

Retailers firm up strategies to woo GenZ shoppers

Indeed, with such a big segment in the market, GenZ are in focus for most brands and retailers. Many are adopting various strategies to attract GenZ consumers. For example, fashion retailer Myntra has introduced a dedicated section called 'FWD' for Gen Z shoppers, offering curated looks and collections aligned with their tastes. The platform also provides budget-friendly options starting at Rs 499. Sunder Balasubramanian, Marketing Officer at Myntra explains, five years later, every brand will need to cater to this demographic because they would be a very big business. We’ve made some progress, going from 8 million Gen Z shoppers to 16 million now. The future for us is how do we go from 16 million and add another 20 million to 25 million in the next couple of years.

Max Fashion known for its budget friendly offerings has partnered young influencers and launched new private labels to appeal to Gen Z's 'vibe-driven' shopping behavior. As Sumit Chandna, President, Max Fashion told Mint, “This consumer doesn’t shop like their predecessors. They are forever roaming the market. Whatever vibes with them, they will pick it up as and when they see it. As a result, legacy brands have to reinvent and reposition themselves continuously.”

Madame a popular women’s brand is repositioning itself to cater to Gen Z's experimental nature and secure their loyalty for the long term. Stores and collections have been revamped to create a more youthful appeal. As Akhil Jain, Executive Director, Madame opines, this demography will be their future customers in the next five years, hence they need to catch them early.

The moot point is, Gen Z is a rapidly growing and influential consumer segment in the fashion industry. And retailers need to adapt to their preferences, focusing on trendy styles, athleisure, value, and online-first brands. And catching Gen Z early is crucial for long-term customer loyalty and growth.

To enhance its visibility amongst millennials and Gen-Z, VIP Clothing has roped in Indian Super League (ISL)’s Kerala Blasters Football Club, as their associate sponsor for the season.

The company recently also forayed into the athleisure market with the launch of its new collection, ‘Rivolta.’ It is excited to see the result of its collaboration with ISL which has created a buzz among the people of India, says Kapil Pathare, Director, VIP Clothing.

Offering a range of apparel for men and women including T-shirts, shorts, joggers, etc, VIP Clothing sells its products through online marketplaces and retail stores across India.

The Mall of Faridabad has welcomed the launch of Blackberrys new flagship store on the first floor, enhancing its range of fashion options. Known for its premium business and casual apparel, Blackberrys now brings its contemporary styles to one of the city’s top shopping destinations.

Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group, expressed his excitement about the store’s opening, emphasizing how Blackberrys dedication to quality complements the mall’s vision for an elevated shopping experience. He believes the brand’s addition will enrich choices for visitors and strengthen the mall's position in the region.

With Blackberrys now in its lineup, the mall continues to attract style-conscious shoppers, offering a selection that ranges from sophisticated formalwear to stylish casual outfits.

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) recently held an event, as celebration of the CMAI's achievements under Rajesh Masand's leadership and a warm welcome to Santosh Katariya as the new president. The speakers expressed confidence in Katariya's ability to lead the association into the future and continue to serve the interests of its members.
Rajesh Masand, the outgoing president, reflected on his 22-year journey at CMAI, emphasizing his passion for serving the industry. In his farewell speech, Masand expressed his gratitude to the CMAI for giving him the opportunity to serve as president for four years. He highlighted some of his key achievements during his tenure, such as the launch of the NIGF (North India Garment Fair), Brands of India show in Dubai and the establishment of the CMAI Innovation Hub. Masand also praised his successor, Santosh Katariya, for his leadership qualities and experience in the apparel industry.
Ashok Rajani, a member at board of trustees, CMAI, praised Masand for his leadership and described him as a "tsunami of sorts" for CMAI. He highlighted Masand's humility, mischievous smile, and ability to get things done. Rajani also expressed confidence in Katariya's ability to lead CMAI to new heights, building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.
Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, spoke highly of Santosh Katariya, the new president. He praised Katariya's character, leadership skills, and professional achievements. Mehta mentioned Katariya's significant contributions to building the "Peppermint" brand in the kids' wear segment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead CMAI effectively. He also highlighted Katariya's experience as a committee member for 35 years and his reputation for being supportive and encouraging.
Santosh Katariya, the newly appointed president, expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the challenges ahead. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration among members to navigate the evolving nature of the fashion industry. Katariya also highlighted his commitment to leadership and his vision for the future of CMAI, which includes strengthening the association, improving trade facilitation, and promoting ESG compliance.