01 August 2024, Mumbai

Vivek Biyani, the scion of India's retail dynasty, is set to disrupt the industry once again with his new venture, Broadway. Billed as a ‘new-age departmental store’, it aims to cater to the unique consumption patterns of India's digital-first generation. This venture marks a significant departure from the traditional retail model, promising to cater to the evolving preferences of India's tech-savvy youth. The store will exclusively house digital-first brands, offering them a physical platform to connect with consumers.

A co-retail model

Biyani's approach to retail is a radical departure from traditional models. Instead of the usual inventory-heavy model, Broadway will operate on a flexible, fee-based structure. Brands can rent space for varying durations, without the burden of minimum guarantees or inventory management. This ‘co-retail’ concept, as Biyani terms it, is reminiscent of WeWork's disruption in the co-working space. "It's like what WeWork did for co-working spaces," Biyani explains. "We are telling brands that it is a co-retail environment for them, there will be no long-term rentals or fixed deposits, they don’t need to incur capital expenditure."

By focusing on creating a vibrant, experiential environment, Broadway aims to be a physical manifestation of Instagram. The store will host regular events, workshops, and content creation opportunities, making it a hub for both brands and consumers.

Recognizing the importance of content in today's digital age, Broadway plans to transform its stores into experiential hubs. With in-store events, content studios, and integration with F&B, the aim is to create shareable moments and foster brand loyalty. "Broadway will be a physical replica of Instagram," Biyani claims. "We will do 10-15 events/experiences a day."

Is it a risky model?

While the concept of Broadway is undoubtedly innovative, it also presents significant challenges. The success of the venture hinges on several factors:

Brand selection: Curating a compelling mix of digital-first brands is crucial. The store's appeal will depend on offering products that resonate with the target demographic.

Consumer acceptance: Will consumers embrace a store that doesn't offer a wide range of products or familiar brands? Generating foot traffic and building loyalty will be essential.

Economic viability: The fee-based model, while attractive to brands, needs to generate sufficient revenue to sustain the business. Achieving profitability will be a key test.

Competition: Traditional department stores and e-commerce giants pose significant competition. Broadway will need to differentiate itself effectively to carve out a niche.

While Broadway's concept is innovative, it also carries inherent risks. The success of the model hinges on the ability to attract and retain a steady stream of high-performing digital-first brands. Moreover, the execution of the experiential and content strategy will be crucial in driving foot traffic and sales. Retail experts caution that the lack of traditional retail experience among the target brands could be a challenge. While digital-first brands have a strong online presence, translating that into a successful physical store requires a different skill set, say experts.

Indeed Broadway's entry into the market is undoubtedly ambitious. If successful, it could disrupt the traditional retail landscape and create a new benchmark for the industry. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the company will need to execute its strategy flawlessly to achieve its goals. As Broadway prepares to open its first store in Delhi the retail industry watches with keen interest. The success or failure of this venture could have far-reaching implications for the future of physical retail in India.

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01 August 2024, Mumbai

Designer RimzimDadu presented an avant-garde collection inspired by historical architecture at the Hyundai India Couture Week on July 30, 2024.

Held in New Delhi, the runway show by Pearl Academy featured an innovative take on men's and women's occasion wear staples, such as suits and gowns, transforming them into wearable sculptures. Dadu employed her signature steel thread techniques to create intricate filigree, fluid gowns, and armor-like dinner jackets.

The show concluded with SobhitaDhulipala walking the ramp in a striking white ensemble, featuring a tactile bralet paired with a floor-length skirt adorned with fluid, fringe-like tendrils. The models completed their looks with shoes by Christian Louboutin and jewelry by Narayan Jewels, adding glamour and sparkle to the event.

Sharing her design philosophy, Dadu states, she loves a sense of deception in her designs and prefers structured clothes for their fluidity and softness.

Having launched her eponymous brand in 2007, Daduis known for creating fluid garments with a structured textile appearance by using hair-thin steel wires. Her brand retails through its dedicated e-commerce store and flagship store at Delhi’s DLF Emporio. Dadu's designs have dressed numerous Bollywood celebrities, including SonamKapoor, Alia Bhatt, and DeepikaPadukone, among others.

Being held in New Delhi from July 24-31, 2024, the 17th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week is sponsored by Hyundai, Reliance Brands, and Lotus Makeup. The runway shows are filmed and shared across the Fashion Design Council of India and Hyundai India's social media platforms.

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31 July 2024, Mumbai

The fashion landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with thrifting emerging as a powerful force. Driven by numerous factors, from sustainability concerns to economic considerations, the second-hand clothing market is experiencing unprecedented growth.

The thrift revolution

India's thrift market is experiencing a meteoric rise, propelled by several key factors. Growing sustainability consciousness is foremost among them. A growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion has led consumers to seek sustainable alternatives. Thrifting aligns with this ethos, reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles. Then there are economic factors as rising cost of living and disposable incomes have made thrifting an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking affordable fashion. Interestingly, young consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly embracing thrifting as a way to express individuality and discover unique pieces. High-profile celebrities endorsing thrift fashion have significantly elevated its status and appeal. A shift towards individuality and uniqueness is driving consumers to explore alternative fashion options. Thrifting allows for the discovery of one-of-a-kind pieces. Moreover, the rise of social media platforms and influencers has popularized thrifting, making it more accessible and desirable.

Major thrift markets in India

India's thrift market is still in its nascent stages compared to mature markets like the US and UK, but it is expanding rapidly. While the thrift market is gaining traction nationwide, certain regions have emerged as hotspots.

For example, metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are leading the thrift revolution, with a growing number of physical stores and online platforms. Tier-II cities like Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai too are witnessing a rapid rise in thrift culture. While the penetration is lower, there is a growing interest in thrifting among the younger generation, fueled by digital platforms. In fact, the digital space has played a crucial role in expanding the reach of thrift fashion, with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and dedicated thrift online stores gaining popularity.

In terms of categories, women's wear dominates the Indian thrift market, accounting for the largest share. This is attributed to a wider variety of options available in secondhand women's clothing. However, the menswear and kidswear segments are also gaining traction, with increasing availability of products.

Table: Sector dominance in thrift market

Online vs. offline, a balanced equation

The thrift market is witnessing a harmonious coexistence of offline and online channels. While physical stores offer a tactile experience and the opportunity to try on clothes, online platforms provide a wider range of options and convenience. For example, Thrifted, a Delhi-based online thrift store, has witnessed a 300 per cent increase in sales over the past two years. The company attributes its success to a curated selection of products and a strong focus on customer experience.

Overall the Indian thrift market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Several factors contribute to this optimistic outlook:

Increasing environmental awareness: As sustainability becomes a mainstream concern, thrifting will gain further momentum.

Evolving consumer behavior: The younger generation's preference for unique and affordable fashion will drive demand.

Technological advancements: Innovations in e-commerce and logistics will enhance the thrifting experience.

Organized retail participation: Entry of organized players could lead to standardization and increased trust.

As the fashion industry evolves, thrifting is likely to become an integral part of the Indian consumer landscape. With its potential for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability, the thrift market holds immense promise.

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01 August 2024, Mumbai

India’s leading e-commerce marketplace, Flipkart has launched FlipInTrends, an initiative that brings together over 100 Made-in-India fashion brands from across the country. Theinitiative aims to help these brands maximise growth opportunities ahead of this year's festive season.

Available on the Flipkart app, FlipInTrends is powered by early-stage generative AI innovations, leveraging innovative merchandising, technological enhancements, and insights from over 500 million registered users. In the rapidly changing fashion industry, FlipInTrends seeks to enrich the platform's trendy product offerings and meet consumer demands effectively. Additionally, it enhances engagement with the fashion seller ecosystem by incorporating comprehensive trend forecasts into the dashboard on the Flipkart Seller app, ensuring sellers stay updated with the latest trends.

Held in New Delhi, the launch event featured industry leaders from Meta, WGSN, and Libas, who shared their expertise on brand building and consumer engagement. A few of its highlights included a discussion on style with renowned stylist Rhea Kapoor and a fashion show featuring Bollywood star Mouni Roy, who showcased collections from Made-in-India fashion brands alongside models wearing curated pieces. The event also marked the release of the ‘Flipkart Fashion Trends 2024’ coffee table book, which provided valuable insights into upcoming seasonal styles and emerging fashion trends.

PallaviSaxena, Senior Director - Flipkart Fashion, states, the launch of FlipInTrends marks a significant milestone in the e-commerce company’s journey to curate cutting-edge trends and redefine the fashion shopping experience for our customers. The company supports Indian fashion brands by providing them with the best insights, enabling them to bring the trendiest collections to the Flipkart marketplace.

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01 August 2024, Mumbai

Value fashion retailer V2 Retail reported a significant 162 percent rise in net profit to Rs 16 crore during Q1, FY25 ended June 30, compared to Rs 6 crore in the same quarter last year.

The company's revenue for the quarter rose by 57 percent toRs 415 crore from Rs 264 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year.

Ram Chandra Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, states, the robust sales figures achieved by the company are a result of the relentless efforts of its team and their strategic initiatives to achieve the targeted growth figures.

Going forward, the business is well-positioned to deliver substantial value to customers and shareholders. The growing acceptance of the company’s brands demonstrates the attractiveness of its platform and the tremendous potential to address opportunities that lie ahead, he adds. In the April-June quarter, V2 Retail also expanded its storecount by opening 10 new stores. This brings the company’s total store count to 127 across India.

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31 July 2024, Mumbai

Renowned crafts-based womenswear and home textiles brand, Shades of India has launched a new label, Cinnamon that offers fusion style designs with unique prints and textures. The label is available on Shades of India's direct-to-customer e-commerce platform and in its physical stores across India.

Cinnamon represents a seamless extension of Shades of India’s legacy of craftsmanship and design, statesMandeepNagi, Design Director, Shades of India. The brand aims to offer women classic, timeless, and everyday luxury, providing pieces that transition effortlessly from day to night while empowering them to express their unique fashion sense.

Characterised by a minimal design aesthetic, Cinnamon's debut collection emphasises on textured prints. The collection is designed to be versatile, transitioning easily from day to night. Featuring digitised hand-rendered floral designs, the collection offers unique and elegant prints. Key items in the collection include high neck shirts, jackets with pleated details, and breezy yet structured dresses.

Cinnamon plans to release a series of curated collections under its brand name throughout the year. The brand’s products are positioned in the affordable luxury segment, with prices ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 25,000. Shoppers can avail the collection in the retail outlets of Shades of India in New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as in the brand’s partner stores across the country.

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 01 August 2024, Mumbai

To compete with major players like Flipkart, Amazon India and Reliance Ajio, the e-commerce arm of the Tata Group, Tata Digital is developing a 'value fashion' segment’ under its fashion and lifestyle marketplace, Tata Cliq

Having traditionally catered to a mass-affluent audience, Tata Cliq is now engaging with various brands to expand its value-for-money segment. The e-commerce company aims to partner with both global and Indian brands to match the extensive offerings available on platforms like Walmart-owned Flipkart, Amazon, and Reliance.

Tata Cliq was integrated under Tata Digital last year as part of a restructuring effort to consolidate the conglomerate's key e-commerce businesses. Tata Digital also plans to launch an inventory model to expand its fashion business, especially with the draft e-commerce policy currently on hold.

Beyond the value fashion initiative, Tata Cliq's fashion vertical also needs to be stabilised on Tata Digital’s super app, Neu.

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01 August 2024, Mumbai

A positive outlook for retail consumption in the second half of 2024 has led several top global retail brands to proceed with their planned India debuts this year. The first half of the year saw muted shopping activity due to factors such as heatwaves, elections, and fewer wedding days. However, retail experts and companies anticipate resurgence in consumption during the festive and wedding seasons, with international brands eager to capitalize on this momentum.

Notable global apparel brands and retailers, including the Spain-based Bershka, US-based Foot Locker, France-based Galeries Lafayette, China-based Shein and Britian-basedAsosplan to foray into the Indian market between October and November.

Foot Locker plans to open its first Indian store in Delhi in October in partnership with Metro Brands while Galeries Lafayette has collaborated with Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail to open a flagship 90,000-sq-ft store in Fort, Mumbai, followed by a 65,000-sq-f store at DLF Emporio Mall in Delhi. Shein and Asos plan to open stores at the Jio World Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in collaboration with Reliance Retail.

Kavindra Mishra, MD & CEO, Shoppers Stop, notes, the 50-odd auspicious wedding days in the latter half of the year, alongside the festive season, are expected to drive significant shopping activity in the country. Shoppers Stop recently introduced several international fragrance and beauty brands and plans to continue launching new products. Similarly, DevarajanIyer, Executive Director & CEO, Lifestyle International, affirms strong sales in the October-December quarter due to the festive season and weddings.

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31 July 2024, Mumbai

Bengaluru-based bespoke suit specialist PN Rao has launched its men's ready-to-wear range, Neumen, online. The report about PN Rao's plans to venture into online retail was first published by India Retailing in February 2024.

Renowned for its fine suits, PN Rao has expanded its expertise with Neumen to offer a range of occasion wear, including Tuxedos, Achkans, Bandhgalas, Bundis, and Jackets. The company currently operates seven stores—five in Bengaluru and two in Chennai—and reports a current revenue of Rs 60 crore. The business is led by cousins and partners Naveen and KetanPishe, grandsons of the company's founder, the late Pishe Narayan Rao.

A renowned bespoke suit specialist based in Bengaluru, India, PN Rao was established in 1923. The company has a long-standing reputation for crafting high-quality, custom-made suits. Over the years, PN Rao has expanded its offerings to include a range of fine garments and accessories, catering to the diverse needs of its clientele.

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01 August 2024, Mumbai

Direct-to-consumer fitness brand Boldfit has named Indian cricket player KL Rahul as the new brand ambassador. KL Rahul will endorse the brand's sports footwear, apparel, and fitness equipment. This will help the brand expand its customer base and deepen presence in the fitness market.

Poised to drive substantial growth, the partnership will help expand the Boldfit’sproduct range besides launching new campaigns to enhance customer engagement.

Expressing his excitement over the collaboration, KL Rahul, states, the brand shares his passion for fitness and his hometown. By contributing to Boldfit's journey, he aims to inspire others to lead healthier lives, he adds.

PallavBihani, Founder, Boldfit, notes, KL Rahul’s dedication and drive align perfectly with the brand's values. Together, the two aim to ignite a fitness revolution across the nation. Boldfit offers a comprehensive range of activewear, accessories, and fitness equipment, serving over 1 crore customers annually.

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31 July 2024, Mumbai

Designer Gaurav Gupta launched his new collection titled, ‘Arunodaya’ on July 30, 2024 during the Hyundai India Couture Week in New Delhi.

The collection explores the symbolism of the first light of dawn breaking after a long night, while showcasing traditional craft techniques such as Zardozi. It offers a striking range of figure-hugging gowns, dramatically proportioned cocktail dresses, veiled lehengas, and men's tailored traditional suits.

Gaurav Gupta organised his fashion show in partnership with Anmol Jewels which adorned the models in dazzling chokers set with colorful gemstones. To accentuate Gutpa’s bold designs, the models retained classic makeup and sleek hair styles.

The show concluded with Bollywood celebrities VedangRaina and KhushiKapoor bringing a fresh and youthful energy to the runway. Raina donned a sparkling black ensemble, while Kapoor stunned in a silver lehenga, adorned with intricate embellishments and featuring dramatic sheer drapes from the sleeves that trailed elegantly across the runway.

The 17th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week launched at the Taj Palace in New Delhi on July 24. Running until July 31, the couture week is an initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India, supported by sponsors Hyundai India, Lotus Makeup, and Reliance Brands. The event's runway shows are also broadcast online for a wider audience.

Latest Fashion news

31 July 2024, Mumbai

One of India’s leading knitwear manufacturers and exporters, Tiruppur-based Eastman Exports, has appointed Ritesh Kumar as its new CEO.

Armed with over 25 years of experience in the garment industry, Kumar is expected to drive the growth of Eastman Exports and strengthen its position in the global market. He has previously served as Senior Vice President at Shahi Exports.

Known for supplying garments to luxury brands worldwide, Eastman Exports began its operations in the 1970s as a small dye house. The company eventually expanded into exports in 1983 and rebranded itself as Eastman Exports. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the largest vertically integrated textile manufacturers in India, offering end-to-end production capabilities.

The company boasts 35 garment manufacturing units, which collectively produce over 100 million knitted garments annually. This extensive production capacity enables Eastman Exports to cater to a wide range of high-quality apparel demands, from casual wear to luxury fashion.

The appointment of Kumar as CEO marks a significant step in the company's continued expansion and commitment to excellence in the textile industry.

Latest Fashion news