15 December 2025, Mumbai

Italian luxury house Prada Group has confirmed a transformational shift in its India growth strategy, prioritizing a global artisanal collaboration and delayed independent retail entry over opening direct clothing stores in India in the short term.

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The most significant news is the exclusive international retail plan for the limited-edition footwear: the "PRADA Made in India x Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals" collection.

The 2,000 pairs, priced at approximately ₹84,000 ($930) each, will launch globally in February 2026 across 40 select Prada stores worldwide and its official e-commerce platform.

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India Footprint: Long-term entry, immediate CSR

As per the direct collaboration MoU, the new plan focuses on a "Made in India" product for a global audience, boosting Indian artisanal exports. Prada's senior executive, Lorenzo Bertelli, confirmed the brand has no plans for new retail clothing shops in India for the next year or the near future.

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Instead, Prada intends to pursue an independent entry into the Indian luxury market—projected to hit $30 billion by 2030—within a three-to-five-year timeframe, avoiding the common route of partnerships with local conglomerates like Reliance or Aditya Birla Group.

This patient approach is designed to maintain stringent brand control and value.

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Apparel & Textiles: Upskilling the artisan supply chain

The three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Maharashtra’s LIDCOM and Karnataka’s LIDKAR—the government bodies holding the GI-tag for Kolhapuri chappals—is a direct investment into the textile and apparel supply chain's human capital.

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The agreement involves establishing local training programmes based on the Prada Group Academy model to upskill 2,000 local artisans, merging centuries-old craftsmanship with modern luxury production techniques.

This not only preserves the GI-tagged craft but is seen as an ethical corrective measure following past controversy. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called the partnership a "truly global collab" and is targeting an elevation of Kolhapuri chappal exports to $1 billion annually, cementing India’s role as a source of high-end luxury craft.

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13 December 2025, Mumbai

Indian consumers of apparel and home textiles are on the cusp of a major transformation in how they shop, as the government moves to finalize a new, mandatory labeling rule.

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This proposed regulation aims to make the disclosure and display of crucial information—including fibre composition, country of origin, and comprehensive wash and care instructions—mandatory for all ready-made garments and made-up articles sold in India.

The move is a strategic step to align India with advanced global practices, enhance consumer protection, and boost the country's textile industry.

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Why this now?- The drive for global parity and consumer trust

The push for mandatory labeling is driven by multiple factors, chief among them the need to match global practices and close the information gap for consumers.

Currently, a lack of standardized, mandatory information allows for ambiguity, which can mislead shoppers about a product's true origin or composition; the new system is designed to safeguard against inaccurate or misleading claims, empowering consumers to make informed choices.

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Furthermore, the regulation will help "demarcate cheap imported products from the ones locally produced," a crucial step in the context of India's numerous trade agreements. This change supports the domestic textile industry, which generated approximately $175.7 billion in 2024, by ensuring a level playing field.

Finally, experts highlight the essential nature of knowing the fibre content for efficient textile recycling. Clear labeling ensures the cloth is compatible with recycling processes, supporting the textile ministry's action plan to boost the textile waste value chain.

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How Does It Help?- Benefits for buyers and businesses

Stakeholder Key Benefit Detail Consumer Informed Purchasing Clear details on fibre content, origin, and care allow for selection based on quality, value, and ethical preferences. Consumer Garment Longevity Accurate wash and care instructions prevent shrinkage, fading, and damage, prolonging the life of the product and reducing returns.

Domestic Industry Fair Competition Helps differentiate quality-controlled, locally-made goods from potentially misleading imported alternatives.

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Global Standards: The blueprint for Indian reform

Developed economies, including the United States and the European Union, have robust, mandatory labeling frameworks that India is aiming to emulate.

For Fibre Content, the US (Textile and Wool Acts) requires clear labeling of fibre contents in descending order by percentage, while the EU mandates labeling of main fibre types and their percentages to be easily accessible.

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Regarding Care Instructions, while not always strictly mandatory by law in the EU, the use of symbols is highly recommended to avoid liability.

The globally recognized system, GINETEX/ISO 3758, uses five international symbols (washing, bleaching, ironing, dry-cleaning, drying) to communicate care instructions independent of language.

Finally, for Country of Origin, it is mandatory for all imported products in the US, and in the EU, it is required if its omission would mislead the consumer about the product's true origin.

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Implementation challenges in India

While the intent is clear, implementing this comprehensive system across India’s vast and complex textile value chain presents several hurdles.

A significant portion of India's textile production is handled by a fragmented, decentralized sector (e.g., power looms and small-scale manufacturers); therefore, implementing stringent, uniform labeling compliance across countless small units will be a massive logistical and regulatory challenge.

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Secondly, studies have indicated a lower awareness of comprehensive labeling requirements among smaller retailers and even some consumers, meaning mandatory labeling will require a significant public awareness campaign and extensive training for manufacturers, retailers, and salespeople.

Lastly, Cost of Compliance may be an issue for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) who may face initial financial difficulties in upgrading their processes to accurately test and track fibre content, origin, and ensure permanent, legible attachment of labels

This move marks a crucial step in modernizing the Indian textile industry, promising a future of greater transparency and alignment with global trade standards.

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16 December 2025, Mumbai

Apparel Group India has executed a calculated power move in Hyderabad’s rapidly evolving retail landscape by simultaneously launching four anchor international brands - Victoria’s Secret, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, and R&B - at the brand-new Lake Shore Mall in Kukatpally.

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This coordinated, multi-brand entry is a prime example of a global strategy to maximize operational efficiencies and leverage combined foot traffic in a single, high-potential suburban hub.

Hyderabad is a top-tier market, with the functional apparel sector alone projected to reach $11.86 billion by 2033 with a 3.25 per cent CAGR, underscoring the city’s strong demand for quality and lifestyle products.

By clustering a mix of premium (Victoria’s Secret, Aldo) and value-led (R&B) fashion and beauty, Apparel Group is directly addressing the varied, yet increasingly discerning, tastes of Hyderabad's young, affluent, and digitally-native consumers.

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Hyderabad as a phygital gateway

The strategic choice of a major residential and commercial nexus- the Kukatpally-Y Junction area- positions Lake Shore Mall to capture significant consumer spending, a crucial factor as the Indian fashion e-commerce market is expected to exceed $35 billion by 2025.

The launch of these four brands not only enhances the mall’s appeal but reinforces the industry trend that physical stores must become ‘theaters of brand experience’ to complement online reach.

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‘For international brands, a physical presence is non-negotiable for building trust and brand identity in new metros,’ notes a market analyst.

Apparel Group's aggressive store rollout, part of its strategy to bring global retail experiences closer to Indian consumers, reflects the broader industry movement towards omnichannel integration, where physical retail is a critical enabler of a complete consumer journey.

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Headquartered in Dubai, Apparel Group is a major global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate operating over 85 international brands across 2,200+ stores in multiple markets, including the GCC, South Africa, and India.

The company manages a diverse portfolio spanning fashion (Tommy Hilfiger, Aldo, R&B), footwear, accessories, and beauty (Bath & Body Works, Inglot).

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India is a key growth market where Apparel Group is focused on an aggressive, asset-light, omnichannel expansion across metros and emerging cities.

Its strategy centers on securing master franchise rights for leading global brands to tap into India's projected 10-12 per cent CAGR in the apparel sector.

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15 December 2025, Mumbai

Expanding its retail footprint, Go Colors has launched a new 2,400 sq ft flagship store on Bandra Linking Road in Mumbai. Largest of the brand's 64 existing Mumbai locations, the store was inaugurated by brand ambassador and digital creator, Prajakta Koli.

This launch follows the successful debut of similar large-format flagship stores in Chennai and Bangalore.

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The move reinforces Go Colors' positioning as an essential wardrobe brand for modern Indian women who prioritize comfort, versatility, and everyday confidence over fleeting fashion trends.

The brand is dedicated to solving the challenge Indian women often face in finding comfortable, well-fitting innerwear and bottom wear suitable for every occasion, from office hours to travel and celebrations.

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The new flagship is designed to provide an immersive and intuitive shopping experience, featuring dedicated category zones, collection walls, curated occasion edits, and spacious trial rooms.

It serves as a one-stop destination for the brand’s extensive range of bottom wear—covering a multitude of fits, fabrics, sizes, colors, and silhouettes for women of all age groups and body types.

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Gautam Saraogi, Founder & CEO, Go Colors, stated. known for its style and convenient shopping, Linking Road is the ideal location to showcase their full range and reflects their long-term vision of building deeper, experience-led retail across India.

Vatsal Koolwal, CMO, Go Colors, highlights, the new store features a dedicated display for the ‘MostlySane’ collection, allowing customers to experience the modern, expressive philosophy up close.

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Go Colors is evolving beyond being just a leggings brand into a complete bottom wear destination.

Having already opened more than 800 EBOs across Indian cities, the brand plans to expand continuously by adding 80 to 90 net new stores each year, maintaining its focus on innovation, design, and elevated retail experiences.

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12 December 2025, Mumbai

Max Fashion has launched a new large-format store in Kharar, Punjab with an aim to dominate India's value-fashion segment through aggressive Tier-II and Tier-III city penetration. Leveraging its proven model, the brand offers global trends at accessible price points for the entire family. Its success is rooted in volume, with the value fashion sector, despite its thin margins, recording 24 per cent revenue growth across leading players in FY25, significantly outpacing premium fashion.

Omnichannel anchor in rapidly expanding markets

With over 500 stores in over 200 cities nationally, Max Fashion follows a robust omnichannel strategy. The brand’s physical stores in high-traffic commercial zones act as massive marketing assets, building the essential consumer trust for apparel quality and fit. These physical outlets facilitate the crucial 'touch-and-feel' factor, especially for products where quality assurance is key, like children’s wear. On the other hand, the digital presence builds scale. the This blended approach addresses the key challenge of market fragmentation and regional taste differences, allowing the brand to launch over 1,000 new styles per season with speed, a feat made possible by its agile, in-house supply chain. The brand's focus on predictability and value pricing - rather than heavy discounting - is central to its historically strong 32 per cent CAGR and long-term dominance in the space.

A leading value-fashion brand under the UAE-based Landmark Group, Max Fashion launched in India in 2006 by providing contemporary, trend-led apparel, footwear, and accessories for the entire family. The brand operates over 500 large-format stores across more than 200 Indian cities. Its business model relies on mono-brand, private-label merchandise created by in-house designers, enabling tight control over cost, quality, and the speed of its fast-fashion drops, which is the key to maintaining its strong leadership position in the organized value retail segment.

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16 December 2025, Mumbai

UK-based fashion giant Next has strengthened its data-led expansion into India with the launch of its second exclusive brand outlet (EBO) at Lakeshore Mall, Hyderabad.

This rapid follow-up to its debut Pune store validates the success of Next’s strategic partnership with Myntra Jabong India (MJIPL), Myntra's B2B wholesale arm.

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This model - where Myntra controls distribution and omni-channel enablement through franchise partners - is emerging as the dominant entry strategy for international mid-premium brands, mitigating logistical complexity and leveraging Myntra's deep digital insights.

With India's online fashion market projected to exceed $35 billion by 2025 and a strong preference for phygital experiences, this blended approach is key to Next's goal of reaching 50 points of sale by 2030.

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Hyderabad: A new hub for aspirational consumers

The choice of Hyderabad, a metro with a significant base of young professionals and families, underscores a shift in brand focus away from solely saturated Tier 1 cities.

The city’s apparel market growth is being fueled by an urban middle class that increasingly demands global aesthetics and quality, making the 10,000 sq ft Next store a critical component of the expansion.

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Venu Nair, Chief-Strategic Partnerships, Myntra, highlights, the brand's successful digital performance on the Myntra platform - where it first launched in 2023- was the primary data driver for the physical store locations.

By integrating the online demand signal with physical retail execution, Next is effectively positioning its full assortment of menswear, womenswear, and kidswear to maximize customer engagement and gain market share in India's highly aspirational mid-market segment.

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Founded in 1982, Next is a leading global fashion and lifestyle retailer headquartered in the primary data driver UK, renowned for its contemporary British design and mid-premium pricing.

It operates over 460 stores in the UK and 265 international franchise outlets. India is a strategic growth market where Next seeks to replicate its successful omni-channel model, which integrates its robust online platform with a selective physical retail presence.

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15 December 2025, Mumbai

In collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the Blenders’ Pride Tour Fashion recently forayed into Jaipur, radically transforming the event into a bold intersection of high fashion and motorsport.

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Titled ‘Fashion’s Next Move,’ the showcase embraced a high-octane ‘Motorcore’ aesthetic, celebrating speed, precision, and glamorous performance wear.

Designers Namrata Joshipura and Abhishek Paatni led the creative shift, interpreting racing culture through collections featuring sleek silhouettes, structural tailoring, and chrome-driven, tactical looks.

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The entire venue was converted into an immersive motorsport arena with a dramatic three-lap runway experience, transitioning the audience through distinct themes: 'The Start Line,' 'The Pit Lane,' and 'The Glam Night.' The night culminated in a thrilling sports car stunt, successfully elevating the dynamic energy of the show.

Debasree Dasgupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, emphasized, the Jaipur edition fused the worlds of motorsport and high-fashion to create an immersive experience celebrating boldness and innovation.

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FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi noted the collaboration's goal to unite fashion powerhouses and set the pace for the future of Indian style.

The event drew star power from across industries: Bollywood star Harnaaz Sandhu commanded the runway as the finale showstopper, embodying the fusion of glamour and speed, while rap sensation Raftaar closed the evening with an electrifying performance.

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With the Jaipur chapter complete, the tour is now headed to Kolkata on December 20.

The finale will feature iconic designer Anamika Khanna presenting craftsmanship from a contemporary lens, with Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter set to walk as the showstopper.

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13 December 2025, Mumbai

More than just a retail expansion, the opening of a new FirstCry store in Jind, Haryana, is a focused strategic play to leverage the company’s high-margin, private-label kids' apparel and textile brands, such as BabyHug and Cute Walk, in India's surging Tier-II and Tier-III markets.

These emerging urban centers account for a massive chunk of India's retail growth - with 25 million sq ft of new retail space expected over the next five years. FirstCry's own apparel labels contribute over 55 per cent of its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in the India multi-channel business, offering higher quality control and significantly better margins compared to selling third-party brands.

This focus on apparel is critical for two reasons: firstly, baby apparel dominates the childcare product market, and secondly, physical stores in smaller towns provide the crucial 'touch and feel' experience necessary for parents to trust the fabric quality of clothing and other textile-based products like bedding and blankets.

With FirstCry operating over 1,000 stores across 533 cities as of March 2024, the expansion into cities like Jind, especially in North India is a part of a calculated plan to deepen market penetration and maintain its market share lead in the organized childcare sector.

Operated by India's largest multi-channel retailing platform for Mothers', Babies', and Kids' Products, Brainbees Solutions, FirstCry was founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha. The Pune-headquartered company successfully pioneered an integrated omni-channel model, combining its robust online platform with a massive network of physical stores (Company-Owned and Franchisee-Owned). The company's growth plan involves opening over 350 new stores, many in non-metros, and increasing the sales mix of its high-margin private labels, which is a key factor in its forecast to achieve profitability in the coming years after reporting revenues of Rs 6,481 crore in FY24.

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13 December 2025, Mumbai

India’s intimate wear market is rapidly shedding its purely functional image and evolving into a lifestyle-led, premium fashion category.

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According to a recent IMARC Group report, the India Premium Lingerie Market is projected to grow from USD 1.9 Billion in 2025 to a substantial USD 4.3 Billion by 2034, clocking a strong CAGR of nearly 9.50% between 2026 and 2034.

This robust growth signals a fundamental shift in consumer perception. Lingerie is no longer viewed as a hidden necessity but as an extension of personal style, comfort, and self-confidence.

Young, urban, and financially independent women are increasingly prioritising fit, fabric quality, and design, accelerating the transition from mass-market basics to premium, fashion-forward offerings.

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What Is powering the growth

Rising disposable incomes and an improving quality consciousness are central to this transformation. As purchasing power expands, consumers are upgrading to branded, better-designed, and superior-fabric products.

Simultaneously, growing exposure to global fashion trends through social media, along with the entry of international players such as Triumph and Wacoal and well-funded Indian D2C brands, has raised expectations around aesthetics, innovation, and inclusivity.

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Another major catalyst is the rapid expansion of e-commerce and organised retail. Online platforms have helped overcome long-standing discomfort associated with buying intimate wear in physical stores by offering privacy, wider size ranges, and technology-led fit solutions.

This has dovetailed with a strong consumer shift towards comfort-led products, including non-wired bras, seamless lingerie, bralettes, and sports bras, reflecting evolving lifestyles and wellness priorities.

The rising demand for functional and performance-oriented innerwear also contributes to the premium segment's growth, driven by an increase in active lifestyles.

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Market snapshot and structure

The IMARC study provides a concise breakdown of the market structure and key projections:

Bras and panties continue to account for the largest share of premium lingerie sales, aligning with their status as daily essentials. However, newer segments like shapewear, bodysuits, and performance-driven athleisure categories are witnessing faster growth as consumers experiment with newer silhouettes and multi-functional wear.

Regionally, North and West India remain early adopters due to higher fashion awareness and spending power, while South and East India are rapidly emerging as high-growth markets supported by urbanization and deeper digital penetration.

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New Rules of Competition: Inclusivity and sustainability

Competition in the premium segment is no longer driven by price alone; it is defined by values. Size Inclusivity has become a decisive differentiator, with brands expanding cup sizes, fits, and silhouettes—often reaching up to 6XL in some categories—in line with the global body-positivity movement. Homegrown D2C brands like Clovia, which recently launched a collection of plus-size bras, are actively responding to this demand, focusing on features like wide wings and full-coverage cups to ensure comfort and support for fuller busts.

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Concurrently, Sustainability is also gaining prominence. Environmentally conscious consumers are increasingly seeking lingerie made from organic cotton, bamboo fibres, Modal, Tencel, and recycled materials. Brands like Inner Sense are pioneering this space with products specifically designed from a unique blend of bamboo fibre and organic cotton, emphasizing anti-microbial and moisture-wicking qualities suited for the Indian climate.

Personalisation, enabled largely through D2C models, is further reshaping the category. Virtual try-ons, AI-based fit recommendations, and customised shopping journeys are helping brands deepen engagement with premium consumers and improve repeat purchases.

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Zivame and the digital disruption

The modern premium lingerie market in India was catalysed by digital-first pioneers such as Zivame, which challenged deep-rooted taboos around intimate wear shopping.

By focusing on privacy (via discreet packaging), education (through detailed size guides and calculators), and fit accuracy (via professional fitting services), the brand transformed lingerie buying into a confident, informed experience. This approach addressed key consumer pain points and helped normalise premium lingerie consumption.

This model was subsequently mirrored by D2C counterparts like Enamor and Clovia, which reinforced the narrative of confidence and self-expression through campaigns celebrating the modern Indian woman, collectively accelerating the shift towards premiumisation across the category.

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The category at an inflection point

With rising affluence, increasing fashion awareness, and the rapid normalisation of online buying, the Indian premium lingerie market is entering a decisive growth phase.

Backed by the twin pillars of Inclusivity and Sustainability, and leveraging technology-led retail models, the segment is set to emerge as one of the fastest-growing categories within India’s apparel and fashion ecosystem over the next decade.

The market’s future is not just about growth in size, but about growth in consciousness and empowerment for the Indian consumer.

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13 December 2025, Mumbai

Aadyam Handwoven has appointed actor Sobhita Dhulipala as its official brand ambassador, signaling a major strategic push to reposition premium handloom textiles for the aspirational Gen Z and young millennial consumer.

The partnership moves beyond simple celebrity endorsement, aiming to use Dhulipala’s distinctive, culturally-rooted yet contemporary style to inject relevance into traditional Indian weaving clusters like Varanasi, Pochampally, and Bhuj. The announcement directly supports the brand’s ‘Culture Beyond Textiles’ initiative, which focuses on weaving artistry with modern identity and sustainable living.

Closing the aspiration gap

While the Indian handloom sector is valued in the billions of dollars, a major challenge has been the perception gap, where traditional weaves struggle to compete with fast fashion or designer labels in the urban youth market. Aadyam is leveraging Dhulipala’s appeal to make handwoven apparel—which includes high-value sarees (priced from Rs 20,000 to over Rs 1 lakh) and dupattas—an aspirational choice. Manish Saksena, Business Lead, Aadyam Handwoven, notes, Dhulapia embodies the thoughtful modern Indian consumer who values authenticity and the story behind the craft. Her presence strengthens our endeavor to make Indian craftsmanship truly aspirational for a new generation. The move is anticipated to positively impact the financial sustainability of the 300+ artisans Aadyam currently works with, ensuring consistent loom activity and fair wages by broadening the market base.

A corporate social enterprise from the house of the Aditya Birla Group, Aadyam Handwoven focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for India’s finest artisans by reviving and promoting traditional handloom techniques. Its product portfolio spans apparel (sarees, dupattas, shawls, suit fabrics) and home textiles (rugs, cushion covers, bed linen). The brand works directly with weaving clusters across states to standardize quality, ensure timely delivery, and provide year-round livelihood, with a mission to blend international trends with rich traditional heritage to create heirloom-worthy pieces.

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