The Wardrobe Has Changed. So Has the Woman Wearing It. There is a quiet revolution unfolding in Indian fashion and it isn’t happening on the runway. It is happening in the everyday: in the woman who walks out of a morning video call, into a client lunch, and straight to a social evening, all in the same outfit, without compromise. For too long, Indian womenswear wasbuilt around moments — the wedding, the festival, the o􀇼 ce. Clothing was occasion-first, and everything else came second. That contract has been torn up. What is replacing it is something far more interesting: a wardrobe built for life in motion, where comfort is not a concession and style is not a reward for endurance.

Business of Fashion May issue’s cover story captures that shift in full. The numbers are compelling — a global market projected to reach $1,758 billion by 2035, with India emerging as one of its most dynamic engines. But the real story is not in the figures. It is in the design thinking that is quietly changing: grading systems built around Indian body proportions, fabrics engineered for Indian heat, silhouettes informed by how Indian women actually move. Inclusion, for once, beginning at the pattern table rather than the campaign poster.’

What strikes us most is the convergence happening across categories — between ethnic and western, performance and elegance, exclusivity and accessibility. Fusion wear is scaling fast. Functional fabrics are entering mainstream wardrobes. Homegrown brands are earning premium positioning that was once the exclusive preserve of international labels. Indian womenswear is no longer dressing women for who they are expected to be. It is finally dressing them for who they actually are — dynamic, intentional and entirely unwilling to choose between style and real life. That, to us, feels like the most exciting fashion story of our time.

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Dear readers,
India’s athleisure and activewear industry has just crossed a threshold that few predicted a decade ago and there is no going back. The sports apparel market, valued at $909 million in 2025, is set to breach the $1 billion mark in 2026. Institutional investors are placing serious bets — TechnoSport’s $25 million from A91 Partners, BlissClub’s $21.6 million across multiple rounds, Bold t’s $13 million from Bessemer Venture Partners. These are not speculative wagers. They are calculated convictions in a market that is structurally, demographically, and culturally primed for sustained growth.

Globally, the signal is equally loud. Lululemon’s confirmed India entry via Tata CLiQ in H2 2026 is perhaps the clearest validation yet that the world’s most discerning athleisure capital has decided India is ready. The question is no longer whether Indian consumers will embrace premium activewear, as they already have. The real contest now is between global giants with deep pockets and homegrown challengers who understand the Indian body, climate, and sensibility far better than any foreign playbook can teach.

What this edition explores is precisely that contest — played out across design studios, factory floors, Tier 2 high streets, and D2C checkout pages. The athleisure and casualwear boom is not simply a category shift. It is a mirror held up to a society in transition. A generation that works from cafés, runs half-marathons on weekends, and refuses to choose between looking good and feeling free has fundamentally altered the brief for every designer, manufacturer, and retailer in this country.

India is not catching up to the global athleisure wave. It is becoming one.

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As the Indian fashion retail industry steps into a new financial year, the pace of transformation continues to accelerate, driven by evolving consumer expectations, digital disruption, and sharper business strategies. The past few months have reflected a strong momentum across the sector, with companies like Brandman Retail Ltd. making notable market debuts and outlining aggressive expansion plans—signalling growing investor confidence in premium and athleisure segments. At the same time, industry leaders such as Reliance Retail and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. continue to strengthen their omnichannel capabilities while refining brand portfolios to stay relevant in a dynamic marketplace.

Against this backdrop, this edition presents a special cover feature celebrating the Fashion Icons of the Indian industry—a distinguished group of leaders whose vision, innovation, and enduring impact have shaped the evolution of fashion retail in the country. As the industry navigates rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, technology, and business models, these individuals stand out for their ability to anticipate change, adapt with agility, and lead with purpose.

Bringing together pioneers, disruptors, and growth drivers, this curated showcase highlights leaders who have not only built successful businesses but have also contributed to a more dynamic and forwardlookingretail ecosystem. Their journeys reflect strategic thinking, creative excellence, and operational resilience—qualities that continue to set new benchmarks. More than recognition, this feature is a tribute to leadership that inspires progress and defines the future of Indian fashion retail.

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The 25th edition of India Fashion Forum (IFF), held on January 28–29, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield, Bengaluru, marked a defining milestone in the journey of India’s most influential fashion and lifestyle retail platform

Centred on the powerful theme “Influence; Impact; Innovation – Empowering Fashion’s Future,” IFF 2026 brought together over 3,000 delegates, 700+ brands and companies, 250+ industry experts, and 100+ exhibitors in a dynamic confluence of ideas, insights, and opportunity.

Over the past quarter century, IFF has evolved into the country’s largest and most impactful platform dedicated to the business of fashion and retail. The 2026 edition reafirmed this legacy—offering not just conversations, but actionable intelligence and meaningful partnerships. Across two powerpacked days, the forum featured thought-provoking keynotes, incisive panel discussions, presentations, masterclasses, book and report launches, and immersive showcases. From emerging consumer trends and retail expansion strategies to technology integration and sustainability mandates, every session reflected an industry in motion—adaptive, ambitious, and increasingly global in outlook.

The IMAGES Fashion Awards 2026 honoured excellence across marketing, retail experience, and strategic execution, spotlighting brands and leaders who are redefining benchmarks. Meanwhile, the IFF Innovators Club Awards 2026 celebrated behind-the-scenes changemakers in design, sourcing, product development, and sustainability— acknowledging the value-chain visionaries driving transformation from within. The India Brand Show added a vibrant creative dimension, with runway presentations that translated strategy into style.

The February edition of IMAGES Business of Fashion brings readers a comprehensive glimpse of the ideas, insights, and milestones from this landmark gathering, as it also celebrates the spirit of collaboration that made it possible. The success of the 25th edition stands as a testament to the enduring support of partners, associates, speakers, and delegates who continue to power IFF’s journey—ensuring that the business of fashion in India remains future-focused, resilient, and globally relevant.

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As we step into 2026, this edition of IMAGES Business of Fashion marks an important new beginning—and a defining milestone. January also sees the 25th edition of India Fashion Forum, to be held on January 28–29, 2026, at Sheraton Grand, Whitefield, Bengaluru. What began as a focused industry gathering has evolved into India’s most influential platform for fashion, retail, and lifestyle, mirroring the growth, resilience, and ambition of the industry it represents.

As India Fashion Forum enters its silver jubilee year, it stands not only as a celebration of legacy, but as a catalyst for the future. The 2026 theme, “Empowering Fashion’s Future – In􀈄 uence | Impact | Innovation,” reflects the industry’s need to think boldly, collaborate deeply, and act with purpose. At a time when fashion is being reshaped by changing consumer expectations, digital acceleration, sustainability imperatives, and new business models, IFF 2026 aims to spark meaningful conversations that translate insight into action.

Over two days, the forum will offer a dynamic mix of programming designed for engagement and business impact. From IFF Conference Sessions exploring market trends, consumer behaviour, and transformation strategies, to CX Forum discussions on customer experience, digital reinvention, and omnichannel evolution, the agenda is built for relevance. Interactive workshops, masterclasses, and the IFF Innovators Club Conclave will spotlight emerging ideas, pioneering solutions, and the next generation of fashion leadership. Networking meetups and breakout sessions will further enable collaboration across the ecosystem.

IFF 2026 will also showcase fashion shows, brand launches, curated collections, and discovery platforms for retailers. The event will culminate with the IMAGES Fashion Awards and RSWM Partner Awards, recognising excellence and innovation across India’s fashion retail landscape. With 100+ exhibitors, 300+ speakers, 400 brands, and over 2,500 attendees, IFF 2026 promises to be a landmark gathering. We look forward to welcoming you in Bengaluru. Happy New Year.

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Dear readers,
Once treated as a practical of shoot of adult clothing, kidswear has evolved into one of the most vibrant and resilient segments of India’s fashion industry. For brands and retailers, kidswear today represents more than seasonal sales—it offers predictable demand, repeat purchases, and strong emotional connect with consumers, making it a critical pillar of longterm growth in the Indian apparel ecosystem.

Currently, the Indian kidswear market is witnessing sustained momentum, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and a new generation of informed, aspirational parents. The category has moved beyond unbranded basics to structured, brand-led offerings across mass, premium, and luxury tiers. While ofline retail continues to play a dominant role—especially for fit, touch, and trust—digital channels are rapidly expanding, reshaping how parents discover, compare, and purchase children’s clothing. This omnichannel evolution has allowed brands to scale faster and reach deeper into Tier II and III markets.

Trends shaping demand reflect the changing mindset of Indian families. Comfort-first design has become non-negotiable, with cotton-rich, skin-friendly fabrics leading the way. Sustainability is no longer a niche conversation; parents are increasingly seeking safe dyes, durable materials, and responsible sourcing. At the same time, fashion-forward influences—athleisure, character licensing, gender-neutral palettes, and fusion ethnicwear— are gaining traction, driven by children becoming active participants in purchase decisions.

Over time, the kidswear industry has adapted by blending function with storytelling and innovation. Brands are investing in better fabrics, sharper design, and tech-enabled forecasting to reduce waste and improve eficiency. Looking ahead, kidswear in India is set to evolve as a purpose-led, experience-driven category—where comfort, conscience, and creativity define success, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s apparel growth story.

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Dear readers,
Men’s fashion in India is undergoing one of the most profound evolutions in its history. What was once a space defined by functionality and muted expression has transformed into a vibrant arena of experimentation, aspiration, and cultural confidence. Today’s Indian man embraces clothing as a marker of personality, ambition, and lifestyle—ushering in a new era where menswear sits at the forefront of the country’s fashion momentum.

A confluence of global exposure, digital influence, and rising incomes has fuelled this shift. The modern shopper is far more informed and discerning, evaluating fabrics, fits, performance attributes, and sustainability with a sharp eye. His wardrobe now stretches far beyond familiar staples: relaxed athleisure, refined smart-casuals, fluid occasionwear, and fashionforward silhouettes all have a place in his daily rotation. This lifestyle-driven mindset has prompted a seamless blending of categories, making the boundaries between casual, work, and festive dressing almost indistinguishable.

The industry has responded with innovation, agility, and renewed creative ambition. Brands, both homegrown and internationalare reimagining menswear through hybrid design philosophies, performance textiles, and modular wardrobes tailored to dynamic routines. Stretch fabrics, breathables, wrinkle-free blends, and eco-conscious materials are no longer luxuries but expectations.

Numbers underscore this rise. Menswear has emerged as the single largest pillar of India’s apparel sector, commanding nearly 40% of the market and witnessing remarkable postpandemic rebounds. Smaller cities are powering this growth, driven by digital retail, rising aspirations, and a democratised access to premium fashion.

The future looks even more expansive. Digital-first retail, influencer-led discovery, live commerce, and quick-delivery fashion will shape the next decade, creating an ecosystem where content, community, convenience, and commerce merge. With projections pointing to a market nearly quadrupling by 2032, Indian menswear is not just growing— it is redefining the cultural fabric of modern male identity.

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Dear readers,
Innerwear in India is quietly transforming the way we think about fashion and personal comfort. At first glance, it might seem like just another retail segment, but look a little closer, and you realise it is a category that combines intimacy, comfort, and self-expression in ways very few others do. Innerwear is no longer just about basic coverage; it’s about how a person feels throughout the day—confident, comfortable, and even empowered. That makes it one of the most essential categories in fashion today.

Over the past few years, the segment has witnessed an influx of international brands, each bringing global design sensibilities and a promise of quality. These brands are not just introducing premium aesthetics; they are educating consumers about fit, support, and lifestyle-led designs. Today, Indian consumers are spoilt for choice whether it’s seamless T-shirt bras, shapewear that doubles as confidence boosters, or athleisureinspired innerwear that moves effortlessly from home to gym.

Strengthening this momentum, bigger players like Reliance have formed a 50:50 joint venture with Israeli apparel major Delta Galil to design, manufacture, and sell innerwear in India. This partnership brings Delta Galil’s global brands and manufacturing expertise to Reliance’s retail platforms, supplementing its existing portfolio of Clovia, Zivame, and Amante; a move that directly challenges market leaders and elevates competition in the evolving innerwear space.

Technology has been a game-changer. AI-driven fit recommendations, virtual try-on tools, and seamless garment engineering are helping brands deliver precisely what consumers need. Fabric innovations are equally exciting: breathable microfibers, bamboo blends, and moisturewicking, anti-microbial textiles ensure that comfort is never compromised, while sustainable materials are helping brands respond to the growing eco-conscious consumer.

What strikes me personally is how these innovations are making innerwear more than just a purchase as they are creating an experience. Each piece tells a story of design, research, and care, turning what was once a hidden necessity into a thoughtful expression of personal style and comfort. For a market that touches so intimately on daily lives, the evolution of innerwear in India is not just business; it’s transformation, one garment at a time.

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Dear readers,
There’s something magical about winter. The air turns sharper, the mornings feel slower, and wardrobes suddenly become more exciting. For me, winter fashion has always been more than an extra layer against the cold, it’s a season of expression, where style gets to play with texture, warmth, and personality.

In the September edition of Business of Fashion, we turn our gaze to how winterwear is transforming across India. What strikes me most is the way the category has outgrown its functional roots. From lightweight layering that works beyond December to statement coats that carry you from work to a weekend getaway, winterwear today is about versatility. It’s about creating pieces that adapt, evolve, and reflect the wearer’s individuality. Another fascinating shift is happening outside the metros.

Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are no longer the silent spectators of fashion; they are becoming the engines of growth. We hear brand leaders talk about how digital access, rising aspirations, and festive calendars are reshaping demand here. What was once a metropolitan trend is now being embraced widely. That says it all, winter fashion has truly gone democratic.

And then, there’s the balance between sustainability and style. Fabrics and processes are being rethought, proving that being eco-conscious doesn’t mean compromising on design. Add to that the influence of Gen Z and Millennials bold in their choices, experimental in their layering, unafraid to mix athleisure with classics, as we are looking at a segment bursting with energy. As you turn these pages, I hope you feel the same excitement we did while putting this together.

Winterwear, to me, is no longer about the chill outside, it’s about the 􀈃 re of creativity within the industry.

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Dear Readers,
The Indian ethnicwear segment, once viewed primarily through the lens of tradition, has evolved into one of the most influential pillars of the nation’s fashion industry.

No longer limited to ceremonial wardrobes, ethnicwear has found a place in everyday dressing, reflecting both a cultural revival and a modern reinterpretation of heritage. As per The Knowledge Company (TKC), the market stood at $19.5 billion in FY25 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% in the coming years. A key growth driver is the rising demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which now contribute more than half of all online ethnicwear sales.

The transformation is defined by specificity. Consumers today seek authenticity and connection, fuelling renewed interest in region-specific crafts and textiles. E-commerce platforms report significant increases in searches for traditional weaving, embroidery, and dyeing techniques.

This points to a future where cultural storytelling will play as important a role in purchase decisions as contemporary fashion trends. Ethnicwear already accounts for the largest portion of India’s $102 billion garment industry, contributing $22 billion in FY24. By FY26, the segment is expected to reach $26.9 billion, growing at an estimated 10.6% CAGR. Once dominated by unorganised players, the industry is seeing a rapid shift toward organised retail, which currently comprises 15 to 20% of the market but is expanding at 20% annually.

Opportunities abound in the rise of conscious consumerism, the global appetite for Indian fashion, and the potential of digital luxury commerce. Regional storytelling, technology-enabled personalisation, and the strengthening of artisan supply chains will further shape the sector’s future. However, challenges remain. The industry must navigate price sensitivity, balance scale with craftsmanship, and maintain inventory agility in the face of seasonal and regional demand shifts. The ability to stand out amid content saturation and aggressive competition from newer direct-to-consumer brands will determine market leaders. IMAGES Business of Fashion’s August edition offers a comprehensive overview of this vibrant evolution.

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