Latest news with #DLFEmporio
Mint
7 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Affluent shoppers ditch the pricey designer wear for affordable chic
New Delhi: India's young and affluent shoppers are increasingly opting for multiple, more affordable outfits for special occasions rather than a single, expensive designer piece of clothing that mostly sits in the wardrobe. The trend has spawned new brands while compelling established designers to expand their collections. 'We're seeing strong demand for lighter silhouettes like embroidered kaftans, especially from women in their 40s," said designer Jayanti Reddy, who operates two stores in Delhi and one each in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The prêt or ready-to-wear segment contributed nearly 50% to overall sales for Reddy in the past few years. She now plans to double down. The future second stores will be focused mainly on occasion wear rather than bridal, she said. At her DLF Emporio store in Delhi, the focus is entirely on non-bridal pieces under ₹1.5 lakh, aimed at shoppers building their trousseau or looking for elegant festive wear, Reddy said. 'With a range of lighter pieces, we're seeing a lot of walk-in customers, including international shoppers, buying off the rack. That's very different from the bridal segment, where clients usually visit by appointment." Also read: Inside India's underground network of fake e-commerce reviews India's wedding and bridal clothing market is huge, with scores of small and big designers feeding into the demand. But most designers and brands have very high price points, which many Indians still can't afford, said Harminder Sahni, co-founder, managing director and partner at Wazir Advisors. The under ₹50,000 category has a lot of potential, he said. Anniversaries, birthdays and more Consumers, too, want to dress differently for more social occasions such as anniversaries, milestone birthdays or even smaller wedding events. 'We're seeing a very clear shift in India toward lighter, more versatile occasionwear—and it's being driven by a younger, more style-conscious consumer who wants their clothes to do more than just show up for one event," said Ashray Gujral, founder, Dash and Dot, which operates an outlet in Delhi, aside from an online store. The retailer is seeing demand for draped dresses, coordinated or co-ord sets, embroidered jackets, and statement separates that feel festive without being overwhelming. Social media and destination celebrations have also influenced this change, according to Gujral. The retailer offers outfits priced between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000, but buyers are willing to spend up to ₹30,000, especially for occasion wear, said Gujral. 'Today's customer is looking for pieces they can re-wear, restyle, and even travel with. Heavy formalwear has its place, but there's growing fatigue around one-time, ornate purchases." Most retailers said the demand is being led by consumers aged 25 to 40. "For larger multi-brand Indian occasion players operating in this segment, about 20% of the entire business by volume is being driven by this segment, and ethnic wear and occasion wear is a strong category because of the growing middle class," said Sahni of Wazir Advisors. 'India is at an aspirational buying behaviour stage, and it will remain this way for some time to come, making room for many such brands and designers." The founder of a large Indian multi-brand retailer told Mint that about 20% of the entire sales come from sub- ₹35,000 designer wear products. About 34% its entire sales volumes come from this category, and about 60% the company's business is contributed by products below ₹50,000 from designers like Anushree Reddy, Seema Gujaral and Amit Aggarwal, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. However, there is not much demand for the ₹10,000 and below category, so the retailer is phasing out those products and collections. Also read: Return fraud is rising. E-commerce platforms are done playing nice A new crop of designers Homegrown ethnic wear brand Libas, backed by ICICI Ventures, recently launched an occasion wear line, adding to its more casual collection. 'Consumers are getting smarter with their choice: spending ₹10 lakh on a one-time outfit which they may not repeat? They are now wondering if they can spend that money on something else," said Sidhant Keshwani, the brand's founder. 'The younger audience is driving this shift." While global fast-fashion retailers offer occasion wear outfits, more shoppers are looking for 'westernized Indian silhouettes", said Pushpa Bector, senior executive director and business head of DLF Retail Ventures. 'A lot of millennials and Gen Z buyers are looking at pret collections of slightly younger designers. Designers, too, are changing over some parts of their collections from what used to be big, multi-occasion-wear to easy-to-wear cocktail lines which are multi-use and occasion," Bector said. 'Evening wear is being bought quite a lot, and that's why designers are getting into diffuse or experimental collections and pret collections to capture the younger audience's market." Also read: Does e-commerce threaten corner stores? India's consumption survey data has some clues Aza, a multi-brand retailer of high-end designer wear, has expanded its offerings beyond bridal to include lightweight kurta sets, co-ord sets, statement jackets, embroidered kaftans, and festive loungewear–all designed for celebrations that don't require full-scale bridal dressing. It has also onboarded emerging and contemporary Indian designers who specialize in elevated everyday and semi-formal wear, making fashion more inclusive across budgets and occasions. "The shift towards more accessible Indian wear is being driven by evolving consumer needs, where occasion dressing is no longer limited to big bridal events. With a rise in celebrations like anniversaries, bridal showers, festive office gatherings, and intimate parties, shoppers are seeking ethnic styles that are elegant yet wearable," said Devangi Nishar Parekh, managing director of Aza Fashions. 'Consumers today also value repeat wearability and are more conscious about investing in pieces that offer versatility across multiple occasions," said Parekh. 'Adding to this is the growing influence of contemporary Indian designers who are reinterpreting tradition through a more minimal, functional lens–favouring breathable fabrics, modern cuts, and subtler embellishments."
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Rimzim Dadu unveils her flagship store in Hyderabad
'Hyderabad understands my madness,' says Delhi-based designer Rimzim Dadu at the launch of her new flagship store in the city. Dressed in one of her own creations — a black sleeveless pantsuit paired with her signature blue metallic drape — Rimzim cuts a striking figure. The Hyderabad store is her first outside Delhi. Without too many elements The new mother, she welcomed her second child in February, made several trips to Hyderabad during her pregnancy to bring this space to life. Spread across 2,000 square feet, the store is clean and uncluttered, in line with Rimzim's vision of a space that feels 'sculptural and minimal,' allowing the clothes to do the talking. Soft greys, raw stone textures, and beige undertones offer a quiet backdrop to the brand's metallic-infused designs. The store showcases womenswear, menswear, and accessories, including the signature Sari Wall (first introduced at the DLF Emporio store in Delhi), metallic saris and gowns, custom furniture made using Rimzim's own textiles, and cocktail dressing for men featuring tuxedos and bomber jackets. Choosing Hyderabad Rimzim entered the fashion world in 2007 at 21 as the industry's rebel kid — drawn to creating 'crazy things.' 'I'll be honest, I didn't care much about commerce back then,' she admits. Over time, though, she developed a stronger understanding of the business side of fashion, recognising the pockets from which appreciation and support were coming. This insight made Hyderabad feel like an organic next step. 'There's a strong appreciation for heritage and craft here — principles that define our brand,' she says. 'Over the years, many of our clients from the city have travelled to Delhi to shop with us. It felt only natural to bring the experience closer.' Innovation is the key Working with innovative textiles, Rimzim is best known for her use of steel yarn. With no rule book to reference, she had to figure out how to construct garments with metal entirely on her own. From early comments calling her designs 'outlandish' or questioning their comfort — 'Is this even wearable?' — she has carved out a distinctive niche using unconventional materials like steel wires, metallic boards, and paper silicon. As the industry grows more open to experimental textiles, her clientele has evolved too. 'I feel like now is truly my time —people finally understand what I do,' she says. 'It's comforting to see this shift. Nearly a decade ago, when fashion shows went digital with Instagram, it gave designers like me a voice, a platform to tell our stories.' Sustainability at the core With 'create meaningfully and create less' as her sustainability mantra, Rimzim steers clear of trends, focusing instead on pieces that endure — both physically and aesthetically. A prime example is her blue metal drape, crafted from steel wire textile and first introduced in 2016. 'Someone who bought it then shouldn't feel the need to update their wardrobe—it's still relevant,' she says. 'I want to create designs that feel meaningful now, a decade later, and even as heirlooms for the next generation.' She is currently working on a new collection inspired by Indian crafts and tribal traditions, set to debut at India Couture Week (ICW) in Delhi this July. 'We're using the same material canvas, but it's a fresh direction for us.'
Fashion Network
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
DLF Emporio to host ‘The Designers' Collective' fashion event
DLF Emporio, India's leading luxury mall in New Delhi will host the 'The Designers Collective' fashion event from 2nd to 11th May 2025. The event will see participation by over 50 of India's top fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle houses including Rahul Mishra, Falguni Shane Peacock, Ritu Kumar, Gaurav Gupta, Amit Aggarwal, Rimzim Dadu, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Ensemble, Ogaan among others. Additionally, the event will also host 'Meet the designer' sessions offering bespoke styling appointments, intimate collection walk-throughs, and rare behind-the-scenes insights. Commenting on the event, Pushpa Bector, senior executive director at DLF Retail in a statement said, 'The Designers Collective is where the essence of Indian fashion comes alive — not just in exquisite couture, but in the stories, we tell, the people we honour, and the experiences we craft. It's a powerful tribute to everything that makes DLF Emporio the ultimate destination for timeless luxury.' Saurabh Bharara, head of DLF Luxury Malls added, 'This is more than a showcase, it's a curated experience where designers and shoppers can connect on a deeper level. The Designers Collective reflects our vision of blending fashion, community, and discovery in one exceptional event.' During the 10-day event, participating designers will offer exclusive in-store giveaways, curated gifting, and limited-time discounts.
