India’s fashion industry is set for recovery in FY26, with a notable upturn in fast fashion, ethnic wear, and luxury segments. Rising disposable incomes, more weddings, and favorable monsoons are expected to drive demand, particularly in smaller cities. E-commerce growth, Gen-Z’s influence on fashion, and strategic retailer expansions are key factors in this anticipated revival.

Currently, Joker & Witch offers watches, sunglasses, jewellery, and other accessories, and going ahead it plans to expand further in the accessories segment which is size-agnostic like bags. Teejh, which offers traditional jewellery, potlis, and clutches, is looking to strengthen its latest offering – sarees.

Handloom clothing brand Dressfolk has secured funding led by Eternal Capital, with notable participation from D2C founders and various ventures. The company aims to diversify its offerings beyond sarees and expand globally, leveraging its unique focus on authentic handlooms and craftsmanship to resonate with customers seeking contemporary Indian wear.

The prolonged slowdown in demand for clothing, lifestyle products, and electronics is persisting, despite aggressive discounting strategies. This trend has led to flat business growth during Republic Day sales, with companies predicting a potential demand recovery only by the second half of 2025.

US buyout fund Advent closes in to pick up around 51-75% in Rosy Blue company; may announce deal soon. People familiar with the situation told ET that Orra has been seeking partners to infuse capital and grow the business in India and overseas, amid a larger disruption by new-age brands and lab-grown diamonds.

The NCLAT has overturned the Rs 55,000 penalty imposed on the lenders of Mudra Denim, citing no laxity in the delay of the insolvency process. The tribunal acknowledges valid reasons for the delay, thereby relieving the Committee of Creditors from the cost.

Tausif Riyaz, CEO of Platinum Hern, has been arrested in connection with the Torres Jewellery Rs 1,000 crore investment fraud. The investigation reveals that over a lakh investors were duped through Ponzi schemes, prompting criticism of police actions and calls for a Special Investigation Team.

Vietnam’s footwear and leather products export reached $27.04 billion in value in 2024—a YoY rise of 11.45 per cent, the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association said.
Export of footwear increased by 13.16 per cent YoY to $23.24 billion, while export of suitcases and bags stood at $3.8 billion—up by 9.7 per cent YoY.
The US was the biggest importer of Vietnamese footwear products.

In the year 2024, Japan’s clothing and accessories imports rose 3.5 per cent to $23.62 billion, while textile yarn and fabric imports fell 0.4 per cent to $7.45 billion.
Exports of yarn and fabric grew 6.9 per cent, but textile machinery exports dropped 17.7 per cent.
In fiscal 2023-24, clothing imports fell 1.7 per cent to $23.11 billion.

Despite economic challenges, the demand for premium products such as groceries, spirits, clothing, and shoes remains strong in cities. Companies like Hindustan Unilever and Diageo India report continued growth in the premium segment. Higher-income consumers are driving this trend, with spending on international vacations and weddings also reflecting resilience.