Fashion / Cosmetics / Jewellery
Time to dress up, kiddo: As foreign and indie brands step in, premium kidswear segment is buzzing in India
Suri Cruise paved the way for a trend in premium kidswear, now popular among children of celebrities like North West and Blue Ivy. In India, brands such as Sher Bache and Jacadi Paris are leading the charge. The market is evolving with a focus on quality, exclusivity, and sustainability, indicating significant growth potential in the luxury children’s clothing segment.
Bombay HC bars ‘Streak Street’ over trademark row with HRI’s ‘Streax’
The Bombay High Court has temporarily restrained Chandan and Shah Trading from using the trademark ‘Streak’ or similar marks, citing dishonest adoption. Hygienic Research Institute (HRI), owner of the ‘Streax’ brand, claims trademark infringement. The court noted HRI's significant market presence and goodwill, while the defendants failed to provide evidence of their market impact.
India-UK FTA: A game-changer for Indian couture? Sanjay Nigam weighs in
The India-UK FTA negotiations are nearing conclusion, promising to revolutionize Indian fashion's global reach. This trade agreement is set to eliminate restrictive tariffs, enabling Indian designers to compete on equal footing internationally and unlocking significant opportunities for the textile and apparel sector.
Gold hits new highs in February amid weaker US dollar
Gold reached new highs in February, supported by a weaker US dollar and geopolitical uncertainties, driving a 9% year-to-date gain. Rising inflation expectations, lower interest rates, and increased geopolitical risks contributed to this performance. Investors showed strong interest, with significant gold ETF inflows.
Continued geo-economic uncertainty is playing in favour of Gold: WGC
Continued geo-economic uncertainty and rising inflation are boosting gold's appeal, according to the World Gold Council. Gold prices have been increasing, bolstered by tariff uncertainties and a weakening US dollar. Record-high inflows into gold ETFs reveal strong investor interest. Meanwhile, increasing geopolitical risks and expected interest rate cuts support gold's safe-haven status.
India imposes import restrictions on platinum alloy
The Indian government has imposed restrictions on importing platinum alloys with less than 99% purity to curb the misuse of tariff differentials between gold and platinum. Importers now need authorisation from the DGFT, addressing concerns over increased imports of certain products from the UAE under a bilateral free trade agreement.
Having the time of their life: When celebs flaunt exclusive watches, they make multiple statements about style and affluence
The ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan saw Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya sporting a Richard Mille RM 67-02 watch worth Rs 3 crore. Other celebrities donning luxury watches include Rohit Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, and NT Rama Rao Jr, each showcasing their high-end timepieces, highlighting their significance in the luxury watch market.
Gold prices drop Rs 2,509 in 2 days; buyers rush to shop
Gold prices have seen a decline from Rs 86,647 to Rs 84,056 per 10 gm, leading to increased consumer purchases. Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the GJC, notes that this price drop seems temporary, influenced by international trade concerns. Analysts suggest the price may fluctuate due to dollar strength and varying economic expectations.
Purple Style Labs leases 59,000 sq ft in South Mumbai’s Fort for 5 years
Purple Style Labs has leased a five-storey, 59,000 sq ft commercial building in Mumbai's Fort area for five years. The starting monthly rent is Rs 3 crore, increasing annually. The building, a 110-year-old property at Flora Fountain, was previously occupied by Zara. This lease emphasizes the ongoing demand for premium retail space in Mumbai.
India and Thailand sign MoUs to boost gem and jewellery exports
To enhance gem and jewellery exports, India has signed MoUs with Thailand's jewellery trade, targeting 15% of Thailand's total import. India's exports saw a 12.11% decline in the first ten months of FY25. The MoUs aim to harmonize gemstone standards, boost trade in coloured gemstones, and foster innovation in silver jewellery.
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Asia Gold-India's gold demand improves as prices retreat from all-time high
India's gold demand has shown signs of improvement as prices drop from recent highs, yet it continues to be below normal levels. Discounts on gold in China remain due to lackluster activity, while India's gold imports are anticipated to drop by 85% in February, the lowest in two decades.
Gold trading platform Augmont forays in lab grown diamond, to invest Rs 100 crore
Gold trading platform Augmont is investing Rs 100 crore to enter the lab-grown diamond (LGD) market with its new jewellery brand Akoirah. They aim to establish 100 stores in three years, offering jewellery made from recycled gold and responsibly sourced LGDs. The Indian LGD jewellery market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2033.
India’s rising demand for natural diamonds: A shift in global market dynamics
Natural diamonds, formed over billions of years and increasingly scarce, remain highly valued. With declining diamond recovery rates and no new deposits discovered, their rarity enhances demand. India now stands as the second-largest market for natural diamond jewellery, presenting significant growth opportunities in the sector.
Global brands bare their soles to India's BIS
Global brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Superdry may soon resume importing premium footwear to India as the government has initiated certification of overseas factories after 18 months. The move follows pressure from US President Trump and the fallout from India's newly introduced quality control orders.
EU delays polished diamond traceability requirements to January 2026, easing pressure on Indian trade
The EU delays implementing stringent traceability rules for polished diamond imports to January 2026, easing pressure on the Indian diamond industry. This decision aligns with G7 efforts to ensure transparency in the diamond trade and prevent Russian diamonds from entering EU and G7 markets.
Titan eyes up to 20% growth in jewellery business in fiscal 2026, gold rally threatens margin
Titan expects its jewellery business to grow by up to 20% in the upcoming financial year, driven by demand from affluent Indians. However, rising gold prices may impact profit margins, which are currently forecasted at 11% to 11.5%.
