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Homegrown Beauty Brand WishCare Scales ₹200 Crore with 10X Growth Since FY24 Global Launch Next

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Homegrown beauty brand WishCare has hit a major milestone, clocking ₹200 crore in revenue for FY 2024–25—a massive leap from where it stood just two years ago. With a current annual run rate of ₹300 crore, it’s quickly cementing its place among India’s fastest-growing independent beauty companies.

Started by siblings Stuti, Ankit, and Ayush Kothari, WishCare was born out of a desire to create high-performance, science-backed personal care products that cater to today’s health-conscious and ingredient-aware consumers. From haircare to suncare and bodycare, the brand’s product lineup has been designed to be both effective and multifunctional.

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Things really took off after Unilever Ventures came on board as its first and only investor in FY24. Since then, WishCare has grown ten times in just a year and a half, thanks largely to its strong direct-to-consumer presence. The surge in online popularity has now sparked growing interest from offline retailers as well—setting the stage for a full-fledged omnichannel rollout.

“At every stage, we’ve listened to our customers and let their needs guide our product development,” said co-founder Stuti Kothari. “This growth isn’t just about numbers—it reflects the genuine trust we’ve built with our community. We’re now looking forward to taking WishCare to international markets and scaling the brand across multiple touchpoints.”

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Founded in 2020, the brand has already reached over five million customers across India. With momentum on its side, WishCare is now preparing to step into global markets, with the UAE, USA, and Southeast Asia high on the priority list.

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America’s Favorite Soft Serve Brand Carvel to Open First Indian Outlet in Delhi This August, 100 More on the Menu

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America’s Favorite Soft Serve Brand Carvel to Open First Indian Outlet in Delhi This August, 100 More on the Menu

A taste of classic American nostalgia is on its way to Indian shores. Carvel, the iconic soft serve brand that’s been charming the U.S. since 1934, is set to open its first Indian outlet this August in New Delhi.

Bringing Carvel to India is Unify Foodworks, the company that holds the exclusive rights to expand the brand across the country. And they’re not stopping at one location. Over the next few years, Unify plans to open 100 Carvel stores in major Indian cities.

Indian dessert lovers can expect to try Carvel’s signature offerings — soft serves in flavours like hazelnut, vanilla, pistachio, chocolate, coffee, and the brand’s cult-favourite “Flying Saucers.” Also on the menu: their much-loved ice cream cakes.

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Carvel’s journey began nearly a century ago when Tom Carvel turned a broken-down ice cream truck into an empire. Today, it has over 370 stores in 14 countries and is credited with popularizing the soft serve format.

Steven Yang, who heads Carvel’s international efforts in the Asia-Pacific region for GoTo Foods, sees India as a natural next step. “There’s a real synergy between what Carvel stands for — bold flavours and timeless quality — and the adventurous palate of Indian consumers,” he said. “With Unify Foodworks as our partner, we’re set up to scale thoughtfully, not just quickly.”

Unify Foodworks has made a name for itself by bringing established international food brands to India through national franchise deals. Their goal is to help global names feel at home in India, without losing what makes them special.

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“Carvel isn’t just about ice cream,” said Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks. “It’s about shared joy — the kind you feel when celebrating a birthday or grabbing dessert with your friends after work. We want to build places where people from all walks of life can come together, relax, and treat themselves.”

With its mix of heritage and innovation, Carvel’s Indian debut is more than a launch — it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy a sweet moment.

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Stayvista Bags ₹40 Crore in Funding Round Backed by JSW Ventures, Looks to Scale India’s Luxe Villa Getaway Market

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Stayvista Bags ₹40 Crore in Funding Round Backed by JSW Ventures, Looks to Scale India’s Luxe Villa Getaway Market

Stayvista, a Mumbai-based player that’s quietly become the go-to name in India’s luxury villa rental space, has just pulled in ₹40 crore in fresh funding. The round was led by JSW Ventures, with continued backing from DSG Consumer Partners and the Capri Global Family Office.

With over 1,000 premium properties now live across 85 destinations, and more than a million guests hosted so far, Stayvista is eyeing its next chapter — one that includes expanding its footprint, building out its team, and refining how guests experience its getaways.

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Sachin Tagra, Managing Partner at JSW Ventures, believes the company is riding a wave of changing travel preferences. “People are increasingly looking beyond cookie-cutter hotels. Stayvista taps into that shift — and they’re doing it in a way that’s both scalable and smart with capital,” he said.

Founded by Pranav Maheshwari, Stayvista has already reached profitability — a rare feat in India’s startup ecosystem — and now has its sights set on becoming the largest name in the luxury villa category. “Our mission is simple: to make Stayvista the first name Indians think of when planning a special, high-quality getaway,” Maheshwari shared.

What makes Stayvista’s model stand out is its approach — the platform partners with individual homeowners, turning beautiful but often-unused second homes into full-fledged holiday stays. It’s a model that benefits both sides: homeowners get to earn from their property, while guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to find in standard hotels.

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With this new round of funding, Stayvista is gearing up for a sharper, wider rollout — aiming to meet India’s booming appetite for premium, personalised travel experiences head-on.

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NIC’s Parent Walko Acquires Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams to Tap India’s ₹3,000 Crore Artisanal Dessert Wave

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NIC’s Parent Walko Acquires Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams to Tap India’s ₹3,000 Crore Artisanal Dessert Wave

Walko Food Company, the Pune-based force behind popular ice cream brands like NIC, Grameen Kulfi, and Mimo, has just added a bold new flavour to its mix — Mumbai’s Meemee’s Ice Creams. Known for its quirky, youth-friendly creations, Meemee’s has been snapped up by Walko in a move that hints at deeper ambitions in India’s fast-growing artisanal dessert space.

While the financial details remain under wraps, the intent behind the deal is loud and clear: Walko is looking to widen its footprint in India’s urban markets and double down on D2C and digital-first strategies. With Meemee’s in its corner, the company now gains access to a fresh batch of format-driven desserts that don’t play by the usual rules — think Ice Cream Toasties, layered Roley’s, Instagram-ready cakes, and Tubsters made for quick indulgence.

“Dessert isn’t just about taste anymore — it’s about experience, mood, and personal style,” said Raj Bhandari, director at Walko. “Meemee’s brings that spark. Their brand energy, their out-of-the-box formats — it all fits perfectly with how we see the future of frozen treats.”

Founded in Mumbai, Meemee’s has steadily gained traction with a younger crowd that cares just as much about design and story as it does about flavour. The brand has built its identity around fun, innovation, and social media appeal — and its menu reflects that spirit. Whether it’s a slice of cake that doubles as a scoop of nostalgia or a grab-and-go tub that hits just right on a Friday night, Meemee’s has tapped into a new kind of dessert behavior.

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With this acquisition, Walko isn’t just expanding its product lineup — it’s entering a cultural space where desserts are as expressive as they are delicious.

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Welspun Ropes In Vidya Balan as Brand Ambassador to Lead ₹10,000 Crore Domestic Textile Push Across Indian Households

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Welspun Ropes In Vidya Balan as Brand Ambassador to Lead ₹10,000 Crore Domestic Textile Push Across Indian Households

Welspun, a well-known name in the home textiles space, has brought acclaimed actor Vidya Balan on board as the face of its domestic product range. The move comes as the company gears up for a new marketing push that aims to speak directly to Indian households about quality, trust, and everyday comfort.

Instead of going the typical celebrity endorsement route, Welspun chose Balan for who she is beyond the screen — someone who connects with people across regions, age groups, and backgrounds. Her personality mirrors the qualities Welspun wants to highlight: dependable, no-nonsense, and deeply rooted in Indian values.

The upcoming campaign, which will unfold across digital, print, and television, will spotlight Welspun’s home textile offerings — not just as stylish accessories, but as thoughtful additions to real Indian homes. Expect to see Vidya featured in relatable scenarios that reflect how Welspun products fit into daily routines and family life.

“‘Har Ghar Welspun’ isn’t just a line — it’s our goal,” said Saumil Mehta, President and Business Head – Domestic Home Textiles at Welspun Global Brands. “We’re seeing more and more Indian consumers shift from generic products to trusted, branded ones. Vidya brings warmth and authenticity to that message. She feels like family — and so should our products.”

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Pradnya Popade, who heads marketing for the domestic textiles division, echoed that sentiment. “Vidya isn’t about showy glamour — she’s about real stories, real choices. That’s exactly the tone we’re aiming for. Welspun isn’t trying to impress with flash — we want to connect through trust, practicality, and thoughtful design.”

For Vidya Balan, this isn’t just another commercial deal. “When a brand reflects your own beliefs, the association feels natural,” she said. “Welspun’s focus on quality that lasts, comfort that matters, and designs that feel personal — all of that clicked with me. I’m excited to be part of a brand that understands the pulse of Indian homes.”

With this partnership, Welspun isn’t just adding a new face to its campaigns — it’s anchoring itself more deeply in the stories, routines, and aspirations of Indian households.

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Nancy Tyagi vs Neha Bhasin: The Cannes Corset Dispute That Spotlights Indian Fashion Accountability

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Nancy Tyagi vs Neha Bhasin: The Cannes Corset Dispute That Spotlights Indian Fashion Accountability

This Cannes, all eyes were on the chain‐corset controversy—when influencer Nancy Tyagi claimed to have designed her showpiece look, but singer Neha Bhasin—and designer Surbhi Gupta—called her out.

The drama? A social-media explosion. Nancy said it was her handmade creation; Neha revealed proof she’d worn a similar corset by The Source Bombay before—and Surbhi noted that Nancy had bought the dress for ₹25K. Meanwhile, Diet Sabya traced the original chain-corset style to The Blonds and Raakesh Agarwal.

This isn’t just gossip—it’s a masterclass in fashion ethics. It highlights the difference between curated self-expression and rebranded iterations. Questions of originality, credit, and cultural appropriation came under the spotlight—all in one Cannes moment.

The ripple? Influencers and brands are reevaluating credit-sharing, transparency, and public representation. Meanwhile, Nancy’s case reminds us: in a digital age, no look stays private. If you’re selling creativity, ownership matters.

Final Take: This isn’t a curtains-down moment—it’s fashion’s accountability act. If we want Indian fashion to be seen as credible and creative, we must also ensure it’s credit-worthy. The corset may have been the garment—but the lesson is bigger: integrity is always in style.

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Natasa Stankovic’s Bombay Times Fashion Week Return Is a Mom-Style Moment with Heart

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Natasa Stankovic’s Bombay Times Fashion Week Return Is a Mom-Style Moment with Heart

After years away from the ramp, Natasa Stankovic made a powerful return at Bombay Times Fashion Week—and it wasn’t just her style that impressed—it was her resilience.

Walking the runway in elegant draped silhouettes infused with bold prints and luxe textures, Natasa brought runway drama—but in the sweetest twist, she was flanked by tears and cheers. Her son, Agastya, was her “tiniest cheerleader,” and Natasa admitted the moment shifted more than her shoes—it shifted her perspective.

What makes this comeback resonate? It’s a portrait of the modern Indian woman—multidimensional, career-driven, family-loving, and unapologetically stylish. Her interview taking viewers behind the scenes revealed vulnerability, strength, and a sense of reclamation.

As she revisited past choices—including her reality-show stint in Bigg Boss—Natasa said she often felt lost, unsure of her place. But on this ramp? She looked centered, radiant, and absolutely in control.

Final Take: Natasa’s FTW moment isn’t just a runway story—it’s a statement. It’s about rewriting narratives: fashion isn’t just for the early-career or single girl—it’s for moms, multifaceted women, and every person forging their own style timeline.

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Jacqueline Fernandez’s Striped Co‑Ord Set Sparks K‑Pop-Inspired Fashion Frenzy in India

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Bollywood beauty Jacqueline Fernandez just made casual chic feel like star-level style again—thanks to her recent striped co-ord set that had fans doing the Korean heart sign IRL.

What made her look stand out? Simple but luminously styled: a fitted cropped top paired with matching high-waist trousers in a bold stripe combo—think refreshing cobalt meets sunlit white. She paired it with glossy lips, subtle electrical blue eyeliner, and sleek hair, giving off global muse meets desi diva energy.

Why the reaction? It’s rare for street-meets-casual to create such cultural crossover: Bollywood glamour meets K-pop language of hearts. Amid the blur of celebrity fashion, Jacqueline’s look was youthful, upbeat, and—most importantly—relatable. Fans were sliding into comments, recreating the style, and yes… even doing the Korean heart finger gesture in selfies.

The appeal has brands already circling. Think pastel-striped co-ords, graphic tees, and coordinating accessories in breezy prints. With lounge-luxe and travel fits surging post-pandemic, her outfit feels like perfect timing.

Final Take: Jacqueline didn’t just wear a co-ord set—she launched a mini movement. It’s a reminder that even simple separates, when styled right, can create massive conversation. Here’s hoping we see more cross-cultural translations from simple basics to community style statements.

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Sabyasachi Mukherjee Isn’t Selling Luxury He’s Redefining It with Cultural Authenticity and Ethical Exclusivity

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Sabyasachi Mukherjee Isn’t Selling Luxury—He’s Redefining It with Cultural Authenticity and Ethical Exclusivity

Fashion icon Sabyasachi Mukherjee recently reflected on a 25‑year journey in an insightful interview from his Kolkata office. Fresh off Met Gala success—dressing Shah Rukh Khan with historic gravitas—he’s doubling down on a philosophy that’s shaking luxury’s hierarchy.

“My brand is respected in India because everyone panders to the rich; we do not,” he said. It’s a bold claim. But what makes it resonate is the proof behind it: stories. He champions regional textiles, revives lost handlooms, and spins interviews into cultural consciousness instead of glossy runway drama.

The result? Sabyasachi isn’t selling price tags—he’s selling purpose. That means dresses with purpose statements; lehengas that carry hometown lore; suits that are architectural, not aspirational for elites only.

It’s a twist on luxury: instead of one-size-fits-all FOMO, he offers limited-edition soul—each piece is a curated legacy. And in an Instagram‑driven world of mass drops, his slow‑fashion couture feels revolutionary.

Final Take: Sabyasachi’s journey reminds us luxury isn’t about wealth—it’s about wealth of story, culture, and care. His brand landscape is proof heritage doesn’t just belong in museums—it belongs on our wrist, our runway, and in our lives.

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Kriti Sanon Backs Sister Nupur’s Label Nobo with Chic Modeling Debut—Sibling Bond Meets Street Style Power

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Kriti Sanon Backs Sister Nupur’s Label Nobo with Chic Modeling Debut—Sibling Bond Meets Street Style Power

    Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon recently stepped into a behind‑the‑scenes fashion moment, not as a red‑carpet star, but as the face of her sister Nupur Sanon’s newly launched brand, Nobo. The campaign is more than pretty faces—it’s a tribute to family, entrepreneurship, and sisterhood in the spotlight. That’s big news in an industry that’s just learning how to selfie well.

    At the Bengaluru unveiling, Kriti walked in comfy, curated ensembles—think structured blazers, flowy dresses, and tunics that whispered “global chic” but stayed firmly rooted in Indian aesthetics. The color palette? Fresh pastels, earthy neutrals, and versatile cuts that go from “Brunch with the girls” to “First client meet” without missing a fashion beat.

    This isn’t Nepo‑baby hype—it’s brand credibility. When your big sister is both stylist and CEO, it shows. And Nubo gains depth—not just labels selling clothes, but a lived-in narrative of support, creativity, and family vibes.

    What makes this moment matter: India’s fashion ecosystem is pushing beyond just weddings and award shows. It’s becoming about accessible style, authentic voices, and who gets to be the stylist in their own story. When Kriti wears Nobo, she’s not just modeling—she’s establishing lineage (of talent and taste) as brand equity.

    Final Take: The Nobo launch turns a celebrity cameo into a cultural nod—fashion can be familial, collaborative, and conversational. And in a world where every scroll demands a story, this one delivers sisterhood—and style—with sincerity.

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