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.
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.
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.
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.
Indian Snack House Raises ₹2.2 Cr from Titan Capital to Take Clean-Label South Indian Treats Like Tirunelveli Halwa & Pootharekulu Nationwide
In a win for snack lovers and nostalgia seekers alike, Chennai-based startup Indian Snack House has secured ₹2.2 crore in pre-seed funding, with Titan Capital leading the round. The young D2C brand, launched in 2023, is on a mission to take time-honoured South Indian sweets and savouries to kitchens across India — minus the artificial stuff.
This early cash injection will help the brand broaden its reach to more cities and digital storefronts, and add a wider range of traditional favourites from Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The goal? Give modern consumers a taste of home without the chemicals and palm oil — something that’s surprisingly hard to come by in today’s packaged snack aisles.
The idea for Indian Snack House came from a simple frustration. Founders Rajakumaran and Anbarasan, both originally from the South, struggled to find clean, trustworthy versions of the sweets they grew up with after moving to bigger cities. So they did what any homesick foodies with entrepreneurial instinct might do — they decided to make their own.
And they didn’t stop at just reviving old-school recipes. The duo built the brand around a clean-label promise — no preservatives, no palm oil, no synthetic colours — while holding tightly to authenticity. That means treats like Tirunelveli Halwa, Srivilliputhur Palkova, Atreyapuram Pootharekulu, Dharwad Peda, and Kozhikode Halwa, made with the kind of care you’d expect from a grandmother, not a factory.
“We’re grateful to Kunal Bahl, Rohit Bansal, and everyone at Titan Capital for believing in what we’re building,” the founders said in a joint statement. “Their journey with early-stage brands gives us a lot of confidence as we grow. Our aim is to make Indian Snack House a go-to name for South Indian treats, both in India and abroad.”
A spokesperson from Titan Capital echoed the excitement: “There’s a real gap in the market when it comes to packaged South Indian snacks that are both clean and genuinely tasty. The team at Indian Snack House gets that balance — and we’re excited to support them as they grow.”
With the backing of one of India’s most seasoned startup investors, Indian Snack House is now gearing up to scale. And if all goes to plan, the next time you crave Pootharekulu or Palkova, you won’t need to call your aunt in Andhra — just open your phone.
Pulse Candy Hits ₹750 Cr in FY25: DS Group’s Raw Mango Marvel Dominates 19% of India’s Boiled Candy Market
What started as a bold ₹1 bet in a market ruled by 50-paise sweets has now turned into a ₹750 crore juggernaut. Pulse, the cheeky, tangy candy from DS Group that first hit shelves in 2015, has clocked massive sales in FY 2024–25, selling roughly 750 crore units — that’s one candy for every Indian, five times over.
In a country obsessed with chatpata flavours, Pulse hit a nerve — or rather, a tastebud. Riding on the nostalgic pull of raw mango (which once dominated nearly half the boiled candy market), DS Group cracked the code with a centre-filled twist that gave a familiar flavour an unexpected kick. The result? India’s most widely distributed hard-boiled candy.
Over the past three years, Pulse has grown at a steady clip of 15% CAGR — outpacing the overall category, which has been hovering around 9%. That growth isn’t just about scale; it’s also about smart pivots and a deep understanding of what Indian consumers crave.
“We didn’t just launch a new candy — we challenged how people see value,” said Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman of DS Group. “Back when most of the market stuck to the 50-paise price point, Pulse launched at ₹1. It wasn’t about being expensive — it was about delivering a better, punchier experience.”
And the journey’s far from over. With a current market share of 19% in India’s hard-boiled candy space, DS Group is now eyeing more than just candy jars. The company plans to spin the Pulse brand into other formats, other categories, and other countries — all while holding on to its trademark Indian twist.
Domestically, DS Group’s vast distribution network covers over 35 lakh retail points, which has been key to Pulse’s scale and visibility. What began with a strong focus on reach has grown into a full-fledged candy supply chain machine — fast, efficient, and built to deliver.
Looking ahead, DS Group wants to stretch Pulse beyond single-serve candies. The vision is to build a brand that shows up at more moments — festivals, gifting, snacking, maybe even in formats we haven’t seen yet.
It’s not just about sweets anymore. Pulse is becoming a flavour — and a feeling — all its own.
AC Lounges for Delivery Heroes: Chennai’s ₹25 Lakh Move Gives Swiggy, Zomato & Urban Company Workers a Place to Rest and Recharge
In a much-needed gesture of respect and recognition, the Greater Chennai Corporation has unveiled two dedicated rest lounges for gig workers — a small but meaningful shift in how Indian cities treat the people who keep them running. These delivery personnel, often overlooked despite being everywhere, finally have a space to pause, recharge, and simply breathe.
Built at a cost of ₹25 lakh, the lounges are equipped with thoughtful amenities: cushioned seating for 25, phone charging stations, clean drinking water, and hygienic restrooms. But more than the design — inspired by clean, Scandinavian minimalism — it’s the intent behind them that stands out. These spaces acknowledge the physical toll and long hours that food, grocery, and parcel delivery workers face every single day.
For delivery riders like Anupriya, the difference is deeply personal. “We didn’t have anywhere to go. We waited outside restaurants, often late into the night. Now there’s finally a place where I feel safe, especially as a woman,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the initiative and the state’s support.
Kalaiarasan, another gig worker, pointed out how Chennai’s brutal heat often left them drained. “After a tough delivery run, we’d sit wherever we could — under trees, in parks. This lounge is like a breath of fresh air.”
This pilot project is just the beginning. Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu had announced the plan during his budget speech, and now it’s come to life — first in Chennai, with Coimbatore in the pipeline. Depending on how well these initial lounges are received, the Corporation plans to scale the model across more areas in the city.
While modest in scale, this initiative sends a strong message: dignity and comfort should not be luxuries for those who work the hardest. And in Chennai, at least, the wheels of change are beginning to turn.
Bessemer’s ‘Click, Watch, Shop’ Report Predicts $1 Trillion Digital Boom — Swiggy, Urban Company & Boldfit Leading the Charge
India’s digital revolution isn’t just coming — it’s already reshaping how hundreds of millions of people shop, watch, and live. A new report from Bessemer Venture Partners dives into the tectonic shift underway, fueled by everything from cheap data to a rising middle class hungry for modern convenience.
The report, titled Click, Watch, Shop: The Consumer Opportunity in India, paints a vivid picture of how the past ten years have laid the groundwork for a full-blown consumer internet explosion. What’s powering this? Three things, mainly: lightning-fast internet adoption, a huge base of digital-native young people, and policy moves that cleared the runway for innovation.
This cocktail of change has already produced some major success stories — think Swiggy’s food delivery empire, Urban Company’s on-demand services, and Boldfit’s fitness-forward D2C play. Even pet care startup Vetic is tapping into the evolving Indian household, where convenience and care now go hand in hand.
But the story is just beginning. Bessemer sees a fresh wave coming — local content platforms tailored to Indian tastes, online marketplaces that understand regional quirks, and a new kind of consumer who expects more than just a product: they want an experience.
“India’s digital economy is sitting on a $1 trillion opportunity,” said Anant Vidur Puri, Partner at Bessemer. “The last decade showed us what’s possible — the next one will show us how big it can really get. The rise of consumer platforms and homegrown brands isn’t a trend; it’s the new normal.”
The numbers tell their own story. Online commerce in India was valued at just $30 billion in 2020. By 2030, it’s projected to hit $300 billion — a tenfold increase in a single decade. And that’s only a slice of the broader digital economy pie.
What was once a niche market limited to metro cities and early adopters is now part of everyday life across small towns and tier-2 cities. India isn’t catching up — it’s leapfrogging.
Country Delight Jumps Into ₹500 Cr Plant-Based Beverage Market With New Oat Drink Made From Premium Australian Oats
Country Delight has just rolled out its newest offering—an oat-based drink that’s easy on the wallet and packed with nutritional goodness. With this launch, the brand is stepping into the booming world of plant-based beverages, targeting those who want a dairy-free drink that doesn’t cut corners on quality or flavor.
Crafted from top-grade Australian oats and blended without any added sugar, preservatives, or synthetic additives, this new oat drink promises to deliver both comfort and nutrition in every glass. It’s loaded with naturally occurring fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals—perfect for people with lactose intolerance, those focused on gut health, or anyone simply trying to eat (and drink) better.
Here’s what sets Country Delight’s Oat Drink apart:
1. Friendly for Lactose-Intolerant Folks
This drink skips the dairy but not the creaminess. People who struggle with lactose can enjoy it without worrying about bloating or discomfort.
2. No Soy, No Nuts, No Worries
For those steering clear of allergens like soy or nuts, this is a safer alternative. It’s made in a facility where allergen separation is taken seriously, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
3. Kind on the Stomach
The presence of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oats, helps support digestive health. Plus, the drink doesn’t contain lactose or casein, which are known irritants for sensitive tummies.
4. What You See Is What You Get
This oat drink is as clean as they come—no sugar added, no preservatives, no sweeteners trying to play dress-up. Just a wholesome blend of oats, chia, and other simple, plant-based ingredients.
Chakradhar Gade, Co-Founder and CEO of Country Delight, said, “Our goal has always been to bring real, nutritious food into Indian households. With this oat drink, we’re offering an option that’s not just plant-based, but genuinely healthy and great-tasting. We wanted to create something people would reach for every day—not just because they have to, but because they want to.”
Country Delight’s oat drink meets stringent global food safety standards with certifications from ISO, USFDA (FSVP-FSMA), FSSC, and Organic agencies. Each batch goes through more than 140 quality checks daily to ensure it’s safe, clean, and exactly what the label promises.
Bengaluru’s GIVA Bags ₹530 Cr From Creaegis, Premji Invest & Others — Eyes 150 New Stores and Lab-Grown Diamond Boom
Fine jewellery startup GIVA has secured ₹530 crore (~$63 million) in fresh funding, with Creaegis leading the round and returning investors Premji Invest, Epiq Capital, and Edelweiss Discovery Fund also participating.
The Bengaluru-based brand plans to use the capital to deepen its offline and online presence, strengthen its tech stack, and double down on its fast-growing lab-grown diamond segment — a category gaining serious traction among sustainability-conscious shoppers in India and abroad.
Started in 2019 by Ishendra Agarwal and Nikita Prasad, GIVA originally entered the market with silver jewellery but has since expanded into 14K and 18K gold collections and a dedicated range of lab-created diamonds. Over the last few years, the brand has rapidly built a retail network of over 240 stores across the country and now aims to add another 145–150 outlets by the end of the year, especially targeting Tier-II cities where demand for affordable luxury is on the rise.
Beyond retail, GIVA continues to invest in its digital operations, which remain a powerful engine for both customer acquisition and brand engagement. The company is also working to streamline its supply chain using tech-enabled solutions, with a focus on scaling efficiently while keeping design and quality at the core.
In a notable leadership update, Aditya Labroo, who has served as GIVA’s Chief Operating Officer, has now been elevated to the role of co-founder, signaling the brand’s evolving vision as it enters a new phase of growth.
By combining aspirational designs, accessible pricing, and a growing retail footprint, GIVA is positioning itself as a major player in India’s fine jewellery market — with lab-grown diamonds set to be a key growth lever going forward.
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