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Estée Lauder and Jo Malone Launch AI Scent Advisor to Personalize Online Fragrance Discovery

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The Estée Lauder Companies and Jo Malone London have launched a new AI-powered digital experience aimed at transforming online fragrance discovery. Named the Jo Malone London Scent Advisor, the platform is now live on JoMalone.com in the United States and United Kingdom and offers customers a personalized way to find their ideal scent through an interactive, conversational interface.

The tool allows users to describe the type of fragrance they are looking for, whether for personal use or as a gift. Using Google Cloud’s Gemini and Vertex AI, these natural language inputs are matched with Jo Malone London’s proprietary fragrance data to generate tailored recommendations that replicate the brand’s in-store consultation experience. The solution was developed collaboratively by The Estée Lauder Companies’ AI and Innovation teams, combining deep fragrance expertise with advanced AI capabilities.

Jo Dancey, Global Brand President of Jo Malone London, emphasized the role of technology in bridging the gap between curiosity and confidence in fragrance selection. Brian Franz, Chief Technology, Data & Analytics Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, added that the AI-powered solution enables deeper consumer insights while creating a more personalized experience. Jose Gomes, VP of Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods at Google Cloud, noted that the partnership demonstrates how AI can enhance consumer engagement while maintaining brand identity.

The Scent Advisor follows recent digital initiatives from Jo Malone London, including its Scent Layering tool and a TikTok fragrance filter, highlighting the brand’s focus on consumer-centered digital innovation. The launch also coincides with strategic investments in The Estée Lauder Companies’ Fragrance Atelier in Paris, reinforcing the importance of fragrance within the company’s global growth strategy.

Founded in 1994 and acquired by The Estée Lauder Companies in 1999, Jo Malone London is known for its refined, British-inspired scents. The Estée Lauder Companies markets its products across approximately 150 countries through brands including Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, TOM FORD, Aveda, Le Labo, Dr. Jart+, and the DECIEM portfolio.

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Louis Vuitton Steps Into A New Era With A Six Floor House In Seoul That Shows How Far The Brand Can Push Luxury And Design

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Louis Vuitton Steps Into A New Era With A Six Floor House In Seoul That Shows How Far The Brand Can Push Luxury And Design

Louis Vuitton has opened a grand new space in Seoul that feels more like a creative universe than a regular store. The six story building brings together fashion, art and design in a way that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy every corner. Instead of walking into a simple retail setup, people step into a place where the heritage of the brand is displayed through light, texture and colour.

The highlight of the space is the way Louis Vuitton has used its iconic trunks. They appear in tall sculptural stacks and playful installations that fill the room with a warm glow. The signature monogram patterns in rich shades of gold, red and brown create a sense of movement as they rise from the floor. The presentation makes the trunks feel like pieces of art rather than travel objects.

Across the six floors, the brand has created experiences that reflect its long journey. Visitors can find ready to wear collections, classic bags, rare archival pieces and rooms that celebrate the craftsmanship behind each item. The building also includes curated displays that focus on the work of global artists who have collaborated with the brand through the years.

Seoul has become an important city for luxury houses and this opening shows how strongly Louis Vuitton wants to deepen its presence in the region. The new space feels like a message to the world that the brand is ready to offer something beyond regular shopping. It gives people a chance to enjoy fashion in a more personal way.

With this six story world, Louis Vuitton has created a place where tradition and imagination come together beautifully, making it one of the most striking openings of the year.

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Nexus Venture Partners Raises $700M Fund to Back AI, Enterprise, and Consumer Startups in India and US

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Nexus Venture Partners has closed its eighth fund, raising $700 million to back early-stage startups across India and the US, with a focus on artificial intelligence, enterprise software, consumer tech, and fintech. The fund, one of the largest VC raises this year, represents a continuation of Nexus’s strategy of supporting seed and Series A companies while expanding its footprint in US-only AI ventures.

Co-founder Suvir Sujan explained that the firm will continue backing Indian software startups but will now deploy capital to US AI and enterprise companies where it has domain expertise. “We understand open source and the AI stack. This fund allows us to play on the front foot in the US while maintaining our India-focused investments,” he said.

Founded in 2006 by the late Naren Gupta, Sujan, and Sandeep Singhal, Nexus has been an early backer of companies including Zepto, Rapido, and Postman. The firm has returned around $700 million in cash to limited partners over the past few years, generating total liquidity of $1.5–2 billion through exits such as Delhivery, PubMatic, Cloud.com, Mezi, and Gluster.

Nexus expects four to five IPOs from its portfolio in the next two to three years, with early bets like Zepto planning to go public soon. Sujan noted that a few large winners could drive outsized returns even if only a handful of companies scale to $3–5 billion valuations, where Nexus holds 15–20% stakes.

The fund will also continue supporting operationally intensive consumer startups, including Rapido, Zepto, and Snabbit. Sujan highlighted Snabbit’s focus on delivering reliable home-cleaning services, aiming to scale into adjacent categories, echoing the trajectory of other successful ventures in the portfolio.

With cross-border enterprise and AI startups attracting attention globally, Nexus is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities while reinforcing its commitment to Indian software innovation.

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Great Jeans For Everyone’: American Eagle Strengthens India Presence with Bollywood Ambassadors

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American Eagle has unveiled its latest campaign in India, celebrating the brand’s denim heritage with the launch of ‘Great Jeans For Everyone.’ Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Lakshya have been named global ambassadors, marking a strategic move to strengthen the brand’s connection with young Indian consumers.

The campaign, captured by director Collin D’Cunha and photographer Sasha Jairam, emphasizes effortless style and everyday comfort, showcasing American Eagle’s signature denim fits for men and women. Ananya Panday is featured in the brand’s Ex Boyfriend Fit and Baggy Wide Leg jeans, while Lakshya highlights essential men’s silhouettes including Original Bootcut and Baggy Loose. Together, they embody the versatility and ease at the core of the brand’s offerings.

Speaking on her association with the campaign, Panday said the collaboration felt authentic, reflecting her off-screen lifestyle with jeans that balance comfort and style. Lakshya echoed similar sentiments, noting that the brand’s denim allows freedom of movement across daily activities, from travel to casual outings.

Yatin Athale, Brand Head for American Eagle India, stated that the campaign aligns with the brand’s strategy to remain culturally relevant and resonate with India’s youth. He highlighted that India has emerged as a key growth market for American Eagle over the past seven years, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering fashion-forward denim that fits well and meets evolving style preferences.

The initiative is rolling out across digital platforms, cinema, and key global markets where Bollywood influence is significant, reflecting American Eagle’s dual focus on local engagement and international brand presence. With this campaign, the brand seeks to reaffirm its position as a leader in denim while deepening its connection with a generation that values comfort, authenticity, and everyday style.

This campaign signals American Eagle’s intent to combine heritage craftsmanship with contemporary trends, emphasizing both quality and cultural relevance in one of its most important international markets.

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Anand Mahindra’s Shoutout Gives Fresh Momentum To Araku Coffee As The Brand Crosses Six International Outlets And Plans A Wider Expansion

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Araku Coffee has added another bright chapter to its story by opening its sixth global outlet, drawing warm appreciation from business leader Anand Mahindra. The brand already has a presence in Paris, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and this new opening signals how far Indian coffee has come. What began as a quiet movement from the Araku Valley has slowly grown into a label that stands with confidence in front of global consumers.

The rise of Araku Coffee feels special because it highlights the power of beans grown in India. For years, the world has looked toward countries like Brazil and Ethiopia for premium origins. Now Indian coffee growers and Indian brands are stepping into conversations that once felt distant. Araku’s success acts as a gentle confirmation that homegrown players can hold their space in a crowded market where quality matters more than hype.

This growth is also a moment of pride for the tribal farmers of the Araku Valley whose careful cultivation built the foundation for the brand. Their work has travelled from the hills of Andhra Pradesh to shelves and cafes across major cities. That is not just business expansion. It reflects faith in Indian craftsmanship.

The bigger question that naturally comes up is whether Araku can one day become a global household name the way Starbucks did. It is still early to make such predictions, but Araku has something that sets it apart. It offers a clear identity, clean sourcing and a story that feels real. If it continues to expand at a steady and thoughtful pace, India might finally see a local coffee brand rise on the world stage in a lasting way.

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Food Safety Alert: Ambica Dairy Products Penalized for Selling Imitation Milk Halwa in Gujarat

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Ahmedabad has seized dairy analogue products worth ₹1.75 lakh from Ambica Dairy Products after officials found them being marketed as Milk Halwa in violation of licensing norms. The manufacturer is licensed only to produce traditional dairy items such as Khoa, and the sale of imitation products raises both consumer safety and regulatory concerns.

During a routine inspection, FSSAI officers discovered that Ambica Dairy Products was producing a dairy analogue—a product typically made using non-dairy fats—and labeling it as Milk Halwa. Authorities noted that this misrepresentation not only breaches the terms of the company’s FSSAI license but also poses risks to consumers relying on accurate food labeling for nutritional information and quality assurance.

Dairy analogues often do not meet the nutritional profile of genuine milk-based sweets. Selling such products as authentic milk items can mislead buyers and undermine confidence in traditional Indian confectionery. Regulators emphasized that compliance with labeling and production standards is critical to maintaining food safety, market fairness, and consumer trust.

FSSAI officials reaffirmed that manufacturers must explicitly disclose the presence of dairy substitutes in their products, and any attempt to market them as conventional dairy items is strictly prohibited. The Ahmedabad seizure is part of the authority’s broader efforts to monitor food safety standards across Gujarat, particularly in segments where imitation products threaten authenticity.

The agency also highlighted that such actions serve to protect both consumers and legitimate dairy producers who follow prescribed norms. With growing demand for transparent labeling and safe food products, FSSAI has indicated that inspections and enforcement will continue rigorously. Industry analysts expect stricter penalties and more frequent crackdowns in the coming months as regulators aim to safeguard public health and maintain integrity in India’s traditional sweets market.

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Sanook Kitchen Launches First India Restaurant in Gurugram, Targets Affordable Thai Dining Market

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Sanook Kitchen, the popular Thai restaurant chain with a strong international presence, has entered the Indian market with the opening of its first outlet at Reach 3 Roads in Gurugram’s Sector 70. The launch marks the beginning of the brand’s India expansion strategy, aimed at introducing an affordable, everyday Thai dining experience to a wider consumer base.

The new restaurant brings Sanook Kitchen’s full menu to Indian diners, featuring the dishes that have driven the brand’s success in other markets. The offerings include classic Thai curries, wok-fried noodle preparations, rice bowls, appetisers and beverages. The company said the kitchen team follows traditional cooking techniques and fresh-ingredient sourcing practices to retain authenticity while ensuring the pricing remains accessible for regular, repeat dining.

Rohan Kichlu, Chief Executive Officer for New Business Ventures at Sanook Kitchen, said the debut store represents an important step in the chain’s growth plans. He noted that Reach 3 Roads, with its established footfall and mixed residential catchment, provided a natural starting point for the brand’s India journey. According to Kichlu, the company sees strong long-term potential in India’s casual dining segment, especially for global cuisines that appeal to young and urban consumers.

The management at Reach Group views the addition of Sanook Kitchen as strengthening the high-street centre’s overall food and beverage lineup. Ishwin Singh Hora, Director at Reach Group, said the arrival of the restaurant supports the destination’s goal of catering to the everyday needs of the surrounding neighbourhoods while widening the choice of international dining options.

With its first location now operational, Sanook Kitchen adds to the growing roster of global food brands looking to build a presence in North India’s premium high-street clusters. Reach 3 Roads continues to expand its role as a community-centric hub with a mix of restaurants, cafés and retail formats designed for residents in and around Sector 70.

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India Emerges as Fastest-Growing Scotch Whisky Destination Ahead of Major Duty Reduction

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India’s appetite for premium spirits is setting the stage for a major shift in the global whisky trade, with the Scotch Whisky Association saying the country is on track to become the largest market for Scotch worldwide. The industry body’s assessment comes as India and the United Kingdom move closer to concluding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, a deal that is expected to lower import duties and bring long-awaited price relief for millions of whisky consumers.

The association, which represents influential producers including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, William Grant & Sons, Whyte & Mackay and Suntory Global Spirits, said the trade pact is likely to deepen business ties and spark fresh investments across the supply chain. Its chief executive, Mark Kent, noted that the agreement could take effect by the middle of next year once the UK Parliament completes its approval process.

Kent said reduced import duties are expected to bring retail prices down by nearly ten percent, creating a broader consumer base and supporting domestic players that blend bulk Scotch for Indian-made foreign liquor. He added that this shift would benefit not only distilleries but also farms, logistic operators, bottling partners, restaurants and tourism businesses linked to the premium spirits category.

While the pact promises to remove long-standing market barriers, the association holds firm on an issue that has divided producers on both sides. Indian distillers have repeatedly urged the UK to recognise spirits matured for less than three years as whisky. Kent clarified that products not meeting the UK’s legal standards cannot be labelled whisky, regardless of market preferences.

India is already the single largest destination for Scotch by volume, with an industry that dwarfs Scotch production in size. The changing tariff landscape, Kent said, is encouraging new brands to consider entering India, while Indian companies are increasingly exploring investment opportunities in Scottish distilleries. He described the moment as a turning point for two-way cooperation in a fast-growing global spirits market.

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Wherehouse Shutdown Turns Messy As Co Founder Vaibhav Chawla Faces Arrest And Workers Are Taken To The Police Station

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Delhi’s startup circle woke up to a tense development this week after Vaibhav Chawla, the co founder of the warehousing startup Wherehouse, was taken into custody around one in the morning on Tuesday. The arrest followed what Chawla called a frivolous complaint filed by a client, landing at a time when the company had already announced its shutdown due to severe operational challenges.

Chawla had revealed the closure in a detailed LinkedIn post titled Shutting Down Wherehouse, where he explained that a dispute with a client had spiralled far beyond what he expected. The issue began on June 1, when the client emailed him claiming unpaid dues. Chawla rejected the demand on contractual grounds, after which the tone of communication reportedly took an abusive turn. By June 16, the company terminated the agreement, calling the client’s behaviour threatening and unacceptable.

Instead of clearing the pending amount of one lakh twenty eight thousand rupees, the client approached the Economic Offences Wing with a criminal complaint sometime after July 15. Wherehouse submitted its defence on July 23 and called the complaint motivated and aimed at forcing payment through pressure.

By mid November, officers from the Nangaloi Extension Police Station began contacting Chawla but refused to share any supporting documents. Between November 17 and 28, officers allegedly visited the warehouse multiple times, interrupting work and insisting that Chawla appear alone, without legal representation. Matters intensified when a police officer allegedly took ten warehouse workers to the station, releasing them only after their families intervened.

The situation reached its peak early Tuesday morning with Chawla’s arrest, confirmed online by entrepreneur Shachin Bharadwa. The startup community is now watching closely as the case unfolds.

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Farah Khan Turns Her YouTube Channel Into A Money Machine And Says It Now Beats Her Entire Film And TV Earnings

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Farah Khan has quietly built one of the most successful creator businesses in India, and the scale of it is surprising even to people who have followed her for years. In a recent interview, she mentioned that her YouTube earnings alone have now crossed what she could make through her entire film and television career. The statement may sound dramatic, but a look at her viewership numbers makes it clear why the shift happened.

Farah tapped into something very few celebrities manage to do. She took her natural recall value, her wide circle of well known names from the industry and her own kitchen, and turned them into a content property that feels warm, familiar and genuine. The secret ingredient is Dilip, who has now become the unexpected hero of the channel. His calm, unhurried presence brings an easy energy to the videos, making viewers feel like they are part of the cooking sessions rather than watching a staged format.

The formula has become so strong that the moment a guest goes viral on any platform, you will usually find them cooking with Farah and Dilip soon after, smiling over a stove and crossing a million views within hours. Brands have taken notice too. Many campaigns now treat Dilip as the breakout face, and Farah has turned her own image into a business that regularly outperforms traditional entertainment projects in reach and monetisation.

Her rise sends a message to anyone from film or television who is struggling with inconsistent work. Waiting for a casting call or a production house nod is no longer the only path. Content built on one’s own recognition and trust can become a standalone business. Farah proved that homegrown reach can beat box office numbers when done right.

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