PEPSI DEBUTS E-COMMERCE SITE

The Adie Broswon Group has expanded the availability of MOOOZ Sparkle Jamun Vodka to Punjab, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence across North India. The expansion follows the product's introduction in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, extending the brand's reach across additional regional markets.

The latest rollout is part of the company's efforts to expand its flavoured vodka portfolio with products inspired by Indian tastes. MOOOZ Sparkle Jamun Vodka draws on the sweet-tart flavour of jamun, bringing the native Indian fruit into the flavoured spirits category.

The product has been developed under the group's MOOOZ portfolio and follows its grain-to-glass approach. According to the company, the vodka is made using carefully selected rice sourced from Punjab, Extra Neutral Alcohol, and demineralised water. Each batch undergoes triple distillation, followed by a proprietary Platinum, Gold and Diamond filtration process.

The company has positioned MOOOZ Sparkle Jamun Vodka for different social occasions, with suggested serves including vodka over ice, mixed with soda or tonic, and used as a base for fruit-forward cocktails.

The expansion into Punjab, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand forms part of Adie Broswon Group's broader plan to increase the distribution of its homegrown spirits portfolio across key markets in North India. The company is focusing on extending the availability of its flavoured vodka offerings as consumer interest in locally inspired flavours develops.

MOOOZ Sparkle Jamun Vodka is now available at leading retail outlets across the three markets. The 750 ml bottle is priced at Rs 880 in Punjab, Rs 700 in Chandigarh and Rs 920 in Uttarakhand.

With the latest expansion, Adie Broswon Group is extending the regional footprint of MOOOZ while continuing to build its portfolio around Indian flavour inspirations and contemporary spirits offerings.

Gresbond by Kajaria, the tile-fixing solutions brand from Kajaria Ceramics, has signed actor Ranveer Singh as its brand ambassador. Singh will feature in the brand's upcoming campaign, “Tile Expert Ka Tile Adhesive”, which aims to highlight the importance of professional tile installation and the products used in the process.

While Singh continues his association with Kajaria, his role with Gresbond will focus on the technical aspects of tiling, emphasising the importance of using appropriate fixing solutions to achieve durable and well-finished surfaces.

The brand offers a portfolio of tile-fixing and surface-care products, including tile adhesives, epoxy and cementitious grouts, surface cleaners and professional tiling tools. Its adhesives cater to different applications, covering ceramic and vitrified tiles, natural stone and large-format surfaces.

The new campaign will feature a series of films starring Singh and showcasing Gresbond's product range. The campaign is scheduled for a nationwide rollout from October 16, 2026, across digital platforms, social media, out-of-home advertising and on-ground activations.

Commenting on the association, Singh highlighted his experience working with Kajaria and the company's emphasis on innovation and design. He noted that Gresbond extends these principles to tile-fixing solutions, which play a key role in providing a reliable foundation for long-lasting designs.

Kartik Kajaria, who leads the Gresbond business, said the partnership supports Kajaria Ceramics' efforts to increase the brand's reach. He also highlighted the company's ongoing focus on strengthening its product portfolio, manufacturing capabilities and distribution network.

According to the company, tile fixing often receives less attention than the visible design and finish of tiles, despite being an essential part of the installation process. Through the campaign, Gresbond aims to raise awareness about the role of adhesives, grouts and surface-care products in achieving effective tile installation.

With its expanding range of tile adhesives, grouts, cleaners and professional tools, Gresbond is looking to strengthen its position in the tile-fixing solutions segment. The association with Singh is expected to support its efforts to reach a wider audience and highlight the importance of installation quality in residential and commercial tiling projects.

Khanna Gems, an Indian gemstone company with nearly four decades of experience, has entered into a strategic alliance with AI-led astrology platform MyNaksh. The partnership aims to combine traditional gemstone expertise with technology-driven astrology to enhance consumer awareness, education, and digital engagement.

The collaboration will focus on areas such as consumer education, knowledge-sharing initiatives, digital experiences, and awareness around gemstones, astrology, and emerging technology. Both companies clarified that the alliance does not involve any business integration. Khanna Gems will continue to operate independently across its gemstone and gemstone certification activities, while MyNaksh will independently develop and manage its AI-powered astrology platform.

Aaradhya Khanna, Director and CEO, Khanna Gems said, “The alliance brings together two very different areas of expertise. Khanna Gems has spent nearly four decades developing specialised knowledge of gemstones and building systems around their quality, authenticity and selection. At the same time, we are witnessing an entirely new generation of technology-led businesses emerge within the broader astrology and spirituality ecosystem. The objective is to identify areas where the two capabilities can complement each other without either organisation moving away from its core area of specialisation.”

The alliance is expected to help Khanna Gems extend its gemstone knowledge into a technology-enabled consumer environment, while MyNaksh gains access to industry expertise developed over decades within the gemstone sector.

Nitesh Salvi, CEO and Co-Founder, MyNaksh said, “The collaboration addresses an opportunity around personalisation within a category where recommendations have traditionally been highly individualised. Most purchases in this category are driven by astrologer recommendations, and yet most online recommendations are generic. Our personalisation technology allows us to understand users with significantly greater context, while Khanna Gems brings deep expertise built over decades in the gemstone category.”

Pankaj Khanna, Founder, Khanna Gems said, “The industry has evolved considerably over the past four decades, while knowledge, authenticity and trust have remained central to the category. Technology is now changing the way consumers discover and engage with traditional disciplines. MyNaksh represents a new generation of companies approaching this space through technology and innovation. This alliance brings together that new-age perspective with Khanna Gems’ longstanding gemstone expertise.”

Devaang Agarwalla, COO and Co-Founder, MyNaksh added, “The collaboration brings together two organisations that have built their businesses around consumer trust.”

The companies said they will announce specific initiatives under the partnership at a later stage. The move reflects the growing convergence of AI technology, astrology platforms, and gemstone advisory services as businesses look to create more personalised consumer experiences.

CaratLane and Third Wave Coffee have joined hands for a limited-edition beverage collaboration that brings together the jewellery brand’s signature purple identity and the growing popularity of the global Ube beverage trend. The partnership combines Third Wave Coffee’s beverage development capabilities with CaratLane’s design-led brand identity, resulting in a special menu inspired by the distinctive purple hue associated with both brands. The collaboration aims to create a consumer engagement experience that extends across cafés, retail stores, online ordering platforms, and digital channels.

As part of the campaign, the brands have introduced three limited-edition beverages: Ube Diamond Velvet, Ube Matcha Shine, and Jasmine Ube Bling. The drinks have been developed around the Ube flavour trend and feature diamond-inspired latte art, drawing inspiration from CaratLane’s jewellery portfolio. The collaboration comes as brands across retail, food service, and lifestyle categories increasingly explore partnerships designed to create experiential consumer interactions and strengthen brand engagement.

Shaifali Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at CaratLane said, "Purple is at the heart of CaratLane's identity, representing creativity, elegance, and celebration. As we mark our 18th anniversary, the synergy with Third Wave Coffee's Ube innovation was instant; the drink naturally reflects our brand colour. Complete with custom diamond coffee art, we wanted to create an experience that feels as thoughtful as choosing fine jewellery, giving our guests a fresh, indulgent way to celebrate this milestone with us."

Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee added, “At Third Wave Coffee, we are constantly looking at how global beverage trends can be translated into experiences that feel fresh, relevant and exciting for Indian consumers. Ube has emerged as one of the most distinctive flavour trends globally, and this collaboration gives us an opportunity to take that trend a step further by combining our beverage craft with CaratLane’s strong visual identity. The result is a limited-edition range that is as much about discovery and experience as it is about the beverage itself.”

The activation will be visible across participating Third Wave Coffee outlets through co-branded display units, point-of-sale communication, digital menu integrations, and campaign merchandise. Customers ordering the beverages will receive co-branded postcards, while takeaway and delivery orders will be served in specially designed cups accompanied by collectible cards.

The partnership also extends to CaratLane’s retail stores, where shoppers will have access to promotional offers linked to nearby Third Wave Coffee outlets during the campaign period.

The campaign's marketing strategy includes content collaborations across social media platforms, brand websites, mobile applications, and email communications. The visual campaign combines imagery from the Ube-inspired beverage range with CaratLane’s jewellery collections. The limited-edition beverage series will be available from October 4 to November 15, 2026, across participating Third Wave Coffee cafés nationwide and through food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato.

Menswear brand The Bear House has introduced The Rugby Edit, a new collection inspired by the visual identity and cultural influence of rugby. The collection brings elements associated with the sport into contemporary everyday fashion, reflecting the growing intersection of sports, lifestyle, and menswear trends.

The Rugby Edit draws inspiration from rugby’s heritage and translates it into a range of casual apparel designed for modern wardrobes. Rather than replicating traditional sports uniforms, the collection incorporates classic athletic influences, structured details, and vintage-inspired design elements across versatile silhouettes.

The range includes T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and co-ord sets, catering to consumers seeking casual and lifestyle-focused menswear. The collection combines sporty aesthetics with contemporary styling, allowing the pieces to be worn across everyday settings and social occasions. According to the brand, the collection is built around themes associated with rugby, including resilience, confidence, and character. These influences are reflected through understated detailing, relaxed fits, and a vintage-inspired design approach.

Tanvi Somaiya, Co-Founder, The Bear House said, “Rugby has always stood for something bigger than the sport itself. It is about resilience, character, respect and the ability to keep moving forward. With The Rugby Edit, we wanted to capture that spirit of the game. The idea was to take the attitude of rugby and translate it into pieces that feel effortless, contemporary and relevant to everyday dressing.”

The launch comes as sports-inspired fashion continues to gain traction globally, with consumers increasingly adopting athletic and team-sport influences in everyday apparel. Rugby-inspired fashion has also emerged as a growing trend within casual menswear, driven by vintage sportswear aesthetics and relaxed silhouettes.

For The Bear House, the collection reflects a broader shift in fashion, where sports culture increasingly influences design, styling, and consumer preferences. The brand said The Rugby Edit is intended to bring rugby-inspired design elements into contemporary menswear while responding to growing interest in sport-led lifestyle fashion. The collection also aligns with the wider trend of blending sports culture and fashion, as brands continue to explore new ways to translate athletic influences into lifestyle apparel categories.

R|Elan, the fabric innovation brand from Reliance Industries Limited, has partnered with Indian fashion label HUEMN for a runway presentation at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI on October 16, 2026, at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The showcase marks the second collaboration between R|Elan and HUEMN at the fashion platform and will also coincide with the unveiling of R|Elan’s renewed brand identity as the company enters its eighth year.

The collection brings together textile technology, Indian craftsmanship, and contemporary athleisure design. According to the companies, the collaboration explores the intersection of performance fabrics, fashion design, and sustainability while reimagining modern sportswear silhouettes. HUEMN, known for incorporating cultural and social themes into its collections, has developed the latest range using several of R|Elan’s fabric technologies, including Kooltex, GreenGold, Cotluk, EcoTherm, AllClima, EcoGold, AirTherm, and EvaSoft.

The collection features a mix of contemporary silhouettes, original prints, handcrafted detailing, and performance-oriented materials. One of the key pieces is an oxblood denim jacket made using R|Elan EcoGold and finished with Chikankari embroidery, bringing together traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern textile innovation.

The range also includes garments developed using R|Elan Kooltex technology, including a draped silhouette referred to internally as the "mummy top," alongside a hand-illustrated dusty-print jacket. Cargo pants created with R|Elan EvaSoft have also been included in the collection, focusing on comfort, moisture management, and durability.

Hemant D. Sharma, President – Polyester, Reliance Industries Limited said, “This showcase marks a defining moment for R|Elan. As we enter our eighth year, we are unveiling a renewed brand identity that captures who we have become — a brand that never stands still. We chose Lakmē Fashion Week for this reveal because the true measure of textile innovation is how it comes alive in design. Our collaboration with HUEMN brings seven of our fabric technologies into a single design language, uniting performance, sustainability and craft, and reflecting our ambition to create better, smarter and more purposeful textiles.”

The event will also serve as the public launch of R|Elan’s refreshed brand identity, reflecting its focus on textile innovation, sustainable materials, and performance-led fabric solutions.

Pranav Kirti, Co-Founder and Creative Director, HUEMN said, “For over a decade, our design journey has been an unapologetic exploration of contrasts, where the rawness of destruction meets the elegance of creation. Partnering with R|Elan allows us to elevate this narrative. By spotlighting our thought-provoking prints and a heritage technique, like Chikankari, in cutting-edge, eco-conscious fabrics like Eco Gold and EvaSoft, we are engineering a resilient, elevated uniform for modern living. This approach seamlessly marries traditional craftsmanship with advanced material science, taking athleisure out of the ordinary and firmly planting it in the realm of high fashion.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited added, “Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI continues to be a space where design, craft and innovation come together to shape new possibilities for Indian fashion. The R|Elan × HUEMN collaboration reflects this spirit by bringing advanced textile technologies into conversation with HUEMN’s distinctive approach to contemporary design and craftsmanship. As R|Elan enters its eighth year and unveils a new brand identity, the showcase also marks an important moment in its journey, demonstrating how material innovation can find meaningful expression through fashion. We look forward to seeing this collaboration come alive on the runway this season.”

The R|Elan × HUEMN runway showcase will take place on October 16, 2026, as part of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in New Delhi.

Thomas Scott (India) Limited (TSIL) has been appointed the exclusive licensee for Forever 21 across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh through a long-term agreement with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) for F21 IPCO, LLC. Under the agreement, TSIL will manage categories including apparel, bags, small leather goods, footwear, swimwear, caps, socks, and hosiery. The partnership has been signed for an initial five-year term, with an option to renew for an additional five years.

As part of the arrangement, TSIL will oversee the design, development, and merchandising of Forever 21 products in collaboration with the brand’s global partner network. The company said it plans to adopt a digital-first strategy, with an initial focus on strengthening the brand’s presence and engagement with younger consumers across the region.

Vedant Bang, Managing Director, Thomas Scott (India) Limited said, “Forever 21 is about staying forever young, and India, the world’s youngest major economy, is where that promise belongs. With Gen Z and Gen Alpha right in front of them, we want every Indian customer to find their twenty-one-year-old self in this brand. We’re excited to scale Forever 21 in India, and equally excited to have been appointed a global designated supplier for the brand.”

Henry Stupp, President, EMEA-India, Authentic said, “Forever 21 has a strong connection with young consumers, and India represents an important market for the brand’s next phase of growth. TSIL brings the local market expertise, integrated capabilities and digital-first approach needed to expand Forever 21 across the region. We look forward to working together to strengthen the brand’s presence and position it for long-term growth.”

The partnership further expands TSIL’s portfolio of owned, licensed, and international fashion brands. The company operates an integrated platform covering design, manufacturing, technology, fulfilment, and omnichannel distribution, enabling end-to-end management from product development to customer delivery.

TSIL currently manages more than 50,000 SKUs across over 15 brands and operates four manufacturing facilities and four fulfilment centres serving customers across India. The company said these capabilities will support the growth and expansion of Forever 21 across the three markets. The licensing agreement adds another international fashion brand to TSIL’s portfolio as it continues to strengthen its presence in the fashion and lifestyle sector. The company reported consolidated revenue of Rs 254.9 crore in FY26, recording year-on-year growth of 58.3 percent, driven by momentum across its owned and licensed brand businesses.

Further details regarding Forever 21’s launch plans and market strategy in India will be announced at a later stage.

The Sleep Company has partnered with e-commerce enablement and retail technology platform Unicommerce to streamline its online operations as it expands across digital and offline sales channels. The comfort-tech brand, known for introducing SmartGRID technology in the Indian mattress market, offers a portfolio that includes mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, pillows, mattress protectors, and other comfort products.

As order volumes continue to grow across its website and online marketplaces, The Sleep Company has implemented Unicommerce’s Uniware platform for order management and warehouse management. The integration is aimed at creating a unified system for inventory tracking, order processing, and fulfillment across multiple sales channels. The technology deployment will help the company manage inventory more efficiently while supporting customer orders from its direct-to-consumer platform and major e-commerce marketplaces.

According to the companies, the solution has been customized to address specific operational requirements. These include support for multipart shipments, enabling large or multi-product orders to be dispatched through multiple packages when required. The platform also includes customized finance reporting capabilities, while intelligent courier allocation features are expected to be introduced in the future.

Priyanka Salot, Co-Founder, The Sleep Company said, "Our focus has always been on delivering an exceptional customer experience, from product innovation to post-purchase fulfilment. As our business continues to grow, having the right technology backbone is essential to maintaining speed, accuracy and operational efficiency. Unicommerce's platform gives us the flexibility and scalability we need to support our growth while continuing to deliver a seamless shopping experience for our customers."

The move comes as brands increasingly invest in retail technology, warehouse automation, inventory management, and omnichannel commerce solutions to improve fulfillment efficiency and customer experience.

Kapil Makhija, MD and CEO, Unicommerce said, "The Sleep Company has built a strong brand by combining product innovation with a relentless focus on customer experience. We are delighted to partner with The Sleep Company and provide a technology foundation that simplifies current e-commerce operations and also supports future scale.”

The partnership is expected to support The Sleep Company’s growth strategy by strengthening operational efficiency across online retail channels and improving order fulfillment capabilities as the company expands its presence in India's furniture, mattress, and home comfort market.

Mercedes-Benz has rolled out the India leg of its global ‘140 Years. 140 Places.’ anniversary campaign, marking the automaker’s 140-year legacy through a cross-country expedition featuring three S-Class vehicles named Bertha, Carl, and Gottlieb. Conceptualized by BBDO India (team X), the India chapter places the spotlight on the country’s culture, heritage, landscapes, and people as part of the brand’s worldwide celebration.

The global initiative spans 140 destinations across six continents and covers nearly 60,000 kilometres. In India, the campaign has been positioned as a symbolic homecoming, connecting the brand’s global history with local stories and experiences.

Inspired by the legacy of Carl Benz’s Patent-Motorwagen, the campaign traces the evolution of the automobile while bringing Mercedes-Benz’s historic journey into the Indian context through the travels of the three S-Class vehicles.

As part of the expedition, Gottlieb travelled from New Delhi to Amritsar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, including a drive through Umling La, before moving onward to Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna. The route later extended into Bhutan before returning to the national capital.

Meanwhile, Bertha and Carl journeyed through Hampi, Bengaluru, and Goa, eventually arriving in Mumbai, where the India chapter reached its conclusion. The Mumbai segment featured separate films starring Karan Johar and Kiara Advani, who joined Bertha’s journey through the city.

In her film, Kiara Advani describes Bertha as her “new bestie” while exploring various facets of Mumbai, from its historic districts and architecture to its skyline and nightlife. The film concludes with a Mumbai location sticker being added to the vehicle.

Karan Johar’s film draws on his long-standing connection with Mumbai, presenting another interpretation of the city and its identity through the campaign narrative.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, "Mercedes-Benz’s much awaited '140 Years. 140 Places.' world tour is coming to India, celebrating the Three-Pointed Star’s 140 years global legacy of innovation and progress. In India, this world tour aims at capturing the rich cultural tapestry, awe-inspiring architecture, the unique geographical diversities and the unmatched energy and spirit of our customers, who define Mercedes-Benz’s legacy. India is the famed land of tradition and cultural heritage, as much it is for technological innovation and rapid progress – qualities that strongly resemble S-Class’ own distinguished journey over the decades. We are proud to host ‘140 Years. 140 Places’ global journey in India, narrated through our flagship S-Class.”

Josy Paul, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, BBDO India (team X) shared, “We didn’t want India to be just another destination on a 140-year global journey. We wanted it to feel like a homecoming. Through Bertha, Carl and Gottlieb, we celebrated the people, places and spirit that make India unique, bringing Mercedes-Benz’s global legacy to life through a distinctly Indian lens.”

Premium footwear brand Rosso Brunello has unveiled its AW26 collection, introducing two new footwear ranges, Weave Collection and Buckle Up Collection, aimed at consumers seeking formal and smart-casual leather footwear. The latest collection focuses on craftsmanship, comfort, and functionality, with designs created for both everyday wear and formal occasions.

The Weave Collection highlights handwoven leather construction, a technique designed to provide flexibility and improved airflow while maintaining a structured appearance. According to the brand, each pair is crafted using woven leather uppers combined with memory foam cushioning to enhance comfort during extended wear.

The collection includes monk straps and loafers designed for formal settings, while the Tuscany Weave range offers a tasselled slip-on silhouette available in coffee, navy, and tan colourways. The styles are positioned for both formal and smart-casual use. The Buckle Up Collection adopts a more structured design approach, featuring adjustable buckles, scratch-resistant metallic hardware, and padded flexible soles. The range includes monk straps and moccasins designed for business, corporate, and occasion wear.

According to the company, the footwear is intended to cater to professionals looking for versatile styles that can transition between office environments, business meetings, formal events, and social occasions. The launch comes as demand continues to grow in India's premium footwear, leather shoes, men's fashion, luxury accessories, formal footwear, and lifestyle retail segments, with consumers increasingly prioritising comfort alongside design and durability.

Rosso Brunello said the AW26 collection reflects its focus on craftsmanship and long-term wearability, with both ranges built around construction techniques intended to support daily use while maintaining their appearance over time. The Weave and Buckle Up Collections are available through Rosso Brunello stores and the brand's online platform.

Uppal Brewers & Distillers (UBD), the premium spirits arm of The Uppal Group, has expanded its whisky portfolio with the launch of Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend (MDTB), a new premium Indian whisky aimed at consumers seeking a refined and contemporary drinking experience.

The launch marks another step in UBD’s efforts to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly evolving premium spirits market, where demand for higher-quality offerings continues to grow.

Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend will be available in a 750 ml format at a maximum retail price of Rs 1,240 and an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 42.8 percent. The whisky is being introduced first in Delhi, with plans to expand distribution to Odisha, Karnataka, Haryana, Goa, Daman and Diu as part of the company’s broader growth strategy.

The new expression has been developed for a new generation of consumers who view success as something to be appreciated and enjoyed rather than displayed.

The brand name Madhvan is derived from two Sanskrit-inspired words, Madhu, meaning nectar, and Van, meaning forest. Drawing from India’s natural heritage, the whisky aims to blend tradition with a modern interpretation of premium Indian spirits for consumers who value quality, sophistication, and meaningful experiences.

The product’s packaging has also been redesigned to reinforce its premium positioning. A prominent front-facing tiger serves as the central visual element across the bottle and canister, adding a distinctive identity while reflecting confidence, strength, and modernity. The overall design language emphasizes elegance and understated luxury.

Kanhav Uppal, Co-Owner, Uppal Brewers & Distillers said, “Our Vision has always been to build a premium Indian spirits company that is distinctive, relevant, and built for the long term. Through Madhvan Distiller's Tribute Blend, we celebrate a consumer who knows their strengths, makes measured decisions, and lets their achievements speak for themselves. That is the kind of company we are building, and that is the kind of whisky Madhvan is.”

Ankur Sachdeva, CEO & Co-Founder, Uppal Brewers & Distillers shared, “India’s premium whisky consumer is becoming more discerning, seeking quality, character and relevance in what they choose. Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend is our response to this shift, a refined Indian whisky created for those who appreciate substance, individuality and a more considered premium experience. We began our journey with Soorahi in Delhi, and are now following the same path with MDTB. Delhi remains an important market for us, and this launch marks another step in our ambition to build a distinctive portfolio of premium Indian spirits.”

Smita Singh, Senior General Manager, Uppal Brewers & Distillers stated, “With Madhvan Distiller’s Tribute Blend, we paid close attention to both what goes into the bottle and how the bottle presents itself. The blend has been crafted to deliver greater smoothness, depth and refinement, while the new bottle and canister bring an elevated expression to the brand. The front-facing tiger gives the packaging a distinctive visual signature, while the overall design has been deliberately kept clean and sophisticated. Together, the blend and the packaging are intended to create a cohesive premium experience.”

The launch comes at a time when premiumisation continues to reshape India’s alcoholic beverages industry. While overall spirits consumption in the country expanded at an estimated CAGR of around 3 percent between 2019 and 2025, the premium segment recorded growth of approximately 22 percent during the same period. Industry data also indicates that ultra-premium, prestige, and prestige-plus categories have outpaced broader market growth, with premium-and-above brands now accounting for nearly 43 percent of India’s spirits market by volume.

Fashion designer Mira Mikati has introduced a new apparel capsule collection in collaboration with the Grateful Dead, bringing the band's well-known visual identity into a contemporary fashion offering. The five-piece ready-to-wear collection combines elements associated with the Grateful Dead's artwork and cultural legacy with Mikati's design approach.

The collaboration focuses on themes of individuality, creativity, and self-expression, which have long been associated with both the fashion designer and the legendary rock band. The Grateful Dead x Mira Mikati collection reinterprets several of the band's recognisable visual motifs through Mikati's use of bright colours, hand-drawn illustrations, and graphic elements. The collection also incorporates the band's iconic dancing bears, presenting them through a new design perspective.

Mira Mikati said, “I’ve always loved the idea that clothes can make people feel happy, and the Grateful Dead have such an incredible ability to bring people together through music, art and community. I wanted to take that free-spirited energy and bring it into my world of color, happiness and playfulness. It was so much fun to imagine what the Grateful Dead would look like through the Mira Mikati lens – lots of color, lots of joy and, of course, a little bit of magic.”

The collection features five apparel pieces that draw inspiration from the band's artistic heritage while incorporating Mikati's established visual style. According to the brand, the range aims to celebrate themes of music, friendship, creativity, and personal expression.

Fashion collaborations between music properties and apparel brands have continued to gain traction globally, with licensed merchandise and capsule collections increasingly becoming an important category within the fashion and lifestyle retail industry. The Grateful Dead x Mira Mikati launch reflects the growing demand for music-inspired fashion, limited-edition collections, and collaborations that connect cultural icons with contemporary fashion audiences.

Formula 1 has partnered with Spanish fashion brand Pompeii to launch its first capsule collection, marking a new collaboration that combines motorsport culture with streetwear fashion. The nine-piece unisex collection has been created to coincide with the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Gran Premio de España 2026, which will take place in Madrid at the newly developed Madring circuit.

The collection includes apparel inspired by Formula 1 racing culture, featuring items such as a pit crew jacket, mechanic shirt, and glove-themed T-shirt. According to the companies, the designs reinterpret racing-inspired elements into everyday fashion pieces aimed at contemporary consumers. Custom racing graphics developed exclusively by Pompeii for the collaboration form a key part of the collection, drawing inspiration from Formula 1's visual identity and heritage.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1 said, "This debut collection with Pompeii is about bringing Formula 1 to a whole new generation of fans and celebrating the incredible energy around the sport's return to Madrid. Formula 1 and Pompeii are two brands with a shared sense of culture, creativity and attitude, so this collaboration really felt like a natural fit. We're excited to see the collection launched to the world through a series of immersive activations during race week, giving fans more ways to experience the world of Formula 1 with Pompeii."

Cosme Bergareche, Co-Founder of Pompeii added, "Sport has always been a huge part of Pompeii. We're constantly inspired by the culture that surrounds it, not only what happens on the field, the court or the track, but everything around it. Our approach has always been to bring that world into fashion through a more refined, considered lens, and Formula 1 felt like a perfect expression of that. There's a unique sense of style, heritage and emotion around the sport that goes far beyond racing. And for us, being a brand born in Madrid, there was something particularly special about welcoming Formula 1 back to our city. We wanted to celebrate that moment in our own way, creating a collection that feels true to Formula 1, true to Madrid, and true to Pompeii."

To support the launch, Formula 1 and Pompeii have planned a series of consumer engagement activities across Madrid. These include a launch event at Melia Palacio de los Duques featuring a Formula 1 x Pompeii-branded show car. The F1 Paddock Club will also collaborate with The Coffee Party for an invite-only event at Acid Bakehouse. In addition, Pompeii's flagship store in Madrid will be converted into a Formula 1-themed exhibition space featuring archival photography and historical moments from the sport. The activation will run from September 10 to September 13.

Selected products from the Formula 1 x Pompeii collection are already available through the official F1 online store. The complete collection will be available from September 10 through Pompeii's website and its Madrid flagship store.

The collaboration highlights the growing intersection of sports, fashion, and lifestyle retail, as global sports properties increasingly partner with apparel brands to engage younger consumers through limited-edition merchandise and experiential retail initiatives.

Used-car retail platform Spinny has unveiled a new digital film featuring Indian footballer Ryan Williams as part of its ongoing #MySpinnyStory campaign. The latest edition of the series highlights Williams’ personal and professional journey, tracing his path from Australia to India, his connection to his family’s Indian heritage, and his experience of building a life in Bengaluru while pursuing his football career.

The film chronicles Williams’ return to the country from which his family’s roots originate. Born and raised in Australia, the footballer moved to India three years ago to join Bengaluru FC before eventually earning a place in the Indian National Team. Over time, Bengaluru has become both his professional base and personal home.

Spinny’s association with Williams began in November 2024 when he was searching for a dependable vehicle to navigate life in a new city. Through the platform, he purchased a Maruti Suzuki Swift, a decision that became part of his larger journey of settling into Bengaluru.

What began as a practical purchase soon evolved into a deeper association, with Williams becoming part of the Spinny community while adapting to a new environment and embracing life in India.

For the footballer, relocating to India represented more than a career move. His family’s history stretches back several generations, with earlier migrations taking them from India to the United Kingdom and later to Australia. Returning to India and representing the nation in football has added a personal dimension to his professional achievements.

Williams said, “It’s crazy how life happens and how you end up finding yourself in the right place. My family was here a long time ago. They immigrated to the UK, then to Australia, and then, funny, I found my way back here, so it’s a real big full circle moment.”

The move also carried emotional significance for his family. According to Williams, his grandfather had always hoped to see him play football in India.

That aspiration eventually led Williams to the Indian National Team, where he now represents the country on the international stage.

“It’s been a crazy journey, but I’m thankful that I’m here and grateful that I get to represent 1.4 billion people when I step on the pitch for India,” williams added.

Beyond football, the campaign also showcases Williams’ connection with Bengaluru, a city he describes as home. The film highlights his appreciation for the city’s lifestyle, climate, food culture, and the life he has built there with his family. Having spent much of his life moving between countries, finding a place where he feels settled has become an important part of his story.

Yauatcha Kolkata is set to bring the flavours of Thailand to the city with a special Nara Thai Takeover, a three-day culinary showcase that will celebrate the vibrant and diverse traditions of Thai cuisine. The limited-period experience will feature a specially curated menu inspired by some of Thailand’s most popular dishes, offering guests an opportunity to explore a range of flavours, ingredients, and cooking styles synonymous with Bangkok’s dining culture.

The event aims to highlight the balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury flavours that define Thai cuisine. Guests can begin their culinary journey with classic Thai soups such as Tom Yum and Tom Kha Soup, both known for their aromatic herbs, spices, and comforting flavours.

The menu also includes a variety of salads that showcase the lighter side of Thai gastronomy. Dishes such as Spicy Raw Papaya Salad, Edamame Salad with Grilled Eryngii, and Pomelo Salad bring together fresh ingredients and signature Thai flavour profiles, combining sweetness, tanginess, and spice.

For appetisers, diners can choose from a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Highlights include Crispy Betel Leaves with Chilli Lime Dip, Stir-Fried Spicy Potato with Thai Herbs, and Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce. Seafood lovers can opt for Golden Butterfly Shrimp with Sweet Chilli Sauce, while premium offerings such as Thai Grilled Lamb Chops and Grilled John Dory with Kaffir Lime are designed to showcase smoky flavours paired with fragrant Thai seasonings.

The main course menu delves deeper into Thailand’s culinary traditions with dishes such as Green Curry, Red Curry, and Chicken Kraprao, a popular Thai preparation known for its combination of basil, chilli, and savoury notes. Guests can also choose from a variety of stir-fried dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, lamb, and prawns.

Rice and noodle preparations form another key part of the experience. Signature offerings include Butterfly Pea Fried Rice with Thai Herbs, Nara Fried Rice with Prawn & Chicken, Phad Thai Noodles, and Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chilli Basil, each bringing distinct textures and flavours to the table.

The dessert selection features well-known Thai favourites such as Mango Sticky Rice and Tub Tim Grob, alongside Chocolate Crepe Cake, offering guests a sweet conclusion to the meal.

Complementing the food menu is a range of Thai-inspired beverages. Cocktail options include Phi Phi Fire, Golden Hour Fizz, Pandan & Coconut, and Tom Yum Twist, while non-alcoholic choices feature Pineapple Kaffir, Mango Melon Fizz, and Raspberry Ginger Collins. Traditional Thai Bubble Tea and Taro Bubble Tea will also be available.

With its specially curated menu and immersive culinary approach, the Nara Thai Takeover at Yauatcha Kolkata aims to offer diners an authentic taste of Thailand, bringing together classic dishes, regional flavours, and contemporary presentations in a celebration of Thai food culture.

Indian consumer electronics brand XElectron has expanded its smart home entertainment portfolio with the launch of the XElectron Techno Plus Android 14 Smart Home Projector. Priced at Rs 8,499, the device combines Full HD resolution, 4K content support, built-in streaming apps, and wireless connectivity features aimed at the growing home entertainment market.

The projector runs on Android 14, enabling users to access streaming content directly without the need for external media devices. It supports popular OTT platforms including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5, and SonyLIV, catering to consumers seeking a compact smart entertainment solution.

The XElectron Techno Plus features a native resolution of 1920×1080 Full HD and supports 4K content decoding. It comes with a 5000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and an LED light source delivering up to 9000 lumens brightness. The projector can display images up to 200 inches, offering a large-screen viewing experience for movies, sports, gaming, and digital content.

Designed for flexible usage, the device includes a 180-degree rotatable design that allows projection on walls and ceilings. It also features Auto Keystone correction to automatically align images and reduce manual adjustments during setup. For connectivity, the projector supports dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi 6, enabling smoother streaming and lower latency. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows pairing with wireless speakers, headphones, and soundbars. The device also includes a built-in bass speaker for standalone audio output.

Gagan Sharma, Managing Director, XElectron said, “Consumers are increasingly looking for flexible ways to enjoy entertainment at home without making a large investment in traditional screens. With the Techno Plus, we wanted to bring together a large-screen viewing experience, smart Android 14 functionality, built-in OTT access and flexible projection in one compact device. At Rs 8,499, the projector is designed to make big-screen entertainment more accessible for Indian households.”

The launch comes as demand for smart projectors, home entertainment devices, and connected consumer electronics continues to grow in India, driven by increasing adoption of OTT streaming services and smart home technology products.

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has launched an exclusive McLaren Racing x Sonic the Hedgehog apparel collection, marking the first fashion collaboration since the two brands announced their partnership in 2025. The licensed apparel range combines elements from the McLaren Racing brand and Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, targeting consumers interested in motorsport, gaming, and pop culture merchandise. The collection is now available across M&S stores and online.

The collaboration follows the partnership unveiled during McLaren Racing Live: London in 2025 and represents the first apparel-focused extension of the relationship. The collection has been developed to appeal to fans of both brands while expanding their presence in the licensed merchandise and lifestyle apparel segments.

The launch also draws on a historical connection between the two brands. In 1993, the McLaren Formula 1 Team received the Sonic trophy after winning the European Grand Prix. The new collection references that association through a contemporary apparel offering aimed at today's consumers.

The range blends racing-inspired designs with gaming-themed elements, reflecting the growing trend of brand collaborations between sports, entertainment, and consumer products companies. Such partnerships have become increasingly common as brands look to engage younger audiences and expand their licensing and merchandise businesses.

Available exclusively through M&S, the collection adds to the retailer's portfolio of branded and licensed fashion products while highlighting the continued growth of character licensing and motorsport-inspired apparel within the global fashion market.

Ted by Ted Baker has unveiled its debut menswear collection, London in Motion, marking the launch of a new chapter for the British-inspired fashion label. The collection will be available from August 14 across Macy’s stores in the United States and on Macys.com. The Fall collection draws inspiration from London's art, culture, and creative landscape, featuring a range of menswear essentials including outerwear, knitwear, shirts, and casual wardrobe staples. The lineup focuses on relaxed silhouettes, premium fabrics, and versatile designs aimed at modern consumers seeking everyday style and functionality.

With the launch, Ted by Ted Baker is positioning itself within the contemporary menswear segment, blending British design heritage with current fashion trends. The collection includes outerwear, textured knitwear, tailored shirting, and lifestyle apparel designed for daily wear.

Gina Ottomanelli, Senior Director, Creative Design, ULAC said, "Our vision for Ted by Ted Baker was to create a menswear collection that feels authentically British while speaking to today's global consumer. The collection reflects the craftsmanship and design heritage people associate with Ted Baker, reimagined through a more contemporary, relaxed lens. It's about timeless style, individuality and clothing that fits naturally into everyday life."

The introduction of Ted by Ted Baker comes as fashion brands continue to refresh product portfolios to meet evolving consumer demand for versatile and premium casualwear. The launch also expands Macy's menswear offering, adding another international fashion label to its apparel portfolio.

Children's content producer Omens Studios is expanding its franchise strategy across multiple platforms with new digital products, merchandise initiatives, and educational experiences for its preschool brands, including Leo the Wildlife Ranger and 123 Number Squad. As part of the expansion, the company is launching a dedicated Leo the Wildlife Ranger e-commerce store offering storybooks, activity books, and branded merchandise. 

Additional product categories, including apparel, bags, stickers, and plush toys, are scheduled to be introduced in Q4 2026. The studio is also developing new toys, a mobile app, and a Roblox experience for the franchise as part of its long-term licensing and brand extension plans. Alongside the merchandise expansion, Omens Studios has introduced 123 Number Squad: Play N Learn, a learning app designed for children aged 3 to 6 years. The app is currently available in English, with Chinese and Spanish language versions expected to launch in Q4 2026. The platform focuses on early learning skills such as numbers, counting, mathematics, memory, logic, and problem-solving.

Chi Sim Tang, Chief Executive Officer, Omens Studios said, “Our focus is on creating children’s content that is meaningful, entertaining and built for long-term engagement. With our ‘Leo the Wildlife Ranger,’ ‘Paula & Pals’ and ‘123 Number Squad’ brands, we are expanding purpose-led kids’ franchises across new episodes, apps, Roblox experiences and physical products – giving children and families more ways to engage with our characters while offering global partners brands with strong international potential.”

The Leo the Wildlife Ranger franchise has expanded its presence across digital platforms, recording billions of views on YouTube and hundreds of thousands of downloads for its mobile game, Leo the Wildlife Ranger Kids Games. The animated series is currently available in more than 100 territories and has received several industry recognitions, including Best Children’s Program at the Asian Television Awards 2024 and a Silver Telly Award for Television Animation Series.

Omens Studios is also developing Paula & Pals Season 2: Boot Up! in collaboration with creator and director Sacha Goedegebure. The new season introduces storylines centred around gadgets, robots, and technology in Numberville, while incorporating basic coding, logical thinking, and problem-solving concepts aimed at young audiences. Meanwhile, 123 Number Squad! continues to grow its audience in the UK and international markets. The preschool series has received multiple awards, including Best Preschool Program at the UK Broadcast Awards and the Asian Academy Creative Awards. The show follows Paula, Billy, and Tim as they use numbers, counting, and shapes to solve problems and assist residents in Numberville, while also introducing themes such as teamwork, resilience, friendship, and social development.

The latest initiatives highlight a broader trend in the children's entertainment and licensing industry, where content owners are extending popular characters into merchandise, gaming, apps, and digital experiences to build stronger consumer engagement and franchise value.

Adidas has introduced Originals Sport, its first training collection combining design elements from Adidas Originals with performance-focused apparel for women. The collection includes bras, leggings, tops, layering pieces and a onesie designed for training and everyday wear. The campaign features music artists Tate McRae and Emilia Mernes alongside professional volleyball player Harper Murray, bringing together personalities from music and sport.

"For years, there was an expectation that serious training came with a certain uniform,” said Lisann Costello, VP Product Design Partnerships and Sports Marketing at adidas.

"Today, women are redefining what performance looks like. They want workout wear that reflects who they are, not just what they're doing. Originals Sport brings together the style heritage of adidas Originals with the performance expertise adidas is known for, allowing women to train without compromising between performance and self-expression.”

Drawing inspiration from the Adidas Superstar tracksuit, the collection adapts elements such as Trefoil branding and established Originals design details for training apparel.

The range uses technologies including AdiSOFT, LYCRA ADAPTIV and CLIMACOOL across different products. It includes low and medium-support bras, 7/8 and full-length leggings, the Superstar Bra Tee, Originals Sport Tank Padded, Superstar Midlayer, Originals Sport Coverup and an all-in-one onesie. With Originals Sport, Adidas is extending its Originals design language into the women's training category while adding performance technologies focused on movement, ventilation and comfort.