Tag: #lifestyle

Business

Croma Launches Festival of Dreams with Up to 35% Off on Electronics

Tanisha Cardozo

Croma, India’s leading omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has kicked off the festive season with the return of its much-anticipated Festival of Dreams campaign. Running until October 23, 2025, the campaign brings customers across India an unbeatable mix of festive offers, flat discounts, and special deals across a wide range of categories both in-store and online.

This season, shoppers can enjoy flat 35% off* on popular categories such as TVs, air conditioners, small home appliances, and audio gear. Smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, and washing machines are also seeing exciting markdowns of up to 30%. In addition to discounts, customers can take advantage of cashback offers up to 20%*, exchange bonuses, and attractive EMI plans — all designed to make upgrading your home or buying gifts for loved ones easier and more joyful.

A spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd shared, “Festive shopping should be simple, joyful, and stress-free. With flat savings across the most-loved categories and special windows around Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali and Bhai Dooj, we’ve curated offers that will add an extra element of celebration to every Indian home. Through our Festival of Dreams, it is our endeavour to ensure our customers have a joyful and fulfilling festive celebration with their loved ones.”

Recent GST reforms have led to an additional 10% savings on TVs and air conditioners, giving customers more value during the high-spend festive season. Whether customers choose to shop at one of the 560+ Croma stores across 200+ cities or online via croma.com and Tata Neu, they’ll find a seamless experience with mirrored offers, expert buying support, and convenient order tracking.

Croma’s omni-channel capabilities mean shoppers can research online, reserve products, opt for store pickup, or request doorstep delivery. Whether upgrading your own home or buying thoughtful gifts for loved ones, the Festival of Dreams ensures every celebration is filled with smart savings and joy.

Offers applicable only on select brands, classes & categories and may vary by store and city. T&C Apply.

Fit & Fabulous

Marc Newson Transforms FENDI SS26 into a Pixelated Floral Dreamscape at Milan Fashion Week

Tanisha Cardozo

For FENDI’s Spring/Summer 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week 2025, acclaimed industrial designer Marc Newson redefined the runway experience by crafting a surreal and visually captivating set—an undulating field of pixelated color blocks inspired by quilt compositions and the organic randomness of flowers.

Held inside the Palazzo Fendi, the show space was transformed into a pixelated terrain, where boxes of varying heights and sizes were meticulously arranged in tonal shifts of white, yellow, turquoise, red, coral, and pink. From above, it resembled a magnified digital image, with each “pixel” acting as part of a larger, changing mosaic. As models walked, the surface moved slightly beneath them, creating an interactive experience that merged motion, color, and spatial awareness.

This set wasn’t just backdrop—it was integral to the narrative of the SS26 collection. The clothing responded to the set, incorporating many of the same hues and geometric principles. From cropped blazers and balloon hems to oversized cotton coats, each piece was designed to interplay with the environment, enhancing the volume and silhouette against the shifting background.

The materials—organza, jacquard, technical fabrics, cotton, and leather—were chosen not just for texture but for the way they interacted with light and motion. The garments explored fullness, void, and contrast, amplified by the moving, polychromatic set.

Musical direction by Frédéric Sanchez added another sensory layer to the experience. The score included excerpts from Italian opera and cinema, combined with electronic music, forming a sonic environment that evolved with the models’ steps. The music mirrored the dynamic shifts in both the set and collection, bringing rhythm and emotion to every look.

Marc Newson’s vision for FENDI’s SS26 show presented a dialogue between fashion, technology, and landscape—a reminder that the runway can be both a canvas and a collaborator. The result was a multi-sensory display of transformation, color, and form, solidifying FENDI’s position at the intersection of craftsmanship and future-forward design.

EduConnect

GCCI and FIEO Successfully Conduct 3-Day Certificate Course on Adaptive International Business in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO – Western Region) and supported by ICICI Bank, successfully conducted a three-day Certificate Course titled “Setting Up and Managing an Adaptive International Business” from 24th to 26th September 2025 at the GCCI Conference Hall in Panaji.

The course was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, and Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of upskilling and knowledge sharing for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals aiming to enter or expand in the international trade arena.

The event drew overwhelming participation, with over 50 attendees including new-age entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, international trade professionals, and aspiring exporters. The course was designed as a high-impact training module combining essential theoretical concepts with real-world business applications and industry exposure.

Day 1 laid the foundation by covering the essentials of international trade—participants were introduced to export documentation, export costing, selecting overseas markets, and understanding the prevailing business environment. Experts also elaborated on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and how it impacts small and medium exporters.

The second day began with sessions on establishing overseas business relationships, identifying genuine buyers, effective communication, and navigating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). It also covered crucial topics like delivery and payment terms and the vital role logistics plays in ensuring successful exports. The afternoon featured a Stakeholders’ Interaction Session where major banks spoke on financial tools available for exporters, the ECGC outlined risk mitigation strategies, NSIC showcased MSME-specific schemes, and FIEO shared its ongoing initiatives in support of India’s exporting community.

On the final day, participants were taken on an immersive field visit to the GMR Goa Air Cargo Terminal at MOPA. The visit provided invaluable first-hand insight into international cargo handling, compliance protocols, and the logistical operations that support export trade, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and ground-level execution.

At the closing valedictory session, all participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their commitment and active engagement over the three days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the course’s practical relevance and the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.

The programme reflects the continuing efforts by GCCI and FIEO to build a robust export ecosystem in Goa. Both organisations reaffirmed their intent to collaborate on future programmes that focus on handholding, mentoring, and supporting local businesses as they venture into international markets. The initiative is a strong step towards increasing export contributions from Goa and empowering the next generation of Indian exporters.

Events in Goa

19th Global Communication Conclave of PRCI Concludes Successfully in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The 19th Global Communication Conclave of the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) concluded with great success in Goa on September 27, 2025. Held over two days at a vibrant venue, the conclave drew eminent personalities from government, business, media, academia, and the creative industries, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of communication.

The Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, inaugurated the conclave, stressing the importance of credibility, authenticity, and ethics in modern communication. He spoke about communication’s growing influence in governance and business, and its power to build trust and transparency.

Later that evening, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa graced the Chanakya Awards function, congratulating participants and underlining how this year’s theme—“Power of PR: Emerging Waves of Communication”—captures the shift towards digital innovation, purposeful storytelling, and engagement that is real, timely, and impactful. He encouraged all present to raise the bar in ethical communication.

Mr. M B Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus of PRCI, praised the conclave’s successful execution and the quality of discourse, calling it a milestone for the communication fraternity. National President Ms. Geeta Shankar echoed this sentiment, commending the organizers and highlighting the value of such events in uniting professionals and inspiring progress.

The conclave featured lively panels and talks on topics such as Public Relations and Technology, Political Communication, PR and Leadership, Youth Engagement, and Global Communication Trends. Renowned speakers included corporate leaders, TEDx speakers, and academicians like Professor Mathew Hibberd from Switzerland. Other prominent guests included film producer Pramod Shetty, Rtn. Dr. Srinivasan, and Kaayan Kalthia of KosolEnergie.

The Chanakya Awards recognized top achievers in the field. Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. was awarded CEO of the Year (Joint Ventures), while Irfan Rashid of REC Limited received the Jury Special Award for Promising Corporate Communicator of the Year. VSR Naidu was inducted into the PR Hall of Fame, acknowledging his lasting contributions to the field.

Alongside, the PRCI Excellence Awards 2025 drew entries from over 100 leading corporates, celebrating creativity, impact, and innovation in corporate communication. The awards ceremony was honored by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

A special cultural performance titled “Gomantarang” was showcased by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, adding a vibrant, traditional touch to the conclave’s atmosphere.

The conclave’s success was made possible by the efforts of the PRCI Goa Chapter, under the leadership of Chairman Deepak Narvekar and his dedicated team including Waman Prabhu, Gurunath Pai, Nikhil Wagh, Kalika Bapat, Nikita Chodankar, John Agular, Anant Joshi, John Samuel, Raj Britto, Vrundavan Raikar, and Sandeep Kamble. Their tireless work ensured a meaningful and memorable experience for all attendees.

The 19th Global Communication Conclave reaffirmed PRCI’s mission to foster excellence, encourage dialogue, and advance the profession of communication across sectors. It stood as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the industry, and its potential to lead meaningful change in society and business.

Fit & Fabulous

House of Rare and Zepto Partner to Deliver Premium Fashion in 10 Minutes

Tanisha Cardozo

The House of Rare has launched a strategic partnership with Zepto to bring premium fashion to customers’ doorsteps in just 10 minutes, signaling a major shift in how style-savvy shoppers can access occasion-ready outfits. Initially rolling out in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, this collaboration begins with a curated collection of Rare Rabbit menswear staples — including shirts, polos, and tees that suit immediate wardrobe decisions.

This move responds to a growing demand from urban millennials and Gen Z consumers for on-demand fashion that matches their fast-paced, plan-on-the-fly lifestyles. Whether it’s dressing up for a sudden dinner plan or refreshing an outfit before a trip, this partnership provides immediate access to style — redefining convenience in the fashion space.

Over time, the collection will expand to include other verticals under The House of Rare, including Rareism (womenswear), Rare Ones (boys’ wear for ages 4 to 14), and Rare’Z (footwear and streetwear). This staggered rollout will allow the brand to test product mixes, customer preferences, and order flows through the Zepto app, optimizing for a seamless quick commerce experience.

Pulkit Verma, Chief Business Officer, Digital at The House of Rare, emphasized that this move isn’t just about speed, but relevance. “Q-commerce is rapidly transforming how India shops, and we see it as a powerful lever for fashion retail. Our partnership with Zepto isn’t just about being fast, it’s about being relevant in the moment our customer needs us,” he said.

Fashion in Q-commerce is quickly gaining traction. A Redseer report noted that the sector is set to grow from $2.8 billion in 2023 to over $10 billion by 2026. Fashion, traditionally considered slower-moving than essentials, is emerging as a promising vertical due to the increasing demand for instant gratification, particularly in impulse or occasion-based apparel.

From Zepto’s perspective, this partnership is part of a larger strategy to expand its lifestyle and premium offerings. “By partnering with The House of Rare, we are giving users instant access to premium fashion, making it possible to refresh their wardrobes in minutes,” said Devendra Meel, Chief Business Officer, Zepto.

The partnership does more than deliver fashion — it also provides invaluable data on user behavior, preferences, and local demand patterns. These insights can inform merchandising decisions, helping The House of Rare plan store and e-commerce inventories more effectively. Accessories will soon follow the apparel rollout, boosting attach rates and order value as the core journey stabilizes.

With over 170 retail stores and a growing e-commerce footprint, The House of Rare sees Zepto as a complementary channel that supports its omnichannel ambitions. This move blends immediacy, curated fashion, and hyperlocal insight, reshaping how — and how fast — style reaches the modern Indian consumer.