Tag: sustainable fashion

Fit & Fabulous

IBFW 2025 Wraps Up 11 Iconic Years with Power-Packed Designer Showcases and Timeless Fashion

Tanisha Cardozo

Timex India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) 2025 concluded its milestone 11th edition with a spectacular showcase of resort and beach fashion at the Hilton Goa Resort. Over two dynamic days, Asia’s premier destination for resort wear once again pushed creative and cultural boundaries — spotlighting top designers, emerging labels, innovative brand collaborations, and a forward-looking fashion ecosystem.

The runway came alive with diverse styles and unforgettable moments. Abhishek Sharma’s grand finale, presented by Timex India, stole the show with “Analog Life” — a tribute to elegance and the passage of time, brought to life by a sculptural installation of 1000 Timex watches and model Prathamesh Maulingkar as the showstopper. Live music by Cyrus Rodrigues and his Coastal Collective added an immersive energy that defined the spirit of analog living in a digital world.

Campus Shoes joined forces with label EESUM and youth icon Srishti Kaur for “The Pulse of Youth” collection, powered by a high-voltage runway presence from actor Fatima Sana Shaikh. Rooted in the brand’s ethos of movement and self-expression, the showcase celebrated individuality and energy through vibrant athleisure, redefining footwear as both statement and comfort.

The collaboration between grooming brand Gatsby and menswear label Toffle brought a bold, modern twist to men’s streetwear. Led by Kunal Thakur, the collection celebrated precision, movement, and effortless confidence — with style expressed not just in appearance, but in attitude.

Other standout designers included Bhawna Rao with her glittering “Night Cocktail” line featuring Mukti Mohan; Asmita Marwa, who infused mindful, sustainable design into luxurious silhouettes; and Pria Kataaria Puri, whose unapologetically glamorous “Resort Luxe” line embodied global jet-set energy. MANACA Streetwear, REANA, Samia Khan, Sakshi Bindra by Aerocidade, Mia Magell, KIINARA, Kamakhya, NoorGhar and many others rounded out a lineup that was vibrant, experimental, and globally resonant.

Beyond the runway, IBFW 2025 continued to champion fashion as a platform for dialogue and progress. The Future Fashion Conclave, powered by Dive Collective and led by Dr. Archana Bhatnagar, hosted a compelling panel that examined the role of design in shaping sustainable, inclusive futures for fashion in India.

Founder & CEO Pallav Ojha described the event as more than a fashion week — a cultural hub of design innovation, storytelling, and industry evolution. Neha Asthana, Co-Founder, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the craft-meets-culture narrative that IBFW has successfully nurtured for over a decade.

Timex India’s Managing Director Deepak Chhabra added that the partnership brought to life the watchmaker’s belief in timeless design and meaningful collaborations — blending heritage with a modern lens.

From design showcases to live music, thought leadership to trendsetting fashion, IBFW 2025 brought together the best of India’s resort fashion industry in one stunning celebration. As the sun set on its 11th edition, India Beach Fashion Week reaffirmed its status not just as a showcase — but as a movement in the global fashion conversation.

Fit & Fabulous

India Beach Fashion Week 2025 Returns with Bold Innovation and Global Glamour

Tanisha Cardozo

India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) 2025, presented by Timex, is set to make waves from October 9–11 at the Hilton Goa Resort. Now in its 11th season, IBFW 2025 continues to position Goa not just as a beach destination but as a thriving hub for lifestyle tourism, fashion innovation, and retail experiences.

At the heart of the event is Pallav Ojhaa, CEO and Co-Founder of IBFW, who hails from Assonora, Goa. What started as a local dream has grown into Asia’s largest resort fashion platform. “Growing up in Assonora, I never imagined that one day we could take our creativity, design, and culture to the world stage,” said Pallav. Through his COMO Designers Collective, he’s curated over 100 designers, connecting runway innovation with real-world retail and transforming Goa into a lifestyle destination with global resonance.

This year’s theme, “Where Resort Meets Bold Innovation,” embraces conscious design, craftsmanship, and storytelling for the digital age. From sustainable collections to immersive installations, the festival weaves together fashion and purpose with creativity and commerce.

Neha Asthana, Co-Founder of IBFW, emphasizes the festival’s deeper purpose: “This season highlights international expression, conscious design, and collaboration — all rooted in our home state. Resort fashion becomes a lifestyle, a business, and a cultural experience.”

As Title Sponsor, Timex strengthens its foothold in fashion, aligning its timeless ethos of “Analog Life – Make Time Yours” with the values of self-expression and mindful living. Deepak Chhabra, Managing Director of Timex Group India Limited, shares, “We are proud to be back with IBFW. Our brand and this platform both celebrate individuality and bold creativity — we’re not just keeping time, we’re defining moments.”

The designer lineup boasts renowned names such as Priya Kataria Puri, Bhawna Rao, Manaca Streetwear, Reana, Mia Magell, Asmita Marwa, and Abhishek Sharma, who will headline the exclusive Timex Grand Finale. The runway will also sparkle with celebrity appearances from Fatima Sana Shaikh, Mukti Mohan, Kashika Kapoor, Arissa Khan, and more.

Attendees can expect over 30 fashion showcases, The Pop-Expo marketplace, and the Dive Fashion Conclave — a thought leadership platform addressing sustainability, fashion’s future, and retail evolution. With lifestyle integrations from Campus Shoes, Dewars, 1664 Blanc, COMO Designers Collective, and SMA Hair & Makeup Academy, IBFW 2025 offers a multisensory experience that blends design, destination, and dialogue.

As the countdown begins, India Beach Fashion Week 2025 stands as a testament to Goa’s evolving identity — where beaches meet boldness, and fashion meets purpose.

Fit & Fabulous

BTS’ V Stuns in Indian Designer Menswear by Kartik Research, Sparks Fashion Buzz

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Korean singer and global style icon Kim Taehyung, better known to millions as BTS’ V, was recently spotted in an ivory-white hand-embroidered shirt by Indian menswear label Kartik Research. The moment sparked celebration among fans worldwide and reignited conversations around the global appeal of Indian craftsmanship.

Kartik Research, a New Delhi-based brand founded in 2021 by Kartik Kumra, champions artisanal design with a strong emphasis on handmade elements. Every garment carries a sense of humanity, narrative, and intention — a rarity in today’s fast-paced fashion world.

V styled the look in his usual effortless fashion — the hand-embroidered shirt was paired with a simple undershirt, light denim jeans, and a relaxed beanie. While the silhouette was understated, the craftsmanship was impossible to ignore. For Indian fans, this wasn’t just a style moment — it was a cultural crossover that spotlighted the richness of Indian textile heritage on one of the world’s most influential stars.

The K-pop sensation has long been admired for his fashion choices, often mixing global luxury with niche designer pieces. With this latest ensemble, he brings Kartik Research into the global fashion narrative — validating the label’s mission to blend craft, culture, and modern menswear.

For the desi BTS army, this moment will be etched into 2025 as a proud celebration of identity, art, and cross-cultural admiration.

Fit & Fabulous

 Shantnu & Nikhil Debut All-Women’s Couture Showcase at Moscow Fashion Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian fashion, Shantnu & Nikhil made their debut at Moscow Fashion Week on September 1, 2025, presenting Armouré—their first-ever all-women’s couture collection. Known globally for revolutionizing Indian menswear couture, the designer duo now turns their attention to the modern woman with a fierce, unapologetically powerful showcase that blends Indian craftsmanship with red carpet glamour.

With over 25 years of owning their creative narrative, Shantnu & Nikhil have built a couture language rooted in India’s cultural legacy yet boldly contemporary. Their debut in Moscow—long seen as a cultural crossroads—marks not just an international showcase, but a global statement of intent. “Moscow represents a cultural crossroad, steeped in imperial legacy yet brimming with contemporary appetite for couture,” shared the designers. “Our debut here is more than a showcase; it is a statement of intent. Through this collection, we explore the paradox of the modern woman: sensual yet armoured, intimate yet resistant.“

The collection, titled Armouré, draws from the sensuality of 1930s fashion—an era when silhouettes oscillated between sculptural architecture and draped softness. With shimmering hand-applied embellishments, pearl-studded embroideries, metallic brocade, and cascading crystals, each piece evokes strength with elegance. The colour palette is as bold as its message—dominion reds, midnight blacks, liquid silvers, and opulent pearl tones.

Crafted for women who command attention on their own terms, Armouré lives at the intersection of glamour and power. From sculpted bodices to fluid capes, every design speaks to the layered identity of today’s woman—resilient, sensual, and self-possessed.

Shantnu & Nikhil also credit the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for making this milestone possible. “The FDCI has played a pivotal role in shaping this cultural bridge between India and Russia, with Chairman Sunil Sethi championing the presence of Indian fashion and craftsmanship to a global audience,” the designers acknowledged.

Denis Alipov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, lauded the collaboration: “Their debut at Moscow Fashion Week marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Russia and India. Through fashion, this collaboration celebrates national identity, craftsmanship, and the dynamic evolution of design, fostering dialogue within the global fashion community.“

Moscow Fashion Week, culminating on September 2, 2025, is also hosting the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, uniting industry leaders and innovators from over 65 countries to explore the future of fashion, sustainability, and global design conversations. Within this dynamic space, Armouré not only puts Indian couture on the map—it declares its power and place in the modern world.

Spotlight

From Style to Sweets: Rhea D’Souza’s Creative Journey Across Fashion, Baking & Thrifting

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Rhea D’Souza didn’t set out to become a multi-hyphenate creator — but curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for storytelling led her exactly there. Based in Goa, Rhea is the creative force behind Grumpy Cat Bakes, Second Chances (a curated thrift page), and a fashion feed that resonates with thousands.

“Each hat I wear may seem different, but they all connect through creativity, storytelling, and building something that makes people feel good.”

Whether she’s styling a thrifted outfit, baking brownies from her kitchen, or balancing a day job in social media, Rhea brings authenticity to everything she touches.

🌴The Goa Influence

Goa’s vibrant culture, pastel skies, and laid-back rhythm are deeply embedded in Rhea’s aesthetic. The Portuguese architecture of Fontainhas, the flea markets, and beach sunsets inspire her styling choices and photo shoots alike. This coastal spirit brings a softness and storytelling vibe to everything she creates.

🍫Grumpy Cat Bakes — A Mood in Dessert Form

What started as casual brownie-making for friends evolved into Grumpy Cat Bakes, a home bakery named after her famously grumpy-looking (but loving) cat.

“On some days, I’m a big grumpy cat, but I still have so much to give — whether it’s love, or love through desserts.”

Her made-to-order treats are known for comfort, creativity, and heart — offering a sweet solution for any grumpy day.

💫Second Chances: A Thrift Store With Meaning

Faced with an overflowing closet from brand shoots, Rhea didn’t want her pre-loved pieces to go to waste. So she launched Second Chances, a space to extend the life of fashion pieces and make mindful style more accessible.

“Each piece carries a little story with it, ready to be continued by someone else.”

It’s not just about reducing waste — it’s about celebrating style that lasts, with heart.

🎯Balancing It All

Juggling a full-time job, content creation, baking orders, and running a thrift page is no small feat. Rhea relies on flexible planning, passion-driven prioritization, and a good content calendar.

“Each passion feeds into the other, keeping my creativity alive.”

Batch content creation, seasonal focus shifts, and listening to her energy help her manage the load while keeping joy at the center.

✨Staying Authentic

In an online world of trends and pressure, Rhea stays rooted in what feels real.

“I explore trends but always adapt them to my personal style. I think people relate more to content that’s wearable, comfortable, and real.”

Pinterest, fashion blogs, even a passerby’s outfit can become inspiration for her next look — but always with her own twist.

💭Dream Collaborations & Inspirations

From global brands like Zara and Dior Beauty to creators like Shubhra Vaity, Rhea’s dream partnerships reflect her blend of elegance, versatility, and authenticity.

🪄Advice for Aspiring Creators

Rhea’s advice is simple: start with what you have and build as you go.

“Before I had a tripod, I used a stool and a stack of books. The most important thing is to start — consistency and curiosity will take you far.”

💌The Reward? Real Connections.

What matters most to Rhea is the impact — the DMs from girls who feel more confident, the people who style her thrifted pieces, or smile at a brownie delivery.

“If one person feels seen or inspired by what I share, it’s all worth it.”