Features

Digital product creation has gained significant attention across the fashion industry because it helps improve development speed, reduce costs and support sustainability initiatives. However, Shima Seiki believes the true value of DPC lies not simply in creating realistic digital assets, but in connecting those digital products directly to manufacturing.

Pink emerges as menswear's key accent colour for Fall 2026, moving from formal shirting into jackets, footwear and accessories across global and Indian markets.

Suede and leather emerge as F/W 2026's quiet power texture, with Indian brands adopting it through trims, accessories and faux-suede alternatives.

Gold becomes A/W 2026's defining metallic, with global runways embracing full statement dressing while Indian occasionwear shifts to matte finishes.

Scorched paprika emerges as A/W 2026's confident neutral, with rust and copper tones bridging global runways and India's craft and festive traditions.

Floral brocade and jacquard turn textural for F/W 2026, aligning global runways from Dior to Balmain with India's centuries-old Banarasi weaving heritage.

Industry estimates vary depending on how the market is defined, but they point to a sizeable and expanding opportunity. One recent estimate projects India’s athleisure market to grow from around US $18.3 billion in 2025 to US $47.2 billion by 2033, at a 12.7% CAGR. We spoke to five Indian brands across different market segments, CAVA Athleisure, Bird Eye, Feier, TechnoSport and ZONE, to understand who today’s athleisure consumer is, what they are looking for and what is driving the next phase of the market.

Co-ord sets emerge as fall's fastest-moving category, with Indian brands like Biba, Suta and Label DC scaling the format across ethnic and western wear.

Preppy style gets a rebellious edge for A/W 2026, with varsity jackets and pleated skirts blending collegiate polish with streetwear ease.