Fashion / Cosmetics / Jewellery

Style check: Gen Z rewriting saree story
Sarees are experiencing a resurgence, particularly among Gen Z. Influencers are showcasing innovative ways to style them. They are pairing sarees with sneakers and modern accessories. Designers are adapting to this trend. Brands are witnessing increased sales to younger demographics. The focus is on making sarees accessible and versatile for everyday wear. This reinvention blends tradition with contemporary fashion.

New rules for cosmetic injectables aim to make industry safer. Will they work?
New guidelines in Australia aim to regulate the booming cosmetic procedures industry, addressing unsafe practices and protecting vulnerable individuals. These rules ban financial incentives, require thorough patient screening, and set stricter standards for practitioners, especially nurses. While not laws, these guidelines empower regulatory bodies to enforce standards and discipline wrongdoers, though patients still need to seek legal recourse for harm.

De Beers draws interest from billionaire Agarwal, Qatari funds, sources say
De Beers, currently being divested from Anglo American, has attracted interest from multiple consortia, including billionaire Anil Agarwal, Indian diamond firms like KGK Group and Kapu Gems, and Qatari investment funds. This move occurs amidst challenging global diamond prices as Anglo American shifts its focus to copper and iron ore.

Jewellery sales dip 30 per cent in India over fortnight as gold prices rise
Gold jewellery sales in India plummeted by 30% recently, averaging 1,600 kg, as prices surged nearly 5%. This fall is attributed to rising gold prices, which dampened consumer demand despite an initial boost following Akshaya Tritiya.

GIA to introduce new descriptive grading system for lab-grown diamonds, phasing out traditional 4Cs
Gemological Institute of America will change how it describes lab-grown diamonds. It will use descriptive terms instead of the usual color and clarity grades. This change aims to provide more transparency for consumers. The new system will categorize lab-grown diamonds as 'premium' or 'standard'. This will help buyers understand the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

L'Oreal to more than double India business: CEO Nicolas Hieronimus
L'Oreal's CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, announced ambitious plans to significantly expand the company's presence in India. The company aims to more than double its business in the coming years. L'Oreal will also be expanding its factories, which currently manufacture 95% of its Indian products and export to the surrounding region, highlighting India's strategic importance.

L’Oreal to more than double India business in next few years, says global CEO
L'Oreal aims to significantly expand its Indian operations. The company intends to double its business within a few years. Factory expansions are also planned to boost local production and exports. India is a key market for L'Oreal, recognized as one of the fastest-growing beauty markets globally.

Indian beauty products retailer Nykaa's profit surges on demand for premium products
Nykaa's profit surged in the fourth quarter. The beauty retailer saw its net profit almost triple compared to last year. This growth was fueled by high demand for premium beauty brands. Urban consumers continued to spend on these products. Nykaa's revenue also increased significantly. The fashion apparel business experienced growth as well. Overall, Nykaa had a successful quarter.

Buyers put their money on rock as gold prices peak
Tanishq reports a surge in demand for smaller solitaire diamonds, outpacing gold jewellery sales, a trend continuing into May. With gold prices soaring, diamond-studded jewellery, especially one-carat solitaires, are gaining preference during the wedding season, witnessing a 20% increase in demand.

Rolex lovers splash out on used watches before Trump tariffs
Luxury watch sales surged in April. Buyers rushed to purchase Rolex and Patek Philippe watches. This happened before potential tariffs from the United States. Trading platform Subdial saw a huge spike after paychecks. US and UK markets showed strong growth. Swiss watch exports to the US doubled. This was likely to avoid higher tariffs. The secondary watch market is recovering.
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Wadhawan brothers siphoned Rs 11,500 crore from DHFL using 87 shell firms, says ED
Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan, promoters of DHFL, are accused of siphoning off over ₹11,500 crore through shell entities, using fraudulent loans. The ED's chargesheet details how they allegedly diverted funds to finance lavish purchases, including art, jewellery, and a helicopter.

Gold jewellery consumption set for double-digit growth despite volume dip: ICRA
India's gold jewellery market is set for growth. A new report projects a rise in consumption value by fiscal year 2026. Gold prices are expected to keep rising. Retail expansion and a shift from unorganised sectors will fuel demand. More auspicious days may also boost sales. However, higher financing costs could limit net margin growth for jewellers.

Silver jewellery sales drive US retail growth; Indian exporters eye growth: Survey
The US retail market is witnessing a silver revolution, as robust sales figures emerge from a recent survey. High profit margins in silver jewellery are attracting the attention of Indian exporters, positioning them to capitalize on this trend. In 2024, retailers are celebrating increased sales and a boost in inventory.

Aditya Birla Fashion stitches a ₹500-crore turnaround plan
Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) plans a ₹500 crore capital expenditure in 2025-26, aiming to turnaround loss-making ventures like TCNS Clothing and TMRW. With recent fundraising, ABFRL intends to triple in scale and double profitability in five years, despite current subdued retail sales growth. Excluding TMRW, the group anticipates being EBITDA positive next year.

Titan set to add Rs 2,500 crore Damas facet to portfolio
Titan Co is in advanced discussions to acquire a 72% stake in Damas International, a prominent Gulf jewellery retailer, for approximately Rs 2,500 crore. The Tata group company has commenced due diligence, with the remaining stake held by Mannai Corp. The deal, expected to be finalized in the second quarter of FY26, aims to replicate Titan's successful CaratLane acquisition model.

Despite interest surge in gold, institutional investors remain hesitant: Report
According to an analysis of the global markets, family offices allocate just one per cent of their portfolios to gold and precious metals, putting it on equal footing with niche assets like art, antiques, and infrastructure, and far behind more favoured categories such as private equity, real estate, and even cash.