As covered by Salil Chawla, Director DFU Publications during one of the sessions in recently concluded Bharat Tex 2026.
The session went beyond the socialist argument and, was well moderated by Harminder Sahni - Founder & Managing Director. The panel included trade experts like CMAI-Chief Mentor. Rahul Mehta, Gautam Saraogi - Founder & CEO at Go Colors, Siddharath Bindra - Managing Director at BIBA Apparels & Rajesh Jain, CEO Lacoste India among others.
In today’s hyper-competitive Indian fashion market, having physical stores and an online presence is no longer enough. Brands must build deep consumer aspiration through storytelling, community engagement, and seamless convenience like click-and-collect and instant home delivery.
Panellists noted that Indian consumers — time-poor yet highly aspirational — prioritize ease and convenience. Loyalty is fragile; even loyal customers switch brands for better accessibility and last-minute needs.
A key insight shared was the 5Cs framework essential for scaling to billion-dollar global brands:
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Consumer – Deep understanding of psychology and evolving needs
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Consistency – Uniform brand experience across all channels
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Creativity & Innovation – Continuous product refresh and experience innovation
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Culture – Building institutions that outlive founders
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Capital – Patient, long-term funding beyond short-term PE expectations
India has no shortage of creativity, entrepreneurs, or aspirational consumers, yet few domestic brands reach global scale. High-quality segments remain under-penetrated, with significant opportunities in ethnic wear, occasion wear, and premium categories currently dominated by imports.
Fashion is one category where multinational brands hold the lowest market share — a historic opportunity for Indian players. The panel highlighted India’s rich fashion heritage and the need for more innovative, quality-focused domestic brands that capture both niche and mass-premium segments.
Key takeaway: Building enduring brands requires consistency, consumer-centric innovation, and long-term vision backed by patient capital.
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