Brands
Fabindia unwraps festive chic with a stylish spin on Christmas classics
MUMBAI: If Christmas dressing had a wishlist, Fabindia seems to have checked it twice unveiling a festive curation that mixes classic warmth with modern whimsy, all wrapped in rich reds, greens and winter textures designed to make December dressing utterly effortless.
This year’s collection leans into a cosy–chic aesthetic, bringing together cotton-silk dresses, embroidered tunics, quilted jackets, wool trousers and delicate silver jewellery, each crafted to keep the season stylish yet snug. Fabindia’s Christmas edit channels comfort without compromising elegance, whether you’re headed to a rooftop soirée, a leisurely café catch-up or a late-night club unwind.
The Red Cotton Silk Midi Dress (Rs 3,999) sets the tone with its subtle sheen, fit-and-flare silhouette and V-neck charm. Paired with white sneakers, a denim jacket and minimal silver earrings, it evokes a relaxed festive flair without trying too hard.
The Green Cotton Silk Hand-Embroidered Tunic (Rs 3,499) brings intricate festive detailing, featuring hand embroidery, a buttoned front and a thigh-length curved hem. Teamed with wide-leg pants, juttis and standout cuffs, it creates a day-to-night Christmas look rooted in tradition and elevated by modern ease.
For those leaning towards understated layering, the Blue Cotton Linen Slim Fit Utility Jacket (Rs 2,500) offers breathable structure with front pockets, full sleeves and a thigh-length cut ideal over a white tee and chinos for an off-duty brunch with festive polish.
Winter warmth steps up with the Brown Cotton Silk Quilting Straight Fit Bomber Jacket (Rs 2,500), featuring a quilted texture, band collar, front pockets and a waist-length zip closure. Paired with chinos or dark jeans, it brings a sharp yet cosy finish to holiday gatherings.
Fabindia’s festive charm extends to the little ones too. The Maroon Cotton Silk Hand-Block Printed Dress (Rs 1,687), with its flared silhouette, refined collar and striped waistband, promises a picture-perfect Christmas moment best styled with metallic sandals and a sweet hair accessory.
For days when the only plan is lounging with a mug of cocoa, the Black Wool Casual PJ Pants (Rs 3,299) deliver snug comfort with their premium wool fabric, full length and elasticated waist. Pair with an oversized Christmas jumper and fuzzy slippers, and December nights instantly feel warmer.
Rounding off the collection is a subtle touch of shine: the Silver Short Pendant (Rs 3,399). With its delicate design, it pairs effortlessly with kurtas, dresses or winter layers, adding a whisper of elegance that complements never competes.
With its Christmas collection, Fabindia blends heritage craftsmanship with contemporary comfort, offering outfits that feel festive yet wearable, polished yet cosy. For a season built on warmth, togetherness and a hint of sparkle, the brand delivers a fashion edit ready to make spirits brighter and wardrobes merrier.
Brands
Dolce & Gabbana names former Gucci chief as co-CEO amid debt crunch
Stefano Cantino, fresh from a brief and bumpy stint at Gucci, joins the Italian fashion house as co-chief executive as it scrambles to refinance debt and reinvent itself
MILAN: Dolce & Gabbana has wasted little time filling its leadership ranks. The Italian luxury house has appointed Stefano Cantino as co-chief executive with immediate effect, pairing him with Alfonso Dolce as the company pushes into a broader lifestyle business beyond its fashion roots and races to get its finances in order.
The timing is no coincidence. The closely held company has been squeezed by a prolonged downturn in the luxury sector, a slump worsened by uncertainty linked to the war in Iran. The pressure has hurt earnings and made it harder to service debt. Lenders are now seeking up to €150m ($175.3m) in fresh capital as part of a broader refinancing plan covering €450m in debt. To raise the funds, the company is weighing the sale of real estate assets and the renewal of licences.
Against that backdrop, the management shake-up is as much about survival as strategy. Co-founder Stefano Gabbana, 63, stepped down from his management role in December last year, a move the company described on April 10th as “part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance” that would have “no impact” on his creative activities. Alfonso Dolce, brother of co-founder and designer Domenico Dolce, has since held the roles of both chairman and chief executive. He called Cantino’s arrival “a new phase of growth and development.” Gabbana, meanwhile, is said to be exploring options for his roughly 40 per cent stake in the business as debt negotiations with creditors gather pace.
Cantino arrives with a curriculum vitae that reads like a tour of the top addresses in luxury. A political science graduate of the Università degli Studi di Torino, class of 1987, he spent more than two decades at Prada, beginning as marketing director in 1998 before rising through communications, external relations and business development roles. He then crossed to Louis Vuitton in Paris, where he served as senior vice-president of communication and events for nearly six years. In 2024 he joined Gucci as deputy chief executive, stepping up to the top job in January 2025, a tenure that lasted just nine months before Francesca Bellettini took over in September.
His arrival also fills the void left by Fedele Usai, managing director since 2023, who departed in March to become chief marketing officer at Kering.
Founded in the mid-1980s by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the house became one of the world’s most recognisable fashion brands on the back of its sun-drenched Mediterranean aesthetic. Although the two founders separated more than two decades ago, they remained business partners, jointly controlling 80 per cent of the company through a holding entity. The remaining shares are held by Domenico, Alfonso and their sister Dorotea. The company reported revenue of around €2bn for the financial year ending March 31st 2025.
Cantino called it an honour to join a brand that represents Italian excellence globally, the sort of thing incoming executives invariably say. With €450m in debt to refinance and a luxury slowdown still biting, he will need to do considerably more than say the right things.
