Brands
Asics brings back the Gel-Kayano 12.1 in style
MUMBAI: Asics SportStyle has revived the iconic Gel-Kayano 12.1, a cult favourite from the mid-2000s, in collaboration with long-time partner Kith. The reissue keeps its vintage heart but gets a modern lift, blending nostalgic design with next-gen comfort.
The shoe’s upper nods to the original Gel-Kayano 12, famously inspired by European gothic armour. Think sleek metallic overlays, breathable mesh panels and that unmistakable Asics silhouette, now tuned for daily wear. A special touch lies in the tongue, which features Japanese kanji characters for “Kayano,” a tribute to designer Toshikazu Kayano, who shaped the franchise from 1993 to 2007.
Underfoot, the Gel-Kayano 12.1 swaps the track for the street with the Gel-Nimbus 17’s midsole technology. Its fluid ride system, built from Flytefoam and Ff Blast cushioning, keeps every step light, responsive and ridiculously comfortable. Gel inserts in the heel and forefoot round it off with plush impact absorption that feels as good as it looks.
“We’ve seen incredible growth in the SportsStyle category in India,” said Asics India & South Asia managing director Rajat Khurana. “The revival of vintage tech has allowed us to reimagine icons like the Gel-Kayano 12.1 for a new generation that values both performance and style.”
The Gel-Kayano 12.1 is more than a sneaker comeback, it’s a stylish stride through Asics’ heritage, proving that great design never really goes out of step.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
