Brands
Gary Kirsten partners with Yugen Infra for cricket villas near Goa
MUMBAI: Cricket dreams now come with a front porch and a golf course view. Yugen Infra, the real estate developer known for blending lifestyle with leisure, has roped in Gary Kirsten South African cricket legend and coach of India’s 2011 World Cup win to co-create 30 ultra-exclusive Cricket-Front Villas at its flagship Yugen Golf City near Goa’s MOPA International Airport.
The announcement, made at The Lalit in New Delhi on 6 August, marked the start of a strategic partnership between Kirsten, Russel Symcox of GK Investments, and Yugen Infra. Together, they’ll shape a residential project designed for those who want cricket to be more than just a weekend pastime, a lifestyle where the pitch is as close as the patio.
“These villas are more than homes; they are a celebration of India’s cricketing soul,” said Yugen Infra managing director Sheeshram Yadav. “We are transforming a nation’s passion into an everyday experience.”
The second innings of the evening featured the unveiling of True North International School Asia’s first residential institution pairing world-class academics with elite sports training. Spread over 10 acres, the school, developed with True North Group, will follow a dual-track curriculum offering mentorship in cricket, chess, and other competitive sports alongside rigorous academics.
“Education is the foundation of a progressive society,” Yadav added. “We want our students to have the discipline of athletes and the curiosity of scholars.”
Kirsten called the collaboration “impactful” and praised the vision of combining education with high-performance sport. The launch included a fireside chat on nurturing tomorrow’s champions with panellists such as Aakash Chaudhry, founder of Sparkl Edventure, and Prof Harish Chaudhry of IIT Delhi.
Guests ranged from school leaders of DPS, GD Goenka, and Heritage Group to global sports mentors, investors, and innovators all aligned with Yugen’s goal of building a community where the classroom and the cricket field are equally central to daily life.
Brands
Charlotte Tilbury opens first flagship store in India
Luxury beauty brand bets on immersive retail as India expansion gathers pace
NEW DELHI: Charlotte Tilbury has opened its first flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, planting a high-glamour marker in New Delhi as global beauty brands double down on the country’s fast-growing premium market.
Located at Nexus Select Citywalk in Saket, the store is operated end-to-end by Nykaa, deepening a partnership that began with the brand’s digital launch in India in 2020 and has since scaled across retail, marketing and distribution. The opening signals a shift from marketplace presence to standalone brand environments as companies chase long-term equity and consumer loyalty.
The launch was marked by an event on April 9 featuring actor Sobhita Dhulipala, the brand’s first beauty muse in India, underscoring Charlotte Tilbury’s growing cultural push in the market.
“Darlings, I am so excited to open my first-ever flagship Beauty Wonderland in India, in its vibrant and iconic capital, New Delhi,” said Charlotte Tilbury. “This is such a magical milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting beauty markets.”
Tilbury highlighted the brand’s connection with Indian consumers. “India has always been a place of incredible beauty, celebration and transformation. I have been so inspired by the artistry, creativity and passion of our community here. They are true beauty connoisseurs that appreciate next-generation formulas,” she said.
The store is designed as an immersive retail experience, blending the brand’s Art Deco and old Hollywood aesthetic with local cues. A bespoke Royal Indian Arch anchors the space, alongside personalised makeup services tailored to Indian trends and occasions. A dedicated bridal looks wall nods to the country’s strong wedding-led beauty market, while interactive elements such as the Pillow Talk photowall and in-store masterclasses aim to drive engagement.
For the first time in India, the full Charlotte Tilbury portfolio is available under one roof, spanning makeup, skincare and fragrance, including the Fragrance Collection of Emotions and bestsellers such as Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer and Pillow Talk products.
Nykaa, which operates 57 doors for the brand alongside its app and website, will now lead end-to-end management of Charlotte Tilbury’s exclusive boutiques in India, covering retail operations, staffing, supply chain, marketing and omnichannel integration.
“Charlotte Tilbury has been one of our most successful and strategic global partnerships,” said Anchit Nayar, executive director and chief executive officer, Nykaa Beauty. “The launch of the first exclusive boutique, fully operated by Nykaa, is a natural next step and reflects our shared long-term commitment to building the brand in India.”
Nykaa’s broader beauty playbook, built on digital-first entry followed by omnichannel scale, now reaches over 42 million consumers and has become a template for global brands entering India. The retailer currently serves 52 million customers through its platforms and runs 276 offline beauty destinations, reinforcing its position as a gateway for international labels.
Charlotte Tilbury, founded in 2013, now operates in over 50 markets with more than 3,000 employees and 500 products across categories, with over 3,000 distribution points globally.
A second standalone store is slated to open at Mall of India in Noida in May 2026, signalling an aggressive retail push.
In a market where beauty is fast turning from aspiration to everyday indulgence, Charlotte Tilbury is not just selling products. It is building theatre, and betting that Indian consumers are ready to buy into the spectacle.
