Brands
Shantnu Nikhil’s Piazza Nova celebrates five years of prêt-a-porter panache, with a dash of royal spice
MUMBAI: Shantnu Nikhil, darlings of the Indian fashion scene, have just celebrated five years of their S&N prêt line with a runway spectacle that had Lakmé Fashion Week buzzing like a hive of very stylish bees. They’ve democratised luxury, they claim, bridging the gap between couture and ready-to-wear, and frankly, who’s to argue when they’ve got 17 stores across eight cities and a website that’s practically bursting at the seams with eager buyers, both local and international.
Their secret? A blend of heritage and cutting-edge design, appealing to the young and the aspirational. For their anniversary bash, the duo unveiled Piazza Nova, a collection that’s a right proper potpourri of sharp suits, bold printed shirts, and relaxed silhouettes, all with a dash of wide lapels and enough embroidery to make a magpie blush.
Men’s wear took centre stage, with a sprinkling of women’s wear thrown in for good measure. Think mix-and-match coordinates, jackets that scream “look at me,” and enough sartorial swagger to fill a palace.
“We wanted to create a platform for personal expression,” said Shantanu Nikhil, “a brand that lets people define luxury on their own terms. Piazza Nova is a celebration of those ‘moment makers’ who’ve used our designs to tell their own stories.”
And speaking of moments, Ibrahim Ali Khan, looking every inch the royal heartthrob, sashayed down the runway in a sand-coloured bandhgala jacket, slim trousers, and a crisp white shirt, causing more than a few fashionistas to clutch their pearls.
Piazza Nova wasn’t just a collection of clothes, you see. It was a collection of stories, emotions, and a whole heap of style, blending tradition and contemporary vision like a perfectly mixed cocktail. Shantnu Nikhil have certainly earned their five-year stripes, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve built a brand that’s both regal and ready-to-wear, and frankly, it’s a right royal treat.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
