Brands
WforWoman debuts Spring Summer 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week
Aditya Birla brand becomes first Indian wear label to present at Paris runway.
MUMBAI: From kurta to couture runway, Indian ethnic wear has just taken a confident stroll through Paris. WforWoman, the contemporary Indian wear label from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., has showcased its Spring Summer 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week, becoming the first Indian wear brand to present its designs at the global fashion event.
The runway appearance marks a significant step in the brand’s international ambitions. After making its international debut in New York last year, the Paris showcase signals the label’s growing push to position modern Indian ethnic wear within the global fashion conversation.
Speaking on the milestone, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd chief executive officer of the TCNS Division Anant Daga described the moment as an important recognition for Indian design on the international stage. “For years, we have been redefining how the world perceives Indian ethnic wear by blending tradition with modernity. Seeing our silhouettes presented on the runway in Paris is powerful and deeply meaningful,” he said.
The Paris showcase featured a curated runway presentation that combined festive, occasion and contemporary silhouettes. The collection highlighted how modern Indian fashion balances heritage craftsmanship with everyday wearability while appealing to a global audience.
Rather than presenting ethnic wear as traditional costume or couture, the collection positioned high street Indian fashion confidently alongside international design houses, reflecting a shift in how Indian style is perceived globally.
The Spring Summer 2026 line was structured around four thematic capsules that interpret Indian fashion through a contemporary lens.
Poetic Reverie: Summer Weddings featured soft pastels, flowing fabrics and delicate embellishments designed for warm weather celebrations, evoking the romance and elegance of modern wedding occasions.
Pristine Summer explored clean bicolour palettes and refined silhouettes suited for daytime festivities and summer gatherings, presenting Indian dressing with a minimalist global aesthetic.
Youthful Celebration introduced vibrant prints, lively shapes and playful details such as flowing capes and potlis, bringing a youthful energy to festive wear.
Holiday: The Indian Way reimagined resort dressing through relaxed silhouettes, bold prints and graphic accents designed for travel, leisure and summer getaways.
The Paris debut reflects the brand’s broader ambition to position Indian ethnic fashion as an evolving force within global style culture. As international fashion increasingly embraces diverse design narratives, WforWoman’s presence on the Paris runway signals a growing appetite for contemporary Indian aesthetics.
Following the showcase, the Spring Summer 2026 collection is now available across WforWoman stores in India and through the brand’s official website, bringing its Paris runway moment directly to customers at home.
Brands
Ascenta elevates Adheip Bakshi to sales director amid growth push
Move aligns with expansion plans and flagship Basalt Hills development
MUMBAI: Ascenta has elevated its co-founder Adheip Bakshi to the role of sales director, signalling a sharper focus on scaling operations and expanding its market footprint.
Bakshi, who has been instrumental in shaping the company’s sales and marketing strategy since its early days, brings over a decade of experience in real estate sales and operational planning. He has played a central role in building Ascenta’s channel network and refining its go-to-market approach.
The leadership move comes as the company gears up for its next phase of growth, anchored by Basalt Hills, a 20-acre low-density villa estate positioned within the emerging Mumbai 3.0 corridor. Designed as a hospitality-led, lifestyle-focused community, the project combines serviced plots, bespoke villas and curated infrastructure within a natural basalt landscape.
Speaking on his new role, Bakshi said, “I’m excited to take on this role at a pivotal stage in Ascenta’s journey. Our focus remains on building a disciplined, channel-driven sales ecosystem while aligning closely with evolving buyer expectations for lifestyle-oriented developments. Basalt Hills is a strong reflection of this direction, and we aim to scale thoughtfully while maintaining the integrity of the product and experience.”
Commenting on the elevation, Ascenta founder and managing director Karan Bahl said, “This elevation reflects a natural progression, recognising Adheip’s contribution to the business and his ability to scale sales operations in a competitive luxury segment. As we expand our portfolio of boutique, design-led developments, strengthening leadership across functions remains a key priority.”
With this leadership shift, Ascenta appears to be doubling down on structured growth while keeping its focus firmly on design-led, premium real estate, a space that continues to evolve with changing buyer aspirations.
