Jaipur, Feb 6: Luxury fashion is undergoing a powerful transformation. Where understated elegance once defined sophistication, 2026 marks a shift toward bold expression, individuality, and confident presence.

For much of the past decade, quiet luxury—characterized by clean lines, muted palettes, and restrained branding—dominated the fashion landscape. Today, consumers are increasingly dressing for self-expression rather than validation, using clothing to reflect mindset, energy, and identity. Modern luxury is no longer about blending in; it is about being unmistakably oneself.

Pleyne: Jaipur’s Bold Statement in Contemporary Luxury
Jaipur-born luxury label Pleyne is at the forefront of this evolution. Combining the city’s rich heritage and craftsmanship with a global outlook, Pleyne emphasizes statement silhouettes, confident detailing, and intentional boldness.

“Quiet luxury had its moment, but fashion is ultimately about expression,” says Chirag Sogani, Founder of Pleyne. “People today want to be seen for who they are. Their clothes should support that confidence, not suppress it.”

According to Sogani, bold fashion is not synonymous with chaos. “Loud fashion means dressing with clarity. When you are secure in your identity, your style naturally carries a presence,” he explains.

Heritage Meets Modernity
Jaipur’s artistic legacy inspires Pleyne’s philosophy, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, global influences. “Jaipur teaches you that craftsmanship and confidence can coexist,” says Sogani. “We respect where we come from, but we design for where the world is going.”

Luxury as Empowerment
As minimalism-driven uniformity gives way to individuality, fashion is becoming a tool for personal empowerment. Statement dressing today emphasizes attitude over trends, and authenticity has become the ultimate marker of sophistication.

“The future of luxury is personal,” Sogani adds. “People are not looking for approval anymore. They are looking for authenticity, and fashion plays a powerful role in that journey.”

In 2026, luxury is no longer measured by how quietly it speaks, but by how confidently it shows up. With brands like Pleyne leading the way, the modern fashion landscape celebrates individuality as the new sophistication.

Luxury in Indian interiors is undergoing a transformative shift. No longer defined by extravagance or sheer brightness, modern luxury is now about control, mood, and experience—led by a thoughtful approach to lighting.

Layered lighting, the strategic combination of ambient, task, and accent illumination, is redefining how Indian homes are designed and experienced. This approach allows spaces to adapt seamlessly throughout the day, enhancing both functionality and ambiance.

“Today’s homeowner is far more design aware,” says Naman Jain, Founder of Lumeil. “They do not want lighting that simply fills a room. They want lighting that responds to time of day, to function, and to emotion. That ability to control the atmosphere is what defines modern luxury.”

Lighting as Architecture, Not an Add-On
Modern interiors now integrate decorative lighting into the very architecture of the home. Statement pendants, sculptural chandeliers, and refined wall fixtures are planned alongside layouts and finishes, anchoring zones over dining areas, double-height living rooms, and corridors. The result is fewer, more considered focal points supported by subtle secondary layers that enhance comfort without overwhelming the space.

Room-by-Room Adaptability
Layered lighting offers tailored solutions across the home:

• Living areas mix ambient ceiling lights, accent wall fixtures, and task lighting for reading or work.

• Bedrooms use warm wall lights, bedside pendants, and indirect illumination to promote rest.

• Transitional spaces like hallways and entrances employ light to create rhythm and anticipation.

This intentional approach reflects a larger trend toward thoughtful living, where every element in the home serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.

A Smarter, More Thoughtful Future
As Indian homes evolve, lighting will remain central to how spaces are experienced. Luxury today is not about excess; it is about clarity, restraint, and the power to create atmosphere on one’s own terms. Layered lighting offers homeowners this power, enabling them to shape their environment with subtlety and ease.

“In many ways, lighting sets the emotional foundation of a home,” adds Jain. “When it is done right, you may not notice it immediately, but you feel the difference every day.”

Mr.  Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist, Bank of Baroda

“The policy has left repo rate unchanged as expected and hence the markets have been quite unaffected. Quite expectedly too there have been no forecasts made on GDP and inflation next year as the new series are expected this month. Interestingly, while there is assurance on liquidity supply by RBI, no measures have been announced which means that they will be announced on need based.

Again, in line with the push given by the Budget to MSMEs, the RBI has increased the limit for collateral-free loans to Rs 20 lakh. Hence there seems to be steady follow up action to the Budget announcements.

We may expect that the rate cycle has ended and 5.25% repo rate would stand for some time before any action is taken, which is more likely in upward direction if inflation turns out to be higher in future. “

 Shishir Baijal, International Partner, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India.

“The RBI’s decision to hold rates steady, reflects a cautious and stability focused stance in a volatile global environment. As the economic growth outlook remains stable and maintain momentum, we can expect this overall growth to have a positive impact on the real estate sector. The pause underscores the central bank’s priority on managing currency pressures and external risks.

For the real estate sector, the repo rate continues to remain at its lowest level in the post-pandemic period. While a further reduction in rates would have provided an added boost to homebuyer sentiment, particularly in the affordable housing segment, we expect banks to pass on a greater share of the existing rate benefits to consumers in the coming months. A stable interest rate environment offers much-needed predictability, supporting informed decision-making for both homebuyers and developers. In addition to the rate actions, the central bank has also eased the rules for bank lending to REITs which is a positive step considering it will ease their credit access and facilitate access to lower cost funds.”

New Delhi, Feb 6: IndiaMART, India’s largest online B2B marketplace, has been honoured with three prestigious awards at the 16th IAMAI India Digital Awards 2026, highlighting its leadership in AI, performance marketing, and data-driven innovation.

The company won Gold awards for AI Innovation of the Year and Best Execution of Performance Campaigns, and a Silver award for Data Science Technology of the Year, reinforcing its commitment to building a scalable, technology-led, and trusted digital commerce ecosystem for Indian businesses.

Award Highlights:

• Gold – AI Innovation of the Year (VANI):
  IndiaMART’s in-house voice AI system, VANI, autonomously handles buyer calls for intent validation and lead approval. Capable of multilingual conversations and contextual intelligence, VANI automates nearly 80% of buyer voice validations, transforming a traditionally human-dependent process into a scalable, AI-first operation.

• Gold – Best Execution of Performance Campaigns (Creator Affiliate Program):
  The Creator Affiliate Program drives B2B commerce through affiliates and influencers, onboarding 10,000+ industry-specific creators. With automation-first onboarding, transparent processes, and performance-driven incentives, the program establishes a robust ecosystem aligned with IndiaMART’s B2B core.

• Silver – Data Science Technology of the Year (Real-Time Price Exchange):
  IndiaMART’s Real-Time Price Exchange leverages AI and ML to provide transparent and contextual B2B price intelligence. By analyzing unstructured buyer–seller interactions across voice, chat, and enquiries, the system delivers market-relevant price ranges, addressing inefficiencies in India’s fragmented B2B sector.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in IndiaMART’s journey, emphasizing its focus on AI-led innovation, performance-driven growth, and data science excellence in building a resilient, future-ready marketplace for MSMEs and large enterprises across India.

Mr. Vinod Francis, Chief Financial Officer, South Indian Bank, on the recent RBI MPC announcement:

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance reflects confidence in a benign inflation outlook and resilient economic growth. The upward revision in FY26 GDP growth, along with the RBI’s assessment that system-level parameters for banks remain sound, reinforces confidence in the sector’s ability to support sustained economic expansion. For banks, a stable rate environment enables effective transmission of policy measures, disciplined balance sheet management, and calibrated credit growth across key segments.

The continued focus on data-driven policymaking, supported by the upcoming new GDP and inflation series, further enhances predictability for lenders. At the same time, initiatives such as the proposed guidelines for Kisan Credit Cards and the ongoing emphasis on MSME and rural credit align well with our strong presence in these segments, positioning the Bank to deepen credit penetration while maintaining asset quality and capital strength.”

New Delhi, Feb 6: Amity School of Business (ASB), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, successfully hosted the 4th Edition of the International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development (ICESBD’26). The conference centered on the theme: “Evolving Enterprises: Navigating GIG Innovation, Green Operations and Digital Relationship”, bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss innovative and sustainable business practices.

Conference Highlights:

• Keynote Addresses:

  • Ms. Simin Askari, Chief Human Resource Officer, DS Group, emphasized the importance of sustainability, gig economy recognition, and digital transformation in today’s evolving business landscape.

  • Ms. Saranya Pradhan, Head – Sustainability and Corporate Communication, McCain Foods, highlighted how sustainable practices, gig innovation, and digital relationships drive growth, customer loyalty, and long-term value creation.

  • Mr. Santosh Sharma, Founder & CEO, Book My Jet, underlined how eco-friendly operations and leveraging global freelance talent foster innovation, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement.

  • Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, AUUP, stressed the synergy between entrepreneurship and sustainability as a key driver for economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.

• Panel Discussions & Workshops:

  • Panel discussion on “Sustainable Innovation in the Gig Economy: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges”.

  • Paper presentations covering topics such as gig economy entrepreneurship, circular business models, digital relationship management, and resilience in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • Research paper development workshop on crafting high-quality submissions for Scopus-indexed journals.

• NEXT GEN – INNOVATE EXPO 2026:

  • The conference featured an exhibition of 29 start-ups and businesses founded by young entrepreneurs, showcasing sustainable, digital, and disruptive innovations.

Dr. Sujata Khandai, Director – ASB, said,

“Entrepreneurs are increasingly integrating eco-friendly products, renewable energy, and ethical supply chains into their business models. ICESBD’26 provides a platform for thought leaders and innovators to share insights, inspire students, and explore transformative strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship.”

ICESBD’26 reinforced Amity University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation as cornerstones for the next generation of business leaders.

Dubstep launches ‘Love on Loop’ Campaign and Limited-Edition ‘Buzz X12 – Love Edition’ Wireless Earbuds Exclusively on Instamart for Valentine’s Day

Feb 06: This Valentine’s Day, Dubstep, the fast-fashion consumer tech brand from the Nu Republic Universe, has rolled out its seasonal Valentine’s Day campaign ‘Love on Loop’, built around impulse-led gifting, music, and quick-commerce behaviour. The campaign coincides with the launch of the Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition, available exclusively on Instamart.

Designed to reflect how young consumers increasingly shop for occasions, Love on Loop targets last-minute Valentine’s Day shoppers who prioritise speed, experience, and emotional value over advance planning. By leveraging Instamart’s quick-delivery ecosystem, the campaign positions spontaneity not as a compromise, but as a feature of modern gifting.

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing eligible Dubstep® products on Instamart during the campaign period stand a chance to win curated Valentine’s rewards. Nine winners will receive dinner vouchers worth INR 3,000 each, while one grand prize winner will win air tickets for two to Goa, along with a chance to meet actor Abhay Deol, subject to availability and scheduling.

Commenting on the campaign, Ujjwal Sarin, Founder, Nu Republic Universe, said,

“Valentine’s Day is about moments, not planning weeks in advance. With Love on Loop, we wanted to blend instant access with real emotion. Dubstep® is built for spontaneity — loud, expressive, and ready when you are. Partnering with Instamart lets us deliver that vibe in minutes.”

As part of the Valentine’s Day collection, Dubstep® has introduced the Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds in a bold, passion-red finish with metallic accents, created exclusively for the season. These earbuds are powered by Bluetooth v5.4 and tuned with X-Bass® technology to deliver deep bass and clear vocals. Equipped with Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the earbuds ensure clearer calls even in noisy surroundings. With up to 60 hours of total playtime, intuitive touch controls, and a comfortable all-day fit, the Buzz X12 is designed for both everyday listening and Valentine’s gifting.

The Dubstep® Buzz X12 Wireless Earbuds – Love Edition will be available exclusively on Instamart at an offer price of INR 599 for a limited period, giving consumers across India a quick and convenient way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through expressive audio gifting.

Mamaearth Onboards Sreeleela as Hair Care Category Brand Ambassador; Unveils Valentine’s Day Film for Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo

Feb 06:  Mamaearth, India’s leading purpose-driven personal care brand, has unveiled its latest campaign for the Rosemary Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo, onboarding South Indian and Bollywood actress Sreeleela as the new brand ambassador for the hair care range. With her youthful charm, authenticity, and strong Gen Z connect, Sreeleela brings a refreshing new energy to the brand.

This association marks a significant milestone in Mamaearth’s journey as well as in Sreeleela’s fast-rising career. Known for her natural appeal and inclination towards wellness, she strongly aligns with Mamaearth’s ethos of delivering effective personal care solutions rooted in natural, toxin-free ingredients.

Set in a packed cricket stadium, the campaign film features Sreeleela alongside actor and dancer Shantanu Maheshwari in a light-hearted, playful moment on the Kiss Cam. As the two share a close moment, the mood shifts when Shantanu runs his fingers through her hair, and a few strands come loose, instantly magnified on the stadium’s big screen. The crowd reacts, turning a personal moment into a very public one.

The film then introduces Mamaearth Rosemary Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, powered by the goodness of Rosemary and Methi Dana, as a solution designed to help reduce hair fall and strengthen hair. In a confident turn of events, the film closes with Sreeleela returning to the stadium with visibly healthier, fuller-looking hair, reclaiming the moment and ending the story on a strong, self-assured note.

Speaking about the campaign, Sreeleela said, 

“I’m excited to be a part of this campaign as it brings together a fun, relatable story that reflects real, everyday moments. The film addresses concerns like hair fall in a light and honest way, without exaggeration. What truly draws me to Mamaearth is the brand’s philosophy of using thoughtfully chosen, natural ingredients backed by proven efficacy. Being associated with a brand that addresses real consumer needs with effective, ingredient-led solutions makes this campaign feel authentic and meaningful to me.”

Snigdha Anand, SVP & Brand Head – Marketing, Mamaearth, added,

“With this campaign, our intent was to tell a story that feels familiar and easy to recognise, without over-dramatizing the concern. By placing hair fall in a moment of closeness and public visibility, the narrative remains honest while clearly establishing the product’s role. Welcoming Sreeleela as the new face of Mamaearth’s hair care category is a strategic step in strengthening our relevance with a younger, evolving consumer base, while continuing to focus on effective, ingredient-led hair care solutions.”

The campaign is rolled out across digital and social platforms, bringing ingredient-led hair care into everyday conversations through relatable storytelling. With Sreeleela at the forefront, Mamaearth continues to build a modern, trust-led narrative around hair fall, confidence, and solutions powered by nature.

Santosh Agarwal, CFO & Executive Director, Alpha Corp Development Limited, said,

“The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% provides much-needed stability and clarity for the real estate sector at a time when predictable financing costs are crucial. This pause by the Monetary Policy Committee reinforces confidence among homebuyers and investors alike, as it sustains current borrowing costs and supports affordability. Stable interest rates enable developers to plan project timelines more efficiently, optimise pricing strategies, and continue delivering quality housing without sudden cost pressures. With economic growth prospects remaining solid and inflation under control, this status quo fosters a conducive environment for sustained demand in residential and commercial realty. We welcome this continuity, which underpins long-term investment and supports the sector’s positive momentum.”

Ashish Sharma, AVP Operations, Brahma Group, says,

“The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% and continue with a neutral policy stance provides much-needed stability for the real estate sector. A predictable interest rate environment is crucial for sustaining momentum in housing demand and enabling developers to plan long-term investments with greater confidence. The RBI’s calibrated approach reflects a careful balance between managing inflation and supporting economic growth. For homebuyers, steady policy rates help preserve affordability, while for developers, they ensure consistency in project financing and execution. Overall, this policy continuity is expected to reinforce market confidence and support the sector’s contribution to economic development in the coming quarters.”

Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan Iris, said,

“We welcome the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a ‘neutral’ stance, as it reinforces macro-economic stability and enhances confidence across financial markets. This policy continuity provides crucial predictability for both homebuyers and developers, helping sustain demand in the housing and commercial real estate sectors. With stable lending rates, buyers can plan around consistent EMIs, and developers can manage capital costs and project financing more efficiently. In an environment where affordability and financing clarity are key, this steady approach supports robust decision-making and long-term planning. We remain optimistic that the real estate sector will continue to experience sustained demand, steady growth, and long-term value creation.”

Vyom Agarwal, President, ACE – Action Construction Equipment Ltd.said,

“The MPC’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% provides stability for capital-intensive sectors like construction and infrastructure, supporting credit flow and long-term investment. This aligns strongly with Union Budget 2026, which has reinforced its focus on infrastructure through higher capex of ₹12.2 lakh crore and an enhanced Construction and Infrastructure Equipment (CIE) scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of high-value, advanced equipment. Additionally, structural developments such as the India–EU FTA and the proposed US deal are significant positives for Indian manufacturing, improving competitiveness versus key markets like China and strengthening the China-plus-one opportunity. Together, these measures create a supportive framework for companies like ACE to scale innovation, expand capacity, and contribute meaningfully to India’s infrastructure growth,”