Hot Off The HELLO! India Press: Brand ambassadorships, landmark moments and more

The world of luxury and lifestyle is buzzing with fresh energy, and India is right at the centre of it—emerging as one of the most exciting playgrounds for both global icons and homegrown talent. From couture to cosmetics, the period has seen an influx of new store launches, international brand entries, and Indian designers expanding their presence, together shaping a luxury market that is more dynamic, inclusive, and experience-driven than ever before. 

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ACROSS INDIA

Ramsons Perfumes enters a new phase by appointing Mrunal Thakur as its brand ambassador. The collaboration reflects a strategic shift towards storytelling and emotional connection, positioning fragrance as an extension of identity rather than just a finishing touch.

Olive Café & Bar expands its footprint with new outposts in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Borivali’s Sky City Mall, marking a homecoming for the iconic brand. Led by restaurateur AD Singh, the launch introduces a lighter, café-forward format while continuing its legacy of shaping India’s contemporary dining culture.

KĀRYA, launched at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is a museum-scale platform dedicated to Indian fashion, craft, and textile heritage. Curated by Vivz Fashion School in partnership with the government, it positions Indian craftsmanship within a formal global narrative, bringing together artisans, archives, and international collaborations under one institutional framework.

Aditya Birla Group launches Julien, a design-led patisserie concept that reimagines desserts as sensorial, artistic expressions. Blending classical techniques with modern storytelling and subtle Indian influences, the brand offers a curated selection of indulgent creations designed to elevate everyday and celebratory moments alike.

Mahieka Sharma fronts Kama Ayurveda's latest campaign, Sandanya, the luxury Ayurvedic beauty brand's first-ever anti-blemish skincare range. The collection is designed to address blemishes while supporting overall skin clarity and balance, the new range reflects the brand’s continued commitment to blending time-honoured Ayurvedic wisdom with modern skincare innovation.

One of India’s most celebrated fine-dining institutions, Indian Accent marks 17 years in Delhi, 3 years in Mumbai, and 10 years in New York—a testament to its enduring global appeal. Under Executive Chef Shantanu Mehrotra, the restaurant continues to redefine Indian cuisine with a modern, globally inspired tasting menu that balances heritage with innovation. Beyond gastronomy, Indian Accent reinforces its social commitment through its partnership with Salaam Baalak Trust. Supporting shelter homes like Udaan DMRC Children Home in New Delhi and Arushi Home in Gurugram, the restaurant continues to contribute the cost of four daily meals per girl for every table served—impacting over 100 young lives through access to education, safety, and opportunity.

After successfully bringing the brand to the Indian market through their website, Nykaa launched the first offline store in the country at Delhi's Nexus Select Citywalk location, to continue their mission to take their iconic makeup products to a cult-favourite category. Brand ambassador Sobhita Dhulipala was present at the launch of the beauty destination for that signature Charlotte Tilbury world of glamour to celebrate this milestone. 

DLF introduces The ONE Midtown Club in West Delhi as a luxury, resort-style residential clubhouse designed to be the social and wellness hub of its community. Blending refined hospitality with curated lifestyle amenities; from dining and spa experiences to expansive fitness and leisure spaces, it reimagines urban living as a seamless balance of relaxation, recreation, and connection.

Shanti Banaras announced the opening of its new store at Ambawatta One, Mehrauli, a space that redefines how Banarasi textiles are presented and experienced. Located in close proximity to the Qutub Minar, the store sits within a part of Delhi shaped by long-standing cultural memory. For a brand rooted in Banaras, the choice of location is instinctive - not for spectacle, but for alignment.

Davidoff announces actor Ahaan Panday as its First Brand Ambassador for India, marking a historic milestone in the brand’s journey in one of its most dynamic markets. For decades, Davidoff has held a special place in India’s fragrance landscape. Recognised and widely admired, the brand has long held cult status across urban India and is now embarking on a bold and exciting new chapter in its journey in the country.

Known for his narrative-driven approach and layered sensibility, Aseem Kapoor entered a new phase of his career in design with his appointment as the Creative Director of Satya Paul. This direction reflects Satya Paul’s intent to expand into new categories and lifestyle extensions, broadening the brand’s appeal while infusing a renewed youthful energy, supported by strategic partnerships beyond apparel. Kapoor brings a renewed vision that reinterprets Satya Paul’s iconic design language for a contemporary audience. His appointment signals a forward-looking shift for the brand, with a focus on expressive storytelling, modern relevance, and emotional resonance.

The Rameshwaram Cafe expands to Mumbai with a new outlet at the iconic Eros Building in Churchgate. The launch brings its signature South Indian flavours and hospitality to the city, marking a key milestone in its growth journey.

Beats and Nike collaborate for the first time on the Powerbeats Pro 2 – Nike Special Edition, blending performance-driven design with cultural appeal. Featuring advanced audio technology and fitness-focused features and a launch campaign headlined by LeBron James, the limited-edition release is positioned as a seamless companion for both sport and everyday lifestyle.

Raymond unveils a flagship store in Bandra with Chairman’s Collection, marking a significant evolution in its luxury positioning. Spanning over 11,000 square feet, the space blends European design influences with Indian craftsmanship, reflecting a more couture-led, globally attuned approach to menswear retail.

A new entrant in the luxury dining space, Sweeney by Malaika Arora and Dhaval Udeshi reimagine Thai and European cuisines through the lens of real homes and lived experiences, eschewing theatrics for warmth, memory, and authenticity. "Sweeney is the taste of that comfort — the flavours I return to wherever I am in the world. Thai and European cuisines have always felt familiar to me, grounding and reassuring in unfamiliar places. Sweeney brings those experiences together — a second home that feels warm, instinctive, and lived-in, where you arrive hungry, stay longer than planned and leave feeling quietly looked after,” says Arora. 

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Amouage, the Omani High Perfumery House, has unveiled its first Petite Boutique in Bangalore at the Mall of Asia, marking the House’s official debut in India. In partnership with LUXASIA, the leading omni-distribution platform for luxury beauty in Asia Pacific, the opening represents a new chapter in Amouage’s purposeful global expansion, bringing its singular vision of perfumery to a cultural landscape long shaped by ancient traditions of scent and ritual.

Roblox introduces a dedicated makeup category for avatars, signalling a shift in how Gen Z engages with beauty and self-expression. The update highlights the growing influence of digital identity, where virtual experimentation increasingly shapes real-world fashion and beauty trends.

Not So Serious is being relaunched by designer Pallavi Mohan with a renewed global vision rooted in Indian craftsmanship and individuality. The new chapter includes a flagship store in New Delhi, an expanded bridal couture offering, and plans for international growth.

Briston enters the Indian market in partnership with Just In Time, introducing its signature neo-vintage design language. Alongside its debut, the brand launches the Streamliner Kennedy collection, blending Art Deco influences with modern craftsmanship for India’s style-conscious consumers.

Restaurant Week India returns in April 2026 after a decade-long hiatus, reintroducing its curated dining experience across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru. With over 55 participating restaurants and exclusive offerings, the festival reflects the growing shift towards experience-led dining in India’s evolving culinary landscape.

UNIQLO appoints Jasprit Bumrah as its brand endorser in India, marking the launch of a new campaign that highlights its LifeWear philosophy—focused on simplicity, quality, and comfort designed to enhance everyday life.

H&M announces its latest designer collaboration with Stella McCartney, launching on 7 May 2026. Celebrating 25 years of her design journey, the collection blends signature tailoring and silhouettes with nostalgic archival elements, while staying rooted in conscious materials. Featuring statement ready-to-wear, accessories, and a London-shot campaign starring Reneé Rapp, Angelina Kendall, and Adwoa Aboah, the collaboration is anchored by the theme “&Stella,” highlighting connection across generations.

Zoya expands its retail footprint with the launch of its 13th boutique in India and second in Bengaluru, unveiled by Amanpreet Ahluwalia. Located at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, the space is designed as an intimate, immersive experience, unfolding like a narrative that reflects the brand’s ethos of quiet luxury, soulful craftsmanship, and personal discovery.

Indriya partners with Krithi Shetty for a long-term collaboration, beginning with its Akshaya Tritiya 2026 campaign. The association aims to deepen the brand’s connect with modern consumers, with Shetty embodying a balance of contemporary appeal and cultural authenticity. Rooted in the spirit of Akshaya Tritiya, the campaign highlights jewellery as an emotional, meaningful experience while celebrating tradition, continuity, and personal connection.

ACROSS THE WORLD

SK-II enters the Indian market with its signature philosophy of celebrating bare skin, anchored by its proprietary ingredient PITERA™. Known globally for its Facial Treatment Essence, the brand brings a legacy of skincare innovation and a focus on natural radiance to a new generation of Indian consumers.

Time Out Market is set to make its India debut at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi, bringing its globally acclaimed “best of the city under one roof” concept to the capital soon. Spanning 24,500 square feet, the space will combine curated dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, positioning itself as a landmark destination in India’s evolving food and lifestyle landscape.

Galeries Lafayette Mumbai introduces Maison Crivelli to its flagship store in Kala Ghoda, further strengthening its position as a curator of global luxury. Known for its Parisian heritage and focus on niche beauty and fragrance, the store brings the emerging haute parfumerie brand; celebrated for its unconventional, gender-free and sensorial scents, to India’s discerning consumers.

MOISHI makes its India debut under the CK Israni Group, bringing its cult-favourite Japanese confectionery offerings to a growing market for experiential luxury retail. The launch strengthens the group’s lifestyle portfolio, building on the success of introducing Ladurée to India and tapping into the country’s appetite for global indulgence-led concepts.

Soho House debuts its first Japanese outpost in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, marking a significant expansion into the region. Spanning 75,000 sq ft, the space blends the brand’s signature maximalist aesthetic with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, set within a modern building offering panoramic views of landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji from its rooftop terrace and pool.

Sunburn expands globally with its Europe debut through Sunburn Europe Croatia Sail Week 2026, in partnership with The Playmaker Group. Set along the Adriatic Sea this July, the week-long, multi-destination festival will coincide with Yacht Week Croatia, signalling a new, immersive format for electronic dance music experiences.

Images credit: Respective brands and/or public relations agencies

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