Hot Off The HELLO! India Press: Festival weekends, luxury expansions 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

SulaFest returns for its landmark 15th edition in 2026, following a sold-out comeback last year. Set for January 31 and February 1 at the Sula Vineyards amphitheatre in Nashik, the festival promises a spirited weekend of music, food, wine and culture amid scenic vineyards. The two-day lineup spans genres and moods, featuring Nucleya, King, Midival Punditz with Karsh Kale and Kutle Khan, The Yellow Diary, Swarathma, Gaudi and more, offering a seamless blend of daytime rhythms and high-energy evening performances.

Saumya Kashyap, who is the founder and chief artist of Bengaluru-based design studio Vystrit, has pioneered a thread-on-cane art form called 'veyari'. The original technique uses rattan cane as a structural base, onto which threads are meticulously woven to create layered, painterly compositions. 

Ekaya Banaras has collaborated with the UP Warriorz to design the team’s jerseys, marking a rare and meaningful partnership with a women’s cricket team. Rooted in a legacy of handloom, Ekaya brings its ethos of representation and empowerment to the sporting arena. The collaboration challenges traditionally male-dominated spaces, from textiles to cricket, and creates room for new narratives.

Mumbai’s nightlife gets a world-class twist on 29th January 29, 2026 as Boilermaker Goa, ranked No. 30 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, takes over Yazu, Lower Parel, for a one-night-only cocktail experience. Guests can expect signature pours, bold new cocktails, and an electrifying atmosphere blending Boilermaker’s global flair with Yazu’s elevated bar experience.

Starbucks India has teamed up with Ranveer Singh's SuperYou to introduce Protein Cold Foam, offering an effortless way to add protein to everyday cold coffee moments. Made with SuperYou’s Pro Yeast Protein using biofermentation technology, the foam is light, low in calories, and designed to blend seamlessly into familiar drinks. The Protein Cold Foam adds 11–18 grams of protein to select beverages, while customers can also customise their favourite cold beverages with the foam, including zero-sugar options.

Barbie® has launched its first Autistic Barbie doll in India. Developed over 18 months in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll features articulated elbows and wrists to allow for stimming, hand flapping, and expressive gestures, along with a slightly averted eye gaze that reflects how some individuals in the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact. Accessories for the doll include headphones, a tablet and a fidget spinner.

The House of Anita Dongre presented Rewild 2026, the second edition of its Fashion For Good initiative, at Vadodara’s Lakshmi Vilas Palace. Highlights of the Spring/Summer 2026 collection included handwoven macramé, hand-painted Pichhwai, and garments crafted by women artisans from SEWA Gujarat. Beyond the runway, Rewild continues as a philanthropic platform supporting wildlife conservation, community welfare, and ethical coexistence initiatives across India.

The Oberoi Rajvillas, Jaipur, introduced a thoughtfully designed new accommodation category that blends the charm of Rajasthan’s royal tented living with contemporary luxury and discreet modern comforts. The new luxury tents with a private pool is set within the resort’s expansive 32-acre oasis of landscaped gardens, reflection pools and architecture conceived in the style of a traditional Rajasthani fort. This new category offers families, honeymooners and wellness seekers an exceptional sense of privacy, tranquillity and connection with nature.

After 15 years at Indian Accent, revolutionising modern Indian cuisine, Chef Manish Mehrotra returns with Nisaba — a calm, contemporary Indian restaurant inside the Humayun's Tomb complex that reimagines everyday flavours with confidence, restraint and quiet flair.

Fevicryl hosted The Art Chapter – Celebrating the Local Artist in Ahmedabad, an initiative aimed at spotlighting and supporting India’s local creative community. Held at the iconic Ahmedabad Ni Gufa, the exhibition brought together works by over 50 artists, including Fevicryl Certified Professionals and emerging talents, and attracted more than 5,000 visitors over six days.

India Watch Weekend returns for its second edition on January 17 to 18, 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, celebrating India’s growing luxury watch culture and bringing together heritage maisons, independent watchmakers, global experts, and collectors under one roof. The event features leading global brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Söhne, Panerai, and Grand Seiko, along with masterclasses, rare unveilings, and immersive horological experiences. Supported by HSBC and enriched by YSL Beauté and Fondation Haute Horlogerie, it positions India firmly on the global watchmaking map. From exceptional timepieces to insightful dialogue, this is where horology truly comes to life.

The Sixth Sense, India’s largest immersive festival, debuts in Bengaluru from February 5 to 22 February 2026, blending art, music, technology, and nature to reconnect us with the natural world. Hosted at the 200,000+ sq. ft Alembic City, the 18-day festival features immersive art-tech experiences, live music, 360° domes, and waste-to-art installations. Highlights include Max Cooper’s audiovisual performance, Metanoeia Studio’s glacial installation, Stephen Bontly’s participatory light-sound work, and award-winning ocean experiences, drawing 35,000+ creators and culture seekers.

ACROSS THE WORLD

Sansaar, the home furnishings brand from D’Décor Exports, has partnered with Bru Textile’s Fabric Library to enter the GCC market, marking its first international expansion with a launch in Dubai. Founded by sisters Sanjana and Sarah Arora, Sansaar brings a modern, globally inspired approach to interiors, defined by thoughtful design, timeless aesthetics, and conscious craftsmanship.

Global luxury menswear brand RIZVOL made its India debut recently at Potions, Mehrauli, New Delhi, with a Gatsby-inspired cocktail soirée attended by fashion, media, and cultural influencers. The evening highlighted the brand’s philosophy of thoughtful design, quiet craftsmanship, and modern luxury, featuring actor Rahul Dev in conversation on evolving masculinity and personal style. Founded in New York, RIZVOL emphasizes longevity and intention in menswear, marking India as its next key market.

ACROSS THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

Coach has launched an open-access designer collection for The Sims™ 4, available globally from January 13, extending the brand’s focus in the gaming world. The drop features ready-to-wear pieces, the iconic Tabby and Brooklyn bags, and a Coach Trunk that unlocks mood-based outfits, along with décor items for Build Mode. With multiple colour and print variations, the collection allows players to create highly personalised looks while reflecting Coach’s ethos, The Courage to Be Real. 

ECCO GOLF has welcomed PGA TOUR standout Aaron Rai as its newest tour ambassador. Ranked among the world’s top 30 golfers, the English star is known for his precision, composure, and consistency on the global stage. Rai’s career highlights include a breakthrough PGA TOUR win at the 2024 Wyndham Championship and three DP World Tour titles, most recently at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. 

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), has unveiled YELLO Designer Whisky a distinctive blend of a Scotch malt and Indian malt whisky. Hot on the heels of Rangeela Vodka, launched with actor and Creative Partner Ranveer Singh, YELLO marks a bold new chapter for the label. Designed to echo the energy of modern India, the whisky stands out for its expressive aesthetic and unconventional packaging.

Be., the new-age nutraceutical brand, has gone live on Q-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Instamart, expanding across Delhi NCR ahead of its first anniversary. Backed by Dalas Biotech, Be. offers high-efficacy, science-backed supplements for physical, mental, and emotional wellness, with 7 SKUs spanning sleep, recovery, vitality, and skin health.

Secret Alchemist, India’s first clean perfume brand, has raised $3 million in seed funding led by Unilever Ventures, with participation from DSG Consumer Partners. Founded by Ankita Thadani, Akash Valia, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the brand is reshaping Indian perfumery with clean, ingredient-led fragrances for modern consumers. 

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