Hot Off The HELLO! India Press: Summer gatherings, national launches 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

Jacquemus has launched its highly personal ‘The Valérie’ handbag in India for the first time, exclusively at Galeries Lafayette Mumbai. Previously available only through Jacquemus flagship maisons globally, the limited release marks a significant moment for India’s luxury retail landscape, with just 50 pieces available in 12 Provençal-inspired shades. Part of the Maison’s “Le Paysage” collection, the sculptural handbag is named after founder Simon Porte Jacquemus’ late mother, making it one of the brand’s most personal creations to date.

Art of Time has launched CIRCA, a new experiential luxury retail concept designed to reshape how premium watches are discovered and experienced in India. Conceived as more than just a retail destination, CIRCA brings together leading global watch brands within an immersive, story-driven environment that celebrates craftsmanship, personal milestones and the emotional connection people share with timepieces. Positioned as an accessible gateway into fine watchmaking, the concept reflects the evolving mindset of India’s luxury consumer.

Magnolia Bakery has expanded its presence in India with the launch of its third NCR outlet at Aerocity, marking the brand’s 13th store in the country. Originally founded in New York City in 1996, the bakery is globally known for its classic American desserts, including its signature Banana Pudding, cupcakes and brownies. Since entering India in 2019 through Spago Foods, Magnolia Bakery has steadily grown across major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi NCR, with the new Aerocity opening reflecting continued demand in the capital region.

PUMA India and Superkicks India collaborated on two limited-edition Palermo sneakers inspired by the nostalgic Indian summer fruit, jamun. The launch was accompanied by an immersive “Summer at Nani’s” sundowner experience, blending nostalgia, culture and community by recreating the atmosphere of an Indian grandmother’s courtyard, complete with immersive experiences such as jamun-dye tie-and-dye activities, jamun stomping sessions, traditional hair champis, and themed-food and drinks, alongside décor featuring woven dhurries, rattan furniture and vintage-inspired details. Titled Berry and Stain Palermo, the drop reinterprets the classic terrace sneaker through a hyperlocal lens, drawing on childhood memories of jamun-stained fingertips and clothes.

Oota has expanded to HITEC City, bringing its deeply research-driven approach to the cuisines of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to Hyderabad. Operated by Total Environment Hospitality and designed by Shibanee+Kamal Architects, the restaurant’s menu is rooted in regional culinary traditions, shaped through a two-year journey across the Deccan that saw the team travel over 3,600 kilometres, cook more than 500 dishes, and learn from local communities, eateries and food historians.

Global SS Beauty Brands Limited, a subsidiary of Shoppers Stop Limited, has entered an exclusive partnership with EuroItalia to expand and strengthen the luxury fragrance market in India. Founded in 1978 and present in over 140 countries, EuroItalia’s portfolio includes fragrance brands such as Versace, Michael Kors, Moschino and Missoni. Under the partnership, GSSBB will oversee market development and brand building in India through curated retail experiences and targeted consumer engagement.

Jacob & Co., among the global leaders in haute horlogerie and high jewellery, welcomed its first boutique in Delhi at the prestigious DLF Emporio, in partnership with India’s leading luxury watch retailer, Ethos Watches. This marks the brand’s third boutique in India, following its successful debut in Mumbai. The Delhi boutique will serve as a destination for collectors and connoisseurs seeking the brand’s most exceptional timepieces and high jewellery creations. The boutique will feature an exclusive curation of Jacob & Co.’s most celebrated high-complication timepieces, including Casino Tourbillon, Astronomia Regulator, and The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone, Epic X Ram Janmabhoomi, Epic X Sher-e-Punjab, alongside an array of bespoke and custom editions. In addition, the boutique will present an exquisite selection of high jewellery masterpieces, featuring rare gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship.

Years of dedication and an unwavering pursuit of perfection culminate, Porte Bonheur, enters the India market. Designed to be worn with intention, passed down with pride, and remembered long after, Porte Bonheur reshapes the landscape of conscious luxury. Each piece fuses global horological mastery with the gravitas of Indian artisanship, becoming more than a watch; it becomes an artefact of emotion, time, and elegance—a reminder that your luck travels with you, and every moment is truly your time. 

DLF Premium Malls launched its summer campaign, “100 Looks, 1 Summer”, bringing together curated fashion, AI-led styling, and immersive in-mall experiences, reflecting how modern Indian consumers are increasingly seeking personalised, tech-integrated shopping journeys. The campaign showcases 100 curated looks across workwear, travel, occasion dressing, and everyday essentials, featuring collections from global brands like Zara, H&M, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, and much more, positioning itself as a comprehensive summer style guide for shoppers. At its core, it is a phygital retail experience powered by AI smart mirrors, AR try-ons, and interactive lookbooks, enabling shoppers to virtually experiment with styles, discover combinations, and seamlessly navigate in-store purchases. The campaign also extends digitally through a dedicated microsite, bridging online inspiration with offline retail, an increasingly relevant model in India’s retail evolution.

Tory Burch Romy Café, a special two-week pop-up in the beginning of May saw many coffee conneuisuirs and fashion enthusiasts under one roof to celebrate the launch of the new Romy bag collection at Roastery Coffee House. Inspired by the brand’s signature aesthetic, the café brought together coffee, cupcakes, and the spirit of Romy Bag, creating a relaxed, immersive space that reflects Tory Burch’s global lifestyle vision, where fashion meets culture and everyday rituals. Basically the perfect, not to forget a stylish companion to your coffee dates. 

Mumbai witnessed an exclusive standout beauty moment as Rihanna arrived for the launch of Fenty Beauty Ki Haveli, a one-of-a-kind immersive retail experience, created exclusively for India. Brought to life in collaboration with Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, Tira and Sephora, marking a significant moment for the brand’s presence in the country. The experience draws inspiration from traditional haveli architecture and Indian craftsmanship, offering a curated journey of discovery, experimentation and self-expression, staying true to the spirit of Beauty for All. 

TOTEM Tribe Live at Brown Cortile will take place on May 17 at Brown Cortile, presented by Techno Takeover India. Headlined by Rinaa Shah alongside Claudia, Daytape, Pinu and Zephyr, the event promises an immersive underground electronic music experience centred around Afro House and deep sonic storytelling.

Roamer has launched a curated range of men’s and women’s watches in India in partnership with Titan Company Limited. The Swiss watchmaker unveiled its debut collection at an event in Mumbai attended by Arjun Rampal, who has also been announced as the brand’s India ambassador. Through the collaboration, Titan will support Roamer’s expansion in the country through its marketing and distribution network.

National Centre for the Performing Arts is hosting the 30th edition of Artie’s Festival India with a special programme titled ‘Mostly Beethoven’, centred around the complete cycle of Ludwig van Beethoven’s string quartets ahead of the composer’s 200th death anniversary. Curated by acclaimed cellist Gauthier Herrmann and NCPA Chairman Khushroo N. Suntook, the festival will unfold across multiple editions between 2026 and 2027, while also featuring works by other composers, including a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet by rising clarinettist Joë Christophe.

P.F. Chang’s has opened a new outlet at Worldmark Aerocity, expanding its presence in Delhi NCR. Known for its bold American Pan-Asian cuisine and signature wok cooking, the restaurant brings the brand’s premium casual dining experience to one of the capital’s leading hospitality and lifestyle hubs. Operated by Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, the launch marks another step in the brand’s strategic growth across India’s key urban markets.

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Juicy Chemistry has partnered with Two Brothers Organic Farms for a new skincare collaboration centred around Lakadong Turmeric Ghee. The launch introduces a Cold Process Soap Bar and a Rose & Lakadong Turmeric Ghee Lip Balm made using bilona-crafted A2 ghee infused with GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya, known for its high curcumin content and potent anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. The collaboration brings together organic farming and certified skincare formulation in a first-of-its-kind partnership for the Indian beauty space.

After 14 years in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Conçu has opened its first Mumbai outpost in Colaba. Known for its artisanal desserts, coffee and all-day dining, the café brings its signature community-driven approach to South Bombay with a space designed by Essajees Atelier. Led by founders Swati Upadhyay and Sahil Taneja, the new café transitions from a relaxed daytime spot into a lively cocktail destination by evening.

Anavila has unveiled a new store in Delhi, conceived as a quiet, design-led sanctuary shaped by craft, memory and natural materials. Set within a serene courtyard, the space blends concrete brickwork, terracotta, linen detailing and lush greenery to reflect the brand’s deeply tactile and earth-rooted aesthetic. Created in collaboration with master potter Bhuvnesh Kumar and featuring a photographic installation by Pranoy Sarkar, the store traces founder Anavila Misra’s personal journey through places and memories that have shaped the brand’s identity, while celebrating linen as both a textile and a cultural narrative.

Oasis Collective – Summer Edition is set to take over the lawns of Oasis Whitefield from May 22 to 24, 2026, with a three-day lifestyle festival celebrating local creativity, food, music and community experiences. Featuring over 20 curated stalls, live performances, interactive activities and a dedicated kids’ play area, the event is designed as a family-friendly summer gathering that brings together shopping, entertainment and culinary experiences in a vibrant outdoor setting.

Canali has appointed Alessio Lillocci as its new Creative Director, marking a significant step in the evolution of the Italian menswear house. In his new role, Lillocci will oversee the brand’s creative direction and product development, with a focus on reinforcing Canali’s tailoring heritage while reinterpreting its signature aesthetic through a contemporary lens.

Launching in Hyderabad, TheySee is a new ingredient-forward restaurant concept built around the idea of how food, memory, and identity intersect through a contemporary Indian lens. Co-founded by Niharika Gollapalli and chef Suryansh Singh Kanwar, the space draws from the chef’s travels and experiences cooking for celebrities, athletes, and IPL teams, translating personal stories into inventive dishes. Designed by Fellow Yellow, the 65-seater restaurant blends nostalgic Indian references with modern interiors, while the menu reimagines familiar flavours through unexpected combinations and storytelling-led dining.

Tanzire has opened its first flagship store in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda, marking a major milestone for the demi-fine jewellery brand known for its curated edit of global, women-led labels. Founded by Suhani Batwara, the new retail space translates the brand’s digital-first identity into an intimate, tactile shopping experience designed around self-expression and discovery. The 235-square-foot store features an open layout without traditional glass barriers, encouraging customers to try, layer and personalise jewellery, alongside the return of Tanzire’s dedicated in-store piercing studio.

Paula’s Choice has strengthened its India presence with an omnichannel launch on Tira Beauty, making its skincare range available online and across select retail stores. Known for its ingredient-led, results-driven formulations, the brand brings bestselling products including the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Niacinamide 20% Treatment and 10% Azelaic Acid Booster to a wider Indian audience.

ACROSS THE WORLD

Club Med has announced a new partnership with Central Group Capital to launch an Exclusive Collection resort in Koh Samui, marking the brand’s first luxury Exclusive Collection property in Thailand. Located just 25 minutes from the airport, the beachfront resort will bring Club Med’s premium all-inclusive hospitality experience to one of Thailand’s most popular island destinations. The property will become Club Med’s second resort in Thailand after Club Med Phuket and joins the brand’s growing global portfolio of over 60 premium and Exclusive Collection resorts across 25 countries.

Tech giant, Nothing and Charli xcx announced a partnership that pairs one of the most distinct artists of her generation with a tech brand built on the same principle. As Nothing's latest Shareholder and first Global Brand Ambassador, Charli xcx marks a new creative chapter for the brand.

Yazu Galle has opened at Radisson Blu Resort Galle, marking Yazu’s first international expansion outside India. Founded by Ranbir Singh Nagpal and Atul Chopra, the premium Pan-Asian dining brand brings together Japanese, Thai and Cantonese cuisine alongside an immersive cocktail and design-led experience. Set along the Sri Lankan coastline, the launch represents a major milestone for the brand, which has built a strong presence across Indian cities including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Indore.

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