ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reported a remarkable financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 highlighted by Jio Platforms (JPL) crossing the Rs 20,000 crore mark in annual net profit. The company has also announced a dividend of Rs 10 per share.

    As per the report for the fiscal year, RIL’s gross revenue reached Rs 1,000,122 crore (approximately $119.9 billion), marking a 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. This growth was underpinned by robust performance across consumer businesses and upstream operations. Jio Platforms experienced a notable revenue increase of 11.7 per cent year-on-year, driven by significant subscriber growth of 42.4 million in both mobility and home segments, alongside improvements in average revenue per user (ARPU).

    The company’s EBITDA for the year saw a 16.1 per cent increase year-on-year, reaching Rs 178,677 crore (approximately $21.4 billion), reflecting positive contributions from all key operational segments. Jio Platforms’ EBITDA rose by 12.8 per cent year-on-year, benefiting from higher revenue and margin improvements.

    Depreciation expenses increased by 26.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 50,832 crore (approximately $6.1 billion), primarily due to an expanded asset base across all businesses, heightened network utilization in the Digital Services sector, and ramped-up upstream production. Finance costs rose by 18.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 23,118 crore (about $2.8 billion), attributed to higher liability balances and increased market interest rates. Tax expenses also grew by 26.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 25,707 crore (around $3.1 billion), due to the utilisation of tax credits from the previous financial year. Consequently, profit after tax increased by 7.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 79,020 crore (about $9.5 billion). The capital expenditure for the year amounted to Rs 131,769 crore (approximately $15.8 billion), focusing on pan-India 5G rollouts, retail infrastructure expansion, and new energy ventures, excluding spectrum-related costs.

    For the fourth quarter, RIL reported gross revenue of Rs 264,834 crore (approximately $31.8 billion), up 10.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by double-digit growth in the O2C and consumer businesses.

    Reliance Industries Ltd chairman and managing director Mukesh D. Ambani said, “Initiatives across RIL’s businesses have made a remarkable contribution towards fostering growth of various sectors of the Indian economy. It is heartening to note that alongside strengthening the national economy, all segments have posted robust financial and operating performance. This has helped the Company achieve multiple milestones. I am happy to share that this year, Reliance became the first Indian company to cross the Rs 100,000-crore threshold in pre-tax profits.

    Performance of the digital services segment has been boosted by the accelerated expansion of the subscriber base, supported by both mobility and fixed wireless services. With over 108 million True 5G customers,  Jio truly leads the 5G transformation in India. From upgrading the hitherto 2G users to smartphones to leading the effort of producing AI-driven solutions, Jio has proved its capability to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure.

    Reliance Retail continued to provide customers endless choices through its robust omnichannel presence. We continue to offer product differentiation and superior offline experience through stores re-modelling and revamping of layouts. Our digital commerce platforms also provide newer solutions to users with a broad brand catalogue. Reliance Retail also works towards strengthening millions of merchants through its unique initiatives in the new commerce space.

    Strong demand for fuels globally, and limited flexibility in refining systems worldwide, supported the margins and profitability of the O2C segment. The downstream chemical industry experienced increasingly challenging market conditions through the year. Despite headwinds, maintaining leading product positions and feedstock flexibility through our operating model that prioritises cost management, we delivered a resilient performance. The KG-D6 block has achieved 30 MMSCMD of production and now accounts for 30 per cent of  India’s domestic gas production.

    We remain committed to our projects and initiatives, including those in the New Energy segment, which  will bolster the company, and help it deliver sustainable growth for the future.”

  • Warehouse 47 transforms Bgauss EV launch with innovative solutions

    Warehouse 47 transforms Bgauss EV launch with innovative solutions

    Mumbai: In a time when immersive experiences are crucial for brand engagement, Warehouse 47 has set standards in creative solutions. Their recent project with Bgauss, an EV motorcycle company, demonstrates their ability to provide end-to-end solutions that blend technology with event management. This case study highlights Warehouse 47’s execution of a comprehensive solution for Bgauss in the automotive industry.

    Bgauss, known for its innovative, eco-friendly EV motorcycles, needed a sophisticated launch event to showcase their latest model. The goal was to create a memorable experience for the press and dealers, highlighting the motorcycle’s features through advanced technology and interactive elements. The project scope included event management, audiovisual technology, 3D scanning and Unreal Engine presentations, an AI-generated photobooth, an interactive LED display, and full event design and management.

    Warehouse 47 planned and managed the event, ensuring smooth transitions and high engagement. They handled venue selection, talent management, and integrated advanced audiovisual technology. The motorcycle was 3D scanned and featured in a 45-minute unreal engine presentation, which highlighted its features. Guests enjoyed an AI-generated photobooth and an interactive LED display for a detailed exploration of the motorcycle.

    The 360-degree solution provided by Warehouse 47 covered all aspects of the event, including custom design, fabrication, lighting and sound setup, talent coordination, and catering. The Bgauss launch was successful, with positive feedback from the press and dealers, demonstrating Warehouse 47’s capability to deliver a comprehensive solution that met client expectations.

  • Young adult singles are connecting via sports on Tinder’s Passport feature this summer

    Young adult singles are connecting via sports on Tinder’s Passport feature this summer

    Mumbai: This season, all eyes are on Paris as singles and sports fans flock both physically and virtually to the City of Light (and some say Love). In a destination with a charming allure that has inspired romance for centuries, singletons are saying bonjour to a world of possibilities on Tinder!

    Since the beginning of July 2024, key Tinder data reveals how users are leveraging this opportunity to make meaningful connections:

    . There has been almost a 25 per cent increase in Swipe activity in France and Tinder has seen a 105 per cent increase in Tinder Passport Mode activity to key tourist sites in Paris.

    . Paris ranked 18th as an international city destination in the weekend of 19-21 July and moved to the 6th spot during the weekend of 26-28 July as the top international cities that young singles in India passported to.

    . The top 3 origin countries of those using the Tinder Passport Mode feature in July to change their location to France are the USA, Brazil and Turkey.

    . The top sports selected as interests in Tinder users’ bios right now are football, basketball and swimming.

    . The fastest-growing sports interests are gymnastics (+31 per cent) and basketball (+14 per cent).

    . There has been an increase in the number of users with the job descriptions ‘olympian’ (+52 per cent) and ‘athlete’ (+43 per cent) on Tinder in Paris.

    For those who are yearning to be part of the (sporting) action from across the world, Tinder Passport Mode allows users to search by city or drop a pin on the map to begin liking, matching and chatting with others in their destination of choice! Other users will now be able to see that you’re in Passport Mode on your profile and looking to match with a tour guide to learn all the local secrets, or a potential date to explore a new town with.

    Tinder’s Passport Mode feature is used on average 145,000 times a day and Tinder users have virtually travelled almost 100 billion km over the last year, which is the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back over 130,000 times!

    Tinder sees peak usage of the Passport Mode feature between the holiday periods of June to August and December to January. As users are hoping to secure a date in their future holiday destination, we also see that Passport Mode users aged 18-25 years tend to be more active, sending and receiving 3X more messages than Tinder users not using the Passport Mode feature.

    To use Tinder Passport, a premium feature, users can head to Settings, tap on Location, add a new destination by dropping a pin on the map, and start swiping on profiles in a different city. See who’s out there, and make plans everywhere!

    Because privacy matters, for athletes who would prefer to keep a low profile in Paris this Summer, Tinder’s Incognito Mode is a step up from fully hiding your profile. Users can still Like and Nope in the app, but only those whom you’ve Liked will see you in their recommendations.

    So make the most of dating culture this sports season with Tinder Passport and who knows, you might just land an unforgettable date!  

  • Flipkart unveils #FlipTrends report 2024

    Flipkart unveils #FlipTrends report 2024

    Mumbai: In the run-up to this year’s festive season, Flipkart presents its H1 edition (January to June 2024) of the much-awaited ‘#FlipTrends’ report, which presents an interesting analysis of the shopping habits of 500 million+ registered Flipkart users.

    What are the most popular choices in metros vs tier-three regions? What are the common and daringly different shopping habits between customers in these regions?

    What are some of the unexpected purchases that peaked during certain seasons in 2024 so far?

    Are ‘seasonal trends’ still in or are year-long trends ruling the roost?

    Were there any premium products which saw an uptick during the months?

    All this and more is presented in this latest edition of the FlipTrends Report by Flipkart.

    The FlipTrends report reveals insights into an array of consumer shopping trends – some expected and many that come as a surprise.

    FlipTrends 2024 findings:

    India ka lifestyle and fashion destination – there’s something for everyone!

    ‘Vacation wear’ was one of the most searched keywords in the first half of 2024, especially during summer. Women embraced feminine fluidity, defying singular trends by opting for whimsical bows, rosette tops, chic bandeau tops, dresses, comfortable mules, 80s-inspired scrunchies, and a palette bursting with gelato pastels. Men opted for casual wear like round-neck t-shirts, open-knit and textured shirts, zipper polos, and parachute trousers. Other top choices included comfort clothing, resort wear such as printed co-ord sets and breezy summer shirts. Additionally, men’s grooming products saw a significant increase compared to 2023.

    Women’s western wear and women’s ethnic wear were top choices in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New Delhi; while women’s sarees were at the top of the fashion charts in cities like Agartala, Bhagalpur, Medinipur, Muzaffarpur and Puri.

    Coming to traditions — there was also an unexpected demand for ‘sindoor’, almost 24 per cent y-o-y growth in 2024 so far, compared to last year.

    Nostalgic flavours fuel modern palates

    While modern gastronomy and fusion foods are all the rage, who says that age-old flavors aren’t that popular anymore? This year, Indians rediscovered their passion for classic recipes, stocking up on chutneys and achars. An almost 90 per cent y-o-y growth has been clocked for ‘Pickles & Chutneys’ alone, compared to 2023.

    Speaking about food, ‘Food & Nutrition’ was on number two on the shopping list of customers in cities such as  Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dehradun, Gorakhpur and Guwahati in 2024 so far.

    How has India been beating the heat?

    In the midst of sweltering temperatures, consumers are prioritizing freshness and comfort. Fans have surged in demand by 53 per cent on Flipkart from last year, reflecting the quest for cooling solutions. Sunscreen purchases have also increased by 40 per cent, clearly reflecting how people are prioritising sun protection. Air coolers, another key essential for beating the heat, have witnessed a significant 64 per cent increase in demand compared to the previous year. Cities like Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Gorakhpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New Delhi have shown a higher demand for personal care essentials such as hair oil, face wash, shampoo, and deodorants, emphasizing consumer focus on staying cool and refreshed.

    Monsoon musings

    In preparation for this year’s monsoon season, shoppers stocked up on essentials like umbrellas, raincoats, and mosquito vaporizers. While beauty and skincare remain top priorities for Flipkart customers throughout the year, makeup kits and fragrances observed a surge in popularity, in the run-up to monsoon.

    Smartwatches continue to top the wearables charts

    FlipTrends showcases a thriving consumer fascination across India with cutting-edge tech innovations. From the fitness enthusiast, and fashion lover to the on-the-go professional who wants to be always connected, the smartwatch remains a coveted accessory, leading the wearable tech trends in 2024. Other popular choices were Smart Bands and TWS Earphones which saw a notable surge in demand.

    Shoppers from emerging cities lead the way for ‘safe gadget shopping’

    In emerging tier-three markets, where 72 per cent of consumers opt for mobile protection, safeguarding mobile devices is not just a choice – it is a strategic necessity driven by the high stakes of device investment, critical data security and the quest to enhance both longevity and resale value. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Guwahati emerged as top tier two cities and showcased a noticeable preference for such items. Meanwhile, in tier three plus cities Agartala, Medinipur, and Muzaffarpur shoppers primarily opted for sturdy handsets and plain mobile protection cases.

    Topical shopping driven by sports fever and festival frenzy

    Sports holds a special place in many Indians’ hearts, as seen through their shopping habits on Flipkart in the run-up to and during popular sporting events. Searches spiked for items like tennis kits, while sports merchandise and men’s tracksuits were top choices as fans nationwide rallied behind supporting their favorite players.

    Another aspect that led to spikes in demand is festivals. Traditional wear and puja essentials witnessed strong demand during festivals like Navratri, Ugadi and Eid al-Fitr. Specifically, products such as sindoor, havan chowki and diyas saw a surge in demand during the festive season of Navratri.

    Speaking about the H1 2024 FlipTrends report, Flipkart senior vice president – analytics and data science Ravi Vijayaraghavan said, “Consumers today are more discerning and mindful of their choices, gravitating towards seasonal and personalized preferences. At Flipkart, we are delighted to present our FlipTrends H1 2024 report which not only reflects interesting shopping trends but also showcases growth opportunities for e-commerce at large. Our commitment to customer-centricity remains unwavering as we strive to anticipate and fulfill the evolving demands of our diverse customer base. As we move into the festive spirit of things, our focus remains on fostering trust, convenience, and affordability, ensuring that Flipkart remains the ultimate destination for customers evolving shopping needs.”

    #FlipTrends findings continue to showcase how millions of shoppers from both metros and tier-three regions continue to choose Flipkart as their preferred shopping destination.

  • Rohit Sharma partners with True Elements

    Rohit Sharma partners with True Elements

    Mumbai:  Taking on from being one of the most successful cricket captain and player, captain Rohit Sharma is now looking to add to the impact he has off the field.  Rohit Sharma has partnered with True Elements to launch a licensed brand – RS by True Elements, to co-build a product line, bringing this unique and exciting partnership in the Indian food industry.

    Rohit Sharma, exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, is set to be the ambassador of True Elements along with spearheading RS by True Elements. True Elements is a homegrown healthy foods brand that makes healthy breakfast & snacks (oats, muesli, healthy seeds, regional snacks) & gift hampers. Given their product prowess, True Elements and Rohit Sharma will co-create and market products under the RS brand name, with RISE Worldwide managing the partnership.  

    True Elements’ philosophy is to make Food That Does NOT Lie. Just flip any of the product offering, read ingredients and consumers can educate themselves on what  they are consuming.

    Rohit Sharma, as a partner and ambassador said, “This is a good time and opportunity to launch RS by True Elements, where, today, the focus for consumers is to know what they are eating. I have been a fan of True Elements, as they have stayed committed to their values and business philosophy. The partnership is aimed at building an alternative product line for consumers to make their preferred choice and be more aware of what is being offered to them.”

    True Elements was founded in 2016 by Puru Gupta & Sreejith Moolayil.  After 10 years, the brand has scaled to a level where it is available on all major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Swiggy, Instamart, Zepto etc, servicing 24829 pin codes along with presence in 25000+ offline stores nationally. Major ones being Lulu, Metro, Nature’s Basket, Vijetha Supermarket, Haiko Supermarket, Dorabjee’s, Village Hypermarket, Pothys, Rajakumari, Society stores etc.

    “This is the first time a cricketer is licensing a health food brand in India – a first for the ecosystem. Given the authenticity that Rohit has in cricket, we believe it would help us reinforce our commitment to being ‘True’ and honest with our customers and help us scale rapidly. With Rohit starting a brand with us, it reiterates his confidence in us as a brand and our principles, which is a big motivation for the entire team. Am sure the joint effort will be a good benchmark for the rest of the industry” said True Elements co-founder & CEO Puru Gupta.

    RS by True Elements products are likely to hit the market by end of August 2024.

  • Shobitam acquires IsadoraLife

    Shobitam acquires IsadoraLife

    Mumbai: Shobitam has acquired IsadoraLife, a ready-to-wear saree brand. This move aims to make sarees more accessible globally and appeal to Gen Z. The partnership will address the challenges of draping sarees and broaden their appeal, positioning the saree as an essential item for wardrobes in India and internationally.

    The acquisition combines Shobitam’s co-founder Aparna Thyagarajan, and IsadoraLife’s founder Neha Tandon Sharma. This collaboration will drive significant investments in the ready-to-wear saree market over the next two to three years. Shobitam will use its global network to boost demand for IsadoraLife’s products.

    IsadoraLife’s workforce is entirely women, including over 45 artisans in Raipur, India, reflecting their commitment to diversity. The partnership aims to expand into new markets, enhance customer satisfaction by leveraging this expertise, and introduce easy-to-drape saree designs for Gen Z consumers.

    Shobitam co-founder & chief product officer Aparna Thyagarajan said, “It’s gratifying to see sarees pickup momentum but we often hear about the challenge of draping. And, while it may seem trivial, this simple concern was making women back out from possessing this beautiful piece of attire. Our acquisition of IsadoraLife is aimed at bridging this gap and seeing more and more women globally embrace the elegant saree, showcase our timeless culture effortlessly and take pride in being part of the Saree Revolution. Together, Shobitam and IsadoraLife are poised to further strengthen ethnic fashion globally and pave the way for an upward growth trajectory in the fashion startup ecosystem in India.”

    IsadoraLife founder & CEO Neha Tandon Sharma said, “I am excited about this new partnership with Shobitam and looking forward to seeing the growth and acceptance of Sarees like never before, both in the Indian market as well as the Global diaspora. Our partnership with Shobitam has come at the most opportune time when Indian fashion is going through an interesting transition phase with Sarees being seen as both traditional and contemporary wear. It is the epitome of clothing for Indian women and as seen at the Paris Olympics too by the Indian women contingent. Exciting times indeed!”

  • Tonic Worldwide’s research division GIPSI launches ‘The Festive Report’ part one

    Tonic Worldwide’s research division GIPSI launches ‘The Festive Report’ part one

    Mumbai: GIPSI, the HI+AI insights division of Tonic Worldwide has launched ‘The Festive Report’ part one. The report captures unique insights which are a mix of popular sentiment and undercurrents. The insights will give marketers hacks on SM, content and commerce and also what lingo to use. GIPSI will also launch part two of the festive report focusing on performance insights.

    Speaking on the findings of the festive report, national strategy director and GIPSI co-head Anjali Malthankar said, “Part one of the report can be a marketers-ready reckoner for the 2024 festive calendar. This year’s report highlights several, specific, actionable insights relevant to the festive season which marketers can benefit from. My favourite is ‘Unusual Activities’ as it explores unique, untapped pockets of festive activities. We will soon be releasing part two of The festive report which will focus on the performance insights of the festive season. Every year GIPSI produces festive reports in unique avatars eg. last year we produced Indian Festive Gifters. This year we have The Festive Report in two parts to delight marketers.”

    Tonic Worldwide co-founder and CSO Unmisha Bhatt expressed, “In the ever-evolving digital world, there is a an opportunity for brands to deepen their engagement with consumers during the cluttered festive season.  With Gipsi’s festive edition, we aim to share ways to deepen engagement, building consideration. In the next edition, we focus on the business side by highlighting ways and means to constantly nurture leads further translating to conversions and advocacy. The goal is to enable brands to maximise their share of the basket when consumers are in a mood to indulge.”

    GIPSI, uses a unique methodology of HI+ AI which triangulates multiple data points to decode and deliver actionable insights. The model applied for this report is GIPSI deep listening which scans through multiple data points.

    Report highlights:

    Festive season hacks on digital: In recent times, digital has introduced new updates & new content formats for brands to experiment with. We see that notifications are desirable with an eight times rise in conversations about innovative notifications by apps since Jan’24. You will find hacks like live streaming exclusively for close friends, new interactive stickers on Instagram Stories, and fresh opportunities to engage with the audience.

    Match My Lingo: With over six million GRWM posts on Instagram, 120K mentions of the phrase ‘just dropped’, the next generation’s dictionary of lingos keeps updating every passing day. By tracking and incorporating emerging lingo into festive strategy brands can optimize content for the season with the right keywords and resonate with the audience. Check out 20+ lingos to vibe with your audience this festive season.

    OG vs AG: Consumers are having mixed feelings about AI and how it may be used this festive season. While 30 per cent conversations happened around using AI as a festive planner, there is a 189 per cent increase in negative memes around AI which suggests a corresponding rise in apprehension. With a 629 per cent rise in conversations about learning to identify AI-generated content, consumers are increasingly questioning the authenticity of digital information, asking the question, “Is it safe or sus?”

    Unusual festive activities: Watch out for festive dating this season which is likely to replicate last year’s pattern of rise (171 per cent) in matching with partners during the festive season. Indians will not just travel home this festive but also explore other locations and new experiences. There is a 23 per cent rise in discussions around planning cruise holidays with family.This season, we may also see a dual-spending scenario by consumers as the wedding & festive seasons’ timeline overlaps.

    Discover new content & commerce: With a 16x rise in discussions around livestream shopping, we see consumers hop to shop at a new destination. Seeking inspiration from festive content, consumers are increasingly exploring ‘eco chic fashion’ and healthier alternatives to festive snacking. Moreover, they are loving ‘cheat sheets’ for hard-to-find products from offline & online stores as we see a 278 per cent rise in conversations around ‘festive finds’, making this a festive season of discovery and conscious consumption.

  • Piyush Pandey inducted, industry veterans celebrate growth at IAA Leadership Awards 2024

    Piyush Pandey inducted, industry veterans celebrate growth at IAA Leadership Awards 2024

    Mumbai: The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) hosted the grand 11th edition of the prestigious IAA Leadership Awards on August 6 at the Taj Lands End hotel in Mumbai. The awards served as a platform to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of industry leaders.

    This year’s ceremony saw the presence of numerous distinguished guests, including senior marketing, advertising, and media professionals, who gathered to honor the exceptional accomplishments of the award recipients.

    The awards covered various sectors, including automobiles, financial services, FMCG, e-commerce, edtech, retail, and consumer durables, acknowledging the diverse achievements and innovative contributions of outstanding professionals.

    IAA inducted Ogilvy’s executive chairman India, Piyush Pandey, into the IAA Hall of Fame. When reached for comment on his induction, he said, “It’s always a great honor to be recognized by our own people. I believe in work done for our people and our clients in India, so this means a lot. I have won several lifetime achievement awards outside the country, but these were awarded for the work I have done in India, making it all the more special.”

    RK Swami Ltd. chairman and managing director Srinivasan Swamy who had bagged the “Force For Good” award, commented on the importance of events like the IAA Leadership Awards, “It’s crucial to celebrate success in the marketing community, particularly when brands perform exceptionally well. Showcasing these achievements through awards highlights the excellence in the A&M industry and the work of the marketing professionals behind them.”

    News18’s managing editor, special projects, and senior anchor, Anand Narasimhan, won the title of IAA TV Anchor of the Year. Bollywood stars Ananya Pandey and Vicky Kaushal received the IAA Brand Endorser of the Year awards in the male and female categories, respectively, for their ability to connect with audiences and effectively promote brands. The creative agency head of the year was awarded to Ogilvy’s current executive chairperson, Hephzibah Pathak. EssenceMediacom CEO South Asia, Navin Khemka won the media agency head of the year. 

    During the event, Jio Finance Ltd.’s head of brand & marketing, Rajesh Raman, discussed the current marketing landscape. He noted, “The shift has already happened with digital media and ChatGPT coming into play. Clients have reworked their marketing plans, and many sectors like BFSI are gearing up to use digital media. The industry is set for significant growth, driven by India’s large and growing youth base. The next 15 years will witness unprecedented growth, making this a remarkable time for advertising and marketing.”

    He further added, “Despite market volatility, indices suggest that growth will soon surpass significant thresholds. Consumer demand has surged post-COVID, with high interest in new products and loans. COVID, in retrospect, acted as a blessing, as it led to a pent-up demand surfacing. The industry has reassessed and improved since then.”

    He concluded by saying, “I am very positive about the industry’s future. Media growth and brand experimentation are at an all-time high. India’s cultural influence will now be exposed to the global stage, with the world looking at India.”

  • “I’ve always prioritised practicality and quality over aesthetics:” Fashion designer Ravi Bajaj

    “I’ve always prioritised practicality and quality over aesthetics:” Fashion designer Ravi Bajaj

    Mumbai: Ravi Bajaj, often referred to as the “Armani of India,” has profoundly influenced the Indian fashion industry with his innovative designs and commitment to quality. Inspired by fashion since the age of 15, Bajaj embarked on a journey to transform haute couture in India. His path led him to the prestigious American College in London, where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for style.

    From launching the groundbreaking ‘Cocktail Sari’ in 1991 to introducing the accessible ‘Raviver’ line in 1997, Bajaj has consistently bridged the gap between traditional and modern fashion. With a design philosophy that prioritizes minimalism and practicality, Bajaj continues to inspire through his meticulous craftsmanship and diverse creative influences.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with founder & fashion designer Ravi Bajaj to learn more about his fashion design journey and gain deeper insights into his label.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On your inspiration to venture into fashion designing

    My inspiration to venture into fashion began when I was about 15 or 16 years old, an era influenced by iconic bands, the glitz of “Saturday Night Fever,” and vibrant cultural scenes. I was captivated by the unique styles and costumes these influences spotlighted.

    During this time, we often hosted private parties at home, which became my playground for fashion experimentation. Every weekend, I would design a new shirt or outfit from unusual fabrics. I scoured markets for inexpensive yet striking materials like lining taffeta with its beautiful shine. Collaborating with a tailor, I brought my visions to life, creating distinctive and interesting pieces each time.

    My creations didn’t go unnoticed. People appreciated my unique style, and friends encouraged me to take my passion seriously. Their support and recognition fueled my desire to pursue fashion, setting me on the path to becoming a fashion designer.

    On the key elements that define the Ravi Bajaj label’s aesthetic, and its differentiating aspect from competitors

    The Ravi Bajaj label is defined by its commitment to minimalism and wearable luxury. I firmly believe that “less is more,” and that achieving minimalism, while seemingly simple, is much more challenging than mastering maximalism. My design philosophy centers on creating pieces that embody practicality and sophistication.

    Unlike many Indian designers who often embrace a “more is less” approach, my focus is on balancing creativity with functionality. I value creative expression, but I am always willing to temper my designs to ensure they remain practical and wearable. This approach sets the Ravi Bajaj label apart in the Indian fashion industry, emphasising both elegance and everyday usability.

    On the creative process behind the iconic ‘Cocktail Sari’ introduced in 1991, and ‘Raviver’ launched in 1997, and the impact it had on the Indian fashion market

    The creative process behind the iconic ‘Cocktail Sari,’ introduced in 1991, and ‘Raviver,’ launched in 1997, reflects my journey from designing Western styles to redefining Indian fashion. Initially, my career focused on European-style clothing for both men and women. At that time, Western silhouettes were not widely embraced by Indian women, who preferred traditional Indian suits and silhouettes.

    However, I noticed that while women appreciated the tailored gowns and Western styles I offered, they sought to incorporate these elements into their traditional attire. This observation led to the creation of the ‘Cocktail Sari,’ which combined the elegance of a Western gown with the classic form of a sari. The fusion of these styles resonated deeply with my clients and became quite popular. The ‘Cocktail Sari’ marked a significant shift in the Indian fashion market, bridging the gap between Western and traditional Indian wear.

    In 1997, I launched ‘Raviver’ (meaning “revival” in French) in response to the limited fashion options available in India at the time. The fashion scene was dominated by small boutiques and a few multi-brand outlets, primarily in Delhi. ‘Raviver’ aimed to offer a more accessible and affordable line of fashion, designed for easy wear and broader distribution. By collaborating with Shoppers Stop, we ensured our designs reached a larger audience across major metropolitan areas. This marked a pivotal shift in the Indian fashion market, making contemporary fashion more accessible to the masses.

    On the designers and fashion houses who have influenced your work the most

    Throughout my career, several renowned designers have significantly influenced me. French designers, with their emphasis on taste and elegance, have shaped my aesthetic. Italian designers like Giorgio Armani have inspired me with their understated chic and universal appeal. From Japan, Yohji Yamamoto’s exceptional ability to structure garments with profound simplicity has left a lasting impression.

    Currently, I am particularly impressed by Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Mishra, and Amit Agarwal. Each of these designers brings a unique and individualistic approach to fashion that resonates with me. Their distinct perspectives and innovative designs continue to influence and inspire my work.

    On maintaining uncompromising quality while balancing traditional Indian elements with modern design in your collections

    Maintaining uncompromising quality while balancing traditional Indian elements with modern design comes naturally to me. From the early stages of my career, I have prioritised practicality and quality over aesthetics. For me, these principles are fundamental, and I ensure they are integral to my designs. By focusing on these core values, I seamlessly blend traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating collections that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

    On your passions for art, culinary pursuits, and music influencing your fashion creations

    Food, art, fashion, and music all cater to the five senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—and together they nourish the soul. They influence my fashion creations by enriching the sensory experience and adding depth to my designs.

    On incorporating live singing into your fashion shows enhancing the overall experience for your audience

    Incorporating live singing into my fashion shows has created a unique and immersive experience for the audience. I take great pride in being one of the few designers to have done this. The idea emerged during the pandemic when live performances were limited. With the help of a musician friend who provided the music tracks, I was able to add a personal and memorable touch to the shows, making them truly special.

    On upcoming projects or collaborations in the pipeline, and your future plans for the brand

    We’re thrilled to be working on a new wedding wear label, set to debut in November 2024. This upcoming collection promises to bring a fresh and captivating twist to bridal fashion.

  • Staqu announces its collaboration with Raymond

    Staqu announces its collaboration with Raymond

    Mumbai: Staqu, an AI implementation enabler, announced its collaboration with Raymond, a fashion and lifestyle industry. Together, they aim to revolutionise Raymond’s offline retail stores by integrating JARVIS into their existing CCTV systems, making them more intelligent and insightful. By leveraging Staqu’s cutting-edge JARVIS solution, Raymond will equip its extensive network of 1400 stores across India with advanced video analytics capabilities.

    Raymond has taken a significant leap forward by integrating JARVIS to enhance customer engagement and provide a seamless shopping experience. This cutting-edge technology analyzes customer purchasing patterns, conducts demographic analyses, counts unique visitors, monitors section-wise occupancy, identifies abandoned footfall, and offers counter assistance.

    Commenting on the partnership, Staqu co-founder and CEO Atul Rai said, “We believe in innovating and utilizing our technological prowess in AI and Deep Tech to improve the shopping journey of customers. We are proud to partner with Raymond, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. Our AI platform, JARVIS, is designed to enhance the customer experience, and we are confident it will provide immense value to Raymond’s drive overall business growth with this collaboration, we hope to set a new benchmark in the retail industry.”

    He further added, “The e-commerce market has long provided businesses with customer insights that offline stores lacked. However, with JARVIS, offline stores can now collect and analyze customer data to make informed decisions. JARVIS provides real-time customer insights, allowing businesses to optimize stores and store-oriented marketing campaigns.”

    Key benefits of Jarvis AI video analytics at Raymond stores

    . Analysis of total footfall.

    . Analyzes customer demographics.

    . Linking footfall with sales for analysis of conversion rates.

    .  Analyzing peak store times to offer insights into the effectiveness of promotions and layouts.

    . Provide aggregate store-level data for measuring performance.

    . Analyze store occupancy by section to understand performance in different areas.

    .  Ensures safety compliance

    . Identifies customers leaving without purchasing

    .  Sends alerts for store opening and closing times.

    .  Enhances customer service quality with real-time insights and alerts

    Raymond CTO Ravi Hudda expressed his enthusiasm, “Our association with Staqu to deploy JARVIS has elevated our retail experience manifold and set a new benchmark for leveraging AI in the fashion industry. With this platform, we are not only embracing the power of AI but also ushering in a new era of customer experiences across our vast network of stores.”

    Jarvis boasts advanced video analytics, enabling Raymond to analyze demographics, customer journeys, and conversion rates in real-time, turning data into actionable insights.

    The platform’s plug-and-play nature makes it convenient to integrate into existing CCTV camera installations. Raymond’s stores across the country have onboarded JARVIS using an in-house technique that utilizes Private IP rather than RTSP from Public IP. The Jarvis dashboard provides insights at both the individual store level and aggregate levels.

    Jarvis ensures safety and data analytics through seamless technology. Its plug-and-play capability only requires a stable internet connection. JARVIS analyzes video data coming from CCTV, offering comprehensive insights. Staqu sets itself apart by combining video management software and video analytics into a single platform, enhancing efficiency beyond other solutions. Unlike other market players that only facilitate post-event analysis or day-by-day reporting, Staqu ensures a continuous flow of communication and enhanced safety.