Welcome to Arthnova India’s October 2025 edition, where India’s brands, icons, and ideas take center stage in shaping the world’s next growth narrative. This month belongs to ambition, from quick-commerce and AI to fashion, luxury, and design, each story captures India’s acceleration toward global influence.
This month’s issue explores how India has become the strategic testbed for global innovation, where brands don’t just expand, they evolve. “Icon Grace Luxury,” our October theme, celebrates the fusion of heritage craftsmanship with modern ambition, proving that India’s consumer market now sets trends rather than following them.
Our cover celebrates Kiara Advani, who embodies the elegant evolution of Indian luxury through her collaboration with Senco Gold & Diamonds. Adorned in the “Elements of Nature” collection, she represents how Indian icons are redefining grace, tradition, and contemporary sophistication for a global audience.
Inside This Issue: October’s India Moments
boAt Elevates COO to CEO Role Ahead of IPO Push
Consumer electronics brand boAt appointed Gaurav Nayyar as CEO ahead of its highly anticipated IPO. The leadership restructuring comes as the wearables giant prepares for public market debut after swinging back to profitability with ₹60.4 crore net profit in FY25.
Zepto Raises $450 Million, Valued at $7 Billion
India’s quick-commerce unicorn raised $450 million, reaching a $7 billion valuation. Founded by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto’s meteoric rise proves that instant retail is now core to India’s consumption future.
Reliance Brands Brings Stella McCartney to India
Reliance Brands Limited announced an exclusive distribution partnership with British designer Stella McCartney, marking the sustainable luxury label’s official entry into India through select flagship stores and e-commerce channels.
LG Launches “Essential Series” – Designed for Indian Homes
LG Electronics India unveiled its “Essential Series,” a new line of home appliances specifically designed for Indian households. Starting around ₹18,000, the range emphasizes energy efficiency, durability, and design simplicity tailored to local needs.
Kiara Advani Fronts Senco Gold & Diamonds’ “Elements of Nature” Campaign
Leading Indian jeweller Senco Gold & Diamonds unveiled its latest collection featuring Kiara Advani as the campaign face. The collection draws inspiration from the natural world through fine craftsmanship in gold, diamond, and polki designs.
OpenAI Makes ChatGPT Go Free in India
OpenAI announced that ChatGPT will be available free for all Indian users with a one-year complimentary subscription starting November 4, 2025. The initiative makes India the first country to receive region-wide free access, including full GPT-5 capabilities.
Galeries Lafayette Enters India with Flagship Luxury Store in Mumbai
The iconic French luxury retailer announced the opening of its first Indian flagship store in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda district. Spanning over 90,000 sq. ft., the store will house more than 250 international luxury brands.
ASICS Opens First Company-Owned Store in India with Celebrity Launch
ASICS inaugurated its first company-owned store at DLF Mall of India, Noida, with Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan attending the launch. The brand plans to expand its COCO model to 200 stores across India by 2026.
Bentley Expands India Presence with New Showrooms in Mumbai & Bengaluru
Bentley Motors opened two new luxury showrooms in Mumbai and Bengaluru, operated by Exclusive Motors. Each showroom showcases Bentley’s latest lineup with bespoke customer experiences centered on craftsmanship and personalization.
Superdry Sharpens India Growth Strategy via Licensing & New Collection
Superdry unveiled a twin-track growth push: the launch of its Autumn-Winter 2025 collection and a strategic licensing deal with Reliance Brands Limited to distribute Superdry-branded travel gear, handbags, and small leather goods across India.
Beyond the Headlines: Strategic Shifts
Our “Beyond the Headlines” section captures additional October movements:
- RedTape expanded beyond apparel with a new accessories line, launching premium sunglasses to strengthen its lifestyle positioning
- Hyundai Motor India committed $5 billion by 2030 to make India a global export and EV hub
- Steve Madden appointed Shanaya Kapoor as its first Indian ambassador, boosting youth-focused fashion appeal
- Poppik launched in India on October 10, 2025, introducing a new cruelty-free beauty and lifestyle brand
Why October 2025 Matters for India
This issue documents how India is redefining its role in the global economy:
- Quick-Commerce Leadership: Zepto’s $7 billion valuation proves India is pioneering instant retail at unprecedented scale
- Sustainable Luxury Arrival: Stella McCartney’s entry shows conscious consumption is now driving Indian luxury choices
- Localization as Strategy: LG’s Essential Series demonstrates that understanding Indian lifestyle nuances is the blueprint for market success
- AI Democratization: OpenAI’s free ChatGPT access positions India as the world’s largest tech-driven creator economy testbed
- Luxury Retail Maturity: Galeries Lafayette, Bentley, and ASICS expansions signal India’s evolution into a global retail destination
October reaffirmed that India is no longer following trends, it’s setting them. From Zepto redefining convenience to Reliance and Galeries Lafayette reshaping luxury, and from OpenAI’s accessibility move to LG’s localized innovation, this month proved that growth now speaks the language of intent.
The future of branding lies in connection: global brands adapting to India’s rhythm and Indian players rising to global relevance.
Get exclusive insights into India’s brand revolution, market strategies, and the stories shaping the world’s fastest-growing consumer economy.
