Indian designers use global fashion weeks to build overseas retail reach
Lovebirds, Dhruv Kapoor and Sabyasachi are increasing appearances across London, Milan, New York and Paris fashion calendars, using runway visibility to deepen buyer relationships and support international distribution. AK|OK has entered London’s Selfridges.
What happened
Indian designers including Lovebirds, Dhruv Kapoor and Sabyasachi are increasing official fashion-week appearances in London, Milan, New York and Paris,
Key facts
- September 21: Lovebirds debuted at London Fashion Week
- Two days later: Dhruv Kapoor returned to Milan Fashion Week
- 72-look Spring/Summer 2027 collection by Sabyasachi
- Nearly 18 years since Sabyasachi's New York Fashion Week return
- Six-figure pounds estimated cost for an independent Big Four fashion-week runway production
Why this matters
Indian apparel brands are turning global fashion-week calendars into a repeatable wholesale and distribution channel, with Selfridges entry signaling that sustained buyer engagement can convert runway visibility into retail placement.
What to watch
- Additional Indian designer listings, capsules or permanent concessions at Selfridges and other European or US department stores.
- Repeat appearances on official fashion-week calendars across two or more seasons.
- Wholesale reorders after initial placements, especially for ready-to-wear rather than occasionwear only.
- Launches of localized international shipping, overseas warehousing, US/UK pricing or dedicated foreign e-commerce sites.
- New funding, strategic distribution partnerships or export-focused hires in sales, operations and logistics.
Also reported by
- ET Small Business — 2h after first sighting