by ABFRLadmin | March 4, 2025
New York Fashion Week isn’t just about fashion—it’s about making a statement on a global stage. It’s where the biggest names in the industry, from legendary designers to rising stars, set the tone for the trends that will define the coming seasons. And this year, amidst the energy of this iconic event, an Indian brand proudly took center stage.
ABFRL’s very own W for Woman made history, representing India at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion weeks. Standing alongside global fashion powerhouses at the iconic Sony Hall in Manhattan, the brand showcased its Spring Summer 2025 collection in the exclusive ‘Made in India’ segment, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary elegance. This wasn’t just a show—it was a moment of pride, a celebration of Indian fashion stepping boldly onto an international runway.
The celebration was not only limited to the runway but also came alive at the iconic Times Square screen where a large billboard captured the SS25 collection, while influencers strutted down the streets, bringing the collection to life in the heart of New York. It was an unforgettable fusion of fashion and energy.
Marking this landmark moment, Anant Daga, Chief Executive Officer – TCNS Division, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail said, “Our debut at NYFW is a bold statement that Indian fashion is making its mark on the global stage. With ‘W,’ we’re redefining how the world perceives Indian ethnic wear, blending tradition with modernity to create timeless elegance.”
Let’s dive into how W for Woman, one of India’s most celebrated ethnic wear brands, flourished at NYFW, proving that Indian fashion belongs on the world stage.
The Collection: Where Timeless Indian Craft Gets a Contemporary Twist
“We are immensely proud to represent Indian fashion at a global stage. W has long been at the forefront of redefining Indian fashion, creating designs that are a reflection of the contemporary woman who is truly Indian at heart and global in her outlook. Our showcase at New York Fashion Week is not only a testament to this distinctive fusion of tradition and modernity, emphasizing the growing global appeal of Indian craftsmanship and design; but it also reinforces W’s position as a leader in the Indian fashion space,” professed Puneet Sewra, Head of Marketing, TCNS Division, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail.
W’s SS 2025 collection was nothing short of breathtaking, one that effortlessly blended India’s sartorial legacy with modern aesthetics. It was divided into three distinct segments:
Indian Saga
If history could be woven into fabric, it would look like this. The collection was a tribute to India’s rich textile traditions, infused with contemporary silhouettes. An ode to the timeless elegance of Indian traditions capturing the grace of Indian wear with a modern twist. Featuring soft flowing silhouettes, the designs highlight intricate craftsmanship with thread and mirror work. Picture flowing fabrics adorned with shimmering gold and silver threadwork, and regal hues of maroon, sapphire, and emerald. Every piece, felt like a bridge connecting the past to the present. It infused tradition with a sharp modern edge that made it stand out on this global platform.
Runway Chic
If confidence had a wardrobe, this collection would be it. Bold, experimental, and playful, Runway Chic was a riot of colours and silhouettes. Asymmetric hemlines, vibrant prints, and unexpected pairings; kurtas morphing into dresses; dupattas doubling as scarves – each piece embodied the free-spirited energy of the modern Indian woman. Electric blues, fuchsias, and butter yellows mingled effortlessly with neutral tones, proving that Indian fashion is anything but predictable.
The Wedding Drama
Let’s be honest, no fashion showcase from India would be complete without a nod to our grand wedding culture. Voluminous skirts, dramatic capes, and intricate embellishments from this collection sparkled under the NYFW lights. Soft pastels, regal purples, and shimmering gold came together in a way that felt ethereal yet modern.
What This Means for Indian Fashion
For decades, Indian fashion in global circles was largely associated with traditional wear – sarees, lehengas, heavily embroidered pieces. Beautiful, yes, but often boxed into the ‘cultural’ category rather than been seen as everyday fashion. W for Woman challenged that notion with a collection that is as relevant on an international runway as it is in India.
“It’s one of the crucial stepping stones for both our Indian and global consumers to gain a perspective on what the brand is all about. We are not just about basic salwar kameez; we have modernised Indian clothing, giving it a completely different avatar—call it an international twist to Indian fashion,” shares Sreyashee Halder, the Head of Design, TCNS Division, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail.
This showcase signified that India is no longer just a consumer of global fashion trends, it’s a creator. Our traditional textiles, embroidery techniques, and silhouettes have a universal appeal when presented with the right vision. We no longer need to assimilate to the trends of the West. We belong here, on these runways, walking shoulder to shoulder with all the best brands in the world.
A New Era for Indian Fashion Begins
For those of us at ABFRL, this feels like a personal milestone. Seeing our brand command, the runway at NYFW reinforced why we do what we do – push boundaries, challenge norms, and demonstrate the power of Indian fashion.
I couldn’t help but imagine the countless artisans, designers, and visionaries behind this collection, watching their work being celebrated on a stage of this magnitude. NYFW 2025 may be over, but its impact continues. W for Woman has now positioned itself as a leading Indian brand and a serious player in global fashion. The doors that have opened wide with this showcase will lead to more collaborations, more global recognition, and more opportunities for Indian design to reach newer markets.
Next in Style
The journey doesn’t stop here. W for Woman is set to take this experience to the next level, amplifying the show across India with an immersive, multi-platform approach. With top fashion influencers bringing their unique perspectives, and cutting-edge AI-based virtual try-ons, audiences can engage with the collection like never before. Adding to the seamless experience, WhatsApp messaging will offer personalized interactions, exclusive previews, and real-time updates, ensuring that fashion enthusiasts stay connected with every moment. This dynamic strategy is not just about showcasing fashion—it’s about creating an interactive, global conversation where style meets technology and innovation. Stay tuned, this is just the beginning.
