A New Era of Trend Intelligence in India’s Fashion Industry
On January 22, a groundbreaking trend intelligence service aimed at revolutionizing the fashion and lifestyle industry was launched in New Delhi. This initiative, ICH NEXT, is tailored specifically for the Indian market, which has been witnessing an estimated USD 2 billion-plus gap created by inadequate trend forecasting. The unveiling took place at the French Institute, marking a significant step toward cultivating a more informed approach to fashion in India.
Partnership with Peclers Paris
In an exciting collaboration, ICH NEXT has partnered with Peclers Paris, a global creative strategy and trend consultancy. This alliance is poised to bring together valuable insights from both local and international perspectives. By combining Peclers’ extensive experience with ICH NEXT’s localized knowledge, the partnership aims to fill the void left by conventional trend reports that lack relevance to the Indian context.
Addressing the Gap in India’s Fashion Ecosystem
The fashion and lifestyle market in India is projected to exceed USD 240 billion, growing at an admirable annual rate of over 10%. Despite this rapid expansion, many businesses still depend on global trend reports that often overlook India’s unique cultural diversity, climate, and consumption patterns. ICH NEXT is set to shift this paradigm by providing insights that resonate with the local consumer, ultimately allowing brands to craft products that meet specific market needs.
A Unique Approach to Trend Forecasting
ICH NEXT co-founders, Anuradha Chandrasekhar and Kanika Vohra, emphasize that India’s fashion landscape is not homogeneous. They argue that multiple consumer segments, festival-driven demand cycles, and cultural nuances significantly influence how trends are adopted. The founders state, “India is no longer just a follower of global trends; it is actively shaping them.”
By focusing on local consumer behaviors, the service is designed to help brands navigate the intricate layers of Indian culture, from tech innovations to evolving beauty rituals.
Research-Driven Insights
Launched in 2022, ICH NEXT analyzes a plethora of social and cultural signals on a monthly basis. This ongoing analysis helps the platform deliver well-rounded guidance on essential aspects like color palettes, fabric choices, silhouettes, and pricing strategies. Brands that have utilized this platform have reported enhanced efficiency in their design processes, improved sell-through rates, and robust category performance—demonstrating the platform’s tangible impact on business performance.
Investment for Growth and Innovation
To further enhance its offerings, ICH NEXT plans to invest USD 1.5 million over the next three years, signaling a strong commitment to scaling operations and refining its research capabilities. This investment will enable the platform to provide even deeper insights into the nuances of Indian fashion trends.
Experienced Backing from Peclers Paris
Peclers Paris adds a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this collaboration. As a part of the USD 20 billion WPP network, they offer over five decades of experience in steering innovative brand visions. Their CEO, Anne Etienne-Reboul, highlighted India’s significance as a globally influential consumer market, stating, “Through this collaboration, we are excited to combine our global perspective with ICH NEXT’s profound local understanding.” This partnership aims to create relevant intelligence that resonates deeply with Indian brands.
A Vision for the Future
With a focus on localized trend intelligence, ICH NEXT aspires to address the unique challenges and opportunities within India’s diverse fashion landscape. By grounding trend analysis in cultural contexts, brands will be better equipped to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic market environment.
This launch represents not just the introduction of a new service, but also a paradigm shift in how fashion trends are understood and addressed in India, paving the way for a future where local voices are recognized and celebrated in the global fashion discourse.
