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The Evolution of Sneakers as Icons of Style and Self-Expression in India

StartupTalky

StartupTalky · 1y ago

The Evolution of Sneakers as Icons of Style and Self-Expression in India

Sneakers have become a cultural phenomenon in India, reflecting a global trend where they are seen as symbols of fashion, self-expression, and status. The sneaker market in India is projected to reach $2.80 billion by 2024, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing internet penetration, and the influence of global trends. Limited-edition releases, athleisure, domestic brands, sustainability, and a booming resale market are shaping the Indian sneaker market. Major international brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma dominate the market, while emerging players and Indian brands are gaining traction. Counterfeiting, limited availability, and high import duties are key challenges that need to be addressed for sustained growth. However, with the right strategies, the Indian sneaker market has the potential to become a major player in the global market.

Related News

Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal-backed platform wants to become content-to-commerce solution for sneakerheads in India

YourStory

YourStory · 2y ago

Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal-backed platform wants to become content-to-commerce solution for sneakerheads in India

Mainstreet Marketplace, a multi-brand sneaker resale platform, is capitalizing on the rising popularity of sneakers as cultural symbols in India. Founded by Vedant Lamba, the platform offers a curated selection of sneakers, streetwear, and luxury apparel. Recognizing gaps in the Indian luxury apparel industry, Mainstreet aims to cater to the demand of affluent consumers and celebrities. With a monthly revenue of Rs 5 crore ($670,000), the startup recently raised $2 million in seed funding. The Indian sneakers market was valued at $2.46 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow by about 9% annually.

Will SC's push for online content rules bring clarity or stifle free speech?

Livemint

Livemint · 3m ago

Will SC's push for online content rules bring clarity or stifle free speech?

The Supreme Court of India has urged the government to create guidelines to manage obscenity and vulgarity in online content without infringing on freedom of expression. This move has sparked mixed reactions among content creators. Some hope for clearer boundaries and reduced legal ambiguities, while others fear it might threaten creative freedom and lead to self-censorship. The court emphasized the need for regulations to curb inappropriate content while safeguarding constitutional rights.

Tesla starts ride-hailing in San Francisco, no reference to self-driving - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2m ago

Tesla starts ride-hailing in San Francisco, no reference to self-driving - The Economic Times

Tesla has launched a ride-hailing service in San Francisco's Bay Area. Currently, the company can only test self-driving vehicles with a safety driver due to regulatory constraints, lacking permits for fully autonomous fare collection. This situation forces Tesla to adopt chauffeur-style operations, as seen in the Bay Area, differing from its self-driving pilot in Austin. Regulatory challenges in California may delay Tesla's broader deployment of robotaxis across the U.S.

Snapchat empowering 200 million users in India with AR experiences: CEO Evan Spiegel

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Snapchat empowering 200 million users in India with AR experiences: CEO Evan Spiegel

Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel expressed excitement about the explosive creativity happening in India and highlighted the potential of AR experiences in the country. With 200 million users in India, Snapchat plans to bring the festive spirit to life for its Indian users with Diwali-themed AR lenses. Spiegel emphasized the importance of AR in India's future and the opportunities it brings for self-expression and learning. Snap is committed to empowering creators and supporting their aspirations through monetization avenues and innovative tools. The Indian AR creator community on Snapchat has witnessed significant growth and Snap recently launched the Lens Creator Rewards program to reward top-performing AR creators.

Google opens generative AI search experience to teens

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2y ago

Google opens generative AI search experience to teens

Google has launched a Generative AI Search Experience, which allows teenagers to explore topics through creative writing and art. This experience is aimed at helping teenagers develop their creative skills and engage in self-expression. It provides a unique way for them to learn and discover new information, while also fostering imagination and creativity.

and-less sneakers to lure price-conscious shoppers

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

and-less sneakers to lure price-conscious shoppers

Nike plans to introduce new sneakers priced at $100 and under in various countries worldwide to stimulate sales. The move comes as the sportswear giant aims to regain momentum and counteract its recent sales decline. Nike has previously increased the list price of its top-end sneakers, including the Air Jordan 1 which retails for up to $200. However, competitors such as Adidas offer similar styles at lower price points. With increasing pressure on discount stores and a need to address price-sensitive consumers, Nike aims to diversify its product lineup by targeting more affordable options.

Footwear startup RARA Barefoot raises $500K in seed round

Entrackr

Entrackr · 13d ago

Footwear startup RARA Barefoot raises $500K in seed round

Footwear startup RARA Barefoot has raised $500K in an oversubscribed pre-seed funding round and announced the launch of its debut sneaker line. The round is led by founders and senior operators from Zomato, Urban Company, Tata 1mg, Shyft, and HexaHealth, along with Managing Directors and Partners from ChrysCapital and BCG. The proceeds will be used to support its national D2C rollout, the establishment of select offline retail partnerships, and local manufacturing scale-up as the brand prepares to bring barefoot sneakers to Indian consumers, RARA Barefoot said in a press release. Co-founded in 2024 by Varun Mimani and Manas Tripathi, RARA Barefoot is a performance footwear company pioneering barefoot sneakers. By combining evolutionary design with modern aesthetics, RARA aims to create footwear that lets the body move naturally the way nature intended. RARA launches as a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, with its first collection available online at its website. The company plans to expand through select multi-brand stores and experience-driven offline pop-ups in major cities in 2026. According to RARA Barefoot, each sneaker offers three designs such as a flat sole with zero heel-toe drop, a wide toe box for natural toe spread, and a flexible sole that bends with the foot’s 33 joints. All sneakers are manufactured in India, combining global barefoot design with locally sourced, high-performance materials. As per market research, the India sneaker market is expected to reach $4,665.9 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 5.7%.

Reliance Retail-Owned Tira Expands Beauty Offerings With Nails Our Way Roll Out

Inc42 · 1y ago

Reliance Retail-Owned Tira Expands Beauty Offerings With Nails Our Way Roll Out

Tira Beauty, owned by Reliance Retail, has expanded its beauty offerings with a new private label brand called Nails Our Way. The brand features a range of premium nail colour and care products designed to encourage self-expression and creativity. The collection includes nail enamels in various shades, essential nail care products, nail enamel removers, and complete manicure kits. Launched in April 2023, Tira Beauty is an omnichannel beauty retail platform that competes with players like Nykaa, Tata Cliq Palette, and Sephora in the Indian market. The beauty and personal care industry in India is attracting significant investment and is projected to reach $38 billion by 2028.

TikTok creators file suit to block US divestment or ban law

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

TikTok creators file suit to block US divestment or ban law

A group of TikTok creators has filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal court to block a law signed by President Joe Biden that would force the divestiture of the app or ban it. The TikTok users argue that the app has had a significant impact on American life and provides them with a unique platform for self-expression and community-building. The law is seen as a threat to free speech and could shutter a popular medium of communication. TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have also filed a similar lawsuit, arguing that the law violates the U.S. Constitution's protections for free speech.

Due to AI, “We are about to enter the era of mass spying,” says Bruce Schneier

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 1y ago

Due to AI, “We are about to enter the era of mass spying,” says Bruce Schneier

Renowned security researcher Bruce Schneier warns that AI models can enable a new era of mass spying, automating the process of analyzing and summarizing conversation data. This could lower barriers to spying, making it more accessible and comprehensive. Schneier argues that AI-powered surveillance can analyze intent and context, impacting personal privacy, free expression, and social control. Concerns raised include alteration of behavior, self-censorship, and conformity due to the constant surveillance. Government regulation may be necessary to address this issue.

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