TKC-WGSN's Urvashi Gupta @ Apparel Sourcing Week 2025

The fashion landscape in India is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the evolving behaviors of Millennials, Gen Z, and the emerging Gen Alpha. 

To decode these changes, Urvashi Gupta, Principal and Director, Account Management, South Asia at WGSN-The Knowledge Company, participated as a key panelist at Apparel Sourcing Week 2025 in Bengaluru.

The session, titled “Understanding the Future Fashion Consumer of India,” explored how unique expectations are redefining the rules of retail, branding, and fashion innovation.


Key Takeaways: The New Rules of Engagement

The discussion at the Sheraton Grand highlighted that the traditional playbooks of fashion retail are being rewritten. 

Here are the core insights shared by Urvashi and her fellow panelists:

  • Psychographics Drive Product: Today’s consumers are shaped by values, identity, and digital immersion. Product design and brand positioning must now cater to “tribes” and causes, not just age brackets.
  • Emotional Loyalty Reigns Supreme: In a crowded marketplace, the bond between brand and buyer must go beyond discounts. Brands that master storytelling and purpose are winning over those offering mere transactional value.
  • Social Media is the Real-Time Runway: User-generated content and viral aesthetics are shaping how young Indians perceive fashion, necessitating unprecedented speed and flexibility in collections.
  • Influencers as Co-Creators: Digital creators are no longer just marketing channels; they are co-creators of culture. Their authentic voices bridge the gap between brand intent and buyer action.

The Indian Identity: A Global Remix

A focal point of Urvashi’s contribution was the assertion of Indian identity on the global stage. She noted that local culture, rituals, and aesthetics are merging with global fashion codes.

Gen Z consumers in India are seeking both rootedness and relevance. This fusion—styling sarees with corsets or streetwear with handloom—represents a confident new consumer who uses fashion to express a distinct, globally-aware Indian identity.

Reach out to TKC to understand how these consumer shifts impact your brand strategy and trend forecasting.