Fabindia has relaunched its western wear line Fabels as part of a strategic shift to capture more of consumers' wardrobes beyond traditional ethnic wear. According to reports from Business Standard, the company describes this as a reintroduction with clearer positioning, targeting the 'Global Traveller with an Indian Soul' demographic. The collection features contemporary tailoring techniques combined with traditional Indian craft methods including Ajrakh, indigo, and Dabu printing. As reported by Fashion Retail News, the new label has been developed for what the company describes as the "Global Traveller with an Indian Soul," combining modern tailoring with handcrafted elements for everyday wear, work settings, and special occasions.
The expansion represents Fabindia's response to changing consumer behavior, with urban millennials and Gen Z consumers in Tier-I and Tier-II markets driving the shift toward contemporary clothing. As reported by Business Standard, Naveen Malpani from Grant Thornton Bharat explained that ethnic wear remains resilient but concentrated around festivals, while contemporary apparel allows brands to participate in more frequent purchases. The company projects India's textile and apparel industry will grow from ₹174 billion in 2025 to nearly ₹350 billion by 2030. According to Fashion Retail News, Fabels currently operates standalone stores in Delhi NCR and is available through select Fabindia Experience Centres across India, with plans for gradual expansion including international markets.
Beyond apparel, Fabels includes a comprehensive range of accessories that incorporate traditional Indian textile techniques. As reported by Fashion Retail News, the collection features silver earrings, jute totes, leather sling bags, shoes, loafers, braided chappals, and handcrafted silk stoles that incorporate traditional Indian textile techniques and prints including Ajrakh, Indigo, Dabu, and Dori hand embroidery. The accessories are designed to cater to a range of occasions, allowing customers to transition from everyday casual wear to social gatherings while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic rooted in Indian craftsmanship.
The shift toward hybrid wardrobes is visible across the ethnic wear sector, with brands like Kalki Fashion and Riyaasat Lifestyle reporting similar trends. According to Business Standard, Saurabh Gupta from Kalki Fashion noted that consumers don't think in rigid fashion categories anymore, with pre-draped saris, cape sets, and Indo-western ensembles among their fastest-growing categories. Gaurang Galiya from Riyaasat Lifestyle confirmed that while occasion-led ethnic wear remains strongest, co-ord sets and Indo-western styles are growing faster. The premium segment continues to drive growth, with premium brands accounting for 69 percent of total sales during FY26, registering 10 percent like-for-like growth while average transaction value increased by 7 percent and average selling price rose by 6 percent.
The western wear market faces significant competition from global chains, fast-fashion companies, and digital-first brands, making success dependent on unique positioning. As reported by Business Standard, Naveen Malpani emphasized that brands must seamlessly integrate Indian craft into modern silhouettes rather than treating it as design embellishment. The company plans to expand Fabels gradually, including international markets, with success measured by bringing younger shoppers to the brand and capturing larger share of existing customers' spending. According to Fashion Retail News, Fabindia's spokesperson noted that "Fabels speaks directly to the global citizen who craves the precision of modern craftmanship alongside the rich stories of Indian artisans."
