India Fashion Collaboration:
From Peers to Partners
The theme of India Fashion Forum (IFF) 2025, “India Fashion Collaboration: From Peers to Partners,” aims to reshape the landscape of the fashion industry by encouraging deeper, more strategic collaborations across the entire value chain. It sets the stage for discussions on how collaboration can drive collective success, innovation, and sustainability, paving the way for a new era of partnership-driven growth in fashion. The conference sessions will explore this transformation through a series of focused discussions, interactive panels, and workshops, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to rethink fashion partnerships.
Key Sessions of the IFF Conference

Collective Intelligence Sharing: Leveraging Data and Insights for Competitive Advantage

Session Focus:

  • Understanding the power of data sharing and collective intelligence in fashion.
  • How collaborations can enhance market forecasting, trend analysis, and consumer insights.
  • Workshops on integrating AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics through shared platforms.
Key Takeaways:
  • Building smarter, data-driven strategies through collaborative intelligence.
  • Tools and technologies that enable effective data sharing.

Strategic Collaboration Beyond Marketing: New Frontiers in Fashion Partnerships

Session Focus:

  • Exploring the untapped potential of collaboration beyond traditional marketing alliances.
  • Case studies of successful cross-functional partnerships between designers, manufacturers, technology providers, and retailers.
  • Identifying areas in product development, supply chain, and customer experience that can benefit from collaborative efforts.
Key Takeaways:
  • Innovative models of partnership.
  • How to leverage complementary strengths for mutual growth.

Sustainable Fashion: Partnerships for a Greener Future

Session Focus:

  • Collaborative approaches to achieving sustainability goals in fashion.
  • Partnering for sustainable sourcing, circular fashion, and reducing environmental impact.
  • Panel discussions on creating closed-loop systems and sharing resources to minimize waste.
Key Takeaways:
  • Practical strategies for implementing sustainable practices through partnerships.
  • How joint initiatives can lead to significant environmental impact reduction.

Innovation Accelerators: Co-Creation and Design Thinking in Fashion

Session Focus:

  • Co-creation workshops focusing on design thinking, where brands, designers, and tech companies collaborate on real-time problem-solving.
  • Exploring how open innovation and cross-disciplinary teams can accelerate product and retail innovation.
  • Sessions on the future of fashion design, tech integration, and consumer experience enhancements.
Key Takeaways:
  • Methods to foster creativity and innovation through collaborative design.
  • Tools and frameworks for implementing co-creation in your organization.

Reimagining Retail: Collaborative Strategies for Enhanced Consumer Experience

Session Focus:

  • How partnership can transform in-store and online shopping experiences.
  • Collaborative approaches to integrating new technologies like AR/VR, AI chatbots, and personalized shopping experiences.
  • Discussions on building ecosystems that seamlessly blend physical and digital retail.
Key Takeaways:
  • Best practices for enhancing consumer engagement through collaborative tech adoption.
  • Strategies to drive foot traffic and online sales through partnership-driven innovations.

The Business of Collaboration: Legal, Financial, and Strategic Considerations

Session Focus:

  • Understanding the legal, financial, and strategic frameworks that underpin successful collaborations.
  • Navigating IP rights, revenue-sharing models, and governance structures in partnerships.
  • Expert panels on risk management and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
  • Essential legal and financial insights for establishing robust partnerships.
  • Strategies for building trust and aligning goals in collaborative ventures.

Networking Sessions and Breakout Meetings: Incubating Future Partnerships

Session Focus:

  • Facilitated networking sessions designed to connect stakeholders across the fashion value chain.
  • Breakout meetings that encourage intelligence sharing and direct partnership opportunities.
  • Curated matchmaking sessions to foster new collaborations.
Key Takeaways:
  • Direct opportunities to connect with potential partners.
  • Practical steps to initiate and develop collaborative projects.
SPEAKERS AT INDIA FASHION FORUM 2025

Abdus Samad

Founder & CEO, Sam & Marshall Eyewear

Abdus Samad’s journey in the eyewear industry is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation. In 2019, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Sam & Marshall Eyewear. Abdus began by selling eyewear door-to-door on his red scooty, a hands-on experience that cemented his commitment to delivering quality products directly to consumers.
In July 2019, recognizing the power of digital commerce, Abdus transitioned the brand to an online platform, sparking exponential growth. By 2022, Sam & Marshall Eyewear was recognized among India’s top 100 direct-to-consumer brands by the Images Group. In 2023, the brand earned the prestigious title of India’s fastest-growing MSME by ET.
Sam & Marshall Eyewear stands out for its design excellence and commitment to sustainability. The brand uses premium materials, such as bio-based acetate, TR, and tinted metal, ensuring durability and style. Signature collections, like the RARE Collection, reflect Abdus’s aesthetic vision of monochrome elegance.
In June 2024, Sam & Marshall Eyewear launched a range of sports sunglasses and eyewear accessories, further cementing its market presence. Under Abdus’s leadership, the brand continues to innovate, staying true to its commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices.
Awards & Recognitions:
– India’s Top 100 D2C Brands by Images Group, 2022
– India’s Fastest-Growing MSME by ET, 2023
– रोजगार देने के लिए दैनिक जागरण के सात सरोकारों में जनसंख्या नियोजन सम्मान, 2024
Abdus Samad’s journey from grassroots beginnings to digital excellence reflects his visionary leadership, positioning Sam & Marshall Eyewear as a standout brand in the D2C space.

Abdus Samad’s journey in the eyewear industry is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation. In 2019, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Sam & Marshall Eyewear. Abdus began by selling eyewear door-to-door on his red scooty, a hands-on experience that cemented his commitment to delivering quality products directly to consumers. In July 2019, recognizing the power of digital commerce, Abdus transitioned the brand to an online platform, sparking exponential growth. By 2022, Sam &…

Abdus Samad

Founder & CEO, Sam & Marshall Eyewear

Abhinav Kumar

Co-founder, Brand Concepts

A dynamic and visionary leader, Abhinav Kumar is the Co-founder of Brand Concepts Limited, a leading omnichannel Fashion Retail House in India. With a background in business, marketing, and brand management, he has consistently proven his mettle as an exceptional leader in the retail industry. 

Abhinav began his career in advertising, which offered him a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and communication strategy. A defining chapter in his career saw Abhinav lead the marketing activities at Tommy Hilfiger India during his tenure with The Murjani Group. Under his adept leadership, Tommy Hilfiger not only achieved unprecedented milestones but also expanded its horizons by venturing into 10 diverse product categories. He was also part of the core team that  was instrumental in ushering renowned international labels like Calvin Klein, FCUK, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta into the Indian market. 

At Brand Concepts Limited, Abhinav’s ambition and drive continue to propel the company to new heights. With a proven track record in business planning, strategy formulation, financial planning, and effective team building, he has seamlessly steered the company towards growth and innovation. His proficiency in project management and enhancing operational efficiency has been pivotal in executing the company’s budgeted plans to perfection.

Abhinav’s leadership style encapsulates a rare blend of visionary thinking and an ability to transform ideas into reality. His strategic acumen and profound insights into market trends have consistently kept Brand Concepts Limited ahead of the curve. As a team-builder, he fosters an environment of collaboration and creativity, empowering his team to contribute their best and achieve collective success. Throughout his career, he has not only adapted to the evolving business landscape but has also played an integral role in shaping it. His expertise in setting up robust systems, technology and processes for effective execution of plans has helped Brand Concepts Limited become synonymous with innovation, efficiency, and excellence.

Abhinav earned his MBA in Advertising and PR from Symbiosis International University in Pune. He is committed to leading Brand Concept Limited on its mission to make the latest fashion trends accessible to all. With an unwavering commitment to technical expertise, an expanding market presence, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, he is transforming the brand into a formidable force over time.

A dynamic and visionary leader, Abhinav Kumar is the Co-founder of Brand Concepts Limited, a leading omnichannel Fashion Retail House in India. With a background in business, marketing, and brand management, he has consistently proven his mettle as an exceptional leader in the retail industry.  Abhinav began his career in advertising, which offered him a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and communication strategy. A defining chapter in his career saw Abhinav lead the marketing activities…

Abhinav Kumar

Co-founder, Brand Concepts

Abhishek Anand

Brand Business Head, House of Aldeno

Abhishek Anand comes with 17 years of expertise in fashion eCommerce and is the driving force behind some of the fastest-growing menswear brand and supply chain models in the industry. He is a supply chain specialist in head, a brand builder at heart, and a hustler at work.

Abhishek Anand comes with 17 years of expertise in fashion eCommerce and is the driving force behind some of the fastest-growing menswear brand and supply chain models in the industry. He is a supply chain specialist in head, a brand builder at heart, and a hustler at work.

Abhishek Anand

Brand Business Head, House of Aldeno

Abhishek Bajpai

CEO, Apparel Group India

Abhishek Bajpai

CEO, Apparel Group India
Abhishek Ganguly, Founder, Agilitas Sports

Abhishek Ganguly

Founder, Agilitas Sports

Abhishek Ganguly is a business leader with a penchant for start-ups and sports. His business acumen coupled with a strong commercial sense makes him a strategist par excellence in the industry.
Abhishek has exposure to multiple consumer products and experience in managing various sales channels — Direct Retail, various wholesale networks and online commerce.
Before co-founding Agilitas Sports, Abhishek established PUMA India and drove its growth from scratch to success, which has been one of the biggest milestones in his career trajectory spanning over two decades.

Abhishek Ganguly, Founder, Agilitas Sports

Abhishek Ganguly is a business leader with a penchant for start-ups and sports. His business acumen coupled with a strong commercial sense makes him a strategist par excellence in the industry. Abhishek has exposure to multiple consumer products and experience in managing various sales channels — Direct Retail, various wholesale networks and online commerce. Before co-founding Agilitas Sports, Abhishek established PUMA India and drove its growth from scratch to success, which has been one of…

Abhishek Ganguly

Founder, Agilitas Sports

Abhishek Lal

CDO, Marks & Spencer

Abhishek Lal

CDO, Marks & Spencer

Abhishek Raj

COO, Lacoste India

Abhishek Raj

COO, Lacoste India

Aditya Khanna

Co-founder, Assembly

Aditya is a co-founder at Assembly, a d2c luggage & travel brand (www.assemblytravel.com). Previously, he was on the founding team of Tyroo (digital advertising network) and Kara (leather goods accessories brand). He is a B.Com (Hons.) from SRCC and is on leave from the full-time MBA program at Kellogg.

Aditya is a co-founder at Assembly, a d2c luggage & travel brand (www.assemblytravel.com). Previously, he was on the founding team of Tyroo (digital advertising network) and Kara (leather goods accessories brand). He is a B.Com (Hons.) from SRCC and is on leave from the full-time MBA program at Kellogg.

Aditya Khanna

Co-founder, Assembly

Agnes Raja G

Head – Wrangler Business & Central Planning, ace turtle

Agnes Raja George, a visionary leader in the fashion retail industry from Bangalore, brings over 23 years of extensive experience to the fore. As the Founder and Managing Director of Pipin Fashions and Retail Pvt Ltd, he successfully launched and developed Brand De Moza into a prominent name. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found REOR Consulting Private Limited, where he innovated retail planning and inventory optimization solutions. With expertise in strategic planning, product development, and P&L management, Agnes continues to drive success and inspire innovation in fashion retail.

Agnes Raja George, a visionary leader in the fashion retail industry from Bangalore, brings over 23 years of extensive experience to the fore. As the Founder and Managing Director of Pipin Fashions and Retail Pvt Ltd, he successfully launched and developed Brand De Moza into a prominent name. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found REOR Consulting Private Limited, where he innovated retail planning and inventory optimization solutions. With expertise in strategic planning, product…

Agnes Raja G

Head – Wrangler Business & Central Planning, ace turtle
SNAPSHOTS FROM
INDIA FASHION FORUM 2024
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