India’s Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) fashion and lifestyle ecosystem is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by digital-first business models, evolving consumer preferences, innovative products, strong brand identities, and a new generation of ambitious entrepreneurs. From fashion and footwear to accessories, lifestyle, home, wellness and everyday consumer products, emerging Indian brands are redefining how consumers discover, experience and connect with products.

The Top 50 D2C Fashion & Lifestyle Brands – 2026, presented by Indian Startup Times (IST), celebrates the brands that are making a distinctive mark in India’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape. This recognition brings together promising and impactful D2C brands that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as product innovation, brand building, customer engagement, creativity, quality, scalability and market impact.

More than a recognition of products or businesses, this initiative celebrates the vision, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the founders behind these brands. These companies represent a new chapter in Indian entrepreneurship—where strong consumer understanding, digital commerce, creative storytelling and purposeful brand building are coming together to create businesses with lasting potential.

Through the Top 50 D2C Fashion & Lifestyle Brands – 2026, Indian Startup Times is proud to spotlight the brands and founders shaping the future of India’s fashion, lifestyle and consumer ecosystem.

SNITCH:

SNITCH is a Bengaluru-based Indian men’s fashion and fast-fashion brand founded in 2019, offering trend-focused apparel designed for the modern, fashion-conscious man. The brand started as a B2B apparel business and transitioned to a D2C model in 2020 during the pandemic, eventually building a strong presence across online and offline retail. Its product portfolio includes shirts, T-shirts, trousers, jeans, jackets, hoodies, shorts, co-ord sets, sweaters and other contemporary menswear, with a focus on bringing new and trend-led styles to customers at accessible prices. SNITCH’s approach combines fast product cycles, responsive supply-chain operations and a strong understanding of changing consumer preferences, helping it establish itself as one of India’s prominent homegrown men’s fashion brands. Siddharth Dungarwal, who has over 15 years of experience across retail, apparel trading, manufacturing and fashion supply-chain operations, began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age and later spent several years running a buying house before launching SNITCH. His hands-on experience across the apparel value chain played an important role in shaping SNITCH’s fast-fashion and vertically integrated business model. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The Souled Store: 

The Souled Store is a Mumbai-based Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2013, built around the idea of combining fashion, self-expression and pop culture for India’s young consumers. The brand initially became popular for its officially licensed pop-culture merchandise and has partnered with major global and Indian franchises and sports teams, including Marvel, Disney, DC, WWE, Game of Thrones, Looney Tunes, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Liverpool FC. Over the years, The Souled Store has expanded beyond licensed merchandise into its own range of casual wear and everyday fashion, offering products across categories such as T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, polos, bottoms, dresses, joggers, accessories and other lifestyle products for men and women. The brand operates through its own website, mobile app and offline retail stores, following a strong direct-to-consumer and omnichannel approach, and has grown into one of India’s prominent homegrown youth-focused fashion and pop-culture brands. Aditya Sharma, who co-founded The Souled Store in 2013, has more than 15 years of professional experience, including experience in financial analysis, business operations, brand building and entrepreneurship, and has played an important role in the company’s product, merchandising, marketing and overall brand development. The Souled Store is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Bewakoof:

Bewakoof is an Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2012, known for its distinctive, youthful and expressive approach to everyday fashion. The brand focuses on contemporary casualwear and offers products such as graphic T-shirts, oversized T-shirts, shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, jeans, dresses, bottomwear, accessories and licensed merchandise, with designs inspired by pop culture, youth trends and everyday Indian expressions. Built around the idea of making self-expression wearable, Bewakoof combines in-house design, manufacturing, technology, data and marketing capabilities with a direct-to-consumer model. Starting from a small setup in Mumbai, the brand grew into one of India’s recognised youth-focused fashion platforms and later expanded from its strong digital presence into offline retail as well. He has spent around 14 years building and leading Bewakoof, having started the company at the age of 21 and taking it from a bootstrapped early-stage venture to a large-scale D2C fashion brand. His experience spans entrepreneurship, fashion, brand building, operations and data-driven business growth. Prabhkiran stepped down from his leadership role at Bewakoof in March 2026 after a 14-year journey with the company. Bewakoof is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Bonkers Corner:

Bonkers Corner is an Indian streetwear and fashion brand founded in 2020, built around bold, expressive and trend-led clothing for the younger generation. The brand focuses on oversized silhouettes, graphic T-shirts, shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, bottoms, denim, accessories and other casual streetwear, with its collections drawing inspiration from pop culture, art, music, humour and internet trends. Started as a bootstrapped venture during the COVID-19 lockdown, Bonkers Corner initially operated through Instagram and an online-first model, with the brand handling manufacturing in-house and focusing on affordable, Made-in-India streetwear. Over time, it has expanded into a larger D2C and omnichannel fashion business with a growing offline retail presence across India. Shubham Gupta, who founded Bonkers Corner in 2020, brings around 15 years of experience in the apparel and manufacturing industry, having worked in his family’s white-label clothing business and gained hands-on exposure to garment manufacturing, sourcing, production and supply-chain operations. His experience in the backend of the apparel industry helped him build Bonkers Corner with a strong focus on in-house manufacturing and operational control. The brand is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

BLUORNG: 

BLUORNG is a New Delhi-based premium streetwear brand founded in 2020 by Mokam Singh and Siddhant Sabharwal, with a vision to redefine the Indian streetwear landscape through distinctive design, premium quality and strong visual storytelling. The brand creates contemporary unisex clothing that blends everyday comfort with expressive fashion, offering products such as graphic T-shirts, oversized silhouettes, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, shirts, bottoms and other statement-led streetwear. BLUORNG draws creative inspiration from nature, human emotions, animals, pop culture and everyday experiences, translating these ideas into vibrant graphics, bold colours, premium prints and carefully developed details. From starting as a bootstrapped label founded by two design-school classmates, the brand has grown into a recognised name in India’s premium streetwear segment, with an expanding offline retail presence across major cities. BLUORNG was also recognised as GQ India’s Streetwear Label of the Year in 2023, further establishing its position within India’s contemporary fashion ecosystem. Mokam Singh, who studied at Pearl Academy and co-founded BLUORNG with Siddhant Sabharwal, brings a strong design and creative perspective to the brand and has been closely involved in shaping its visual identity, product design and creative direction. The brand is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.

Almost Gods:

Almost Gods is a New Delhi-based contemporary fashion house founded in 2018, known for its distinctive design language that brings together mythology, history, culture, craft and modern streetwear. The brand explores ideas of power, identity and symbolism through contemporary clothing, using Indian craft traditions, handwork, rich materials and conceptual storytelling to create collections with a strong cultural identity. Its product range includes graphic-led apparel, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, shirts, bottoms and other fashion pieces, and the brand has also expanded into categories such as candles and footwear, including its Tether sneaker. Almost Gods has developed a strong identity within India’s contemporary and premium streetwear ecosystem while maintaining a vision of building a globally recognised fashion brand rooted in Indian cultural depth. Dhruv Khurana, the founder and creative director, studied International Relations and Economics at Tufts University in the US and developed a strong interest in conceptual art, sneakers and streetwear during his college years. He returned to India after graduating in 2017 and launched Almost Gods in 2018, bringing together his interests in art, fashion, cultural storytelling and design. He has now spent around eight years building Almost Gods, leading its creative direction, product development and overall brand vision. The brand is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

SIX5SIX Street: 

SIX5SIX Street is an Indian sports and streetwear brand founded by sibling duo Avni Aneja and Ambar Aneja, with the streetwear vertical emerging from their broader sportswear venture. The brand blends fashion with culture, music, sport, everyday experiences and social commentary, offering oversized silhouettes, graphic and slogan T-shirts, co-ord sets, hoodies, jackets, bottoms, bucket hats and other contemporary streetwear designed primarily for Gen Z and millennials. SIX5SIX also operates a sportswear vertical focused on teamwear and performance kits, and has worked with professional football teams and sporting organisations, including the Indian national football ecosystem. The brand’s streetwear philosophy centres on self-expression, storytelling and questioning conventional ideas through clothing, while its sports side focuses on creating distinctive identities for teams through design-led jerseys and merchandise. Avni Aneja, who serves as Co-Founder and Creative Director, brings a strong background in fashion and design, having studied at Lady Shri Ram College for Women and later completed a Master’s in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation from London College of Fashion, UAL. She leads the brand’s creative vision, design and streetwear direction, while her brother Ambar Aneja oversees operations and marketing. The venture was launched around 2018, although the associated company records date to 2019, and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

Urban Monkey:

Urban Monkey is a Mumbai-based Indian streetwear and lifestyle brand founded in 2013, created with a vision to bring greater representation to India’s underground street culture and give the country’s skaters, artists, musicians and creators a platform to express themselves. What began with a focus on skate culture and streetwear accessories has evolved into a broader fashion and lifestyle brand offering caps, hats, sunglasses, wallets, bags, T-shirts, shirts, hoodies, jackets, bottoms and other streetwear products. The brand combines contemporary design with influences from hip-hop, skateboarding, art and youth culture, while also building a strong community around India’s underground creative scene. Over the years, Urban Monkey has expanded its product categories, collaborated with artists and brands, and developed a presence beyond its original headwear-focused identity. Yash Gangwal, who founded Urban Monkey in 2013, brings more than 13 years of entrepreneurial and brand-building experience, having led the business since its inception and built it as a largely bootstrapped venture. Urban Monkey is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

FableStreet:

FableStreet is an Indian premium womenswear brand founded in 2016, created to address the lack of stylish, comfortable and well-fitting professional clothing designed specifically for Indian women. The brand specialises in contemporary western wear, offering a wide range of products, including formal shirts, trousers, blazers, dresses, skirts, tops and versatile workwear designed to transition seamlessly from professional settings to everyday occasions. FableStreet differentiates itself through its fit-focused approach, premium-quality fabrics and customer-centric product development, using research into Indian women’s body measurements and preferences to create clothing that combines style, comfort and functionality. The brand initially established itself through a direct-to-consumer online model and has since expanded its presence through offline retail. FableStreet is also part of FS Life, a multi-brand fashion and lifestyle company that includes Pink Fort, focused on contemporary Indian wear, and March, a fine silver jewellery brand. Ayushi Gudwani, who founded FableStreet after identifying this gap while working in the corporate sector, brings over 18 years of professional experience, including approximately seven years at McKinsey & Company, where she worked on strategy, business growth and scaling organisations across industries. Her experience in consulting, strategic planning, customer research and business development has helped shape FableStreet’s data-driven approach to fashion and its evolution into FS Life. The company is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Assembly:

Assembly is an Indian D2C luggage and travel lifestyle brand founded in 2018 by Aditya Khanna and Mohit Garg, with a vision to create thoughtfully designed, functional and accessible travel products for modern consumers. The brand offers a curated portfolio of luggage, cabin and check-in suitcases, travel backpacks, duffle bags, overnighters and travel accessories, combining minimalist aesthetics with practical functionality. Assembly has built a predominantly digital-first business while gradually expanding its offline presence through retail partnerships, experiential touchpoints and its own stores, allowing customers to experience its products beyond digital channels. The brand’s focus on design, product quality, customer experience and efficient manufacturing has helped it establish a distinct position in India’s growing travel and lifestyle market, particularly among young, design-conscious consumers. Aditya Khanna, Co-Founder of Assembly, brings entrepreneurial experience from his earlier ventures, including Kara, a leather-goods brand, and Tyroo, a digital advertising network that was later acquired by Dentsu. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India. Assembly continues to strengthen its presence as a homegrown D2C travel and lifestyle brand focused on design, functionality and modern travel experiences.

Suta:

Suta is a Mumbai-based Indian fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2016 by Sujata Biswas and Tanya Sharma, with a vision to make traditional Indian textiles and sarees more contemporary, comfortable and relevant to modern women. The brand is known for its handwoven sarees, blouses, dresses, co-ord sets, accessories and other apparel that combine traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes and distinctive styling. Suta works closely with weavers and artisans across India, placing strong emphasis on handloom traditions, natural fabrics, regional craftsmanship and sustainable production practices. Its collections are designed to celebrate individuality and make sarees easier to wear in everyday and contemporary settings, while also supporting artisan communities and preserving traditional weaving techniques. From starting as a small online-first venture, Suta has grown into a recognised D2C fashion brand with a strong digital community and an expanding offline retail presence. Sujata Biswas, Co-Founder of Suta, brings around 10 years of experience in fashion, design and entrepreneurship and has played a key role in developing the brand’s creative identity, product philosophy and relationship with artisans. She studied engineering before moving into fashion and entrepreneurship, and together with Tanya Sharma has built Suta around their shared passion for textiles, storytelling and Indian craft. Her experience spans fashion design, product development, brand building and working closely with India’s artisan and weaving communities. Suta is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

SuperBottoms: 

SuperBottoms is an Indian D2C baby and mom essentials brand founded in 2015 with a vision to create sustainable, comfortable and thoughtfully designed alternatives for modern parents. The brand began with reusable cloth diapers after founder Pallavi Utagi struggled to find a diaper that was gentle on her baby’s skin, practical for Indian parents and environmentally responsible. Since then, SuperBottoms has expanded its portfolio beyond cloth diapers to include baby clothing, feeding essentials, maternity and nursing products and other parenting solutions, positioning itself as a broader sustainable parenting brand. Its product philosophy combines functionality, child comfort and sustainability, while its strong parent community has played an important role in product development and consumer engagement. SuperBottoms has also built a strong D2C presence and has grown into one of India’s prominent reusable cloth-diaper and sustainable baby-care brands. Pallavi Utagi, Founder & CEO, brings experience in brand building, consumer products and marketing, having previously worked on brands including i-can, i-pill and i-sure before turning her attention to entrepreneurship. Her personal experience as a mother became the catalyst for building SuperBottoms and has remained central to the brand’s purpose-driven approach. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. SuperBottoms continues to build its position in India’s D2C consumer ecosystem through sustainable baby products, parent-focused innovation and conscious product development.

NeceSera: 

NeceSera is an Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand focused on creating thoughtfully designed everyday essentials that combine comfort, functionality and contemporary aesthetics. The brand operates in the intimate and everyday-wear segment, offering products designed around the needs of modern women, with an emphasis on practical design, comfort and quality. NeceSera follows a digital-first, direct-to-consumer approach, allowing the brand to build a close connection with its customers while developing products based on changing consumer preferences and everyday lifestyle requirements. The brand’s positioning centres on making essential products more comfortable, functional and accessible while maintaining a modern visual identity. Riddhi Jain, the founder of NeceSera, has been closely involved in building the brand’s product vision, business strategy, customer experience and overall identity. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a focus on identifying everyday consumer problems and creating purpose-driven products to address them. Through NeceSera, she has worked toward building a specialised D2C brand that combines product innovation with a customer-first approach. The brand is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

The CAI Store: 

The CAI Store is a Mumbai-based Indian women’s footwear brand founded in 2015 by Aradhana Minawala and Dhanraj Minawala, with the aim of creating stylish, comfortable and cruelty-conscious footwear without the use of leather. The brand offers a diverse range of women’s footwear, including flats, heels, wedges, sandals and other contemporary styles, combining fashion-forward designs with comfort, functionality and handcrafted detailing. CAI uses vegan materials and follows cruelty-free practices, while many of its products are handcrafted by skilled Indian artisans. The brand began as an online-first venture serving customers in India and international markets and has since expanded into offline retail, building a stronger presence in the Indian footwear and fashion ecosystem. At CAI, Aradhana oversees the brand’s administration and marketing, playing a key role in shaping its identity, customer experience and growth. With more than a decade of entrepreneurial and professional experience, she has helped build CAI into a recognised homegrown vegan footwear brand. The CAI Store is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Chupps: 

Chupps is an Indian D2C footwear brand founded in 2021, focused on creating comfortable, versatile and contemporary footwear designed for everyday use. The brand specialises in lightweight and comfort-led footwear, offering products such as slides, sandals, clogs, sneakers and other casual styles that combine practical functionality with modern aesthetics. Chupps has built its identity around making everyday footwear more comfortable and accessible, with a strong emphasis on easy-to-wear designs, cushioning, durability and contemporary styling. Operating primarily through a direct-to-consumer model, the brand has developed a growing digital presence and caters to consumers looking for practical footwear that can transition across different everyday settings. Yashesh Mukhi, the founder of Chupps, brings experience across entrepreneurship, consumer products, footwear and business development, and has been closely involved in developing the brand’s product strategy, operations, sourcing and overall business direction since its inception. Through Chupps, he has spent the past several years building a modern Indian footwear brand with a strong D2C orientation and a customer-first approach. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Blissclub: 

Blissclub is an Indian D2C activewear and lifestyle brand founded in 2020 by Minu Margeret with a vision to create high-performance, comfortable and functional apparel designed specifically around the needs of Indian women. The brand emerged from Minu’s own experience as a fitness enthusiast and national-level Ultimate Frisbee player, when she found that available activewear often lacked the right combination of fit, stretch, comfort and functionality for Indian body types. Blissclub initially built a strong community of women through online fitness activities and conversations before launching its first flagship product, The Ultimate Leggings (TUL), making community feedback a core part of its product-development philosophy. Since then, the brand has expanded across leggings, sports bras, tops and other activewear, while maintaining its focus on inclusive sizing, technical fabrics, comfort and movement. Blissclub has also expanded beyond women’s activewear into everyday and menswear categories, reflecting its broader ambition to build a lifestyle brand centred on comfort and movement. Minu Margeret brings a strong blend of business and consumer-sector experience to the company, having worked with organisations including Goldman Sachs, Wipro, Unilever and PhonePe, and holds an MBA from the Indian School of Business. Her entrepreneurial approach combines customer-led product development, community building and long-term brand creation. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Blissclub continues to strengthen its position as a prominent Indian D2C fashion and activewear brand focused on fit, functionality, inclusivity and everyday comfort.

OCEEDEE: 

OCEEDEE is a modern Indian D2C footwear brand founded in 2015 by Anshul Sood and Neha Kumthekar with a vision to bridge the gap between contemporary fashion, comfort and accessible luxury for the modern Indian woman. The brand creates handcrafted footwear featuring distinctive silhouettes, refined detailing and a strong design identity, with its collections spanning heels, flats, sandals, boots and other contemporary styles. OCEEDEE was built around the belief that women should not have to choose between style and comfort, and therefore places strong emphasis on fit, craftsmanship, quality and the ability to customise footwear for individual comfort. Rooted in Indian craftsmanship, the brand combines traditional shoemaking expertise with modern design sensibilities and a digital-first consumer approach, while also expanding its physical presence through experience centres and multi-brand retail partnerships. Anshul Sood, Co-Founder and CEO, brings a strong background in entrepreneurship, business development and technology, having previously co-founded Fermah Shoes and worked across business development and technology-led ventures. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. OCEEDEE continues to strengthen its position in India’s fashion and lifestyle ecosystem through design-led, handcrafted footwear that brings together modern aesthetics, comfort and Indian craftsmanship.

Aretto: 

Aretto is an Indian D2C kids’ footwear brand founded in 2019 and headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, built around technology-led, comfortable and adaptive footwear for growing children. The brand’s core innovation is its expandable shoe technology, designed to adjust as children’s feet grow and offer a flexible fit across multiple sizes. Aretto combines product design, science and functionality to create children’s footwear that is lightweight, comfortable and sustainable, with collections such as Aretto Leaps and Aretto Tyny. From starting as a digital-first brand, Aretto has expanded into an omnichannel business with a growing network of retail stores across India. The brand has also developed patented expandable sole technology and positions itself around rethinking conventional children’s footwear through innovation and design. Satyajit Mittal, the Founder & CEO of Aretto, brings 8+ years of experience as a product designer and problem-solver, with expertise spanning product development, production, design and supply-chain building. His focus on solving the problem of static footwear for rapidly growing children led to Aretto’s adaptive-fit approach and its technology-led product development. Aretto is headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

ZAYDN Sneakers: 

ZAYDN Sneakers is an Indian D2C footwear brand founded in 2021, focused on creating stylish, comfortable and affordable sneakers for Gen-Z and young consumers. The brand combines contemporary designs with everyday functionality, offering sneakers designed around comfort, lightweight construction, cushioning and versatile styling for modern consumers. Built with a digital-first approach, ZAYDN has developed its presence through its own online platform and marketplace channels while focusing on product development, quality and accessible pricing. The brand aims to make contemporary sneaker culture more accessible in India by bringing together fashion, comfort and affordability, while building a strong homegrown identity in the country’s growing footwear and youth-fashion market. Ankit Singh, Founder & CEO of ZAYDN Sneakers, has been closely involved in the brand’s product development, business strategy and overall growth, with a focus on building an Indian sneaker brand that combines distinctive design with everyday wearability. Headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi, India. ZAYDN continues to expand its presence in the Indian D2C footwear market.

Idaho Clothing: 

Idaho Clothing is an Indian D2C women’s fashion brand built around the vision of combining traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary silhouettes, comfort and modern styling. The brand offers a diverse range of women’s ethnic and fusion wear, including kurta sets, Anarkali suits, lehengas, dresses, sarees, co-ord sets and other occasion and everyday styles, with a strong emphasis on vibrant prints, quality fabrics and detailed craftsmanship. Founded by Lalit Khatri and Vinita Khatri, Idaho was created with a broader purpose of empowering women through fashion while preserving the richness of Indian textile traditions and craftsmanship. Lalit Khatri leads the brand’s strategy, marketing and technical operations, drawing from his family’s background in printing, while Vinita Khatri, a fashion designer, contributes to the brand’s creative direction and oversees production. Together, the founders have built Idaho around a customer-centric approach that focuses on comfort, inclusive sizing, distinctive designs and contemporary interpretations of Indian ethnic wear. The brand also works towards supporting artisans and traditional craftsmanship by incorporating Indian techniques and cultural influences into its collections. Headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Idaho Clothing continues to strengthen its presence in the D2C fashion ecosystem by taking Indian ethnic fashion to consumers across India and international markets.

DailyObjects: 

DailyObjects is an Indian D2C design-led lifestyle brand founded in 2012 by Pankaj Garg and Saurav Adlakha, built around the idea of reimagining everyday products through thoughtful design, functionality and self-expression. The brand offers a wide portfolio of lifestyle and everyday-use products across categories including smartphone cases, laptop and tech accessories, charging solutions, bags, wallets, work essentials, desk organisers, watch bands and other personal accessories. What began as an online platform for creatively designed accessories has evolved into a broader lifestyle brand with more than 5,000 products, combining technology, utility and contemporary design. DailyObjects follows a digital-first and increasingly omnichannel model, with its own online platform, marketplace presence and experiential retail stores across major Indian cities. The brand also focuses strongly on Made-in-India production, working with more than 1,000 Indian craftsmen and designers to develop and manufacture its products. Pankaj Garg, Founder & CEO of DailyObjects, started his entrepreneurial journey after gaining professional experience in the technology sector and holds a Master’s degree in Computer Applications from Kurukshetra University; his vision has been central to building DailyObjects from an online accessories platform into a recognised Indian lifestyle brand. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India. DailyObjects continues to expand its presence across lifestyle, tech accessories and everyday essentials.

Lenskart: 

Lenskart is an Indian D2C and omnichannel eyewear brand founded in 2008 and launched its operations in India as an online business in 2010, with the vision of making quality eyewear more accessible and affordable. The brand offers a wide range of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and eyewear accessories, combining technology, product innovation and retail experience to serve customers across different segments. Lenskart was originally incorporated as Valyoo Technologies by Peyush Bansal, Neha Bansal, Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi, and has since evolved from an online-first business into one of India’s largest eyewear companies with a strong combination of digital platforms, technology-enabled manufacturing, eye-testing services and an extensive retail network. The company has also expanded beyond India into markets including Japan, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while continuing to invest heavily in technology, automation and supply-chain capabilities. Peyush Bansal, Co-Founder and CEO of Lenskart, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, Canada, and previously worked with Microsoft Corporation in the US before returning to India to build Lenskart. He has played a central role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, innovation, technology-led growth and expansion into new markets. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India, Lenskart continues to build a technology-driven eyewear ecosystem with a strong focus on accessibility, innovation and customer experience.

The Messy Corner: 

The Messy Corner is an Indian D2C lifestyle and personalised gifting brand founded in 2015 by siblings Aanchal Poddar and Aayush Poddar, born from their shared passion for travel, lifestyle accessories and thoughtfully designed products. The brand began with personalised passport covers and gradually expanded into a diverse portfolio of travel accessories, stationery, tech accessories, wallets, sling bags, laptop and iPad sleeves, AirPods covers, hampers and other personalised products. Its core proposition lies in combining functionality with personalisation, allowing customers to add names, charms, motifs and other custom elements to everyday products and gifts. The brand has developed an end-to-end approach to product creation and personalisation, with a strong focus on quality control, design, customer experience and efficient manufacturing. Over the years, The Messy Corner has also expanded its capabilities into corporate gifting and large-scale personalised orders, bringing its customisation-led approach to businesses and events. Aanchal Poddar, Co-Founder, holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Bath, UK, and has played an important role in shaping the brand’s marketing, product and growth strategy. Her entrepreneurial journey with Aayush has helped transform an idea started from a small room at home into a recognised personalised lifestyle and gifting business. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The Messy Corner continues to build its presence in the D2C lifestyle ecosystem through personalisation, functional design and customer-focused gifting experiences.

The Style Salad: 

The Style Salad is an Indian D2C gifting and lifestyle brand founded in 2016 by childhood friends Saloni Shah and Shweta Raman, with a vision to make gifting more thoughtful, personalised and creatively curated. The brand specialises in curated gift boxes and complete gifting solutions for weddings, corporate events, employee and client appreciation, festive occasions and social celebrations, bringing together products from homegrown brands, artisans and independent creators. Its offerings span lifestyle accessories, home décor, stationery, jewellery, beauty and wellness products, gourmet items and personalised gifts, allowing customers to choose from ready-made collections or create customised gift boxes based on individual preferences and occasions. The founders built The Style Salad around the belief that gifting should go beyond simply packaging products, with every curation designed to tell a story while combining aesthetics, utility and personalisation. Over the years, the brand has expanded from an online gifting boutique into a full-service gifting business serving both individual consumers and corporate clients, while also providing a platform for numerous small businesses, handicraft makers and homegrown brands. Saloni Shah brings a background in fashion retail, branding, visual merchandising and styling, while Shweta Raman has been instrumental in building the brand’s creative and business vision alongside her co-founder. Their complementary strengths have helped The Style Salad develop a distinctive identity within India’s evolving gifting and lifestyle ecosystem. Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The Style Salad continues to create curated gifting experiences that combine thoughtful storytelling, contemporary lifestyle products and personalised customer experiences.

Tan & Loom: 

Tan & Loom is an Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand founded by Rukmini Guha, with a distinctive focus on handcrafted handbags and accessories that bring together Indian handloom, leather craftsmanship and contemporary design. The brand’s philosophy centres on creating functional yet aesthetically refined products that combine the vibrancy of Indian textiles with the timeless appeal of premium leather, catering to modern women who value quality, versatility and conscious consumption. Its portfolio includes handbags, totes, laptop bags, sling bags, wallets, passport holders, makeup bags and potlis, with designs created to balance everyday functionality with understated elegance. Tan & Loom follows a slow-fashion approach, with its handbags crafted in-house by skilled artisans at a heritage workshop, allowing the brand to maintain greater control over craftsmanship, quality and production while supporting traditional skills. Rukmini Guha is a graduate of the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, where she studied Fashion Marketing, and brings professional experience in digital marketing, branding and strategy across fashion and lifestyle businesses. Her entrepreneurial journey is also connected to her family’s longstanding involvement in the leather industry, which influenced her decision to build a contemporary brand rooted in Indian craftsmanship. Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Tan & Loom continues to build its identity as a homegrown D2C lifestyle brand celebrating Indian craft, slow fashion and timeless design.

Mirraw: 

Mirraw is an Indian D2C and e-commerce fashion marketplace founded in 2011 by Shailesh Jain and Anup Nair, focused on bringing Indian ethnic fashion and traditional designs to customers across India and international markets. The platform offers a wide selection of ethnic apparel, sarees, salwar suits, lehengas, jewellery, accessories and other traditional fashion products, connecting customers with a broad network of sellers and designers. Mirraw began as an online marketplace and has grown into a large digital destination for Indian ethnic wear, serving customers across India, the US and Europe. The brand has built its identity around making Indian craftsmanship and traditional fashion more accessible through technology, while continuously expanding its catalogue across different categories and occasions. Shailesh Jain, Co-Founder of Mirraw, studied engineering at VJTI, Mumbai, and later pursued a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University; before launching Mirraw, he worked with VMware in the United States, bringing a technology and entrepreneurial background to the company’s development. Headquartered in Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Mirraw continues to build its presence as a leading digital destination for Indian ethnic fashion and lifestyle products.

Saaki: 

Saaki is an Indian D2C fashion brand founded in 2020 by architect, entrepreneur and former Femina Miss India 2016 first runner-up Sushruthi Krishna in partnership with actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The brand was created with a vision to build a modern Indian wardrobe that combines contemporary design, comfort and versatility with the richness of Indian aesthetics. Its collections span contemporary Indian and fusion wear, including kurtas, sarees, dresses, co-ord sets and other wardrobe essentials designed for women who want fashion that can transition effortlessly across work, everyday life, celebrations and special occasions. Saaki follows an online-first, D2C approach and has built a strong community-driven brand presence, expanding its reach across India and internationally to more than 15 countries. The brand’s philosophy centres on timeless elegance, individuality and creating clothing that enables women to express themselves with confidence and authenticity. Sushruthi Krishna brings a background in architecture and fashion entrepreneurship, having previously founded KIS Clothing before launching Saaki, while her experience in the fashion and beauty ecosystem helped shape the brand’s consumer-focused and contemporary identity. She also founded Merch Brands in 2020 with the broader vision of building new-age fashion and lifestyle brands. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Saaki continues to build its identity as a modern Indian fashion brand with a global outlook, bringing contemporary Indian clothing to women across domestic and international markets.

Sudathi: 

Sudathi is an Indian D2C ethnic-fashion brand founded in September 2023 by cousins Hiren Lathiya, Viren Lathiya and Darshan Lathiya, with a vision to make stylish, quality ethnic wear more accessible to women across India. Born in Surat, one of India’s largest textile hubs, the brand offers a wide range of affordable fashion including sarees, kurtis, kurta sets, western wear, ready-to-wear sarees, blouses and occasionwear. Sudathi has built its proposition around fresh designs, extensive choice, competitive pricing and a digital-first shopping experience, continuously refreshing its collections to reflect changing customer preferences and fashion trends. The brand also operates its own manufacturing capabilities in Surat, giving it greater control over product quality, pricing and speed-to-market. Before launching Sudathi, the Lathiya family had already developed significant experience in online apparel commerce. Hiren Lathiya played an important role in bringing traditional apparel businesses onto e-commerce platforms, while Viren Lathiya has contributed to the brand’s marketing, digital and technology-led growth. Together with Darshan, the founders have transformed their understanding of Surat’s textile ecosystem into a consumer-focused D2C fashion business. Sudathi has also expanded its digital reach through its website, mobile application and quick-commerce platforms, and gained wider recognition after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 4. Headquartered in Surat, Gujarat, India. Sudathi continues to strengthen its position in the D2C fashion ecosystem by combining traditional Indian ethnic wear with affordability, fast-moving trends and modern digital commerce.

akiiko: 

akiiko is an Indian D2C lifestyle brand founded by Brajesh Gutgutia, built around the idea of making everyday essentials more sustainable, functional and aesthetically refined. The brand draws inspiration from Japanese minimalism and natural living, creating a diverse range of products including bags, pouches, home accessories, storage organisers, towels, stationery, gifting products and other everyday utility essentials. Its design philosophy focuses on simplicity, functionality and mindful consumption, with products made primarily from natural, plant-based materials such as cotton, jute, hemp and linen. akiiko emerged from Brajesh Gutgutia’s extensive experience in designing and exporting home décor and lifestyle products, with the vision of creating products that are not only visually appealing but also practical, reusable and environmentally conscious. The brand operates through an integrated design and manufacturing approach, with its products designed, produced and packed at Preciso Fashion’s facility in Chennai, while sourcing many of its natural materials from local communities in South India. Brajesh Gutgutia brings more than two decades of experience in natural materials, fibres, home décor and product design, and has played a central role in shaping akiiko’s minimalist, sustainability-led identity. His experience in creating products for global markets has helped the brand combine Indian craftsmanship and natural materials with contemporary design sensibilities. Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. akiiko continues to build its presence as a conscious D2C lifestyle brand focused on natural materials, thoughtful design and sustainable everyday living.

The Sass Bar: 

The Sass Bar is an Indian D2C bath, bodycare and self-care brand founded in 2019 by Rishika Nayak Shetty, with a vision to transform everyday bathing into a fun, indulgent and sensory experience. The brand is best known for its handcrafted soaps designed to look like desserts such as cupcakes, doughnuts, macarons, tarts and popsicles, while also offering bath bombs, scrubs, candles, gifting products and other self-care essentials. The brand began as a home-based venture in 2018 with an initial investment of less than ₹25,000 and grew through social media, word-of-mouth and its distinctive product designs before launching commercially in 2019. The Sass Bar has built its identity around playful product innovation, attractive packaging and skin-conscious formulations, with products designed to combine aesthetics, fragrance and everyday self-care. Rishika Nayak Shetty, Founder of The Sass Bar, holds a business degree with a finance specialisation from Welingkar Institute of Management and a master’s course in brand management from Istituto Marangoni, and her entrepreneurial journey has been focused on building a differentiated self-care brand through product innovation, branding and customer experience. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The Sass Bar continues to grow as a design-led D2C bath and bodycare brand focused on making everyday self-care more experiential.

Subculture: 

Subculture is an Indian homegrown fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2020 by Randhir Pratap Singh, built around handcrafted leather, latex, metal and alternative-fashion products that explore identity, self-expression, craftsmanship and contemporary culture. The brand is recognised as India’s first homegrown fetish-fashion and kink brand, offering handcrafted, made-to-order pieces including leather harnesses, accessories, bags, apparel and other expressive objects. Subculture was created to bring a distinctly Indian perspective to a category that had largely remained unexplored in the country, combining traditional leather craftsmanship with contemporary design and alternative fashion aesthetics. The brand works closely with artisans and focuses on slow, intentional production, with its products handcrafted in Rajasthan and other Indian manufacturing centres. Over the years, Subculture has evolved beyond individual leather products into a broader creative practice exploring fashion, objects, experiences and cultural expression. Randhir Pratap Singh, Founder and Creative Director of Subculture, is a graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi, and has built the brand around his interests in fashion, leather craftsmanship, identity and self-expression. Headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Subculture continues to develop its distinctive position within India’s alternative fashion and lifestyle ecosystem.

Shararat: 

Shararat is an Indian D2C bedroom-fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2016 by Shanky Layal and Avinash Sharma, created with the vision of making comfort, self-expression and romance a more playful part of everyday homewear. The brand offers a wide range of bedroom and lounge fashion, including nightwear, loungewear, sleepwear, intimate wear, nightgowns, kaftans, pyjamas, sleepshirts, couple gifting hampers and other comfort-focused products. Shararat started with an online-first approach and has built its business through its own D2C platform and online marketplaces, positioning itself as a destination for fun, expressive and affordable bedroom fashion. The brand has developed a distinctive identity through colourful designs, playful prints and products aimed at consumers looking for a combination of comfort, style and intimacy. Shararat also appeared on Shark Tank India Season 3, where its founders presented the brand and its growth journey to the Sharks. Shanky Layal, Co-Founder of Shararat, has been closely involved in the brand’s product development, business strategy and growth alongside Avinash Sharma, with the founders building the company from an early online venture into a recognised D2C bedroom-fashion brand. Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Shararat continues to expand its presence in the Indian loungewear, bedroom-fashion and intimate-apparel market.

Supervek: 

Supervek is an Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2015 by Satyajeet Singh, built around a vision of creating alternative, expressive and functional products for consumers who seek individuality beyond mainstream fashion. The Hyderabad-based brand offers a distinctive range of lifestyle and fashion products, including apparel, accessories, wallets, bags, headwear and other everyday essentials, with a strong emphasis on unconventional design, utility and self-expression. One of Supervek’s key differentiators is its use of innovative materials such as Tyvek for lightweight, water-resistant and durable accessories, offering consumers an alternative to conventional leather and synthetic products. The brand has developed a strong identity around alternative fashion, combining edgy urban aesthetics with practical design and a conscious approach to material selection. Satyajeet Singh, Co-Founder of Supervek, has been closely involved in the brand’s product development, material innovation and overall business strategy, bringing extensive experience in sustainable accessories, eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing. His entrepreneurial vision has helped Supervek evolve from an alternative fashion concept into a broader lifestyle brand catering to consumers across India and international markets. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Supervek continues to build its presence in the D2C fashion and lifestyle ecosystem through innovative materials, alternative design and products centred on individuality and functionality.

Tilassa: 

Tilassa is an Indian D2C jewellery brand founded by Jhanvi Vyas with a vision to create refined, versatile jewellery designed for everyday wear rather than being reserved only for special occasions. The brand focuses on demi-fine jewellery featuring understated yet distinctive designs, with collections spanning earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings, ear cuffs, anklets and other everyday accessories. Tilassa’s design philosophy is centred on comfort, proportion, weight and finish, creating pieces that can be layered, stacked and worn repeatedly across workdays, travel, casual outings and special moments. The brand uses materials such as brass and high-grade stainless steel, finished with 14k–18k gold plating, combining accessible pricing with a premium visual aesthetic. Jhanvi Vyas, Founder of Tilassa, has been involved across the complete D2C brand-building journey, from product styling and creative direction to Shopify, copywriting, packaging and customer fulfilment. Before establishing Tilassa, she worked in brand management at Upakarna, bringing experience in branding, advertising and business development to her entrepreneurial journey. Her approach to Tilassa combines creative storytelling with a strong understanding of digital-first consumer behaviour, helping the brand build a distinctive identity in India’s competitive jewellery market. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Tilassa continues to build its presence as a modern D2C jewellery and lifestyle brand focused on intentional design, everyday wearability and contemporary Indian consumers.

Yoho: 

Yoho is an Indian D2C footwear brand founded in 2020 by Ahmad Hushsham and Prateek Singhal, built with the vision of making comfortable, innovative and affordable footwear accessible to Indian consumers. The brand focuses strongly on comfort-led design and offers a wide range of footwear including slippers, sandals, clogs, sneakers, walking shoes, running shoes and orthopaedic-inspired footwear, combining ergonomic construction with contemporary styling. Yoho emerged from the founders’ shared observation that consumers often had to choose between affordable footwear and genuine comfort, which led them to develop products around biomechanics, lightweight construction, cushioning and everyday usability. Starting as a digital-first brand, Yoho has expanded its presence across its D2C platform, marketplaces and offline retail, while continuing to invest in product innovation, manufacturing and new categories including performance footwear. Ahmad Hushsham, Co-Founder & CEO of Yoho, brings 12+ years of experience across footwear and e-commerce, having previously worked with companies including Jabong and Paytm Mall, where he was involved in building and scaling footwear and private-label categories; his expertise spans entrepreneurship, category management, inventory planning and consumer-focused product development. Headquartered in New Delhi, India. Yoho continues to build its presence as a comfort-first Indian footwear brand focused on product innovation, accessibility and everyday movement.

ZYOD: 

ZYOD is an Indian B2B fashion-tech and apparel manufacturing platform founded in 2023 by Ankit Jaipuria and Ritesh Khandelwal, built to simplify and modernise the fashion manufacturing process through technology. The company provides fashion brands with an end-to-end design-to-delivery solution covering design development, fabric sourcing, manufacturing, quality control and delivery, helping brands reduce production timelines, inventory risk and minimum order quantities. ZYOD combines manufacturing expertise with AI-powered forecasting, automated quality control and digitally orchestrated supply-chain systems to enable brands to respond faster to changing fashion trends. Its platform connects fashion brands with a network of Indian manufacturing facilities and supports categories including western wear, ethnic wear, kidswear and knitwear. The company’s technology-led approach is designed to make apparel manufacturing more agile, transparent and accessible for both emerging and established fashion brands. Ankit Jaipuria, Co-Founder of ZYOD, is an IIT Delhi alumnus and has been instrumental in developing the company’s technology-driven approach to fashion manufacturing, with a focus on supply-chain innovation, product development and business growth. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India.  ZYOD is building a technology-enabled fashion manufacturing ecosystem that connects brands with faster, more flexible and efficient production capabilities.

Slikk: 

Slikk is an Indian fashion quick-commerce platform founded in 2024 by Akshay Gulati, Bipin Kumar Singh and Om Prakash Swami, built to make fashion shopping faster, more convenient and more personalized for modern consumers. The platform offers apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty and other lifestyle products from a growing network of brands, with its key proposition being fashion delivery within 60 minutes in Bengaluru. Slikk combines technology, curated fashion discovery and hyperlocal fulfillment to allow customers to discover products based on their preferences, order them quickly and try their selections at home before deciding what to keep. The platform has expanded its assortment and currently works with hundreds of fashion and lifestyle brands, while its AI-powered technology helps personalise product discovery and category experiences for users. Slikk is backed by investors including Nexus Venture Partners and Lightspeed and has raised more than $13.5 million to scale its fashion-commerce model. Akshay Gulati, Co-Founder & CEO of Slikk, is an alumnus of Christ University, Bengaluru, and brings experience in business development, sales, entrepreneurship and fashion commerce; he has been closely involved in shaping Slikk’s business strategy, brand partnerships and rapid expansion. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Slikk is building a technology-led fashion and lifestyle commerce platform focused on speed, convenience and personalized shopping.

ELUNO: 

ELUNO is an Indian fine-eyewear brand founded in 2025 by Abhinav Agarwal, built around the idea of making eyewear more personal, design-led and expressive. The brand focuses on premium, thoughtfully designed frames that combine contemporary aesthetics with precision fit and everyday functionality, positioning eyewear as an extension of an individual’s identity rather than simply a vision-correction product. ELUNO follows an omnichannel approach, combining its digital presence with a rapidly expanding network of physical stores and personalised in-store experiences, including optometry and styling services. The brand has been scaling quickly in Bengaluru, with its retail network expanding across neighbourhoods such as Koramangala, Jayanagar, Indiranagar and New BEL Road, while also developing technology-led and AI-enabled customer experiences. Abhinav Agarwal, Founder & CEO of ELUNO, is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded DoorMint and worked on multiple technology ventures before building ELUNO. His experience in entrepreneurship, technology and consumer businesses has shaped ELUNO’s focus on product, retail experience and technology-driven growth. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. ELUNO is building a modern fine-eyewear brand that brings together design, personalised service, technology and optical expertise.

D’chica: 

D’chica is an Indian D2C fashion and lifestyle brand founded in 2019 by Richa Kapila and Vani Chugh, focused on creating comfortable, functional and confidence-led essentials for girls, teenagers and women. The brand began with the aim of addressing everyday challenges around fit, comfort and sizing in innerwear and has developed a range that includes teen and women’s innerwear, period underwear, activewear, footwear and other everyday essentials. D’chica differentiates itself through its focus on Indian body types, comfort-first construction and practical product innovation, including its no-underwire approach and sizing designed around Indian measurements. The brand follows a digital-first D2C model and has built its presence through its own online platform and major marketplaces, while also developing a strong community around body positivity, confidence and women-centric product design. D’chica has also gained recognition through platforms such as Shark Tank India Season 3 and industry awards including ET Retail’s Lingerie Brand of the Year. Richa Kapila, Co-Founder of D’chica, has a background in product design and is an alumna of Pearl Academy of Fashion; her product-focused approach has played a key role in shaping the brand’s innovation, design philosophy and customer-centric product development. Headquartered in New Delhi, India. D’chica continues to build its presence as a women-led D2C fashion and essentials brand focused on comfort, functionality and confidence.

Artisans Rose: 

Artisans Rose is an Indian D2C home décor and lifestyle brand founded in 2015 with a vision to bring handcrafted, vintage and artisanal furniture and décor into contemporary living spaces. The brand curates and creates a distinctive range of handcrafted furniture, antique and vintage pieces, mirrors, lighting, home accessories and bespoke décor, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, character and timeless design. A key differentiator of Artisans Rose is its focus on reclaimed and upcycled materials, particularly wood sourced from old doors, architectural elements and heritage structures, which are restored and transformed into one-of-a-kind furniture and décor pieces. The brand works closely with skilled artisans in Jodhpur, preserving traditional craftsmanship while combining it with modern aesthetics and functional design. Its online-first approach has enabled customers across India and international markets to discover unique pieces, while its bespoke and commercial projects have further expanded the brand’s presence among homeowners, designers and hospitality businesses. Roma Butalia Suri, Co-Founder & Director, brings a strong background in luxury hospitality and a deep appreciation for interiors, craftsmanship and design. Her vision has shaped Artisans Rose around conscious consumption, preservation of craft and the belief that handcrafted imperfections and material history add value and individuality to every piece. Headquartered in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Artisans Rose continues to build its identity as a premium D2C home and lifestyle brand celebrating Indian craftsmanship, reclaimed materials and thoughtfully designed spaces.

ModVilla: 

ModVilla is an Indian D2C home décor and lifestyle brand founded by Ankita Agarwal with a vision to create handcrafted, customisable pieces that bring together contemporary aesthetics, traditional craftsmanship and functional design. The brand specialises in made-to-order home décor, with its current portfolio featuring handcrafted bathroom sets, trays, soap dispensers, brush holders, tissue boxes, planters, candles, vases, jars, coasters and other decorative and utility pieces. ModVilla’s distinctive approach lies in its ability to offer customers customisation across colours, patterns, finishes and product configurations, allowing each piece to be tailored to individual interiors and preferences. The brand uses a proprietary mineral composite that delivers the visual appeal of stone while remaining lighter than marble, with every piece cast and hand-finished individually by skilled artisans. Ankita Agarwal, Founder of ModVilla, brings a strong design and product-development background to the brand. She studied at the Footwear Design and Development Institute and later pursued further design education at Domus Academy, with professional experience spanning design, visual merchandising, product development and business. Her design-led approach has helped ModVilla build a distinctive identity around handcrafted products, personalisation and contemporary home aesthetics. The brand also places emphasis on artisan-led production, with its products made by hand at its workshop and its current model operating primarily through its online platform. Headquartered in New Delhi, India. ModVilla continues to build its presence in the D2C home and lifestyle ecosystem through made-to-order craftsmanship, thoughtful design and personalized décor solutions.

Metaman: 

Metaman is an Indian D2C men’s jewellery and lifestyle brand founded in 2022, created to bring contemporary, design-led jewellery specifically for modern Indian men. The brand offers a range of bracelets, chains, pendants, rings and other jewellery pieces, combining contemporary aesthetics with Indian craftsmanship and positioning men’s jewellery as an everyday expression of personal style. Metaman has also expanded its lifestyle offering through its acquisition of Drip Project, allowing it to strengthen its presence among younger and Gen-Z consumers with hip-hop-inspired jewellery and accessories. The brand follows a digital-first D2C model and has built its identity around accessible pricing, distinctive designs and a modern approach to men’s fashion and self-expression. Yudister Narayan, Co-Founder of Metaman, has a background in entrepreneurship, branding and storytelling and has also founded Hungry Shark Media, bringing experience in creative strategy, communication and brand building to Metaman’s journey. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Metaman continues to build its presence as a contemporary men’s jewellery and lifestyle brand focused on design, self-expression and the evolving Indian men’s fashion market.

DearCows: 

DearCows is an Indian D2C dairy and wellness brand founded in 2017, built with the vision of making pure, minimally processed dairy products sourced from indigenous Indian cow breeds more accessible to consumers. The brand focuses on A2 milk, Desi Cow Milk and traditional dairy products, including A2 ghee and Bilona-churned ghee, with an emphasis on non-homogenised, non-toned and minimally pasteurised whole milk. DearCows was established as an initiative of the One Cow One Family Foundation and aims to connect consumers directly with a community of Desi Cow farmers while supporting the economic sustainability of indigenous cattle breeds. The brand follows a direct-to-consumer model, using technology and doorstep delivery to bring fresh dairy products to customers while building greater awareness around traditional Indian dairy practices. Sarvesh Pande, Co-Founder of DearCows, is an alumnus of SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and has a background in brand communication, business development and healthy-food products; his entrepreneurial journey has been closely associated with building DearCows and its consumer-focused approach to A2 dairy and indigenous-cow products. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. DearCows continues to build its presence as a purpose-led D2C dairy brand focused on purity, traditional processes and supporting India’s Desi Cow ecosystem.

ABK Grooming: 

ABK Grooming is an Indian pet grooming brand established in 2010 as part of ABK Imports, with a focus on providing professional-grade grooming equipment, salon accessories and pet care solutions to groomers, veterinarians, breeders, pet retailers and pet care professionals. The brand offers a wide portfolio of grooming products, including clippers, blades, dryers, shampoos, conditioners, grooming tools and salon equipment, while working with globally recognised pet-care brands to bring quality products to the Indian market. ABK Grooming has also built a strong focus on professional education through workshops, webinars, masterclasses and grooming events aimed at improving grooming skills and promoting better standards of pet care. The business was founded by brothers Anand, Bharat and Kushal Pittie, who started ABK Imports with the vision of making high-quality pet products more accessible in India and building greater awareness around responsible pet care and grooming. Anand Pittie, Co-Founder and Director, has played a key role in shaping the company’s growth and its focus on premium pet grooming solutions, industry relationships and evolving consumer needs. Headquartered in Mundhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, India. ABK Grooming continues to strengthen its position as a professional pet grooming and pet-care solutions provider in the Indian market.

ANA Apparels: 

ANA Apparels is an Indian D2C modest-fashion brand founded in 2021 by Asma Nafis Ansari and built alongside her husband Zeeshan Kareem, with a vision to create contemporary clothing that combines modesty, comfort and modern fashion. The brand offers a range of modest wear including abayas, hijabs, niqabs, dupattas, dresses and co-ord sets, with a strong emphasis on thoughtful silhouettes, fabric selection, fit, coverage and customisation. What began as a passion-driven venture in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, developed into a growing digital-first fashion business through social media and direct-to-consumer channels, while building a distinctive identity within India’s modest-fashion segment. Asma Nafis, a NIFT Kolkata graduate and trained fashion designer, brings the brand’s design vision, while Zeeshan Kareem plays a key role in marketing, operations, business growth and strengthening ANA’s digital presence. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Zeeshan has been closely involved in shaping the company’s brand communication and growth strategy, helping transform ANA from a small-town fashion venture into a recognised modest wear brand. Headquartered in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, India. ANA Apparels continues to expand its presence in the D2C fashion ecosystem with a focus on modest fashion, customisation and customer-centric design.

Caim by årelang: 

Caim by årelang is an Indian D2C wellness and nutraceutical brand founded by Nikita Naterwalla, built around the idea of making daily supplementation more enjoyable, accessible and consistent. Operated by Arelang Naturals Private Limited, the brand has developed a distinctive category it calls “Candyceuticals,” delivering plant-based, science-backed nutritional formulations through sugar-free chocolates, gummies and functional confectionery formats instead of conventional pills and powders. Its portfolio addresses a range of wellness needs including hormonal balance, sleep and recovery, metabolic health, skin, hair, collagen and nutritional gaps, with a focus on bioactive plant extracts and research-led formulation. Arelang Naturals was founded in Mumbai in 2021 and works at the intersection of traditional plant knowledge, modern phytochemistry and nutraceutical science, including research collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. Nikita Naterwalla brings nearly 25 years of experience in the health and wellness and supplements industry, and her personal experience with the challenges of conventional supplementation played a key role in inspiring the creation of Caim. Her approach combines wellness experience, product formulation and consumer-centric brand building to create products designed to make healthy routines feel less clinical and more enjoyable. Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Caim by årelang continues to build its identity as a differentiated D2C wellness brand focused on plant-based nutrition, science-backed formulations and innovative delivery formats.

Urban Pitara: 

Urban Pitara is redefining how fashion is made. Founded in 2015 by Vishav Sharma and Rishabh Sharma, who bring deep expertise in branding and merchandising, Urban Pitara has evolved into India’s First Zero Inventory Fashion, Footwear & Accessories Brand. Today, its technology platform takes the concept further, positioning Urban Pitara as India’s First AI Merch Brand, enabling 50+ products across fashion, footwear, bags and home décor to be custom created with a single prompt. At the heart of this model is a state-of-the-art, completely in-house production unit, equipped with advanced printing, processing and stitching capabilities, supported by dedicated pattern making, garment design and R&D teams. Every order is printed, processed, stitched, finished and made courier-ready within 24 hours. This fundamentally challenges the traditional fashion model of predicting demand and manufacturing inventory in advance, a system that often results in overproduction, dead stock, limited SKU availability and eventually, landfills. Urban Pitara also extends this infrastructure to other brands through its plug-and-play manufacturing and white-label model. Brands can access its entire product ecosystem from day one, without investing in machinery, inventory or technology, while benefiting from the same 24-hour production cycle. From inventory-led fashion to on-demand fashion, Urban Pitara is building the infrastructure for a more agile, technology-driven and sustainable fashion industry.

The Top 50 D2C Fashion & Lifestyle Brands – 2026 represent the diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial energy driving India’s next generation of consumer brands. Each of these businesses has taken a distinctive approach to understanding consumers, building meaningful products and creating brands that stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

At Indian Startup Times, we believe that recognition is not only about where a brand stands today, but also about the vision and potential that can shape where it goes tomorrow. These 50 brands reflect the courage to experiment, the ability to adapt and the determination to build businesses that connect with a new generation of Indian consumers.

As India’s D2C ecosystem continues to evolve, the journey of these brands serves as an inspiration for founders, entrepreneurs and emerging businesses across the country. Indian Startup Times congratulates all the recognised brands and founders of the Top 50 D2C Fashion & Lifestyle Brands – 2026 and celebrates their contribution to the growth and transformation of India’s dynamic fashion and lifestyle ecosystem.