'Italian Fashion Days in India’ launches tomorrow, amid growing business ties
27 October 2025, Mumbai
Italy is cementing its commitment to the Indian market next week with the launch of the inaugural "Italian Fashion Days in India," a high-profile initiative designed to deepen the dialogue between Italian style and the rapidly evolving Indian consumer base. The three-day event, running from October 28 to 30, 2025, will span three of India's cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
This focused effort comes as India's significance in the expansive policies of Italian fashion houses is increasingly recognized. The recent opening of a flagship store by Italian fashion retailer OVS S.p.A. in Delhi serves as a prominent example of this growing trend. OVS, which opened its approximately 9,000 sq. ft. store in Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, earlier this month, is operating with a direct investment model, underscoring a long-term strategic view of the Indian market's potential. OVS Global Chief Retail Officer, Carmine Di Virgilio, emphasized the brand's focus on democratic pricing, sustainability, and quality Italian design, aiming to compete directly with global fast-fashion rivals while maintaining price parity with Italian stores.
The "Italian Fashion Days in India" initiative, also known by its Italian name, is a collaborative effort promoted by the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, the Consulate General in Mumbai, and the Cultural Institute of New Delhi, in partnership with TPF-ThePlatform, an Italian magazine. The event brings the successful "Italian Threads—Conversations on fashion" format, previously tested at the Italian Embassy in London, to the Indian subcontinent.
The comprehensive program, which forms part of the broader "Italian Fashion Days in the World" strategy launched by Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, is expected to feature a series of events, seminars, exhibitions, interviews, and artisanal workshops. Key Italian industry leaders, including Antonio De Matteis, Matteo Marzotto, and Claudio Marenzi, are slated to represent Italy. Events will also include the inauguration of the exhibition “Italia è moda” (Italy is Fashion), an homage to designer Giorgio Armani, and a fashion show by students from Istituto Marangoni, highlighting the blend of Italian elegance, technology, and craftsmanship.
The decision to allocate substantial resources for entry and growth in India reflects not only the private sector's optimism but also a strategic governmental push. Italian Ambassador to India, H.E. Antonio Bartoli, previously highlighted fashion and sport as two pillars of Italian identity and universal languages that drive economic growth and business opportunities, as showcased during the "Champions of Style" event held earlier in October.
The concerted action—from the diplomatic mission-led cultural events to the direct market entry of major retailers like OVS—signals a full-fledged Italian effort to capture a significant share of one of the world's fastest-growing and most style-conscious fashion markets.
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