Is luxury for Gen Z?

Beyond the math of buying is the science of selling smart. And, whenever a luxury player enters the Indian market, it offers a new perspective on purchasing power and behaviour of consumers—and how it has evolved over the years. 

Now, with the debut of the French legacy store, Galeries Lafayette—situated in the historic neighbourhood of Kala Ghoda at Fort, Mumbai—the insights are waiting to land. “India has long been on the global luxury radar, and the moment feels poised for its next evolution. As the economy flourishes, so does the consumer: Discerning, confident, and deeply attuned to global sensibilities,” says Sathyajit Radhakrishnan, CEO, International Brands, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. that has partnered with Galeries Lafayette for the store’s India entry.

The multi-storied space, spread across a massive 90,000 sq ft, has on offer the likes of luxury houses Givenchy, Thom Browne, Comme des Garçons, and Patou, alongside Indian designer brands like Almost Gods, Bodice, Dhruv Kapoor and Hemant & Nandita. “Each label has been thoughtfully chosen with the Indian consumer in mind, balancing accessibility and aspiration, heritage and innovation. The result is a refined, narrative-driven edit that celebrates both international excellence and the evolving spirit of modern Indian fashion,” Radhakrishnan adds. He further explains that this balance is courtesy the right blend—one that combines marquee designers, rising talents, and contemporary labels, with the aim of: “Reflecting an acute sensitivity and relevance to local nuances—from price accessibility to colour palettes, silhouettes, and fits that complement the Indian aesthetic and way of life.”

The curation—on one hand—signals legacy luxury with products that are seen as investment pieces. On the other, it reflects the aspiration of new India, with a play of material and focus on sustainability. For instance, Rkive City by Ritwik Khanna and the designer’s denim innovation and work with upcycling, Verandah and its resort-holiday aesthetic that represents a different side of Made-in-India, and the recently launched Chorus, with its youthful energy, crafts-forward approach, and contemporary cuts. 

The offerings are thus not restricted to “established” audiences with the pockets, reach, and knowledge to buy luxury—but to a consumer who is curious and aspirational, especially Gen Z and younger millennials. “Galeries Lafayette Mumbai is designed to conform with India’s younger, more digital-savvy, and socially conscious luxury consumers by offering an experience that blends global opulence with local cultural narratives,” says Radhakrishnan, who calls the younger generation one that values individuality and authentic experiences. Fashion is also offset with luxury beauty, with the latter often the first step for new consumers to buy into the segment. 

Then, there is the mix of consumption routes: “Our omnichannel approach ensures flawless access across digital and in-store experiences, empowering patrons to engage with the brand anytime and anywhere. It’s a modern, experiential journey that speaks directly to today’s conscious and connected consumer,” he adds.

The experiential approach that Radhakrishnan refers to is what has kept many global brands relevant across audiences, accompanied by their willingness to associate with newer ideas. “Absolutely, collaborations and partnerships are at the heart of Galeries Lafayette’s ever-evolving story in India. Fashion and luxury, for us, are about creating a unique client experience...These collaborations allow us to further elevate retail beyond commerce, into an emotional journey that connects people, stories, and craftsmanship,” Radhakrishnan says. 

This experience of shopping is further enhanced by store design that reflects the brand’s backstory, and also its approach to a new market. Inside the Mumbai store, for instance, this artistic flair is helmed by the London-based architectural firm Virgile + Partners. There is a distinct Indian touch with the palette and materials used, while references to motifs like chintz and woven rugs spotlight shared cultural inspirations. 

While luxury continues to move in India by the way of partnerships, direct launches, and limited-edition associations—for retailers and those curious about how India is moving in terms of its purchasing story—Galeries Lafayette and its performance will be a strong marker of an ever-widening market.

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's November-December 2025 print edition.

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