The week Mumbai became the hottest spot for fashion and beauty

Earlier this month, Mumbai was once again put on the global fashion and beauty map with two major international brands making their presence felt in the city. London-based fashion brand COS unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, along with a preview of its upcoming Autumn/Winter line, while Huda Beauty gathered the city’s beauty insiders for an intimate masterclass dinner. Minimalist tailoring met high-octane glamour, cementing Mumbai’s role as a city where international brands test, tease, and triumph.

COS makes its Indian debut known

Since its launch in 2007, COS has expanded to 239 stores across 48 markets, with online stores in 38 of them. And now, the brand is officially gearing up for its India debut with its first boutique opening at Nexus Select Citywalk, New Delhi, this October—not a flagship, but an important entry point into the Indian market.

In Mumbai, COS presented its Spring/Summer 2025 collection alongside a sneak peek of Autumn/Winter 2025, spotlighting its signature balance of utility and elegance. “Considered, refined, relevant,” is how Karin Gustafsson, COS’s design director, described the brand’s DNA. She explained that COS is built on “attention to beauty and longevity,” with a design process rooted in craftsmanship, subtle detailing, and modernity that transitions effortlessly from day to night.

On where inspiration comes from, Gustafsson shared, “We often look to art, design, architecture, film, music, nature, and culture to inform our design language.” It’s this multidisciplinary approach that has helped COS build its reputation as more than just a clothing label—it’s a lifestyle vision.

A night of glamour with Huda Beauty

If COS brought a cool, minimal aesthetic to Mumbai, Huda Beauty dialled up the drama. On August 13, the brand hosted an intimate press dinner at All Saints in Khar West. Part product launch, part beauty masterclass, the evening introduced attendees to new drops, including the Easy Blur Primer, Lip Contour Stain, Lip Jelly Oil, and the latest complexion innovations in foundation and concealer.

Over an exclusive dinner, guests not only swatched and played with formulas but also tapped into the spirit of the brand—bold, playful, and unapologetically glamorous. It was a reminder that beauty, much like fashion, thrives on both community and creativity.

Events like these offer both opportunities and challenges. For global brands, India represents an expansive, fashion-savvy consumer base ready to embrace new ideas. At the same time, entering this market means adapting to diverse tastes, navigating retail complexities, and balancing international identity with local sensibilities.

The week was more than a flurry of stylish events—it was a signpost for what lies ahead. As COS prepares to open its Delhi store and Huda Beauty continues to glow in India, Mumbai stood as a reminder that the country is no longer just a growing market—it’s a stage where the world’s biggest names want to perform. 

Lead image: Santya Ahuja

Also read: International beauty brands love India, but do they love our skin?

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