by ABFRLadmin | January 28, 2026
Sreyashee Halder, Head of Design at TCNS, a division of ABFRL housing W, Aurelia, Wishful, Elleven and Folksong brands, on the shifts shaping fashion’s future.
In 2026, fashion is entering a more thoughtful era, one defined by intention. As consumers become increasingly aware of how clothing fits into their identities and lives, the idea of “what’s in” is steadily giving way to what feels authentic. At TCNS, this shift is not just observed, it’s actively shaping the way collections are designed and brought to life.
To understand how this evolution is unfolding, we spoke with Sreyashee Halder, head of design at TCNS, which houses brands including W, Aurelia, Wishful, Elleven, and Folksong. Her perspective offers a clear lens into the future of fashion — one that is fluid, expressive and deeply human.
1. The Future of Our Wardrobe: From Trends to Authenticity
According to Halder, the most defining shift in fashion as we move into 2026 is behavioural rather than visual. Fashion is becoming deeply intentional. It is purpose-driven, inclusive and rooted in how people truly live and feel. “The future wardrobe isn’t built on what’s trending, but on what feels authentic”, she explains.
Consumers today are resonating with style that feels deeply personal. Think clothing that reflects their persona rather than shouting for attention. Fashion is no longer about making noise; it’s about making your mark. This mindset is driving a move away from rigid silhouettes and trend-heavy dressing toward fluid, relaxed styles that feel effortless yet impactful. Minimal in form, but powerful in expression.
For Gen Z and millennials, fashion is no longer about imitation — it’s about self-definition. This generation values ease, authenticity and individuality, rejecting rigid trend narratives. At W, Indian wear is being reshaped through a youthful, contemporary lens with designs that feel modern, expressive and completely in sync with how this generation wants to dress. Moreover, TCNS brands don’t design for age brackets alone. It’s declaring a sense of style for mindsets — women who value comfort, authenticity and personal expression above all else.
2. Style and Sustainability: Speaking the New Language of Refinement
Another clear shift is in what consumers expect from brands. Shoppers no longer want just a garment. They want a complete styling solution. Accessories, layering ideas and guidance on how to wear a piece are now as important as the product itself. Fashion, today, is about creating complete looks that fit seamlessly into everyday life, and brands are expected to meet that need holistically.
At TCNS, sustainability and style are not opposing ideas. They are, in fact, deeply intertwined. Halder points to Folksong, the group’s craft-forward, sustainability-led brand, as a reflection of this philosophy. Every piece is created with long-term value in mind, using responsibly sourced fabrics, natural dyes, and slow processes, elevated through intricate handcraft and mindful construction.
The goal is to make sustainability desirable by creating garments that feel like cultural artefacts – pieces you treasure and pass on. In this context, sustainability becomes the new language of refinement: beautifully made, culturally rooted and crafted to last beyond just a couple of years.
3. Reviving the Beauty of Indian Craft with Contemporary Clarity
For Halder, responsibility in fashion begins with empathy – understanding how women live, move, and dress every day. In a warm, tropical climate like India’s, comfort is essential, not optional. At W, this has meant moving away from heavy synthetics in favour of breathable, natural fabrics that feel light and gentle on the skin. This sensibility extends to the smallest details: cotton linings closest to the body, rigorous wearer trials and its meticulous construction before a piece reaches production. The result is fashion that balances ease with elegance. At TCNS, responsibility isn’t positioned against aspiration.
Further, craft remains central to TCNS’s design language, especially at Folksong. In an upcoming collection, the brand revisits the timeless artistry of Lucknow’s Chikankari, honouring its royal lineage through a modern, curated lens. Traditional stitches, delicate textures and shadow-work motifs come together to create pieces that feel heritage-rich yet unmistakably contemporary. The result is a quiet grandeur with a sense that’s refined, poetic and deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship.
4. Technology as the “Always Awake” Creative Partner
Technology has expanded the creative boundaries at TCNS in powerful ways. AI tools, Halder notes, function like an “always-awake creative partner,” pushing designers toward unexpected ideas and new perspectives on prints, silhouettes and embroidery. Digital prototyping allows teams to visualise garments in minutes instead of days, freeing time for deeper thinking, refinement and craftsmanship. More importantly, technology has amplified creativity, allowing innovation and craft to coexist more meaningfully than ever.
5. What’s Brewing at TCNS: Holiday and Resort-Inspired Indian Wear
One of the most telling directions emerging from TCNS’s upcoming collections is the move toward holiday and resort-inspired Indian wear. Designed for travel, leisure and relaxed family moments, these pieces bridge the gap between traditional and modern dressing. Effortless yet rooted, they reflect the self-expressive mindset shaping fashion today. It’s clothing that lets women enjoy the moment while feeling confident and entirely themselves.
The One Truth About the Future of Fashion
“The future lies in slow, intentional fashion that feels personal, elevated, and worth keeping, rather than trends that fade as quickly as they appear”, shares Halder. Sustainability, she believes, now extends beyond materials into behaviour: buying less but better, re-wearing creatively and supporting circular fashion.
As fashion moves forward, one truth stands out: The trends of tomorrow aren’t about what’s new; they’re about what lasts. Fashion mirrors who we are, adapts to how we live and evolves with meaning at its core.
