Latest news with #Zouk
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pack loud, sip chic, nap cute: The quirkiest travel accessories you need
A family going for vacation (AI image for representational purposes) Travelling isn't just about where you're going — it's about how you're getting there and what you're bringing along for the ride. This season, it's time to swap boring basics for watermelon-shaped neck pillows, pastel water bottles that double as accessories, and wearable fans that keep you cool and cute. Whether you're glamping in the hills or chasing sunsets by the sea, the right travel gear should be equal parts functional, fashionable, and fun. Neck fans are the new cool Handheld fans are passé. This season, it's all about neck fans that look like headphones but work like a portable AC. Lightweight and USB-rechargeable, these are perfect for sweaty airport lines, hot hikes, or sun-drenched city strolls. Extra cool points if yours lights up or comes in neon pastels. Bags with a twist Goodbye boring black luggage. Hello squishy totes, quirky slings, and jelly bags in baguette prints. 'This year, travel isn't just about where you're headed; it's also about how you express yourself along the way,' says Disha Singh, founder of Zouk. 'Travellers today are choosing bold, quirky designs that reflect their individuality and culture. It's not just about carrying your essentials — it's about carrying a part of your story. ' Quirky totes (Image Source: Instagram/ @the_madras_kadai) Suitcase, but make it sassy Custom luggage covers are having a moment. From retro cartoon prints to cheeky quotes and even pet portraits, your suitcase can now double as your personality on wheels. 'Luggage is no longer just about utility—it's a style statement,' says Naina Parekh, CEO of Eume. 'People are choosing vibrant colours, smart compartments, and ergonomic designs. It's about travelling proud — and organised.' Mesh sliders, fancy sandals and quirky flip-flops Mesh sliders, strappy sandals and foam flip-flops topped with oversized fruit charms are the season's unofficial uniform. 'For Indian weather, footwear needs to do more than just look good,' says Prateek Singhal, co-founder of Yoho. 'Mesh uppers allow air circulation and help prevent irritation or odour from sweat.' And as Natasha Dua, founder of Lino Perros, puts it: 'Style should never feel like a costume — it should feel like you, on your most confident day. ' Box: Sip in style Hydration has had a glow-up. Collapsible silicone bottles, pastel sippers, unique tumblers, and fruit-infuser flasks are being matched with outfits. 'We're seeing tumblers become the unexpected style statement of the season,' says Ackshay Jain, CEO of Culture Circle. 'Travellers are treating them like sneakers — picking colourways for different occasions.' Unique tumblers (Image Source Instagram/@fortheloveofpixiedust) Box: Grooming, but make it cute Travel grooming kits no longer need to look like first-aid boxes. Think cute mini perfume bottles, pastel soap cases, and chic sanitiser sprays. Also, don't forget the essentials: 'Precision razors, non-chromium nail clippers and skin-friendly tools are key to staying well-groomed on the move,' says Hitesh Singla, head of marketing at Kai India. Unique sanitizer cases (Image Source: Instagram @tumblrarrchive) Box: Snooze in style Catch those Zzz's on the go with eye masks that say 'Do Not Disturb', 'Nap Queen' or even have eyes painted open. Match them with plush earmuffs for in-flight snoozing in style. Watermelon shaped neck pillow (Image Source: Instagram/@yunicorner1)
AsiaOne
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
New French restaurant concept by Zouk Group to open in Bugis, Lifestyle News
Whether you're a French food connoisseur or just a foodie in general, you'll be glad to hear that there's going to be another option to choose from. Zouk Group announced that it will be launching its first-ever French restaurant concept The Plump Frenchman in Bugis on the week of June 16, the group said in a press release on Thursday (June 5). According to Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, the restaurant's launch is something that he has always envisioned doing. "As a longtime French food enthusiast myself, I've always dreamed of creating a place that blends all the things I love about French cuisine and brasserie culture with the energy of our Zouk brand. It's wholesome, playful and full of personality," he stated. The 70-seater brasserie will focus on serving classic French comfort food. The menu is conceptualised by Zouk Group's Chief Culinary Officer Lorenz Hoja — who was the executive chef at French gourmet restaurant L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Singapore. During his time there, he had helped to secure two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017. "French cuisine doesn't have to be rigid or overly refined, it should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting. At The Plump Frenchman, we're bringing back the joy of slow meals, shared plates, and dishes made with real heart," the chef stated. Some examples of items on the menu include the Demi Poulet Rotisserie ($17++), a slow roasted chicken dish, and Chipirons ($16++), a baby squid dish stuffed with chorizo, parsley and garlic in olive oil and lemon. For dessert, there's the Tiramisu au Citron ($11++), a classic Italian dessert with an innovative touch — swapping traditional coffee for lemon as the main flavour. From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant will offer Menu de Canut, a curated selection of set menus. The selection will include a two-course set (one main and one dessert) at $25++, three-course set (one starter, one main and one dessert) at $35++, and four-course set (two starters, one main and one dessert) at $47++ and is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm. The new restaurant's interior is inspired by retro French aesthetics. Zouk Group is also behind the launch of artisanal sandwich and donut shop Korio and the Five Guys franchises across Singapore and Malaysia. Address: Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-20, Singapore 188107 Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Mon to Sat), 11.30am to 3pm (Sun) [[nid:716572]]
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Zouk eyes Rs 1000 crore revenue in 4-5 years, doubles down on premium play and offline retail
New Delhi: Homegrown vegan lifestyle brand Zouk is gearing up for its next phase of growth with a target of reaching Rs 1,000 crore in revenue in the next 4-5 years and eventually hit the bourses, a company's official said. As of March 31, 2024, the company had reported an annual turnover of Rs 78.2 crore. However, it did not share the previous year's revenue figures. Having established a strong digital-first presence , Zouk is now turning its focus to exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), premium product launches, and a strategic global foray, co-founder and COO Pradeep Krishnakumar said in an interview with ETRetail. 'We've built a strong digital foundation, but we've always believed Zouk is a brand consumers want to touch and feel,' he said. 'That's where offline retail becomes critical.' The company currently operates over 10 EBOs and plans to expand to reach 20 stores by the end of this year. The brand's offline footprint has primarily focused on cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and tier 2 regions such as Indore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. 'Our expansion strategy includes entering more high-street locations and malls in non-metro cities, which are showing promising traction,' he shared. Talking about the brand's hero product, Krishnakumar said, "Our office bags continue to be the hero product. It's that sweet spot where style meets utility, and Indian women relate to it deeply." He added that laptop sleeves and slings have also gained traction, while backpacks, introduced recently, are being tested for scale. 'We don't expand categories for the sake of it — we evaluate data, market gaps, and customer demand,' he said. Premiumisation with purpose When asked about its premium offerings, he said, 'Premium in India can't just mean gold zips and a higher price tag. Our customers are value-conscious — they expect better materials, smarter compartments, and more thoughtful design.' The Rhea Kapoor x Zouk collection , launched earlier this year, represents this premium shift. The range has helped Zouk move into the higher price bracket while maintaining its vegan, cruelty-free promise. Zouk had raised $14.8 million in funding from investors like Stellaris Venture Partners, Titan Capital and Aavishkaar Capital. While the company isn't profitable yet, Krishnakumar said it's running a capital-efficient model. 'We are close to profitability but this is a build phase for us. We're investing in brand, retail, and team — profitability will follow,' he said. Offline retail is a big part of that build. 'We're not rushing into hundreds of stores. It's a phased rollout with a clear view on unit economics and brand visibility,' he added. Zouk is also looking beyond India. The company is exploring select global markets, starting with the US, Europe, and the Middle East. 'We've had early conversations internationally and we plan to start some work this fiscal. But for now, India remains our primary focus,' Krishnakumar said.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Baguette bag to clutch: A complete guide on how to match your bag with your outfit
Bags are more than just functional accessories. They go hand in hand with your style. It goes without saying that a great OOTD isn't truly finished without the perfect bag to tie everything together. From adding personality to bumping up your style points, bags are underrated multitaskers that carry your look. They can even salvage a frumpy outfit, transforming it into something presentable. There are many styles in the market, and knowing what goes with which outfit is where the real styling magic begins. Disha Singh, Founder of Zouk, shared with us some bag styles that are making waves and the fashion looks they pair best with: A post shared by 𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐈𝐀 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 (@ ALSO READ: Suhana Khan to Janhvi Kapoor: Ace the fundamentals of Gen Z saree style with fashion inspo from these new gen actors
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Get up to 70% off on trendy bags from top brands; Slay and save on stylish bags!
Ladies, if you've been carrying around the same tired tote since forever, it's time for a fashion intervention. Get ready to upgrade your arm candy because your favorite bag brands are now up to 70% off! So if you're into structured classics or quirky statement pieces, this sale has your name (and style) written all over it. From elegant slings to spacious shoppers, these trendy bags will be your new BFFs, carrying your world while making you look fab. Scroll through, shop smart, and let your bag do the talking! Zouk – Desi cool meets eco chic Zouk bags are like your favourite masala chai; modern, bold, and full of desi goodness. Proudly PETA-approved and 100% vegan, these bags blend Indian prints with urban silhouettes. Whether you're running errands or ruling your workday, Zouk's structured totes and chic slings add a cultural touch to your modern-day wardrobe. Plus, they're roomy enough to carry both your essentials and your sass. Caprese – The Italian daydream you can carry Caprese is your passport to effortless European glam. Think Santorini vibes with a side of practicality! With stunning shapes, pastel palettes, and a dreamy vibe, Caprese bags are made for brunches, boardrooms, and beachside escapes. They're classy without trying too hard, just like you on a good hair day. Add a little dolce vita to your everyday look! Lavie – Chic, functional, and ready for anything Lavie is for the girl who's got 99 things in her bag but messy style ain't one. From peppy prints to solid classics, Lavie has something for every mood and every mission, be it boss lady meetings or café catch-ups. These bags are a happy mix of trendy design and just-the-right-size functionality, so your style (and lip balm) is always within reach. Baggit – Cruelty-free, style-full Looking for a guilt-free glam upgrade? Baggit bags are 100% vegan, supremely stylish, and ready for all your fashion adventures. Whether it's a crossbody for coffee dates or a slouchy hobo for mall marathons, Baggit blends fashion with function effortlessly. Miraggio – Luxe vibes, affordable price tags Miraggio is the ultimate glam girl's dream. Every bag screams 'main character energy', with bold textures, shiny chains, and runway-ready vibe. If you love turning heads and collecting compliments, this is your bag soulmate. Perfect for parties, office OOTDs, and date nights where you want your outfit to pop, Miraggio serves elegance with a hint of drama. Lino Perros – Luxe looks, less spent Lino Perros delivers high-end vibes without blowing your budget. These bags are sleek, sophisticated, and practically made for those #OOTD shots. With buttery finishes, metallic accents, and timeless appeal, they're the perfect pick for the fashionista who loves luxury but also loves a deal. Ready to look rich without spending a fortune? Why settle for one when you can get more for less? With up to 70% off on top brands like Zouk, Caprese, Lavie, Baggit, Miraggio, and Lino Perros, this is the perfect excuse to refresh your bag wardrobe. Whether you want to level up your 9-to-5 or glam up your weekend looks, your dream bag is just a click away. Go ahead, treat yourself, you've earned it! Anarkali suits starting from ₹499: Spin into style with these stylish picks 8 best cotton suits under 1200 that will make you go WOW! 8 best baby luggage bags to add a cute touch while you travel with your little one Absolutely! From work totes to casual slings, these bags are both stylish and sturdy for everyday wear. Caprese and Lavie offer versatile designs that easily transition from work mode to weekend chic. Discounts may vary by style and brand, but many top picks are up to 70% off during the sale. Yes! Zouk and Baggit offer PETA-approved, cruelty-free options that don't compromise on style. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
