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2016 has been a weird year but there have been some upsides to it. E-commerce grew like never before thanks to demonetization and as a result, fashion as a category has been positively affected this year. 
 <keyword id="824043" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Business-Insider">Business Insider</keyword> decided to delve into five trends that have upped the ante for fashion due to e-commerce. Here they are: 
 
The rise of Fashion re-commerce The idea of re-commerce involves reselling products or items as you outgrow them. Today there is an increasing awareness among consumers to re-use and recycle and for the longest time there was no platform that allowed selling and buying of goods that are still in perfect condition. This gave birth to a number of re-commerce <keyword id="4790514" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fashion-startups">fashion startups</keyword> such as Coutloot –where you can buy and sell pre-loved clothes very easily and <keyword id="2988345" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="zapyle">Zapyle</keyword> that sells pre-owned luxury goods. 
 
<a href="http://BI Year-Ender: Five emerging start-ups that got $100 million funding in 2016">ALSO READ: BI Year-Ender: Five emerging start-ups that got $100 million funding in 2016</a> 
 
Online to offline fashion retail A decade ago, most websites were essentially a digital brochure comprising images, descriptions, and specifications of products you could buy somewhere else. Soon the online platforms started selling products and services on their platforms. Hence online to offline shopping concept evolved and many retailers took the omnichannel route. For instance <keyword id="6388367" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jabong">Jabong</keyword> has announced the full-service retail store in Bangalore, similarly, Mumbai fashion startup <keyword id="3345167" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fynd">FYND</keyword> launched, an in-store feature that helps customers Browse + Discover products that are available, not just in that store, but every store of that brand. 
 
<keyword id="6357455" type="EVENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Funding">Funding</keyword> in Fashion startups 
Indian based entrepreneurs are successfully using social media to create fashion communities that together discover, share and, most importantly, buy. While the fashion e-commerce space is already crowded, there are few unique fashion tech startups that are opening greater possibilities in the exclusive world of fashion. Talent &amp; discovery, social &amp; talent networking platforms, focusing on community building, to re-commerce, a lot of fashion-tech companies have created a niche for themselves and growing exponentially. This also remains one of the main reasons why Fashion startups continue to draw investor’s attention. 
 
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Focus on homegrown fashion talents and professionals 
India has emerged as the one of the world’s largest talent producing countries in fashion. Lack of opportunities and limited access to the world outside are the existing challenges for aspiring minds from Tier 2 / 3 market. With the help of digitization, few fashion startups are able to connect this talent and create avenues for them. From talent networking to portfolio management these platforms have a lot to offer. 6Degree a fashion-tech platform has created opportunities for not only new designers but also for fashion professionals who have started late in their career. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/45-of-indian-millenials-consulted-for-lifestyle-diseases-in-2016/articleshow/56240441.cms">ALSO READ: 45% of Indian Millenials consulted for lifestyle diseases in 2016</a> 
 
Customer experience on priority 
Use of technology for enhanced fashion buying experience, hassle-free exchange and return etc 
A lot of Fashion based startups are shifting their focus on customer delight to bring in the enhanced buying experience. Implementing newer technology for the smooth transition, they are making sure that consumers interact with retailers in multiple ways. Innovation in technology has led these startups to create a unique proposition that helps them standout. Innovative technology-driven concepts like digital stores, Virtual assistant, Fashion chat bots are introduced everyday is bridging the gap between retailers and customers, like never before.

Fashion Startups that started five Top Trends of 2016

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/56201177.cms" />Those days are long gone when people used to save their salaries for home, car, medical, retirement, etc. This is the age to spend. 
 
Millennials are not waiting for the future and are splurging. Be it travel, buying luxury items or treating themselves with fancy things, millennials are not shying away from spending and think saving for future is not their “cup of tea”. 
 
"Today the average age of an Indian is 25 and they've entered the workforce with a mobile phone in their hand. As their awareness increases, so does their disposable income and aspirations - they want to earn more and at a younger age,” said Rashi Menda, Founder, Zapyle. 
 
Millennials don’t believe in working for the future and are more of passion-driven. 
 
The digital age has also given millennials a lot of options to splurge on. When it comes to fashion, millennials want to look the best and are not batting an eyelid before spending on luxury wear. 
 
Around 80% of millennials in India spend almost Rs1,990 per month when shopping online. Around half of all Indians spend Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 on clothes each month. As per Zapyle, 75% of Indians with a household income of Rs15 lakhs or more spend Rs 1,500 or more per month on clothes. 
 
(Image: Thinkstock)

Millennials don’t believe in working for the future. Here’s what they are spending on the most

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 Luxury is a luxury of the rich, or so it used to be. If you’re looking to buy branded clothes to feel like a million dollars, you <keyword id="7308" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Don">don</keyword>’t need to spend million dollars anymore. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/exclusive-this-indie-musician-raised-more-than-two-lakhs-in-six-hours-through-crowdfunding-for-his-upcoming-album/articleshow/57082834.cms">ALSO READ: Exclusive: This Indie-musician raised more than Two Lakhs in Six Hours through crowdfunding for his upcoming album</a> 
 E-commerce sites like Zapyle are giving you a taste of owning luxury items, at a discounted price, and what’s more, you can buy second-hand but in mint condition <keyword id="6" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="fashion">fashion</keyword>, for a fraction of the price at this online store. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/check-out-bluestone-coms-quirky-customized-collection-for-valentines-day/articleshow/57082192.cms">ALSO READ: Check out BlueStone.com’s Quirky customized collection for Valentine’s Day</a> 
 
We talked to four ladies who swear by this site to fulfill their latest luxurious cravings and here is how they’re being smart about it.

You can buy and then sell your designer valentine’s day outfit on this e-commerce site. Here’s how.

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/54832466.cms" style="height: 536px; width: 800px;" />It is time to dress up in bright, vibrant colours and look shiny and blingy as the festive season has already kicked in and Diwali is also round the corner. 
 Everyone has started scanning through the <keyword id="25009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="latest-fashion-trends">latest fashion trends</keyword> to try out different styles and look trendy yet traditional. 
 
This festive season also, don’t shy away from experimenting with new fashion trends. And this time, it is all about mix and match of modern cuts with traditional wear. 
 
“A beautiful amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship and modern tailored cuts is in fad. Unconventional silhouettes such as a tie-die kurta, dhoti set from designers like Anjali Jani are perfect for this festive season,” said Rashi Menda, Founder &amp; CEO, Zapyle, which is an online portal for luxury fashion. 
 
Once you have decided on what to wear, don’t miss out on teaming it with accessories that can take your fashion quotient a notch higher. 
 
Here are 6 looks that Menda has recommended this festival season and are latest fashion trends 
 
When in doubt, sparkle 
 
Flaunt sequins and mirror work to add an Indian touch to your outfit. Any ensemble that allows you to bring out the bling this season is a good choice, and is sure to make heads turn. “But don’t go overboard with the sparkle. Try to balance the look out by choosing an outfit in soft pastel colours like mint green or baby blue. Keep the accessories simple and subtle and let the sequins on your outfit do the talking,” suggests Menda. 
 
Pink &amp; Green Net Lehenga 
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If you have a wedding to attend this festive season, keep that red saree aside. A heavily embellished two toned pink and green lehenga with double layered net skirt, net dupatta and mirror work and embroidery all over, is both colourful and dressy and will work for you. 
 
Keep it casual 
 
The season has multiple festivals so you can try a different look every time. “Wear earthy and light absorbing shades for casual ethic looks and experiment with stunning statement accessories,” says Menda. 
 
You can pair embroidered Gujarati-style kurti with tie dye dhoti pants, that is great for daily wear as well. Accessorize with flashy kadas, maang tikas, jhumkas and kamar bands and you’re good to go. 
 
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Cream Jacket Top &amp; Dhoti Set 
 
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For a super traditional yet modern look, this cream-coloured, Chinese-collared embroidered backless jacket top coupled with matching flowy dhoti pants and dupatta is perfect for day or evening wear. 
 
Tradition with a twist 
 
Lehengas and anarkalis with intricate embroidery and embellishments are an excellent way to instantly look graceful and traditional. If you're looking for something heavier for evening festivities, this traditional floral jacket embellished with thread work and mirror work, and worn over a red net anarkali, is just the outfit. Bonus: You won’t need to spend too much time deciding footwear and accessories, because the outfit is the showstopper. 
 
Floral Jacket Anarkali 
 
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Opting for a modern ensemble on one of the nine days injects some fun and also gives you a break from heavy-duty dressing. How fun does introducing a crop top into the traditional mix sound? Also, try out crop top and kurti with pants set. 
 
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This festive season, try these 5 stunning looks that are in fashion

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/57255059.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
 The <keyword id="6360189" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget">Union Budget</keyword> 2017-18 was the most crucial one with soaring expectations from the government to put forward populist policies that included revamping the tax structure and implementation of Goods and <keyword id="645517" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="services-tax">Services Tax</keyword>. 
 One of the key announcements made in the domain of financial sector was the decision to do away with the <keyword id="62529" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foreign-Investment-Promotion-Board">Foreign Investment Promotion Board</keyword> (<keyword id="6360345" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="FIPB">FIPB</keyword>). 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/uber-partners-with-reliance-jio/articleshow/57254320.cms">ALSO READ: Uber partners with Reliance JIO to allow payments with JIO Money</a> 
 
FIPB had come into existence under the Prime Minister's Office in the wake of the economic liberalization drive of the early 1990s. The scrapping of FIPB to ease the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment can be regarded as a forward-looking approach, as it envisages foreign companies to invest in the country with ease. 
 
The elimination of FIPB will see only 10% of the foreign investment approvals go to the Board while 90% done via the automatic route. The latest move will delegate more powers to the regulators or to the individual ministries or departments that require government approval. 
 Currently, FIPB offers single-window clearance for applications on FDI in India that are under the approval route. The <keyword id="6355261" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-minister">Finance Minister</keyword> also announced that further liberalization of the FDI policy is under consideration and necessary announcements will be made in due course. 
 
This shows the government’s commitment to eradicating red-tapism and boost foreign investment in the country. The government has further taken up a number of reforms to liberalize the FDI regime. Over the past two years, the Centre liberalized 15 sectors for FDI along with some sweeping amendments introduced to the FDI policy in seven sectors, including civil aviation, defense, and pharmaceuticals. With the chances of more FDI money being infused into start-ups, this move is bound to promote new ventures in several underserved sectors of the economy. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/booking-com-is-providing-startups-in-tourism-sector-a-chance-to-go-to-amsterdam/articleshow/57253587.cms">ALSO READ: Booking.com is Providing Startups in Tourism Sector a chance to go to Amsterdam</a> 
 
The Centre has also laid emphasis on a cashless economy and the government’s decision to demonetize high-denomination currency notes on November 8, 2016, has made people shift to e-wallets and other payment options in a massive way. Several e-commerce companies have benefitted due to the shift towards cashless payments, and, the government believes that with greater digitization comes higher GDP growth. 
 In a bid to promote cashless transactions, The <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Minister’s host of measures such as exempting miniature point of sale (POS) and micro-POS machines from countervailing duty (<keyword id="6358127" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="CVD">CVD</keyword>) and special additional duty (SAD) will prove beneficial to several e-commerce companies. 
 
The FM’s proposal for start-ups to avail a three-year tax holiday in the first seven years of their operations has come as a relief for several new and upcoming e-commerce entities. This will be a welcome move for start-ups set up post-March 31, 2016, as they will now be able to enjoy tax benefits. E-commerce companies can make the most of the tax relief, as they will be able to allocate these funds in adopting newer technologies, hiring skilled resources, implanting newer strategies, etc. This will also enable e-commerce companies to create more job opportunities and strengthen their core teams. 
 
On the other hand, while the industry expected the elimination of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT), the FM has allowed carrying forward MAT up to a period of 15 years instead of 10 years at present. While this decision has not gone down well with all the entrepreneurs, the extended carry forward of MAT credit will enable companies to offset their future tax liabilities once the profit-linked investments are phased out. 
 The tax-reduction revenues for companies with a turnover of up to Rs 50 crore to 25% from an earlier 30% will be beneficial to 6.67 lakh companies in India. This will prove to be a big relief to the emerging e-commerce companies. However, certain quarters found the lack of mention of Angel Tax for early-stage startups in the <keyword id="6358021" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget">Budget</keyword> disappointing and many expressed their concerns that the Budget is being less inclusive even within the start-up ecosystem with financial services given greater priority over other sectors. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/snapdeals-shopo-shuts-down-roposo-kraftly-see-surge-in-sellers/articleshow/57208653.cms">ALSO READ: Snapdeal's Shopo Shuts Down; Roposo, Kraftly See Surge In Sellers</a> 
​ 
Overall, the budget sends out a message to investors that India anticipates a rapid growth. The liberal FDI policies, removal of FIPB, a host of tax measures along with initiatives proposed to build a digital India shows that the government is poised to reignite the country’s growth engine and run a stable race in an increasingly uncertain economy. 
 
This article was originally authored by Rashi Menda, CEO &amp; Founder, Zapyle

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Fashion Startups that started five Top Trends of 2016

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You can buy and then sell your designer valentine’s day outfit on this e-commerce site. Here’s how.

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This festive season, try these 5 stunning looks that are in fashion

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