From drops to depth: why fashion consumers now want meaning, not just merch

by | Jan 12, 2026 | Branding, Storytelling | 0 comments

Not long ago, hype drops ruled fashion. Limited runs, surprise launches and scarcity drove attention. But the consumer has changed.
Today, we are seeing a slowdown in behaviour and a shift in expectations. People still want newness, but they want it with context, clarity and care. Increasingly, they are choosing brands that stand for something beyond the drop.

For fashion brands operating in a layered, culture rich market like India, this is not a threat. It is a creative opening. One that strong communication can unlock.

Merch can sell, meaning builds memory

We have worked with lifestyle brands that had excellent products but forgettable narratives. Sales spiked. Recall did not.
In an overcrowded market, memory matters.

The brands building long term value today are those connecting to deeper ideas like sustainability, craft, community, culture and identity. Not through preaching, but through expression.

When a homegrown label framed a collection around reinterpreted Indian textiles and paired it with short films featuring local artisans, the campaign did more than earn coverage. It created emotional resonance.

Drops still work, but they need a why

Limited editions are not obsolete. But urgency without purpose fades fast.
Audiences want to know why a capsule exists, what inspired it, who shaped it behind the scenes and how it fits into the brand’s larger journey.
We helped a D2C brand turn seasonal launches into an ongoing format called The Edit, anchored in cities, moods and stories. It was not a tactic. It became a narrative people returned to.

Long term relevance beats short term hype

Industry research consistently shows that post pandemic consumers are gravitating toward brands with shared values. Transparency, ethical production and circular thinking matter, but only when they are real.

This is where communication becomes reflection, not promotion.

Strong fashion brands show not just what they are launching, but what they believe. And they do it consistently across platforms, in a tone that feels thoughtful and credible.

Fast fashion still moves, but depth is the direction

If your communication strategy relies only on urgency, influencer codes and launch day spikes, you may be chasing attention that does not convert.
Fashion today is a conversation. Presence is earned over time.

If you want loyalty instead of momentary hype, start speaking like you are building something meant to last.

 

 

About Author

Vikram Kharvi

Vikram Kharvi

CEO, Bloomingdale PR

With over 27 years of experience, I specialize in transforming business challenges into opportunities through innovative marketing and PR strategies.