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Innovative collaboration for Poltrona Frau: Draga & Aurel create impact with the Parka seating collection.

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Poltrona Frau's Parka Sofa

Parka… think snuggly, soft, enveloping design with attitude.

On the occasion of Milan Design Week, Poltrona Frau presents its new Parka series of sectional and modular sofas. A collection that inaugurates an exciting collaboration with the creative duo Draga & Aurel.

This year, the 2024 Imagine Collection by Poltrona Frau invites our Imagination to emerge as a creative force that can manifest our dream interiors, shaping them to create a more relatable and personal space. With this in mind, and to give voice to the numerous and possible declinations of the theme, the luxury furniture brand has further expanded its roster of ‘in-house design consultants’, commissioning exciting new names to join forces on the various projects.

The renowned design duo Draga & Aurel has been invited to collaborate on the Imagine Softness theme. The Serbian/German design partners have been based in Como Italy for many years, and have a particularly impressive professional path which works across the spectrum of various artistic and cultural fields. Lovers of fashion, bespoke vintage and enveloping shapes, Draga & Aurel have always been particularly sensitive to the culture of textile recycling and upcycling.

In this first project for Poltrona Frau, they hone their exceptional talent with Parka, a modular seating system that pays homage to the iconic jacket. From pop stars to streetwear: in the ’90s the Oasis frontman (who was highly influenced by Mod’s ’60s fashion) managed to take an everyday garment and make it cool. The Parka jacket became the epitome of street style, a versatile, protective garment but soft and comfortable at the same time. Much like the iconic jacket, the Parka sofa coordinates effortlessly with all types of interiors and is extremely versatile, despite (or even because of) its strong personality. The soft lines and generously padded upholstery that skims the floor hint at comfort and relaxation. The unusual elliptical shape of the backrest, which inclines to become an armrest and then a seamless seat, creates a concave or convex space that is both audacious and welcoming, seamlessly coordinating with different styles of interiors.

“Not many companies are capable of embracing so many different external visions whilst still upholding a furnishing philosophy consistent with its identity.” states Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau, “Over the years, in the various collaborations with new designers, Poltrona Frau has always sought and upheld that sense of contemporary luxury which is able to respond in an aesthetic, conceptual and, above all, ethical way – to modern requisites.”

The Parka collection comprises modular elements: a concave or convex armchair without armrests or with a terminal armrest, the latter also in a maxi version, either right-side or left-side. It can be upholstered either entirely in Pelle FrauR, in the various types of leather present in the catalogue, or in a leather + fabric combination. In this case the leather is applied to the external structure, while the fabric is applied to the seat, backrest and armrest. Tone-on-tone top stitching completes the aesthetic.

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Lifestyle

Palmonas Joins Hands with Archies for Limited-Edition Women’s Day Initiative Across 56 stores

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Archies and Palmonas

Exclusive greeting card collaboration to be available across Palmonas stores nationwide on 7th

& 8th March

Palmonas Joins Hands with Archies for Limited-Edition Women’s Day Initiative Across 56 stores

New Delhi, 6th March 2026: Palmonas has partnered with leading gifting brand Archies to
launch a limited-edition Women’s Day initiative across 56 Palmonas stores nationwide. The
collaboration will go live on 7th and 8th March 2026, marking Women’s Day with a unique blend
of jewellery and heartfelt expression.
As part of the partnership, exclusive Women’s Day greeting cards, created specially for this
initiative, will be made available to customers across Palmonas stores pan-India. The
collaboration aims to enhance the in-store experience during one of the most significant retail
occasions of the year by combining meaningful messaging with curated gifting.
Commenting on the association, a spokesperson from Palmonas said, “This Women’s
Day, we wanted to celebrate the women who have made Palmonas a part of their lifestyle and
have supported the brand since the very beginning. For us, our customers truly are the queens,
and we wanted them to feel appreciated in a thoughtful way. Collaborating with Archies felt very
authentic — it’s a legacy brand that has always helped people express emotions through
meaningful gestures. Through this association, we wanted to tell our clients that while Women’s
Day is a beautiful occasion, our appreciation for them extends far beyond just one day.”
Speaking on the partnership, Varun Moolchandani and Hanisha Gandhi, Executive
Directors, Archies, said, “Women’s Day remains one of the most important occasions for us as
a brand built on expression. Through this collaboration with Palmonas, we are extending our
legacy of meaningful gifting into a dynamic retail environment. Together, we aim to offer
customers a more elevated and complete celebration experience across 56 stores nationwide.”
The initiative underscores a strategic collaboration between two consumer-focused brands,
leveraging retail presence and occasion-led engagement to create stronger customer connect
during Women’s Day 2026.
About Palmonas
Palmonas is India’s first demi-fine jewellery brand, redefining how the country experiences
luxury. Built on the principles of accessibility, artistic expression, and affordability, the brand
bridges the gap between fast-fashion imitation jewellery and expensive fine jewellery.
Founded by Pallavi Mohadikar and Dr. Amol Patwari, and later joined by actor and entrepreneur
Shraddha Kapoor, Palmonas was created with a strong consumer-first approach. In 2022,
founder Pallavi Mohadikar identified a clear gap in the market: traditional fine jewellery was
often heavy, expensive, and reserved for special occasions, while imitation jewellery lacked

durability, quality, and aspirational value. Palmonas emerged to fill this space by pioneering the
demi-fine jewellery category in India — offering premium quality pieces designed for everyday
wear.
At its core, Palmonas is driven by a simple mission: to create jewellery that women choose for
themselves, not just for weddings, festivals, or gifting occasions. Each piece is thoughtfully
crafted using high-quality gold plating and designed to be waterproof, skin-safe, and anti-
tarnish, making it both durable and accessible.
In just four years, Palmonas has grown into a network of 56+ stores across India, earning the
trust of thousands of customers and investors through its design-led approach, commitment to
quality, and innovation-driven growth.
About Archies
Archies Limited operates a chain of stores that sell greeting cards and gifts for the past 45
years. The company retails photo albums, baby books, jewellery and accessories, gift hampers,
perfumes, stuffed toys, and other gifts. Archies has grown with the spread of modern culture,
increasing urbanization, and improving standards of living. Adorability and sentiment drive its
brand appeal across all age groups and demographics. The company has established
exemplary mastery over its large network of distributors, retailers, and franchisees, with a
conscious focus on targeting malls and other prime retail spaces for store openings. Network of
1000+ sales points including company owned stores, retailers, franchise and distributors.
Website Link: https://archiesonline.com/

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Lifestyle

Archies Unveils ‘Archies Express’ Store Format, Targets 20 New Openings in FY26

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archies express store

To Redefine Youth-Centric Offline Retail

New Delhi, 3rd March 2026: Archies, a legacy brand in the social expression industry, has announced the launch of Archies Express, a new-age retail format designed to connect with today’s fast-evolving, style-conscious consumers. As part of this strategic expansion, the brand plans to open 20 Archies Express stores across India in the current financial year, marking a significant step in its retail transformation journey.
For decades, Archies has been synonymous with emotions, memories, and thoughtful expressions. With Archies Express, the brand is reimagining its legacy for a younger audience while staying rooted in its core philosophy of connection and self-expression. The new format places a stronger focus on lifestyle accessories, trendy collectables, stationery, and everyday expression-led products, reflecting changing consumer preferences that lean towards personalization, immediacy, and design-led purchases.
Commenting on the launch, Varun Moolchandani and Hanisha Gandhi, Executive Directors, Archies, said, “Archies Express is our way of evolving with the times while remaining true to the emotional DNA of the brand. Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek products that blend style, function, and personal expression. With this format, we are creating a retail experience that is faster, more accessible, and deeply relevant, while still
carrying forward the warmth and nostalgia that Archies is known for.”
The first Archies Express store is set to open at Unity One Elegante Mall, Netaji Subhash Place, a location chosen for its vibrant mix of young professionals, sRe.tudents, and families. The mall’s high footfall and lifestyle-driven
The ecosystem make it an ideal launchpad for introducing the youthful and dynamic identity of Archies Express. Distinct from traditional Archies outlets, the Archies Express store features a modern, minimalist, and vibrant design language. The curated product mix focuses on fast-moving, high-appeal categories such as contemporary
gifting essentials, lifestyle accessories, stationery, soft toys, chocolates, fragrances, and seasonal collections. The format is designed to encourage discovery and impulse buying, while offering an engaging, feel-good in-store experience.
In an era increasingly dominated by e-commerce, Archies Express reinforces the brand’s belief in the enduring power of offline retail. By creating compact, experience-led stores, the brand aims to revive the joy of browsing,
discovery, and emotional connection that has always defined the Archies experience—now tailored for a faster, more dynamic retail environment.
Looking ahead, Archies’ expansion strategy will focus on a balanced mix of metros and high-potential Tier 2 cities, with a strong emphasis on mall-based formats in high-footfall locations. Archies Express is designed to complement the brand’s existing stores, strengthening its overall retail presence rather than replacing the traditional format.
The new retail identity follows a cost-efficient, scalable model with lower capex per store, enabling faster rollouts and quicker breakeven. This approach aligns with Archies’ long-term growth strategy, focused on optimized operations, efficient inventory planning, and strong unit-level economics.

As Archies continues to bridge generations, Archies Express stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to evolve with changing times, bringing together nostalgia and modern retail sensibilities, and connecting those who grew
up with Archies and those discovering it anew.
About Archies
Archies Limited operates a chain of stores that sell greeting cards and gifts for the past 45 years. The company retails photo albums, baby books, jewellery and accessories, gift hampers, perfumes, stuffed toys, and other gifts.
Archies has grown with the spread of modern culture, increasing urbanization, and improving standards of living. Adorability and sentiment drive its brand appeal across all age groups and demographics. The company has established exemplary mastery over its large network of distributors, retailers, and franchisees, with a conscious focus on targeting malls and other prime retail spaces for store openings. Network of 1000+ sales points including company owned stores, retailers, franchise and distributors.
Website Link: https://archiesonline.com/

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Dining

Hafele Elevates Kitchen Design with the Premium Aesthetics of Cronus Digi-Step Hobs

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Hafele Elevates Kitchen Design with the Premium Aesthetics of Cronus Digi-Step Hobs

Hafele Elevates Kitchen Design with the Premium Aesthetics of Cronus Digi-Step Hobs. As kitchens evolve into refined lifestyle spaces, design has become just as important as performance. Today’s homeowners seek appliances that complement contemporary interiorswhile reflecting a sense of sophistication and modern living.

Recognising this shift, Hafele brings together thoughtful design and cutting-edge detailing in its Cronus Digi-Step Hobs, redefining the visual language of modern kitchens. 

Hafele Elevates Kitchen Design with the Premium Aesthetics of Cronus Digi-Step Hobs

Designed to make a subtle yet striking statement, the bevelled glass edges of Hafele’s Cronus Digi-Step Hobs lend a distinctly premium and minimalist aesthetic, seamlessly blending into a variety of kitchen styles. The sleek glass surface not only enhances visual appeal but also adds to ease of maintenance, ensuring the hob retains its elegance over time. Further elevating the design experience is the 7-segment digital display paired with intuitive touch control buttons, introducing a new dimension of contemporary sophistication. These refined elements enhance both form and function, offering effortless control while reinforcing the hob’s modern, tech-forward character. With its clean lines, premium finishes, and  intelligent design cues, Hafele’s Cronus Digi-Step Hobs stand as a perfect harmony of aesthetics and innovation, crafted for kitchens that value style as much as performance.

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