So from hooded kurta shirts and crinkled slit skirts to sleeveless polos and drawstring pants, they are offering it all. As they believe accessories are an intrinsic part of a look, there even is a limited range of bags and belts to tempt you on. In fact the collection -- which enables one to mix and match casual and formal wear -- proved to be so popular, that stocks are running out barely two weeks into the promotion. ``We're concentrating more on women,'' clarifies Malhotra, ``They are more fashion-oriented and enable us to be more aggressive with our styling and creativity.'' But the men, who presently comprise about 60 per cent of Benetton's clientele, need not despair, as every collection will have something for them too.

In fact, it is this conservatism in the Indian market -- even amongst the 15-25 year olds whom the chain is targeting -- which Malhotra uses to defend the difference in the range available in the West and here. ``Additionally we can't offer such a variety of fabrics,'' he says, adding that the Indian quality is fast reaching international standards and they are even exporting to outlets in Australia and New Zealand. This is the first season they're introducing these themes and judging by the response, they hope that soon a new theme will have regulars crowding in for an image uplift. ``World over the style of the season is promoted and people upgrade their look to suit it,'' points out Malhotra, ``As we will be focussing on women, who are more adventurous anyway, I don't see why that shouldn't happen here.''