As actor Ranbir Kapoor prepares to step onto the sets of his next Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Love & War, his newly launched fashion label, Arks, is gradually making its way into the wardrobes of his fans and India’s fashion-conscious crowd.

A quick look at his collection reveals a seamless blend of his personal style—minimalist yet stylish—designed to appeal to a younger, fitter audience. Given his immense popularity and the label’s reasonably priced merchandise, scaling his business may not be a challenge, especially if he expands through multi-brand retail outlets across the country. While his exact plans remain undisclosed due to his busy film commitments, for now, he seems content with his flagship store in Mumbai and Arks' online presence.

For decades, celebrities worldwide have introduced their signature styles through fashion and beauty brands, with some turning them into multi-million-dollar businesses. Football legend David Beckham’s wife, Victoria Beckham, launched her eponymous fashion label; Kim Kardashian created Skims; and Beatles icon Paul McCartney’s daughter, Stella McCartney, founded a globally celebrated brand, which was once part of the Kering Group before partnering with LVMH and later parting ways. Other notable celebrity fashion and beauty ventures include Sarah Jessica Parker’s SJP, Beyoncé’s Ivy Park (formerly in collaboration with Adidas), and Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage x Fenty.

Closer to home, Bollywood celebrities have also ventured into the fashion and beauty space. Salman Khan’s Being Human, launched in 2012, has grown into a well-established brand. Anushka Sharma introduced Nush, while Rhea and Sonam Kapoor launched Rheson. Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty, Hrithik Roshan’s HRX, and Tiger Shroff’s activewear label Prowl have all gained traction. Shahid Kapoor’s Skult, Saif Ali Khan’s House of Pataudi, Alia Bhatt’s maternity wear brand Ed-a-Mamma, Sonakshi Sinha’s press-on nail brand SOEZI, Priyanka Chopra’s haircare line Anomaly, and Deepika Padukone’s fashion label All About You, along with her cruelty-free skincare brand 82°E, further highlight the trend of celebrity-driven brands.

According to a fashion designer who preferred to remain anonymous, it’s too early to determine how many of these brands are built for long-term business growth. “Some start these ventures out of passion, as a means of expressing their aesthetic sensibilities. Others, like Being Human by Salman Khan, incorporate philanthropy into their business model,” he explains. “However, regardless of their motivation, these brands hold massive appeal. If priced correctly and managed professionally—covering production, distribution, marketing, and sales—they have enormous potential.”

There was a time when fashion models were wary of film stars dominating the runway. With actors now stepping into the fashion business, should designers feel threatened? “Not yet,” says the designer. “Right now, most celebrity brands focus on casual wear, which doesn’t directly compete with what we do. However, if they expand into designer couture or the wedding segment, clients may start looking their way.”

Coming back to Arks by Ranbir Kapoor, the collection includes knitted hoodies and sweatshirts, jersey T-shirts, denim wear, bomber jackets, cargos, chinos, joggers, and a range of sneakers for both men and women. “I haven’t visited the store yet since I’ve been busy, but when I’m in Mumbai, I’ll definitely check it out. From what I’ve seen so far, the apparel is wearable, and I can’t wait to shop,” says Ranbir’s sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.

With its focus on minimalism and simplicity, coupled with accessible pricing, Arks is set to capture the attention of young consumers increasingly drawn to celebrity-led fashion and beauty brands. While a well-known name provides a strong marketing edge, the long-term success of these ventures ultimately depends on how each celebrity chooses to scale their business.