29th August 2021, Mumbai:

Designers Shantanu & Nikhil have launched their 2021 festive couture collection ‘Oasis’. As per a Vogue Business report, 70 per cent of the collection comprises menswear, showcased alongside key womenswear silhouettes.

The collection taps into the label’s signature tropes. It includes military-inspired detailing, juxtaposed with tribal motifs. For the men, it offers printed silk draped kurtas, armour-esque bandis, military-detailing festooned bandhgalas, cowl trousers, jewelled brooches and safas. For the women, the designers have created hybrid styles that can be worn anywhere They have paired voluminous drapes with sharply constructed bodices to form one-of-a-kind pieces, then embellished with hand-embroidery, crystals and leather appliqué in a palette of gold, navy, red and blacks, as well as in multi-hued digital prints for the neo-luxe bride.

Oasis’ infuses timeless designs with unique elements and contemporary ease. The collection hits all the boxes—a design edge, unapologetic glamour and masterful construction.

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• Flipkart, an Indian online retailer, has strengthened its supply chain network in Karnataka, creating over 14,000 jobs
• Nehha Chandra to be the new Head-Marketing for Ritu Kumar Brands

Watch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnQ6v9wBHyOlRPSDgJMsJaA

24th August 2021, Mumbai:

Aeromen, the exclusive men’s wear brand from M K Enterprises was established in 2010. It offers men’s semi-casual and formal shirts. The brand recently expanded its product basket by adding sports, business, power dress range. Manoj Prajapati, Brand-in-Chief, elaborates on the new collection and other offerings from the brand.

Elaborate on your latest offerings.

Earlier known for semi-casual and formal shirt, we have expanded our range with sports, business and power dressing shirts. Our current portfolio includes chequered, strips and plain shirts for men between 18-60 years. Aeromen’ unveils fresh collection every season. The products are made with high quality fabrics including 100 per cent cotton, linen, denim, Tencil, monza, twill giza cotton, etc. Their perfect fits and cuts enable men to customize their personal styles for a flawless casual look

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

Elaborate on your retail operations

MK Enterprises has made Aeromen’s presence felt across the country with stores in all major states and metros. Most of our stores are located in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Our manufacturing unit in Jogeshwari, Mumbai undertakes 100 per cent in-house production through our fashion designers, production personnel and staff.

What are your views on the current industry scenario? The garment industry has taken a setback due to continued COVID-19 induced lockdowns. Business has slowed down. However, it is slowly regaining lost ground.

TOP 5:

• Aks, a womenswear company, has debuted its first 'Mother-Daughter Duo' collection
• In Coimbatore, the Tamil Nadu government has eased retail regulations
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• Gajra Gang is a new private label launched by Nykaa Fashion
• Denim's domestic downturn is mitigated by strong exports

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

Mother-daughter duo Sonal and Karnika Kisnadwala have launched Kaanjj -- a new, multi-brand e-commerce store that plans to bring contemporary Indian fashion to a global market.

With a focus on womenswear, the store aims to cater to Indians across the world looking for Desi clothing with a story behind it. Some of the womenswear brands featured on the new e-commerce store include Aditi Somani, Studio Medium, Urvashi Kaur, Ahmev, Kapardara, Linetribe, and Little Things, among others. The curated selection focuses on timeless pieces which highlight Indian textile traditions and are suitable for multiple generations of women, according to Kisnadwala.

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

The business aims to become a platform from which to promote up-and-coming South Asian designers to a global audience. The business also focuses on garments made from sustainable textiles with slow fashion values.

TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

26th August 2021, Mumbai:

India’s largest D2C fashion brand Bewakoof.com plans to accelerate its growth plans by investing in marketing, branding, technology and talent acquisition. As per a BW Disrupt report, the company aims to achieve Rs 2,000 crore in sales by 2025. Bewakoof recently launched several digital campaigns featuring celebrities like Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra and Farhan Akhtar. It also plans to sign other A-list celebrities to launch high decibel marketing campaigns across digital, OOH and TV. Another plan includes launching a gamification led loyalty program to upgrade its Bewakoof Tribe by new and exclusive launches for the club members.

Launched in 2012, by Prabhkiran Singh, Founder and CEO, Bewakoof has become synonymous with trendy fashion range of clothing, flip flops, mobile covers. In the last two years, the company has successfully rolled out several new categories like kurtis, indo-fusion apparel, denims, etc. Having served six million customers till date, Bewakoof aims to add one million subscribers in the next two years from the current 150,000, by launching exclusive collections and giving early access to the tribe members.

Watch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnQ6v9wBHyOlRPSDgJMsJaA

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• Export demand is causing a denim downturn in the United States

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

Driven by the values of trust, quality and excellence, Bodycare International has emerged as India’s leading innerwear brand. Launched in 1992, Bodycare International manufactures and supplies kids’ undergarments, infant wear, thermals and loungewear. Its pioneering products have helped revolutionize the Indian innerwear space.

With Satish Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, helming the company, Bodycare International has gone on to be counted among India’s top five innerwear brands. It Bodycare International is known for its stylish products that reflect the sentiments and aspirations of urban consumers. Mithun Gupta, Director, elaborates on the company’s operations and future plans.

Throw some light on your collection for the upcoming season.

We launched a new anti-viral themed range of apparels for infants and kids. The range revolves around Disney and Avengers characters.

It also includes a range of anti-viral masks for men and kids. For Autumn/Winter 2021, we have focused on orange infused red tone and Mandarian red colors. Conforming to present times, the collection incorporates anti-bacterial and anti-viral technologies. It is mostly made in cotton and cotton-blends with a vibrant color pallet.

What is your current product range?

We mainly offer innerwear for infants and kids, and apparels and thermals for the entire family. Our products target high middle-income groups and are priced between Rs 80 to Rs 999. Innerwear and thermals are some of our best-selling products.

What is your retail network?

We mainly focus on North India market and have over 5,000 retailers. Our presence spreads between 15,000 MBOs, 15 EBOs and 120 large format stores. Besides the North, we have a strong presence across East and West India and aim to penetrate Tier II and III cities in South India soon.

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

What are plans for the future?

We plan to set up 50 EBO’s by 2023 besides expanding our current production capacity. We also aim to launch an international collection of infants and kids innerwear.

TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

Couturier and designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s new collection in collaboration with H&M has been criticized by artisans who accused him of ‘selling out’ by tying up with brands whose values run contrary to his.

However, Mukherjee defends his stance saying, his aim with this collaboration was to do change India’s perception from just a manufacturer of luxury products to a strong global luxury brand. In his new collection, Mukherjee uses digitized Sanganeri prints on viscose, instead of hand block-printed on cotton or silk as is traditionally done by Rajasthani artisans

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

The designer has also signed a deal with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail for a horizontal expansion. Through this deal, Mukherjee will expand into the beauty, fragrances and eyewear categories.

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TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

26th August 2021, Mumbai:

Long dominated by occasion wear and formal wear, Indian menswear market is witnessing a newfound interest in contemporary clothing being created by homegrown labels. Focusing on style and comfort, these clothing ranges are being launched at affordable price points. One such range launched by designer Rina Singh, Owner of women’s wear brand Eka, reveals a GQ India report. Singh’s range includes easy-to-wear styles, timeless designs, and well-constructed clothes crafted using natural textiles. She believes, men in India have never focused on daily wear styles. Their choices have been mostly governed by festive wear from high street and luxury brands.

Demand for sustainable clothes grow

The pandemic has emphasized the importance of responsible buying to Indian men. Consumers now prefer buying clothes made with sustainable materials, transcending seasons and occasions. This is creating an opportunity for domestic brands to make their mark. Brand Lovebirds by Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh leverages this opportunity with a new menswear line launched recently. The collection offers clean designs and minimal prints on casual everyday wear.

Changing lifestyles and rise in work from home culture have fuelled demand for comfort wear amongst Indian men, explains Singh. Eka’s new menswear range uses upcycled and recycled textiles from the brand’s archives, making the collection a more meaningful and conscious investment.

Moving away from high-street labels

One big challenge Indian brands face is reaching the average male consumer. Women’s wear brand Jodi by Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani ventured into menswear on customer demand. They launched a menswear collection, The Hideaway featuring the brand’s signature prints. However, menswear brands are rarely visible in the market, feels Verma. A few that exist have to compete with high street brands and their pricing model. Male customers mostly depend on these high street brands and the mass market for their clothing choices, she adds. However, consumers are slowing moving away from high-street brands to fresh, homegrown labels, says Singh who received a positive response to her new range. The brand benefitted from creating online imagery to introduce menswear subtly.

Seasonless collections on the rise

Launched on Ogaan, Eka’s menswear range has received an encouraging response from customers, says Madhurbain Anand, Business Head, Ogaan. Anand hopes to see more contemporary collections from Indian designers in future. As a part of consumers’ daily wardrobes, young menswear labels like Harago, Itoh, and Bareek are launching seasonless collections. These collections are being appreciated not just by Indian but also international consumers. New sustainable streetwear brands like Prxkhxr, Op Haneen, No Grey Area, and Almost Gods too are launching collections. Menswear rooted in Indian heritage is being appreciated in the global market.

Affordable labels to drive market growth

Lavishly designed, Indian menswear is often extravagantly priced. However, the market also offers more affordable options. For instance, Jaypore a part of the Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail recently forayed into menswear category. The brand plans to offer ethnic and everyday wear for men in natural and sustainable fabrics. ABFRL has also collaborated with designer Tarun Tahiliani to create a new subsidiary to focus on affordable menswear. The brand will offer great quality and Tahiliani’s signature fit and his penchant for colors. The venture will offer outstanding quality to consumers at affordable rates.

The menswear sector offers immense potential for future growth, Anand says. Entry of new labels at affordable price tags along with the rise in e-commerce is expected to boost the sector’s growth in India.

TOP 5:

• Afghanistan's unrest has impacted the textile business in Surat, India.
• 'More Group' with an initial investment of Rs. 150 crores, enters the clothing retail market
• GOTS certification has been accepted by Intertek
• Export demand is causing a denim downturn in the United States
• Ikea plans to establish its first "city store" in India in Mumbai

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

Womenswear brand Saaksha & Kinni will soon launch its first seasonless collection titled Pixel.

As per a Fashion Network report, the collection marks the start of the brand’s seasonless journey with a range of versatile silhouettes featuring the brand’s signature digital prints. It features more formal looks such as blazers and more ethereal pieces such as floaty dresses. Mixed, clashing prints add an eclectic feel and draped elements add a touch of grecian inspiration.

Currently four years old, the brand Saaksha & Kinni was built around an emphasis to create impactful and comfortable occasion wear. With over eight years of experience in designing embroidery swatches in house for leading brands such as Balmain, Ellie Saab, & Armani, it decided to translate its embroideries into its own garments.

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

The brand aims to take its luxe-boho garments to the greater audience, all the while representing India and staying true to its heritage yet keeping in mind the needs of the modern global woman.

TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

India's leading casual and denim manufacturer, Arvind Fashions has raised Rs 439 crore from various marquee investors including promoters by issuing equity shares of the company. Kulin Lalbhai, Non-Executive Director, believes this will significantly strengthen the company’s balance sheet and allow the business to pursue its growth strategy while insulating it from any COVID related uncertainties.

The funds were raised from investors including Akash Bhanshali, existing shareholders including ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, various foreign institutional investors including University of Notre Dame Du Lac, GP Emerging Markets Strategies LP, The Ram Fund LP and other investors. Aura Merchandise, a promoter entity also participated in the preferential issue for an amount of Rs 40 crore, it added.

Last month, AFL sold its Unlimited retail chain to value fashion retailer V-Mart Retail for an estimated Rs 150 crore in an all-cash transaction. The company holds a portfolio of both international and indigenous brands which includes US Polo Assn., Arrow, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Flying Machine, Aeropostale and Ed Hardy.

TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

24th August 2021, Mumbai:

Leading fashion brand Myntra has partnered with London-based digital fashion brand Urbanic to offer a differentiated collection of over 2,500 styles to shoppers on the platform.

The partnership aims to target young fashion-conscious consumers looking for trendy, affordable, far-from-basic styles across categories, including apparel, loungewear and accessories.

The new collections -- including tops, denims, winter wear, lingerie, swimwear and accessories -- will be available on Myntra from September 1.

The partnership between Urbanic and Myntra gives an edge to one of the world's biggest bases of Gen-Z -- one of the primary consumer segments of Myntra -- fashion shoppers as it creates wider accessibility, especially with Myntra being the preferred launchpad and platform for fashion brands in engaging with digitally native audiences across the country.

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Myntra’s association with Urbanic can enhance the later's reach and foothold in the country and offer opportunity for consumers to access a wide range of trendy 'grammable' pieces.

 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

TOP 5:

• Aks, a womenswear company, has debuted its first 'Mother-Daughter Duo' collection
• In Coimbatore, the Tamil Nadu government has eased retail regulations
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• Gajra Gang is a new private label launched by Nykaa Fashion
• Denim's domestic downturn is mitigated by strong exports

23rd August 2021, Mumbai:

India’s largest independent ad agency Rediffusion has received the creative mandate for fashion brand JJ Valaya. The brand encompasses couture, ready-to-wear, ome and a CSR initiative, The Free Spirit Foundation (FSF).

JJ Valaya is a part of the pioneering group of Indian fashion designers who started the style revolution for Modern India. He is a founding member of the Board of Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the first official brand ambassador for global crystal giant Swarovski, a brand he continues to work with passionately.

JJ Valaya's enviable legacy of 28 years has earned him the title 'Czar of Indian Couture'.

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/DFUPublications/videos

Founded in 1973 by Diwan Arun Nanda, Ajit Balakrishnan and Mohammed Khan, Rediffusion Brand Solutions is one of India's most iconic advertising agency groups. The agency, known for its category defining work, has been responsible for building powerful brands over the years. Rediffusion's recent mega brand wins include SBI, Tata 150 years mandate, Liebherr & Tata Trusts. The agency group also continues to handle Tata Sons, Tata Motors, Parle, TVS Tyres, Taj, L&T Realty, Godfrey Philips, Eveready, HPCL, Audi, GSK, Danone, Sun Pharma, to name a few. The Rediffusion Group today comprises Rediffusion, Rediffusion Direct, Rediffusion Healthcare Communications, Everest Brand Solutions & Rediff.com. Rediffusion is now fully held by Diwan Arun Nanda & Ajit Balakrishnan.

TOP 5:

• India's clothing exports increased to $7.48 billion in the first half of this year, thanks to a massive recovery in major destinations
• The ‘ABOF' of Indian clothing behemoth Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail is linked to e-commerce platforms
• Arvind Fashions receives Rs 439 crore from promoters and investors
• Tirupur's clothing industry is concerned about container scarcity and lockdowns
• The government has formed a council to recommend measures to increase handloom production and exports

19th August 2021, Mumbai:

Tracing its origins from the Sanskrit word Devi, Shree offers well-priced, comfortable, everyday ethnic wear for woman. The brand from New Delhi-based ethnic wear manufacturer and distributor SHR Lifestyle is offering ‘Khuski ke 100 bahane’, their latest A/W’21 collection. Sandeep Kapoor, Chairman and Managing Director, elaborates on the brand’s upcoming collection and future plans.

What is your new collection?

Titled ‘Khuski ke 100 bahane’, our A/W’21 collection is the festive collection from Shree celebrates life’s happy moments amid uncertain times. It offers a mix of handmade pre-festive, semi-festive and festive ranges. Inspired by togetherness, nature and hope, the collection reflects the positivity created by increased vaccinations in consumers’ minds. The silhouettes are a mix of plain and festive outfits with minimal embellishments like Kanchan and Philauri ranges. The Kantha Katha range popularizes popular stitches of the fashion industry.

What are your product categories?

We offer kurtis and kurtas, ethnic sets, salwar kameez dupatta sets, tunics, dresses and bottoms. We plan to venture into the ready-to-stitch category.

What are the key fabric trends for the season?

We primarily focus on skin-friendly and comfortable fabrics. The most preferred fabric is cotton. However, we also offer outfits in rayon, blends of cotton and polyester, blends of polyester and silk, etc. The prints on these fabrics are a fusion of geometric with floral, ornamental and geometric designs. We also merge ornamental motifs with geometric prints. Our color palette is pastel, white and subtle hues.

Elaborate on your retail network.

We are primarily operational in Northern Indian cities like New Delhi and Punjab. Our first store opened in New Delhi, in 2015. Currently, we have 95 stores spanning 50,000 sq ft pan India. We aim to take our store count to 200 in the next two years. We also have a strong online presence through our web portal www.shreelifestyle.com

We aggressively promote this website on all offline channels. It is not only user-friendly but also easily accessible, and responsive.

Are you planning any changes in your business model post COVID?

The pandemic has significantly altered consumers’ behavior. There is greater inclination towards online shopping. To cater to changing requirements, we are exploring e-commerce platforms, store-to-door deliveries, kiosks, and WhatsApp shopping.

Is your brand working on value engineering to be more realistic in present times?

Since inception, we have offer complete value for money options to our consumers. The minor details in our garments such as pockets, side locks and safety stitches, help maximize their value. Most of our garments are made with natural, breathable fabrics like LIVA, cotton, rayon, etc, making them easy to wear and versatile. These garments are low to maintain and can be easily washed at home.

What are your future plans?

We aim to expand into the Tier III, IV and V cities towns of India

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