25 July 2024, Mumbai

Language, a leading name in footwear, proudly introduces its latest men's sneakers: the Lex and Rafe. These new styles marry contemporary design with superior comfort, setting a new standard in casual footwear.

The Rafe sneaker is crafted with a lightweight fabric upper and features a removable footbed and cushioned collar for a personalized fit and lasting comfort. Its sleek design and modern aesthetic make it a versatile choice for daily wear.

In parallel, the Lex sneaker stands out with its blend of fabric and leather accents, offering a fashion-forward edge that's perfect for casual outings. Both models effortlessly pair with chinos or denim and a casual shirt, ensuring a standout look without compromising comfort.

Language is available at exclusive outlets in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, and over 250 multi-brand stores nationwide, including Metro Shoes and Mochi.

Latest Fashion news

 24 July 2024, Mumbai

Owner of the popular women’s wear brand ‘Go Colors’, Go Fashion (India) plans to expand by adding 120-130 EBOs each year. These EBOs will be set up in Tier II and III cities in the northern and eastern regions of India. Currently, the company operates 734 EBOs across 164 cities.

In Q1, FY 2025 alone, Go Fashion opened 20 new EBOs increasing its total store count to 734. The company aims to open around 120 new stores during the entire FY25, as per GautamSaraogi, CEO, Go Fashion (India).

It also plans to open its first international store in the Middle East by 2024-end. The store will be opened in partnership with the UAE-based Apparel Group.

Go Fashion will open each of these outlets with an investment of around 37 lakh. They will generate around 80 per cent of the company’s revenues in the coming years.

In Q1, FY24, Go Fashion’s net profit rose by 9 per cent to Rs 28.7 crore from Rs 26.3 crore in Q1 FY 2024.

The company’s revenue increased by 16 per cent during the quarter, reaching Rs 220 crore as against Rs 190 crore in the same period last year. The company’s sales from the online channel totaled Rs 21.8 crore.

Latest Fashion news

 24 July 2024, Mumbai

Following rigorous international jury rounds at the UK, EU, APAC and India regions, Reliance Industries has announced six finalists for the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (CDC).

The shortlisted designers include: WenyanXu, Saltless (EU); Tsang Fan Yu (APAC); Silvia Acién, Acien (UK), and Gautam Malik, Jaggery; RitwikKhanna, RKive City, and ChandiniBatra, A Blunt Story (India).

Hemant D. Sharma, Sector Head-Polyester, Reliance Industries says, the R|ElanTM Circular Design Challenge exemplifies the company’s dedication to foster innovation and circularity in the fashion industry. Through this challenge, the company continues to work towards a greener future by identifying and supporting eco-conscious designers and incentivising scalable circular solutions.

The challenge enables the firm to create a circular economy that benefits both the environment and society, adds Sharma.

JaspreetChandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, avers, CDC pushes the needle on climate action by discovering and mentoring circular fashion designers and innovators, helping them scale and empowering them to drive real impact.

Launched six years ago, the Circular Design Challenge marked its first-ever global edition last year. This year’s global finalists will travel to New Delhi in October to join the India finalists for the final round of judging.

In October, the Lakmé Fashion Week x Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) jury will select a CDC winner. The winner will receive Rs 15 lakh in funding, the CDC trophy, a six-month mentorship program, and a stand-alone showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI in March 2025. The runner-up will also receive Rs 5 lakh in funding.

Latest Fashion news

25 July 2024, Mumbai

Sourcing fabric from weaver clusters to support sustainable incomes, the brand Ethnix by Raymond plans to expand by opening over 300 stores in the next two years.

Of this, the brand plans to open over 50 stores in 2024 itself. Ethnix is currently focusingon domestic market, targeting Tier I cities and beyond, including Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV towns.

The brand also introduced a casual range called ‘Smart Ethnix,’ featuring designs like short kurtas and linen trousers, appealing to fashion-forward Gen Z while using traditional Indian fabrics.

An occasion and ceremonial menswear brand, Ethnix by Raymond embarked on its journey in 2017, launching initially through trade channels. The brand quickly gained popularity, prompting Raymond to establish a distinct identity for Ethnix. The brand opened its first exclusive brand outlet (EBO) in 2019.

Comprising men, women, and kids' wear, the Indian ethnicwear market sees women dominating with an 85 per cent share, followed by men at 12 per cent and kids at 3 per cent. Despite rapid growth, the unorganised sector poses a significant challenge with its competitive pricing and hyper-customisation. Organised players are countering this by innovating designs and silhouettes, improving exclusive brand outlet reach, and leveraging technology for enhanced shopping experiences.

BidyutBhanjdeo, Chief Business Officer, highlights the key trends driving growth in the organised ethnic menswear market. These include the rising popularity of Indian ethnic wear for occasions spurred by media portrayals of grand celebrations; the entry of organised brands, leading to a shift from unorganised to organised markets; increased penetration of branded stores in Tier I, Tier II, and beyond; and the evolution of fusion wear, blending Western and Indian styles.

Bhanjdeo also notes a growing demand for pastel shades, tonal designs, and fabrics like silks and linens. Emerging categories include short, casual kurtas, fashionable bottomwear, and asymmetric silhouettes, with increased demand for intricate garment work.

Bhanjdeoemphasises the importance of omnichannel capabilities. While basic ethnic wear sees some online sales, most purchases occur in-store due to the high-involvement nature of the category. In-store shopping allows consumers to complete their look with matching accessories and customise their purchases, he notes, The stores of Ethnix by Raymond are interconnected to enable quick inventory transfers. They are also listed on e-commerce marketplaces to drive online sales.

Latest Fashion news

24 July 2024, Mumbai

Foraying into the outerwear market, VIP Clothing has launched a newathleisure brand Rivolta.

Offering a wide range of apparel for men and women including T-shirts, shorts, joggers, the brand embodies the company’s vision to combine comfort with style and sustainability. It sets a new standard for leisurewear and athleisure in the industry, says Sunil Pathare, Chairman and Managing Director, VIP Clothing.

KapilPathare, Director, VIP Clothing adds, the brand offers clothes that not only look good but also enhance the everyday lives of customers. Each of its garment pieces is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Rivolta products will be available for purchase on online marketplaces and select retail stores across India.

Latest Fashion news

 24 July 2024, Mumbai

E-commerce industry leaders and experts have welcomed the announcements made in the Union Budget 2024-25, highlighting their potential to boost economic growth.

Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO, Flipkart Group, states, the budget will help enhance India's human and organisational capital, remove supply chain bottlenecks and support MSMEs. The reduced TDS rate will free up working capital, boosting sellers' efficiency.

DhireshBansal, CFO, Meesho, adds, the reduction in TDS rates will improve liquidity for small businesses, enhancing working capital efficiency and fostering parity between online and offline operations.

A spokesperson from Amazon India notes, combined with the Amazon Global Selling program, the reforms announced in the budget will empower Indian MSMEs to reach global markets, moving closer to their goal reaching $20 billion in e-commerce exports by 2025.

Dinesh Gulati, COO, Indiamart Intermesh adds, the new schemes and increased Mudra loan limits will provide essential financial assistance, driving the sector's growth and global competitiveness.

Latest Fashion news

The 79th National Garment Fair (NGF) 2024, organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), was inaugurated on July 23 by Seerna Rajamouli of R S Brothers. The event, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon and Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, features over 1300 apparel brands across 1 million square feet of exhibition space.
The fair, running from July 23 to 26, showcases a wide range of Men’s Wear, Women’s Wear, Kids Wear, and Accessories. It brings together retailers, distributors, and industry leaders from across India.
CMAI dignitaries, including President Rajesh Masand, Vice President Rohit Munjal, Hon. General Secretary Santosh Katariya, Hon. Treasurer Ankur Gadia, and Chief Mentor Rahul Mehta, were present at the inauguration.
Rajesh Masand expressed optimism about the upcoming festive season, highlighting the fair's role in showcasing the industry's resilience and providing a platform for brands to display their latest collections. Seerna Rajamouli praised the variety and positive energy of the fair, emphasizing its importance as a sourcing platform for buyers.
Rohit Munjal emphasized the fair’s commitment to innovation, fashion, and trends, providing trade visitors with the opportunity to explore diverse collections. Rahul Mehta anticipated growth in volume and profits for the apparel industry during the festive season, noting the initial positive response.
The National Garment Fair, renowned for its prestige, serves as a key platform for national and regional brands, manufacturers, designers, and fashion accessories producers to connect with retailers, agents, distributors, and e-commerce companies. The domestic apparel market is projected to reach $105.50 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 3.81 per cent from 2024 to 2028.

24 July 2024, Mumbai

The Q1, FY25 net loss of Spencer’s Retail narrowed to Rs 43 crore ($5.2 million) from Rs 64 crore in the same quarter last year.

The company's total income decreased by 1 per cent to Rs 576 crore from Rs 582 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

ShashwatGoenka, Chairman, Spencer’s Retail, says, the company continues to focus on improving profitability and key metrics like margin, operating costs, and driving omni-channel growth. It targets profitability by scaling down operations in the South and NCR. This allows the business to expand in its core and pursue higher growth opportunities in the East and North.

A part of the RP-SanjivGoenka Group, Spencer’s Retail is a multi-format retailer offering a wide range of products across categories such as fashion, general merchandise, personal care, and home essentials.

Latest Fashion news

24 July 2024, Mumbai

A renowned plus-sized fashion brand by Absolute Brands, Big Hello plans to expand its retail presence by opening new stores in Chennai and other key cities across Tamil Nadu in the coming months.

The brand recently inaugurated two new stores in Chennai. Located in the City Centre and Pondy Bazaar, these two stores offer an extensive range of clothing and accessories for plus-sized customers.

The stores feature a diverse selection of plus-sized apparel, including shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, chinos, shorts, blazers, kurtas, ethnic bottom-wear, and bandh galas. In addition to clothing, they also sell accessories such as belts, tummy tuckers, scarves, ties, pocket squares, and suspenders.

ModitaTripathi, Brand Head, Absolute Brands, says, these two stores offer the brand’s customers in Chennai an easy access to Big Hello’s well-fitting, stylish, and thoughtfully designed fashionwear, allowing them to boldly express their style and individuality without compromise.

Big Hello currently operates in 18 locations across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Guntur. The brand also maintains a strong online presence with its e-commerce store and aims to launch 50 new stores within this financial year.

Latest Fashion news

24 July 2024, Mumbai

Shoppers Stop, a stalwart in India’s retail landscape, is undergoing a strategic transformation. The company is charting a new course, venturing into the luxury segment and simultaneously expanding its footprint in the value format market with its new venture, InTune. These bold moves are driven byevolving consumer preferences and the competitive dynamics of the retail industry.

The need for evolution

The Indian retail industry is undergoing a change, driven by changing consumer preferences, rapid urbanization, and the rise of e-commerce. To stay relevant, traditional retailers like Shoppers Stop must adapt to these evolving dynamics.

The Indian consumer is becoming increasingly discerning and demanding and to meet these expectations, the retailer needs to offer a diverse range of products and services that cater to different segments of the population.

Foray into luxury

Shoppers Stop's entry into the luxury segment is a strategic move to tap into the growing affluence of Indian consumers. The luxury market in India has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven by a burgeoning upper-class and a desire for premium products and experiences.

By introducing luxury brands and creating a differentiated shopping experience, Shoppers Stop aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and position itself as a destination for aspirational consumers.The company has already initiated collaborations with renowned luxury brands and is investing in creating opulent store environments to cater to the discerning tastes of its target audience.

The InTunestory

Simultaneously, Shoppers Stop is expanding its reach to value-conscious consumers through its new format, InTune. This move is aimed at capturing a larger share of the mass market, which constitutes a significant portion of the Indian population.

InTune offers a curated selection of products at competitive prices, focusing on essentials and everyday fashion. By adopting a leaner store format and leveraging technology, the company aims to achieve operational efficiency and offer attractive price points. The success of InTune will depend on Shoppers Stop's ability to strike the right balance between affordability and quality, while maintaining a consistent brand image.

The road ahead

Shoppers Stop's strategic initiatives are a testament to the company's commitment to staying ahead of the curve. By diversifying its portfolio and catering to different consumer segments, the retailer aims to strengthen its market position and achieve sustainable growth. Their vision is to become a multi-format retailer, offering something for everyone as they believe that by focusing on customer needs and delivering exceptional experiences, they can achieve their goals.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Intense competition, changing consumer preferences, and economic fluctuations are some of the factors that could impact the company's performance.

Shoppers Stop's success will depend on its ability to execute its strategy flawlessly, build strong brand equity, and leverage technology to enhance customer experience.

Shoppers Stop's foray into the luxury segment and the launch of InTune mark a significant milestone in the company's journey. These strategic initiatives reflect the retailer's understanding of the evolving market dynamics and its determination to stay relevant. The future of Shoppers Stop appears promising, but the company will need to navigate the challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities to achieve long-term success.

Latest Fashion news

24 July 2024, Mumbai

Zyod, a tech-driven fashion manufacturing firm founded in 2023 by AnkitJaipuria and RiteshKhandelwal, Co-Founders, is making waves in the B2B sector with its design-to-delivery services for fashion brands. Recent budget announcements have set the stage for significant advancements in manufacturing, innovation, and employment.

AnkitJaipuria highlighted the budget's focus on manufacturing and youth upskilling as a significant opportunity for the sector. He emphasized that key measures like the abolition of the angel tax and the simplification of FDI rules are expected to attract private investment, bolster India's global trade position, and foster growth in the industry.

RiteshKhandelwal echoed this optimism, emphasizing the benefits for MSMEs. He highlighted the Prime Minister's package, which includes a job creation scheme and an enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, as particularly promising. The increased Mudra loan limit and revised TReDSonboarding threshold are expected to greatly benefit small businesses. Additionally, credit support during stress periods and collateral-free loans for machinery are anticipated to drive innovation and expansion in the sector.

Zyod anticipates these initiatives will bolster the manufacturing sector, ensuring business continuity and fostering long-term growth, reinforcing India’s position in global trade.

Latest Fashion news

 24 July 2024, Mumbai

A brand renowned for its premium suiting and shirting fabrics Mistair has named Aditya Roy Kapur as its new brand ambassador. Blending timeless elegance with modern flair, Mistair offers fabrics featuring specialty weaves, finishes, and textures suitable for any formal or social occasion.

Over the years, Mistair has garnered popularity across various demographics. The brand’s identity aligns perfectly with style and youthful energy embodied by Kapoor, says Ramesh Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director of Siyaram's, Together, Mistair and Kapur aim to inspire men nationwide to embrace sophisticated style and elevate their fashion sense, he adds.

Echoing Poddar’s views, Kapur says, the brand’s new collection offers designs that exude sophistication with a touch of modern flair. It combines classic elegance with contemporary trends, making it ideal for the modern man who values both tradition and innovation.

As the new face of Mistair, Kapur's charisma and fashion sense are set to captivate audiences, further cementing Mistair's reputation for delivering the finest in fashion.

Latest Fashion news