In a significant move to address concerns surrounding the recent hike in GST rates, Santosh Katariya, President, and Ankur Gadia, Vice President of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), held discussions with Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Minister of Home, Industry & Culture, Government of Gujarat. The meeting took place in Gandhinagar on January 2, 2025.

During the discussions, Shri Sanghavi demonstrated a proactive approach by arranging an immediate meeting with Shri Kanubhai Desai, Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of Gujarat. The CMAI leadership presented detailed facts, figures, and recommendations regarding the GST rate hike and its potential impact on the textile and apparel industry.

Both Shri Sanghavi and Shri Desai expressed their wholehearted support for the concerns raised by CMAI. They instructed the relevant officers in the Gujarat government to take note of the issues and forward them to the Central Government for further consideration.

"This engagement represents a significant step forward for our industry. The support shown by both Hon’ble Ministers gives us optimism for positive outcomes in the days to come," said Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI.

CMAI believes this development could pave the way for critical decisions that would alleviate the challenges faced by businesses due to the GST rate hike. The association remains hopeful that these discussions will result in constructive policy changes at the national level.

The industry now looks forward to swift action and favorable resolutions that will support its growth and sustainability.

11 March 2024, Mumbai

Fashion's AI Renaissance: Becoming a success story in itself

The fashion world is undergoing a thrilling metamorphosis, fueled by the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

Yes, you read it right this isn't just about sci-fi garments; AI is transforming every industry, and the textile & fashion space is no stranger to being impacted by the nuanced aspects of fashion, from the initial spark of a designer's idea to how that perfect outfit lands in your shopping cart.

Forget the technical mumbo jumbo; let's unpack how groundbreaking AI advancements are weaving a future of intelligent fashion.

AI is treating you: A bigger picture

AI armory is not a single tool but rather a workshop filled with unimaginative, innovative equipment. Machine learning (ML) analyzes trends and social media to ignite design inspiration or even generate unique patterns. ToolBox has much more such as computer vision, like a super-powered camera, which helps robots meticulously craft and cure garments, reducing criminal waste and production time.

AI insightfully can even predict in-depth demand and optimize shipping routes, aiming to ensure your clothes arrive faster (shorter turnaround) and with less environmental impact.

Hold your breath, But the magic doesn't stop there. In stores, AI-powered virtual stylists can become your fashion gurus, recommending styles that flatter your figure, and ego and complement your taste/likings.

What gives immense hope to space getting transformed on the back of transformative technology is the sustained ride of established brands, retailers, and innovative startups embracing this technology, we're on the cusp of an incredible revolutionary era in the universe of smart clothing.

Exhibiting a remarkable journey of AI-empowered fashion

Understanding how people feel about AI-powered shopping, co-managing shopping, delving into consumer experiences with AI in stores, and exploring their perceptions and trust levels can be critical pieces of today's fashion supply chains.

Growing concerns; We can identify potential roadblocks by analyzing the data, like privacy concerns or clunky user interfaces. After all, AI should enhance the shopping experience, not complicate it. Addressing these concerns is crucial for wider AI adoption in fashion.

A million-dollar question: Are we ready for AI fashion?

The sector verdict: With the changing dynamics, a collaborative future approach where human credible creativity and incredible intelligent technology join forces to deliver the magic.

Reach @ scale; AI democratizing promises to streamline processes as unit economics continue to be front & center of operational efficiencies, personalize immersive and experiential shopping experiences, and redefine how we discover and purchase clothing.

As we embrace this transformative era, AI paves the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and exciting fashion journey for all responsible corporate citizens.

Hardwired: Don't try too hard to fit in!

In all fairness, the sector is asking perpetually for value correction, it's a business imperative to ensure ethical considerations are addressed. AI shouldn't perpetuate bias or prejudice in design or marketing, and transparency, traceability are core to the fundamentals.

The consumer piece of business—interaction is very, very strong in the digital era! Consumer outreach is going to be the driving force behind only supporting the case for brands improving their imagery as consumers keep evolving and have deservedly started to ask for value proposition metrics/repurposing for smart & new-age clothes they wear.

Latest Fashion News

05 March 2024, Mumbai

A prestigious showcase: Currently underway, Moscow Fashion Week (MFW) cements Russia's rising status in global fashion. From established brands like Perce-Neige to rising stars like IRMASARI JOEDAWINATA and LENA KARNAUHOVA, the opening ceremony set the tone for a week brimming with fresh perspectives and exciting new labels.

This focus on homegrown talent highlights MFW's commitment to nurturing Russia's future fashion leaders.

A melting pot of creativity: MFW boasts a diverse range of designers, with both local talents and international names, particularly from emerging markets, showcasing their collections. This unique blend fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and aesthetics, inspiring creativity and cultural understanding. MFW's commitment to international exchange fuels innovation and strengthens its position as a global fashion hub.

Beyond the catwalk: MFW extends beyond the runway. A dedicated B2B showroom facilitates crucial connections between designers, buyers, and industry professionals, fostering business growth. Additionally, a dedicated market empowers smaller labels and independent sellers.

A touch of art: World Fashion Shorts, a film festival showcasing fashion-related short films, adds another layer to MFW. This unique program infuses art and storytelling into the event, solidifying its position as a multifaceted fashion experience.

A glimpse into the future: MFW is more than just a glamorous event. Its focus on innovation, international exchange, and nurturing local talent positions Russia as a frontrunner in the global fashion landscape. The ongoing event serves as a strong indicator of the nation's growing influence in the world of style.

Latest Fashion News

Birla Cellulose, the sustainability-focused Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) business of the Aditya Birla Group, has once again demonstrated its leadership in responsible wood sourcing by securing the Number One ranking in Canopy’s Hot Button Report 2024.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Birla Cellulose has received the highest rating of ‘Dark Green Shirt,’ cementing its position as a global leader in sustainable practices. The Hot Button Report, released annually by Canopy, a not-for-profit environmental organization, is a critical resource for fashion brands and retailers.

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The report independently assesses MMCF suppliers based on their forest fibre sourcing practices, enabling stakeholders to make informed choices that align with biodiversity conservation and deforestation-free supply chains. Commenting on the achievement, H.K. Agarwal, Managing Director of Grasim Industries Ltd. and Business Director of Birla Cellulose, said, “Birla Cellulose is proud to be leading the collaborative effort for scaling up Next Gen solutions.

This prestigious recognition affirms Birla Cellulose’s unwavering dedication to enhancing sustainable wood sourcing practices, forest conservation, and maintaining transparency in the value chain.” Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy, also commended the company’s efforts: “Hearty congratulations to Aditya Birla Group for once again securing the top spot in Canopy’s 2024 Hot Button Report.

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We commend their hard work to remove Ancient and Endangered Forests from the MMCF supply chain and are encouraged by their consistent progress in bringing Next Gen fibres to market at scale.

We look forward to their continued leadership in 2025 in driving the sector’s transition to low-carbon Next Gen production.” Birla Cellulose continues to invest heavily in research and development, focusing on Next Gen Solutions.

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Through lab and pilot-scale trials, the company explores a diverse range of feedstocks to reduce the impact on forests. These efforts are aimed at significantly scaling up the use of Next Gen Solutions to transform the MMCF industry sustainably.

With 11 sites for pulp and fibre manufacturing, Birla Cellulose leverages environmentally efficient closed-loop technologies to minimize resource consumption and carbon emissions.

Its five advanced research centers, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, further underscore its commitment to innovation and environmental conservation.

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11 March 2024, Mumbai

Generative AI sparks a fashion renaissance. From design to shopping, every aspect is evolving. Buckle up for a revolution, just like ChatGPT reshaped communication.

Snapshots; Artificial intelligence (AI) is weaving its magic through the fabric of the fashion industry, transforming everything from trend forecasting and personalized clothing to immersive online shopping experiences.

Let's delve into the key areas where AI is making a palpable impact:

AI Revolutionizes curating/crafting Tailored Experiences

Externalities: AI leverages data to understand individual preferences, enabling the creation of garments specifically tailored to each user and flattering customers.

Bridging the gap between designers and consumers to be more aligned with the demanding consumer's desirability, fosters a more individualized, uniquely curated, and fulfilling fashion experience.

Sustainability today is front and center: AI plays a crucial role in optimizing production processes, minimizing waste, conserving depleting resources, and encouraging eco-friendly practices that leave less impact on the planet. This sustainability ethos translates to a more responsible industry that prioritizes environmental well-being.

Enhancing Online Shopping: AI-powered virtual models and fitting rooms are revolutionizing online shopping by offering immersive experiences like virtual try-ons. These innovative features blur the lines between the online and physical shopping worlds, providing greater convenience and ease for consumers.

Looking ahead

AI has the potential to push the boundaries of fashion even further. A glimpse into the future of fashion is that "smart clothing embedded with AI technology promises exciting functionalities and innovative designs, taking fashion beyond mere optics/aesthetics and into the realm of mechanics, leading to seamless technological integration aligned with the expectations of the day.

AI stylists are here! Using your browsing habits and past picks, smart algorithms recommend clothes that match your taste and current trends. It's like having a personalized fashion advisor in your pocket.

Latest Fashion News

29 February 2024, Mumbai

The Exciting World of Fashion Reimagined by AI

GenAI Ushers in a New Era

The fashion industry is undergoing a tectonic, structural & transformative revolution driven by Generative AI (GenAI).

This powerful technology, akin to ChatGPT, is reshaping everything from design and marketing to the customer experience.

Unpacking incredibles:

• Revolutionizing Customer Service: Something of a seismic shift in terms of new age outcomes such as Chatbots powered by GenAI are providing exceptional service, crafting engaging content, and even writing code for fashion software.
• Hyper-Personalization: GenAI tailors garments to individual preferences and body types, minimizing waste and maximizing customer satisfaction. This shift promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion.
• Digital Fashion Takes Center Stage: Virtual design and 3D printing eliminate physical samples and production runs, reducing environmental impact.

Unknown unknown

• Embrace Change: Adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration between fashion and tech is crucial for success.
• Ethical Concerns: Data privacy and potential job displacement require careful consideration.

The Future Beckons: A Symphony of Innovation

GenAI presents a vast array of opportunities: A Palette of Possibilities

• Instant Content Creation: Generate captivating visuals, product mockups, and marketing materials with ease.
• Predictive Power: Foresee trends and anticipate customer needs, ensuring brands stay ahead of the curve.
• AI-Powered Stylists: Receive personalized fashion recommendations and discover your next must-have piece before it even hits the market.

Come & join where 'Fashion Meets Technology'

Imagine a virtual world where the metaverse unfolds: Challenges and Considerations

• Your digital avatar tries on outfits that adapt to your mood and preferences.
• AI stylists curate personalized recommendations.
• Customers become active participants, interacting with clothes and fellow fashion enthusiasts in real-time.

The human is always the centrepiece!

GenAI is a powerful tool, but human ingenuity remains irreplaceable.

Evenly divided between 'Technology with Creativity'; The future lies in a harmonious collaboration between AI and human creativity.

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Embrace the Fashion AI-powered Revolution

The fashion industry is on the cusp of a transformative era.

A place to be; the growth story of the fashion industry, given increasing consumer discretionary spending.

Vibrant, optimistic, & full of self-confidence, 'A turning point in the fashion industry'.

Therefore, given there is no negative surprise to this space, there is a case for the way it is anchored today, unlocking the potential of GenAI and redefining the future of fashion dominated by emerging dynamic technologies impacting a whole host of evolving landscapes.

Latest Textile News

Monsoon brings a refreshing change but also presents unique challenges, especially when dressing your little ones. As parents, ensuring your baby stays comfortable, dry, and safe in such weather is paramount.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while choosing clothes for babies during monsoon season:
1. Opt for Breathable Fabrics:
During monsoon, humidity levels are very high. So, it is necessary to look for fabrics like cotton and linen that are breathable and feel soft against the baby’s skin. As a parent, one should go for a brand that is conscious about children's sensitive skin and makes garments from sustainable organic cotton that complies with OEKO-TEX international safety standards.
2. Comfortable Outfits:
Rain leads to humidity and dampness, which may cause itching and rashes on the sensitive baby's skin. It is therefore important to make sure that the clothes they wear are comfortable and not too tight.
3. Embrace Layering:
Weather can be very unpredictable during the rainy season with sudden dip in the temperature at times. Hence, layering your baby’s clothing is crucial. Start with a light base layer like cotton, and then add a full sleeved top or light jacket for warmth. This approach allows you to easily adjust your little one's outfit according to the weather.
In summary
Embrace the beauty of the monsoons by choosing the right clothing for your baby. These tips will help you keep your little one happy, safe, dry, and most importantly comfortable, hence allowing your baby to enjoy the rainy season to the maximum.

CREDITS: Contributed by  CHICCO India, a Baby Care specialist brand from Italy!

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06 March 2024, Mumbai

GenAI Ushers in a New Era

Changing paradigms; The fashion industry is experiencing a seismic shift, a structural and transformative revolution powered by Generative AI (GenAI). This powerful technology, akin to ChatGPT, is reshaping everything from design and marketing to how customers experience fashion in the fast-changing fashion landscape.

DEEP DIVE; Delving into some of its incredible possibilities:

A time when the customer is 'QUEEN': A paradigm shift is underway, with GenAI-powered chatbots providing exceptional service, crafting engaging content, and even contributing to fashion software creation.

Hyper-personalization takes primacy: GenAI tailors garments to individual preferences and body types, minimizing waste and maximizing customer satisfaction. This shift fosters a more sustainable fashion industry.

Embracing AI for Transformation: Use cases

The fashion industry is experiencing a digital metamorphosis, with AI tools transcending mere possibilities to become potent collaborators. 

From platforms like The New Black, generating personalized designs in a flash, to tools like Ablo, enabling businesses to forge their AI-powered brands, a new epoch of creativity and customization unfolds. Context setting; These are just a glimpse of the transformation. Companies like Cala and Designovel leverage AI to spark innovative design concepts, while Vue.ai tailors the shopping experience for individual consumers.

Prevalent services like Stitch Fix seamlessly blend AI with human expertise to curate clothing selections.

This movement transcends a passing trend; it signifies a foundational shift. AI isn't usurping creativity, but rather amplifying it.

These tools aren't just software; they're gateways to a future where data empowers intuition, style meets precision, and artistic vision flourishes alongside machine intelligence.

The future of fashion undeniably lies in the hands of AI, and it promises to be thrilling.

Digital Fashion Takes Center Stage: 

Embracing Innovations; 'A good reference point'.

Fashion Forged in the Future; aligned with the interest of the day!

Make a case for 'Virtual design and 3D Printing' to eliminate physical samples and production runs, significantly reducing environmental impact.

This opens up a world of possibilities for GenAI, unlocking its potential to redefine the future of fashion, dominated by emerging dynamic technologies that will have a profound impact on the evolving fashion landscape.

Latest Fashion News

Domestic Textiles, a leading player in India's linen, wool, and cotton markets, participated in Bharat Tex 2024 India's premier textile festival. 

As a market leader with a rich heritage dating back to 1949, Domestic Textiles boasts unparalleled expertise and nationwide infrastructure across nature-based fibers. They set industry benchmarks for quality, design innovation, and sustainability.

Bharat Tex 2024, a global convergence point for the textile industry, took place February 26-29 in New Delhi. Domestic Textiles, operating through JayaShree Textiles, Vikram Woollens, and Grasim Premium Fabric, showcased their diverse offerings.

Linen Dominance:

Domestic Textiles dominates the linen market, offering a vast range of pure and blended products sourced from authentic European flax.

Their Linen Club brand, the most extensive design collection in India, caters to all linen enthusiasts through over 8500 multi-brand outlets and 220 exclusive stores. Linen Club is India's No. 1 Linen Brand and a supplier to top international and domestic brands like Louis Philippe and Blackberrys.

Wool and Cotton Expertise:

Domestic Textiles excels in producing high-quality merino wool and offers a range of worsted wool products. Additionally, they manufacture premium cotton fabrics under brands like "SOKTAS" and "Giza House," catering to leading Indian and global menswear brands with on-trend designs and innovative weaves.

Sustainability Leadership:

Domestic Textiles emphasizes sustainability through its "Wealth-out-of-Waste" initiative, promoting a circular economy by recycling and reusing waste linen materials. This initiative exemplified their commitment to eco-friendly practices across the value chain, from sourcing to waste management.

Their commitment is further reinforced by the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2022 recognition for Grasim Premium Fabric, Jayashree Textiles, and Vikram Woollens.

A Commitment to Excellence:

Satyaki Ghosh, CEO of Domestic Textiles, Aditya Birla Group, stated, "Our showcase at Bharat Tex highlighted our dominance in natural fibers and waste-to-wealth initiatives, demonstrating our dedication to innovation-driven transformation. 

We participate in Bharat Tex 2024, upholding Domestic Textiles' legacy of authenticity, innovation, excellence, and sustainability."

Domestic Textiles' participation at Bharat Tex 2024 promised to showcase their unwavering commitment to excellence in the Indian textile industry. By seamlessly blending their rich heritage with cutting-edge technology, they continue to redefine the boundaries of the field.