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.

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.

Call to Action (CTA)

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.

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20 February 2024, Mumbai

Bangladesh Apparel Industry: A glance

Sharing an update on export performance for the period of July 2023–January 2024, focusing on the positive shift in January 2024.

Positive Growth in January 2024:

• After a challenging October-December 2023, RMG exports saw a remarkable turnaround in January, growing by 12.45% compared to January 2023.
• Knitwear exports led the charge with a 17.32% increase, while woven exports also rebounded with a 7.16% jump.
• January 2024 marked a historic moment with the highest-ever monthly export turnover of US$ 4.97 billion, nearly reaching the US$ 5 billion milestone.

Factors Contributing to the Growth:

• This progress reflects our continuous efforts in product and market diversification, along with an upward climb in value addition.
• Global economic recovery: Retail sales in key markets like the US and UK reached record highs during the holiday season, indicating a positive shift.
• Reduced inventory burden: Buyers are expected to place new orders as excess inventory pressures subside.
• Easing economic pressures: High inflation and interest rates are normalizing in major economies, creating a more favorable trading environment.

Outlook for 2024:

Based on these trends, BGMEA anticipates a strong comeback in terms of trade and growth throughout 2024.

GIST

Bangladesh Apparel Industry: Upward Turn in January 2024

1. Growth Surge:

• RMG exports jump 12.45% in Jan 2024 vs Jan 2023.
• Knitwear leads with 17.32% increase, woven exports up 7.16%.
• Highest monthly turnover ever: US$ 4.97 billion.

2. Key Drivers:

• Product & market diversification, increased value addition.
• Global recovery: holiday season boosts retail sales in major markets.
• Reduced inventory, new orders expected.
• Easing economic pressures in major economies.

3. 2024 Outlook:

• BGMEA anticipates strong trade & growth throughout 2024.

CREDITS: BGMEA press release

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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.

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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.

What deserves mention is that "the metaverse is here, offering a unified platform for boundless possibilities, and at the forefront of this revolution stands a powerful duo: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).".

Video Insights

This dynamic and vibrant partnership is shaping the future of fashion in the metaverse in more than one way:

1. Drive Fashion to Your Taste: Imagine AI analyzing your preferences and suggesting personalized outfits that perfectly match your style. ML algorithms can learn from your past purchases, browsing data, and even your social media activity to curate a virtual wardrobe that reflects your unique personality.
2. Transformative Idea: Think beyond flat images and static models. AI-powered virtual try-on lets you seamlessly project clothing onto your avatar, allowing you to see how different styles drape and move in real-time. This immersive experience makes online shopping more engaging, sticky, and convenient.
3. Dynamic Dressing: Forget static outfits. AI-powered materials can adapt to your preferences and surroundings. Expect crazy ideas like," a dress that changes color based on your mood and choices or a jacket that even adjusts its temperature based on the virtual environment.".
4. Customisation: Ever dreamt of designing your clothes? AI and ML can help! Powerful tools can guide you through the design process, generating unique and personalized pieces that reflect your taste and vision.
5. Democratizing Fashion Co-Creation: Gone are the days when fashion design was limited to a select few. AI-powered platforms can empower anyone to become a virtual fashion designer, allowing them to create and sell their styles within the metaverse.
6. Expect fashion to go green: AI can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fashion practices in the metaverse. By optimizing production processes and predicting trends, AI can help reduce waste and promote eco-friendly materials.

How the future of fashion will look: This is just a glimpse into the exciting future of fashion in the metaverse, powered by the transformative life-changer duo of AI and ML.

Use case

The primary point is," Myntra is disrupting the age-old practices of the fashion industry with data and machine learning.

It is now able to provide brands with consumer insights that take into account not only the consumer’s profile but also variables like their location, weather patterns, and what other consumers with similar parameters are buying.".

There is more agreement around," Computers allow modern designers to create new patterns and styles compared to old tools. But computing does not mean a laptop or desktop running Windows new CAD software, but machine learning and the use of AI to create a new era for the fashion industry".

Unfolding story: Forget the clunky, isolated virtual worlds of the past

Narrative is expecting the unexpected; As these emerging technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more incredible, innovative, and personalized experiences that break down barriers, redefine, and re-imagine the way we interact with fashion in the virtual world.

5 Key Insights on Fashion's Metamorphosis:

1. Personalized Style: AI tailors outfits to your unique taste.
2. Immersive Shopping: Virtual try-on makes online shopping real.
3. Dynamic Clothing: AI fabrics adapt to you and your environment.
4. Democratized Design: Anyone can create and sell virtual fashion.
5. Sustainable Future: AI reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly materials.

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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

21 February 2024, Mumbai

The Future of Fashion: From Fast Fashion to Digital Design

While traditional fast fashion grapples with mounting criticism and sustainability concerns, a new era dawns, driven by groundbreaking life-changing technology like Generative AI (GenAI).

Video Insights

That is GenAI's job; GenAI must have done something very right as this innovative force is fundamentally restructuring how we design, produce, and experience fashion, offering a promising alternative to the current system.

GenAI injects value across entire supply chains, transforming the process from ideation to consumer interaction. Imagine designers effortlessly generating diverse, unique designs based on mere inputs, streamlining the creative process and accelerating time-to-market.

Tailoring to customisation

After all, every individual is unique in himself!

GenAI also fuels personalization, ensuring garments perfectly match individual preferences and body types, minimizing waste, and maximizing satisfaction.

This shift away from fast fashion's mass-produced, disposable model paves the way for a more responsible and sustainable approach. Digital fashion, empowered by GenAI and other advancements, offers unique solutions.

In the digital era of resource conservation approach; garments are designed and tailored virtually, eliminating physical samples and production runs. Consider 3D printed clothing, crafted using only the required resources, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Of course, this digital transformation necessitates adaptation. Embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration between tech and fashion industries, and addressing ethical concerns related to data privacy and potential job displacement are crucial steps.

Huge multiplier; The future of fashion lies not in replicating the unsustainable practices of the past, but in harnessing innovation to create a more responsible, personalized, and exciting experience.

New paradigms; GenAI and digital fashion are not just trends, but the driving forces shaping a truly revolutionary era in how we dress and express ourselves.

Fashion Revolutionized

Get ready for a fashion future reshaped by AI! Generative AI, a game-changer in the industry, unveils entirely new avenues for product creation and marketing. Imagine a technology that not only boosts efficiency and spurs innovation but also caters to evolving customer needs like never before.

How Generative AI is Reshaping the Industry; Fashion is getting ready for alternate solutions by not relying solely on traditional inspiration.

Smart solutions

Generative AI tools crunch real-time, unstructured data, opening doors to fresh creative paths. Think of designers feeding sketches and specifications into a platform, instantly generating diverse design options.

Expect the unexpected; This unlocks rapid prototyping, exclusive drops, and even brand collaborations! Imagine using facial recognition tech to personalize eyeglasses for each customer, perfectly matching their style and preferences.

There is much more to it

But AI's magic extends beyond design. It empowers marketing teams to craft targeted campaigns, generate personalized content, and build unique virtual avatars for every platform.

This translates to laser-sharp targeting, individualized messaging, and trend prediction, giving brands a significant edge.

Enduring impact, AI's impact goes beyond creativity. It optimizes resource usage for eco-friendly practices, predicts trends for smarter inventory management, and personalizes the shopping experience, leading to higher engagement and sales.

By embracing this revolutionary technology, fashion brands can create lasting value and redefine themselves.

Insightful findings

An earlier report by WGSN explores the integration of multidimensional technologies in the fashion industry and how they are rapidly evolving and cross-pollinating, progressing toward a multi-layered future.

The report discusses the role of AI in fashion, including generative AI fashion, digital reality fashion, and robotic attire.

Generative AI (GenAI) has the potential to aid fashion designers in the creative process by offering a myriad of innovative design suggestions.

Own the occasion; However, GenAI's role in fashion is not to supplant human creativity but to amplify it. Designers still retain a pivotal role in interpreting and refining AI-generated designs.

How does the future look?

What is in offing; The future holds seamless virtual try-on experiences, voice-based commerce, intelligent pricing strategies, and automated product tagging.

How can any space/anyone be surprised by the impending impact of GenAi by not joining the movement and unlocking a world of possibilities in the ever-evolving fashion landscape?

Many experts don't see the overall headcount coming down in absolute terms notwithstanding the disruption it may cause on the back of huge productivity enhancement it is expected to kick in.

As per Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's recent iteration that we are on the cusp of revolution," AI may not lead to a reduction in jobs but a creation of new jobs requiring new skills".

5 Key Insights:

1. From Fast to Digital: Shift from unsustainable mass production to responsible, personalized digital fashion.
2. GenAI Tailors: Personalized designs with minimal waste thanks to AI-driven customization.
3. Virtual Solutions: Resource-efficient digital design and production (e.g., 3D printing).
4. Collaboration & Ethics: Embrace new tech, foster collaboration, address data privacy and job concerns.
5. Revolutionary Era: AI shapes a more responsible, personalized

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17 February 2024, Mumbai

Dress to Impress the Metaverse: Fashion's AI-Powered Future

The future of fashion is virtual and the world has gone way beyond physical catways! Dig into the metaverse, where AI tailors experience something as unique as your style. Run your imagination wild:

• Your digital doppelgänger, strutting through virtual stores, trying on outfits that adapt to your mood and preferences.
• AI stylists whisper secrets, predicting your next must-have piece before you even know it exists.
• Makes customers take center stage in any fashion show rather than just a mute spectator, interacting with clothes and fellow fashionistas in real-time.

Generative AI is the future & is here to stay, capable of incredibly transforming fashion businesses!

Potential Use Cases:

1. Instantandom: Transform text into stunning visuals. Create captivating social media posts, product mockups, or presentations – effortlessly.
2. A peek into the future: Foresee video frames. Analyze video sequences and predict future frames, aiding in sports analysis, traffic prediction, or even self-driving cars.
3. Making text to talk: Convert text to natural-sounding speech with diverse accents, tones, and emotions. Ideal for educational content, personalized messages, or accessibility tools.
4. Empowering the trick of voiceover: Create new audio from existing sources in seconds. Generate voiceovers for games, films, or training materials with ease.
5. Curating customer experience mechanisms: Craft customized content across text, images, music, and more. AI learns your preferences and creates unique experiences for each user.
6. Stickiness: Generate thought-provoking questions that evolve. Fuel engaging discussions and innovative ideas based on past interactions.
7. Human creativity gets a leg up: Push creative boundaries with AI-generated concepts, stories, or articles. Let data analysis fuel entirely new forms of artistic expression.
8. Content creation at scale: Generate massive amounts of unique content swiftly. Develop training materials, scripts, or marketing copy efficiently, leveraging existing information.
9. Diversity at scale: Create diverse fashion models to reflect your entire customer base. Supports the demonstrability of products authentically enabling a deeper & and wider outreach.
10. Customization: Utilize conversational AI that analyzes data to generate personalized responses. Ensure customer satisfaction and cater to their specific needs.

A case in point: YOONA.AI's incredible, pathbreaking Berlin metaverse, launched in 2023, hosted the first-ever virtual fashion week. 

No less than a game changer in the global presentation landscape, for instance, effects like immersive experiences with no sense of deja vu revolutionizing the fashion in which fashion uses to connect with its entire eco-system.

Yes, it's not science fiction (Sci-fi), it's the future AI is weaving for fashion. This study unveils:

• Making shopping playful: Discover how AI understands your desires and tailors the perfect virtual wardrobe.
• Much more than likes and shares: Explore new frontiers of brand engagement with AI-driven influencers and gamified experiences.
• Differentiability: Learn how AI empowers brands to innovate and differentiate in the metaverse.

Contextually speaking, the metaverse today is way more than just a catchword, it's a revolution of sorts. Inviting stakeholders to explore and discover fashion's hidden, untapped potential is driving hard outcomes, taking future fashion notches above, and helping achieve the unexpected.

5 AI Fashion Insights in the Metaverse:

1. Digital Doppelgänger: Try on outfits that adapt to your mood.
2. AI Stylist Whisperer: Predict your next fashion obsession.
3. Interactive Fashion Shows: Become the star, not the spectator.
4. Generative AI Revolution: Transform fashion businesses forever.
5. Personalized Content Curating: Craft unique experiences for every user.

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