27 May, Mumbai 2025

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail's brand, Pantaloons, has teamed up with Disney to launch an exclusive, limited-edition streetwear collection. This new line re-imagines classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto with a bold, urban fashion twist.

Dubbed 'Mickey & Friends IRL' (In Real Life), the collection breathes new life into Disney's beloved characters by dressing them in modern street-style avatars. It features 50 unique pieces, spanning both apparel and accessories, blending Disney fandom with the edgy appeal of global streetwear.

The collection was developed by Pantaloons' in-house labels, People and SF Jeans, both known for their urban, contemporary aesthetic. It features items like oversized t-shirts, graffiti-inspired shirts, jorts, and patchwork denim. Blending pop culture with trendsetting style, the collection resonates with Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Aiming to be a pioneer in the Indian market, Pantaloons hails the concept of fashion as a form of self-expression. According to Sangeeta Tanwani, CEO, Pantaloons and Style Up, this new collection offers a ‘bold expression of style,’ directly speaking to today's consumers who use their fandom to express themselves.

Each piece in this collection has been crafted to make a statement, transforming everyday wardrobe staples into collectible items. With bold silhouettes and graphic interpretations, the range effortlessly merges nostalgia with a fresh, new-age cool.

This Disney collaboration underscores Pantaloons' ongoing commitment to innovation and cultural relevance, reinforcing its mission to lead the conversation in fashion-forward retail across India.

The Mickey & Friends IRL collection is currently available at select Pantaloons stores nationwide, as well as online via the Pantaloons website and app.

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27 May, Mumbai 2025

Fashion designer Abhishek Sharma has launched his Resort Wear 2025 collection. Titled, ‘Threads of Tradition On The Sea,’ the collection was launched in partnership with actor Babil Khan and supermodel Vartika Singh. The campaign for this collection was shot by Sharma himself on a luxury yacht off the Mumbai coast, showcasing a fusion of heritage and relaxed styles.

The collection reinterprets kantha embroidery from West Bengal and kalamkari painting motifs from Andhra Pradesh with Sharma's signature understated aesthetic. The designs are crafted from undyed handloom cotton, mulmul, and linen, featuring a muted, nature-inspired color palette and emphasizing sustainable craftsmanship.

Khan and Singh's exotic charm and quiet intensity echo the ethos of the brand, states Sharma. Khan’s presence adds soul and depth to the menswear line, and Singh brings opulence and regal charm to the handcrafted silhouettes. Together, they inhabit the clothes, turning each frame into a visual poem, he adds.

The menswear range comprises high-waisted trousers paired with cropped jackets and abstract Kantha-embroidered shirts. For women, the collection features bustiers and dresses adorned with intricate threadwork. With its fluid forms and cultural narrative, the collection aims to be a contemporary tribute to Indian craft traditions, blending comfort, luxury, and heritage aesthetics.

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24 May, Mumbai 2025

French sporting goods giant Decathlon plans to double its sourcing from India once a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) is finalized, says Sankar Chatterjee, CEO, Decathlon India.

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If, as expected the FTA is secured by December, India's sporting goods production market could experience a substantial boom, particularly benefiting Decathlon. Currently, 6 per cent of the brand’s total global sourcing comes from India, which could increase to 15 per cent in a year, states Chatterjee.

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A privately owned company known for its large-format stores selling everything from bicycles to fitness gear and cricket equipment, Decathlon sources textile products like cotton and synthetic apparel, along with raw materials such as yarn and fabric, from India. The company's total procurement from India is valued at about Rs 4,150 crore with roughly Rs 2,100 crore specifically for European markets.

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In FY24-25, 60 per cent of Decathlon's total sourcing from India by value was allocated for exports, with the remainder for local sales.

According to Chatterjee, European imports from India currently incur a tax of about 9.6 per cent. This means Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Indonesia compete on many products, he explains. If you slash the India export duties to 0 per cent, the game will change.

Because India's lead time to Europe is much more convenient, and compared to Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, it's 12 days lesser, he adds.

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India is currently the fourth-largest destination for Decathlon's global procurement, trailing only China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

The India-EU FTA is a high priority, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committing in February to conclude the agreement by 2025.

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Bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU currently stands at $137.4 billion, with the EU accounting for 17 per cent of India's exports.

Decathlon began sourcing from India in 1999 and now works with 65 suppliers operating approximately 110 factories across the country. For FY23-24, Decathlon India reported Rs 4,066 crore in revenue and a profit of Rs 197 crore. Domestically, Decathlon operates 133 outlets across 53 Indian cities.

27 May, Mumbai 2025

A rapidly expanding sports and lifestyle brand known for its high-performance gear, playR is expanding its fitness apparel range with its latest Gym Wear collection. Designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this new collection seamlessly blends cutting-edge fabric technology, breathability, and style to ensure maximum comfort during workouts and everyday activities.

The collection includes playR skin tee, singlet, shorts, and pants made from high-quality polyester. Providing a snug, compressive feel, these support muscles, improve blood flow, and allow for a full range of motion during intense workouts, sports, and cardio.

The playR training, cross run, and terrain tee in this collection offers the perfect mix of performance, style, and comfort. The moisture-wicking technology of these garments helps keep customers dry even during the toughest workouts. Their regular fit allows for unrestricted movement, and the sleek design ensures customers look good in and out of the gym. Ideal for all seasons, these versatile tees are easy to care for and can be worn alone or layered.

The playR essential jackets, lowers, and shorts have been engineered with a smart blend of 92 per cent polyester and 8 per cent spandex. Featuring Dri-Tech technology, anti-odor properties, sweat-release fabric, and all-way stretch these high-performance gym wear items are built for movement, comfort, and style. Their skin-friendly, anti-static construction prevents irritation even during long workouts. From the gym to the street, the Essential collection is a top pick for men who demand both functionality and style.

The playR Astor Jacket range and Run Shorts are made with lightweight, breathable polyester to offer customers warmth without weighing them down. The regular fit of these jackets allows for easy layering, while the mock collar and full-zip closure provide extra protection from the cold. Perfect for early morning workouts or casual evenings, these jackets offer the ideal blend of style, comfort, and functionality.

Crafted from a premium blend of 80 per cent cotton and 20 per cent nylon spandex, the playR crew and ankle socks offer a superior fit that molds to your foot for all-day wear. These anti-sweat and odor-free cotton socks are perfect for the gym, running, sports, walking, and everyday wear, offering durability for all seasons.

Ravi Kukreja, Co-Founder, playR and Director, iCOREts emphasizes, the Gym Wear collection is designed to support athletes and fitness enthusiasts with advanced fabric technology that enhances every workout. Whether lifting, running, or training, these apparels ensure maximum comfort and durability to push limits and achieve fitness goals.

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24 May, Mumbai 2025

Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty plan to open 10-15 new outlets for their unisex streetwear brand, ‘Chapter 2’, over the next year.

Having co-founded the brand in August 2024, the sibling duo recently opened their first retail experience store in Mumbai.

For its next phase of expansion, Chapter 2 focuses on non-metro cities. The brand aims to tap its customer base in Tier II cities such as Jaipur, Bhopal, and Raipur. It wants these stores to be culture hubs, a space to connect, not just consume, says Chakraborty.

Backed by Indian retail magnate Kishore Biyani and his daughter Ashni, Chapter 2 currently sells exclusively through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website. The brand has seen steady online growth, now pulling in over Rs 50 lakh in monthly revenue, with a healthy 20-25 per cent M-o-M growth rate.

First-time entrepreneurs with no prior background in fashion or business, Rhea and Showkik Chakraborty, share, born from a challenging period in their lives, the brand has since evolved into their purpose. It aims to welcome people who feel like they don’t fit in the given confines of the society, Rhea explains.

24 May, Mumbai 2025

Aditya Birla Group's contemporary fashion and lifestyle house, TMRW has teamed up with LiteStore, a ‘retail-as-a-service’ specialist, to launch its popular online brands into brick-and-mortar stores nationwide in India.

TMRW is home to well-known brands like Wrogn, Bewakoof, The Indian Garage Co, and Nobero. While these brands have thrived online, LiteStore's partnership will now make them available in malls, high streets, and premium outlet centers across India.

Driven by its mission to create greater value for customers, TMRW aims to bring its vision to life with the agility, transparency and retail expertise offered LifeStore, states Manish Singhai, CBO and Business Head, TMRW.

LiteStore has previously assisted brands such as NewMe and The Pant Project in establishing physical retail presence. Their comprehensive services include everything from prime location selection to store design and construction, staffing, and daily operational management.

This partnership aims to open 25,000 sq ft of new retail space within the next 18 months. This expansion will include exclusive brand stores, multi-brand outlets, and premium outlet centers.

This retail model also allows brands to test and refine their strategy while remaining agile, avers Puneet Dinesh, Co-founder, LifeStore.

This collaboration effectively merges the strengths of digitally native brands with the power of in-person shopping. With LiteStore's ‘plug-and-play’ model, TMRW brings exciting, well-designed stores closer to customers across India. Together, TMRW and LiteStore are transforming the Indian retail landscape, making fashion more accessible, enjoyable, and innovative.

24 May, Mumbai 2025

Apparel manufacturer and exporter Gokaldas Exports registered a 19.3 per cent Y-o-Y rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 52.86 crore during Q4, FY25 as against Rs 44.28 crore in Q4, FY24.

The company’s profit before tax (PBT) increased by 84 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 79 crore during the quarter. However, its expenses also rose by 23.32 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 955.8 crore in Q4 FY25 from Rs 775.03 crore in Q4 FY24.

Despite this rise in expenses, the company's revenue from operations increased by nearly 25 per cent to Rs 1,015.33 crore, contributing to its robust overall financial health. The company’s total income for the quarter expanded by 27 per cent to Rs 1,035 crore, driven by improvements in productivity and strong cost management. This financial discipline allowed the company to boost profitability and strengthen its margins, with EBITDA margins improving by 272 basis points compared to the same period last year.

For the full FY25, Gokaldas Exports achieved its highest-ever total income of Rs 3,917 crore, marking a 63 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. The company’s profit before tax for the year grew by 37 per cent to Rs 218 crore in FY25.

Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Gokaldas Exports, states, the company consolidated acquisitions and delivered healthy growth in income and profits during the year. While it faces challenges like the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US that could impact margins, opportunities such as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement provide optimism for future growth, he adds.

24 May, Mumbai 2025

A collective effort, authored by eco-fashion entrepreneur Prasanna Jegatha V.G, seeks to educate and inspire a shift towards sustainable practices.

A new book, "The Scary Truth Of Fast Fashion," is sounding the alarm on the detrimental effects of the mass-market clothing industry while offering a roadmap towards a more conscious and sustainable future. Authored by Prasanna Jegatha V.G, founder of the eco-fashion brand Jegadhnis, the book launched recently, drawing on the expertise of 20 contributors – a diverse group of experts, advocates, and visionaries.

The central message, as emphasized by Jegatha in a statement, is that "conscious choices in fashion can create real, lasting change." "The Scary Truth Of Fast Fashion" aims to be a pivotal tool to "influence consumers, inspire entrepreneurs in fashion, educate students, and enlighten everyone who wears clothes."

The book promises to delve deep into the hidden narratives behind everyday garments. Written in accessible language and filled with relatable examples, it confronts the realities the fast fashion industry often obscures: its profound impact on garment workers, the environment, and even consumer well-being. Readers will explore the explosion of fast fashion in recent decades, the harsh realities of factory conditions, the marketing tactics driving overconsumption, and the damaging effects of synthetic fabrics, chemical dyes, and microplastic pollution. It also tackles the often-misunderstood issue of textile waste and the limitations of current recycling solutions.

However, Jegatha stresses that the book is "not about blame or fear—it’s about awareness and empowerment." It seeks to equip readers with practical knowledge, such as how to identify "greenwashing" and misleading eco-friendly claims. Furthermore, it offers guidance on building a mindful, sustainable wardrobe without excessive cost and shares inspiring real-life stories of ethical designers, artisans, and changemakers who are pioneering a better fashion future.

"The Scary Truth Of Fast Fashion" directly addresses common consumer questions like, "What’s the harm in buying cheap clothes?" and "Is sustainable fashion only for the wealthy?" asserting that individuals can indeed make a difference. It encourages readers to rethink their shopping habits, reconnect with the stories behind their clothes, and align their fashion choices with their ethical values.

Jegatha's vision for the book is clear: "Let’s expose the truth of fast fashion. Let’s guide the world towards sustainable fashion & conscious consumerism. For a greener planet, rejoicing in the gifts of nature — preserving, protecting, and celebrating it in bliss." She emphasizes that the journey towards sustainable fashion doesn't require perfection, simply a willingness to start. "This book won’t overwhelm you," she concludes. "It will empower you."

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27 May, Mumbai 2025

Founded by Rhea and Showik Chakraborty, streetwear label Chapter 2 Drip launched its first flagship store in Bandra, Mumbai.

Designed to house men's and women's apparels launched by the brand, the store also features a coffee nook.

Styled in black and white tiled interiors, curved clothing racks, and a casual, expressive atmosphere, the store features handwritten quotes on its walls, alongside a built-in coffee bar and conversation corners to foster a sense of community amongst consumers and engage them.

Known for oversized tees, raw-edged hoodies, and apparel with affirming messages, Chapter 2 Drip positions itself outside of trend-driven fashion. More than impressing, the brand’s clothes are meant to express its customers’ personality, says Showik Chakraborty

The Bandra flagship also launches Chapter 2 Brew, a coffee nook created to encourage visitors to linger and connect. Priced in the range of Rs 1,190 and Rs 4,190, the brand’s products are available in a poetry-lined packaging and tags that double as affirmations to continue the brand’s focus on fashion as a form of healing and identity.

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24 May, Mumbai 2025

Having acquired the premium kidswear brand Gini & Jony in November 2024, vertically integrated manufacturer Suditi Industries aims to turn the brand profitable by FY ’26 with an EBITDA margin of 7-8 per cent.

The company has adopted a twofold expansion strategy: to maintain its leadership position and also actively contribute to the market’s growth. It aims to strengthen the brand’s presence in Tier-II, III markets to tap into the rising purchasing power and brand consciousness in these regions.

The company also aims to expand the brand’s product range to cater to evolving consumer preferences, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of modern parents and children.

Besides, it aims to enhance its digital platforms and seamlessly integrate them with physical stores to provide a unified and enriching customer experience. With these strategies in place, the company projects, the brand will achieve a turnover in the range of Rs. 700 to Rs. 800 crore within the next five years.

Focused on delivering high-quality fabrics, superior craftsmanship and thoughtful design at an accessible yet premium price point, Gini & Jony has a strong presence and performance across Tier-1, Tier- II and Tier-III markets. Like most premium brands in India, it has registered faster growth in Tier-1 cities due to better retail infrastructure and accessibility. However, it perceives real expansion opportunity in Tier-II and III markets.

23 May, Mumbai 2025

Groyyo Consulting, a key player in the apparel manufacturing consulting space across India and Bangladesh, has announced a strategic partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) under the Flexi MoU scheme. This initiative aims to address critical skill gaps in the textile and apparel manufacturing sector by developing industry-aligned training programmes tailored for the state's youth.

The collaboration is designed to empower emerging talent in Uttar Pradesh with practical, job-ready skills, thereby enhancing employability and driving regional growth. Groyyo will harness its sectoral knowledge to craft customised training modules, bridging the disconnect between current workforce capabilities and industry expectations.

Abhishek Yugal, Managing Partner at Groyyo Consulting, emphasized the importance of workforce development, stating, “Skill development is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. This partnership creates a scalable model that not only addresses hiring gaps but also cultivates a capable, forward-looking workforce.”

This partnership also aligns with national programmes like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’, and seeks to strengthen local employment avenues to reduce talent migration. It underscores Groyyo’s larger vision of modernising India’s traditionally run textile sector while supporting its strategic expansion amid shifting global supply chains.

Subin Mitra, Co-Founder and CEO of Groyyo, said, “Our partnership with UPSDM goes beyond business it's a mission to empower young minds and create meaningful change in the apparel manufacturing ecosystem.”

Key focus areas include industry-customised training, sustainable employment, and regional capability-building to transform Uttar Pradesh into a textile talent hub.

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