Chennai-based knitwear brand Alonge by designer Nithya Prakas has launched its debut collection featuring sweatshirts, jackets, lined camisoles, knee-grazing dresses, shorts, pants, co-ords, skirts, oversized T-shirts in ecru, black, white, warm pink, lavender, blue, grey, and green shades.

The collection features garments having hand, embroidered and embellished florals with blooms ranging from hibiscus to protea and birds of paradise. It focuses on hand embroidery and stitches. For example, the show-stopper sweatshirt has flowers that have been embroidered using sequins and beads. While the garments are designed in Chennai, the manufacturing unit is in Tiruppur and the materials come from all over the world including beads and sequins from Japan, lining from Germany, and zips from Hong Kong.

Denim brand Lee has teamed up with designer Suneet Varma to launch an avant garde collection inspired by the rich vistas of Indian culture and the unyielding charm of denim. From corsets to bell-bottom jeans, and maxi skirts to statement dresses, the collection offers a fusion of contemporary flair and timeless elegance.

A homage to the bold, the innovative, and the rule-breakers, this collection celebrates individuality and the courage to stand out. It pushes the boundaries of denim beyond traditional constraints. Each piece of the collection showcases a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and creativity, featuring intricate washes, digital prints, lavish gold foil embellishments, and unique fabric manipulations.

The designs of the collection are a blend of tradition and modernity, resulting in a collection that is both timeless and contemporary. Through meticulous research and development, the designers explored a multitude of washes and treatments, collaborating with sustainable factories to ensure environmental responsibility.

The collection is divided into thematic narratives such as India Martini, Art, Deer Mountain Denim, and Rock and Roll, each piece encapsulating a story that celebrates Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. Traditional elements are seamlessly woven into denim's modern fabric, with motifs, patterns, and techniques paying homage to India's diverse heritage.

Pepe Jeans plans to increase the brand’s investment in digital media to 60 per cent this with focus on content creation rising to 18 per cent from the previous 5 per cent. For the upcoming Autumn/Winter’24 season, the brand plans to shift its focus to the women’s category, reveals Manish Kapoor, CEO.

Pepe Jeans recently launched its ‘Spring Summer Collection 2024’ with the theme ‘Wanderlust’. The collection aligns with the growing trend of experiential living amongst consumers, particularly the younger Gen Z and Alpha demographics. The marketing campaign for this collection emphasises on the brand's aim to resonate with consumers amid their pursuit of experiences, particularly travel and outdoor activities.

Reflecting on the evolving consumer behavior, Kapoor notes a shift from traditional occasion-based attire to a more versatile wardrobe catering to diverse lifestyles. He also emphasises on the burgeoning trend of athleisure and its evolution as a staple component of consumers' wardrobes.

Most of Pepe Jeans’ customers are within the 28 to 35 age bracket, particularly those engaged digitally, says Kapoor. Geographically, the brand’s sales are dominant in the North India, driven by the region’s longer winter season, he adds.

Gurugram-based kidswear brand Includ plans to enhance its supply chain, develop in-house technology and increase brand awareness with the $1.5 million capital raised in a seed funding round led by Incubate Fund Asia.

The company also plans to acquire new technologies to vertically integrate with its suppliers and build a robust and efficient supply chain. For this, Includ aims to develop its front-end platform and mobile application to ensure a seamless shopping experience for customers. Additionally, the company will use the funds to implement effective marketing and brand strategies.

Founded in 2023 by Ashwin Rastogi, Includ offers a wide range of clothing options to children aged between 0 to 14 years old.

India’s kidswear market is experiencing a dynamic shift with a rapid growth in demand for in-trend clothing in affordable premium segment being witnessed.

With its innovative collections, Includ aims to empower kids to embrace their individuality while offering parents quality and affordability, says Ashwin Rastogi, Founder, Includ.

The company ensures every piece of clothing it creates is not just fashionable but also safe and environment-friendly by using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

India’s retail space leasing across shopping mall and hi-street locations is likely to dip by 15 per cent to 6-6.5 million sq ft in 2024, as per real estate consultant CBRE.

Supply of retail spaces, particularly development of high-quality malls, is expected to remain steady in 2024 with Tier I cities expected to witness approximately 5-6 million sq ft of investment-grade mall space during the year. In 2023, India’s retail space leasing grew to 71 lakh sq ft across major cities, according to the CBRE report titled ‘2024 India Market Outlook.’

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, CBRE - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, avers, besides Tier I cities, Tier II markets are also expected to attract new mall developers during the year. Malls are likely to be expanded into experiential centers with entertainment, dining, and shopping facilities to meet consumer demands.

Leasing across luxury retail will increase during the year with both established brands deepening their presence and new international players entering the market. This expansion will extend beyond traditional hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to emerging markets such as Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

In 2024, retailers, including anchor tenants and established brands, are expected to prioritise locations with high visibility, foot traffic, and favorable demographics for leasing. Growth in rents is anticipated to stabilise across primary and secondary locations.

Indian women's fashion label Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika has launched a new modest wear range for the upcoming Eid celebrations.

Launched at the renowned South Asian fashion boutique, Bibi London, in the UK, this collection offers floor-length gowns with matching headscarves. The signature bold prints on these garments are seamless integrated with diverse embellishments. Their classic modest silhouettes are dramatised with the addition of oversized floral patterns

The collection also includes a range of mini-sized handbags crafted in metallic hues and adorned with intricate 3D floral embellishments. These playful accessories feature statement chains, dangling charms reminiscent of jewelry, and stylish clips.

Launched in 2010, Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika is known for its fusion style lehengas, gowns, and embellished accessories characterised by vibrant pastel and bright hues. To promote size inclusivity, the brand has eliminated size charts from its clothing labels.

With its Mumbai flagship store, direct-to-customer e-commerce platform, and presence in numerous multi-brand retailers, Papa Don’t Preach continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts globally with its innovative designs and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond Show 2024 (FAB Show 2024), organized by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), concluded its fourth edition with resounding success. Held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, from April 15 to April 17, the event surpassed industry expectations, igniting optimism and projecting high business prospects for the textile sector. With an estimated business generation exceeding 2,100 crores, the three-day trade show emerged as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders.
Impressive turnout and international presence
Drawing attention from across the nation, the FAB Show welcomed 10,200 trade visitors representing more than 320 cities in India. Notably, the event witnessed the participation of over 1,500 elite platinum buyers. Adding to its international allure, buyers from 16 countries, including Bangladesh, UAE, and the USA, graced the show, underscoring its global significance. The presence of sourcing heads from esteemed brands like Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail and Reliance Brands further underscored the event's stature as a premier sourcing destination.
Industry reflections and projections
Rajesh Masand, President of CMAI, hailed the success of the FAB Show, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on the garment industry's supply chain. Masand highlighted the event's role in fostering immediate business opportunities and forging long-term strategic partnerships, instilling confidence in the industry's trajectory. Against the backdrop of subdued demand and recent challenges, such as amendments affecting MSME payments, the FAB Show's triumph signals a revitalized industry poised for growth.
Innovation and sustainability take center stage
The 2024 edition of the FAB Show emerged as a hub for innovation and sustainability within the textile and apparel sector. Over 200 domestic exhibitors, including industry stalwarts like Grasim and Arvind, showcased cutting-edge offerings, emphasizing environmental consciousness and circularity. Naveen Sainani, Chairman of FAB Show, underscored the event's commitment to driving growth while promoting sustainable practices. The Sustainability Zone, a highlight of the fair, spotlighted fabrics crafted from recyclable materials and advocated for responsible waste management.
Regional Excellence: The Surat pavilion
The Surat Pavilion, organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), stood out as a beacon of regional excellence at the FAB Show. Hosting over 40 leading fabric manufacturers, the pavilion showcased the latest trends and catered to the evolving needs of the garment industry. Siddharth Dhawan, Director of Gokul Tex Print, expressed confidence in the region's growth trajectory, foreseeing signs of expansion in the coming months.
Positive industry outlook
Murugan Thenkondar, President of Marketing & Global Head of Business Development at Aditya Birla (Cellulosic Fibres), highlighted the resilience of the domestic market amid global uncertainties. With a focus on the textile value chain, the FAB Show provided a comprehensive platform for industry players to meet sourcing requirements and foster business collaborations. Sailesh Kukreja, Managing Director of Bhagwan Enterprise, commended the organizers for facilitating a dynamic and well-attended exhibition, paving the way for future successes.
Commitment to sustainability
Amid growing environmental consciousness, industry participants like J P Singh of Ramtex - Parmeshwari Silk Mills, emphasized their commitment to eco-friendly practices. The adoption of sustainable processes not only aligns with consumer preferences but also reflects a broader shift towards responsible consumption. With markets expanding beyond traditional strongholds, manufacturers are witnessing increased demand for eco-friendly fabrics across diverse regions.
Exciting engagements and rewards
In addition to business engagements, the FAB Show offered visitors and exhibitors a chance to participate in a lucky draw contest. With prizes ranging from scooters to holiday vouchers, the contest added an element of excitement and further enhanced the event experience.
As the curtains close on the FAB Show 2024, industry players are poised to leverage the momentum gained from the event. With renewed optimism and a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, the textile industry sets its sights on a future marked by growth and resilience.

Currently valued at over $100 billion, the Indian fashion retail sector is poised to grow in double-digits over long-term, offering players an opportunity to expand their operations.

Industry stalwarts like Aditya Birla Fashion Retail and Arvind, alongside mid-level players such as TT Ltd and high-fashion women's wear brand Madame, are implementing innovative strategies to maintain their competitive edge in the market.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail recently announced the vertical demerger of its Madura Fashion & Lifestyle business, a move poised to unlock growth opportunities. Meanwhile, online giant Myntra is expanding its market presence by onboarding global brands. Celebrity partnerships are helping drive brand visibility as Arvind Limited collaborated with Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Bewakoof signed an endorsement deal with Rashmika Mandanna. Brands Madame, Libas and Bewakoof are also tapping into star power to connect with consumers.

Westside and JadeBlue are opening new stores to cater to diverse markets. Leveraging sports partnerships, Puma and TT Ltd are teaming up the Indian Premier League to boost merchandise sales.

Simultaneously, international brands like Levi's, Uniqlo, and H&M are making inroads into India, posing challenges to domestic players. Denmark's Bestseller group's visit signals the growing interest of global players in the Indian market. Even smaller brands are thriving, catering to niche segments and expanding their footprint across multiple fronts.

Forever New has collaborated with Bollywood actor Pooja Hegde to unveil its latest Spring/Summer 2024 collection.

Titled 'Another Day in Paradise,' the collection offers a diverse array of fashion choices, including ruffle dresses, bodycon pieces, co-ords, linen tops, and frill neck blouses.

Dhruv Bogra, Country Manager-India, Forever New, describes the collection as ‘a vibrant celebration of life and style.’ According to Bogra, the collection inspires individual expression with its pieces seamlessly blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair.

Hegde adds, each garment in the new SS24 collection exudes charm and embodies the essence of contemporary style.

The collection can be purchased from Forever New's website or its retail outlets located across India.

Innerwear brand Bummer has secured Rs 9.25 crore in a Pre-Series A1 funding round led by Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund. The brand is being backed by Fluid Ventures which has been consistent in its strategic support since December 2022.

The funds will ease Bummer’s journey towards becoming a formidable $100 million company within the next 5 years. The brand aims to expand its presence in the Tier II, II and IV cities across India with a focus on generating 50 per cent of revenues from key cities like Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Bhopal, and Jaipur.

Sustainable growth is at the forefront of Bummer's strategy, with a target to
achieve EBITDA breakeven within 12 months. The company is actively recruiting experienced key management personnel (KMPs) to drive expansion into new channels, including offline retail. While India remains the primary focus for the next 24 months, Bummer envisions venturing into Southeast Asia and the Middle East as potential global markets.

Bummer plans to conduct smaller, intermittent pilots in global markets to assess opportunities, with less than 5 percent of the budget allocated to these endeavors. Sulay Lavsi, Founder and CEO, says, the brand is committed to propelling growth with skilled teams, and a strong trustful image. It also aims to elevate its fashion quotient by adopting sustainability in operations, he adds.

India witnessed a rise in its retail space across Tier II and smaller cities in March 2024 with the launch of 64 per cent more stores during the month. Data from India Retailing Insights shows, new store openings remained constant during the month with 76 new stores being launched.

North India led with the opening of 26 new stores in March, showing an 8 per cent increase from the prior month. This was followed by West India with the opening of 23 new stores. However, new store openings in South India dropped by 40 per cent drop with only 16 new stores compared to February. In contrast, East India maintained steady growth with one to five new store launches each month.

The newly opened stores spanned across various cities including Surat, Bengaluru, Aurangabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Gwalior, Gandhinagar, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Latur, Satara, Nagpur, Kolar, Patiala, Vanastalipuram, Puducherry, Indore, Lucknow, Malleshwaram, Noida, Maharajganj, Kozhikode, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Mohali.

Tier 1 cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad witnessed 28 new store openings in March, while Tier II recorded the opening of 48 new stores, constituting 64 per cent of the total launches.

Most of these new store openings were led by key players including Malabar Gold & Diamonds which opened around 10 new stores across the country. The brand aims to reach a total of 350 stores. ABFRL's Tasva opened four new stores while fashion brands like Snitch, Lifestyle, Intune, Gap, Kalyan Jewellers, and Popeyes opened two new stores each.

On the international front, Indian companies expanded their footprint with over seven stores outside India. Tanishq opened a store in Chicago, Hamleys in Rome, and Louis Philippe and Van Heusen in Qatar. Additionally, several global brands entered the Indian market through e-commerce platforms.

Furthermore, Reliance acquired the business of LenCrafters India during the month while Reliance Retail' introduced UK online fashion retailer Asos in India.

In terms of fundraising, several D2C brands and retail players, including Bummer, abCoffee, Subko, The Ayurveda Experience, JustDeliveries, and SuperK, collectively raised over Rs 365 crore in March.

Expanding its reach in Mumbai, esteemed outdoor clothing and gear retail brand, Gokyo has opened new Shop-in-Shop (SIS) outlets within Total Sports & Fitness stores at Korum Mall in Thane and Dadar TT Circle. This move helps Gokyo consolidate its partnership with Total Sports and Fitness (TSF) to offer a wide range of products to outdoor enthusiasts in Mumbai.

The collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience for adventure seekers by showcasing a diverse range of essential products. It offers an extensive selection of outdoor apparel and accessories from trekking pants to jackets.

Venkatesh Maheshwari, Founder, Gokyo, emphasises, the expansion will benefit customers in Thane, Kalyan, and Central Mumbai. The Shop-in-Shop concept will enable the brand to improve its interaction with customers and offer them an easier access to the brand’s products.

A leader in India's outdoor apparel and gear market, Gokyo serves a diverse clientele, including spiritual tourists embarking on the Chardham Yatra, international students, and travelers exploring Western countries. The brand meets the evolving needs of adventurers and travelers by blending style, functionality and durability.