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As a part of India’s ambitious goal to achieve a $350 billion market size and $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, the Ministry of Textiles has extended an invitation to global apparel giant Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks. Designed as a ready-to-operate ecosystem, these parks offer companies a Build-to-Suit model, enabling efficient and sustainable operations tailored to their specific needs.
Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Uniqlo has expressed strong interest in enhancing India’s cotton production capabilities. The company’s pilot project aligns with India’s goals, aiming to improve productivity and quality levels to achieve yields of up to 1,000 kg per hectare. In support of this initiative, the Textile Ministry has assured Uniqlo of its readiness to allocate land for their endeavors, emphasising a shared vision to position India as a global leader in high-quality cotton sourcing.
A pivotal meeting between Giriraj Singh, India’s Minister of Textiles, and Uniqlo’s senior officials reinforced this shared commitment. Facilitated by Invest India, the discussion highlighted Uniqlo’s interest in collaborating with India’s textile industry. This engagement follows an earlier interaction between Uniqlo and the Hon’ble Prime Minister, showcasing the company’s alignment with India’s broader textile sector goals.
Uniqlo’s impact on India’s retail and textile ecosystem is significant, with 15 stores nationwide generating Rs 814 crore in revenue as of March 31, 2024—a remarkable 30 per cent growth rate. The brand collaborates with 18 sewing factories and six fabric mills, sourced through nine vendors, demonstrating its dedication to local partnerships and innovation.
Furthering its commitment to the Indian market, Uniqlo will participate in the upcoming ‘Bharat Tex’ Global Textile Expo in February. The event will serve as a platform to highlight the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and traceability—values that resonate with India’s vision for a globally competitive textile industry.
The Ministry has also encouraged Uniqlo to expand its R&D efforts into natural fibers, such as milkweed, aligning with India’s own initiatives to promote sustainable and traceable textile practices. This collaboration reflects a growing synergy between India’s textile aspirations and Uniqlo’s global vision, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at fostering a sustainable, innovative, and competitive textile sector.
Leading global retail and fashion conglomerate, Apparel Group has launched 24 new retail concepts at one of Qatar’s most prestigious shopping destinations, the Doha Mall. Featuring renowned international brands, these stores will cater to the diverse needs of Qatar’s fashion-conscious consumers.
Located in Abu Hamour, Doha Mall is ideally situated at the intersection of Sixth Ring Road and Central Market Street. The mall is well connected to a Metro Buslink with close proximity to the Doha Expressway. It serves as a key retail hub for shoppers from nearby neighborhoods, including Abu Hamour, Ain Khaled, Al Waab, Al Mamoura, Al Thumama, and Al Wakra.
Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO, Apparel Group, says, this expansion helps the group introduce global fashion trends and quality shopping experiences in Qatar. Its collaboration with Doha Mall allows it to expand presence in the region and offer a truly unparalleled retail experience.
Robert Hall, Advisor, Mirqab Malls, adds, the retailer introduces new and distinctive retail concepts at Doha Mall in collaboration with Apparel Group. This agreement reflects its ongoing efforts to attract leading international brands to Qatar and offer consumers a diverse and exceptional shopping experience.
Further enhancing its diversity, the Doha Mall plans to add more brands in collaboration with Apparel Group. The mall is set to become a central shopping destination for Qatar’s residents and international visitors alike.
Indonesia’s imports of ready-to-wear clothing, especially those included in the textile and textile product identification code (HS) group, increased by 10.53 per cent in November 2024. As per Amar Adininggar Widyasanti, Acting Head, Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the largest imports of 42.69 per cent of ready-to-wear clothing came from China.
In addition to China, Indonesia also increased ready-to-wear clothing imports from Vietnam and Bangladesh by 10.48 per cent and 8.95 per cent respectively.
Indonesia's total imports declined by 10.71 per cent to $19.59 billion in November 2024. Imports from China reached $6.53 billion. In addition to China, imports from Japan reached $1.49 billion while those from United States totaled $0.76 billion.
Renowned for its craft-driven premium fashion and lifestyle offerings, Good Earth has launched its first-ever standalone store dedicated to homeware. Located in a historic property in Hindustan Park, Kolkata, the store showcases the brand's signature home decor, home textiles, and lifestyle products.
The store is a collaborative effort between Good Earth and its franchise partner for this venture, Richa Kanoi of Bombaim. Designed by architects Animesh Nayak and Gaurav Banerjee, the space is inspired by Bengali culture and blends heritage with modern aesthetics.
Key architectural highlights of the store include glass walls for an open and inviting ambiance, complemented by a marble plaque, wooden shutters, and a striking red oxide staircase. The outlet reflects Good Earth's commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation, creating a shopping experience that celebrates tradition while embracing modernity
Marking a significant milestone for Good Earth, the store expands its homeware line in a setting that resonates deeply with its ethos of celebrating local heritage.
Recording an impressive production of 90.57 lakh bales, Gujarat has emerged as India’s top cotton-producing state for the 2023-24 crop year. Shared by Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for Textiles during the winter session of Parliament, this data positions Gujarat ahead of other key cotton-producing states like Maharashtra and Telangana. During this period, India’s total cotton production is estimated to be around 325.22 lakh bales, as per Central Government estimates.
The Central Government is implementing several initiatives like the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for apparel, garments, and made-ups to boost India’s textile exports. It also supports other textile products through the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Besides, financial assistance is also being provided to Export Promotion Councils and trade bodies to participate in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.
A major upcoming initiative of the government is the mega textile show – Bharat Tex 2025, set to take place in February 2025. This event will showcase India’s advancements in textiles and fashion while promoting the country as a global hub for sourcing and investment.
In addition, India has signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and six Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various nations, enhancing market access across the cotton textile value chain.
The government has also introduced a premium cotton brand, Kasturi Cotton Bharat to offer 29 mm and 30 mm long-staple varieties. Developed through a public-private partnership, Kasturi Cotton provides standardised, certified, and traceable products. By October 2024, the brand certified 47,600 bales, gaining global recognition at international fashion expos.
The ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur is also promoting cotton research with initiatives like genome editing, transgenic research, and AI-driven solutions. Over the last decade, it has launched around 333 cotton varieties including 191 non-Bt and 142 Bt.
The Carreau du Temple in Paris hosted Blossom Premiere Vision on December 11-12, 2024, attracting 1,242 visitors to the exclusive event dedicated to pre-collections for premium and luxury fashion brands. Held in the heart of the Haut Marais, a district rich in textile and fashion heritage, the event brought together 86 international suppliers, including 15 new exhibitors, from leading fashion countries such as Italy, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Blossom Premiere Vision showcased Spring-Summer 2026 textile, leather, and accessories pre-collections, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with 86 top-tier experts from across the globe. The event’s growing success reflects its strong appeal, with increased visitor attendance and a larger exhibitor base, underscoring the demand for high-quality craftsmanship in fashion. The theme of craftsmanship, central to this edition, was highlighted in an engaging weaving demonstration led by expert Stephanie Lacoste.
The event also featured the second edition of Blossom PV Workshops, offering invitation-only sessions that provided an in-depth preview of the upcoming season’s materials. Focused on innovation, eco-friendly solutions, and creative designs, the workshops facilitated valuable exchanges between Premiere Vision fashion experts and luxury brands.
Florence Rousson, President of the Premiere Vision Management Board, expressed her satisfaction with the event's success, noting the importance of these interactive sessions in fostering meaningful dialogue amid challenging market conditions. Blossom Premiere Vision will return on June 4-5, 2025, presenting the Autumn-Winter 2026-2027 season.
The Textile & Apparel 360° Report 2024 by Groyyo Consulting highlights transformative trends shaping the $1.53 trillion global textile and apparel (T&A) market by 2033. With a projected CAGR of 5.8 per cent, the report underscores the growing importance of innovation, sustainability, and localization, spotlighting India's potential as a key player.
China remains the global leader in T&A exports, contributing 30 per cent of global apparel trade ($154 billion), while the EU-27 accounts for 41 per cent of readymade garment imports. Bangladesh and Vietnam sustain strong positions in apparel exports, while the EU and US dominate global imports, collectively worth $265 billion.
India’s dual role as an importer and exporter is under the spotlight. Between 2019–2023, apparel exports to the US, UK, and UAE thrived, but textile imports surgedyarn imports rose 11 per cent, and knit fabrics 4.7 per cent. This highlights challenges for local industries. India accounts for 4 per cent of global T&A exports, with yarn and fabric exports growing by 2 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, between 2019 and 2023, although fiber exports declined by 4 per cent during the same period.
On the import side, rising demand for synthetic fibers led to an 11 per cent surge in yarn imports, while fiber imports decreased by 5.6 per cent, reflecting strengthening domestic production capabilities.
Growth in the sector is further driven by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which are enhancing technical and sustainable textile production while reducing dependence on imports.
“India’s integration into the global textile ecosystem presents tremendous opportunities for sustainable growth,” said Pratik Tiwari, Co-Founder, Groyyo.
The report calls for leveraging digital innovation, SME capacity-building, and government policies to solidify India’s position in the evolving global supply chain.
Alibaba Group announced it will sell its department store unit, Intime, to a consortium led by textiles firm Youngor Fashion and some of Intime's management for 7.4 billion yuan ($1.02 billion).
The sale, part of Alibaba's restructuring strategy, follows Intime's struggles amid a decline in Chinese consumer spending postCovid-19.
Alibaba expects to incur a 9.3 billion yuan loss on its initial investment in Intime.
Luxury department store Liberty has teamed up with Adidas to launch its debut sneakers collection. Set to launch on January 10, 2025, this collection, featuring vintage Liberty prints, reimagines classic Adidas silhouettes, including the Gazelle, Stan Smith, Campus 00, and Country OG styles.
Of these, the Gazelle features vibrant floral embroidery, paired with off-white stripes and gum soles for a fresh, botanical-inspired look. Meanwhile, tailored for kids, the Stan Smith strikes a balance between playfulness and sophistication with its deep navy floral design paired with intricate detailing.
In addition to the footwear, the two brands also plan to launch a co-branded apparel collection combining Adidas’s sporty aesthetic with Liberty’s artistic heritage is slated for release later in 2025. This Liberty London x Adidas Collection will be available at select retail locations, online, and via Adidas.com.
This launch follows Liberty's recent collaborations, including a limited-edition SS24 summer capsule with womenswear label The Fold, featuring designs inspired by its archival prints. Liberty’s floral motifs also starred in a Regency-inspired Bridgerton fabric collection and collaborations with brands like Puma for a print-focused streetwear line, and kidswear brands Trotters and Peppa Pig.
Iluna Group continues to set the standard for sustainable innovation in the lace industry, combining design excellence, quality, and environmental responsibility. With extensive expertise in material science and production techniques, the company leads the lace supply chain in promoting eco-conscious values.
At TexPremium 2024, Iluna Group will unveil a curated selection of cutting-edge, certified sustainable materials. Highlights include multicolored lace with iridescent effects, GRS-certified Lurex cords, glossy finishes, and dynamic overprinted designs. The new SS26 collection features high-quality Lurex nets and laces in vibrant colors made from recycled Qnova and Renycle polyamides, enhanced with Roica EF fiber for premium stretch and comfort.
Pioneering sustainability, Iluna Group has been GRS-certified since 2018 for its Green Label range, combining innovation, aesthetics, and responsibility. Through initiatives like water-saving GRS-certified prints and FSC-certified viscose, the company ensures full traceability from polymer to finished lace, tracking progress with the Higgs Index.
With sustainable production growing from 3 per cent in 2018 to over 50 per cent in 2022, Iluna Group has saved 1.5 million liters of water and recycled over 92,000 kg of polyamide to produce 7.5 million meters of Green Label lace. Recent innovations include customizable Lurex nets, organic cotton, and recycled elastomers, further solidifying Iluna’s leadership in sustainable textile design.
By blending artistry with eco-consciousness, Iluna Group redefines lace manufacturing, offering dynamic, responsible solutions for a greener future.
