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Arvind has appointed Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur the brand ambassador for its upscale suiting and shirting brand, Primanté. With a diverse range of achievements in philanthropy, education, sports patronage and business leadership, Mewar is also known for his captivating TED talks, and an impressive array of Guinness World Records. He has been devoted to public service since his younger days, advocating for noble causes with unwavering passion and selflessness.
On his partnership with Arvind, Mewar states, this association reflects the shared commitment to elevate the standards of luxury and sophistication in the fashion industry. Kulin Lalbhai, Executive Director, Arvind, adds, Mewar’s association with Primante reinforces the Arvind Ltd’s dedication to excellence and paves the way for exciting collaborations and innovations in luxury fashion.
Primanté offers fabrics such as Australian Merino wool blended with Italian design for exquisite suiting, along with Egyptian Giza and Supima Cotton for shirting. Spanning from Super 120s to Super 200s, Primanté's collection showcases a fusion of fine count fabrics with blends including Silk, Mohair, Lycra, Linen, and innovative Poly filaments.
In addition to suit fabrics, Primanté presents tweed jackets, business coats, and shirting, all meticulously crafted to the highest global standards of product development and quality control.
Nilit, a global leader in Nylon 6.6 production, launches Sensil Flow, revolutionizing circularity in the apparel sector. Sensil Flow's innovative approach not only enhances sustainability but also tackles the environmental impact of apparel production by facilitating yarn, fabric, and apparel recycling, effectively reducing waste.
Ilan Melamed, Nilit General Manager, emphasizes the shift in mindset needed across the supply chain for sustainable textile practices. Sensil Flow serves as a catalyst for circularity, fostering deep partnerships and redefining industry norms.
Michelle Lea, Nilit’s Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer, highlights the urgency, with over 90 million tons of apparel discarded annually, only a fraction recycled. Sensil Flow offers a solution by streamlining production processes and enabling longer-lasting apparel that can be easily recycled at the end of its lifecycle.
Current apparel recycling faces challenges in sorting and separating materials, particularly blends. Sensil Flow addresses these hurdles by providing mono-component fabrics with inherent stretch properties, reducing reliance on elastane and simplifying recycling.
Moreover, Nilit collaborates with recycling experts to efficiently recover and recycle fabric waste and post-consumer textiles. By reintroducing high-quality recycled Nylon chips into its production, Nilit ensures a closed-loop system, minimizing environmental impact.
Certificates validate circularity commitments, ensuring transparency and accountability among partners, driving the transition towards a circular textile economy. Sensil Flow emerges as a transformative solution, heralding a new era of sustainability in the apparel industry.
Nilit celebrates 50 years with a premium Nylon collection driving sustainability. Introducing Sensil ByNature, utilizing bio-gas from landfill waste. Sensil BioCare reduces textile waste persistence in sea and landfills. Sensil EcoCare, made from recycled Nylon, enhances circularity. Sensil WaterCare saves up to 100 per cent water in dyeing. All products adhere to Nilit’s Total Product Sustainability standards, offering designers eco-friendly performance fabrics.
Paris Fashion Week (PFW) solidified its dominance once again, generating a whopping $425.5 million in Media Impact Value (MIV), revals Launchmetrics, a data analysis firm. MIV is a metric that assigns a monetary value to media coverage, essentially gauging the buzz and hype surrounding an event. While direct comparisons to previous seasons are unavailable due to methodology changes, PFW dwarfs Milan ($273.4 million), New York ($181.5 million), and London ($78.1 million).
Social media’s impact
This season highlights the growing influence of social media. Social networks captured a staggering 76 per cent of MIV, showcasing the power of online conversations. Instagram takes the lead with 49 per cent share, but traditional online media (websites, news articles) surprisingly holds a strong second at 21 per cent. Interestingly, while TikTok boasts of a smaller share (21 per cent) compared to Instagram, it delivers the highest average value per placement, indicating impactful content.
The breakdown of "voices" contributing to MIV reveals a shift. Traditional media still holds top spot at 67 per cent but influencers (13 per cent ) and celebrities (sought after for their social media reach) are gaining ground.
Global fashion week standings
• Paris: $425.5 million
• Milan: $273.4 million
• New York: $181.5 million
• London: $78.1 million
Can MIV be the sole popularity meter?
The report raises a critical question: can MIV be the sole measure of a fashion week's significance? While MIV offers valuable insights into audience reach and online buzz, it doesn't necessarily reflect the artistic merit or long-term impact of collections. PFW might reign supreme in MIV, but other weeks might foster innovation or cater to specific aesthetics.
It's important to critically analyze MIV’s limitations as a measure of true popularity or significance. Here's why:
• Focus on buzz, not substance: MIV prioritizes quantity over quality. A viral but fleeting social media trend can inflate MIV without reflecting lasting impact or industry influence.
• Pay-to-play potential: Social media influencers can be swayed by brand sponsorships, potentially inflating MIV without reflecting genuine audience interest.
• The power of legacy: MIV might not fully capture the historical and cultural significance of established fashion weeks like Paris.
The bottomline is indeed MIV provides a valuable new data point for understanding fashion week impact. However, a holistic view requires considering factors beyond just social media buzz. Legacy, cultural influence, and the quality of design collections all contribute to a fashion week's true significance.
The EU-funded New Cotton Project has successfully concluded its three-and-a-half-year mission of exploring the possibilities of fibre-to-fibre recycling in the textile industry. Here's a breakdown of the project's concept, goals, progress, and potential impact:
Concept and initiative
The project aimed to establish a circular value chain for garment production. Discarded textiles were collected, sorted, and transformed into Infinna fibers, a regenerated cellulose material developed by Infinited Fiber Company. These fibers were then used to create new fabrics for clothing lines.
• Collection and sorting: Used clothing was collected and sorted.
• Regeneration: The sorted textiles were transformed into new, high-quality Infinna fibers using Infinited Fiber Company's technology.
• Manufacturing: The regenerated fibers were spun into yarns and woven into fabrics.
• Production and sales: Leading brands like Adidas and H&M used these fabrics to create garments like the adidas by Stella McCartney tracksuit and an H&M printed jacket and jeans.
Scalability and circularity impact
While the project utilized Infinited Fiber Company's technology, the learnings and established collaborations emphasize open knowledge sharing and new forms of partnership across the textile industry. This suggests a future where the core concept of fibre-to-fibre recycling can be adapted with advancements from various players.
Collaboration: Different industry players need to work together, with design incorporating end-of-life considerations from the start.
Infrastructure development: Improved systems for used textile collection, sorting, and pre-processing are crucial.
Data availability: Better data collection on textile waste quantities and types is essential for informed decision-making.
The project's success suggests Infinna-like regenerated fibers can significantly reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional materials like cotton and viscose. However, widespread adoption requires ongoing research across the entire textile value chain, particularly in sorting technology. The impact on overall circularity is difficult to quantify at this stage. However, the project has demonstrated the potential of regenerated fibers to significantly reduce the environmental footprint compared to traditional materials.
The consortium emphasizes the importance of clear and unified EU legislation to drive sustainable practices in the textile sector. Aligning Extended Producer Responsibility schemes with Ecodesign regulations will help companies prepare for a more circular future.
Looking ahead
The New Cotton Project serves as a stepping stone for a more circular textile industry. Key takeaways include:
• The importance of collaboration across the value chain.
• The need for innovation in sorting and recycling infrastructure.
• The significance of clear consumer communication regarding circularity.
• The potential of legislation to drive sustainable practices.
The project paves the way for commercially viable circular textile production. However, some aspects need addressing. Chemical recycling optimization, ensuring high chemical recovery rates is necessary to minimize the process' environmental footprint. Educating consumers about circularity in textiles is crucial for wider acceptance. Supportive policies like ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ can incentivize sustainable practices.
While challenges remain, the project has shown that regenerated fibers like Infinna can be a game-changer for sustainable fashion. With continued research and development, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume clothing.
A brand associated with the United States Polo Association, US Polo Assn aims to reach $3 billion in sales besides expanding its storecount to over 1,500 in coming years.
The brand’s sales increased to $2.4 billion in 2023 as it continued to expand its operations across the world. It currently operates in around190 countries has over 1,100 retail stores besides numerous wholesale outlets including department stores, sporting goods channels and independent retailers alongwith an extensive e-commerce presence.
US Polo Assn currently focuses on both established markets like North America and Western Europe and emerging markets including Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and India, The brand is recognised among the top five global licensed sports brands, alongside major entities like the NFL, MLB, and NBA.
US Polo Assn has also bolstered its digital presence, boasting 50 brand sites in 20 languages and engaging with 8 million followers on social media.
J Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global, attributes the brand's achievements to the dedication of its global team and strategic partners. Despite challenges in the retail sector, US Polo Assn. surpassed its goal of reaching $2 billion in sales ahead of schedule.
US Polo Assn has also signed a landmark multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast major polo championships globally. The brand also features in the lists of Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.
India’s apparel exports earnings are expected to recover by 8 per cent to Rs 28,150 crore in FY2025 from Rs 26,000 crore in FY2024. As per the rating agency ICRA, this recovery will be fueled by a replenishment of stock in the US and the EU regions, coupled with the advantage of a low base.
Retail apparel brands in the US and the EU are anticipated to clear their high inventory backlog and place orders for the Summer 2024 season in the first half of FY2025. As per ICRA, the industry outlook is expected to remain stable during this period despite certain challenges.
Priyesh Ruparelia, Vice President & Co-Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA, highlights, apparel exports are expected to recover in FY2025 as exporters replenish stocks in the US and the EU. These benefits will be passed on to the consumers despite cost rationalisation in raw materials in FY2024.
Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, PM Mitra parks, proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), are also expected to foster growth in apparel export revenues.
In April 2022, out of 64 applicants for the PLI 1.0 scheme, 56 fulfilled mandatory criteria and received approval letters. Additionally, twelve applications are currently under evaluation. Investments totaling approximately Rs. 2,119 crore were made by 30 selected applicants until September 2023. These schemes, along with PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA), are poised to enhance India's position in the global apparel trade.
Despite a 22 per cent in US apparel imports, clothing store sales in the US and the EU grew by 4 per cent Y-o-Y in CY2023, notes ICRA. The operating margins of apparel companies grew at a moderate rate of 9.8-10 per cent in FY 24 compared to 11.3 per cent in FY2023, primarily due to weaker performance in 9M FY2024 and volume contractions.
In FY2025, profitability of these companies is expected to remain unaffected despite lower cotton yarn prices, weak demand, stability in export incentives and economies of scale in FY2025.
The upcoming edition of ITMA ASIA + CITME promises to drive regional growth with its pivotal showcase of textile technology. To be held at the Singapore Expo from October 28 to 31, 2025, this significant event will be co-organised by Cematex, CTMA, and CCPIT-Tex.
Spanning across 60,000 sq m, the exhibition aims to host over 600 exhibitors and attract around 30,000 visitors. With its strategic location in Singapore, the event aims not only to cater to South and Southeast Asia but also to tap into vital markets in the Middle East.
Highlighting the immense potential of Singapore, where a large number of textile and garment companies are setting their production hubs, Ernesto Maurer, President, Cematex, emphasizes its accessibility and visa-friendly policies that make the country an ideal platform for engaging with a broader spectrum of buyers.
Gu Ping, President, CTMA, opines, the combined exhibition in Singapore opens up fresh avenues for exploring regional opportunities.
Leading textile technology providers, such as Dilo Systems GmbH also view the Singapore edition of ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 as a prime opportunity to showcase their latest innovations.
Chandrima Chatterjee, Secretary General, CITI, emphasises, the exhibition will address the industry growing needs for optimising production, quality control, and sustainability and help leverage the latest in technology and innovation.
Kering has announced the immediate appointment of Melanie Flouquet as Chief Strategy Officer and Armelle Poulou as Chief Financial Officer to the Group's Executive Committee. This brings the total number of committee members to 13, with women now comprising 46 per cent of the group.
Melanie Flouquet, who holds a degree from EM Lyon and is a Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom, joins Kering from JP Morgan, where she served as Managing Director leading the Luxury Goods Equity Research team for 20 years. She assumed the role of Chief Strategy Officer at Kering in May 2021.
Armelle Poulou, a graduate of HEC, brings extensive financial experience from her tenure at Procter & Gamble, Hewlett-Packard, and EDF. She joined Kering in 2019 as Director of Corporate Finance, Treasury, and Insurance, before being appointed Chief Financial Officer in September 2023.
The Executive Committee, headed by François-Henri Pinault as Chairman and CEO, also includes key figures like Francesca Bellettini, Jean-François Palus, and Gregory Boutte. These appointments signify Kering's commitment to diversity and expertise in its leadership team.
Amid a global shift away from China, India is positioning itself as a top manufacturing destination in Asia. However, the country needs to address certain challenges like high taxes and supply chain inefficiencies to surpass Vietnam and attract foreign investment.
To diversify its supply chain away from China, the US is increasingly focusing on countries like India and Vietnam. India offers low labor costs and a warming relationship with the US. However, its complex regulatory landscape with 29 states having different policies, poses challenges compared to Vietnam’s streamlined processes.
Vietnam also leads in exports due to its established electronics manufacturing prowess.
Although US tech giants like Apple and Google are expanding operations in India, import duties on information and communication technologies hinder India's competitiveness. Prime Minister Modi's government aims to gradually reduce tariffs to attract foreign investment, particularly in electronics manufacturing.
Despite India's ambitions to become a developed economy by 2047, infrastructure shortcomings, including lengthy shipment delays, remain a concern. The government has allocated significant funds to modernize logistics systems, emphasising the importance of improving transportation networks.
While Vietnam enjoys a close relationship with China, India's potential lies in its strategic advantage as a non-China alternative for supply chain resilience.
However, India must demonstrate its ability to compete effectively in electronics manufacturing to sway global corporations from Vietnam.
Iconic apparel brand under Levi Strauss & Co, founded in 1986, Dockers is transforming its operations to appeal to millennials and Gen Z.
Over the past few years, the brand has been expanding its customer base to target the 25-to-35 age demographic. It has also been updating styles and embracing Dockers' vintage roots while introducing minimalist yet comfortable clothing options.
Dockers has revamped its product range by introducing a range of bottoms and tops crafted from comfortable fabrics, catering to the preferences of younger consumers.
The brand has ramped up its e-commerce efforts and expanded its global retail footprint by opening stores worldwide. Besides, it has unveiled a new marketing campaign, ‘Living Original,’ featuring a diverse lineup of ambassadors, including model Taylor Hill and NBA player Jordan Poole. The campaign showcases how classic khaki pants can be styled with contemporary staples like sneakers, denim, and button-downs, resonating with the fashion sensibilities of younger generations.
The brand's transformation journey began four years ago with the goal to broaden its appeal and position its products as trendy and versatile options for casual wear, emphasises Natalie MacLennan, CEO of Dockers.
To achieve this, Dockers is leveraging various sales channels, including new wholesale partnerships and its direct-to-consumer platform. The brand's international expansion efforts, particularly in markets like southern Europe and Mexico, have been instrumental in driving sales growth.
In line with its efforts to appeal to younger consumers, Dockers is tapping into the trend of secondhand fashion through a vintage-inspired collection and collaborations with influencers like BMX world champion Matthias Dandois. This approach aligns with the brand's overarching goal of modernising its image while staying true to its khaki roots.
