FW
France's LVMH is raising projects in the luxury goods sector by entrepreneurs, including a startup working with silkworms on new materials and another whose software may help spot forgeries. Recently, the Louis Vuitton owner revealed a Paris-based startup programme, which aims to support 50 businesses a year by presenting them in a mega-campus where they can work together with its brands.
The world's biggest luxury goods LVMH, is following the paths of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal in grasping a corner of Station F, a massive startup incubator in Paris where it offers rent-free space to the startups. Ian Rogers, a former Apple music executive says the idea is to animate and activate those conversations around the things that may affect the luxury industry.
He further adds that LVMH has been concentrating its startup efforts in the French capital. LVMH, which also owns fashion label Christian Dior and champagne house Moet and Chandon, did not disclose how much it was spending on Its Station F venture, which kicked off in November but was recently unveiled.
Rogers did not rule out that LVMH or its venture capital arm could invest in some of the startups later on, and stated that there were no immediate plans to support the firms financially. Increased by strong demand from Chinese consumers recently LVMH posted a rise in first quarter sales. A lot of startups had some contact with LVMH or other luxury brands but want to grow their reach.
Bangladesh’s yarn production is set to expand 2.67 per cent this fiscal year on the back of rising garment exports. Cotton imports have been on the rise over the last several years thanks to higher demand from garment manufacturers. Cotton imports in Bangladesh have been increasing between 20 per cent and 25 per cent over the last few years. This year, Bangladesh’s cotton imports will increase by 25 per cent.
Of the total demand for yarn, Bangladesh imports nearly 30 per cent. These are mainly from India, China, Vietnam and Pakistan. However, garment makers use more local yarn mainly to reduce the longer lead-time. Bangladesh's 430 spinners can supply nearly 90 per cent of the demand for yarn from the knitwear sector and 35 per cent from the woven sector.
Bangladesh woven garment manufacturers import fabrics from countries like China, India, Vietnam and Pakistan. The market for clothing retail in Bangladesh is nearly $8 billion a year. Gradual development of the upstream supply chain, including spinning, dyeing, finishing, weaving and printing, creates more demand for cotton to meet the required supply to the garment industry. Yarn consumption in the local markets has increased due to higher consumption of clothing by people in the country.
Euratex has launched a new strategy to represent and strengthen the voice of the European textile and apparel industry. Euratex is the European Apparel and Textile Confederation. It interacts with European policy institutions in Brussels as well as governmental bodies and partner organizations around the globe. It engages with EU policy makers and other key stakeholders in new ways.
Adding to Euratex traditional interest areas – trade and industry policies – are new objectives and priorities like sustainability, innovation and education. Euratex’s member companies which are overwhelmingly small and medium-sized enterprises cover a broad industry cross-section in terms of product, market segment and geographical spread.
Over the last 10 years the European textile and clothing industry, representing an annual turnover of over €171 billion, some 1,78,000 companies and 1.7 million workers, has been able to modernize and reinvent itself into a forward-looking, innovative and export-oriented sector. The EU-27 is the largest world market for textile and clothing products. Further, it is the second world exporter in textiles as well as in clothing.
The confederation has now decided on an internal reorganisation appointing three new directors: Isabelle Weiler (Trade and Industry), Lutz Walter (Innovation and Skills) and Mauro Scalia (Sustainable Businesses).
"Heimtextil India and Ambiente India, touted as India’s premium fairs for home textiles, homeware and interior décor, have launched Bespoke Living, an exclusive product showcase space dedicated to companies dealing with signature collections at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from June 27–29, 2018. With four successful editions, Heimtextil India and Ambiente India, also slated on the same dates, have become the country’s leading business trade fairs to showcase the finest quality of dining, living, giving and home textiles. The launch of Bespoke Living is aimed at highlighting unique brands dealing with crafted designs that will range from plush statement pieces to extensive signature collections for home and retail furnishing."
Heimtextil India and Ambiente India, touted as India’s premium fairs for home textiles, homeware and interior décor, have launched Bespoke Living, an exclusive product showcase space dedicated to companies dealing with signature collections at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from June 27–29, 2018. With four successful editions, Heimtextil India and Ambiente India, also slated on the same dates, have become the country’s leading business trade fairs to showcase the finest quality of dining, living, giving and home textiles. The launch of Bespoke Living is aimed at highlighting unique brands dealing with crafted designs that will range from plush statement pieces to extensive signature collections for home and retail furnishing.
The term luxury décor is not restricted to brand names anymore. With trends like fully furnished luxury houses, theme dominated homes and tastefully designed retail showrooms rapidly picking up in the country, consumers are open to different styles and unique designs. Be it the very popular Scandinavian themed houses to colourful cultural artefacts creating a soothing aura, Indians now want their homes and businesses to reflect their personal style with statement interiors.
Halls dedicated to Bespoke Living will feature selected designer brands from India and around the world showcasing their premium collections. This product showcase arena will be beneficial for interior designers, architects, hotel buyers, buyers of luxury goods and luxury homes developers. Business visitors can gain knowledge about the upcoming trends, source timeless pieces, build new connections with people sharing the same interest and experience the quality of the products in person. Exposure to best in class products and latest trends presented here will help them create a better home design experience for their clients.
Displaying regal designs
Excelling in statement leather pieces the brand Three Sixty will showcase their latest leather collection that comprises of rugged travel accessories and signature furniture pieces. Inspired by the world’s deserts and explorers who traversed them, the brand designs fully customisable handmade products, which are available in beautiful shades of tan. “Our latest collection at Bespoke Living will showcase our ever-evolving tastes and designs. We believe luxury need not be synonymous with breaking open the bank. Traditional Indian craftsmen can craft the most beautiful signature pieces and provide quality beyond compare,” shared Vikash Gupta, CEO, Three Sixty. International exhibitors present at the show will showcase exquisite artefacts like decorative ceramics with glaze, handmade clay wreaths with metal leaves, ceramic vases and other decorative items to make every home unique.
Apart from this specially curated design platform, Heimtextil India and Ambiente India 2018 will host the Interior Lifestyle Awards that will bring creative masters from the interior decor and home textile sectors together by recognising their art and giving them an international platform to showcase their designs. The trade fair will also organise the Hospitality Day, a hospitality and retail procurement programme that will bring top class purchase managers from the industry to build new contacts and source quality products. Together, Heimtextil India and Ambiente India will host over 100 companies from countries like India, Indonesia, Switzerland and Thailand showcasing trendsetting designs in the interior décor and home textile industry.
"Grabbing the third spot, Bangladesh is reigning its share in global exports of textile and apparel products. The country’s exports registered a growth of 9 per cent over the last five years to reach $34.4 billion in 2016, while imports have increased at a CAGR of 7 per cent in the same period to reach $10.3 billion in 2016. Bangladesh’s textile and apparel trade balance recorded a surplus of around $24.1 billion in 2016. When we talk about imports, cotton is the largest imported category by Bangladesh, representing 55 per cent of total textile and apparel imports (2016). This is followed by man-made textiles, others and apparel with a share of 35.0 per cent, 6.8 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively. Top 10 suppliers accounted for around 94 per cent of textile and apparel imports by Bangladesh. China is the largest supplier accounting for 58 per cent share, followed by India and Pakistan with a share of 19 per cent and 6 per cent respectively."
Grabbing the third spot, Bangladesh is reigning its share in global exports of textile and apparel products. The country’s exports registered a growth of 9 per cent over the last five years to reach $34.4 billion in 2016, while imports have increased at a CAGR of 7 per cent in the same period to reach $10.3 billion in 2016. Bangladesh’s textile and apparel trade balance recorded a surplus of around $24.1 billion in 2016. When we talk about imports, cotton is the largest imported category by Bangladesh, representing 55 per cent of total textile and apparel imports (2016). This is followed by man-made textiles, others and apparel with a share of 35.0 per cent, 6.8 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively. Top 10 suppliers accounted for around 94 per cent of textile and apparel imports by Bangladesh. China is the largest supplier accounting for 58 per cent share, followed by India and Pakistan with a share of 19 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.
India business relations
India is the second largest supplier of textile and apparel products to Bangladesh, at around $2 billion in 2016. It has registered a CAGR of 4 per cent over the last five years. Cotton textiles is the largest category with a share of 77 per cent in India’s T&A exports to Bangladesh. This is followed by man-made textiles and apparel having share of 17 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.
Currently, Bangladesh imports its required consumption of yarn and fabric from China, India and other nations to fill the demand-supply gap. It has served as a key export market for Indian cotton and man-made textiles since long. However, many new investments are the offing in the spinning and weaving sectors of Bangladesh in the coming years with many big firms taking a keen interest to set up spinning and weaving units there.
Going by its strong emphasis on the sector, the country is soon going to emerge as a self-sufficient textile and apparel hub by focussing more on backward integration in the next 10 years. This is expected to lower the export opportunities for China and India. While Bangladesh is a key export market for Indian textiles, it will be important for Indian firms whose major export market is Bangladesh to look for newer markets for their exports in the coming years.
From January to February 2018, China, Mexico and Bangladesh were the top three denim exporters to the US. In the Men and Boys (MB) category, US jeans imports surged 6.60 per cent on a year-on-year basis. While in the Women and Girls (WG) category US jeans imports increased 9.23 per cent.
China remains the key exporter in the WG category as well followed by Bangladesh. However, Mexico overtook both countries this time in the MB category to grab the top spot in the tally.
Mexico exported denim trousers valued worth $97.24 million (down 6.22 per cent), beating China’s export value in the same category which stood at just $34.20 million. However, Mexico’s share in WG jeans exports was way less than China’s share. As for Bangladesh, its export value of MB denim trousers to the US was up 20.13 per cent. On the other hand, in the WG category, the South Asian giant’s export value grew 4.81 per cent.
However, the share of jeans in total cotton trouser imports by the US is falling. The US import market for denim apparel is extremely tough and competitive. This market is characterized by extremely competitive pricing structures.
NILIT, the worldwide leader in Nylon 6.6 for active wear, intimate apparel, hosiery and other apparel will showcase at the upcoming Performance Days trade show to be held from in Munich on April 18-19. The show provides a unique forum where fashion professionals and textile suppliers can discover and share latest product, trend and market innovation ideas for the apparel market.
Nilit’s Vice President of Global Marketing and R&D Pierluigi Berardi will also present a workshop on April 19. Sensil will showcase at the Performance Days Fabric forum selections from premium European fabric producers, and these fabrics will be designed with Sensil Breeze, to provide athletes with a refreshing cooling effect when body heat and temperatures rise. Cooling fabric technology is just one topic that Pierluigi Berardi will discuss in the Performance Fabrics for People and Planet workshop.
Sensil is the premium Nylon 6.6 from Nilit for apparel that is used in intimate apparel, legwear, activewear, athletic wear, outdoor apparel, denim, and other products. Nilit is a producer and marketer of high quality Nylon 6.6 fibres for apparel and other products. The company was founded over 40 years ago in Israel and has grown to be one of the largest Nylon 6.6 producer, with manufacturing and marketing operations in key regions including Europe, North America, Latin America, China, Asia Pacific, and Turkey.
Outdoor chain REI has unveiled a set of guidelines covering each of the more than 1,000 brands sold at the co-op. The standards outline the company’s expectations for its brand partners, focusing on how they manage environmental, social and animal welfare concerns, in coordination with REI’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
REI is known for its quality outdoor gear and clothing.With these new manufacturing policies, REI is not only reassuring customers that goods will continue to deliver top-rate performance, the company is also informing shoppers that the goods sold at its stores are manufactured by responsible, environmentally sound businesses.
Among the guidelines are those requiring brands to have a manufacturing code of conduct for supply chains. The animal welfare restriction pertains to prohibiting brands from using animal fur and exotic leather. There are restrictions regarding the use of certain wool.
REI is also introducing a list of preferred attributes that let shoppers use keywords like organically grown cotton and recycled materials to search for products, pushing them to brands and products that are using socially responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices. Consumers increasingly expect that retailers they buy from have done their homework in understanding the social and environmental practices of the brands they carry.
For Q1, LVMH sales rose 13 per cent on an organic basis. With this, LVMH has set an upbeat tone for the luxury industry. Prosperous Chinese consumers have been stocking up on LVMH’s Louis Vuitton handbags and Givenchy makeup, powering record sales last year for the company with the highest market value in France.
With more than 4,000 stores across the world, LVMH is getting a boost from a rising Chinese middle class that is traveling more than ever. It’s also gaining from a push into e-commerce and new products to entice young consumers -- like luxury sneakers and iPhone cases styled like Louis Vuitton trunks.
LVMH highlighted its digital efforts, such as its sponsorship for a startup accelerator that aims to encourage entrepreneurs developing new technologies and services for the luxury industry. LVMH moved to ramp up its e-commerce business across its stable of brands last year with new sites for its Celine handbags and Berluti shoes, the first online store in China for its largest brand, Louis Vuitton, and a new multibrand emporium. The company saw organic growth of 10 per cent or greater in categories such as spirits, fashion goods, cosmetics and jewelry.
Denim manufacturer Isko has produced a new version of selvedge by combining pure craftsmanship with the latest denim technological advancements. Isko is producing classic rigid qualities through to comfort and high-stretch items, ready to assume the role of a go-to selvedge denim mill for leading brands worldwide.
The result is a premium quality durable fabric that gets better with every wear, an assortment of over 20 selvedge varieties that includes weights spanning from 7.5 to 20 oz. Such diversity caters for silhouettes going from men’s and women’s bottoms to tops, such as shirts and jackets.
Isko currently develops different selvedge products for different lifestyles, from the super vintage and authentic to clean, modern and contemporary. The assortment caters for different brand DNAs from the heritage to the contemporary. The offer is unique and incorporates ISKO’s patented technologies and every fabric is made in a responsible way.
Countless innovative products and an impressive line-up of technological solutions enable Isko to provide the best answers to the vast variety of demands within the denim sector, in particular those in the premium market segment. Isko has offices in 35 countries worldwide. Isko develops different selvedge products for different lifestyles, from the super vintage and authentic to clean, modern and contemporary.
