Changing Landscape of the Innerwear Market

Funky underpants to period panties, the innerwear segment is now larger than just a basic everyday need. Just like any other garment, consumers have started looking for innerwear options where comfort can meet fashion. Factors like growing D2C brands, a pandemic-hit market, fabric innovation, etc., are contributing to its unstoppable growth. But is the innerwear segment still untapped?

A Gem of an Idea

The earliest diamonds, mined from the depths of the earth, were found in India in the 4th century BC and gradually made it across the world, initially via the famed Silk Route. Today, these gems are facing a setback as their mines are fast getting exhausted. Hence, the world has now turned its attention to an alternative - the new-age lab-grown diamonds, produced in a plasma reactor (laboratory) by a process that replicates the natural process of diamond formation that happened billion years ago deep within the Earth's crust. Through this article, we get you the answers to some key questions often raised on their efficacy.

Textile MSMES & their power to employ

The MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector has been a key contributor to the country's GDP and even during the pandemic, it showed tremendous resilience, helping the economy recover faster from the dip in business due to the lockdown. One of the key sectors to have outshone others and registered tremendous growth textile and apparel MSME. Given its ability to sustain both domestic and exports growth, it may just be the most lucrative segment for creating employment opportunities.

Twin Birds

Through its range of products that serve every fashion need of the country's female audience, both girls and women, Twin Birds strives to be the answer to their growing aspirations and expectations of a fashion line that meets international standards.

D2C brands: The New Shining Stars

With India's e-commerce industry projected to grow by 84% to US$ 111 billion by 2024, driven by mobile shopping, it is poised to become a favourable market for fashion retailers on the back of a large young adult consumer base, increasing disposable income and relaxed FDI norms. In less than a decade, fashion D2C brands have raised $756 million.

Milking the Metaverse

The metaverse came at an opportune time, when the fashion industry was looking for innovation and digital reformation. Now that this parallel digital universe has already been in existence, fashion brands must look to move past traditional practices and explore new opportunities it offers for enhancing the shopping experience of customers while creating greater engagement and a possible revenue stream. Take a look at some key aspects that you, as a brand, can work around to create that WOW effect the newage customer desires.

Unmask Opportunities in Luxury Fashion

In its report titled 'Luxury Outlook 2022', BCG (Boston Consulting Group) conducted more than 40 interviews with members of Comité Colbert (an association to promote the concept of luxury), luxury fashion house directors and industry experts. The result: Identification of five key challenges and opportunities that the luxury fashion industry can expect in the future. By analysing each of these elements in depth, BCG strives to determine how the luxury industry can become a bold pioneer of change in the years to come.

Fashion's Golden Hour for Bharat

India has been witnessing tremendous opportunity in the value fashion sector of Tier-II & III cities and towns, a consumer segment often defined as 'Bharat'. But the nuances of penetrating this market are perplexing and plenty. Simply put, the aspiring shopper from Bharat seeks the fashion and quality of Tier-I at the price of TierII/III, but the complexity doesn't end there. Our conversation with Himanshu Chakrawarti, President, Snapdeal - the e-commerce platform that is focusing its energies on the value-focused shoppers of Bharat - helps get answers to the what, why and how of this emerging market

Spykar: A Story of Grit, Drive and Gusto

Thirty years ago, Spykar taught us that a pair of jeans was more than a piece of clothing; it was a statement that spoke of one's youth, characterised by an eager, insouciant lifestyle. Today, the brand still stands by its principle of serving the needs of the youth fashionably, a move that has also helped preserve its popularity among millennials and created newer demographics to serve in the course. Sanjay Vakharia, Chief Executive Officer, Spykar, talks about the Thirty years of Spykar'.

Reward Loyalty to Retain Legacy

The rising demand for athleisure had already dampened the denim wear market when came the pandemic and the demand from fitted denims tilted towards lounge wear and sportswear. Legacy denim brands have also been facing issues of growing competition and a shift in customer loyalty. But, their extensive experience of operating in the segment does not allow them to be bogged down; so, they've devised strategies that keep customers coming back for more.

Denim: Lost & Found

If there is one fabric that has been around since times immemorial, single-handedly upping the style quotient each time it makes a comeback in one fashionable way or another, it is inarguably denim. Tried and tested over and over again, denim is here to stay and beats most competing fabrics any given day. But this massive popularity has often come at a price that the environment has had to bear. Today, as the world is witnessing the impact that mankind's decisions have had on the planet, denim manufacturers and brands have taken the initiative to reverse the damage that's been done while battling other challenges and striving to meet a growing demand.

Casual Wear: A Serious Business

Over the past two years, the very definition of 'casual wear' has turned on its head. The lines between casual and formal have blurred, be it traditional outfits or Western attire. We thus present to you an in-depth analysis of the nuances of the casual wear segment in India to reveal more than meets the eye through an overview of the market, future prospects, profitable segments and outdated practices.

Here Comes The Metaverse!

Time and again we’ve spoken about the realities of the new fashion retail world, and in those discussions the metaverse has often emerged as one of the most intriguing ideas. Since last year, there has been a considerable surge in the percentage of people who understand the concept of the metaverse, its possible implications and employment, and the tremendous opportunity it holds. Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, through its report titled ‘New Realities: Into the Metaverse and Beyond’, shares a brief outlook on this new digital universe and what fashion & beauty brands in the sphere have been up to.

6 Tips To Stay Relevant In A Cluttered Industry

Success in the fashion sector no longer depends solely on designing clothes; users are searching for more benefits of owning and investing in clothing, and manufacturers are making changes to fulfil the needs of their customers. It is time to innovate and rethink your business models to reflect on the evolution of the fashion industry, leverage their expertise to scale and hence, remain at the forefront of business innovation and respond to the upcoming fashion trends promptly.

INDIA'S COTTON ROOTS NEED NOURISHMENT

India is the third-largest cotton producer in the world. Cotton itself is the second-largest raw material to the textile industry in the country, which is also its second-largest job providing sector. Demand for this extensively cultivated crop is only expected to rise spectacularly in the coming years. It thus becomes crucial for the government to improve the artisanal and craftsman skill set through ITI (industrial training institutes) programmes, making the small cotton producers self-sufficient in setting up a small enterprise.

JOCKEY JUNIORS LAUNCHES ‘TROUBLEMAKERS' CAMPAIGN

Jockey Juniors has launched its summer campaign – Troublemakers – conceptualised and executed by creative agency L&K Saatchi & Saatchi.

THE POWER OF ONE: AN OMNICHANNEL MODEL

IN THIS NEW POST-PANDEMIC WORLD WHERE ‘NORMAL’ HAS BEEN REDEFINED, STAYING CONNECTED DIGITALLY IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR BRANDS. STORES ARE NOT LIMITED TO BRICK AND MORTAR ANYMORE. OFFLINE OR ONLINE, TODAY’S CONNECTED CONSUMER WAITS FOR NO ONE AND WANTS EVERYTHING TO BE AVAILABLE IN REAL TIME. TOP LEADERS FROM THE BUSINESS OF FASHION ANSWER SOME CRUCIAL QUESTIONS - HOW CAN BRANDS MOTIVATE CONSUMERS TO STAY LOYAL AND WHAT CAN THEY LEARN FROM THEIR PAST MISTAKES?

MAPPING MARTECH & WINNING THE GAME

THE PROLIFERATION OF CAPABILITIES ACROSS OMNICHANNEL AND MULTICHANNEL TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY CAN MAKE IT HARD FOR MARKETERS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS NEEDED AND WHEN. IS PERFORMANCE MARKETING A BETTER STRATEGY OR WHAT KPIS HAVE BECOME OBSOLETE ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THAT RETAILERS HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING CLEAR ANSWERS TO. INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE WITH US A WORD OF ADVICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NEW-AGE MARKETER.

MARKETING: A DIFFERENT-IATION BALL GAME

Today, customers are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to fashion. There are multitudes of international fashion brands and domestic brands – both D2C and traditional – that are all vying for the customer’s attention. It thus becomes extremely difficult for the marketing team of a fashion brand to create that differentiation in the market that helps attract more and more consumers day in, day out. We recently spoke to Ninad Umargekar, Chief Marketing Officer, JG Hosiery, on the subject to decipher some of these challenges and how they have dealt with them.

LEVI'S BRINGS OUT NEW COLLECTION WITH DEEPIKA PADUKONE

Levi’s and Deepika Padukone have launched the second season of their collaboration with a new collection of hybrids, bright colours and new jean fits.

DUKE'S SPRING SUMMER'22 COLLECTION IS EASY ON THE EYES

Duke, one of India’s most reliable and favoured lifestyle brands, has brought forth their latest summer collection. In today’s world where youngsters like to be in the latest of fashion all the time, Duke is a brand that keeps their needs and wants in mind while making a new collection.

IFF 2022 USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF FASHION RETAIL

INDIA FASHION FORUM, THE LARGEST FASHION RETAIL INTELLIGENCE EVENT OF SOUTH ASIA, SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED ITS TWO-DAY 21ST EDITION HOSTED AT THE LEELA AMBIENCE GURUGRAM HOTEL & RESIDENCES BETWEEN MARCH 23 AND 24. THE CONGREGATION, AS HAS ALWAYS BEEN, HAD THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE WORLD OF FASHION SHARE THOUGHT-PROVOKING IDEAS AND DETAILED INSIGHTS ON THE NEXT ERA OF FASHION RETAIL IN INDIA.

THE NEXT THREE YEARS OF FASHION RETAIL

IN HER ADDRESS ON DAY ONE OF INDIA FASHION FORUM 2022, SALONI NANGIA, PRESIDENT, TECHNOPAK ADVISORS, SHARED A COMPREHENSIVE OUTLOOK OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY APROPOS OF THE COUNTRY'S FASHION INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST YEAR, WHILE SHARING MORE DETAILS ON YEARS TO COME AND HOW THE INDUSTRY IS EXPECTED TO SHAPE UP BY 2025. NANGIA ALSO SPOKE ABOUT TRENDS AND IMPERATIVES THAT THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT NEEDED TO FOCUS ON OVER THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS THAT WOULD HAVE A SERIOUS IMPACT ON THEIR BUSINESS.

LUXURY GOES HIGH-TECH!

THE LUXURY FASHION MARKET WAS MAJORLY HIT DURING THE PANDEMIC. WITH DOMESTIC AND LOCAL MARKETS PICKING PACE, DIGITALISATION OF THIS SEGMENT WAS SOMETHING THAT NO ONE EVER IMAGINED. BUT WAS THIS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR THEM? HAVE NFTS AND THE METAVERSE CHANGED THE GAME FOR THE LUXURY FASHION MARKET? INDUSTRY LEADERS AND TECH EXPERTS SHARE THEIR TAKE ON THE SUBJECT.

INGREDIENTS OF A TRANSFORMED FASHION SECTOR

THE TRANSFORMATION SWEEPING ACROSS THE CONSUMER UNIVERSE AND TECHNOLOGY IS THROWING UP MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR FASHION BUSINESSES. FASHION RETAIL OF THE NEW WORLD EMBRACES AN INTEGRATED REALITY WITH DEEPLY INTERLACED DIGITAL MOMENTS THAT BOOST PHYSICAL EXPERIENCES, AND VICE VERSA. INDUSTRY EXPERTS SPEAKING AT IFF 2022 ON 'BUILDING FUTURE-PROOF FASHION RETAIL MODELS' DELIBERATED ON BALANCING THE FOUR TENETS OF FASHION RETAILING IN THE NEW WORLD - PURPOSE, INNOVATION, EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGEMENT.

CHANGE BUSINESS DYNAMICS, GET FUTURE-FIT

IN THESE TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, THE RETAIL INDUSTRY HAS SEEN A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN THE WAY OF DOING BUSINESS. CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IS CHANGING AND OLD BUSINESS MODELS ARE SHAKING. FROM CONSUMERS BUYING CONSCIOUSLY TO BRANDS EXPLORING THE METAVERSE, DEVELOPING FUTURE-FIT COMPANIES THAT CAN NAVIGATE TIMES OF VOLATILITY, UNCERTAINTY AND CRISIS IS TOP OF THE MIND OF MOST CEOS TODAY. THIS IS WHAT SOME INDUSTRY LEADERS, SPEAKING AT IFF 2022, THOUGHT OF THE CHANGING DYNAMICS.

'Inflation Is Going To Eat The Pie'

With the advance of the internet and globalisation, it has become easier for consumers to buy products online and receive them at their doorstep. This has led to a significant increase in demand for fashion products, which has increased the cost of production. To keep up with this increasing cost of production, many brands have been forced to raise prices in order to maintain profit margins.

How To Change With The Changing Retail Landscape

'The massive changes that 2020 brought to the retail industry are here to stay. And now that parts of the world are opening up, and consumers are craving opportunities to shop in person, they expect the buying experience to be consistent both online and off,' states the latest report by Shopify titled 'The Future of Retail'. The report not only identifies trends that will shape the retail commerce business, but also provides recommendations that can help brands find the perfect balance between offline and online commerce.

NO BARRIER TOO BIG

The world of fashion is meaningless without women. Be it the business of fashion or fashion itself, the sector would have been dreary and nondescript had it not been for the many female entrepreneurs, artists, models, decision-makers and professionals who comprise it. In this article, women in the business of fashion share their stories of diligence, perseverance and some uncalled for challenges that they took in their stride to reach where they stand today leading brands and breaking barriers!

BUDGET 2022-23 AN ENABLER FOR INDUSTRY

On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for financial year 2022-23, a Budget that claimed to focus on growth while promoting technologyenabled development. Here's how some prominent retailers and brands from across the fashion industry reacted to the announcements made during the presentation.