DFU Publications

A pioneer B2B media and publication platform connecting with Fashion Brands & Retail in India

Levi’s to focus on offering retail experience to consumers

It takes a lot to build a brand – from investment to unique proposition. Indeed, the Internet makes it easier to launch a brand. This explains the plethora of brands, especially in the US, there are many domestic apparel brands that have made a decent size business and none of them are really profitable today, just a han... Read more

Growing popularity of e-com making fashion accessible to all

With growing disposable income, a new era of growth has emerged for retail companies, especially fashion, electronics, footwear, accessories, etc. As per India Business of Fashion Report 2017, the Indian fashion retail market which was worth Rs 2,97,091 crores in 2016 will grow at a CAGR of 9.7 per cent to reach Rs 7,48,398 cr... Read more

Homegrown denim brands come off age

Studies suggest there are seven pairs of jeans for every person on the planet. Last year, 1.9 billion pairs were sold, and over 500 million of these were in India alone, making it the second largest consumer of the versatile blue fabric, after China. While local brands such as Mufti and Flying Machine are finding their place in the ... Read more

CMAI Q1 Apparel Index: Grows to 2.77 points, outlook positive for next qu…

CMAI’s Q1 Apparel Index for April-June FY 2017-18 reflects positivity is in the air. At 2.77 the index value for the quarter has moved up compared to previous quarter, Q4 (Jan-March FY 2016-17) when it was 2.25 points. The market recovered after ‘demonitisation’. However, the industry faced yet another tight spot i... Read more

From exquisite ethnic wear to natural saris, Ritu Kumar continues to lead

Designer Ritu Kumar’s brand by the same name launched in 1969 reflects the ancient Indian tradition of craftsmanship in a contemporary setting. The brand is known for its distinctive use of colors, quality of fabrics, intricate embroidery and a gloriously rich Indian aesthetic sense. As Ritu Kumar says, “Each of ou... Read more

Indian handloom creating a niche globally

Being the second-largest employer in the country with over 4.3 million people directly involved in production, the Indian handloom industry has a rich heritage. With leading designers poised to offer its richness, the sector is set to boom and if the recent trend is anything to go by, it’s going to be a heady mix of old ... Read more

Sahiba: ‘We aim to cater to all fashion needs of a woman’

Sahiba’s mantra is to provide ‘affordable designer fashion’ to women in all segments of the market. Yashiki Gumber, Director, Sahiba, attributes the convenience and comfort level of women’s ethnic wear in India as the major reason that this segment still holds a major chunk of the apparel industry market. &ld... Read more

Manyavar making a strong presence in ethnic wear

India’s ethnic wear market is estimated to be worth Rs 80,000 crores and is largely characterised by small, standalone regional players. While they are still touted as the garments for festive seasons, Ravi Modi, Founder and Chairman, Vedant Fashions (VFPL), the Kolkata-based company the power behind ethnic apparel brand... Read more

GST: Proactive approach needed to ensure hassle free implementation

The textile sector, which has so far been out of the tax net, has now come under the GST scanner. While the government has tried to impose excise in the past too, it always failed. While there have been protests and strikes against GST, experts feel the government needs to now look into some crucial issues. Till date, signific... Read more

Fusion Beats: ‘Easygoing, comfortable wear is the first priority of conte…

“We have noticed women are more inclined towards the oversized look, therefore, the style statement we will be focusing on for the upcoming season is tailored to suit their needs,” says Radhesh Kagzi, President, Fusion Beats. Looks for A/W ’17 For A/W ’17 season Fusion Beats will... Read more

Homegrown brands up their game as MNCs spread wings

Global fashion brands such as H&M, Zara, Forever 21 have been growing their presence in India. Now, in a bid to secure their position, domestic labels such as AND, W, Biba, Mineral, among others ramping up their growth strategy. With a strong understanding of local tastes and purchase habits, domestic brands have a fair ch... Read more

Celebrating a decade of India Couture Week 2017

Hosted by Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the just concluded India Couture Week was all about grandeur and glamour to mark its 10th anniversary. With the country’s 14 leading fashion designers showcasing their best creations, the runways were picturesque and the venues lavish. On the first day of the show, Anamik... Read more

Fashion designers patenting designs to fight copies and fakes

The recently concluded FDCI India Couture Week clearly reflected a trend of Indian designers increasingly moving towards copyright and patenting as there is a growing need to safeguard designs. After Rohit Bal, designers Anju Modi and Anita Dongre have patented their designs from the Couture Week. Copies of designer wear are e... Read more

GST council cuts rate to 5 %, great relief to Indian textile, garment ind…

This 5 percent GST rate reduced from 18 per cent announced earlier, will be applicable for job works in apparel, shawls and carpets. Acceding to demands from the industry, The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided to reduce the GST rate on all job works related to the textile and apparel sector to 5% from 18%. In case of som... Read more

Amante: Evolving consumer tastes boosts brand growth

As apparel choices of modern Indian women widens with fashionable silhouettes entering the wardrobes, she needs lingerie to support her look. Styles like multiway, seamless bras are New Amust haves. “We also see a lot of solution products finding acceptance,” discloses Smita Murarka, Head, Marketing and E-commerce,... Read more

Women’s Wear: Ethnic brands welcome winter with a dash of vibrant colours

To stay ahead of competition and create a niche is a tough job in the crowded women’s ethnic wear market. And to gain market share and establish themselves as preferred brands, manufacturing companies are experimenting with fabrics, colours, cuts and styles. Brand Meera for example, has come up with a massive collection ... Read more

Deal Jeans growth riding on changing mindset

From interesting finishes and unconventional cuts to modern, size-inclusive labels, a lot is happening in the women’s denim jeans segment now Lace-up jeans are making a comeback, frayed and uneven hems with cropped flare are adding the right touch to the casual pair of denim, embroidery is trending with floral designs embracin... Read more

Wazir Textile Index reflects stagnation in textile & apparel exports …

In order to assess the overall financial performance of Indian textile sector on a continuous basis, Wazir Advisors has developed the Wazir Textile Index (WTI). This index gives the collective performance of select top 10 listed textile companies (by sales) of 2015-16 as the base/benchmark, represented by the base Index number... Read more

GST UPDATE