20 November 2023, Mumbai

Monte Carlo Fashions is anticipating a rebound in demand for branded apparel in the fourth quarter from January-March 2024. R K Sharma, CFO says, this year, the brand foresees demand remaining flat compared to the 23 per cent growth observed last year, primarily due to a lack of demand in H1FY24. However, this subdued demand is not expected to impact the company's ongoing retail expansion plans.

Sharma points out Monte Carlo Fashions plans to open 45-50 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) this year, and the count is set to increase to 60 next year. Notably, approximately 90 per cent of Monte Carlo's stores operate under the franchise-owned-franchise-operated (FOFO) model, providing cost savings for the company. Only 10 per cent of its stores are owned and operated by the company, with each showroom costing around Rs 40 lakh.

As of the end of FY23, Monte Carlo had a total of 356 stores. During the fiscal year, its business witnessed a growth of 22 per cent to approximately Rs 1,100 crore.

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14 November 2023, Mumbai

Clothes do make the man, and the millennial man is now a gentleman of style showing great interest in shopping for himself and knowing exactly what he wants and where to get it.

The rapid growth of social media, the availability of high-end brands online, and the elixir of shopping in malls have led to rapid growth in this segment.

Trends; Over the last two decades, men’s fashion has become on-trend, as even in the 1990s, before the internet onslaught, the segment was limited to just shirts, T-shirts, jeans, and trousers in casual wear by Western brands, along with some Indian brands for ethnic and casual wear.

The millennial man is a power shopper who has now overshot the tailoring market and is willing to spend on brands and designers who follow the latest catwalk fashion trends across the globe, the same as women’s segment.

Social media grows at 6.3 per cent CAGR by 2025

As per market research firm Grand View Research, the the the the global menswear market valued at $483 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at 6.3 per cent CAGR over the forecast period of 2019-25.

Fashion shows across the globe including Paris, New York, London, Los Angeles, and Delhi, fashion magazines, and the onslaught of social media and fashion influencers have sky-rocketed the growth of men’s clothing.

Fashion and dressing styles are hugely influenced by the appearance of celebrities in movies, ZTV, news, etc, by wearing and promoting whatever is in style. Men’s fashion magazines such as ZQ, Men’s Vogue, Fantastic Man, and Nylon Guys and Man Magazine and fashion blogs are all cohesively working together to make it a big industry now.

Marquee brands; Meanwhile top Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, Manish Arora, Ujjawal Dubey, Raghavendra Rathore, and Tarun Tahiliani’s among others have taken ethnic wear segment by storm.

Data-points

A recent Statista market research report has estimated men's Indian men’s apparel market at around $29.82 billion in 2023 and predicts it will grow annually by 4 per cent through 2028. In global comparison, the largest market is the US, which estimated at around $111 billion this year. The average volume per person in the men's segment in India is around 4.8 pieces in 2023.

Indian designers lead men’s haute couture

The world of Indian men’s haute couture which has for long been led by women- especially in the bridal segment first took off with men also looking for formal wear. And now it has permeated to all other segments from casual to office wear. Many Indian designers who originally focused on women are now creating ensembles for men.

As designer Tarun Tahiliani explains, just like women, men also want to look and feel good in clothes that complement their build and personality. Men do not stick to safe and neutral shades anymore. Today, they’re no longer afraid to flaunt bold hues and bright floral.

Nuanced picture

The bestsellers of premium designers in the formal ethnic segment are sherwanis, bandhgalas and Nehru jackets in a variety of textures and cuts that strike a balance between classic and contemporary.

In Western formals, it’s the timeless three-piece suits as well as single-breasted blazers, while sweat shirts. bomber jacket, jeans, T-shirts, shirts and short or long kurtas are the bestsellers in casual segment.

With a strong focus on purchasing criteria such as quality, comfort and style and being on-trend, the men’s apparel segment is on an all-new high.

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22 November 2023, Mumbai

Madame, the women's western wear brand, has ambitious plans to collaborate with renowned designers, offering personalized services to its customers. Akhil Jain, Executive Director, emphasizes the brand's focus on strategic expansion, continuous innovation, and sustainable practices for the future.
To ensure precision in design and elevate manufacturing capabilities, Madame has made significant investments in cutting-edge knitting technologies and machinery. This empowers the brand to meet demands for high-quality knitwear. As a leader in the ensemble category, Madame offers a diverse range of fashionable coordinated sets.

DNA

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Madame aims to reduce its environmental footprint and conserve resources by incorporating recycled polyester into its products. The brand is also working towards achieving carbon neutrality by implementing eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient practices.
Madame's state-of-the-art knitting technologies and machinery contribute to unparalleled precision and efficiency. By leveraging data analytics and streamlining the supply chain, the brand ensures the timely delivery of its products.

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13 November 2023, Mumbai

No Growth in Sales The clothing and garment industry has seen no growth in sales during the festive season, unlike other sectors such as cars, jewelry, mobile phones, and electronics. The industry is puzzled by this low demand, which affects the entire textile chain.
Powerloom Industry Takes a Break
Bhivandi’s powerloom industry, a major supplier in the domestic market, is forced to take a 20-day break this month due to low demand. Some experts suggest that consumers may prefer to buy new electronic gadgets instead of new clothes.
Cotton Farmers and Exporters Face Losses
Cotton farmers are delaying their kharif cotton harvest, hoping for a price rise. However, the export demand for Indian cotton and yarn is weak, with global prices falling below Indian prices. This causes losses for ginners and spinning mills.

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18 November 2023, Mumbai

Women’s apparel brand W has unveiled its exclusive outlet at Mohali's CP.67 Mall in Punjab. The store showcases W’s diverse collection, spanning ethnic and occasional wear, footwear, and accessories.
Adorned in a luminous white interior, the store debuted with a captivating exhibit for its ‘Celebrate Your Story’ seasonal campaign, featuring occasion-appropriate ensembles, fusion-style separates, and a nail varnish bar.
In a recent collaboration with designer Sahil Kochhar, W introduced the ‘Wishful X Sahil Kochhar’ collection, spotlighting embellished kurtas in rich jewel tones, characterized by feminine silhouettes and relaxed cuts. Complementing the festive clothing line, W also launched a selection of festive juttis in sparkling neutral tones.
Operated by TCNS Clothing Company, W, established in 2002 with its inaugural store in New Delhi, has since expanded its footprint across the nation, predominantly within shopping malls.

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11 November 2023, Mumbai

The Clothing Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI) orchestrated a transformative masterclass in Mumbai on November 3, 2023, featuring the esteemed Santosh Nair, celebrated as the Confidence Guru and a powerhouse in entrepreneurial coaching. Drawing over 2000 garment manufacturers and brands, this event sparked insights crucial for navigating the turbulent tides of business in uncertain times.
Nair's Masterclass, themed 'The Power of an Entrepreneur in Uncertain Times,' echoed the necessity for adaptive strategies in facing industry challenges, ensuring sustained profitability, and instilling a resilient mindset in business landscapes.
Highlights

The cornerstone of Nair's discourse highlighted the pivotal role of resource management and the art of fostering exponential growth. A distinct emphasis was placed on the strategic delegation of tasks to experts, enabling entrepreneurs to channel their efforts where their impact resonates most. This approach, Nair argues, streamlines operations, fosters innovation, and fuels sustainable growth.
Moreover, the event underlined the imperative to build enduring organizations that transcend individual presence. Entrepreneurs were urged to establish legacies by nurturing adaptable, forward-thinking cultures within their enterprises and securing long-term visions and resilient structures.

Nair's impassioned call to action spurred audiences to embrace change, emphasizing autonomy and a legacy that surpasses mere financial milestones.
Key takeaways from this enthralling session condensed the essence of entrepreneurial triumph. Entrepreneurs, depicted as unstoppable forces, exhibit determination and resilience, focusing on solutions rather than grievances.

Nuanced picture

Strategic resource management paves the way for exponential growth, necessitating adaptability and constant evolution.

Confidence, continuous learning, responsibility, and guidance emerge as indispensable elements for personal and business growth.
Notably, CMAI consistently organizes such knowledge series and masterclasses, offering its members access to invaluable insights from industry visionaries and pioneers.

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20 November 2023, Mumbai

American Eagle, the US-based denim and casual wear brand, has unveiled its exclusive outlet in Bengaluru's Phoenix Mall of Asia. The store caters to both men and women, featuring a dedicated denim segment with diverse cuts and washes, including bootleg and distressed styles.

Beyond denim, the store offers staple garments like graphic t-shirts, plaid shirts, and polo shorts. Designed with a vibrant interior adorned with images of smiling, youthful faces donning the latest designs, the store aims to resonate with a Gen Z and millennial audience.

Positioned alongside renowned Indian and international brands in the mall, such as Guess, Fcuk, and Lacoste, American Eagle adds its signature style to the fashion hub.

The recently inaugurated Phoenix Mall of Asia, situated in North Bengaluru, launched the 'Wedding Wow Season' shopping event on November 20, featuring collections from brands like W, Soch, Biba, and Ethnix, among others. The mall, built on a 13-acre land parcel, opened its doors in Hebbal on October 20.

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