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Brand Concepts x Benetton: Travel accessories redefined

10 August 2023, Mumbai

Brand Concepts Ltd, a prominent fashion retail house specializing in travel gear, handbags, and lifestyle accessories, has announced an exclusive partnership with United Colors of Benetton.

Innovative collaboration

This collaboration will introduce a unique collection of travel accessories and small leather items tailored for the Indian market.

Under the licensing agreement, Brand Concepts will oversee the comprehensive design, manufacturing, and distribution aspects, while United Colors of Benetton India will infuse creative inspiration rooted in its vibrant DNA of colors and social awareness.

Set new standard

Embarking on an innovative journey to engage with our fashion-conscious consumers in a dynamic market. This alliance, he emphasized, is a fusion of iconic legacies and a shared commitment to innovation, with the aim of revolutionizing the fashion landscape.

The strategic partnership, exclusive to India, represents a concerted effort to expand the market presence of both entities.

The thoughtfully curated collection will be accessible through Bagline's official e-commerce platform, as well as popular online marketplaces like Amazon and Myntra. Additionally, the assortment will grace all Bagline retail outlets.

Fashion & functionality

Benetton India expressed enthusiasm that this collaboration signifies a significant milestone in our journey, combining the unparalleled expertise of both organizations to craft creative, stylish, and utilitarian offerings for our discerning clientele.

With a rich portfolio including renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostale, and Sugarush, Brand Concepts is at the forefront of design and omnichannel retail solutions.

This pioneering partnership with United Colors of Benetton underscores their shared commitment to elevating product quality, durability, and aesthetics in the world of travel gear and leather goods.

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Raymond set to claim back its former glory

10 August 2023, Mumbai

From a humble beginning as a small manufacturer of coarse woolen blankets in 1922, Raymond, perhaps one of India’s most reputable brands in the textile and apparel sector had scaled glorious heights as an international supplier of the finest textiles.

It then diversified into consumer care, realty, industrial production, and engineering, a diversification that didn’t bode well for the Raymond group.

As chairman and MD Gautam Singhania points out, the diversification didn’t fit into the vision he had for the brand, and for the past 20 years, Raymond has been busy shedding the weight by exiting the steel, cement, and synthetics businesses.

Leaner Raymond performs better

Raymond Ltd earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022-23 were sales worth Rs 21,501.8 million compared to Rs 19,581 million a year ago. Revenue was Rs 21,922 million compared to Rs 20,317.4 million a year ago.

Being debt-free - this corporate action has been initiated with the sale of its FMCG business under RCCL to GCPL for Rs 2,825 crore. The move to demerge the lifestyle business from Raymond enables it to be net debt free and will make it an independently listed entity.

As of December 2022, the company had gross debt of Rs 2,400 crore and a net debt of Rs 930 crore. The three consumer care brands sold are Kamasutra condoms, grooming brands of Park Avenue, and KS perfumes and deodorants.

What ailed the group

Pre-Covid, 2019 was not a good year for Raymond. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued a show-cause notice alleging multiple securities market violations.

The allegations included failure to obtain necessary approvals for related party transactions in the JK House episode, corporate governance violation for non-disclosure of material information about litigations, and non-compliance with shareholder reclassification norms.

The pandemic brought with it more disasters as the consumer care and lifestyle divisions faced their most demanding times in decades as consumer spending tightened hard and fast.

Restructured and renewed, Raymond powered for growth

Raymond is restructuring itself into three businesses: real estate, lifestyle/textiles, and engineering. Eventually, the target is 17-20 percent EBITDA growth and a 15 per cent revenue increase. The overall group’s revenue target has been set for Rs 10,000 crore in FY24. The company also will have to separate enlisted companies - Raymond and Raymond Consumer Care.

Broadening from occasion-wear

Raymond’s lifestyle business plans to double its business size in the next five years and 2023 has been a promising year already as it saw 19 per cent growth in the branded apparel segment. Strategic work is underway to bring Colors, Park Avenue, and Raymond RTW back on track for growth and expansion.

Inclusivity; There are 300 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) between these three brands, and the plan is to increase the number to 600 by 2025-26. As the lifestyle division trio of power brands, they contribute between 60 and 65 percent to the business. The newly launched label Ethnix will also be in focus as a unique and exclusive Raymond offering.

Ethnix currently has 75 EBOs, the plan is to grow the number to 300 by 2025-26.

Raymond also wants to continue maintaining its positioning itself as India’s finest occasion and festive wear, particularly for men, it also wants to embrace that 40 percent of men’s apparel sector is casual wear, and Colors, Park Avenue, and Raymond RTW are ready to grab their share of the pie.

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Madame's 'Fashionable & Free' ad films spark empowerment through style

10 August 2023, Mumbai

Iconic fashion brand Madame's groundbreaking "Fashionable & Free" ad films have ignited a style revolution. With the first film celebrating "Bias-Free, Comparison-Free, and Judgement-Free" values, the second film, premiering August 11, champions "Shackle-Free, Obligation-Free, and Baggage-Free" essence.

Break free

Madame's message empowers individuals to break free from societal constraints, unleashing their unique fashion narrative and soaring confidently. Sumedha Jain, Madame's Head of Marketing Communications, enthused, "These ad films inspire bold style choices and self-empowerment."

Catch the cinematic brilliance and transformative spirit on Madame's YouTube channel from August 9. Fashion isn't just attire; it's a canvas for fearless self-expression.

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Levi's x Ghibli: Princess Mononoke collab

07 August 2023, Mumbai

Levi's® and Studio Ghibli have come together to create a stunning collection of denim inspired by the beloved animated film Princess Mononoke.

The collection features pieces that capture the film's lush landscapes, mystical characters, and timeless environmental themes.

Nuances

From the San & Wolf Trucker Jacket to the Ashitaka 501® '93 Jeans, each piece in the collection is a work of art.

The denim is dyed in deep indigo shades that evoke the film's dark forests, and the designs are inspired by the film's characters and creatures.

All about collection

It also includes graphic tees and hoodies that feature quotes from the film, as well as accessories like a bandana and bucket hat.

The Levi's® x Princess Mononoke collection is a must-have for fans of the film and anyone who appreciates beautiful, well-made denim. The collection launches on August 10th, 2023.

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Mafatlal Industries Reports Q1 Profit Surge

05 August 2023, Mumbai

Mafatlal Industries Ltd posts impressive Q1 results, with a 73 percent rise in net profit to Rs 27 crore ($3.3 million) compared to the previous year.

Growth kickers

The company's revenue also surges by 52 percent to Rs 608 crore, driven by large state government tenders constituting 71 percent of operations revenue.

CEO M B Raghunath credits strategic execution and outsourcing for sustainable growth and profitability.

Mafatlal Industries, a leading textile player under the Arvind Mafatlal Group, offers a diverse product range, including suiting, shirts, fabrics, and uniforms.

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Armani Exchange Unveils Elegant Outlet at Ahmedabad's Palladium Mall

07 August 2023, Mumbai

Armani Exchange inaugurates a chic outlet at Ahmedabad's Palladium Mall, expanding its presence in Gujarat.

Trendy

The store's stylish open façade and interior blend black hues with natural wood, showcasing trendy cap collections, bags, and accessories.

Palladium Mall, known as Gujarat's luxury destination, features various esteemed brands.

A|X Armani Exchange, influenced by street and youth culture, offers accessible luxury since its establishment in 1991 in the US.

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VIP Industries Q1FY24 results declared

05 August 2023, Mumbai

VIP Industries Ltd records a 16% dip in Q1 net profit at Rs 58 crore ($12.2 million) compared to Rs 69 crore last year.

Despite this, revenue rises by 8% to Rs 636 crore.

Aspirational

VIP aims to expand its retail presence in tier 2 cities and targets 800 brand outlets by FY24.

With popular brands like Carlton, Skybags, and Caprese, VIP owns 22% of India's market share and operates over 600 showrooms and e-commerce platforms.

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