Indian Textile Industry Happy with GST Rates on Cotton Value Chain, but Disappointed at High Rates on Man-Made Fibres and Yarns P26

Apparel Online India 2

World Wrap 38 Fashion Activism: Voice your opinion; designers join the political debate p12 Fashion Business Tied together with a smile: Focus on Fastenings and Closures for Fall/Winter 2017-18

Sustainability H2F KPR Mills: Phenomenal Diversification: educational initiatives make The survival key for many unfulfilled dreams medium-level exporters come true p16 in Delhi-NCR p30

Market Update Challenges apart, Japan has huge scope for Indian exporters FFT Trends Key Silhouettes and Details: Fall/Winter 2017-18 p33 Resource Centre Navis Global keeping pace with global demand; Asian markets account for 75% of business p58 Tex-File Indian textile industry happy with GST rates on cotton value chain, but disappointed at high rates on man-made fibres and yarns p26

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Apparel Online India 7 FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’s DESK…

At a recent round table discussion, one representative from a buying office EDITORIAL TEAM commented that the situation of workers in Indian factories is still not up to the expectation of international buyers and that worker rights is a faraway EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deepak Mohindra dream! EDITOR Ila Saxena For obvious reasons, the comment was met by an uproar from the industry participants and many expressed their frustration on how they were COPY EDITOR Veereshwar Sobti spending so much time, energy and money on such issues, yet buyers only ASST. COPY EDITOR Sahil Sehgal saw what they wanted to and not what the industry is doing. It is becoming increasingly obvious that there is a gap in the perception ASST. EDITOR-NEWS Dheeraj Tagra of what is ‘good practices’ in worker welfare, from a buyer and supplier ASST. EDITOR Neha Chhetri standpoint. The conflict instead of getting narrower is somehow getting wider. Anjori Grover Vasesi Many times, we have highlighted the number of negative reports that find ASST. EDITOR - FASHION way into the public domain and the lack of accountability that such reports SR. CORRESPONDENT-FASHION Vishakha Somani represent… Also one of the most surprising facts is that the companies spotlighted for non-compliance are in reality the ones that are most careful SR. EXECUTIVE-ADVERTISING D K Chugh on this front. CREATIVE TEAM Raj Kumar Chahal Could be that because these companies are big names and are vocal in their Peeush Jauhari Satyapal Bisht commitment to bring about inclusive growth, so their activities are always under scrutiny and any clink in the armour, however small, is blown out of PHOTO EDITOR Himanshu Kumar proportion… On the other hand the small- and medium-level players are not ‘important’ enough to be ‘monitored’ by the so-called civil societies that have OPERATION DIRECTOR Mayank Mohindra taken it upon themselves to be the consciousness of the industry. PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR Renu Mohindra Without getting into the debate, I can only say that the attitude of organizations responsible for bringing in worker welfare is not without HEAD OFFICE ‘fault’… Instead of suggesting and pushing for genuine change with some Apparel Resources Private Limited workable solutions, they have taken to policing. B-32, South Extension-1, New Delhi-110 049 (India) Phone: 91-11-47390000, What we need is solutions, and one of the biggest factors that could actually E-mail: [email protected] breed change is harnessing the strength of ‘ownership’; making people feel Web associate: www.apparelresources.com that they are not just employees doing a job, but important members of a PRINTING team that can change the fate of the company! TARA ART PRINTERS PVT. LTD. B-4, Hans Bhawan, B.S. Zafar Marg, Many may question on how this can be achieved, but in reality it does not New Delhi-110002 Tel: 23378626, 23379686 cost much! It only requires a shift in attitude and an honest admission that each person working in the company is adding value and ‘bosses’ alone SUBSCRIPTION RATE cannot make an exporter a ‘preferred supplier’. Yes, I wish to subscribe to Having witnessed this industry grow from the late ’90s when even the word Apparel Online INR 2400.00 24 issues ‘compliance’ was scary to now, when we are talking ‘sustainability’, I can *This rate is valid only for subscription in India say with confidence that much has changed…for the positive, of course. Subscription within India- Send Cheque/DD to Apparel Resources Pvt. Ltd. Even buyers agree that today, basic compliance is an entry point to global B-32, South Extn. Part-1, New Delhi-110049, INDIA business, so any company engaged in exports has to be compliant to ‘the International subscription (in Dollar) - Credit Card using www.apparelresources.com law of the land’ for sure. Where the conflict starts is on how garment Telegraphic transfer to Bank Account No. 03192320003806 (Swift No:HDFCINBB) with manufacturers are ‘treating’ their workers …Is it in line with global norms, HDFC Bank, D-9, South Extn. Part-2, New Delhi-110049. INDIA do workers really know what their rights are; do exporters exploit the workers in an effort to meet deadlines, etc… From my experience, I find that most exporters are smart enough to understand SUBSCRIPTION ADVERTISEMENT GENERAL ENQUIRY ENQUIRY ENQUIRY the ‘price’ of non-compliance and would prefer to be seen as ‘caring’ and 82-62-880-880 +91-11-9811088666 +91-11-47390000 ‘compassionate’ employers, because though they do not get an extra cent or subscribe@ rani@ contact@ more orders for the same, they can lose business on such grounds. apparelresources.com apparelresources.com apparelresources.com

8 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 |Apparel Apparel Online Online India India 9 MIND TREE

Q-and-A

To conduct your business better, which specific areas do you feel need more industry interaction: seminars or workshops? Is it fashion forecasting, technical/production issues, merchandising or regular updates on latest developments across the industry, like Brexit, GST, Modern Slavery Act, UK, etc.? Are you satisfied with the numbers as well as quality of such events that are currently being held by trade bodies or by professionals? Any special suggestion you would like to give to improve these kinds of knowledge-sharing events?

Ritu Singh, Operations is little known to us and we issues. These are the sectors a lack of knowledge on Manager, Paramount want to know something more which are playing pivotal merchandising as a subject. about it. Technical matter is roles in the growth of any The students who had their Clothing, Ludhiana important and has always organization. I also feel there degrees from popular been a major section for is more need of seminars universities and schools don’t I think sessions on latest our company as we want to in terms of quantity, and have any sort of practical updates like GST should be learn and adopt more on the frequency. Like we are only knowledge on fabrics, designs given more importance technology front. connected to AEPC, which and it ‘kills’ our maximum and the same should be results that we only get mails time to teach them the conducted frequently. I and information from them. basics. That is the reason would also like to add that Harish Todi, Director, I also feel that there is lack we had ventured into the maximum seminars and J D Apparels, Palwal of communication and skill development sector, so workshops are organized awareness in the industry. that we can make industry in Delhi-NCR region only. Technical and production There should be more better. Merchandisers play Being based in Ludhiana, it issues are the most important interactions between all of very important role in running is quite difficult for us to go aspects for any such kind of us. They should use more of any organization. I am not at and attend these seminars events. Interaction sessions social media sort of things all satisfied with the number every time. More interactions/ on latest technologies to connect with the industry of events, and the numbers sessions should therefore be and efficient production because we are using it should be increased. organized in other regions also methods should be quite frequently. so that they can attend such organized. Apart from this, Manoj Meena, knowledge-sharing platforms. I always emphasize that Anirudh Lal, Government should create Proprietor, Mahima platforms where we can MD, Macsam Clothing, C K Tirumeni, Fashions, Jaipur learn about some favourable Noida Co-Partner, Abirami policies which can be helpful Product Development is Exports, Coimbatore for us to drive business well. If I talk about the current an essential topic which Yes, GST is a good step need, then definitely it is should cater to these kinds I would like to urge for people like us who are GST, which was recently of events, and is in fact, the industry/bodies to into exports. announced in the quite crucial for us. Being an organize such events country and we would like to exporter we need to create also in local languages; learn more about it. Industry new designs and patterns Dhruv Gupta, Director, in my opinion there is bodies are conducting to survive in the industry. We no sense of speaking in Taurus Global, Sonepat seminars on the same; one attended some seminars English when nobody is such seminar has been held in Delhi-NCR, but we able to understand. For us We would like to attend concluded in Gurgaon want that industry bodies conferences on technical and more seminars on technical of late. But, when we talk should conduct similar latest updates like GST are a and merchandising sections about the regular issues, seminars in other regions like must. Like for example if we rather paying heed to the then it should be on Jaipur, Ludhiana, Tirupur, so talk about the, GST, the newly latest developments, such ‘merchandising’. What I that we can also participate in announced taxation policy as GST, Brexit and other observed is that there is them regularly.

10 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com MIND TREE

Rakesh Khanna, sessions on management industry is stepping ahead with professionals, or from these Director, Jai Sai Fashions, skills too. best and latest technologies. conferences. Secondly, We are quite satisfied with merchandising is a critical Noida the role of Government and topic for us, so we need Vipan Jain, Director, industry bodies, and the bit support and backing from For us product development is AV Knit Exports, they are doing, organizing the industry bodies. Such the need of the hour, which help can make us more Ghaziabad seminars/workshops. can take our company efficient in the competitive forward. In a span of one market. We want to urge year we try to do PD at Technical issues are the Harish, Partner, the Government that they larger level, at least 2 to 3 most important substance Lila Shyam Exports, organize these sorts of times. So for that we need for us, and we need some seminars in our areas too so to get some insight and brainstorming sessions on this Pushkar that we can also attend them guidance from the industry issue as it can lead us towards regularly. It is not possible bodies and professionals on more skilfulness to achieve our We need insights in the for us to participate in the PD. Besides this we need more future goals. As we all know, technical segment from the seminars in Delhi every time.

NEXT MINDTREE QUESTION POST YOUR COMMENTS GST rates for the entire textile sector have been finally announced, and will come into effect from July 1st. What is your first reaction to the same…? www.apparelresources.com Do you feel that implementation of GST is going to impact our industry in [email protected] any way?

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 11 WORLD WRAP

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Fashion Activism: Voice your opinion Designers join the political debate

ashion has continuously been a Jeremy Scott, Alice + Olivia, Prabal All Be Feminists’ became a rage in the personal style statement for the Gurung, Jenny Peckham, Joanna ESSENTIALS market. Dior’s T-shirts collection has wearer,F voicing their opinion and the Coles, etc. have splashed their opinions been at the forefront of pro-feminism choices that they make but this year and political statements through The growing with ‘Nasty Woman’ tees, following not ‘fashion activism’ has taken many their collections during the New number of far behind, which has reportedly raised forms and is being carried out in the York Fashion Week 2017. One such Instagram and more than US $ 100,000 for Planned name of a number of progressive prominent New York designer has been social media users Parenthood. The US $ 25 T-shirt causes. Slogan-splashed T-shirts in Prabal Gurung, who had created a produced by Nasty Woman + Co. have T-shirts collection for Hillary Clinton’s is giving rise to a this age of social media is resonating been inspired by Donald Trump’s campaign, after which he had used the more participative amongst the millennials who want to description of Hillary Clinton during aftermath of the election to inspire his make their voice heard. audience the third presidential debate and it current collection that was showcased and end-line has given 50 per cent of its proceeds The new age of political consciousness during the NYFW 2017. consumers who to Planned Parenthood. Not far behind is being characterized by a are many designers who are going all combination of activist slogans and Pro-feminism would rather wear pro-feminism. One such is Jonathan open declaration of one’s views on One of the foremost examples of than write their Simkhai, who during the NYFW, wore social media and all through this, fashion activism has been Christian opinions. a ‘Feminist AF’ T-shirt making his the questions of designers engaging Dior’s, whose first collection of political statement clear and crisp to in this debate has time and again T-shirts with the slogan ‘We Should the audiences. re-emerged. While on one hand, the brands and retailers who reach through their products have the potential of causing political debates, on the other hand, the challenge of being stuck on one side has always crept. Though earlier brands getting involved with politics was a no- no, with the election of 2016 and the Brexit, things changed. Now designers and brands are no longer shying away from making a political comment, and more importantly their opinion is also being heard. By and large, these political statements by designers have been pushed through various causes: The controversial US Presidential Election By and large Trump’s Presidency and the immigration ban have sparked many retailers, brands and designers to relay their thoughts through their fashion offering. Designers such as

12 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com WORLD WRAP

G-III Apparel and PVH Corp. ink deal for DKNY brand in Canada, US

G-III Apparel Group Ltd., leading manufacturer and distributor of apparel and accessories, has entered into a multi-year license agreement with PVH Corp., which will design and distribute menswear for the DKNY brand in the US and Canada. “DKNY is a great American brand and we are excited to have the opportunity to build out Brands that have made strong While the above two are just a few of the menswear business in the US and Canada statements through fashion the causes, there are many such as as a complement to our existing menswear refugee crisis, supporting women’s businesses,” averred Ken Duane, CEO of Heritage Brands and North America Wholesale – PVH. Name of the Designers’ march, etc. that are igniting the Designer Collections runway and more importantly the The deal also includes DKNY Sport for men – a new category for the brand. In addition, PVH has Talbot Runhof Collection includes T-shirts, streets, with not just models sashaying emblazoned with familiar licensed rights for men’s sportswear, dress shirts, the collection but common people words like, ‘Persist’, ‘Lie To neckwear and jeans as well. Me’, ‘Unprecedented’, and who are supporting these stance and Donald Trump’s favourite Twitter The first collection will be out in Spring 2018 catch phrase, ‘Sad’, written in opinions. Dior marked the arrival texturized tiles. in stores of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s and sold in department stores. This agreement is the fourth partnership between G-III and PVH. Tommy Included white bandanas on the (Creative Director, Womenswear) Hilfiger, fashion show which is associated first ready-to-wear collection with a The companies have multi-year license deals for Thakoon, with the hashtag #TiedTogether, various product categories under PVH’s Calvin Prabal Gurung, a symbol of inclusivity and global retail push up combining pop- Klein and Tommy Hilfiger labels and for men’s Phillip Lim, acceptance. ups, partnerships with key retailers Dior and DvF sportswear under G-III’s G.H. Bass brand. and special in-store merchandising. Dior T-shirts screen printed with: The luxury brand has also given Commenting on the development, Morris ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ and ‘Dio(R)evolution’ were sold proceeds of the sales ‘We Should All Goldfarb, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and proceeds went to Rihanna’s Be Feminists’ T-shirts sold in Dior of G-III said, “This collaboration is an important Clara Lionel Foundation, step in the continued growth of DKNY and a clear which fights against Injustice, boutiques and dior.com to Rihanna’s Inequality, and Poverty, and non-profit called Clara Lionel example of the go-forward strategy to heighten promotes access to education. this iconic brand. PVH is a trusted and a powerful Foundation. Ashish Gupta T-shirts included slogans like, partner, and we look forward to our continued ‘More Glitter, Less Twitter.’ Though 2017 is seeing the rise in success together.” Public School T-shirts included slogans such as fashion activism, long back in 2009, ‘We Need Leaders’ and ‘Make Alexander McQueen made his voice America New York’. heard by commissioning a gigantic Creatures of The collection included a scrapheap for his ‘Horn of Plenty’ Michael Kors announces Comfort graphic sweatshirt featuring a message of unity and collection, as he made a statement on closure of over 100 stores equality that should transcend waste and pollution without resorting partisanship: ‘We Are All Human Beings’. to anything as literal as a slogan US-based global luxury lifestyle brand Michael T-shirt. While brands such as Gogo Christian T-shirts include slogans such as Kors Holdings Limited has announced closure of Siriano ‘People Are People’. Graham, Eckhaus Latta, Charles more than 100 of its full-price retail stores over Cushnie et T-shirts slogans such as ‘The Jeffrey, Simone Rocha, Grace Wales the next two years. Ochs Future is Female’. Bonner, etc. are making a conscious As on April 1, 2017, the company operated 827 Milly Their collection is called effort to showcase a diverse cast of retail stores, including concessions, compared ‘Fractured’, with slogans on models, including transgender, many T-shirts such as ‘Unbreakable’ to 668 retail stores, including concessions, at and ‘Steinem AF’. others are challenging representation, the end of the same prior-year period. Including Cinq a Sept ‘I Love Everyone’ T-shirts made which has inherently been political. licensed locations, there were 960 Michael it clear that inclusivity and Moving forward as there is a growing Kors stores worldwide at the end of the fourth acceptance are values close to this designer’s heart. pressure for brands to become quarter of fiscal 2017. Prabal Gurung T-shirts slogans, such as ‘We transparent and connect with Drop in revenue in the fourth quarter of the Will Not Be Silenced’, ‘Yes, We consumers, it becomes even more year is reportedly the reason behind the fashion Should All Be Feminists’, ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental clearer for designers to voice their brand’s latest move. Its total revenue decreased Rights’, ‘The Future Is Female’ opinions and take stance on matters 11.2 per cent to US $ 1.06 billion from US $ 1.20 became popular. which include politics or human rights. billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 13 RETAIL CURRENT

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Tilly's net sales soar in first quarter

Tilly’s Inc., US-based retail clothing company that sells action sports-branded clothing, accessories, shoes and equipment, has announced financial results for the first quarter (thirteen weeks) of fiscal 2017 ending April 29, 2017. During the quarter under review, total net sales increased by 0.6 per cent from US $ 120.2 million in the corresponding period of 2016 to US $ 120.9 million this year. Comparable store sales, which include e-commerce sales, increased 0.6 per cent while it decreased 4.1 per cent in the first “We believe our initiatives are the first quarter as a whole and Tilly’s is headquartered quarter last year. The retailer’s gaining traction. After a tough our fourth consecutive quarter of in Irvine, California and gross margin, or gross profit as a February, our combined March/April year-over-year operating income currently operates through percentage of net sales, increased comparable store sales were up improvement,” commented Ed 222 total stores across by 27.2 per cent from 27.1 per cent 5.3 per cent, resulting in a positive Thomas, President and Chief 31 states and its website is last year. comparable store sales result for Executive Officer of the company. www.tillys.com.

Adidas' sales zoom 16% in first quarter

German sports apparel review, the retailer’s operating per cent for the same period in the 8.3 per cent and 8.5 per cent, manufacturer Adidas has noted profit increased by 29 per cent. previous year. reflecting the projected gross margin a 16 per cent increase in its However, it noted 0.2 percentage Operating margin is forecast improvement as well as an expected sales during the first quarter of points decrease in gross margin to improve between 0.6 and 0.8 decline in other operating expenses 2017. During the period under to 49.2 per cent as against 49.4 percentage points to a level between as a percentage of sales. As a result, operating profit is expected to grow between 18 per cent and 20 per cent. In addition, sales in Latin America grew at a high single digit rate as the positive effect from an improved pricing and product mix as well as lower input costs was more than offset by unfavourable currency developments. Adidas has expressed hope to note an increase in sales at a rate between 11 per cent and 13 per cent driven by double-digit growth in Western Europe, North America and Greater China, Japan and MEAA where revenues increased at double-digit rates each.

14 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com RETAIL CURRENT

Denham opens first Perry Ellis starts store in Shanghai FY 2018 on a high!

Amsterdam-based denim brand, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, US’s leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of Denham has opened its maiden Denham the Jeanmaker. high quality men’s and women’s apparel, and accessories, Perry store in Shanghai, China recently. He further added that Denham is Ellis International has announced results for the first quarter Located in the city’s new HKRI excited to enter the market and ending April 29, 2017. Taikoo Hui Mall and stretching unlock its potential in the region: During the quarter, total revenue stood at US $ 242 million, over 160 square metres, the new “As a city that embraces fashion marking a 7.3 per cent decrease (6.5 per cent decrease on Denham store offers complete range and design, Shanghai is the perfect constant currency) compared to US $ 261 million reported in the of collections for men and women first quarter of previous fiscal. This reflected a planned drop in including outerwear, tops, bottoms setting to introduce our brand shipments given a reduction of customers’ doors and inventory and accessories. in China, and we look forward to sharing our premium product with discipline to drive higher margin sales. The opening of the store is the first consumers throughout the market.” The company had a solid start to the year but notes the retail in the rollout of Denham stores across China and also reflects By establishing a joint venture with environment remains tenuous as such. It is reiterating guidance for the brand’s greater strategic Trendy (China) Fashion, Denham fiscal year 2018 including revenues in a range of US $ 870 million commitment to expansion in Asia. plans expansion in Greater China; to US $ 880 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share in a “Opening our first store in China together they aim to open around range of US $ 2.07 to US $ 2.17. Selling general and administrative marks an incredible milestone for 50 more Denham stores across the expenses totalled US $ 71.2 million as compared US $ 69.9 million our brand,” averred Jason Denham, market by the year 2020. in the comparable period of the prior year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 totalled US $ 19.9 million as against US $ 25.2 million in the comparable period of the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA totalled US $ 19.9 million as compared to US $ 26.1 million in the comparable period of the prior year. Commenting on the results, Oscar Feldenkreis, Chief Executive Original Penguin readies Officer & President of the company said, “We are pleased to report a solid start to Fiscal 2018 with both our top and bottom line results surpassing guidance, reflecting solid growth in our a new pop-up store! core brands driven by the earlier shipment of Spring merchandise and strong gross margin expansion. Our razor sharp focus on Known for its matchless, humorous Ellis International that owns the maximizing the potential of our core global brands by delivering and detail-oriented clothing, Minneapolis-based Penguin brand a continuous flow of new innovative products while maintaining Original Penguin is launching a new detailed, “We are excited about tight inventory discipline continued to serve us well in a difficult pop-up store in Aspen, Colorado. the new store. Not only is it in a US retail environment.” The 800-square-foot pop-up shop strategic location that appeals to will offer a small peek into their our core customer but it rounds newly strategized store concept out our efforts in building our retail that is inspired from a harmonious vision for Original Penguin.” and high spirited aesthetic, which This news comes at a time when they have decided to aptly call a fashion and consumer retail is ‘mid-century quirky’ style. struggling with dwindling footfalls The store design takes its cues in their brick and mortar stores and from a post-modern theme all the brands are willing to do anything while maintaining their originally to save the sinking ship. So when a iconic Penguin heritage and brand that is quintessentially famed Aspen-inspired finishing touches – for its classic American sportswear walnut wood textures in contrast and contemporary fashion and to crunchy, bleached backgrounds sustains a sixty-year long heritage to create a warmer attitude forms of craftsmanship on its shoulders the leading ambience of the store. is looking at redefining its in-store Oscar Feldenkreis, Chief Executive communication strategy; it is Officer and President of Perry definitely seen as a welcome change.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 15 SUSTAINABILITY

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KPR Mills Phenomenal educational initiatives make many unfulfilled dreams come true

t has been rightly said that taken by the company to promote 2015 and was awarded gold medal by ‘Education is the most powerful ESSENTIALS education among its workers/staff. the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Again Iweapon which you can use to change Apparel Online tries to get a look at in the academic year 2016-17 and the world’, and so perhaps, feels the The list of CSR and these initiatives. also in the plus two examinations, KPR Group from Coimbatore… sustainable initiatives The Group made a humble beginning an employee had secured 1123 In fact education today has of KPR Group is quite in 1971 as a powerloom fabric marks out of 1200 and in all, more become one of the primary CSR long, and it covers manufacturer and grew gradually; than 25 employees have secured strategies of many Indian textile so far more than 20,000 employees over 1000 marks,” proudly shared a very wide gamut, the Founder of the Group, and apparel exporters, and KPR like windmill, tree have been benefited by availing Group is one such organization that the higher education facilities K. P. Ramasamy, fondly known as has attained an edge in this regard. plantation, re-cycling extended at KPR through tie-ups ‘KPR’, who recently completed 68 Being one of the largest vertically of waste water, with leading universities and years of his life. integrated apparel manufacturing producing bio-gas excellent coaching by well-trained KPR further added that rural women, companies, KPR has a work force from human waste, and experienced teachers. Making who were earlier living unaware of 20,000 employees and a sales best use of its educational facilities, of the modern facilities, and were turnover of over Rs. 3,000 crore. support to Clean several employees and aspirants deprived of higher education in Recently it was in news as about India Campaign, and continue to excel in the Government the villages due to their economic 189 girl employees of the company variety of regular examinations securing higher ranks conditions, today carry a hope of successfully passed their 12th donations… and gold medals. “To quote some, an the promising future. Even the examination this year. This is just a employee secured first rank in Tamil girls who have completed their plus beginning of the several measures Nadu Open University Examination two would get the opportunity to

Well-managed classrooms for the working girls Apart from study, there are recreational activities also for the girls

16 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com SUSTAINABILITY

NITRA LAUNCHES “In the academic year 2016-17 and also in the plus two BOOK ON SOLAR examinations, an employee had secured 1123 marks out ENERGY TO HELP of 1200, and in all, more than 25 employees have secured APPAREL EXPORTERS over 1000 marks, which is a matter of pride for us.” Use of solar energy is increasing K. P. Ramasamy, Founder, KPR Group day by day in the Indian textile and garment industry. Not only in the southern parts of the country, which always stays ahead in taking such initiatives, but apparel factories in northern India are also installing solar plants now in large scale. To pursue their graduation degree studies along with the regular work spread more awareness about the in Arts, Commerce and Business ESSENTIALS hours? KPR Group ensures that its solar energy and its advantages, Administration at the units employees work for eight hours a day NITRA (Northern India Textile wherever they are working. The The next generation and study for around three hours Research Association), Ghaziabad, company’s tie up with Tamil Nadu of the Group and daily to prepare for their exams. has recently launched a book – Open University is a big support K.P. Ramasamy’s son “Solar Energy – Fundamentals, R. Ramya, who scored 1123 marks Economic and Energy Analysis”. for them in this regard. There are C. R. Anandakrishnan, (in Commerce stream) in her plus already many girls at the mill who two examination, dreams to become Written by Saurabh Kumar Rajput, have done their graduation through and son-in-law an IAS officer and she is very an M. Tech in Energy Studies this system as well and continue to E. K. Sakthivel, both from IIT, New Delhi and Assistant rightfully dreaming as her company work at its units but those who are Professor in NITRA, the 84-pages EDs of the Group, has become a master piece in its willing to do full-time regular study book describes various facts are on the same path commitment towards education, by in private colleges are also allowed about solar energy, from the very and are embarking establishing ‘KPR IAS Academy’ to do so by the company. basic concept to its application, to that offers ‘free’ coaching for UPSC to carry forward this economics and minute detailing The Group has also taken the and TNPSC exams. Many of its legacy further under about technical nitty-gritties. endeavour to employ 36 full-time aspirants have even proved their teachers to help the students in its their leadership. mettle and cleared the exam under Detailed economic analysis of the four textile mills and three garment various categories, which was once solar system (cash flow analysis/ units and it also bears 90 per cent considered as an inaccessible career profit cost analysis/payback period/ cost of their studies. But is it easy for them. IRR, etc.) will help the apparel for the girls to dedicate time to their factory owners to understand Apart from all the above mentioned solar systems and motivate them developments, KPR Charities, for increased use of solar energy. a public trust, imparts quality To make issues clearer and education through its educational understandable, interesting case institution KPR Institute of studies have also been provided Engineering & Technology. It has in the book. Dr. Arindam Basu, received the 5th rank among the DG, NITRA shared, “We are 67 private engineering colleges at really concerned about creating Coimbatore and is also on the verge awareness on solar energy. of being ranked as one of the top 20 Recently we decided to install grid institutions in Tamil Nadu by AICTE. connected roof-top solar power These employees-cum-students plant in its building. The plant is accept that facilities like safe estimated to be fulfilling about 60 to shelter, nutritious food, hygienic 70 per cent of NITRA’s total power and comfortable living conditions, consumption in first phase. Our recreation, yoga, sports, library, efforts will encourage the textile swimming pool and more than and garment units to install solar all ‘a feel at home atmosphere’ power plant. We are happy to guide is something that motivates anyone in this regard.” them to study and they easily ISO 9001 certified NITRA is score good marks despite their linked to the Ministry of Textiles, Thumbs up! Girls in full cheers, along with work, making their dreams come true working schedule. Government of India.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 17 SUSTAINABILITY

Bangalore hosts series of events focusing on sustainability

Bangalore, one of the biggest really impressed by the vision apparel manufacturing hubs as well as the processes adopted in India, witnessed a series of and initiatives taken by Madura’s events last week with a focus on team. The visit highlighted how sustainability and allied issues. Madura Clothing is moving ahead Top-notch professionals from on sustainability as well as various brands and organizations, technical fronts. along with Indian apparel export Another event, Fabric of houses, participated in these Change Globalizer Summit also events, shared their ideas and concluded in Bangalore recently. discussed various issues related to An announcement was made at the sustainable apparel industry. this event that Fabric of Change, A collective approach to increase A delegation of Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Team Aditya Birla Group during their visit to Madura Clothing a global initiative to support transparency and a fresh look at innovators for fairs and sustainable the existing sustainability practices in which sustainability heads of Head (South India), Polyester apparel industry initiative by were the key highlighted points at brands like Puma, Adidas, Nike as Sector, Reliance Industries Limited Ashoka and C&A Foundation, will these events. well as Indian apparel exporters made an interesting presentation launch a new €¤ 250,000 Scaling Sustainable Apparel Coalition like Pratibha Syntex, Orient Craft, and participants asked various Impact Fund as part of their (SAC), US, also held its annual Eastman Exporters, Sharadha questions on recycling of polyester joint venture to support social meeting in the city in which its Terry Products Ltd., among others and allied issues. innovation in the apparel industry. members (brands as well as leading participated. More than 300 This SAC-member delegation Jason Kibbey, CEO, SAC and John Indian exporters) took part. Punit delegates from over 20 countries also made a tour of Madura Mowbray, Publishing Director, MCL Lalbhai, ED, Arvind Limited, was participated in the event, which Clothing (Aditya Birla Group) News & Media, played crucial role also present in the meeting. tapped on numerous sustainability and Arvind denim factory in in these events. Additionally, SAC and MCL News issues like chemical management, Bangalore. Apparel Online was For detailed coverage of all these & Media, UK, co-hosted a day-long wastewater, ZDHC, circular also a part of this visit. Each events, read the upcoming issues of conference ‘Planet Textiles 2017’ economy, etc. GR Das, Regional member of the delegation was Apparel Online India.

Dhawal Mane of C&A among the ‘Top 30' young global professionals in sustainability

The second annual list of promising shocked by its side effects. “A city in his role at C&A, the international young professionals in the field of like Delhi has so much waste and Dutch chain of fashion retail sustainable business “30 Under 30” pollution,” he observed. “I saw that clothing stores, he implements cohort was recently announced by these problems are interrelated sustainable chemicals management GreenBiz editors in collaboration and thought that I can contribute across India, including auditing, with the World Business Council for towards a better environment wastewater testing, performance Sustainable Development, based through the textile sector.” tracking and corrective action. on a global search for emerging Because many traditional roads to Dhawal also works with a leaders who are shaping the next jobs in fashion were well-trodden, local fashion institute to stitch generation of sustainable business. Mane blazed a unique path and Dhawal Mane, Senior Specialist – Sustainable sustainability into the curriculum Chemical Management, C&A and organizes a bimonthly India is proud that Dhawal Mane, earned a master’s degree in networking event that connects sustainable apparel production. Senior Specialist – Sustainable textiles manufacturer, he kept more than 200 environmental “When I started in this space, Chemical Management, C&A is the company compliant with professionals. His most rewarding especially in India, there wasn’t a among these young achievers. sustainability regulations, market moments come from visiting defined role in sustainability in the Dhawal dreamed of a fashion research and best practices, suppliers that have transitioned to textile sector.” career, but while studying at the implementing tools such as the Higg sustainable practices. “Converting National Institute of Fashion First, as a sustainability manager Index to move towards using 100 them to real action gives you a lot Technology in New Delhi, he was at Pratibha Syntex, a knitted per cent sustainable materials. Now of satisfaction,” he concludes.

18 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 19 SUSTAINABILITY

Levi's to fund water saving solutions

Levi Strauss & Co. has gone a step giving them a chance to pursue big further in terms of sustainability and bold ideas with the support and will fund more than US of mentors, sustainability experts $ 350,000 for solutions that have and their peers. Each come out of Levi Strauss & Co.’s year the programme will Collaboratory fellowship on water take on a different social challenges in the apparel industry. or environmental sustainability The fellowship has brought challenge facing the industry. The together entrepreneurs and social focus for this year’s inaugural class entrepreneurs committed to the of fellows is water, an issue LS&Co. issue and this grant will enable has been tackling for some time. “We Collaboratory fellows to implement were honoured to bring together the water-saving projects. This project next generation of global leaders ranges from making wastewater to share ideas, aspirations and treatment solutions more affordable difference in the apparel industry. Collaboratory fellow Kavita Parmar, innovations for achieving a common for small artisan workshops to Water is the biggest challenge we Founder and Creative Director at goal. We look forward to seeing the expanding an indigo dyeing facility face globally in the coming decades the IOU project. Collaboratory fellows’ water impact that uses less water. “To have and our industry is one of the The Collaboratory is a fellowship solutions come to life and inspire the support of the entire team at biggest users. To work together programme for entrepreneurs a future of empowered sustainable an iconic brand like LS&Co. – an and take a shot at changing the and social entrepreneurs apparel makers,” informs Paul industry stalwart – makes me course of our future is exciting and who are working to create a Dillinger, Vice President and Head of believe that we can truly make a fills me with optimism,” reveals more sustainable apparel industry, Global Product Innovation, LS&Co.

H&M focuses on improving working conditions

The Swedish multi-retailer has our agenda and we stay true to till date 290 factories are enrolled representatives in place of taken several steps to improve our collaborative approach and in the workplace dialogue and supplier representing 50 per working conditions of workers methodical way of working, making industrial relations programmes cent of our product volume. Our making H&M products for it possible to take important steps while more than 370,000 collaboration within the Global its suppliers. Specifically the forward,” revealed the retailer. The factory workers are directly Framework Agreement – pushing retailer is emphasizing on factory group facilitates dialogue between covered by democratically the development forward – was employees being represented the employers and the employees elected worker representation converted to a permanent by trade unions to negotiate at the factories and in the labour agreement. H&M became an through its programmes run in collectively, for which it is market in the countries where its official supporter of the Global Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, training factories on workplace products are made. According to Deal partnership,” informs the Ethiopia and India. cooperation, negotiation skills, the retailer, this is fundamental company’s statement. The group collective bargaining and labour to be able to improve working “In 2018, the goal is to have is also trying to make sure that law. “The work is at the top of conditions, including wages; and democratically elected worker wage issues are negotiated and that workers have knowledge about their wages, benefits and rights. The retailer supplier factories in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, China, Turkey and Myanmar are participating in this programme. In a bid to herald change in the entire fashion industry, the group is focusing on close collaborations. “We have collaboration projects together with partners such as Sida, the ILO and IF Metall to train management and workers on for example workplace cooperation and dispute resolution,” it said.

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Sublimation transfer printer

Entry-Model, Belt-Type Direct-to-Textile Inkjet Printer

Showpieces Mimaki Booth TX300P-1800B #86 Hall No.14 TS300P-1800

Mimaki has established the Textile Lab center equipped with inkjet printers for textile and apparel in Mumbai. Wide line-up of products are ready from entry model to large-format, such as Tiger-1800B. Mimaki will conduct printer demonstrations and practical tests in accordance with your job and environment. We will be expecting your visit.

Lineup of products

Belt-Type Direct-to-Textile Belt conveyance system 〈Direct Sublimation〉 Entry-Model, Belt-Type Inkjet Printer High-Speed Model Digital printing inkjet printer High-Speed Inkjet Printer Sublimation transfer printer Direct Textile Inkjet Printer Direct-to-Textile Inkjet Printer

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www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 21 MARKET UPDATE

TO ADVERTISE GOING TO A GOOD EVENT? Contact Rani Mahendru Send your industry gossip, +91-11-47390000 (512) photos and news to [email protected] [email protected]

Challenges apart, Japan has huge scope for Indian exporters GOVERNMENT NOW JOINS THE THRUST

apan is a mid-size high unit value of Pawan Arya, VP, Orient Craft, Japan – the world’s second-largest market with focus on quality, Noida who informed that out of the Jconsistency and repeatability. As developed economy, the third-biggest entire quantity that Orient Craft is price is now the biggest challenge exporting to Japan, 95% consists of economy by nominal GDP, and the irrespective of buyer/country, the same basic garments. The company is not fourth-largest by purchasing power parity is applicable for Japan as a majority working with Japanese customers – has once again shown its economic of exporters feel that Japanese prices and is shipping to Japan franchise growth as positive – to just over 0.5% are very sharp now. Still some players stores through US customers. Jay believe that there is some relief from says, “Japan looks at India for cotton in 2016, though it has been forecast Japan on the price front. “Unit value apparel – both basic and fashion. India to stay well below 1% for the next six attractiveness is to be viewed in loses out big time on MMF due to its years. However, the majority of Indian line with volumes, quality demands, weak supply chain and this restricts exporters are not working with some of product standardization, consistency India’s ability for Japan as a major the markets like Japan which still have and achievable efficiencies. From this user of MMF apparel.” perspective, Japan unit values are enough scope for Indian made apparels. It takes two days for goods to reach average than good,” says Jay, CEO, Some of the exporters have individual Japan from China while it takes 18 Fedmac India, Tirupur, who earlier days from India. What could be a reasons while most others have common worked with Japanese retail on plausible solution or how can India reasons. But one can’t ignore that Japan menswear and kidswear. As Japan is improve on this point? Jay believes imports apparel products worth almost also sourcing value-added garments that direct sailing of master vessels from India, reasonable margins US $ 40 billion a year while its overall from Tuticorin and Chennai is are kept in such orders and repeat market is about US $ 110 billion and it is possibly one of the options to cut orders from Japan are motivating sailing timeline. Pradeep is of the supposed to expand to US $ 150 billion enough for the exporters to work on opinion that Japan is not very far from in the next 8 years. Bangladesh’s apparel lesser margins. India, but internal services take a lot shipment to Japan might cross US $ 1 As far as products are concerned, of time to move the cargo to the Indian billion mark soon after the relaxation of both value-added garments and port or to move it to any airport. Also, the Rules of Origin (RoO). Hence, from basic garments are working well in the custom department takes a longer Japan. But exporters feel that after time to give clearance and the rush all these facts/figures, it is evident that Comprehensive Economic Partnership on ports further delay the stuffing of Japan’s name undoubtedly comes on Agreement (CEPA), demand of basic goods on ship. “We need direct cargo priority whenever someone talks about garments has increased compared to flights for Japan at a very economical emerging/non-traditional markets. value-added garments. The same has fair which can give a boost to Indian Apparel Online discussed with the Indian been observed by Pradeep Nahata, exporters, so that the buyer can find MD, Karni Exports, Jaipur having it very fast like China and can work exporters about the changing paradigms 10% of its business in Japan (mostly easily without tension of delivering on of both the markets. boutique buyers for small quantity). time,” he added. Some other exporters Almost similar experience is that also expressed their concern that

22 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com MARKET UPDATE

EXPERIENCE OF WORKING EXCLUSIVELY FOR JAPAN

Spring Overseas, Delhi, with a factory in Manesar, is a company doing 100% production for Japanese buyers. Though the company tried to work with US and EU, it could not grow much as its system and working culture were fit for Japan. “We could not mix the things as we are used to work in the Japanese style, for example we work on centimetres while in US or EU, one has to work on inches. Difference of a single inch into measurement only better design inputs, quality and likely to have less impact given the creates a difference of 2.54 centimetres which is huge and no advanced planning can tackle this fact that China has nurtured a good Japanese buyer will tolerate it. issue. “Not 18, but it can actually take set of satellite nations around the The working culture of a factory 40 days to reach a Japanese store region (Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Experts feel which is totally dedicated to from our factory here; but for us it is Indonesia, etc.) to convert its textiles Japanese buyers is such that that India has not a big issue as buyers who want at a lower cost and stay miles ahead of whenever any of our worker to get their deliveries done soon, India,” shares Jay. a fair amount tried to get a job somewhere of success in pay air charges themselves, shared More than 5 years have passed since else, he/she got the top priority textiles working Satish Chand, President, Spring the CEPA between Japan and India compared to other experienced Overseas, Delhi. The company is went into effect. Even this has not workers,” states Satish Chand with Japan, but known for working mainly with Japan. the same is not proved much fruitful as sharp prices, proudly. He further added that Is 100% inspection or strict quality shorter lead times and strict quality if someone is willing to work applicable in parameters one of the reasons that parameters are the major factors with Japanese brand or buyer, case of apparel. Indian exporters are not able to book slowing the growth of business he has to think completely like Vardhman big Japanese orders? “Yes, it could with Japan and most of the Indian Japanese and should not expect Nisshinbo be one of the reasons,” says Pawan exporters are lacking at least on one much of orders in the first year. but some exporters don’t see this as of the above mentioned three points. “Despite having good reputation Garments a problem as they know very well Exporters are aware that supply with many Japanese buyers, Company that in small order, it is a good way to exceeds demand and with China and whenever we start working with Limited is a work with 100% quality parameters. its satellites next door, the need for a new buyer of Japan, in the first year, we get few orders only,” perfect example Jay adds that Japan quality demands Japan to outreach beyond them is not with 100% audit are for the most part necessary. informed Satish. in this regard. Doing women and kidswear, tangent with the established quality So, for India to increase its apparel Some of the Satish observed that last year, systems (4 points system, AQL) of export to Japan, the significant point the season went majorly with Jaipur-based mainstream factories with major that would help is of course the value-added garments and exporters are exposure to EU and US making it improvement of Japanese economy the coming season will focus difficult to sync Japanese production but at the level of Indian exporters and also working more on embroidery and prints. with mainstream. the Indian Government, more support aggressively but “Earlier price was not a big at a small level. Exporters feel that even China’s exit to the exporters for participation in concern if someone was working from apparel manufacturing has not Japan-based sourcing fair and other Indian giants can with Japan but with the recent pushed Japanese orders to India in a such fairs in Japan to sell the Indian fluctuation of Japanese yen, explore more significant way as only some orders products can be an immediate step. buyers are forced to be very opportunities are coming to India. They stress that “Yes, many exporters are participating particular on price. Foreign together. those importers who really need in such fairs but it costs a lot; so those media also reported in mid Indian taste and quality workmanship exporters who are willing to expand of May 2017 that “Yen is the will buy from India. The rest will go in this market or are just entering, weakest currency in the world to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand should be given some extra benefits to over the past month.” and other Asian countries. “It is attend such fairs,” Pradeep suggests.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 23 MARKET UPDATE

QTEC perspective on difference of requirement between Japanese and Western buyers

The unique requirements in the Japanese market, other than quality requirements, are like – very small lot, orders, numerous assortments, very short lead time for production and demand for quick response in any operation etc. (Toyota’s Kanban system). Besides, the Japanese buyers also maintain high loyalty to the factories which provide well-made products and wish to establish MoT expects long lasting relationships with those factories. In addition, they rarely cause trouble in payments. It may not be easy to understand Japanese buyers in the beginning, but it will be proven that they are good partners to work with you, robust growth once you satisfy them.

Japanese buyers Western buyers (EU & (Japanese apparel brand) US, especially global in textile and apparel brand)

Authority Before deciding on a contract, they need They are usually authorized to of a buyer to obtain the consent of stakeholders make their own decisions. apparel exports in most cases. Although often seen as a slow decision and action, you need to understand that it is necessary among Japanese companies. to Japan

Contract 1. Contract documents are not extensive 1. They prepare extensive attitude and they cover outlines. contract documents to cover details such as 2. They consider it is not documents only specs. that develop mutual understanding. They are willing to expend some time 2. Contract documents for cross confirmation to build lasting include everything to be relationships. conveyed. 3. They sometimes go with silent 3. They terminate the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) is expecting a strong and healthy growth in textile and acknowledgment, which is contract without possible among Japanese. It hesitation when the apparel exports to Japan in the next few years and efforts for the same are also is advisable to confirm about outcome of the deal does anything uncertain to you. If you not appear right. being made with the help of Japanese experts. A senior minister of the Textile stay silent, they will consider that you understand everything, as for Ministry said the efforts that both the countries are making shall reap positive quality requirements. It is advised results for Indian exporters doing business with Japan. Out of India’s total textile to have your buyer designate the limit samples to clarify the range of and apparel exports of nearly US $ 40 billion, only US $ 0.5 billion (or less) goes tolerance. to Japan, which imports nearly US $ 35 billion worth textile apparel annually.

Quality 1. They require the same quality level, 1. It is sufficient that you awareness regardless of the price range. achieve the quality that complies with stipulation 2. They do not hesitate to make in contract. necessary modification in production extiles Committee under MoT is marching ahead. Under this MoU, specs if they find it advantageous to 2. They are very conscious improve the quality. about the safety control geared up to enhance exports Textiles Committee recently organized of hazardous chemical T 3. Their primary concern is visible to Japan and is working for the an Industry Capacity Building substances. quality such as colour fastness and Programme on Quality Compliance appearance retention. 3. They are very conscious same with the help of experts from on compliance to labour 4. They request many things in detail, Japan Textile Products Quality and of Indian Textiles & Clothing for situation such as child such as method of folding, attaching labour. Technology Centre (QTEC). The Japanese Market in 9 cities across hang-tag, final packaging for each product. These minor operations must Government of India last year signed a the country. The programme was be precisely conducted accordingly to the request. MoU with QTEC through the Textiles well-attended by the leading textile Committee with a view to jointly industry and trade personnel. Designation Often, the buyers require a test report The buyers nominate testing establish and encourage quality Addressing the event in Delhi, Subrata of a third which is issued by a Japanese testing laboratory, and factories have party testing laboratory, such as QTEC. no choice. compliance activities in the industry. Gupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of laboratory The MoU is expected to usher in a Textiles said, “Japan is one of our

Tests and Testing procedures are not documented, Based on the published test new beginning in the International closest strategic and business partner, criteria but are supposed to follow JIS test methods such as AATCC, Trade of Textile and Clothing from so we required immediate corrective methods defined with JIS number. Criteria ISO, and EN, they have may vary from customer to customer their own test procedures India to Japan as Indian industry is action to increase our textile and because each customer maintains documented. Criteria are set their own criteria, very unique point of up in accordance with their Japanese buyers. test procedures.

Restrictions Practically, only the free formaldehyde Hazardous substances such of must be tested in certain items. Regulation as certain aromatic amines hazardous of certain aromatic amines (Azo dye) has (Azo dye) and heavy metals substances been enforced by law w.e.f. 1st April 2016. are regulated by law in many countries

Pre- 100% inspection by a third-party In most cases, sampling shipment inspection company is required by many inspection is required in product buyers. Japanese buyers request that all accordance with AQL. inspection products are grade ‘A’. It is not likely they Western buyers anticipate the (third-party accept non-qualified products mixed in rate of product loss. inspection) the shipment.

Needle Needle detection is required for all Needle detection is not always detection products. It is often required to detect mandatory. Broken needles twice in different directions to make are not generally recognized detection complete, because the direction as very dangerous objects as of the object affects the sensitivity of the they are recognized in Japan. (L-R) RC Kesar, DG, OGTC; Ajit B Chavan, Secretary, Textiles Committee; Subrata Gupta, Joint Secretary, MoT; Kei Funaki, detector. ASEAN and South Asia Regional Manager, Overseas Coordination Department, QTEC; Toshiki Tasaka, Director, Overseas Coordination Department, QTEC; and Vijay Mathur, Additional Secretary General, AEPC at the event held in Delhi.

24 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com MARKET UPDATE

apparel exports to the country. Of the total apparel imports by Japan, only 1.2% is from India. We should increase “In majority of the cases, buyers are it to at least 5% in the next three testing at their end because the JIS years. Our quality is not that poor, standard being followed here by and even technically, we are superior various labs have differences. The to countries like Bangladesh and same fabric which is passed here by Vietnam, yet our export is less. Issues these labs does not pass in Japan. lie elsewhere; we need to go deeper for The best way to safeguard for a their solutions.” manufacturer is that whenever he Ajit B Chavan, Secretary, Textiles develops a fabric which then gets Committee, is also positive about selected, he should send it to the this target as he said, “Though our buyers so that they (the buyers) can efforts have just begun, we are quite test at their own end and meet their requirements. Only then optimistic about this target. We are an exporter should go ahead, because most of the times when creating awareness and disseminating buyers test the fabric in their Japan-based labs, certain tests fail, all specification, quality requirements, but buyers give you some exemptions… Buyers also see from among the Indian apparel exporters.” the user/customer point of view whether this ‘failing standard’ is Apparel Export Promotion Council affecting the consumers or not… For example, if tear strength in (AEPC) is also enthusiastic as far as sheer fabric is not affecting as in a loose garment like in a ladies- apparel export to Japan is concerned. top, then the buyer will accept this fabric. So in such cases, one Vijay Mathur, Additional General Secretary, AEPC added, “Neetee (supplier/exporter) can get exemption.” Clothing, a Gurgaon-based apparel – Animesh Saxena, MD, Neetee Clothing, Gurgaon JAPAN REVISES exporter, has done few required LABELLING improvements in its working, like NORMS creating worker manual, visual “For JIS rules regarding physical display of machine working etc., and property of textiles, the material Consumer Affairs Agency of now the company is also doing good should be tested under atmospheric the Government of Japan has conditions of 20°C. For a tropical reportedly announced the business with a Japanese brand Muji. partial revision of the quality Other Indian apparel exporters too country like India, bringing down lab’s labelling system for textile and should come forward.” He further temperature is not cost-effective, that apparel products, with effect added that the apparel exporters is why we test at 27°C. As per my from 1st April 2017. willing to work with good Japanese experience of NTC, when I deal with In the new enforcement buyers, should have their own Japanese market, my discussion with regulation provision, the environment policies and also should worldwide experts, textile scientists garment care symbols have ask their workers about their future made me find out that they accepted been increased by 22 to 41 in terms of numerical digits, aspirations from their job. the 7°C variation as it doesn’t make any significant difference and some new care tags such Toshiki Tasaka, Director, Overseas in the characteristics of the fibres and in case of dispute, Japan as washing care labelling for Coordination Department of QTEC; should not take advantage of this. Though it may be well mufflers, scarves and shawls and Kei Funaki, ASEAN and South established there, till date there is no formal agreement on this have been added, while fibre point, the sooner it gets resolved, it is better.” composition of interlining Asia Regional Manager, Overseas for trousers has been made Coordination Department, QTEC – RL Kapoor, Ex. CGM (Tech.), NTC Ltd., New Delhi mandatory. deliberated in depth on the subjects: Apart from this, care symbols ‘Difference of quality requirements will be attached according to JIS between Western buyers; ‘Quality “There are few successful Japanese L0001-2014 (care labelling code and Compliance in Japan and trading companies in Japan and they using symbols), and fibre name JIS Overview’; and ‘The Banned are working effectively among machine and percentage will be required Substance in Japanese Market’ at manufacturers. I suggest that being to be mentioned as per the the event. The Japanese delegates a Government and an independent “Textile Goods Quality Labelling Regulation”. Additionally, the also discussed their country’s market organization, the Textiles Committee manufacturers have to provide requirements in terms of quality, should take similar responsibility and the expanded information to the make-up, benchmarking tools, work as an Indian trading company consumers on awareness of the Japanese industrial standards and with focus on Japan. It will help the method of cost of caring of the various other compliances. industry right from testing to overall textile product. Also, this has strictly been included in the In discussion with Apparel Online, sourcing as every exporter does recently introduced laws that Japanese experts shared that some not have capabilities, resources etc. to further explore Japan. all the new labels should be of the Indian factories are working Through this, Japanese companies will have confidence to work permanently attached to the quite good as per the requirement of with new companies in India.” textile products, either printed Japanese retailers/buyers, and that directly on the product or – KK Agarwal, Textile Sourcing System/Relio Marketing Japan needs to explore these units. sewn. The label must be visible, Company, Delhi indelible and easily accessible However, more and more information to the consumer. sharing is required at both the ends.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 25 TEX-FILE

INDIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY HAPPY WITH GST RATES ON COTTON VALUE CHAIN, BUT DISAPPOINTED AT HIGH RATES ON MAN-MADE FIBRES AND YARNS

the decision and stated that as the GST OF 5% FOR COTTON textile industry has been under the VALUE CHAIN… optional route since 2004 and the fabrics have been under zero VAT GST of 5% for cotton, against rate, the 5% GST rate would bring the current prevailing rate of substantial revenue apart from “nil” is being taken as a very widely broad basing the tax net progressive and growth-oriented across the textile value chain and step for Indian textile industry. ensuring compliance. The move has been taken under “The rate of 5% for cotton textiles consideration to ensure compliance is very progressive and will lead and continued encouragement for Raja M Shanmugham, President, TEA M. Senthil Kumar, Chairman, SIMA to the growth and development of the farmers to grow more cotton. the entire value chain,” averred Attracting the lowest rate, GST Ujwal Lahoti, Chairman of The will not cast any additional burden Cotton Textiles Export Promotion on the sector and will ensure that Council (Texprocil). to reconsider the rates of MMF India regains its competitiveness GST LEVY products and bring it down to 12%. Meanwhile, Prabhu Damodaran, in the cotton textiles sector in ON TEXTILES He stated that India is already Secretary, Indian Texpreneurs the global market. Experts feel suffering a huge competitive Federation (ITF) believed, that the new GST rate for cotton Silk and jute 0% disadvantage in the global textile textiles will eliminate the cascading “Uniform and lowest slab GST in Cotton and 5% market as the MMF based textile cotton segment up to fabric stage effect of duty/taxes which will natural fibre products are attracting higher will make the textile manufacturing reduce the costs and improve the rates of import duty. Therefore, the sector efficient and trigger growth Man-made fibre 18% competitiveness of the textiles CITI Chairman reasoned, “Keeping across the country.” He is also exports. All categories 5% the GST rates at this level will extremely happy that the entire of yarn According to the newly undoubtedly cripple hundreds of cotton textile sector has been released GST rates for the Man-made yarn 18% small- and medium-level synthetic brought under the tax net without sector, besides all natural fibres textile manufacturers.” zero exemption for any segment in Fabric 5% including cotton, cotton yarn and the value chain. While announcing these rates, fabric, readymade garments valued Apparels priced 12% above Rs. 1,000 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley below Rs.1,000 have also been had clarified that textile classified under 5% GST rate while Apparels priced 5% manufacturers would not be given 18% GST ON MAN-MADE below Rs. 1,000 garments valued above Rs.1,000 FIBRES/YARNS… credit outflow, which implies have been classified under 12% that an input credit above the GST rate, against the current Despite the positive decision in prescribed limit would not be levy of 6-7% for all readymade favour of ‘cotton value chain’, the granted to textile manufacturers. garments. Industry watchers feel industry is disappointed at the 18% He had shared that in the context that 5% GST rate on readymade GST rate levied on man-made fibres of 18% GST for man-made yarns, garments below Rs.1,000 would and synthetic yarns. CITI Chairman fabric made from this yarn will greatly benefit the common man J. Thulasidharan observed that this attract 5% and hence full input across the country, being a mass GST rate levied on man-made fibres credit will not be utilized. consumption item. and synthetic yarns would have Reacting to the minister’s M. Senthil Kumar, Chairman, The inverted duty structure problem as clarification, S C Kapur, Southern India Mills’ Association the fabric would attract only 5% GST Chairman of Association of (SIMA) has highly appreciated rate. He also urged the Government Synthetic Fibre Industry said,

26 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com TEX-FILE

The Indian textile industry, though happy with the announcement of 5% (lowest) Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates for the cotton value chain, including cotton, cotton yarn and fabric, is disappointed with the fixed 18% rate for synthetic or man-made fibres and yarns. Service tax is also fixed for job working units at 18%. Silk and jute have been kept under “nil” category under the GST provisions.

“The Government should have applied a uniform rate to the textile industry which has been the global practice. Man-made fibre tax at cotton yarn level would have helped higher investment in the sector. Additional demand for fabric can be fulfilled by synthetic makers as there will always be an upper limit to produce more cotton.” It is being pointed out that synthetic yarn and cotton yarn blended fabric constitutes 70-80% of total fabric Ujwal Lahoti, Chairman, Texprocil Prabhu Damodaran, Secretary, ITF J. Thulasidharan, Chairman, CITI and hence mis-declaring synthetic fibre as cotton in blended fabric is not ruled out. Also, with this, readymade garments would become The industry further requested the the predominantly decentralized costlier proportionately. Had input Government to announce drawback ESSENTIALS and MSME nature of the industry credit been granted, garment rates to take into account the especially the powerloom manufacturers would have got a unrebated duties under GST Experts feel that the sector, knitting, processing and breather in terms of taxes on raw and continue the ROSL scheme twin factors of higher garmenting sectors. materials. for made-ups and also extend tax on synthetic yarn it to fabrics and yarn. Experts and lower tax on WHAT IS GST... OTHER CONCERNS… feel that the Government should fabric, could double ensure speedy refund of input imports from China tax credits on exports so that Goods and Service Tax (GST) rate CITI Chairman further points out as prices of domestic exporters funds do not get blocked. tariff in India is designed for 6 that the high rates announced fabric would rise. At categories of goods and services. While Raja M Shanmugham, for dyeing and printing units and present, India's fabric Four main GST rate slabs are President, Tirupur Exporters’ embroidery items at 18% can lead framed with Essential goods and Association (TEA) admitted that import from China to an increase in input costs and services; Standard goods and the GST structure would help the is estimated to be can adversely affect the entire services (divided under 2 slabs); predominately cotton based textile around Rs. 4,000 textile value chain. “Keeping and Luxury goods and services with industry to grow and also increase crore due to the tax rates high will not only 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%, respectively. escalate textile inflation but exports, he shared concerns cheaper rates. Commonly used goods and services will lead to cheap imports from about the service tax being fixed Fabric from China is fall under 5%; Standard goods and other countries like Bangladesh, for job working units at 18% largely synthetic and services coming under the first slab Vietnam and China. This will where more than 80% of garment cheaper by around at 12%; Standard goods and services exporting units in Tirupur cluster render Indian manufacturing sector 10 per cent. falling under the second slab at 18%; unviable to operate. The textile are carrying out the job working and with Special category of goods sector is already suffering from activities. He appealed to the GST and services, including luxury, at various disadvantages like high- council to exempt the job working 28%. The Most Essential goods and energy costs and infrastructure units from payment of service services attract Nil rate of GST bottlenecks. Keeping the rates of tax. Senthil Kumar has expressed under the Exempted Categories. key inputs at a higher level will hope that the textile job work Luxury goods and services and further affect the competitiveness of would be exempted from service certain specific goods and services the sector,” argued Thulasidharan. tax which is essential to benefit attract additional cess at 28% GST.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 27 TEX-FILE

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NGT allows reopening of textile units in Rajasthan

At least 578 textile units in of the industries and Common Rajasthan’s Pali District that Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) remained closed for flouting in the region. pollution norms will be re- Apart from this, the Tribunal opened soon. India’s National has also directed the constitution Green Tribunal (NGT) has given of a district-level taskforce to permission for conditional ensure that no industry functions reopening of these textile units. The illegally or in violation of the decision was taken by the Jodhpur pollution rules and norms. The bench of the Tribunal. taskforce will also chart out a The bench allowed conditional surveillance mechanism and reopening of these units after take punitive measures against the owners gave an assurance defaulting units. that they would follow all the The polluting textile units were directions passed by the Tribunal. dependent on the industries were representatives of IIT Jodhpur, directed to close their operations on Surreptitious and illegal dyeing taken into consideration while Central Pollution Control Board and October 3 last year, while hearing a and bleaching activities, impact pronouncing the decision. Rajasthan State Pollution Control petition moved by an environmental on the employment and livelihood As per Tribunal’s direction, a Board will also be formed to carry organization, the Kisan Paryavaran of workers directly or indirectly monitoring committee comprising out inspections and surprise checks Sangharsh Samiti.

Turkey to invest in Pakistan's textile industry

Surge in Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is rapidly attracting several Turkish companies which are looking for more business avenues. It is pertinent to note that many companies from Turkey have already established themselves in Pakistan. “Currently negotiations are underway for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Pakistan’s textile industry particularly in fabrics and yarn; however, some technical issues remain unresolved,” said Mustafa Mente, General Secretary, Foreign Economic Relations Board of and Bangladesh is distinctive Negotiations are also underway $ 5 billion. Of late, few Turkish Turkey. He further added that both mainly because of its vast between Turkey and Pakistan companies have invested directly Turkey and Pakistan are keen to population and therefore attracts to finalize a Free Trade in Pakistan, especially in invest in the textile industry but they Turkish companies to invest,” Agreement (FTA) so as to Punjab, but that is more due need to find common ground. further averred Mente. However, enhance trade between both to the Government’s urge to Mente is optimistic that the volume the distance and cost of travelling nations. According to the recreate some Turkish models of Turkish investments in Pakistan continue to remain issues. Turkey Pakistan Business Council, in the provincial capital. At as well as Pakistani investments faces the same concern with the the level of bilateral trade present, Pakistan’s exports in Turkey will increase across all American markets as well, though between the two countries, at to Turkey s US $ 391 million, sectors. “The entire region of South there are a lot of opportunities for present, is US $ 584 million, which whereas Turkey’s exports Asia that includes India, Pakistan SMEs and other such businesses. has the potential to go up to US amount to US $ 193 million.

28 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com 29 Apparel Online India

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DIVERSIFICATION The survival key for medium-level exporters in Delhi-NCR

Today, home furnishing market Dynamic Market Demands Fresh Approach is one of the most competitive industries across the globe SA and Europe constitute the in the form of losing market hold or that carries a very promising largest consumer market for this decrease in turnover, we have also future for those companies that Ubooming sector, while countries like faced such situations, but we are still have the wherewithal to deliver India, China and Pakistan feature in the industry because of our niche among its key manufacturers and products and our regular clientele products as per various market suppliers. Yet, despite reports of base which has helped us survive demands. According to a market a continuously growing segment, this upheaval,” shares Arif Kamal, it is surprising to know that some Co-founder, Woodson Impex. research report released by medium-level exporters of Delhi-NCR The company’s primary clients are Allied Market Research, home involved in the home furnishings boutique buyers who are in constant business are facing difficulties need of such customized products. products are a growing segment in matching changing market With craftsmanship in the age-old increasing rapidly at the current conditions and have been compelled to handwork from Kashmir which is in re-work their strategies for survival. CAGR rate of 4.2 per cent, high demand in UK and US market, Apparel Online discusses with few the company supplies this rare art expected to touch US $ 664.0 of these exporters to understand form in various types of fabrics billion by 2020. This significant their experiences. such as silk, cotton, wool and using many different types of threads as growth is attributed to the effect Niche products are the per client’s requirements. However, of globalization on companies survival tools… this embroidery form alone was not sufficient to guarantee success to which is providing them Products play an important role in Woodson Impex which had to face multiple options to meet their being a preferred supplier, but just depreciating annual turnover and having a niche product is not enough. loss as well. Subsequently, it delved consumers’ needs in the shortest Woodson Impex, a Delhi based into more value addition to revive possible time. Even the rise in manufacturing and export company, from this downfall. provides a niche range of home income level which has triggered The company has undergone furnishing products like curtains, further segmentation of the a distinct demand for lavishing bedspreads, covers, cushions, quilts, already classified niche products home furnishing collections and floor coverings endowed with the to remain at par with the unique crewel hand embroidery, unpredictable consumer expectations. changing interests of the new yet the company has seen some The endeavour now is to make a generation, have given a new challenging times. “The market is blend of modern, contemporary, definitely going through uncertain traditional and economical product boost to this industry. times and everyone is facing loss range which helps them capture a in some way or the other, whether larger market.

30 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com H2F

The Bedding Theme: Bedding range for domestic market

With its footprints in EU, Middle and created manifold product Exploring domestic market East, US, Australia and New Zealand, options to match the industry’s to support capacities… the 18 years old company is now competitiveness, there are others There are some exporters who looking for growth opportunities who have moved to complete closure were earlier dealing only with the in the domestic market, and is of the home furnishing segment international market but are now also trying to be a helping hand due to the very thin margins that trying to make a strong presence in in Government’s ‘National Skill do not justify the high efforts and the domestic arena to support their Development Initiative’. It is even investments being put into the sector capacities. ‘The Bedding Theme’, going to establish a skill development for survival. One such company is a Noida-based home furnishing centre in Noida to impart skills to WOODSON Prabhakar Overseas Group that company which majorly deals in the naive people in order to generate IMPEX: shut their home furnishing segment bedding range and quilts, is a typical assets for the industry. BEDDING two years ago and diversified their example of this category of exporters “We are going to open a skill RANGE IN business into the apparel unit as a who are shifting focus to domestic development institute at our Noida CREWEL survival plan, post the joining of new market, armed with every possible office building only to improve the EMBROIDERY generation into the business. tool to survive. Reduced demands in skills of the youth for their own as well Company Explaining their stand, Yogeeta the international market for large as our better future. We all know that provides a Prabhakar, Managing Director, volumes and economic sluggishness of our industry is going through scarcity niche range Prabhakar Overseas Group said, the overseas industry have pushed the of skilled labour. In order to fill this of home “We had a strong home furnishing company to take this step. gap, our organization will teach furnishing segment, especially for bedspreads Harish Madan, a textile designer people from the neighbourhood, so products and covers but we closed it due to by profession and the President of that they can earn their livelihood and like curtains, the low profit margins. Without The Bedding Theme, states that the live a dignified life in the society,” said bedspreads, reasonable profit, it was not possible purchasing power of the overseas Harish optimistically. covers, to keep investing and run the unit buyers is shrinking and they have The training school which is going to cushions, properly. So, my late father Sanjeev stopped buying bulk quantities. They open soon will enrol students who are quilts, floor Prabhakar decided to discontinue coverings are currently receiving demands for above the age of 18 years with little it. After that our company has endowed with lesser quantities, and with its in-house or no education. The courses offered shifted its entire focus to the the unique manufacturing unit it is becoming are stitching, measurement checking, clothing section.” The company is crewel hand pattern making, finishing and packing. currently catering to the US with tough to manufacture small quantities embroidery, in a big unit. The company has yet the 90 per cent of its production for therefore now added bedding themed Shifting focus to other company has the American market and is also garments to its kitty, apart from home products… seen some aiming to collaborate with some furnishings, to make products which challenging Pakistani designers to enter into are value for money because the While some companies have times. the ethnic wear segment to fulfil market is demanding lower prices. remodelled their product categories its clients’ demands.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 31 32 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com Apparel Online India 32 DIRECTIONS BY

KEY SILHOUETTES AND DETAILS FALL/WINTER 2017-18

As we conclude Fall/Winter 2017 trends, we turn our attention onto silhouettes and details that have proven to be paramount this season as per the international runways. F/W 2017-18 offered us a generous glimpse into the future of the fashion industry, at the same time drawing our consideration back over our details from the bygone days of bold and poised fashion theatrics. The See-Now-Buy-Now strategy sat balanced alongside wondrous adaptations of the imaginative creative. The former aims at reducing the gap in the market by launching collections up for sale as soon as they stroll off the runway whilst the latter involves artful appreciation and guided consideration for purchase – this season had it all. The shoulders get bigger and the jackets get shorter – exaggeration is the name of the game as puffed up sleeves and padded jackets make a comeback. Cropped jackets – bomber, varsity or puffer – take your pick. Accentuated midriffs that are tied, knotted, cinched or belted make a case for robe-like silhouettes through wrap jackets, blazers and dresses. Flares mellow down a bit, and menswear-inspired garments take centre stage, channelling in the bold, independent ‘boss-babe’ vibe. In a nutshell, Fall/Winter 2017-18 is entirely about expertly executed collections that emphasize skilled craftsmanship bringing about historical references as inspiration for trends to come.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 33 DIRECTIONS BY

PUFF-PUFF PARADE EXAGGERATED SHOULDERS

collective inclination towards ith the current heat Acomfort and utility based Wsurrounding woman clothing has ignited a resurgence empowerment across the globe of the warm and cozy puffer/ – a topic that has caused societal padded jackets, been labelled hearsay – it was no surprise when ‘out-of-fashion’ in the past few designers collectively decided to seasons. inject autonomous messages, into While the outerwear staple might their collections minus the need have retained its spot in the to exhibit any sort of logos or fashion industry limited to ski slogans. slopes, Fall/Winter 2017-18 has A powerful theme was brought another fate destined for it. The about by the use of structured new and revised puffer jacket shoulders that promoted flaunts prints and loud pops of dominance. Masculine tailored colour, cropped or cinched at silhouettes assimilated across the waist, and breaks stereotypes cross-cultural designs, flaunted by sitting just as calmly over slip bold, exaggerated and pointy dresses as it does over jeans. shoulders that brought forth an Quilted stitching details in linear ’80s revival of sorts. and lozenge-shaped patterns gave a stylish spur to iterations of Coach Genny bomber jackets, long coats and oversized versions. Fyodor Golan Annakiki Saint Laurent Salvatore Ferragamo Salvatore Rihanna Mugler

34 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com DIRECTIONS BY

EXPOSED ZIPPER CINCH-SPICIOUS

he Fall of 2017, lured s attention narrows down to Tdesigners to keep the Athe waistline, belts serve as an zippers and closures exposed unmissable detail that emphasize and multiple. Seen as profligate the coveted hour-glass silhouette. slashes over jackets, flys, and Be it basic – big, wide and looped, turtlenecks or diagonally placed or conspicuous as laced-up, all the way through, over dresses corseted or belted, belts served as and skirts, the zips seem to be the the accessory to-go for all kinds of new hardware-in-town. collections. Although the rose-gold trend Chunky, decorative buckles with or continues to enjoy a market of its without a dominant brooch were own, silver tinted zippers topped seen aplenty, securing dresses, with a circular ring closure, are gowns, jackets and coats, trousers hands-down the best-seller in and skirts. Oversized versions this category as it makes its way layered as easily over skin - into the much hyped fast-fashion hugging pieces as they did over pieces. boxy shapes translating the cinch as a major trend for the coming season. Peter Pilotto Antonio Berardi Tome Giambattista Valli Isabel Marant Sies Marjan Topshop Unique Topshop Moncler Grenoble

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 35 DIRECTIONS BY

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS FEATHERY DELIGHTS

ebatably the biggest rom actual marabou and Dtrend of the season is the Fostrich feathers to the less use of masculine influences to palpable beaded fringes – sway- accentuate certain aspects of inducing styles are sashaying femininity. Despite a rebellious between street chic and fashion week, menswear-inspired opulent exaggeration teamed silhouettes and prints served as with graceful fluidity. Inspired a key inspiration for an umpteen from a general fancy with flight number of designers. and movement, designers are Ranging from menswear staples channelling the 1920’s feathering such as tailored blazers and effect by making use of everything jackets that featured tartan and from tassels to shredded fabrics striped prints to the inclusion and unkempt yarns and injecting of fabrics such as wool, tweed them into their collections. and classic suiting material in Feather-embellished hemlines more conventional styles, the edging skirts and dresses, trend imparted a fresh spin on adorning sleeves or posing as womenswear classics. There was little plumes embroidered all-over a significant majority of feminine dresses served as concoctions silhouettes that projected power applied over cotton, leather and suiting for the approaching linen at the Fall/Winter runways. Jilsander Calvin Klein season. Thom Browne J W Anderson Prada David Koma Stella Mccartney Marchesa

36 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com DIRECTIONS BY

ORNAMENTAL APPLIQUE PATCHWORK FRINGE EFFECT

elicately constructed chiffon long with the ’80s, the ’70s Dand sheer dresses infused Aalso managed to find their with laser cut appliqué motifs way into this year’s collections in introduced a fanciful vibe to 2D the form of fringes, which continue renderings. Designers and high- to re-invent themselves season fashion brands alike, stirred up after season.Tiered and layered whimsical vibes by featuring the over dresses, serving as trims on richness of the embroideries and the hemlines of coats, jackets and patches over fine materials such skirts or serving as details over as velour, fur, leather and even sleeves and accessories such as suede. bags – the fringe might as well be Everyday fabrics such as denims one of the main details apart from and knit sweaters were adorned ruffles and frills to make a strong with embellished versions case for Fall/Winter 2017-18. of motifs that sat well with In some cases, the fringe took on both feminine and masculine a more delicate and feminine twist silhouettes. appearing all-over dresses and adding a roaring Twenties spin to them. Antonio Marras Angel Chen- Simone Rocha Balmain XU ZHI Gucci Versace Prada

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 37 FASHION BUSINESS

TIED TOGETHER WITH A SMILE FOCUS ON FASTENINGS AND CLOSURES FOR FALL/WINTER 2017-18

s the narration of our hyper- But moving on from their strictly connected world progresses functional position to a more aesthetic A– both in real and digital life – a territory, statement fastenings are growing sense of community, steadily rising as a key trend in its cultural sharing and breaking of own right. borders befalls us. The overall theme Closer back home, production teams invokes a feeling of togetherness in India are translating these trends and a close-knit society, which in their own subtle ways to make use hardly comes as surprise to of the detailing that is perfect for anyone since the independence of high street due to its cost-efficiency modern lifestyle leaves no room in garmenting processes. Pallavi for good peer relationships. This Gupta of Taurus Global explained newfound obsession with connectivity to our Fashion Team how they are drives home our impending need big fans of repurposing fastening for ‘all-inclusive’ design processes details creatively. She explains that and increased transparency in the for their military story they went big functioning of brands. As always, on hardware additions like hooks,

WHEN EVERYTHING, FROM SOCIO-POLITICAL DISTURBANCES TO MYRIADS OF ECONOMIC UPHEAVALS, IS KEEPING POPULAR FASHIONS BURSTING AT ITS SEAMS, FANCY CLOSURES AND HARDWARE FASTENINGS ARE HERE TO THE RESCUE IN HOLDING IT ALL TOGETHER.

fashion is most sensitive to the clasps and small buckles but this time caprices of the world, and in its own their story has more bohemian bend. way depicts what we are all feeling at So to achieve the mix of Aztec and a given point of time in history. Central American references, they Hence, even as the ‘You Do You’ are using buttons’ tied up strings and trend continues to gain momentum, fringing majorly. Taking the trend one it is definitely taking a turn into step ahead, they are creating buttons an optimistic direction of being in-house, with cave painting-inspired individualistic in a society that you embroideries that really pop-out can identify as your own. When aesthetically. everything, from socio-political Wrap it, knot it, buckle it, or tie it disturbances to myriads of economic – fashion is grabbing its favourite upheavals, is keeping popular fashions pieces and repurposing them with bursting at its seams, fancy closures gentle restrain that is as subtle as it and hardware fastenings are here to is complicated this season. Here is a the rescue in holding it all together. collation of the big winning fastening On a basic level, they help you disrobe and closure options that are key quickly. So they have certainly been to keeping your fashion collections here since we began wearing clothes. together for Fall/Winter 2017-18!

38 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com FASHION BUSINESS

LONG STATEMENT SELF-BELTS BUTTONS

While some are renovating From buttons that look like signature thick styles like big belt Instagram’s little heart icons and buckles or brooches to channel flower motifs to simple metallic ones a strong doze of nostalgia, most that bring stark distinction on muted designers are going for a more colour palettes – novelty buttoning is visually reinvented approach to the way to go this season. Far out of add contemporaneous twists on place from its original roots, designers traditional silhouettes. However, are transforming the humble button all across the board – belts are into a point of focal decoration all by getting a central focus on the its own. Praveen Gupta of Virendra international runways. Whether it Textiles shares that their production is through disproportionately long team is also obsessed over buttons in lengths that hang loose on the floor a major way. They are using several or the use of multiple thin ones types of buttons, most of which are – bounded self-belts are perking imported from Hong Kong or China, in up waistlines that have nothing varying sizes such as wooden, pearl- feminine or dainty about them encrusted, nylon as well as general this season. fabric wrapped variants. Sonia Rykiel Christopher Esber

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 39 FASHION BUSINESS

INFINITE EXPOSED HARDWARE LACE-UP ZIPPERS FACTORY

When your life appears to be Typically type-casted as a mere Fashion’s dubious new friend group falling apart from the ridges, tying servicing element in fashion garments, consists of everything you can find it back together with criss-cross our meek utilitarian zippers – from only in hardware shops – from laces that are far from the simple their neck to floor avatars to the grommets and eyelets to hooks and inter-lacings on your sneakers patched over as embellishment versions snaps – some might call this new is the only way to go. Who needs – are fast becoming a one way ticket to clique a bunch of misfit outcasts sewing machines when you tie the cool kids’ table. The front-toothed entering the world of high glamour your outfit together? Designers zips positioning in arbitrary places, but that isn’t stopping designers are focusing their attention on with big hyper visible flies and the from going gaga over them. Making the construction of garments, and treatment in contrasting colour settings adornment more avant-garde than creating covetable looks using for a stand out appeal is giving off a ever, fashion houses are deliberately oversized laces to connect panels of very rockabilly rebel feel to garments. commissioning these elements fabric and even employing whip- Gaurav Sethi of G-Line Creations either for cinching waistlines and stitching, or metal links for an edgy strongly affirms the trend of fastenings holding two pieces of fabrics together appearance. From spliced shirts, as embellishments, adding that their or simply as a decorative feature strapped-up arm ties to criss- team is using both eyelets and exposed in place of conventional sequins. cross necklines, dainty lace-up is a zippers sizes varying from 0.5 to 2.5 cm Even Indian exporters unanimously trend that is the personification of in both metallic and plastic materials agree on the use of eyelets and comfort and style intermingled in as stitch over additions on the edges grommets as not just utilitarian but the best way! like sleeves or hemlines as accessorized add-ons. Teatum Jones Sportmax Andrew Gn

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www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 41 Apparel Online India FASHION RESOURCE

FASHION Alexa Chung Ascential's After Spring/Summer’s launches her new Coloro to FILE eye-popping currents of fuchsia, the colour eponymous transform how palette for Fall/Winter 2017-18 gets even more label we use colours! confident, bringing high power crimson reds British fashion icon, Alexa Chung, B2B media firm, Ascential that back in vogue. unveils her namesake label’s debut shelters leading authorities Heritage fashion house collection with a runway show in like trend-forecasting firm Givenchy, paved the London. The label stays in sync WGSN, announces the launch of way for saturated reds with Chung’s personal style and Coloro: a new product shaped in by showing a collection consists of classical options like partnership with China Textile entirely in the colour; ruffle dresses, graphic tees, denim Information Center (CTIC). Coloro Max Mara layered suspenders, A-line skirts and mom is a 3D system which delineates multiple all-red pieces jeans. This new brand’s MD, formerly colour built on a distinct 7-digit creating covetable Haider Ackermann’s Atelier Head, code representing the exact RED W(H)INE homochromous looks; Edwin Bodson added, “Our unique point where Hue, Lightness and designers at Altuzarra positioning, allowing us to prioritize Chroma intersect. It is a result wrote sartorial proses of quality and attention to detail at an of combining 100-year-old colour love using lush velvets; accessible price methodology with 20 years of Y/Project made the point, coupled scientific innovation led by CTIC, case for sporty red in with a ‘see to create a highly accurate system leather co-ordinates now, buy now’ that employs logical codes and and Libertine employed patchwork and quilting approach, has intuitive design. The product will to take the trend one step ahead. really helped in guarantee that fashion and textile forging authentic professionals work seamlessly in Perhaps it’s the pulsating of our blood as the relationships.” devising the exact colour they need world dances in wild extremes or just a craving The collection with utmost ease and precision. for a fantastical romance, raging reds in all its is available on shades from samurai to scarlets are reigning on the brand’s the runways! website and some luxury spaces like Selfridges, Colette, Galeries Lafayette, Colour Matchesfashion Story and Mytheresa.

Lands' End releases UV protectant swimwear for kids

American lifestyle retailer Lands’ End, has unveiled a new swim collection for kids which features UPF 50 sun protection and leading fabric technology that boasts of a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. The assortment comprises of exciting yet functional swimsuits, fast-draining water shoes, monogrammed beach towels, matched cover-ups and tote bags. In order to make their designs not by Fashion Forward Trends A/W 2017-18 just fun and colourful, the brand pantone pantone has also worked on swim pieces 18-0403 TPX 12-1007 TPX for girls that are smart with tug-less fits and prevent straps pantone pantone from sliding down and bottoms 15-1319 TPX 19-4820 TPX from riding up. For boys, they have made board shorts and swim pantone pantone trunks with soft mesh liners and 19-1663 TPX 18-1436 TPX internal drawstrings for a perfect fit and no chafing.

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Strawberry Clothings exploring Canada; entering into domestic market with its new unit

oida-based apparel exporter business in future from there.” Strawberry Clothings (a He further added that planning is unitN of Shatabadi Exports) is under process to have a separate exploring new markets, improving unit for supply to Indian domestic its work culture and increasing its brands. “Being an exporter, we manufacturing capacity to enter are used to having better control into the domestic market. Started over quality, and in domestic, it in 1997, the company currently will work as our big strength. I had has 225 stitching machines, with discussion with some known Indian its major market in South Africa. brands of womenswear and they However, it also caters to the highlighted the need for expertise European countries through buying in quality which we already have. houses. Ladies garments (woven) We will start this new unit with 100 between US $ 4 to US $ 7.5 is the stitching machines and will proceed strength of the company. accordingly. In the next 2 to 3 Rohit Bhandari, Director, Strawberry Clothings months, we will start this new unit,” Rohit Bhandari, Director of time a new worker settles in our who want to remain in the apparel confirmed Rohit. the company informed that he factory, these unions ‘mislead’ the industry only and envision a long- is exploring Canada and will The company is focusing on its worker and the worker leaves us, term career in this domain rather participate in a Canada-based workers and improving the working or demands for more piece-rate or than working just for money. These sourcing fair too as Canada culture too. Rohit shared that higher wages. We have appointed a workers become more loyal to the has lot of scope for Indian stuff. he often faces local issues like manager specially to ensure proper organization and more productive as “Currently we are studying this domination by union members and counselling of workers and are also well. In this regard, we have noticed market and hopefully will get good their ‘unfair’ demands. “By the trying to hire those kinds of workers some positive results too.”

Gaiety Fashion expanding capacity; adding new buyers

irupur-based Gaiety Fashion Rs. 2.75 crore in this expansion is expanding its capacity, and and hopefully it will be completed addingT a printing unit and some by November this year. Once the new buyers too. Established in expansion takes place completely, 2009, the company currently has we are expecting at least 40 per 320 stitching machines and is in cent growth.” the process to add 110 stitching Gaiety Fashion, manufacturing machines more. In its printing unit, value-added ladieswear and the focus will be totally on screen kidswear (60 per cent of the total printing. Machines of M&R are production), works primarily with already booked for the same but brands of Germany. Moving further it will take some time to finalize it has also added two brands/ the place as the company wants to stores from Spain. It also got its ensure that there is no pollution SA8000 certification upgraded issue. S N Boopathy, Partner of recently. With an average FOB of the company shared with Apparel US $ 4.5, the company last year had Online, “We are investing almost RVS Mani and S N Boopathy, Partners of Gaiety Fashion (1st and 2nd from right), with their colleagues a turnover of Rs. 30 crore.

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POST ‘SPECIAL PACKAGE’ MoT claims approval of Rs. 3,000 crore investments for the garment industry

n the occasion of completing attracting investments of US $ 11 industry will be under one roof in three years of Modi billion (Rs. 74,000 crore) in the MoT’s press this event along with 17 ministries, Government,O Smriti Irani, Union next three years and generating conference: and the opportunities are much Minister of Textiles, held the first US $ 30 billion in exports, with the Five main higher. Textile consumer is ever official meet of the Ministry development of more than one crore points fragmented and rather than looking and media in New Delhi. In an new jobs. at it just from apparel point of view, 1. MoT will soon announce see it from the perspective of the hour-long briefing, the Minister The minister replied, “The a ‘big package’ for entire chain including technical touched each and every aspect of administrative’s tasks to make the knitwear industry. textiles, its requirement in 100 the Indian textile industry and announcements possible on the 2. Under the ‘Special smart cities, etc. The data we highlighted the Government’s ground level take a lot of time; but Package’, an investment shared is just of the apparel sector journey and achievements of the investment of Rs. 3,000 crore of around Rs. 3,000 crore has been because till 2004, Office of the three years. She highlighted that shows that the administrative approved so far. Textiles Commissioner made it a a ‘Special Package’ of Rs. 6,000 things which we need to notify, 3. MoT had a meeting point to collect data for the entire crore which was announced last have been done on time. One of the year in June, has so far approved with the Indian Army textile value chain. But after 2004, hallmarks of this package is that Chief also to see how it was stopped and we notified it an investment worth Rs. 3,000 MoT can increase whenever the industry faces any after 13 years that Office of the crore for the apparel segment. She challenge regarding this package, opportunity to meet stated that apart from creating Army’s needs. Textiles Commissioner will now they find a solution with Office collect information of the entire a positive impact, this package 4. Rs. 5,800 crore subsidies of the Textiles Commissioner or value chain and will share in the led to an increase in the Indian have been given to the with MoT. We do help the industry industry in past three public domain.” apparel exports by 4.7 per cent along with communicating to the years under Amended She further said under the during the period, from July 2016 states. Textiles India 2017 is a TUFS. Pradhan Mantri Paridhan Rojgar to February 2017. first initiative of its kind to boost 5. Office of the Textile Protsahan Yojana, over 1.4 lakh Apparel Online raised the question international investment in Indian Commissioner has become pro-active in new workers have registered of how far MoT can complete its textile industry. I feel the entire recent years with push themselves for provident fund target in the next two years by value chain of the Indian textile from MoT. and it is an industry norm that along with 1 direct job, there are 2.3 new jobs generated. It means this has figure of more than 3 lakh job generation. The minister claimed that Rs. 1,900 crore duty drawback/ROSL has been already given to the textile and apparel industry to increase its export by further investment. On the issue of violation of norms by some special purpose vehicles operating in textile parks and a report commissioned by the textiles ministry concluding that the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) has failed to

(L-R) Anant Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoT; Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Textiles; Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Textiles; AP Frank Noronha, Principal DG (M&C), achieve its objectives, she said if PIB; and Pushpa Subrahmanyam, Additional Secretary, MoT releasing a booklet on completing 3 years of Government violations come to light, the Office

46 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com INDIA CANVAS

of the Textiles Commissioner takes positive or punitive steps to ensure that there is no anomaly ‘AO Survey’ on the ‘Special Package’ or transgression. The minister informed that funds to the tune of over Rs 1,900 crore have been given to the apparel industry under ome findings: 27% of the exporters said that 10% of the respondent accepted that the package the rebate of state levies to boost they are aware about this package, while an is perfect while 73% chose the option ‘can’t say’. exports from the sector. equalS number of exporters also stated that they Another 17% said that there is discrepancy and Irani also stressed on the don’t have any idea about it. 39% shared that few of them shared points like having ‘hiring and upcoming Textiles India 2017 fair they have heard about it, but not gone into detail. firing’ policy at least for non-performing workers, and averred that this ‘Historic’ 7% specified that their partners or someone cost of finance not being compatible etc. The event will be able to fetch lot handles such issues in their company. communication gap between MoT and apparel of investment for the textile With regard to how they received information about bodies is also mainly hurting SME exporters. industry. Around 25 countries this package, 21% said that trade associations There was a gut feeling that the package is will take part in this mega event. informed them about it, while 20% said that they designed in such a way that it is more beneficial Roadshows have been held in themselves gathered the information. Whereas 44% to the bigger exporters, but 32% agreed that the six countries including the UK, shared that nobody contacted them officially, 15% of package will benefit everyone in this industry US, China, Russia, South Korea the respondents stated that they are never informed while 29% exporters completely believed that this and UAE to attract the industry and by a proper channel about such policies or changes. will be beneficial to the bigger exporters while potential investors. She assured same number of exporters said that they need to the industry that National Textile 16% companies were of the opinion that this have more clear idea about the benefits from this Policy will be put in public domain package really motivated them, but 32% claimed package. 10% said that it is too complicated for as well before finalization, though that this package just motivated a ‘little bit’. 7% said that initially they were hopeful, but not small exporters to understand. now; 23% said, ‘Can’t say’; and 22% refused to 31% exporters said that MoT and AEPC should have comment on it. more focus on communication of such important Exporters feel that On being asked whether they were likely to get issues. While 34% said that having direct contact direct compensation any benefit from this package, 20% respondents with exporters about this can be a good option. and incentives like confirmed by saying ‘yes’, but also emphasized that 25% exporters didn’t have any kind of suggestion in increased rate of it is in ‘planning stage’. 50% told that that current this regard, but 10% of exporters suggested some duty drawback and market situation does not allow for expansion, ways to make this package more effective, and one discounted credit rates so can’t take benefit as of now. 30% were positive of them was that exporters should come forward about getting benefits in near future. themselves for this entire exercise. would be more helpful. she did not give any indication on when it will be rolled out. Highlighting the efforts of the Status of pledge of Rs. 623 crore by 35 exporters Textile Commissioner’s office, the minister said that the entire system of taking subsidy is now online and fully transparent. ithin 120 hours of the package announcement challenges like increasing wages, delayed national Functioning of garment last year, AEPC had claimed that 35 apparel textile policy, are also not good news for the manufacturing centres in all exportersW nationwide had taken a pledge to invest industry. states of North East (apart from Rs. 623 crore in three years to generate 30,120 new Sikkim), PowerTex India scheme, But AEPC believes that the sector has seen workforce. However, Apparel Online’s efforts to increase in silk and sericulture phenomenal growth after the ROSL disbursements reach 14 key companies out of these 35 regarding production, starting of 13 jute started. India’s apparel exports in February-April their status on this matter resulted in only one of mills’ were some of the main focus 2017 has shown an average growth of 18.4% in them giving a clear reply. points in the brief given by the dollar terms, 15.8% in rupee terms and 15.1% in minister. The Minister added that Ravi Poddar, MD, Cheer Sagar, Jaipur confirmed volume growth. “But we feel the impact could have whatever announcements related that they had recently invested about Rs. 5 crore in been much more, and earlier too, had the roll-out to the textile industry were made a new factory, but employment has not increased been faster,” states AEPC Chairman Ashok Rajani. by Indian Prime Minister Narendra much (just 50) because of latest digital technology It is being said that the GST rates, announced on Modi, MoT has executed them in machines which reduces the need of too many 3rd June with its multiplicity of rates and inverted on ground. people. He added that the international and internal duty structure, is adding to this chaos.

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 47 INDUSTRY LIVE

AEPC partners with ILO to promote good practices in apparel industry

In an effort to bring in and set and the study was completed benchmarks for good labour in March 2017. The manual is practices in the apparel industry, expected to capture around the AEPC has partnered with 50 prioritized good practices International Labour Organization covering areas of productivity, (ILO). The initial effort is to operational efficiencies, understand the scope and environmental sensitivity, extent of the potential good compliance and management practices in the apparel supply practices. The framework chain that contributes towards document is being prepared by improved quality, efficiency and the ILO’s subject matter expert, sustainability. Camilla Roman and her team Drawing upon the experiences in at ILO, Geneva. Supporting her other countries like Bangladesh, in the country are Sher Verick, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Turkey, Deputy Director, ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia and and understanding the feasibility The framework document is being prepared by the ILO’s subject matter expert, Camilla Roman of adopting the practices in Country Office for India and his (seen above) with her team at ILO, Geneva Indian units, a user-friendly proactive team. good practice manual is being As a first initiative towards the workers on their rights, exporters be helping in dissemination of developed for small, medium and goal, a stakeholder consultation shared how special programmes the manual recommendations large firms, which are replicable meeting was organized recently were being run to integrate and ensure greater awareness and can demonstrate a business in New Delhi for a frank and the workers into the company. and absorption of the manual case for their replication. The open discussion on the draft Inclusive growth and importance guidance. The manual is expected document is being seen as an and framework finalized. to feeling of ownership to get the to capture around 50 priorities/ important guidance document for Underlining the importance best out of workers were dwelt good practices covering areas export competitiveness. of the event many critical upon. Subrata Gupta, IAS, Joint of productivity, operational In the preparatory phase, existing stakeholders from industry, Secretary (Exports) Ministry of efficiencies, environmental practices in the apparel units in including leading brands and Textiles, urged the industry to sensitivity, compliance and clusters like Tirupur, Jaipur, NCR, Government bodies were present share their concerns with the management practices. It is Ludhiana, Bangalore and Chennai at the meeting. Many areas of ministry so that necessary steps expected to be ready by August were studied which brought out concern were discussed and could be taken to the mutual 2017, post which AEPC will take the need for standardisation and representatives from leading benefit of all the stakeholders. it to the industry for greater the potential for adopting some exporters like Shahi and Matric ILO has been running the SCORE awareness and adoption. Some of easy-to-adopt production and Clothing shared their best programme across world on the areas need further training, manufacturing systems that can practices. operational efficiency and better where ILO can be consulted for improve export competitiveness. While buyers felt that not enough systems for management. AEPC, imparting onsite training for A total of 43 units were covered was being done to educate the as the industry partner will industry willing to take it up.

ATDC aims to open ‘Regional Training Hub' in Gujarat

Apparel Training and Design skilled youth in the speedily clusters of Gujarat, to create new offering shop floor, supervisory Centre (ATDC), one of the largest developing textile-related brands and global fashion for and managerial skills to make quality vocational training sectors. The Centre plans to youth. There are also plans to industry-ready workforce. This providers for the garment set up “India International commence vocational courses in will enable us to make new industry in India, is exploring Skill Centre” with National the state. skill development forays in the opportunities in Gujarat to set Skill Development Corporation Dr. Darlie Koshy, DG & CEO, ATDC state as we propose to set up up a new Regional Training (NSDC), ATDC-SMART centres said, “Gujarat is one of the fastest a Regional Training Hub in Hub there with a specific and Apparel Design Centre with developing textile and apparel Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, with end-goal to fulfil the steadily focus on “Innovative Designs”, manufacturing clusters. ATDC has additional training centres in expanding requirements of the in major textile and apparel state-of-the-art infrastructure, the domain.”

48 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 49 INDUSTRY LIVE

CMAI rolls out fourth quarter Apparel Index

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has revealed a sign of recovery for the Indian apparel industry post demonetization during the fourth quarter (January to March period) of FY ’16. The Q4 Index shows overall growth has improved mildly with total index value moving up to 2.25, compared to 1.4 points in Q3. The report covers 100 brands including 56 small brands, 20 mid brands, 9 large brands and 6 giant brands. According to the latest CMAI Apparel Index, the giant and large clothing brands recorded 10.58 and points in Q4 as against negative FY, giant and large brands Projecting a positive first 6.72 points index value respectively. growth of (-) 0.55 points in Q3. maintained their lead in Q4 as quarter for the new financial Small brands which got impacted Additionally in Q4, the sales they outpaced mid- and small- year 2017-18, CMAI specifies badly and recorded negative growth turnover for the giant and large brands which managed a small that brands can assume at 0.55 points in Q3, managed to brands increased to 8.00 points growth in sales turnover mainly the summer season to be a turn positive with 0.62 points in and 5.78 points, respectively. On due to demonetization and its progressive one, coupled with Q4. Mid brands grew at 3.03 points the other hand, small- and mid- impact was seen on overall retail almost dry supply chain and up from 1.22 points in the previous brands sales turnover also grew at sales. It may be noted that a small shelves in quest of fresh goods quarter and the small brands 0.31 and 1.60 points, respectively. growth in sales indicates less and consumers will for sure managed to turn positive with 0.62 CMAI says that during previous stock clearance. return to the stores.

ROSL effect: Apparel Punjab hikes power tariff exports up by 31.7% for industrial consumers

Indian apparel exports industry Scheme are exporters (SMEs) with Punjab has announced hike Industry (Punjab) at Ludhiana, noted a surge of 31.7 per cent a turnover of less than Rs. 10 crore in power tariff for industrial CMD of PSPCL, A. Venu Prasad in April this year, post the per year. consumers from June this year. indicated that Punjab State implementation of Rebate of State The Chairman also urged the The move has been criticized Power Corporation Limited Levies (ROSL) Scheme, which Government to carry out the ROSL by the Northern India Textile (PSPCL) is in the process was announced in July 2016. Also, Scheme in the GST era too. A Mills Association (NITMA) and of putting a system in place the exporters have increased study of more than 1,000 exporters intervention was sought by Chief for supply of power to the their production by around 30 per on key contribution to exports Minister Amarinder Singh to roll industrial sector at Rs. 5 per cent and generated approximately was also conducted and will soon back the decision. Punjab State unit as promised by the Punjab five per cent more employment. be disclosed. ROSL Scheme is in Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chief Minister. Ashok G Rajani, Chairman, tune with the recognized economic Chandigarh, has increased the “We have requested for the AEPC shared, “The big jump principle of ‘zero rating’ of export power tariff by Rs. 2.00 per unit intervention of Punjab Chief in apparel exports is the result products and in recognition of the effective from June 1 for the peak Minister to hold back the decision of the recently implemented fact that at present, only central load hours for industrial category of increasing the power tariff incentive called Rebate of State levies are rebated by the way of consumers. The TOD tariff to save the industrial sector in Levies on export of garments, drawback schemes. With GST comprising of normal tariff minus Punjab. NITMA has termed the as it helped the industry to being operational from July 1, Rs. 1.00 per KVA from 10:00 p.m. hike as backdoor increase as increase the production at very 2017, any dilution in the ROSL to 6:00 a.m. next day (8 hours) has the power tariff for this financial competitive rates for a larger Scheme will hit the apparel export also been withdrawn. year is yet to be announced,” said share of the global market. 80 per sector badly, thereby impacting During an interaction with NITMA President Rajiv Garg in cent beneficiaries of the ROSL job growth. Apex Chamber of Commerce & a statement.

50 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 51 Apparel Online India 51 BEYOND INDIA

US textile associations outline causes of trade deficit

Targeting the flaws in US on May 10, 2017. In addition, 13786 on 31st March 2017 which textile production, four US NCTO’s Upholstery Fabrics directed DOC and the Office of the textile trade associations – the Committee (UFC) also detailed the US Trade Representative (USTR) National Council of Textile reasons for the flawed US trade to prepare an omnibus report on Organizations (NCTO), American policy with China. significant trade deficits. Fiber Manufacturers Association The joint statement summarizes, Praising President Trump for (AFMA), Narrow Fabrics “The United States has offered ordering a review for trade Institute (NFI), and United States policies, NCTO President and CEO Industrial Fabrics Institute the world incredibly generous access to its textile and apparel Augustine Tantillo commented, (USIFI) – have outlined causes of “A trade deficit study like this the US $ 95 billion US trade deficit market over the years, while failing to secure reciprocal export should have been initiated years in textiles and apparel. ago. If America is to reverse its opportunities with a number of All four associations have also trade-related red ink and create the countries that have been main suggested remedial actions to the more jobs, policymakers must drivers for the US textile trade US President Donald J. Trump’s have a better understanding deficit.” administration in their joint of the policies and economic comments submitted to the US It’s pertinent to mention here that factors responsible for driving Department of Commerce (DOC) Trump signed an Executive Order Augustine Tantillo production offshore.”

Ethiopia sets US $ 30 billion target from T&C exports by 2025

Planning a whole new trade strategy, Dr. Arekbe Oqubay, Special Advisor textile manufacturing hub in It may be noted here that until Ethiopia has set a target to generate to Prime Minister Hailemariam Africa capable of exporting up 2010 the prime focus of Ethiopia US $ 30 billion from export of textile Desalegn, explained, “The to US $ 30 billion and that’s was on agriculture but now the and clothing by the year 2025 as the plan will transform Ethiopia the single and bold vision they country is giving more attention Government says the industry is to a compelling new sourcing have. “It is a challenge, but to manufacturing keeping apparel one of the country’s key targets for hub for brands, retailers and we are confident that we can and textiles on top priority growth. In 2016, the African country achieve this target. We believe, because it’s one of the largest their suppliers.” could only produce textile and if Vietnam can do it, and if employing industries that can help clothing shipments to US worth US He exclaimed that by 2025, the Bangladesh can also do it, then the country capture the significant $ 33.14 million and nearly US $ 82 Government wants to make Ethiopia can do it even better,” international apparel market. million to the rest of the world. Ethiopia the leading apparel and explained Arekbe. Adding to the development plan, Ranjan Mahtani, Chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-based Epic Group, commented, “The one thing that is unique in Ethiopia is that there has never been such an organized roadmap dedicated to textile and clothing…, not in any country in the world.” Also, in addition to the current 50,000 employees in the textile sector, the Government is hoping to create a further 350,000 jobs over the next four years and the number may increase after 4 years.

52 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com BEYOND INDIA

South Korean textile company to increase investment in Vietnam

A leading South Korean chemical excellent sales and the decision and textile company, Hyosung of the Vietnamese Government Corp., will in all probability to introduce a slew of measures increase its investment in to attract foreign investment has Vietnam. This comes after the encouraged Hyosung to resume company’s operation in Vietnam its investment in its Vietnamese delivered extraordinary earnings operations. among its subsidiaries in 2016. Hyosung may ramp up its annual According to the Financial spandex production capacity Supervisory Service, Hyosung in Vietnam from current 50,000 raised US $ 131 million in net tonnes to 80,000 tonnes, a move profit from its Vietnamese that will make the plant become business for 2016 – best earnings its largest spandex manufacturing among the 26 subsidiaries under production base, and gradually the South Korean textile company. increase the tire cord production It is worth noting that its sales capacity from current 100,000 reached 1.1 billion Won, exceeding tonnes per year. they would take advantage After the US walkout from TPP, the 1 billion Won mark for the Many Korean companies had of the TPP pact that would most Korean companies have third straight year. vigorously increased their reduce tariffs on their products however pushed back their According to an unnamed official investment in the Vietnamese exported from Vietnam to the investment plan in the south-east from textile industry, recent textile industry, expecting that US and other member countries. Asian country.

Cambodian Labour Minister praises growth of garment industry

Although industry representatives a total of about US $ 170 per month observed a little slowdown in the to US $ 181 per month,” he added. market due to rising competition Despite strong competition from from regional players, Ith Sam countries like Bangladesh and Heng, Cambodia’s Labour Minister Myanmar, the garment industry of applauded the strong growth and Cambodia continues to grow said employment level of the garment Van Sou Ieng, President of Garment industry of the country. Manufacturers Association of While speaking on the occasion Cambodia (GMAC). “We are still of International Labour Day, the able to survive, but the growth Minister said that the sector rate is at an average level with just provided US $ 2 billion in salaries single digit growth,” he mentioned. annually and created employment The Labour Minister however for 750,000 workers with the underlined that growth of the sector minimum wage increasing by should begin to increase with the building factories which will soon The garment industry continues to nearly 10 per cent last year to expansion of travel goods exports be operational. The export value dominate Cambodia’s exports, US $ 153 a month. “With the to the US that received duty-free of Cambodian-made travel goods accounting for over 10 per cent of combination of other additional privileges last July; to which, will increase noticeably in the GDP. benefits, each worker can get paid Van added, “Some of them are near future.”

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 53 TRADE STATISTICS

US apparel imports sharply increases in April January-April 2017

After March, US rose for the second consecutive month as its apparel imports have sharply increased in April. This is a clear sign that the country is rebounding now. A significant fall of unit prices in China and Vietnam might be a factor behind this surge as quantity-wise these two countries are the top exporters to the US. Since President Trump intends to renegotiate NAFTA which might produce more apparel jobs in the country, it will be an interesting scenario to see it would impact apparel imports in future.

‘Facts and Forecast’ for US Apparel Industry Global Apparel Imports by the US: Jan.-Apr. 2017

USD 98% 30% Total Increase in Quantity apparel 324 bn global sold in projected apparel US are apparel market imported revenue in exists in US 2.24% 2017 in US Total Decrease in Value

USD % 107 USD 1.71 pieces are 910 9.53 average average is average consumer volume/ price per Percentage Decrease in UVR spending in person piece in US apparel in US US apparel market market 3.94%

(Average UVR in the review period was US $ 2.92 as against US $ 3.04 in Total global apparel imports by the US - Jan.-Apr. 2017 (Qty in mn SME & Value in US mn $) the same period last year)

Jan.-Apr. 2016 Jan.-Apr. 2017 % Change Type of Apparel Change in Value Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value Cotton 3763.894 12382.937 3687.436 11886.889 -2.03 -4.01 Cotton Wool Wool 32.493 594.505 29.882 535.627 -8.04 -9.90 MMF 4288.689 11313.948 4555.258 11522.823 6.22 1.85 4.01% 9.90% Silk & Veg 142.807 697.567 139.459 615.548 -2.34 -11.76 MMF Silk & Veg Total 8227.88 24988.96 8412.04 24560.89 2.24 -1.71 1.85% 11.76% Total apparel exports to the US by 6 major manufacturing destinations - Jan.-Apr. 2017 Change in Quantity (Qty in mn SME & Value in US mn $)

Jan.-Apr. 2016 Jan.-Apr. 2017 % Change Countries Cotton Wool Qty Value Qty Value Qty Value 2.03% 8.04% India 400.573 1425.488 397.974 1378.896 -0.65 -3.27 Bangladesh 658.953 1857.115 648.05 1740.184 -1.65 -6.30

MMF Silk & Veg China 2986.252 7704.638 3127.624 7438.56 4.73 -3.45 6.22% 2.34% Pakistan 178.842 395.841 163.983 388.011 -8.31 -1.98 Sri Lanka 166.831 702.218 160.506 675.235 -3.79 -3.84

[The information has been extracted Vietnam 1058.532 3348.844 1185.88 3622.258 12.03 8.16 from US custom site and further analyzed.]

54 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com TRADE STATISTICS

Unit Value Realization (UVR) Trend from Top Apparel Exporters Top 3 Quantity-wise Apparel Exporters to US to US (January to April 2017) (January to April 2017) 4.50 8%

4.00 6%

3.50 4%

3.00 2%

2.50 0%

2.00 -2%

1.50 -4%

1.00 -6%

0.50 -8%

0.00 -10% India Bangladesh China Pakistan Sri Lanka Vietnam UVR 16 3.56 2.82 2.58 2.21 4.21 3.16 UVR 17 3.46 2.69 2.38 2.37 4.21 3.05 % Change -2.81% -4.61% -7.75% 7.24% 0.00% -3.48%

US Apparel Imports US General Imports of Cotton (April 2017) General Customs Value and Y-o-Y % Change General Customs Quantity and Y-o-Y % Change

8.00 10% 3%

910.00 2% 7.00 5% 810.00 1%

710.00 0% 6.00 0% 610.00 -1%

5.00 510.00 -2% -3% -5% 410.00 4.00 310.00 -4% 210.00 -5% -10% 3.00 110.00 -6% 10.00 -7% 2.00 -15% Yarns Fabrics Made-ups Apparels Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17

Values (in US billion $) Y-o-Y % Change Quantity (in million SME) Y-o-Y % Change

Item-wise quantity increase/decrease in apparel imports by the US: Jan.-Apr. 2017 (Qty in doz, legwear in dpr, babieswear in kg)

Exports to USA Total Imports by USA APPAREL TYPE China India Bangladesh Vietnam

2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change

Babieswear 30,754,104 32,281,943 4.97 13,327,022 14,333,841 7.55 2,942,736 2,464,596 -16.25 3,436,546 3,223,625 -6.20 2,378,691 2,947,766 23.92 Foundation 19,470,093 20,704,564 6.34 11,004,764 10,826,150 -1.62 593,514 529,625 -10.76 1,255,945 1,823,128 45.16 653,315 1,551,584 137.49 Garments Jackets & Blazers 7,489,300 7,958,701 6.27 3,329,388 3,708,866 11.40 134,504 184,357 37.06 412,806 495,020 19.92 1,319,238 1,432,725 8.60 Ladies Blouses 20,892,897 20,659,360 -1.12 8,463,542 8,188,557 -3.25 3,271,132 3,049,850 -6.76 1,144,100 1,070,653 -6.42 2,798,629 3,153,937 12.70 Ladies Dresses 23,203,047 24,068,134 3.73 10,304,544 10,869,242 5.48 2,042,376 2,139,216 4.74 819,399 725,097 -11.51 4,186,264 4,600,786 9.90 Ladies Skirts 6,466,292 5,350,868 -17.25 2,381,970 2,064,117 -13.34 365,745 287,795 -21.31 467,310 367,177 -21.43 1,236,507 1,110,995 -10.15 Legwear 97,383,095 97,467,768 0.09 56,981,267 61,674,148 8.24 851,574 954,286 12.06 61,622 12,540 -79.65 834,229 820,887 -1.60 Men's Shirts 13,674,866 13,564,810 -0.80 2,739,446 2,718,690 -0.76 1,020,673 1,295,671 26.94 3,923,584 3,524,310 -10.18 1,603,911 1,624,397 1.28 Nightwear 12,918,931 13,256,966 2.62 7,420,447 7,364,591 -0.75 1,006,181 1,008,460 0.23 467,464 667,024 42.69 1,264,146 1,290,494 2.08 Suits / Ensembles 4,492,526 4,120,464 -8.28 2,078,640 2,014,940 -3.06 266,491 244,026 -8.43 121,174 47,905 -60.47 853,895 794,083 -7.00 Sweaters 2,108,386 1,766,026 -16.24 1,596,867 1,196,820 -25.05 11,063 11,361 2.69 151,350 131,060 -13.41 64,591 62,382 -3.42 Trousers 99,471,032 102,168,240 2.71 26,732,886 27,953,278 4.57 2,261,146 2,063,530 -8.74 17,123,241 17,396,931 1.60 15,253,587 18,414,915 20.73 T-Shirts 184,574,266 182,562,144 -1.09 29,399,584 29,211,227 -0.64 8,684,393 8,991,188 3.53 7,271,605 6,962,453 -4.25 26,093,041 26,474,576 1.46 Undergarments 80,488,320 80,672,158 0.23 14,819,273 15,512,327 4.68 6,219,479 5,868,695 -5.64 8,584,619 8,827,724 2.83 12,515,964 14,065,354 12.38

Item-wise value increase/decrease in apparel imports by the US: Jan.-Apr. 2017 (Value in US mn $)

Exports to USA Total Imports by USA APPAREL TYPE China India Bangladesh Vietnam

2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change 2016 2017 % Change

Babieswear 671.00 695.15 3.60 276.42 290.12 4.95 64.32 59.81 -7.01 60.83 73.21 20.35 60.66 73.47 21.12 Foundation 875.51 914.02 4.40 423.63 379.68 -10.37 42.55 35.83 -15.80 26.56 43.09 62.23 31.59 100.27 217.42 Garments Jackets & Blazers 1,147.33 1,155.58 0.72 432.09 459.31 6.30 20.37 23.77 16.69 58.48 62.91 7.57 229.15 232.65 1.53 Ladies Blouses 1,385.29 1,348.84 -2.63 520.98 482.96 -7.30 245.06 233.54 -4.70 64.89 59.28 -8.65 154.31 170.03 10.18 Ladies Dresses 1,940.64 1,913.15 -1.42 861.00 813.48 -5.52 181.83 189.92 4.45 30.05 26.76 -10.97 298.38 303.16 1.60 Ladies Skirts 397.57 320.38 -19.41 134.23 109.69 -18.29 29.48 21.96 -25.54 20.67 15.87 -23.25 74.55 59.90 -19.65 Legwear 541.01 540.64 -0.07 293.79 304.46 3.63 4.96 5.58 12.35 0.67 - -100.00 4.71 4.52 -3.97 Men's Shirts 1,141.97 1,070.74 -6.24 251.87 229.15 -9.02 80.19 86.56 7.95 226.22 193.04 -14.67 129.53 128.93 -0.46 Nightwear 549.59 526.72 -4.16 309.42 286.11 -7.53 32.75 34.96 6.76 13.91 16.49 18.55 57.79 53.04 -8.23 Suits / Ensembles 440.80 397.16 -9.90 106.03 94.81 -10.58 25.16 27.97 11.18 6.43 4.08 -36.55 63.08 53.60 -15.03 Sweaters 215.54 182.76 -15.21 153.38 119.79 -21.90 0.86 0.80 -7.56 8.50 6.26 -26.43 1.83 4.39 140.14 Trousers 6,146.76 5,998.83 -2.41 1,501.10 1,448.05 -3.53 161.94 135.70 -16.20 941.03 894.51 -4.94 899.58 998.76 11.02 T-Shirts 6,345.71 6,280.05 -1.03 1231.862 1163.793 -5.53 347.991 349.419 0.41 184.00 170.35 -7.42 986.82 1028.20 4.19 Undergarments 1,162.55 1,123.34 -3.37 228.73 244.93 7.08 103.80 96.77 -6.78 96.79 93.40 -3.51 159.13 166.69 4.75

www.apparelresources.com | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | Apparel Online India 55 TRADE STATISTICS

Canada Apparel Imports

January-April 2017 Canada revamps slightly in April amidst fluctuating market

Canada is still falling in value terms of its apparel imports as this downfall is clearly announcing the declining unit prices of apparels. Domestic market is creating new demand for athleisure and knitwear, but other product categories are significantly going down with less consumer spending. However, apart from FTA with North and South American countries, Canada is targeting to set trade relationships with UK also after its exit from EU which might boost its falling economy.

Canada Imports India Exports Sri Lanka Exports Vietnam Exports 0.33% 6.67% 4.46% 8.97% While the knitted segment The country was down in its The country saw commendable Vietnam witnessed surge in its saw marginal boost of 0.89%, apparel exports to Canada during surge in its knitted garment apparel exports to Canada during the woven segment registered the review period. While value of exports to Canada by 9.32%, the review period. Knitted segment negative growth of (-) 1.50% in exports surged by 1.19% in knitted whereas woven segment recorded rose by 6.08%, while woven exports value terms. segment, woven apparel exports fell decline of (-) 1.40% during the saw stellar rise of 12.17%. by massive (-) 11.34%. review period.

B’Desh Exports Pakistan Exports China Exports 5.50% 16.92% 2.43% Bangladesh continued its In woven category, Pakistan In the knitted garment exports slowdown in apparel exports to recorded a commendable rise to Canada, the country fell by (-) Canada as during the review of 22.14% in value while knitted 1.90%, while the woven garments period, knitted garment exports segment exports to Canada during recorded decrement by (-) 2.92% fell by (-) 3.73%, whereas woven review period registered growth of during the period under review. segment decreased by (-) 6.67%. 10.68%.

Vietnam’s T&C exports boom 12.4% in first quarter

Vietnam has witnessed a surging start in the year 2017 in its global textile and clothing (T&C) exports. According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the country grew by 12.4 per cent year-on-year to US $ 6,750 million during January-March 2017. It’s worth mentioning here that the rising popularity of Vietnam in T&C industry has clinched some emerging importers over the years. Exports to these markets posted strong growth, such as for Russia (up 115 per cent), Singapore (up 36 per cent) and for Brazil and India (up 34 per cent) each. On the other hand, exports to the US, EU and other conventional markets rose around 6.3 per cent to 6.4 per cent on Y-o-Y basis. Trade Update VITAS also reports that while exports of conventional products such as ladieswear, menswear, etc., rose by 13 per cent to 17 per cent; swimwear, raincoats and scarves grew at rates of 18 per cent to 41 per cent. The boost is said to be a result of the efforts put by the country to export new products that helped to get stable growth in Vietnam’s textile and clothing exports.

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Navis Global keeping pace with global demand Asian markets account for 75% of business

In the global knitting industry, Navis Global has earned a remarkable reputation for the depth of technology that they can provide for quality production of finished knitted fabric, the most popular being compactors, pads and dryers. With 75% of business in Asian markets where the majority of production is happening today, the company is always looking at new opportunities to support its customer base and in recent years through acquisitions and partnerships, the company has also become very strong in wovens, non-wovens, and in industrial and technical textiles segments. In an exclusive discussion with Apparel Online, William J. Motchar, President & CEO, Navis Global shares his thoughts on some critical areas of future growth. Excerpts from the interview…

currently installing machines in AO: What are the factors that make AO: Kindly brief us about the SCS Central America for all the large your machines so popular in the (Spirality Correction System), which producers there. All high-end brands knitting segment? is among your latest developments in the market. like Michael Kors, Perry Ellis, Ralph William Motchar: All our machines Lauren, etc. as well as basic apparel run at the highest speed and provide William Motchar: The system is manufacturers are either already the requisite quality parameters that for tubular knitting and though the using SCS technology or they are brands and retailers require. We have intake was slow at the beginning, targeting to implement SCS soon. designed our compactor for quick the demand for this machine is changeover because it is required growing rapidly. It is a very unique AO: The industry is moving toward by many customers especially in technology that solves the spirality fourth generation technology under problem for knit fabrics. Though South Asia where small lot sizes Industry 4.0. How is Navis Tubetex are produced. Since we can provide spirality is a problem for all knit gearing up to keep pace? the compaction needed in one pass fabrics, it causes maximum issues through our machine, and we run at for knit fabrics made with ring spun William Motchar: We have been a speed of 2-3 times compared to our yarn. We have over 10 machines involved with several customers in competitors, our running cost is much running in South Asia (India, their efforts to proceed in the domain low than our competitors. Bangladesh, Pakistan) and we are of Industry 4.0. We are working with

William J. Motchar, President & CEO, Navis Global (C), with his colleagues at the launch of Spirality Correction System

58 Apparel Online India | JUNE 16-30, 2017 | www.apparelresources.com RESOURCE CENTRE

them to equip our machines with the latest electronic Eyes & Ears technology that will allow them to collect extensive data from the machines to integrate into their plant wide systems. It is Two buying houses of National Capital Region a huge growth area for sure. We have been investing heavily moved to closure into the technical textiles area. Most of our business in this area is currently in North and or some of the industry players who were South America. It is a good prominently involved in the overseas market segment for us because Fbusiness, the market is going through turmoil it requires high technology and which is putting the players at stake. The process know-how which matches uncertainty of the global market has also our capabilities and thus does not affected few buying houses which have forced have the pricing pressure of basic them to shut down their operations. With the fabric manufacturing machinery. struggling status of small- and medium-size exporters, things are getting crucial for the smaller level buying agencies too. AO: How important is India- Bangladesh-Vietnam for Recently, two sourcing houses from national Navis Tubetex and where is the capital region closed their shutters. Raghaw next frontier for growth? International decided to close its Gurgaon office and direct its business towards a new William Motchar: These three segment, whereas Tex International stopped countries – India, Bangladesh, its Gurgaon operations. and Vietnam – are critical markets for our company. Raghaw International, a sourcing house While India and Bangladesh which was based in Gurgaon, closed its doors we have diversified our business into the are consistently in our list of due to unsteady market. Sandeep Singh, hospitality sector.” top 5 markets, Vietnam is also Managing Director, Raghaw International, growing rapidly. We have many confirmed the news saying, “We have closed Tex International, another Mauritian current projects in Vietnam and our buying house due to the jerking, and sourcing company, which is still are expecting our business to since nothing was left to explore in the operational in Bangladesh and Mauritius, increase there further. Among global market… We also know that market is has closed down its Gurgaon office for the new markets coming up, the going through a rough patch, so for present unknown reasons. African market is on the path of development and I see it where South Asia was 10-15 years ago. We are already selling machines there now and I think we will grow there exponentially in Mitsui & Co. gets new Managing Director for future because of plenty foreign investment in Africa. India operations

AO: How are the countries placed itsui & Co., the company which sources in terms of demand for tubular as well as open width compactor various products of different categories machines, and why? fromM India, has recently appointed its new Managing Director for its India operations. William Motchar: Currently As per sources, Makoto Suzuki, one of the India has more demand for Managing Directors, has stepped down from open width compactor, while his position and is back in Japan. Currently, Bangladesh and Vietnam have Hiromichi Yagi has taken over the position roughly equal demand for tubular of Managing Director of the company. and open width. The overall Formerly, functioning as a Managing Officer trend is for more open width. for more than three years, Hiromichi Yagi has Generally high-fashion expensive commenced his position as MD from April 1, garments are finished open width 2017. and basic apparel like T-shirts, underwear, etc. are finished Mitsui & Co., established in 1947, is one of the tubular. This explains why India trading giants in Japan. Other than fashion more. The brand also has its foot prints in has a bigger demand for open- and lifestyle, the group also deals in energy, UK, US, China, Canada, Thailand, Malaysia width compactors. metals, information corporate and much and many other parts of the globe.

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DIGITAL PLATFORM HOOK / BAR

EMBROIDERY FABRIC / LACES KNITTING / WEAVING YARN

ELASTICS / TAPES ELASTICS / TAPES