16 Nov 2010: As more retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of apparel, textile and leather products continue to expand their operations in India, two critical issues – product quality and social/environmental responsibility – have become important drivers in the industry.

16 Nov 2010: “Social Media Marketing”, a growing virtual marketing tool for small and large businesses in the contemporary times, is so fresh and booming an idea that even the conventional are changing! According to Forrester Research it is estimated that $ 716 million will be spent on the Social Media in 2010, growing to $ 3.1 billion in 2014.

1 Nov 2010: Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India recently announced a key change to its management team with the appointment of Raj Manek as Managing Director. With immediate effect, he succeeds Shammi Nagpal whose service agreement comes to an end at the end of 2010 and held the positions of Managing Director and Regional Director, Asia Pacific.

1 Nov 2010: A recent workshop titled “Servicing the Customer” held at The Institute of Apparel Management, highlighted the canvas of the Apparel Industry with respect to its three major players – the customer, the product and the manufacturer. Witnessing a participation of 16 top exporters representing a total turnover of over Rs. 2,000 crore, the 30 candidates in all from Ludhiana, Delhi and NCR were completely involved with the lively and interactive format of the workshop.

1 Nov 2010: After launching its pre- dyed buttons and buttons for children’s wear recently, BRFL’s trims division has now launched its range of narrow fabrics in the brand name of Arihant Organics. The brand has woven labels and woven narrow fabrics in cotton, polyester, nylon, viscose and polypropylene both in woven plain elastic tapes and rigid (non-elastic) plain tapes under its umbrella.

1 Nov 2010: Complementing the catwalk trends for A/W 10 was the Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ Collection showcasing key pieces in jewellery for the 2010 Autumn-Winter. In collaboration with 18 world-famous designers, along with clothes, even accessories took a new trend direction. Precision-cut crystals, colourful crystal beads, lustrous pearls and exclusive pieces embellished with light-filled Swarovski Elements are seen to be in vogue.

1 Oct 2010: To address and enhance the quality and productivity in the sewing and finishing departments of the garment industry, Eastman Cutting Training Centre was inaugurated at the Alt Training College in Bangalore.

1 Oct 2010: Manufacturers/suppliers of shell buttons and natural ‘Mother of Pearl’ material, Super Choice claims to be now one of the biggest natural buttons manufacturers in the industry. “My business in last one year has grown more than double with Zara, H&M, Triburg and Impulse. Now the international buyers are demanding more and more of natural, organic products therefore to meet their demand I had to increase my imports from countries such as Japan, Australia and many more,” shares Alok Raj, Partner, Super Choice excitedly.

1 Oct 2010: Stretch jeans, a revolutionary style statement which was originally made with Spandex is now introduced in a new avatar by Arvind as Trans-Stretchual Denim.