This feature discusses the challenges brands and MBOs faced during the pandemic, the problem of excess stock, key growth drivers and what they’ve had to tweak in order to address the consumer’s evolving needs.

The average tariff applied on import from India into EU is approximately 9.60 per cent for textile and clothing products. This big duty gap compels the importers in Europe to buy more quantity from India’s competitors. If EU-India FTA talks finalise, the expansion of apparel export of Indian factories to the Union’s countries is very likely.

Various reports and surveys conducted in 2021’s first 6 months back the projected disruptions in supply side of the industry! QIMA – a leading provider of supply chain compliance solutions – conducted a survey in March ’21 that clearly indicated the continuing ‘regionalisation’ of global supply chains, with India as well as Vietnam coming into their own as China’s regional competitors. Both the countries are among key overseas sourcing markets for various industries including fashion sector, especially for USA and EU.

Why do the brands always have to take the onus of the standard practices or reveal the eco-friendly ways they follow on one hand to the consumers, and on the other, select the right stakeholders across the supply chain to offer the consumer what they deserve? Isn’t it time that the entire supply chain make traceability and accountability a part of their DNA and working model?

With sustainability in textile industry gaining significant momentum, brands and manufacturers are leveraging ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®, which recently reached the landmark - 10,000 certified chemical products, for trusted proof of safer textile and leather chemicals. In conversation with Vinod Kumar, Managing Director Hohenstein India & Global Business Director, ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® on the multiple benefits of ECO PASSPORT.

Personalisation and customisation are at the core of The Pant Project’s offering. Brainchild of Founders Dhruv and Udit Toshniwal, The Pant Project is highly modern and caters to the men of all age groups with equal prowess, courtesy the legacy the brand brings to the front. But how do they get it all stitched so seamlessly? In conversation with the Co-Founders of The Pant Project.

Following a minimal aesthetic, slow fashion brand ROZEN provides inclusive sizing and affordable price points while keeping in mind the quality and ethical factors involved in production.

3D visualisation of garments is now possible on avatars available in all races, colours, expressive, submissive, athletic, morbid. These can stand in different stance, walk, run, jump, somersault, dance while fabric drape is simulated in dynamic situation. While every buyer and manufacturer is trying to adopt the solution to cut short the time consuming and costly sample approval process, let’s trace the journey of avatars in garment fitting. Prabir Jana explains with examples.

The European Union is a unique landscape of many countries with diverse cultures and fashion sensibilities and tapping this market requires a very focused and planned approach, as it is a huge market with great potential. Interestingly, in 2018, clothing stores in the EU generated a turnover of €222.4 billion through retail sales of which approximately 148.17 billion came from imports from various manufacturing destinations.