In this issue’s Cover Story, ‘Coats at Work: Shaping the Future of Apparel and Footwear’, we take an insider’s look at how Coats, a global leader in Tier 2 supply for apparel and footwear, is driving innovation across apparel, footwear, technical textiles, and protective gear. Apparel Online visited Coats’ Madurai facility and spoke with David Paja, Group CEO; Adrian Elliott, Apparel CEO and Group Chief Commercial Officer; and Pasquale Abruzzese, Footwear CEO and Group COO, to understand how the company balances sustainability, digital supply chain initiatives, footwear innovation, and employee well-being while meeting global and domestic market demands.
In our AEPC Excellence Honours coverage, we highlight the resilience and global competitiveness of India’s apparel exporters, with recognitions going to Shahi Exports, Silver Spark Apparel Limited (SSAL), Oasis Knitwear, Pearl Global Industries Ltd., Richaco Exports Pvt Ltd, Jeyavishnu Clothing, Esstee Exports India Pvt Ltd, Lila Shyam Exports, among others.
In our sustainability coverage, we found that even small and medium manufacturers can lead the way, with SAGS Apparels in Tirupur demonstrating how structured planning, operational discipline, and everyday sustainable practices—from energy-efficient building design and water-saving techniques to organic raw materials and EV charging facilities—helped the company become Asia’s first industrial project to achieve LEED® Zero Energy Certification.
Meanwhile, Birla Cellulose, Lenzing, RSWM, Arvind Fashion, Vardhman, and Reliance R|Elan are investing in circularity, traceable fibres, recycled materials, and ESG practices, responding to regulatory pressures in Europe, the US, Japan, Australia, and India, while positioning sustainability as a long-term competitive advantage.
Our Lead Story focuses on how innovation is reshaping trims. Bonding tapes are replacing stitched-and-elastic constructions, interlinings are being redesigned for mobility and structure, buttons and metal accessories are moving to cyanide-, lead- and nickel-free finishes, zippers are gaining snag-free sliders and waterproof coatings, threads are engineered for stretch, softness, flame and cut resistance, and embroidered trims and laces are being enhanced with eco-friendly fibres. These developments are helping brands meet tighter safety, compliance, and sustainability norms while reducing sourcing risks and shortening development cycles.
In our AO Brand to Watch feature, we profile 9shines Label, a digital-first nightwear and loungewear brand redefining plus-size comfort in India.
In Retail Pulse India, we found that expansion, rather than store-level performance, is driving growth in India’s value fashion segment, with brands such as Zudio (Trent), Yousta (Reliance Retail), Style Up (ABFRL), InTune (Shoppers Stop), Max Fashion, Vishal Mega Mart, V-Mart, Citykart, V2 Retail, and Baazar Style rapidly adding new stores.
We also have many other interesting topics covered under our regular features such as My Fashion Life, Trends in Focus, Industry Verdict, and more.
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