The Indian festive season, one of the longest in the world, has breathed new life into the Indian fashion retail and e-commerce segments. While last year the festivities were sombre as people grappled with the impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods, this year there is more than a mere glimmer of hope in the atmosphere. People are eager to shop and have even upped their festive budgets even though gatherings are expected to be small, intimate affairs. Clothing and accessories are forecast to be the top-selling categories in this quarter.

Riding on the back of this zeal are fashion brands that are anxious to please the customer with new occasion-wear collections and strike the right chord though digitised marketing. This festive season, brands hope to have riveting conversations with visitors through social media. With reports predicting customers leaning towards online shopping, they are all geared up to get their message across and off er the customer a seamless shopping experience. Supply and distribution strategies have also been revamped for the customer’s ease and convenience. A smooth distribution network is being complemented by well-stocked warehouses and any unforeseen shortfall in either the online or offline availability of products is equipped to be met with surplus from the other.

As the retail industry is slowly moving towards recovery, after the debacle caused by the second wave of the pandemic, retailers are once again pinning their hopes on the festive season. Undoubtedly, there has been a strong response in the stores and many brands (including apparel)are witnessing good sales in the last few months. Despite this, there is double excitement for the festive season, which is a very good news for the retail industry.

The year 2020, festive season accelerated sales and therefore, retailers have high hopes of reaching double growth in this season. Ethnic wear has always been a forefront in the festive wear section and ethnic brands will once again be in demand. The increasing consumer demand of the Indian wear segment can be estimated with the increasing scale of brands like Manyavar, Soch, W, Fabindia etc. These brands focus on making the shopping experience easy and are coming up with ideas like fusion wear, which is both Indian and easy to carry.

Online presence of big ethnic wear brands and acceptance of ethnic wear among youth have also given rise to this sector. Men’s and women’s ethnic wear together contribute around 90 percent to the sector. The increasing acceptability of people towards Indian wear has given rise to the segment.

Innerwear as a fashion category has certainly come of age in India. And it is now marketed, innovated upon and retailed like any outerwear fashion category — with product differentiation, digital science, marketing differentiation quite strongly at play.

Innerwear as an informed, conscious fashion choice owes much to digital evolution and rapidly growing customer awareness, for sure.
No longer hesitant in expressing their opinions on a category that forms an essential part of their wardrobe, women — and men — are seeking to discover, explore and experiment with intimates as well. Innerwear, finally, is out of the closet and is taking giant strides to becoming an exclusive fashion category in India.

The evolution is apparent in both the market and the consumer. While the consumer righteously considers innerwear as a fashion statement today, the market too has emancipated itself from its unorganised retail hegemony. The innerwear industry is now amongst the most lucrative segments in apparel fashion for brands, retailers and investors alike. The rapid transformation of the category has led it to branch out into several sub-categories, with each of them setting standards on their own now. Also, a slew of international, young and dynamic national brands has impinged on the arena, ushering in a phenomenal trend that has compelled the entire industry to spruce up offerings both in terms of products as well as experiences.

Dear All,
Denim has been through several demand peaks and troughs over the decades. While temporary trends may have displaced it now and then asa defining fashion category, Denim, however, looks set to be a timeless wardrobe essential worldwide. Denim as a category in itself is a legend.

The Indian denim market is exhibiting continuous growth over the years. With new technologies, trends and higher market reach, this sector has promising growth potential. Even in rural areas, denim is becoming highly fashionable with most men and teenage girls opting denim wear over traditional outfits.

The July 2021 issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion dives into the fascinating workings of a fashion classic, and explores its newest adaptations and innovations as brands work toexpand their consumer bases, while wowing their primary target — Millennials and Gen Zs.

The edition will throw more light on how brands and retailers are managing massive demand disruptions especially after the lockdown. The sudden and frequent lockdowns have been a massive challenge for the retailers. Product innovation, along with creating more efficient business operations, supply chain and cost optimisation, omnichannel strategies have been the key tasks for the industry currently.

Urban lifestyles over the past year have been through tumultuous changes, reflecting clearly in wardrobe choices and demand shifts. Some leather-led footwear and accessories brands and retailers have been quick to pivot to the new realities with product innovation, Omnicommerce channels and enhanced digital outreach. Simultaneously, there is a growing evolution of non-leather materials in new-age footwear and accessories.
The June 2021 issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion dives into the fascinating workings of India’s footwear & accessories sectors as it navigates extreme business challenges brought on by COVID 19 and the resulting consumer shifts.
The edition will throw more light on how brands and retailers are managing massive demand disruptions especially in the COVID times.
The sudden and frequent lockdowns have been a massive challenge for the retailers (be it big players or the small regional brands). The product innovation, along with creating more efficient business in operations, supply chain and cost optimisation, Omnichannel strategies has been the key tasks for the industry currently.

Dear All,

Sustainable consumer habits have gained tremendous signifi cance over recent years. The primary driving forces include the realisation of environmentally damaging practices, and a strong desire to make eco-friendly choices. Consumer behavior is changing due to rising evidence of climate change, with research showing that globally 88 percent consumersprefer sustainable clothing.

Recently, 16 retail fashion brands signed the Su.Re (sustainability resolution) project launched by the Union Textile Ministry, IMG Reliance and Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). Brands and retailers like Spykar, Westside, Trends, Shoppers Stop, fb b, House of Anita Dongre, Lifestyle and Max have joined the movement that aims to develop sustainable sourcing policies for consistent prioritising and utilising certifi ed raw materials that have a positive impact on the environment.
Further, Millennials and Gen Z consumers have taken the sustainable fashion movement forward by being ecologically conscious.

The new generation looks for fashion that is sustainable, fair and circular without limiting the preference to latest trends. Sustainable and responsible consumers are encouraging brands to demonstrate transparency and sustainability in their supply chains. With customers becoming more conscious of the impact of the brands they buy on the planet, brands are expediting their attempts to appeal to this ever-growing and evolving direction. To improve the sustainability quotient in the business of fashion, it is therefore important to understand key parameters across the textilevalue chain, analyse consumer insights, and view innovative models that build sustainable businesses.

Dear All,

With mini lockdowns and shutdowns making a comeback in India, consumer movement will yet again be limited. As a result, demand for comfortable yet stylish apparel that can be worn in the comfort of homes is expected to rise again rapidly, leading to sportswear and athleisure gaining ground even more post the lockdown. With more and more consumers giving the first priority to their health, this segment is making its place in each and every wardrobe. Instead of stocking up casual and formal wear, consumers are responding by stocking up on yoga pants, joggers, hoodies and sneakers in large numbers.

Going by the change in consumer behavior, today s/he is thinking about fi tness and is ready to spend money on training merchandise. Giving priority to comfort, everyone wants to look stylish, even if they are jogging in the morning, which is why the sportswear industry has made huge progress in the last few years. New brands have come up and gone are the days when consumers used to have just one outfit for outdoor physical activities.

Dear All,
As work and home spaces overlap, comfort and versatility have taken precedence for all, leading to new the invention of new offerings from brands and retailers – apparel that can easily transition from work from home to grocery-runs and social-media appearances.
With a major part of the world still restricted to their homes, fashion senses have started gravitating towards comfortable yet presentable clothes. Due to this, the demand for casual wearhas skyrocketed globally post the lockdown.

The work from home model has impacted workwear wardrobe choices greatly. With most corporate offices relaxing the formal wear rule, comfortable power dressing is key in the new normal. Office goers working from the confines of their home have gravitated tosmart casuals. The shift has been instinctive and the casualwear category, which is fulfilling the requirements of the trend, is in great demand. It has captured the market in a way it never has before. The fashion industry has taken note of this new cultural shift and brands are aggressively marketing their casualwear category.

The March 2021 issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion highlights the change in dynamics of this category as heralded by the Coronavirus pandemic. The issue takes a look at how brands areshifting stance to face the burgeoning demand for casualwear, the challenges and the opportunities offered.

Dear everyone,

2021 is already showing glimmers of hope. As the rate of new infections registers a sharp dip over the last few months, the Indian economy has begun to show signs of recovery. With the nationwide vaccine roll out in place, consumer confidence and demand is set to grow at a rapid pace in the months to come.

The recovery is set to further get a boost from the progressive and growth-oriented Union Budget 2021-22 announced by the Government of India. The Budget has especially been beneficial for the textile industry. It has laid a strong foundation for the future growth of the textiles and clothing industry in India. In line with the Centre’s efforts to position India as a fully integrated, globally competitive manufacturing and exporting hub for the textile sector, the Government has proposed a slew of schemes that are expected to attract investments and boost employment generation.

In this issue, we take a deep look at how the Budget of 2021 is expected to make India a competitive manufacturing and exporting hub for textiles. Industry experts from across the sector share their views on the opportunities that the Budget presents to all players of this sector to fuel post-pandemic recovery.

Moreover, this issue also takes a look at how fashion senses are rapidly gravitating towards comfortable apparel as homes have become hubs of work, play, and rest. Over the last few months categories like casual wear, loungewear, athleisure, nightwear, etc., have become fashion essentials. Also, the ‘Work From Home’ – and ‘Study From Home’ – cultures have also compelled consumers to thoughtfully curate a home environment that’s comfortable to work and study in, adding to a renewed demand in categories like home office furniture and home décor.

I wish you all a very happy New Year!

2020 has been a very unusual year. Throughout the year, we all had been counting down the days to 2021 – hoping for a new year with new possibilities where the problems of 2020 will just fade away. It’s finally here and we can already see signs of recovery. Let’s all welcome 2021 with the hope that it turns out to be a defining year in fashion retailing. I also wish that this year turns out to be prosperous for all of you and your businesses.

I would also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you for supporting us and our cause even through the uncertainties that 2020 posed and I hope for your continued backing in the future as well.

Also, per tradition, we are pleased to start the new year with the annual Brands in India Special Issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion. As always, we have concentrated all our efforts in bringing before you some of the biggest stalwarts of the fashion industry in India — both homegrown and from across the world, as well as a few young and rising stars.

Dear everyone,
I think it is finally safe to say that fashion retail is gradually returning to normalcy after months of sharp contraction in Q1 FY2020-21. All this while, we all have been pinning our hopes on the festive season. As it turns out, the results so far have been quite encouraging. Leading e-tailers have received an overwhelming response during the annual festive sale days, and traditional traders across the country have witnessed sales figures going up by the week. The wedding season and the upcoming holiday season is expected to further provide a fillip to the fashion retail segment, thereby setting the segment firmly on the path to recovery.

Although demand and sales are picking up, one thing that we can unanimously agree is that we are still amidst cautious times and that business is not as it used to be. Honestly, I think it is very natural. The pandemic has had a far reaching impact on the consumer and business as a whole, and rebounding from the COVID-19 induced depression and re-calibrating operations back into normalcy could prove to be very challenging.

Dear everyone,
First of all let me wish you all a very happy Diwali! I hope that the upcoming year proves to be progressive and prosperous for your family as well as your business. Let’s also hope that this festive season also marks the change that we all have been waiting for for so long.

After a lull of nearly eight months, finally we can afford to heave a sigh of relief as things are slowly begging to get better for all of us in the retail industry. At the same time, I am sure that we all have also witnessed how drastically the traditional format of retail has been overhauled in the last few months.

Although the worst seems to be over, we are still in uncharted territory and businesses will need to be much more careful about how they approach the future. As is apparent, consumer sentiments have changed in massive proportions. Moreover, while we are still struggling to reorganize how we run operationsin this age of social distancing, consumers’ expectation is snowballing by the day.
The big question now is — how can businesses remain productive, be safe for employees as well as consumers and at the same time device innovative engagement strategies that find relevance in the new normal?

Dear everyone,

It’s been a long long wait for us all, but the festive season is fi nally here. After months of the COVID-19 induced slump, the festive season presents us with at least some ray of hope. Although consumer sentiments continue to be cautious, fashion retailers around the country have strong reasons to be optimistic that the upcoming festive season will bring about a demand rebound, helping revive salesand footfalls.

Festival demand has always been robust in India and despite the fact that things are a bit different this year, this is one opportunity that no brand or retailer could afford to miss. In line with this, fashion businesses around the country are gearing up for the upcoming festive season. Ecommerce major Filpkart has has added over 3.4 million square feet space across its supply chain assets including fulfilment centres, mother hubs and delivery centres throughout the country in preparationof the upcoming festive season and the Big Billion Days sale event. Myntra, on the other hand, has received a fresh fund infusion of US$ 103 million from FK Myntra Holdings, its Singapore-based parent entity.

Dear all,
Although it’s been months since businesses have resumed and things are starting to pick up momentum, our industry is still going through a tricky time. But what’s surprising is that, even amidst dwindling sales, fashion retailers across the world have registered an uptick in sales of certain categories — comfortwear like leggings, loungewear and athleisure have emerged as best-performing productsduring the pandemic.
The growing penchant for comfort wear is not a new phenomenon by any means. We are all aware how modern consumers are more concerned with comfort and practicality than style and trends now. According to the fi ndings of the market research company Global Data,the revenue of athleisure worldwide has increased by US$ 34 billion in only one year, from 2018 to 2019.

Over the past few months we have witnessed how the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated online shopping usage throughout the world. With brick-and-mortar retailers forced to shutter stores, a distinct opportunity was born for e-commerce businesses to take over.
Even in India, it has led to a rise in the number of fi rst-time e-commerce users, who had been so far uncomfortable with shopping online. Even now, when stores have re-opened, online retailers and e-commerce platforms continue to experience drastic growth as consumers try to avoid shopping malls with increasing anxiety over the virus.

Today, a strong online presence has evolved to become the prime necessity for all players of the retail ecosystem. In the initial days of the lockdown, we have seen how an increasing no of brands, which were not following an Omnichannel route earlier were making a beeline for establishing their online platforms. Even the most prosperous of brick-and-mortar stores have been forced to experiment with digital channels in wake of the crisis.

It has been about a month since stores have opened doors to consumers but market sentiments continue to be gloomy. The consumer is still struggling to cope with the pandemic triggered stupor and this has made retailing extremely challenging. An overwhelming percentage of consumers have cut down on fashion expenditure and a majority of the remainder now prefers to shop online. Over the month, we have witnessed how consumer expectations are continually escalating. Consumers today are focusing on “safer” modes of product evaluation and consumption, and preferring businesses who prioritize hygiene and buyer convenience. Thus, stores that have opened up are faced with the conundrum of coming up with measures that allay their fears about safety and hygiene. At the same time, fashion businesses are forced to review their core markets and operating model as well as device innovative engagement strategies that find relevance in the new normal – something that a majority of brands and retailers are struggling to keep up with.

The fashion retail industry has fi nally come back to life with the Indian government lifting the blanket ban on non-essential retail. But while we are savouring this good news, deep down, we are all aware of the harsh reality – the virus is still amongst us and its scourge continues to rampage across the world unabated. Therefore, even as we all race to reopen our businesses, we know the utter uncertainty that awaits us all – i.e., until a vaccine is discovered.
Over the last two months, a lot has been said and predicted about the new normal that we have to adapt to, post the lockdown. But as we open our doors to the consumer, we realise that the challenges that face us now are far greater than what we had expected.
It’s a very crucial time for fashion businesses across the country. On the one hand, we have to prepare ourselves to conform to the new protocols of safety and hygiene and on the other, instill confi dence of a safe shopping environment in both our internal and external customers. At the same time, we are also charged with the dexterous task of coming up with eff ective strategies to stimulate consumer interest/sales and fi nd creative solutions that can potentially move us forward.

We all are amidst a global crisis without any real clarity on how soon we will see normalcy. The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged economies across the world and has left businesses grappling with disruptions, with many anticipating fi nancial and operational consequences. The fashion retail sector is no exception to these unforeseen circumstances. Players across the value chain are struggling to fi nd ways to contend with the full range of eff ects – to their operations, communities and supply chains. The disruption is felt across all businesses, and as a business owner myself, I know how incredibly hard it is for everyone. It’s been more than 40 days since the last fashion product was sold in India. Stores are closed, manufacturing is on a grinding halt and e-commerce has been limited to essentials only. While the pandemic has reduced our businesses to rubble, the onus is on us to ensure that we do not allow this crisis to narrow our fi eld of vision because, it is still just a temporary challenge. Sooner or later the crisis will end and all that will matter is – how businesses endured this unprecedented phase to prepare their contingency plan for the future.

The retail scenario in India has evolved tremendously over the last few decades. Led by advancement in modern technology along with a new breed of consumers that demand selective products and continuous enhancement in services, the dynamics of the market is transforming by the day. What has stayed constant, though, are the timeless challenges – market relevance, innovation and profi tability – compelling retailers around the globe to adapt to new shifts in demographics, attitudes and consumer preferences more swiftly than ever

Dear all,

If Quentin Tarantino were a fashion veteran in India instead of a Hollywood cinematic extraordinaire, his preferred domain of choice would no doubt have been kidswear retail – forthis is where all the action is happening in India.

For it’s true – the kidswear segment in the Indian Retail Industry has gained some serious traction over the years. While the sector was almost non-existent till a few years ago, it has now imprinted itself as the most propitious segment of the Indian fashion industry with even a dedicated annual fashion show to its name.

But honestly, in my opinion, the transition of kidswear retail from infancy to maturity was inevitable. As financial stability and purchasing power of modern parents grew in the last few years, an inevitable shift from ‘need-based’ to ‘aspiration-based’ manifested resulting in a boost hitherto irrelevant to the Indian fashion industry as a whole. Growth drivers included increased influence of social media, double income nuclear families and brand awareness and an increasing inclination towards high quality products of parents – the last of which trickled down to kids as well, who have now emerged as an independent buyer group altogether. This evolution of kids as consumers has changed the way brands perceived and operated in this space, making way for newer trends.

Dear readers,
Let us all welcome 2020 and hope that it concludes as a defining year in fashion retailing in India. I would like to wish you all a very happy new year and I sincerely hope that this year turns out to be prosperous both for you and your businesses. I would also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you all for supporting our cause over all these years and sincerely look forward for your continued backing in the future.

December was a very busy month for all of us at IMAGES Business of Fashion, but it gives me immense pleasure to let you all know that, with everyone’s support and contribution, the 20th Edition of the India Fashion Forum turned out to be one of the biggest in its history. I congratulate all the participants, the winners of IFA and thank all those who have been associated with it and made it possible. For those who missed the event, IMAGES BoF will bring you a detailed report on all the key sessions and deliberations over the next fewissues.

Welcome to the most fashionable season of the year – winter, a time for colourcoordination, balancing volumes and layers, and smart use of textures. There was a time when winter wear in India was all about functional warm apparel, but things have changed signifi cantly over the last few years. Today, fashion and winter wear walk side-byside and Indians are at par with theirs global peers when it comes to making a fashion statement during this season.

Overall, the winter wear market has evolved immensely, and is growing at an exponential rate as a result of the shift in lifestyle and preferences of our people. Even in the hinterlands of the Tier II, III and smaller towns and cities, the category is witnessing tremendous demand with a marked inclination towards brands. As per India’s premier management consulting fi rm, pegged at US$ 2.7 billion in 2018 the winter wear market in India now contributes 5 percent to the total Indian apparel market. Moreover, the segment is now enjoying a healthy CAGR of 4 percent and is expected to become a US$ 3.95 billion market by 2028. Looking at these fi gures, it’s safe to say that winter wear is undeniably one of the most lucrative emerging segments in the Indian fashion retail market presently, promising immense opportunities for brands and retailers alike.

Welcome to the busiest time of the year!
This indeed is an exuberant time for all of
us at the retail fraternity. This is the season
that morphs India to its brightest and most
jubilant avatar of the year with every calendar
week dotted with festivals, celebrations and
weddings. It is the time the entire nation
comes together to feast, pray, share love and
above all fl aunt resplendent ethnic fashion.
Ethnic wear is an intrinsic part of the festive
season. Infact, traditionally, ethnic wear
was solely reserved for festivals. But, in the
recent years, the category has evolved in
massive proportions, especially the women’s
section. Keeping pace with India’s massive
strides towards modernization, the ethnic
wear category has been resuscitated with
keen focus towards the modern consumers
penchant for comfort and practicality. Today,
the category includes a wide spectrum
of cuts, fi ts, silhouettes – from inherently
classic to more contemporary avatars that
are as comfortable for daily wear as they are
appropriate for corporate boardrooms.
This evolution ensued an increasing preference of
the young and consuming class towards Indian
ethnic wear as well as boost the dynamics of the
market like never before. Today, pegged at an
estimated Rs. 112,893 crores and constituting
approximately 32 percent share of the total Indian
apparel market, the ethnic wear category in India
holds a very promising future.

From shirts, trousers, denim to skirts and
dresses, western wear is ruling fashion
senses across the globe. Even in India,
this comfortable fashion segment enjoys
unparalleled popularity and is today, a staple
in wardrobes across the country, irrespective
of gender and age.
The roots of western wear in India can be
traced to the British era. Yet till the 1990s,
it was somewhat limited to the elites,
professionals and offi ce goers. The decades
following the 90s are touted to be the era
when Indians adopted more westernized
concepts in fashion, making bold and stylish
choices.
In recent years, rapid globalisation, enlarged
brand awareness, growth of disposable
income and expansion of apparel e-retailing
have led to surge in demand for western wear.
Increase in youth population and fashion
consciousness among consumers is further
fuelling this market’s growth.
India’s leading management consulting
fi rm Technopak Advisors reveals in the lead
research how western wear constitutes the
biggest segment in the Indian fashion retail
industry. Estimated at `1,33,246 crores in 2018,
the segment accounts for approximately 93
percent of the total fashion market in India. Yet,
there is hardly any research documentation on
the segment in its entirety.
In this fi rst of its kind issue on Western Wear,
IMAGES Fashion Bureau maps the evolution
of the category as a whole in India along with
tracking the shift in customer preferences. In
addition to this, there are dedicated features
detailing the market size, prevailing trends and
opportunities in the major segments of Western
Wear. We have also outlined the perspective
of veteran brands and retailers on this growing
segment.
We had a challenging yet educative time
making this issue and I sincerely hope that you
like reading it!
Cheers,

It wasn’t too long ago when fashion and
sportswear seemed to be decidedly at odds
with one another. I mean, both were at the
polar ends of usage and target audience;
sportswear was strictly for sports and
exercise and fashion was for those who were
in pursuit of taste, beauty, and aesthetics. Yet
today, sportswear and fashion have so much
in common these days.
Sportswear is taking to the street these days
and is increasingly becoming a way of life
for fashion enthusiasts across the globe,
and for just the right reasons. Hustling has
become the order of the day today and times
as such calls for versatile, multipurpose
fashion apparel that can be worn for various
occasions.
On the other end, everywhere you look,
people are making conscious eff ort
towards leading a healthier life and are
hence investing in a range of activewear
which is defi ned as the ‘new semi-casual’.
Overall, sportswear has changed the way
people dress up for the gym, casual, social
occasions, and even for work. Such intense is
the popularity of the trend that it’s fast fanning
out into various sub-segments like athleisure,
activewear, gym wear, and much more.
This issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion
outlines how the fast blurring line between
sports and fashion has spawned a market
that harbours opportunity like never before.
We bring to you a detailed look at the fact
that ‘Sports-leisure’is no longer a trend, but a
fundamental shift in how the world dresses
today.

have exhibited massive evolution in the fashion segment in India. We all from the fashion industry are aware how the Indian consumer is now embracing the idea of fashion as a means of self-expression, and not merely as a functional purchase. The new generation is now at greater liberty from the traditionalist’s sartorial template. Overall, the entire defi nition of fashion has changed. Yet, there is one category that has endured the test of time and is still one of the most popular apparel categories around the globe – Formal Wear.
The formal wear market has witnessed a remarkable change from its functional roots in the years gone by. The Indian youth today exhibits a pronounced inclination for trendy, modish and comfortable formal wear that aligns with the latest trends. His rising expectation has compelled brands and retailers to come up with various innovations to be able to raise the bar.
In this issue of BoF, we look at the everexpanding
market of formal wear in India, the innovations that have come up to keep abreast of changing times and preferences and the latest trends in the Indian market today. Apart from elaborately discussing the dynamics of some of the most popular product categories in this segment, the edition also talks about the challenges formal wear faces in India.
A feature on the growing trend of Made-to-Measure services in formal wear stands as a testimonial to the progressive Indian consumer, who had, till the 80s, hesitated to accept readymade garments.
As a whole, this edition makes a powerful attempt at analysing prevailing trends and the consumption behaviour of the Indian formal wear market to aid upcoming as well as existing brands establish a strong brand equity in today’s volatile times.
Cheers

Welcome to the BIGGEST and THICKEST
annual edition of IMAGES Business of
Fashion – The Denim Issue, which also
happens to be my personal favourite. At the
outset, I would like to thank and congratulate
all the contributors, participants and the
entire BoF team for bringing out this big, fat
issue. It was an absolute delight to work with
and share the work of all the committed and
thoughtful people that have been associated
with this month’s issue.
Denim is easily one of the most iconic pieces
of clothing known to mankind. The blue
hued fabric has ruled the world of fashion for
more than a century and continues to do so
even today. This month’s BoF takes a journey
down memory lane – it discovers how a
utility garment during the Great Gold Rush
era evolved into a symbol of youth rebellion.
The fabric has become a spiritual partner of
sorts to a large percentage of the population
worldwide. In fact, as per Technopak, the
denim market in India – which stood at an
estimated `29,203 crore in 2018 – is expected
to grow at a CAGR of 12 percent and reach
` 91,894 by 2028. In the lead research,
Technopak outlines that the Indian Denim
market is dominated by the men’s segment,
accounting ~ 86 percent of the total market
size. The research summaries how women have
broken the mould in another male bastion – the
denim wear market – and that the women denim
segment is expected show a higher CAGR of 13
percent than the men’s segment, at 12 percent.
This Denim Special showcases various features
that trace the growth drivers, consumption
behaviour and the prospects of the fabric in the
Indian market along with current trends and
consumer preferences. The issue also takes
a look at the sustainability concerns around
denim and how an increasing number of brands
are committing themselves to both the people
and the planet.

Casual wear has taken over the globe by storm! The fashion industry has probably not witnessed a force more unrestrained than causal wear in its past. Even India, a country that has always lagged behind global fashion trends, was quick to adapt to this casual way of dressing. And, with mounting western influence, entry of global brands and the rising penchant for comfort, casualsation is poised to only gain momentum in the near future.

The June issue of IMAGES Business of Fashion promises to take you on an odyssey of exploration, of the opportunities brimming in the Casual Wear segment in India. Along with it, the issue will also red-hot trend of athleisure, which is fueling the contemporary, global mantra of Fitness First.

Highlights of the issue: 
>> Define and size the total market and its main segments
>> Outline the opportunities and challenges
>> Evaluate top global casualwear trends & their pervasiveness in India
>> Study its impact on womenswear & kidswear
>> Showcase the ways and success mantras of casualwear brand leaders
>> Trend forecast by key leaders of the industry


Remember the harrowing experience of
innerwear shopping in India till just a few
years ago? Especially for women folk. For
them, it shopping for intimate apparel was
an absolutely fl eet-footed aff air – they either
hustled through the few insipid options laid
out or had to be content with whatever the
salesperson compelled them to buy. Choices
were a distant second in a scenario when
even getting the size right whilst evading
ubiquitous stares was beyond the bounds of
possibility.
But, fortunately, times are changing and
how! All that remains of these past shopping
experiences are anachronistic anecdotes.
Time it did take but innerwear, fi nally, is out
of the closet and is taking giant strides to
becoming an exclusive fashion category in
India.
The evolution is apparent in both the market
and the consumer. While the consumer
righteously considers innerwear as a
fashion statement today, the market too has
emancipated itself from its unorganised retail
hegemony. The innerwear industry is now
amongst the most lucrative segments in apparel
fashion for brands, retailers and investors alike.
The market today is pegged at `32,000 crore,
growing at a CAGR of 11 percent and accounts
for ~9 percent of the total domestic fashion retail
market.
The rapid transformation of the category has
led it to branch out into several sub-categories,
with each of them setting standards on their
own now. Also, a slew of international, young
and dynamic national brands have impinged on
the arena, ushering in a phenomenal trend that
has compelled the entire industry to spruce up
off erings both in terms of products as well as
experiences.

Images Business of Fashion is led by a research on the Indian casualwear market, its size, growth, evolution and key trends and opportunities and growth over the years. The issue also talks to smart casual leaders like the Denmark-based clothing company–Bestseller, Raymond Apparel Ltd’s Parx, and French born fashion major Celio. It also features Tom Tailor’s online collaboration for India. The issue puts together our pick on of the most eye-catching ad campaign of the season—the smart one on a new look for every day of the week by Vero Moda. In the InFashion section of the magazine, Dan Cotton, EVP APAC, WGSN shares insights on the new trend watching feature WGSN IN Stock. This section also looks at how palazzo trousers are making a style statement, be it casual or Indian ethnic section among different age groups of women. We also take a look at some new launches, seminars and conferences that created a lot of buzz.

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IMAGES Business of Fashion is a monthly resource for fashion retailers, brand owners and industry leaders in India. It delivers fashion business intelligence on emerging retailers, disruptive technologies and domestic and global brands that are making their mark in the industry at a time of unprecedented change.

With a 24 year old loyal reader base of over 60,000 top decision makers, fashion retailers and fashion buyers, spread across all sectors of the business of fashion in India, IMAGES BoF has constantly proven itself as easily the most focused and best targeted fashion business media in India.

Launched in 1992, the monthly magazine is an informed, analytical publication on the fashion business in the country. It has played the role of a catalyst in the retail evolution in India focused on and driven by branding, marketing and retailing of fashion in the country. It enables continuous information exchanges through its activities - facilitating networking among investors, retailers and brand leaders. The publication is amongst the country’s top recall business magazines in India and its reach extends to 2,00,000 of India's top decision makers in retail and retail support business.

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