Fashion retail has been at the forefront of most consumer-led businesses globally. There have been shifts in the consumer demographics over the last few years. With the addition of the Millennials and the Gen Z, the new consumer is more discerning, wants to experiment and therefore looks for newness in products. Global consumer also demands more convenience and expediency. They want it now and they want it here. They are present on all types of social media and are greatly influenced by it. All these... Read More

The latest buzzwords in manufacturing supply chain are Industry 4.0 and Automation. What is Industry 4.0 and how is it impacting apparel value chain? The key impact on the apparel value chain comes through effective use of PLM software for concept initiation, integrating it with Time and Action calendars, costing, merchandising and order processing, creating transparency in supply chain, etc. It’s important to understand how such tools can be implemented in the fashion supply chains to simplify the processes and bring in higher transparency with... Read More

Changing consumer shopping preferences, digitally transforming businesses, on-demand approach, rise of millennials as consumers, more technology integration and customers’ shifting loyalty towards brands are key factors which will further pose great challenges to the retailers in the upcoming decade. In short, Technology; E-commerce; Sustainability; Millennials; Omnichannel; Value Fashion; Emerging Market Segments, are expected to be some of the biggest influencers for the Indian fashion retail. While consumers will play a major role in deciding when and what should be produced, technologies like artificial intelligence, chatbots,... Read More

Casualisation has been a key trend over the last few years. Consumers have been shifting from formal clothing to occasion-based clothing primarily for comfort. In the recent past, various other parameters got added like staying fit, staying healthy, wearing active clothing which is sharp and comfortable, leading to a whole new category of business – Athleisure. There has also been an increase in lifestyle-oriented products leading way to Smart garments. Athleisure has rocked the fashion world in recent years by taking stretchy leggings out of... Read More

In its endeavour to provide knowledge sharing opportunities in different formats addressing the needs of different audiences ASW 2021 has created a wide range  While panel discussions are debate platforms where serious issues that impact the industry are deliberated upon, an open house session is a free flowing, interactive format where there is constant ‘to and fro’ of ideas between the presenter and the audience. The idea is to exchange thoughts and talk experiences. This format of knowledge sharing appeals to middle level professionals and... Read More

Global trade in Textile and Apparel in 2018 was around US $ 820 billion of which Apparel trade constituted about US $ 473 billion and was expected to grow by 4.5 per cent. Traditionally, decision on where to buy was based on price alone and hence apparel manufacturing has continuously shifted to low cost countries in last few decades. However, now other factors like FTAs (Free Trade Agreements), trade policies, political stability, currency exchange rates, inflation rates effect the trade in a major way. Recent... Read More

Sustainability is perhaps the most used word in the Fashion value chain these days, but how many people really understand what the concept stands for. Is there any standardisation on the concept? Sadly the answer is no. We all know today’s consumer is more conscious and more demanding for sustainable fashion, so the importance. But the big question is - how to achieve sustainability? Is it a cost, and if yes, who bears the cost of sustainability? Some people have the view that sustainability leads... Read More

The diversity of India makes the Indian fashion retail unique, in more ways than one. Hence, the requirements of Indian brands are also in sync - to cater to the uniqueness of Indian consumers. Two such unique aspects of domestic brands are ‘Requirement of smaller MOQs (Minimum Order Quantity)’ and ‘Opportunity Buying’. Indian brands demand more designs in smaller order runs at a faster pace from their suppliers. Fusionwear has become a big trend in India and new product categories have evolved in fashion in... Read More

Understanding what a fashion buyer wants is one of the most critical factors to succeed in global fashion business. The importance is accentuated by the fact that the dynamics of the business is changing very fast and manufacturers are always on the lookout for opportunities to meet and understand what retailers/brands are looking for in a preferred supplier. ASW 2021 will facilitate a buyer seller interaction with Vendor Sessions, conducted by Sourcing Heads of top companies in the business. Read More