Apparel and Fashion Blog

Indian Fashion Industry

2011-02-10T01:59:00.000-08:00

Colourful fashion trends of India

With the end of the 20th century came the end of all hype which has created a more practical and pragmatic environment and has given a more stable picture of the fashion business.
In the 50s, 60s and 70s, the Indian fashion scenario wasn't exactly colorless. It was exciting, stylish and very graceful. There were no designers, models, star or fashion design labels that the country could show off. The value of a garment was judged by its style and fabric and not by who made it.

It was regarded as ever so chic and fashionable to approach any unfamiliar tailor, who could make a garment for a few rupees, providing the perfect fit, finish and style. The high society lady, who wore it, was proud for getting a good bargain and for giving her name to the end result.

In 60s, tight 'kurtas', 'churidars' and high coiffures were a trend among ladies. It was an era full of naughtiness and celebration in arts and music and cinema, manifested by liberation from restriction and acceptance of new types of materials such as plastic film and coated polyester fabric.

The 70s witnessed an increase in the export of traditional materials outside the country as well as within. Hence, international fashion arrived in India much before the MTV culture with the bold colors, flower prints and bell-bottoms. Synthetics turned trendy and the disco culture affected the fashion scenario.

It was in the early 80s when the first fashion store 'Ravissant' opened in Mumbai. At that time garments were retailed for a four-figure price tag. The '80s was the era of self consciousness and American designers like Calvin Klein became popular. In India too, silhouettes became more masculine and the 'salwar kameez' was designed with shoulder pads.

With the evolution of designer stores in Mumbai, the elegant fashion design culture was a trend among Indians along with their heavy price tags. No doubt that a garment with a heavy price tag was at the bottom stage of fashion. But clients immediately transformed into the high fashion fold where they were convinced that that the word 'elegant fashion design culture' means, it had to have a higher price tag.

Garments were sold at unbelievable prices only because the designers had decided to get themselves noticed by making showy outfits and getting associated with the right shows, celebrities and events.

Later, fashion shows shifted to competitive events each attempting to out-do the other in theme, guest list and media coverage. For any newcomer, the fashion business was the number one professional art that time.

In the 90's, the last decade of the millennium, a move towards the drastic pairing down returned with ethnic wears (Today, ethnic wear market in India is accounted to Rs. 9000 crore). This led to the decline and the recession, the push to sell at any cost and keep staying in the limelight. With heavy cut throat competition and sound awareness of the client, the inevitable occurred. The price tags, which had once reached at a peak, began their downside journey.

At those times the downturn was not only being experienced in the price tags of the garments, but also in the business of fashion shows. More models, choreographers, make-up men, hairstylists and designers streamed down into their business.

The fun and party time in the Indian fashion scenario had not ended with this, but continued. It was a point, where it reached at a certain steady level and from there, in the beginning of the 21st centaury, with new designers and models and some sensible designing; the fashion hype accelerated its speed.

Indian fashion industry spreads its wings globally

For the global fashion industry, India is a very big exporter of fabrics and accessories. All over the world, Indian ethnic designs and materials are considered as a significant facet for the fashion houses and garment manufacturers. In fabrics, while sourcing for fashion wear, India also plays a vital role as one of the biggest players in the international fashion arena.
India's strengths not only depend on its tradition, but also on its raw materials. World over, India is the third largest producer of cotton, the second largest producer of silk and the fifth largest producer of man-made fibres.

In the international market, the Indian garment and fabric industries have many fundamental aspects that are compliant, in terms of cost effectiveness to produce, raw material, quick adjustment for selling, and a wide ranges of preference in the designs in the garments like with sequin, beadwork, aari or chikkon embroidery etc, as well as cheaper skilled work force. India provides these fashion garments to the international fashion houses at competitive prices with shorter lead time and an effective monopoly in designs which covers elaborated hand embroidery - accepted world over.

India has always been considered as a default source in the embroidered garment segment, but the changes of rupee against dollar has further decreased the prices, thereby attracting buyers. So the international fashion houses walk away with customized stuff, and in the end crafted works are sold at very cheap rates.

As far as the market of fabrics is concerned, the ranges available in India can attract as well as confuse the buyer. A basic judgmental expectation in the choosing of fabrics is the present trend in the international market. Much of the production tasks take place in parts of the small town of Chapa in the Eastern state of Bihar, a name one would have never even heard of. Here fabric making is a family industry, the ranges and quality of raw silks churned out here belie the crude production methods and equipment used- tussars, matka silks, phaswas, you name it and they can design it. Surat in Gujarat, is the supplier of an amazing set of jacquards, moss crepes and georgette sheers - all fabrics utilized to make dazzling silhouettes demanded world over. Another Indian fabric design that has been specially designed for the fashion history is the "Madras check" originally utilized for the universal "Lungi" a simple lower body wrap worn in Southern India, this product has now traversed its way on to bandannas, blouses, home furnishings and almost any thing one can think of.

Recently many designers have started using traditional Indian fabrics, designs and cuts to enhance their fashion collections. Ethnic Indian designs with batik cravat, tie-and-dye or vegetable block print is 'in' not just in India but all across the world.

In India, folk embroidery is always associated with women. It is a way of their self expression, and they make designs that depict their native culture, their religion and their desires. Women embroider clothes for their personal use, and the people linked with the pastoral profession prepare embroidered animal decorations, decorative covers for horns and foreheads and the Rabaris of Kutch in Gujarat do some of the finest embroidery. Embroidered pieces are made during the festivals and marriages, which are appliqué work called 'Dharaniya'. One of the significant styles of Saurashtra is 'Heer' embroidery, which has bold geometric designs, woven on silks. The Mutwa women of the Banni area of Kutch have a fascinating embroidery where they make fine embroidery works with designed motifs and mirrors in the size of pinheads, the Gracia jats use geometric designs on the yoke of long dresses. Moreover, the finest of quilts with appliqué work are also made in Kutch.

Garments embellishment with bead work is another area where it in demand in the international market. Beads are used to prepare garlands and other accessory items like belts and bags and these patterns now available for haute couture evening wear too.
According to a survey, in recent times Indian women have given up their traditional sari for western wears like t-shirts and shorts, as they feel more comfortable in skirts and trousers instead of saris and salwar kameez. It's been noted that women spend just $165 million on trousers and skirts against 1.74 billion dollars spent by men on trousers. With more women coming out to work, the (combined) branded trouser and skirts market has been increasing at a whopping 27 per cent in sales terms. Women feel that Western clothing is more suitable, particularly when working or using public transportation. Many corporate offices are also in favor of their employees wearing Western wear.

In India, Western inspiration is increasing due to the influence of TV and films. Besides, shopping malls selling branded clothes have also mushroomed in India and are fascinating the youngsters. Recently, designer wear is being promoted through store chains such as Shopper's Stop, Pantaloons, Westside, etc. Companies such as Raymond and TCNS have also set up their exclusive stores for designer wear such as Be: and W.
The market of India fashion industry

Recently, a report stated that the Indian fashion industry can increase from its net worth of Rs 200 crore to Rs 1,000 crore in the next five to ten years. Currently, the worldwide designer wear market is amounted at $35 billion, with a 9 per cent growth rate, with the Indian fashion industry creating hardly 0.1 per cent of the international industry's net worth.

According to approximations, the total apparel market in India is calculated to be about Rs 20,000 crore. The branded apparel market's size is nearly one fourth of this or Rs 5,000 crore. Designer wear, in turn, covers nearly about 0.2 per cent of the branded apparel market.

At present, the largest sales turnover within the designer wear segment is about Rs25 crore, with other well-known names having less turnovers of Rs10-15 crore. In view of the prospects of the Indian fashion industry for growth, the figures are not very hopeful.

The figure of fashion industry

o The organized market for designer apparel is about Rs 250 crore

o Designer wear calculates to less than 1 per cent of the apparel market

o The global market for designer wear is 5 per cent of total apparel market

o The global market for designer wear industry is largely dependent on the small-scale sector

o Consumers for designer wear have a yearly household income of Rs 10 lakh-plus. There are 3 lakh such households developing at 40-45 per cent

o Designer wear industry is projected to increase to Rs 1,000 crore by 2015.

o More than 81 per cent of the population below 45 years of the age is fashion conscious.

Many fashion designers and management experts foresee an average growth of about 10-12 per cent for the Indian fashion industry in the coming years. Though, the growth rate could be more than 15 per cent, if infrastructural and other logistical bottlenecks and drawbacks are over come.

India needs more effort to overcome

However, despite the benefits available in India there are also some disadvantages. India is not a remarkable player in the global market with reference to brands because of its inability to add value to products. This is observed by the fact that nearly 50 per cent of its exports are apparel and made-ups where value addition is essential. Likewise, 75 per cent of domestic apparel market is commoditized and unbranded and very few Indian brands do survive in the foreign markets. Evidently, the Indian market has not made a strong stand and hence it is difficult to make Indian brands that can compete with global brands in India.

Another reason for the fashion industry's inadequate growth is the limited experience of the designers and the platform they are offered. The insignificance stalks from the reality that most of the young talent is hired by the bigger names to work in their studios, thus imprinting their work with the label of the big designers.
Though performing individual presentation is not an alternative choice for most of the young talent, because of the limitation of finance, a beginner designer's name fails to come to the forefront.
Another thing, with regards to the ramp, is what the designers offer is barely appropriate to be worn ordinarily. You'll see there's dissimilarity between what is there on the ramp and what the Page Three crowd wears. Some believe at present the fashion is in, but the tendency hasn't changed much as it is the old ones coming back. We have had short kurtas, long kurtas, flowing skirts, etc. coming back into fashion with only a new variety of designs.

Many management consultants and professionals believe that the Indian fashion industry will be boosted if the new comers are paid proper attention. What they require is more support so that their work gets due recognition. According to the consultants and professionals there should be a panel of people who choose designers for showcasing according to their work and not their name or who they've worked for earlier, and hence selection would be purely based on quality. Besides this, the panel of judges should comprise of people from the fashion schools rather than designers.
It has been observed that the media-hype around the big designers and blatant commercialism has hindered business in the Indian fashion industry. No clear cut picture is provided about the feasibility of the products. Basically it is only the famous names that are being talked of. What they offer is not quite daily-wear. The entire focal point of the industry is on commercialism. The discussion is only regarding how much is sold and for what price and nothing about the designs or styles.

Efforts to develop global fashion brands

It needs innovative designers, a seamless supply chain, control over retail and distribution and concentration of quality while dealing with some image. While a few have accomplished something in the west covering Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, Zara, Armani, Versace, Ralph Lauren, etc, India has not been capable to track on.
A serious reason for India not being successful has been its isolation in the fashion system. Each stakeholder including designers, exporters, textile players and retail chains need to come together along with the government to make sure that the position of Indian fashion is strong in the coming years.

There are various agencies and industry associations that can support in brand-building practice. Many of these agencies require attractive resources and making a global image of Indian fashion rather than independently trying to promote particular brands or textile segments.

Efforts to create strong global image

Large textiles players require more and more to target on the market facing activities while developing an association with small medium enterprise (SME) clusters. Such kind of networks would be a benefit to that which can focus on demand making and branding as well as for clusters that can focus on quality production.

Efforts to create value networks

After the entry of large retail chains like Wal-Mart, Gap etc in India, Small scale manufacturers in India will find it very difficult to satisfy the demands of these international buyers if they continue to promote their products individually. Therefore, it is very important that value networks are created between large textile and apparel companies in India and small scale manufacturers, so that the marketing muscle of the leading players can be utilized for receiving large orders while the bigger players then assign the orders to the small-medium enterprises according to their past record of quality and service. For this to be put into practice, it will be vital to well-organize the information on small-medium enterprise clusters in a perfect manner so that supplier selection decisions are made according to the information in the long run, only the more efficient small-medium enterprise players survive and develop.
Efforts to concentrate on designers and designs

Designers have a fundamental role to play in the future of Indian fashion scenario. There should hence be an effective process for preparing these designers. This can be done by sponsoring exchange programs with international schools, increasing participations in the fashion capitals of the world, motivating and offering business incubation to new designers and rewarding efforts through proper design awards.
Even in India, well-known designers are incapable to tap finances from well-organized resources, since a vital part of their assets are brands and design talent which are not measured in terms of money and hence it becomes difficult to judge the value. This has severely inhibited their development and capability to raise retail existence across the country and abroad. Likewise, there is no systematic approach of existence in the fashion capitals of the world like Paris, Milan and New York. Due to this, designers have to depend on their personal contacts and relationships for organizing fashion shows and making retail alliances. The French government as well as the British government helps designers of their particular countries appreciably in these areas as they understand that value creation through design is the only way to carry on in the competitive landscape of the global fashion industry. The Indian government and related agencies should also accept this aspect of textile, apparel and fashion industry sincerely if they need to see India on the global fashion map.
Work in collaboration: designers-corporate efforts

Designers and many organizations can work globally through various models and with many working relationships. The Indian fashion industry has many views but only one such model, wherein a designer creates a retail venture with his/her own brand through organized retail chains. There are many other models according to brand ownership and division of operational activities.

Globally, many models of collaboration between designers and corporates are available. For example Ralph Lauren has made an agreement with Jones Apparel for producing and retailing various Polo brands. Likewise, Armani had an agreement with Zegna for production, even while it was competing with them in the marketplace. There are many cases of designer brands being co-owned by the designers and corporates, Gucci-Alexander McQueen and Gucci-Stella McCartney being some of them.

In the end, many designer businesses have been obtained by corporates where designers play a major role in the design elements of the business, but the brand and the organization is owned completely by the corporate.

The current possession of Calvin Klein by Philips Van Heusen and earlier holdings of Hugo Boss and Valentino by Marzotto are some related examples in this segment. These examples strongly point out that not only designers find such relationships important for development, but also corporates find these attractive for rising their profitability and growth. Likewise deals in India could go a long way in developing the brand values of corporates and designers.

Developing clusters

Making common infrastructure for functioning such as design and sampling, affluent treatment, product testing, etc can help in increasing the capability of the clusters since noteworthy investments could be made by the cluster itself rather than any single player.

Well-managed databases can help in decreasing search costs and through data mining, rating of players can be done so as to make the procurement process easier for buyers. Cooperative marketing programs at different clusters can also support players to grow up in the value chain by mixing their strengths within the cluster.

Cluster based battle in the fashion industry is characterized by the Italian industry. The National Chamber for Italian Fashion for example, supports the development of the fashion clusters at Milan and Florence in a well organized manner. Indian industry can learn a lot from Italy because India has a similar cluster based scattered production base, but has been incapable to link it with design and branding capability.

If the above activities are successfully considered, India could have an extraordinary development in the fashion industry, which could increase from a negligible size to Rs 8,000 crore in the coming decade.

Unique Gift Idea for Her - Contemporary Fashion Apparel

2011-01-17T03:32:00.000-08:00

A man on a mission to "gift" is looking for the following three things (1) finding a gift that will impress her, (2) finding a place with an abundance of gift prospects, and (3) not having to mix and match.

Stylish clothing and accessories for women are gifts that achieve goal number (1). The Canadian retailer Le Chateau takes care of the rest. Le Chateau is a retailer offering contemporary fashion apparel, accessories, and footwear with locations in Canada, United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

A truly unique gift idea...

Walking in a Le Chateau store you will come across an abundance of stylish women's clothing and accessories. There is European finesse in their collection, you see clothing themes and designs one would come across while walking down Champs-Élysées in Paris or at Quadrilatero della moda in Milan. But what makes this a man's gift heaven is the multitude of clothing/accessory themes hanging on the walls, ready to be picked and packed. What makes this a unique gift idea is the stylish arrangement of different clothes and the mix and match of clothes and accessories. To make this a unique gift, you have to buy the theme (i.e. the suggested clothing/accessory combination) not just a single piece.

The visual merchandisers at Le Chateau have done a tremendous job in identifying the best clothing/accessory combinations; and they are showcasing them all around the store! You can literally walk in the store, look for a mannequin wearing a nice clothing arrangement, tell the sales rep your significant other's size, and walk straight to the till. You can buy 4-5 clothing/accessory pieces with a blink of an eye and they will look spectacular on your girl (and she will be blown away by your sense of style). This is a unique Anniversary gift or Christmas gift that will be unforgettable.

The arrangement is what makes this a unique gift for her...

What I really appreciate about this brand though, is that in addition to the European sense of style, the prices and the quality make for a rare to find combination. You can buy a 4-piece set (for example sweater dress, necklace, bracelet, belt) for about $200.

To avoid fitting issues, select casual clothing options, although the firm has a multitude of unique cocktail dresses too (it is just that cocktail dresses might look good but not look good on her specific body type or skin complexion).

And here is the kicker. If you go all the way to the back of the store where the sales are, you might find mind-blowing bargains. About a month ago I walked in the store looking for a birthday gift and ended up buying a cute, sexy sweater dress for $35 (accompanied with the necessary accessories which were extra)!

Here under the category of Apparel & Fashion, which is designed especially to assist members of clothing industry www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

Women's Wholesale Clothing Supplier Sources Tip

2011-01-11T04:18:00.000-08:00

When planning to set- up a thriving clothing business, one essential way to go would be purchasing wholesale clothing from a respected company that ensures quality, trendy, and cost savings. Nowadays, many wholesale companies are in the market place and you can get a list of niche directories directly from cyberspace. Nevertheless, if you don't desire to fall for anything but superior quality wholesale distributors with the unsurpassed practicable cost, New York and the fashion district of Los Angeles are the easiest spots to go. Of course this goes for only when if you are in located in the states of New York and California. But if you get access to these places, walk around the streets of the fashion district jam-packed with women's wholesale clothing and apparel providing off-price and liquidated items both branded and non-branded names to choose from. If not, scour the wholesale clothing search engine and directories on the net and get yourself a list of shops based along the fashion district. These shops for the most part have online storefronts thus customers from anywhere here and abroad can easily find them. There are selected places where you can surf thousands of wholesale dresses, jeans, pants, active wear, work wear, t-shirts, tops, wholesale plus size clothing, accessories such as handbags, fashion jewelries, scarf, belts, sunglasses anything you can think, most likely you will get to find. The juicy part is you can buy items based on the budget you can afford and you have in mind.

Apart from women's wholesale clothing and apparel, these stores likewise sells niche fashion apparel. There are those that carry only name brands like shelf pulls and off-price Juicy Couture, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Nine West, Guess and a whole lot more. There are those too that sells no tag wholesale apparel that supplies directly to big importers and when there's overstock that these big chain stores in the country failed to buy, you can then buy it from wholesale women's clothing liquidators for prices next to nothing and put your own brand on the brand name tags. You can target just about any age group doing this business. If you wish to cater to men's only, you can do it. Children's clothing is another niche you want to give a try. Then there's juniors who also is one of the biggest market as they tend to be the trend setters and last but not least, women's and wholesale plus size clothing. Among the best selling items for wholesale women's clothing and apparel includes fashion accessories, costume jewelry, halters, t-shirts, shorts, capris, bermuda, jackets, dresses, tops, jeans, night gowns, skirts, sportswear, sweaters, pajamas, lingerie, work wears and a whole lot more.

Each season, clothing wholesale distributors bring hot stylish selection to their stock, bringing new trends, colors and cut depending on the season. But whatever niche you have in mind, there's definitely wholesale clothing supplier you can find around. Now, if you're thinking about convenience, just shop online in your work clothes in your office or in your pajamas while drinking some hot coffee in the convenience of your home. Oh, did I mention about FREE shipping? These days when sales are extremely slow, most businesses thrown in lots of add-ons if you purchase a descent amount of items. Wholesale apparel distributors however offers free shipping if you at least buy $200 to $300 worth of items just as long as you're within the continental U.S. and special shipping rates to Hawaii, Alaska, US territories, Canada and overseas customers. Now, it even gets better if you sign-up for the mailing list after you made your purchase. You can get your hands on with their newest inventory with special prices not offered on their site plus clearance item special pricing only for those in their most preferred customers. Lastly, don't go for women's wholesale clothing wholesaler if the price is less than 40% under wholesale. Why? Because there are those that sells from 40% - 80% OFF and if you get lucky up to 95% OFF on clearance rack.

There you have it. Be clever. Smart retailers get the big bucks. Be one!

Casual Corporate Apparel

2011-01-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Today the casual dress code has been embraced by employees of corporations in the United States. People have begun selecting more comfortable clothes to wear for work and even more comfortable ones for parties and other social occasions. There seems to have been a change in the trend and little appetite for more formal wear in the offices.

The attire of your employees needs to be within the acceptable business standards as well as making them feel motivated to work better. You could also allow your employees to wear casual apparel on one particular day during the week.

Casual corporate apparel has become a fashion statement today and the casual corporate apparel industry is making waves in the corporate market. You could sell corporate apparel to your clients, employees and to people for a nominal price by getting them customized through customization vendors.

Polo sweaters, twill shirts and sports coats, for instance, also make quite presentable casual corporate apparel.

Customization vendors take bulk orders for getting corporate apparel customized and help give them the casual look at a nominal price. While selecting customization vendors, you need to consider the number of years they have been in this business. The more the number of years they have been in business, the better they know their corporate market.

You need to accommodate some casual look in the formal corporate apparel in order to make a transition in the corporate apparel trend. Such a transition would be a transition in the popular image of your company as well as a great resource for the long-run.

The Fashion Statement Known As Lacoste Apparel

2011-01-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

Lacoste can certainly be considered as one of the many notable designers' brand of fashionable products today. Their line of fashion apparel includes clothes, footwear, leather goods, eyewear, watches, and perfume. It is a French company holding its main corporate office in Paris, France. The company was founded in 1933 and the brand has spread like wildfire ever since.

Lacoste apparels started as men's line of high-end polo shirts. History shows that the company's founder, Rene Lacoste, created his own shirt to wear during the 1927 US Open finals. He won that match while he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt made of light fabric. That shirt had eventually become the staple shirt used on tennis courts from that day forward.

Lacoste apparels are famous for its alligator trademark. The shirts may come in different styles, colors, and designs - but only one thing is common to all of them. And that's the especially embroidered alligator logo usually found on the upper left hand side of the shirt, just a few centimeters below the collarbone.

And primarily due to the success of the men's apparel line, the women's line was soon introduced. On the surface, the women's line is notably broader than that of the men's. The women's collection of clothes includes club wear, tees, and sportswear, among many others. And now, there's a clothesline for kids too. The children's apparel collection includes sweaters, pants, skirts, and shoes.

Today, Lacoste shirts are available in at least 32 countries around the world. In the U.S. alone, there is at least one Lacoste store in some 63 major towns and cities. And there are thrice as many online stores carrying their original apparel for sale for the busy home shoppers. And from time to time, they release limited edition polo shirts wherein only 1,000 pieces of such shirts were sold to the public.

This apparel never seem to go out of style. Thanks to the talented designers the company keeps. Their seasonal fashion shows are well applauded both by the designer's community and the buying population. So whether it is for casual events or for formal gatherings, there's Lacoste apparel that's perfect for you.

Regular Lacoste short-sleeved polo shirts may cost anywhere from $75 to $95 a piece. The long-sleeved apparels may run from $125 to $165. Sweaters can go as high as $200. Women's clothes are priced relatively the same, although there are some jackets that sell for almost $300 each.

So don't be left behind. If you have yet to own a Lacoste apparel to add to your shirts and tees collection, you are missing so much from the fashion industry. Their shirts are the perfect get up for most outdoor activities. You'll surely love its comfortable fit and soft fabric. Give yourself a treat. Go ahead and get one for yourself today. It can also be the perfect gift to give family members and friends on special occasions. You would definitely find a style that you can't resist to buy.

Accessorize Your Apparel with Stylish Fashion Jewelry

2010-12-30T04:18:00.000-08:00

If you're feeling a little drab with your outfits, don't worry. Whether you're planning a family outing, attending a formal party or dinner, or just going out for a night on the town, you can spruce up any of your outfits with stylish fashion jewelry. Don't spend more money on new clothes - accessorize the outfits you already have with lovely fashion jewelry. Here are some great tips to help you achieve the look and feel you want with almost any outfit.

Fashion Jewelry Necklaces - Slender the Neckline

Necklaces can enhance the look of your shirt, sweater or dress by adding color, brightness and beauty. You can even make your neck and upper body appear thinner by wearing certain types of necklaces. For example, if you have a solid colored shirt or dress with a rounded neckline, wear a necklace of medium length that hangs in a V-shape. The V-shape will make the neckline appear narrow and will also draw attention away from the arms and shoulders. For a larger person with broad shoulders, this is a thrilling discovery! It's the easiest weight-loss program around!

For shirts or dresses with a V-shaped neckline, a medium to short necklace that's more rounded looks nice. Again, wearing opposites near the neck draws attention away from other areas, so a slender look is achieved once more. The type of slide you choose also makes a difference. Use a slide that matches or complements your outfit, but choose the size and shape carefully. Fashion jewelry necklaces and slides look different on everyone depending on the personâEUR(TM)s neckline size and body shape. Even the shape of the face should be considered.

Some types of fashion jewelry necklaces include beads, pearls, diamonds, chains (rope or regular), twist, multi-chain, braided, etc. There are also many themes to choose from in slides, including animals and nature, elegant designs, bead assortments and more.

Bracelets and Earrings

Once you find a necklace, choose a bracelet and earrings to complement the necklace. Or, you can buy all of these in a set. Bracelets help make your ensemble complete. Earrings help bring attention to your face and away from your upper body and shoulders. Some earrings shine and glisten while others are plain and simple. Either way, they make great additions to your apparel.

Specialty Jewelry

If you like silver, then try sterling silver jewelry. It's gorgeous for all occasions and comes in a variety of styles, sizes and shapes. If you are allergic to many types of jewelry, then hypoallergenic fashion jewelry might be a solution. Hypoallergenic fashion jewelry looks the same as other jewelry, but is made a certain way as to not trigger allergic reactions. If you have skin rashes or other reactions to jewelry, try hypoallergenic fashion jewelry before giving up all together. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Fashion Jewelry and other Accessories for Work

When dressing for work, use fashion jewelry to dress for success. Add a necklace, watch and matching handbag to your work apparel to show you are ready for the tasks ahead. Keep work-related jewelry simple so it doesn't get in the way. For example, rings that are very large or pointy might be a hindrance if you work with your hands often. Choose fashion jewelry for work that's both sensible and fashionable.

Shopping for Fashion Jewelry made Easy on the Web

You can easily shop for beautiful fashion jewelry online and save time and money. Many fashion jewelry sites sell all types of jewelry, watches, handbags and even other products such as luggage, Italian charms, etc. When ordering online, you can take your time to browse all the categories and choose the fashion jewelry that works best for you.

Suitable Apparel for Different Sports

2010-12-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

There is no other way to get physically fit but to engage into sports or to have a daily exercise. Different sports enhance the body and make it strong. You also learn different values like camaraderie and sportsmanship when you join in different sports.

Different kinds of apparels are required in different kind of sports. With the large variety of sports apparel that are available in the market, choosing the right one can be quite a challenge. In every sports event you need to use the appropriate apparel and accessories especially when you are in a contest. There are recommended wholesale apparel for different kind of sports.

Here are some of the sports activities that require the use of proper apparels and accessories:

Swimming. In this sport, bathing suit is the appropriate and required outfit. This helps the swimmer to move freely. Bathing suits have vertical designs in the material to allow water to flow away from the body. Other gears such as gaggles and swimming caps are also required for support and protection to the swimmer.

Hiking. Layers of clothing is required if you are going to go hiking or climbing. This is to ensure that you are prepared with the changing and unpredictable weather. Base clothing is necessary to help in the absorption of sweat. The outer clothes should be water and wind resistant to protect you against wind and other small particles that are brought by the wind. The shoes must be hiking boots or shoes. The pants that you are going to wear must not be jeans so that you can move freely when you climb.

Cycling. Body fitting outfits are the ones used if you are going on cycling. This is to help cyclers move freely especially when pedaling. Fit shorts should be worn so that unnecessary parts are not seen. Gears like knee pads and helmets are also used to protect the cyclist.

Running. Even if you are just going on a fun run, you need to wear proper gears and apparels. Shorts and shirt is the most common outfit. The most important apparel in running is the shoes. You must wear comfortable shoes that is of good quality and would protect you from injury.

There are also fashionable apparels that you can use that will not affect the function of the apparel. Wholesale fashion for sports apparel is a hit in the market. You just need to pick out the right kind of wholesale apparels.

Textile & Apparel Industry

2010-12-02T04:05:00.000-08:00

Market Overview

Textile and Apparel industry has a great contribution to the Turkish economy. The industry has been denominated as the locomotive of the Turkish Economy for years. Turkey's textile and apparel exports continued rising recently after began falling in January, with elimination of EU and US quotas.

The industrialisation efforts of the 60's and 70's gave birth to the modern textile industry in Turkey. At the beginning, this sector was operating as small workshops. But the sector showed rapid development and during the 1970's began exporting. Today, Turkey is one of the important textile and clothing producers and exporters in the world.

Turkey's textile and clothing manufacturers began relocating production in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In the last three years, Turkish textile and apparel companies faced raising difficulties, after having substantially succeeded in the eighties and the first part of the nineties.

Chinese textile exports after a decades-old quota system limits ends on January 1, 2005 and the World Trade Organization believes that within three years the Asian giant could be producing over half of the world s textiles, up from 17% in 2003.

The end of the quota regime has spawned fears of widespread job losses around the world, including in Turkey, whose own textiles and apparel exports stand at around $20 billion a year.

Thus, it is necessary to understand the Turkish textile and apparel sector, the weakness and the strength it has in the World market.

Current scenario of Textiles and Apparels in Turkey

The textile and apparel sector has been the backbone of the Turkish economy with a vital role to play in the industrialisation process and market orientation of the economy in the last two decades. In the 1980s, it was the leading sector related to the global economy and the export revenues of this hard currency earning sector contributed substantially to the overall economy. The textile sector continued to be one of the major contributors to the Turkish economy, being one of the fastest growing sectors in the 1990s with an average 12.2% annual growth, while the Turkish economy had an average growth of 5.2% per year. Total investment in the sector exceeded US$ 150 billion, of which more than US$ 50 billion was invested in the last 5-10 years.

Textile industry started out in the 1960s in small workshops, have rapidly developed and transformed Turkey into a global competitor.

The total number of firms in the sector, dominated (95%) by the private sector, number around 44,000 and 25% of them are active exporters. The apparel industry is constituted mainly (80%) of small and medium sized firms whereas the technology-intensive textile production has been undertaken by large-scale companies. Today, around 20% of Turkey's 500 largest companies are involved in the textiles and apparel sector.

Low labor costs, a qualified workforce, relatively cheap raw materials have played an important role in the significant growth of the sector; as well as a liberalized economic environment and export-led policies in the last two decades.

The production value of the sector is over US$ 20 billion. Employment in the sector is estimated to be about 4 million people (2.5 million employed directly and a further 1.5 million indirectly through the sub-sectors). Official statistics also reveals that around 500,000 employees in the sector due to unregistered labor force.

The apparel sector exports approximately 60% of its production. Capacity utilization rates are approximately 75% especially among exporting manufacturers.

Turkey ranks also among the top ten global producers of wool cloth, carpets, synthetic filament and fiber, polyester and polyamide filament. While Europe's 3rd largest polyester producer is a Turkish-US joint venture, Turkey's synthetics production mounts to 15% of Western Europe's capacity.

Economic Contribution

Textile and clothing industry has a great contribution to the Turkish economy. For example, textile and clothing industry accounts for:

. 10% in GNP

. 40 % in industrial production

. 30% manufacturing labor force

. 35% of exports earning

The textile and apparel sector contributes over 20 billion USD to the Gross National Product. The sector is mostly important for its export earnings; its share in the country's total exports has been between 33-39% since 1990.

The major export market for Turkish textile and apparel goods is the EU countries, which account for about 65% of total textile and apparel exports. Turkey ranks 2nd in apparel and textile imports to the EU having an 8.2% and 4.8% share in the EU's total textile and apparel imports respectively as of 2003.

Shopping For Wholesale Apparel

2010-12-02T03:35:00.000-08:00

Fashion is the most frequently changing commodity. Due to cultural changes and creation of new and innovative designs, apparels keep changing regularly. Every person, irrespective of the age and sex group wishes to wear the latest fashion apparel. However, with the increasing cost of the basic commodities, it would be hard to buy the latest fashionable clothes. Thus, the most economical way to shop for clothes is to go shopping for wholesale apparel.

Shopping for wholesale apparel is advantageous, particularly for students who don't have enough pocket money, but wish to look stylish among their peers. If you are a student, you can buy your apparel from a wholesale store. The advantage of buying clothes from such stores is that a majority of wholesale merchandisers offer attractive discounts on bulk purchases.

If the wholesale merchandiser has a huge collection of a certain item, for instance, the latest fashionable jeans, then you can get them at a price lower than the wholesale price. Another advantage of buying wholesale apparel is that, even though you buy them at a cheap price, they are of good quality and you would get it in a brand new package. You can also buy your wholesale clothes from online stores.

Buying wholesale apparel would fill your wardrobe with a variety of trendy clothes at a much cheaper price. You can buy these clothes either for your own use or else you can gift them to your friends and loved ones.

If you wish to have your own wholesale apparel business, you must know what kind of clothes you must always have in stock.

Denim jeans for both men and women would always be in demand. Even though the design and pattern may change, jeans would always be an integral part of everyone's wardrobe.

Like jeans, jackets for both and men are also always in demand. You must stock your business with jackets for different seasons.

Women's Fitness Apparel For Women's Fashion

2010-11-18T03:15:00.000-08:00

In line of women's fitness and healthy lifestyle, the issue on women's fitness apparel can never be ignored. Wearing the right exercise apparel when doing the routine is vitally important for it does not only make one comfortable enough when doing the routine, it can also boost up her confidence that she can be with anyone without the feeling of being intimidated on how she looks like. Women are really picky when it comes to the clothes they wear and they tend to be very picky, particularly when it comes to fitting and color matching. The clothes you wear will not only protect you from harsh environmental conditions, clothes also speak about the personality you have or the kind of person within you.

Any fitness regimen can never be complete without the right and trendy fitness apparel and it is not advisable that you only wear your pants or skirts with you for that will make you feel uncomfortable and you can't really be free to move because you worry about your outwear. Just like men's fitness apparel, women do have lots of choices too when it comes to women's fitness apparel. If you worry about your size, you can even have it ordered from a shop specializing made-to-order sporty wear.

Don't simply ignore your fashion taste when doing your fitness regimen for there are already women's fitness apparel you can choose from and these clothes are made out of quality fabrics that are easy to dry and can resist harmful UV rays or frequent sweating. You must not choose directly without even evaluating the material and the type of finish, you must be keen enough in choosing so you will never go wrong and you can still be fashionable as ever.

Women's fitness apparel for women's fashion is extremely beneficial for women can still maintain the look they really want. Aside from getting into fitness routine, it would be better if women can still enhance the look they really want and if they can still be hip when it comes to dressing. If you wish to be always in line with fashion, wear the right kind of clothes and dress up perfectly.

Women's fitness apparel is one most talked about when it comes to the world of women's fashion and lifestyle for women should not only aim for fit or sexy body, they should also aim for prefect dressing up.

Fighter Girls Apparel - The Balance of Quality and Fashion

2010-11-16T04:17:00.000-08:00

If you are a MMA Fighter Girls fan then I am sure that you know about the cool clothing that many alpha females are wearing as a fashion statement, from MMA fighting gear Pink MMA gloves, to cool items like the Boyfriend Hoodie, and women's board shorts to name just a few.

As with all contact sports, wearing protective and safety gear is important so you will find women's athletic tops, mouth and rash guards, and Vale Tudo fighter shorts. Fighting hard and being safe is the top priority of all MMA Fighter Girls, and when you are in combat you don't have time to wonder if your gear is keeping you safe, you know it is or you wouldn't have purchased it!

In MMA fighting, the gear commonly worn by women is a an athletic top that holds the breasts firmly much like a sports bra. The fabric in an MMA women's athletic top has a unique ability to whisk away water or perspiration also makes it a great swim top, and it can be worn without a tee-shirt over it, and it is perfect for working out and combat matches.

Fighters Girls gear is made from high quality fabrics and materials that help pull off moisture without loosing their shape, shrink or stretch, while making you look amazing. While the true object on the MMA female fighters is to kick ass and win, looking good is also a important task as well, cause after all many of us are drawn to the physical attractiveness of our favorite fighter girls.

If you are just a uber fan of women's MMA fighting then consider some of the cool clothing you can find to show off your pride, or maybe buy for your girlfriend. The options are almost endless, from cool sports bottoms that are made for showing it off, to leggings and even women's shorts.

Anytime is the right time to pick up a cool gift, and you can score some big points with your wife or girlfriend with so many options of MMA clothing and activewear apparel like some cool women's board shorts, or maybe a track jacket, Hoodie, t- shirts or swim wear., and you can even find something for kids as well.

MMA fighter girls is becoming very popular and with this cool full contact sport you can be sure that having the best fight gear is just as important has knowing how to fight in the first place.

www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

Accessorize Your Apparel with Stylish Fashion Jewelry

2010-11-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

Fashion Jewelry Necklaces - Slender the Neckline

Bracelets and Earrings

Specialty Jewelry

Fashion Jewelry and other Accessories for Work

Fashionable Designer Lingerie and Branded Lingerie

2010-11-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Beauty of a woman is a matchless attribute; with nothing to surpass it. So long a time there have been the existence of women in this world, there have been lingerie's as well. This fashion serving luxury undergarment expresses her beauty loving feminine personality, apart from the basic need of supporting her physique. Though the word 'lingerie' normally describes both male and female undergarments, the term is commonly used to refer woman's intimate wear. Lingerie is a broad term and includes garments like bras, panties, stockings, thongs, garters, peignoirs, sheer night gowns, and exotic night wearsEvolution of Lingerie:Concept of the lingerie's dates back to the period when people lived in forests whose beginnings are lost in far antiquity. Women in those days bound their body with long scarves folded, looped, and cross folded so as to mould their figures and enhance their beauty. Sculptures of the classical age depict women wearing pieces of fabric to support their bust and waist.

The applications of these fabrics were simple and functional, focusing more on support over appearance. Lingerie's evolved into a fashion icon during the 19th century. When men were involved in the First World War, women became the breadwinners of their family. This new identity beckoned them about the need for more practical undergarments that are lighter and breathable, and can be worn during industrial works. Later during the 21st century manufacturers and fashion houses started expanding their manufacturing and marketing with sexy and fashionable designs and colors. There was a renaissance in the lingerie world seen with more focus on female curves, as women went to unforeseeable extremes to obtain the perfect 'hour glass' figure.

Lingerie's were designed with lavish laces, embroidery and ribbons. Today, the intimate wears available in the market have more sex appeal as compared with the ones used in olden days. Exclusive boutiques are also becoming inherently popular in cities. Designer and Branded Lingerie's:Designer lingerie brands have an ever increasing demand in many countries as they are very fashionable and sensuous. They are considered the best due to their cutting edge designs, and the high quality materials used; subject to strict quality control standards. Thus the consumer can be assured that they are not only buying under garments of latest designs and trendiest fashion, but also a superior product out of their money. Manufacturers concentrated on the 'Artisan Matrix', the designing phase, knowledge of body shape, quality, appearance, tradition, and fusion for innovation. Retailers agree that lingerie market have a higher profit margin as compared with other apparels. From dazzling, bold colors, to the soft hues of the color palette, a wide range of collections are available to cater to the tastes of every fashion savvy woman.

The most attractive feature of designer lingerie is its soft and delicate embroidery designs. Most popular color choices of women are pink, red, aqua, and pastel. World's largest lingerie manufacturer 'Victoria's Secret' operates exclusively in North America. European market is dominated by brands like DB Apparel, and Triumph International. Top brands like Virgina Poppe, Groversons Apparel, Lotus Creations, TNT Fashion limited, sell a wide range of lingerie's in various colors, and designs to fit every customer's taste. Other brands like Cosabella, Felina, Fashion Forms, Chantelle, On Gossamer, Jezebel, Spans, Fleurt, and Mary Green also have their share in the global market. Brands like Calvin Klein, Vanity Fair, Jockey, Maidenform etc are renowned for their quality. Some special brands are available which can be worn for certain specific occasions like wedding lingerie etc. Global Lingerie Market:Global intimate wear market is estimated to be around $29.15 billion USD in 2004, $30 billion USD in 2007, and is further projected to increase at the rate of 9% to become $31.6 billion USD by 2012.

Organized players constitute over 40% of the lingerie market currently. Branded lingerie market is further expected by industry experts to see a rise of 25% by 2010. Of the total global lingerie sales, bras account for 56%, briefs at 32%, and daywears make the remaining 12%. Retail lingerie market has grown by $770 million USD. The main concern in the marketing of lingerie's; worldwide, is the fight for market share between the global brands and the retailer's local brands. The leading global key player is Sara Lee, a US based manufacturer who also have a strong hold in the European market. Followed by this are other companies like La Perla, Truimph, Maidenform, VF, and Warnaco. In chain stores, Victoria's Secret of US, Knickerbox of UK, and Hunkemoller of Europe have a whiz market.

All You Need To Know About The Fashion Industry

2010-11-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Fashion industry is the industry of excellence and really a creative industry. It is quite larger in profits and growth than magazine publication, film and music industry. The major field of profit in apparel industry is the textile design and development.

Once you introduce some latest trends of fashion to customers, there's some development and once this development increases, at the same time the profit increases. You have to be well aware of fashion driven concept in apparel industry. It's fine because it assists in potential sales development. Styles are based on the freedom to copy but in case an act prohibits fashion designers to copy, then there could be a big trouble.

Trend is ever changing

The truth is that the fashion keeps on changing on regular basis. The main customers of global apparel industry are international and domestic clothe manufacturers, retail merchants and fashion designers.

If the 'right of first publication' act is introduced in fashion world, then there could be some trouble because unique design culture of fashion designs will come up under the extreme legitimate scrutiny.

Fashion industry network

The individuals have to build up their personal profiles to highlight their professional experience. It's the important fact that apparel industry wouldn't work without the factors like distribution and warehousing.

Any industry that's associated directly to textile or fashion business is welcomed to apparel industry network. The primary goal of apparel industry network is to open dialogue over several segments of apparel industry. This open dialogue is mainly in the business fields.

The glamorous industry

There's some struggle behind the glamour of apparel industry. Broadly speaking, once the word style sticks your brain, you will think of some publications, red carpets and Runway fashion models but there is actually more inside.

Most importantly, all the job tracks that is associated to style are interesting whether they are the technical or creative business side of apparel fashion industry.

Creative careers in apparel industry

You'll get job like fabric designer, illustrator, hairstylists, costumer and some other designing positions in the creative side of fashion business. There's eventually other side of fashion known as the business side. The excellent careers which you can get in this field are marketing administrator, fashion merchant, purchaser or trend predictor.

Everyone in this world wants to look glamorous but they have to understand that it needs some attention and opening move to get it.

Designing the clothes in a new and glamorous way is the most crucial job which the designer or his team undertakes. Designing is the passion in fashion industry that's performed by all form of society. The truth is that woman or man is made naturally to get some normal tendency to appear good and focused.

All You Need To Know About The Fashion Industry

2010-10-29T23:32:00.001-07:00

Trend is ever changing

Fashion industry network

The glamorous industry

Most importantly, all the job tracks that is associated to style are interesting whether they are the technical or creative business side of apparel fashion industry.

Creative careers in apparel industry

Everyone in this world wants to look glamorous but they have to understand that it needs some attention and opening move to get it.

Fighter Girls Apparel - The Balance of Quality and Fashion

2010-10-27T03:36:00.001-07:00

Anytime is the right time to pick up a cool gift, and you can score some big points with your wife or girlfriend with so many options of MMA clothing and activewear apparel like some cool women's board shorts, or maybe a track jacket, Hoodie, tee shirts or swim wear., and you can even find something for kids as well.

Accessorize Your Apparel with Stylish Fashion Jewelry

2010-10-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Fashion Jewelry Necklaces - Slender the Neckline

Bracelets and Earrings

Specialty Jewelry

Fashion Jewelry and other Accessories for Work

Shopping for Fashion Jewelry made Easy on the Web

Entertainment and the Fashion Industry

2010-10-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

The entertainment industry and the fashion world have been interlinked for hundreds, if not thousands of years. However, what probably started as getting dressed up for the theater has evolved into intertwined fortunes in which entertainment drives fashion, and fashion drives entertainment. Television shows, cinema and music aren't just outlets for creativity anymore, they have become outlets for fashion to such an extent that fashion, in some cases, has become the driving force behind the "creativity" of entertainment.

Obviously, one of the big stepping-stones in the evolution of this semi-symbiotic relationship was the advent of the star. Stepping out on the red carpet at award ceremonies, theater opening nights and film premiers in the latest couture dresses and tailor made designer suits meant that stars from all areas of the entertainment industry have become conduits for the delivery of the latest fashions to the mass media.

It would be a significant oversight to assume that this implies that stars and their latter day less than saints, celebrities, are merely manikins and models for the highest bidding design house, although this is partly the case. The reality is that the relationship is much more complex than this, depending on the star's or celebrity's relative worth. A-list stars and free-spirited celebrities might be in a position to choose their own fashion, directly influencing what is popular in high street stores and fashion catwalks.

Now, more so than ever before, stars and celebrities from the entertainment world are even going so far as to design their own clothing ranges, having an even more direct influence on fashion. Singers and actresses alike have their own clothing ranges, but less obvious areas like rap and rock music have also succumbed to the temptation of fashion design. Both 50 Cent and Liam Gallagher have clothing collections for sale at the moments and while they may not necessarily be all that good, they are obviously having some influence on the clothing choices of consumers.

However, fashion and entertainment have gone even further than talent interconnection, they have moved increasingly towards content interaction. America's Next Top Model, for example, is pretty much a direct collaboration between the television and fashion worlds to deliver entertainment-based content. The program makes would be fashion models stars and celebrities and the process of modeling into entertainment.

Another type of example of content interaction can be seen in Sex and the City, in which the characters' love, devotion and work for the fashion industry is one of the main focal points for the series and film plots. The stars of the show and now movies have become synonymous with the fashion world, promoting their own particular fashion tastes as well as acting as endorsements for interest in the fashion world in general. Plenty of other shows and films have followed suit with this interconnection, including Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada, which was originally a book.

Even the lives of famous figures from the fashion industry are being used as inspiration for creative content like films, books and television shows. The life of Coco Chanel, for example, has now been transformed into a number of major motion pictures, including two starring Amélie's Audrey Tautou.

While the entertainment world and the fashion industry remain two separate entities in themselves, with many spreading disciplines, they have definitely become more and more aligned, interconnected and interdependent. How this relationship will evolve over time is hard to tell with such a huge interrelation already in place, but one thing is for sure, they are forever bound to each other through ties of fortune, mutual respect and shared interest.

We assist members of clothing industry. www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

The Fashion Statement Known As Lacoste Apparel

2010-10-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Stylish Women Sports Apparel for Female Fashionistas

2010-10-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

Sports apparel has always been in vogue and would never cease to amaze the likes of both the young as well as the old alike. While sporting accessories have always been associated with the likes of men folk, it needs to be noticed that even women have been identified as entities eager to get a hold of suitable sporting apparel at the drop of a hat. So, what makes the sporting scene so stylish when the topic of discussion is women? Well, her are some pointers to women sports apparels that can be termed as stylish in general:

The appeal of women apparel industry is far reaching in nature. This in turn has led to the introduction of various apparel segments for athletic women. While there are several apparels available for women, the apparels specially designed for sports persons are in demand these days. These clothing lines can be either in the category of athletic wear or for the purpose of yoga.

The materials used for making these apparels are such that they aid in the overall movement for women indulging in any sort of athletic activity. You can choose from casual tees to shorts and even have the advantage of using lowers and comfortable trousers for better comfort. Here, it needs to be noticed that the athletic apparel is made in such a manner that it absorbs excessive sweat and permits the individual to enjoy the sporting activity without smelling after having been bathed in excessive sweat.

There are several kinds of apparels available in the market for the 'woman of today' but in order to make the correct choice, you need to keep a close tab with the latest fashion trends. In case you would like to be in sync with the latest in the fashion world, you need to be regular with fashion magazines and you also need to spend considerable time watching television shows which depict the latest fashion accessories. Watching FTV is also considered as an apt solution for ensuring that your tastes are in sync with the latest in women fashion.

In case you would like to select a fashion accessory for your personal use, you need to make sure that you pay particular attention towards the sport of your choice. In case you are a budding runner then you need to ensure that you select shorts and running vest and not a swim suit. At the same time, you need to pay particular attention while choosing golf related accessories because golf is a game that is symbolic to a specific dress code that can never ever be compromised upon.

If you follow the above mentioned tips, you can never really go wrong while making the right choice with special regards to sporting accessories for women. This also includes athletic and fashionable apparel.

Types of Fashion Clothing Available

2010-10-01T01:49:00.000-07:00

Fashion is currently taking the world by storm as teenagers and adults alike have taken into account on dressing well and dressing to impress. The fashion world is a multimillion dollar industry that has captured the eyes of many in positive and also negative views. If you're planning to set up a business that involves fashion clothing, be sure to have the right distributor at your side to supply you with clothing that are up to date, class and diversity.

There are various styles of fashion clothing available in the market nowadays which suit different genders and age groups such as adults, teenagers and also children. There has also been a rise in demand for fashion accessories and clothing for pets but this has been mostly in European countries and also America. Coming back to the types of clothing available and supplied by fashion clothing distributors, for the ladies these clothing range from tops, pants, skirts, dresses and club wear. Women are top on the list for fashion, hence if you're planning to start a business involving fashion apparel you should take into account the clothing demand of women in the market. Club wear is an example of fashion apparel that is currently on a high, where teenagers and young adults alike have incorporated the night life into their daily or at least weekly routine. Night life can be one of the best times to dress up, as individuals tend to have an eye for fashion during this time.

Next we head to the men who come second to ladies in the fashion industry. Men have not been active players on fashion during the past, but currently fashion has also been in a main ingredient in their lifestyle. For work and also play, men have taken fashion to a whole new level where various fashion trends are available to make them extra appealing to the ladies and also attractive. Leather apparel and also classy accessories have all been some of the types of items sold by fashion clothing distributors that are available. Taking that into view, always gets the latest trend available from your distributor and attracts your customers by using promotions and also classy and stylish fashion clothing.

Women Casual Wear Fashion Tips

2010-09-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Comfort is the primary concern for any one whether a sports woman, housewife, college girl, or working woman. Women casual wear is the one way of getting such comforts. However besides the comfort, every woman wishes to look fashionable and keep up with the current fashion styles without looking sloppy and out of fashion.

Women Casual Clothes

Women those are lucky enough dressing in women's casual clothes everyday could face multiple challenges.

First challenge for the fashion seeker is building the core wardrobe.

Such wardrobe should have enough varieties to choose from.

Selecting the perfect one without looking like a slob is the basic objective.

Getting Help With a few Tips

For those aspiring to get the best women's casual or women fashion dresses can do well with a few tips to accomplish the task. Such tips would help them build up their casual attire. Here are some tips for such people.

Casual wear should be bought the same way as the regular wear for the women.

Since the challenge would be building up the best women dresses wardrobe with casual wear and sportswear, the steps should be taken in that direction only.

Best approach for casual clothing is buying trio colored and making the best mix.

Matching the wardrobe with the best color collection of fashion suits for women would be the right way for building it up.

Wardrobe should also contain accessories like handbags and purses besides shoes, stockings, goggles, and caps to match the best women dresses available.

Multiple colors are suitable for casual wear like the denim, tan, white, black, and khaki.

Matching Shoes

While the women skirts, miniskirts, Ritz outerwear and such other women dresses are great for enhancing the appearance and personality of a woman, one cannot undermine the value of matching shoes. Providing completeness to the apparel they offer the best solutions for converting the ordinary into something extraordinary. In the process they also enhance the beauty and elegance of the person substantially. Matching shoes go well with all types of casual wear including the sportswear.

Casual accessories like purses and handbags go well with the casual wear for women. Casual attire and classic looks are two different things but can be blended to make great combination in the world of fashion.

Indian Fashion Apparels

2010-09-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Indian woman has made her mark in the corporate world and so has her age old dressing habits. The sexy western wear is remarkably making way out and being replaced by the Indian apparels.

The Indian apparel that consists of saris, salwar kameez and churidars, are being opted instead of western wear like trousers, short and long tops, t- shirts and even kurtis then skirts both formal and casual are being worn by the Indian women.

It is the working women who have brought about this revolution. For all practical reasons the western wear is losing popularity and being replaced by Indian attires. Then of course the interaction of our women with her counterparts in other parts of the world have made this drastic change. It is the uniqueness of the Indian clothes that so sought after.

Though for a while the western clothes were favored but soon it lost out for the Indian attires many educational institutions have banned the use of modern clothes.
Western Apparel gives a very casual appearance as compared to a sari or a well fitted salwar kameez.

In wetes clothes the flesh-flashing trend which is the exposed skin between cropped top and hip-hugging jeans gives a very sexy look but does not suit the physique of all women
The Indian apparel is replacing them because it is cool, trendy and vibrant with more accents on style. The biggest advantage of them is that it suits women of all shapes and sizes and even gives a youngish sexy look.

In the Indian attires women can choose the length of the kurta or kameez according to their own choice. The Indian apparel comes in all kinds of fabrics, colors and prints. Most formal meetings in big corporate houses demand that the woman wear saris as it reflects our culture and tradition.

This is still the first choice for weddings festivals and other traditional celebrations. In the Indian apparel a sari is still first choice of many young and old of course the sari if teamed up with a sexy strappy low back blouse can be very stylish and awesome.

So it has replaced the sexy western wear. The lehangs come with different styles and cut to give the fatter woman a slimmer look and thinner woman a fuller look. The Indian woman is ready to invest in heavy Indian apparel rather than in a western attire.

In order to get the best Indian designs, the women around the world shop online for these designs.

How the Indian Fashion Wear Industry is Emulating the West

2010-09-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

Indian fashion wear has been constantly evolving, thanks to foreign traders, western colonialism, and Greek and Islamic invasion. However, Indian fashion industry's forte lies in its free-wheeling nature that aids absorb and transform anything foreign into truly Indian so much so that it becomes very difficult to identify its true origin. Today, the India fashion industry is driven by customer choices as well as globalization of Indian economy.

Various reasons for western influence on the Indian apparel and costume industry:

Open-minded culture coupled with cultural diversities:

India is a multilingual country inhabited by multi ethnic groups. The best part being each group has its own unique style and type of dresses and costumes. Indian Fashion designers are known to interweave these diverse fashions and lend an amazing Indian touch to them.

Winning of beauty pageants on international platforms:

In recent years, Indian women have been doing the nation proud by winning many international beauty pageants and naturally their style of dressing has highly influenced the ladies fashion /ladies apparel industry in India. The dresses donned by these participants are a blend of Indian and western wear. Commoners openly ape their role models and this eventually becomes the latest fad in the general fashion wear industry in India.

Indian Movies - a big influencing factor

Indian movies are known to leave a lasting impression the minds on Indians. In fact it affects everyday lives. People blindly emulate what their role models are wearing. And with movies following the western patterns of dressing it is natural for the ordinary folks to imitate them lock, barrel and stock.

Wide scale impact of Globalization and Liberalization:

Indian imports from the west have also made it easier for Indians to keep a track on the latest fashion clothes and accessories ruling the Western men and women's wear market. Incidentally, Indian fashion industry has been drawing even western buyers. Needless to say, the fashion fraternity in India have willingly adopted western designs keeping in mind both the Indian and western sensibilities. Furthermore, liberalization has led to the beaming of western soaps that hinge around western style of living. The Indian denizens have taken a liking for such soaps to such a great extent that they don't mind adapting the social and cultural changes and western lifestyles as well.

Overseas Education and employment opportunities:

The craze of going abroad and pursuing higher degrees has also brought about a perceived change in the fashion and lifestyle of young Indians. Indians consciously imitate the western style of living so as to make themselves attune to the lifestyles of the foreigners, so in case if they need to travel abroad they find it easier to adjust and move on with their lives. Moreover, employment opportunities have also attracted many young men and women to leave Indian shores and make a living for themselves in foreign lands. This naturally calls for a change in fashion style to suit the foreign sensibilities.

Use and throw concept:

Street wear concept developed in west and no doubt is slowly catching up in India as well. Street wear mainly involves low-priced clothes that cold be worn a couple of times and then discarded. Street wear is considered economical as opposed to the Indian traditional clothes that involve fine cotton, silk, etc. Street wear are produced in bulk and sold at the cheapest rates.

The sum and substance being the Indian fashion scene is completely under the influence of the west. The concepts and designs have been effectively intertwined into the Indian Fashion Industry.

Made from india.com is one of the largest b2b portal in India. - Connecting global buyers to Indian manufacturers, suppliers and exporters. More information visit us at - http://www.made-from-india.com. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

Finding Fashionable Yet Affordable Apparel

2010-09-07T01:29:00.000-07:00

Because the cost of garments have increased, we are now challenged with finding fashionable clothes that fall within our budget. Nowadays, it is of utmost important to be patient in looking for the apparel that fits our craving for fashion but not necessarily a drain in our pocket. If we will just look around, there are still clothes that are fashionable at the same time affordable. Let this serve as your guide to finding fashionable apparel that are affordable.

Branding is one of the reasons that make fashionable apparel quite expensive. You will notice that most branded garments are those shown inside the mall. These are usually made by designers. Thus, these are clothes that carry big names in the industry of clothing. What makes branded clothes to have significant high cost is probably due to the marketing efforts that big apparel companies have exerted. They would have to pay for fashion icons which are mostly celebrities to market their designs. Since they are usually found inside the mall, stall owners have to pay the rent which consumers like us have to shoulder. It's probably as huge as 40% mark up price added to its original factory price.

Another reason why branded clothes are expensive is that fact the mostly are made of quality garments. Some are also imported from different countries such as silk fabric. Try to compare an authentic shirt from an imitation. Notice that the logo is cheaply printed while authentic shirts may have embroidered or nicely printed.

Although these are valid reasons why branded designer clothes should be expensive, consumers can still look for clothes having the same quality yet affordable. They can actually find these designer clothes affordably on proper timing. Since the competition is high, designers have found ways to be efficient when creating new designs that will be out in the market. You will notice various new designs every now and then. That should tell you that you can buy branded clothes in a later time once a new design is launched in order to save some money. You can also take your chance and wait for "out of fashion" branded clothes. Well, not too out of fashion but it simply means that a new design has been out to replace it. If you think it's a cheap move, well, just consider it just kept inside the closet for quite sometime and you have decided to wear it now.

You can also look around in the neighborhood. There are some garage sale that would sell less expensive branded clothes. Or might as well, ask your friends to exchange Christmas gifts kept in the closet due to preference issues.

Under the category of Apparel & Fashion, which is designed especially to assist members of clothing industry www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

You will never be out of fashion with these practical tips. You will have the chance to wear quality yet affordable designer branded apparel. You just need to be patient, smart and practical when looking for one. You don't have to spend a lot of money just to be fashionable. Stay fashionable with affordable clothes today.

Designer Apparel - All You Need to Know

2010-08-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

Clothes that are designed by specialized people who are trained in the art of cloth designing are known as designer clothing. These clothes are usually quite expensive and are only purchased by people who can afford them, which are quite few. As a result, only the upper echelons of the society opt for designer apparel. These clothes are highly popular for people who like going to parties and functions every other day. As the market for clothes is higher for woman's clothes, many designers focus their designs for women only and are basically restricted to designing clothes for them.

Man's designer clothing is also available, and there are many designers that make clothes for men. However, these designers don't actually tailor the clothes, but just plan out and make the initial design. Once the design is made, they give it for further improvement and re view it until they feel it has been perfected. After the design of the cloth goes through its last phase of checking, it is finally printed on clothes, which are then moved to the outlet or boutique which might be owned by the designer. The clothes that you see in a designer outlet or boutique are the best that the designer has made, and hence are placed directly on display to attract the highest number of customers and large attention.

Designer apparel consists of shoes and various accessories as well. There are exclusive designers who design matching shoes to go with their dresses, and these can also be purchased from the various outlets that are littered across the city. There is a fierce competition amongst designers, as they all want to be rich and famous and have a huge fan base. There are some designers who strive to make a living for them, and often fail to make ends meet. These are up coming designers whose products are not well known in the market.

Many of the upcoming designers have quite attractive designs and portfolios and it is just a matter of perspective and what you prefer if you want to buy such clothes. Further more, the prices charged by up coming designers are quite low, and not all of them set sky high prices for their clothes as they wish to make a name for themselves. Many of them also don't own their own boutiques or outlets, and only design clothes on order or when hosting their own fashion shows.

Apparel & Fashion, which is designed especially to assist members of clothing industry www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters & importers of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc.

However, arranging fashion shows for up coming designers is quite a hard ordeal as not all of them are equipped enough. The power of the media comes in to play, and a designer whose clothes are exceptional in designs are quality are bound to come to attention in the media some how or the other. Fame is completely dependent upon the quality that you offer, and just depends on the designer how hard he or she tries and upon the level of their creativity. Hence, this is the basic idea behind designer apparel.

Indian Fashion Apparels Replacing The Sexy Western Outfits

2010-06-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

The Indian woman has made her mark in the corporate world and so has her age old dressing habits. The sexy western wear is remarkably making way out and being replaced by the Indian apparels.

The Indian apparel that consists of sarees, salwar kameez and churidars, are being opted instead of western wear like trousers, short and long tops, t- shirts and even kurtis then skirts both formal and casual are being worn by the Indian women.

www.made-from-india.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style.India's leading online yellow pages on apparels. Find contact details of exporters, manufacturers, suppliers of garments from all across India. Go ahead and post & view Trade Leads here for Export & Import of garments. Rest assured, our directory is up-to-date and easy to use.

In order to get the best Indian designs, the women around the world shop online for these designs.

Silly Bandz - The New and Bestselling Fashion Accessory

2010-06-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

What exactly are Silly Bandz? You might have heard your kids talking non-stop about them and how they are so popular at school. This article focuses on this latest new fashion accessory among kids and where to get them at great deals and prices.

What Are Silly Bandz?

They are perfectly elastic bands which are made up of Silicone (non-toxic) and die. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors.

What Can Silly Bandz Be Used For?

They can be used as

Anklets
Bracelets
Necklaces
Accessories for dressing your dolls and stuffed toys
Trading game parts

Are Silly Bandz Educational?

Even though Silly Bands are primarily used as fashion accessories, parents think they have an educational value too. If you read customer reviews, you will find how kids are using them as part of trading games which help them in learning the nuances involved in selling, buying and exchanging items.

Are Silly Bandz Only For Kids?

Not really! Parents and Grandparents have taken a liking to these cute little elastic bands as well. And why not? They are funky, trendy and you can make your own style statement using them.

How Do I Use Them?

I use Silly Bandz mainly as anklets. Take a couple of different shaped and colored Silly Bands and adorn them on your ankles. You will look all set to rock a party!

What's The Best Feature Of Silly Bandz?

Silly Bands are highly elastic, which means that these elastic bands can retain their shape even if they were holding an item for a long time. This makes it an ideal accessory if you're into dressing up your dolls. You can use them as necklaces, bracelets or ankles on your dolls and just leave them there, only to find out later on when you remove them that their original shape has been retained.

Why Are Silly Bandz Used As Trading Games Items?

Because they're available in a variety of shapes! They are so many shapes available that kids would want to collect and trade them with their friends. Some like 'Hedgehog' shapes are considered highly valuable in such trading games because they are not easily available.

What Are The Different Types Available?

They are available in a variety of shapes. The most popular shapes at the moment are Rock Bandz shapes. Others include Princess Shapes, Zoo Animals Shapes, Junk Food Shapes, Fantasy Shapes and many more.

How Popular Are They?

are very popular and were one of the best and most popular stocking stuffers last Christmas (2009) and are still in the bestselling list of popular games, toys and accessories! They are being liked by adults and kids alike. Due to their high demand, these bands are being sold out fast from stores and people are preferring to buy them online at great deals and prices.

Were Indian Women Better Off As Homemakers?

2010-05-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

As I start writing this piece, I am well aware of the slits that it will open. But let me assure you all that my purpose is to share a few aspects of our upbringing. When compared to our generation, I wonder if the current generation of the fair sex has actually gained anything in the real sense of women emancipation and freedom. With more and more women becoming part of the workforce, is it really impacting the Indian family positively?

I am in mid forties and I still remember most of my peer group had mothers who were homemakers. I have personally felt which many children today are unaware off. We had our mother waiting for us at all times which played a very important role in our overall development. My father had a travelling job and my mother was one constant factor in our lives. Even amongst friends where fathers did not have a travelling job, mothers ensured the overall balance and were the unifying factor. Today, her place has been taken by housemaids. I wonder whether both parents manage to fulfill the emotional need of their children. Are housemaids bothered how much time children spend watching television and surfing the Internet? In our times, mothers ensured that we did our homework on time and where required guided us through teething problems. Today, a tutor is appointed for that where in again there is no supervision involved.

However, the biggest challenge for a couple is to balance work and home at the same time. In our times, mother being the homemaker and father as the breadwinner, ensured that this challenge was not faced in the first place. A mother of our times always ensured that her husband, children and the home was always in harmony with life. Did it not mean balanced or happier family unit? I agree that happiness is a relative factor when different families are compared but the fact is families then were much happier than today’s. They had lesser number of stress and work related factors to deal with. To say that children and relations between husband and wife are not affected in case of a working couple would be similar to avoiding the reality. Ever increasing divorce rates are symbolic of this symptom.

Fact remains that the role of motherhood, her softness, emotions and family instincts has been imparted to women by nature herself. Am I wrong in saying that? If not, then why it is that only women have the child bearing capacity?

And is it not a fact that families with both spouses working has resulted in more nuclear families in India? The fact is that for all its failings, joint families did offer definite security blankets to its members and women and children in particular.

There is no doubt that ability to work has lead to more women emancipation and enhanced her ability to be able to support herself and her family financially. Most importantly, it has made her financially independent. But is it not a fact that it has added onto to her responsibilities and caused excessive physical demands on her? Is it not a fact that balancing work and life may be more challenging for women than men because of how nature made them? She cannot avoid the responsibility of child bearing and the related upbringing factors especially during those critical years of growth. She must also go for work and look after family commitments on both sides as well as look after the needs of her children.

Or is it that today’s women are happy being a part of this struggle and demand that it places on her very being? Only women can respond to that.

I have seen our (and those of our peer-group) mother play the most important role in our upbringing. They (more than father) prepared us to face all challenges and situations that life had to offer. I see her aging gracefully and I have never seen her complaining probably because she was not working. Being a homemaker did not mean that her family exploited her and her rights as women were compromised. I saw her take rest when she wished to rest and has till date the command and respect over the family that only a women can have. She has never had regrets being a homemaker. She continues to be the one unifying factor for the entire family that anyone can call without worrying that she might be busy in office. And this is not only about me. I can vouch for my friend’s families as well. And I am sure that majority in mid forties, including women, would agree to my statements.

I feel this is best responded by women of today. Were their mothers happier as homemakers or they (children) are better off as working women?

Top Famous Fashion Color Trends - Spring & Summer 2010

2010-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

The new season of 2010 is here and with it of course the new famous fashion color trends. The 2010 spring and summer season is characterized by the fresh and updated color palette. Nowadays women are much more cautious when it comes to spending habits. They don't want to completely change or reinvent their wardrobe. Women are on the lookout for pieces that would complement their wardrobes. The designers introduce the new unique color combinations for the clothing line as well as the accessories. This season the vibrant brights will add a sense of excitement especially when they are set against the neutrals. The spring/summer 2010 famous fashion features 10 main color trends:

* Turquoise - It is the color of the gem turquoise that consists of a mix of green and blue. Just close your eyes and imagine the turquoise ocean waters.

* Tomato Puree - This is the season's red color. It is actually a particular shade of red. It can be easily paired with turquoise for retro look.

* Fusion Coral - This dye belongs to the warmer hue. It is a mix between orange and pink and actually connects directly with tomato puree

* Violet - is the color of purpose, its located exactly at the point of color balance - midway between red and purple on the color spectrum, can be distinctive addition to any wardrobe

* Tuscany - It is another famous fashion neutrals that provides the base for the spring bright colors. It has a warm beige tone and works well with vibrant brights like Fusion Coral or Violet

* Aurora - is a shimmering slightly greenish yellow, adds a lot of sunshine to your wardrobe

* Amparo Blue - This specific shade of blue is brighter and evokes feelings of spring energy. it brings more warmth than the typical spring navy.

* Pink Champagne - This season's newest neutral color can be characterized as a light combination between beige and light pink

* Dried Herb - fundamental green color that can be paired with any other color

* Eucalyptus - This eternal practical grey is another neutral color that can be easily paired with any bright accent colors

There is a really broad assortment of famous fashion colors waiting for you for this spring/summer season. You can pick any of the neutral colors for your outfit and then spice them up with bright accent accessories such as handbags, jewellery or shoes or you can go wild like some of the Hollywood stars and get some clothing in these bright colors as well.

Have fun playing with the famous fashion colors for this spring/summer 2010 and enjoy the sunny upcoming seasons.

Cashmere Pashminas

2010-05-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

Pashmina is the name for Himalayan's fine cashmere wool. Cashmere is downy wool found at Kashmir goat hair roots, and that is from where Cashmere got its name. Cashmere pashmina shawls are tested for their quality of a very warmth feel. These shawls are woven; hands spun, and embroidered in Kashmir and are made up from fine cashmere fiber.

In today's fashion world, Pashmina shawls have become very popular and have a fixed place in fashion lover's wardrobes. Due to its warm keeping quality along with stunning designs and embroidery work, many popular celebrities have been inclined towards these ethnic hand spun creations of Indian weavers. Now, these shawls have become classic piece though it is to wear and doesn't come off as merely just trend or fad.

Earlier, pashmina were only worn with traditional dresses or considered to be a traditional wear. But now, pashmina shawls are being worn and adorned by women in a number of ways. This is because of availability of these shawls in wide variety. One can find various types of pashmina shawls including pure pashmina, pashmina with silk, two tone pashmina, bedded pashmina, and fur pashmina, faux and animal printed pashmina at many online stores. With this wide variety of pashmina shawls you can wear it anywhere, anytime, at any occasion, as you like.

Cashmere pashmina shawls are been worn in a number of ways to give a different look every time. It can be worn on single shoulder for a formal look, or one can even wrap it around like a regular shawl. Put it carelessly around your neck for more casual look, like a belt that you can wrap around your waist, noose style or simply make your own creative way to wear it.

Mostly women prefer to wear a pashmina, not only because of its exquisite style but also because of its warm keeping quality. Its cashmere fabric is extremely soft and provides ultimate warmth to wearer. One great quality of pashmina shawls is that one can buy pashminas according to season. Pashmina shawls for spring are lighter in weight as compared to other pashmina shawls made especially for winters. They are available in plain as well embroidered designs. Pashminas are not only meant for women, these shawls are also a great choice for men too.

The cashmere wrap makes women look graceful and feminine. Now women are using pashmina as an beautiful accessory, which she can match with her dressing and other attire. Every pashmina has the ability to give you warm and comfort both. You can buy it for yourself and also gift it to someone special. A beautiful beaded pashmina shawl could be a wonderful idea for your mom or your grand mom on her birthday or anniversary. Online deals can help you save money while ordering products from many online stores like Overstock, Sears, Target and lots more.

Indian Fashion Retailers Looking To Thrive

2010-04-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

It is the augmentation in fashion trends in India that revolutionized the merchandising system in retail industry. Brands in apparel, textiles, jewelry, accessories, footwear, cosmetics and salons raised the business more than Rs 40,000 crore.
The Indian retail market is evolving rapidly. It is palpable that now Indian retail industry requires lots more of fashion. The organized retailing is developing at breakneck speed. It is amicable to all that fashion is a vital part of both the retail industry as well as the brands. Fashion has led the retail industry boom and it has sustained its dominance in every malls, markets and stores.
Since the spread-out of malls is increasing, the major issue will be how to organize fashion retails industry, has potential of making Rs 50,000cr business by the year 2007. Indian retail would cover-up 50mn sq ft by 2007 of sales space countrywide, and nearly 50 % of the total space would be assigned for fashion retailing. It is anticipated that about Rs 20,000cr retail sales would be coming-in from the fashion retailing. A population of over one billion, a massive consumer class, India is considered as the most preferred destinations for investments.
Apparel and textiles makes the biggest segment in retailing sectors, and if we accumulate all the other related segments such as jewelry, cosmetics, watches, health & beauty care etc at one single platform, then fashion would account nearly 60 % of the total retail sector.
With radically changing fashion and retail industry, the Indian consumers are facing considerable transformation. With an increase income levels and increasing attitude "LOOK GOOD - FEEL GOOD", fashion is offering huge potential to penetrate deeper into the untouched Indian markets.
Fashions will account nearly 95% in total sales in the department stores, while in hypermarkets such as Big Bazaar the share could be about 70%. Fashion apparel has been the significant segment in the terms of evolution in Indian retail industry, not due to its size but the way it has influenced lifestyle of the Indian people. It was apparel that led multi-national brands to explore and invest in the Indian market, which led the ball rolling to rearrange the retail industry.
Few key factors that shaped the fashion retail industry are listed below:
. Massive spread-out of the malls, hyper markets and supermarkets throughout the country, even in non-metro cities.
. Mergers and acquisitions, which let huge brands to participate in the local market.
. The advantages by the elimination of global textile quotas in 2005.
. Expansion strategies of brands and retailers.
. Many international brands march into domestic markets.
. Many brands performed well in the mass segment.
. Boom in luxury retail segment.
. Indian fashion designers marked their names at International platforms.
. Considerable expenditure on ad and marketing by apparel brands.
. Enhanced merchandising let the companies to enhance consumer relations.
Few points on which retailers and brands should mull over:
. Collaborative tie-ups with non-competent services providers and brands.
. Offer value-added products, not cash discounts.
. Offer uniform sizing throughout the country.
. Offer personalized services.
. Concentrate on particular buyer or market segment. Take action to fulfill the demands.
. Try to become exclusive stores for specific brands and adopt shop-in-shop system.
. Place well behaved, polite and trained sales staff to manage counters.
. Go for organized merchandising format for your company.
. Avoid offering all at once. Introduce products assortments in a phase manner with latest trends.
. Try to get feedback from the consumer on "What they want?"
Review of some of the retail industry players on the attained targets and their wishes for the current year:
Benetton
Achieved Target:
. Successfully reestablished its place in the market, with opening 22 stores.
. Higher development - In fact the highest of all segments and categories.
. Enhanced brand image from small to huge format flagship.
Wishes
. People should enhance living standard, moving to mono-brand from multi-brand outlets.
. Excellent training and salaries to sales staff and be more mass-oriented.
. Expand in 5 lakh plus towns, providing similar buying experience.
. Looking for continues support from the consumers and to emerge as fastest evolving brand.
. To enhance team's performance in coming years.
Blackberrys
Achieved targets:
. Take a lead in the dress-up segment that features dressing for occasion, success etc in trousers, and also in men's suits.
. Concentrated on top around 70 MBOs and trying to deliver better.
. Enhancing perform of team - planning to establish systems to make them more productive and glad.
Wishes:
. To implement system for on-time deliveries.
. To put scissors on product assortment in terms of the number of styles - which will led company to serve better to fewer customers.
. Excellent outsourcing with making dedicated team to take care of it.
Forbes Gokak
Achieved Targets:
. In a span of less than two years, Daks brand has been successful to hit the Indian market despite of being a foreign brand.
. Managed tie-up arrangements for manufacturing Daks brand in India and Central Europe.
. Also signed agreements for Trussardi and Savile Row.
Wishes:
. To be a front runner in the Indian apparel market.
. To add 25 more stores.
. Allure entire high-end women class to wear Trussardi.
. Enhance sales staff performance.
Gini & Jony
Achieved Targets:
. Signed agreement with Reliance
. Signed license agreement for its kidswear brand 'Levi's Sykes'.
. Increased production capacities at Daman and Baddi.
Wishes:
. To get recognition as global brand in the international market.
. To create a different brand identity for all in related segments.
. Establish entire lifestyle stores for kids, under the brand Gini & Jony
. Pull down custom duties on accessories and fabrics etc.
Modelama Exports
Achieved Targets:
. Expanded product assortment mix and added knits, which was entirely woven product base before.
. Arranged tie-ups with some global brands, such as J Jill, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Marks & Spencer.
. Increased capacity to attain a 40% growth rate comparing to the previous year.
Wishes:
. To train workers (sewing, inspection and finishing).
. To work close with fashion institutes like NIFT to revise and develop fashion trends.
. To introduce a brand, which is competitive, enduring and reliable product.
. To introduce specialized product assortment, featuring all-weather conditioner and change character consequently to match the consumer demands.
. To develop a stage where high-tech technology is available to small and medium scale producers so that they can enhance quality standards.
Pantaloons
Achieved Targets
. Started Asset Management Companies.
. Launched Big Bazaars in remote towns like Sangli.
Wishes:
. Reaching a target business of two and a half thousand crores in 2006-07 fiscal.
. Identify and present the consumers' fashion requirement.
. Dominate the in all fashion segments like lifestyle, premium and value.
. Introduce or acquire new brands in fashion.
. To rope-in best fashion industry veterans.
Piramyd
Achieved Targets:
. Emerged steadily in the market - launched stores at Ahmedabad and Ludhiana, and planning three more in coming months.
. Introduced new brand "Trumart" with three stores in Mumbai and four in Pune.
. The IPO got oversubscribed by nearly 12 times that generated about Rs 108 crore.
Wishes:
. To Launch FDI for least lifestyle retail, this will lead Indian fashion designers to think globally.
. Create enhanced retail space for high-end retail.
. To make Fashion Alliance more practical and a reality to make sure that it gains momentum.
. To make fashion more affordable with a better ambience.
Raymond
Achieved Targets:
. Launched EBOs for all brands.
. Successfully introduced new product assortment such as non-iron shirt in Park Avenue and new suit ranges to uphold brand image.
. Also introduced the womenswear and kidswear collection.
Wishes:
. To launch a magazine on fashion.
. Begin a fashion week.
. Expand in US market.
. To launch a website that talks about lifestyle and fashion.
Sports Station
Achieved Targets:
. Successfully introduced two brands: H2O Plus and CPS Clothing.
. In a move to concentrate on expansion and new concepts for brands, the company has signed agreements with global brands such as Nike and Levi's.
. Launched MBO for leather shoes "Shoe Tree."
Wishes:
. To present new concept, where both international and local brands can be presented under single roof.
. Expand product assortment in luxury, premium and affordable segments.
. Duty validation, especially in footwear which is at a 12.5 % as compared to apparel which is at only 4 %.
. Validating countervailing duty (CVD) which is at of 60 %.

The Changing Face of Indian Fashion Industry

2010-03-03T01:29:00.000-08:00

India is a country with diversified customs and cultures. People following various traditions live here, their way of dressing also differ from each other. The traces of Indians being fashionable can be found out from the ancient remains of Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. After the independence, globalization is being witnessed in the Indian fashion industry, due to which changes have occurred in the style of Indian dressing.
Styles of wearing saris and salwar-kameez have changed. The look is more cosmopolitan than region-specific. Different styles of blouses like katori style, halter-neck, back button blouses, high neck blouses, puffed sleeve blouses, etc. have become the hot favorite among women. The average lengths of the blouses have decreased. Saris are draped mostly in traditional back pallo style or gujarati style. Indian fashion scene is greatly influenced by its films. For example Mumtaz style sari draping inspired by yester-year heroine Mumtaz. Here sari is tightly draped around the body.
As far as salwar-kameez is concerned numerous styles and patterns can be given to this garment. For instance the kameez can be long, short, A-line, skin tight, etc. Such variations can be done to salwar as well as dupattas. Modern version of kameez is known as kurti, it could be coupled with jeans, pants or churidar. It has taken the form of Indo-western outfit. People in western countries too have started wearing kurtis.
Emergence of mall culture
Mall culture is slowly and steadily growing in India. Many brands and private labels are launched in the Indian market. The first such retail outlet was Shopper's Stop which launched India's first multi-brand store in the year 1993. The specialty of such malls is that they offer a wide range of varied branded stuff, all under single roof. Some of the famous malls of India are Pantaloons, Westside, Lifestyle, Globus, etc. These retail outlets have also launched clothing line under private labels, manufactured and sold by them. For example- Pantaloons has many private labels under its brand like All, Fashion station and Mela. Some of the major private labels even operate as exclusive stores. The buyer gets an international shopping experience in such retail outlets. There are no nagging sales persons pressurizing the customers to buy.
Family stores are becoming hot favorite shopping hub for the middle-class and upper middle class shoppers. These stores sell garments of nearly all age groups and sexes. Apparels of various brands can be found in family stores. They are being considered as one-stop shopping destination. Roopam, Big Bazaar, Fashion station, V-mart, Maxx, etc are examples of some family stores.

Branding Quality in America - The Globalization of the Apparel and Accessory Industry

2010-02-23T01:46:00.000-08:00

The exodus of manufacturing apparel and accessories off shore has led to the crumbling of the domestic factories. This has led to an outcry by some politicians and activists to buy American made products. "Made in China- Designed with the World" is the latest marketing push the finance department of the Peoples Republic of China has blitzed in television, internet, and radio internationally.

China has recently suffered a number of embarrassments stemming from poisoned milk, lead in toys, and a slew of other quality control problems in a number of Chinese products. Most recently auto industry leader Toyota has issued a major recall and apology after a major recall due to brake systems failure across their most popular models. Many analysts believe that the opportunity for domestic product to ramp up and take advantage of what is perceived as a decrease in the demand for imported items. Would it make sense to purchase only US made goods given the current economic circumstances?

First a comprehensive cost analysis would be required to make an informed decision. Let's take a closer look at the apparel and accessories industry where nearly all goods are now outsourced. There are macro costs that need to be analyzed carefully. Cost of materials, cost of manufacturing (labor), and import (transportation and duty) costs. What analysts fail to realize is migration of the apparel industry led to a specialization in other markets as demand has ramped up. China for example has become the textile factory of the world. The haute couture houses in the United States and Europe crease the designs and patterns. The sketches are sent to fashion manufacturing hubs in Hong Kong, Shanghai. Once sampled and approved they eventually end up in your Nordstrom's or Bergdorf Goodman's.

Overseas laborers have also become skilled craftsmen in their trade, outperforming their American and European counterparts in output and productivity. This specialization leads to higher efficiency and quality in construction. Goods produced overseas also offer less expensive finished goods. In some categories 40 to 50 percent less expensive than if manufactured domestically. This savings is then passed on to the end consumer. It is important to keep in mind that as the economy continues to globalize, lines that were once drawn have dissipated. Manufacturing is done in China, but the design is in Europe, the sales are in the US. In the jeans industry, the fabric comes from Asia, the jeans are cut and sewn in Mexico or Columbia and the finished good is shipped across the globe.In this 20 year low. Only the labels that set this standard and provide affordable prices will succeed.

Ultimate responsibility lays on the Quality Control standards of the label. High standards, onsite inspections, color, material, and construction approvals, laboratory testing, and a number of other measures should be in place to ensure the quality of the brand. Only the labels that set this standard and provide affordable prices will succeed.

How the Indian Fashion Wear Industry is Emulating the West

2010-02-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

Various reasons for western influence on the Indian apparel and costume industry:

Open-minded culture coupled with cultural diversities:

Winning of beauty pageants on international platforms:

Indian Movies - a big influencing factor

Wide scale impact of Globalization and Liberalization:

Overseas Education and employment opportunities:

Use and throw concept:

The sum and substance being the Indian fashion scene is completely under the influence of the west. The concepts and designs have been effectively intertwined into the Indian Fashion Industry.

Apparel and Fashion Product

2008-09-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

Apparel and Fashion Blog

In earlier times, people wore clothes to cover their bodies, and protect them from climate conditions. As the wheels of time spin, now people prefer clothes that are trendy. Fashion is a term used to describe the style of clothing used by most people in a country. A fad remains for few months, and is then replaced by another one. Trendy apparels are available for today’s fashion savvy people for all ages starting from kids, teenagers, adults to old people. Apparels are also worn to represent the social status of a person. Indian apparel industry accounts to 12 percent of the country’s total exports making it one of the world’s largest foreign exchange earners.

Made-from-India.com provides a comprehensive view of products related to fashion and style. The Product directory contains every single information about manufacturer & exporters of apparel & fashion accessories, Apparel & Fashion importers, Apparel & Fashion leads, wholesale apparel, apparel related machines, buttons & buckles, jeans, leather garment, zippers & sliders etc. under the category apparel & fashion designed especially to assist members of clothing industry.

Apparel and Fashion Product Directory