Global slowdown and the internal talent hunt
This much they would admit... design houses are recruiting from within, instead of roping in big-ticket designers to add sparks to the ramps!
But, what the design-houses hold under the sleeves is arguably a big and unsettling secret: global slowdown has started affecting their voluptuous margins!!!
Recruitment from within the ranks is a silver bullet that can make not only a good kill, but can also act as a profit pill.
Senior designers who work closely with big names often gain the skill set to deliver in the lines their gurus used to. But since they belong to the design house and since they are yet to strike a chord with multi-billionaires and celebrities, they come relatively cheap.
What an idea Sirji!
Fast-fashion
What does Pizza Hut have in common with Aurora Fashions?
Pizza Hut delivers a free-pizza, if it misses a deadline. Aurora Fashions may not exactly do that when it comes to delivery; still they promise their brand delivery in 90 minutes!
Aurora has in its arms, tickets like Coast, Oasis and Warehouse and they have tied up with internet startup Shutl, a company set up by Tom Allason, the eCourier founder to deliver Aurora brands in London in 90 minutes: this is arguably the first in apparel retail history and only Londoners could nibble this service, initially.
Now, what if they miss a deadline?
Hash Ladha, group multi-channel director at Aurora Fashions is silent on that.
Imran Khan designing Denizen
I am not speaking of the bowling maestro, but of the Bollywood star Imran Khan!!! Denizen, the mid-market brand revealed by none other than Levi’s has already hit the Indian shores.
Imran Khan will choose the colour, the cut and the what-is-what of denizen (for an undisclosed sum). The Delhi flag-ship store of Denizen was recently opened by the star; spread across 1800 sq.ft the store caters to the urban dreams of 18-28 teeming youth of India.
Gloom and doom: Phew!
The United Kingdom’s economic performance is a bone of contention among its politicians. Whatever it is, the real estate people out there swear the retail space demand in UK is robust!
Occupancy rates are high at 98.5%, and rental value figures were up 0.7% ahead for the full year, according to British Land, a UK based property company.
“Figures, however, are relative to different parts of the country. While consumer spending held up better in the south-east, the strength of demand was more a reflection of the attractions of individual assets - accessibility, affordability, unit configuration and overall environment - than their regional location,” the group was quoted by fashionunited.co.uk as saying.
The best locations, while being snapped up like hot cakes, other locations where the performance of the store is sluggish, get least of big-ticket brand attention.
Western brands’ Chinese resurrection
China means boooooom! And boom means money!
No wonder, the elite French, Italian and Hong Kong brands top the China charts in preference rankings.
Let me make it clear: A majority of western brands had no choice but to speak Chinese and trade yuan when it came to the sales and profits; or in other words, survival, when growth in developed markets saturated. They found that the decades-old communism had left the Chinese consumption-hungry and to whatever the Chinese could stick on to, they would; only thing was that it should be “foreign”. The Chinese, who cherished the dream of grabbing western brands and sporting them, finally lapped up brands in abundance as the economy opened up.
The western brands could see their pie getting bigger day-by-day and even found that Chinese reliance helped many obsolete but historic Western brands to resurrect! It even helped them weather the downturn!
Now a KPMG report cited by fashionunited.co.uk reads: “French products, which were the most sought after, such as cosmetics, fashion and bags were the most coveted categories at 76%, 37% and 33% respectively. Italian brands gained the top spot for footwear (43%) and Switzerland for watches (87%). Hong Kong jewellery brands were particularly sought after by Chinese consumers, with several Hong Kong-owned premium clothing brands also doing well.”
Well, did someone say, ‘India’?
As published in: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Fashion-apparel-beat-Internal-talent-hunt-and-delivery-in-90-minutes!!!-39431-2-1.html
Showing posts with label Saturday Column. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saturday Column. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fashion-Apparel Beat: Happy Birthday Levi’s & Fiat 500 by Gucci
Happy Birthday Levi’s!
In fact we are late by a day. 138 years back, in 1873, on May 20, a Bavarian immigrant named Levi Strauss and his partner Jacob Davis introduced the most iconic American brand. The world, since then has inhaled blue. Youth, since then have sported blue…
And in India , those poor ‘housewives’ who toiled with a bar of soap to cleanse the clothes, have had silent diatribes as they flourished their washing-baton over the denim and squeezed out the month-old dirt. They could not scold their children for fear of an assasinative vengeance emanating from the other side which is matched only by the child’s suicidal passion for the piece of blue-torn.
But time is a miraculous entity ticking away in a piece of round frame like a detached yogi: Eventually mothers too began to wear Levi’s!
"Only Levi’s" was the new motto!
I cannot help but share a nugget here from Levi’s archives:
In the 1960s, a man in Levi’s was confined to a Cuban jail on a solitary basis for the longest short-term: 109 days. Subsequently he was freed.
In between he was forced to crawl on his knees until there was no skin on them! The man thanked Levi’s for its durability and testified the same in a letter to the company. Clearly, Levi’s saved the man from exposing his bones!
He concluded, “I highly recommend 'Mr. Levi's' to anyone who is confined or travels a lot. As for everyday wear, I think the above statement is proof enough of the durability."
Long Live Levi’s!!!
Van Heusen: Leaving a footprint
From Levi’s to Van Heusen is a galactic distance!
But the sensational brand Van Heusen is; is making no bones in saying that it aims to be the largest apparel brand in India. The brand grew an amazing 60% in 2010 beating the industry growth rate of 27% --a super salvo; and it is worth $1 billion.
Van Heusen is present in 70 countries spread across five continents and has over 300 stand alone stores worldwide.
Further, the company intends to open around 40 stores in FY-12, which would mainly be in Tier II-III cities. The brand head Ajay Ramachandran says that Van Heusen identifies these cities as the next big growth story.
Van Heusen turnover is Rs.650 crores on an annual basis but only 40% of the same comes from 120 exclusive stores in metros. Sales figures reported from small cities like Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur and Trichur are “mind-boggling” according to Ramachandran. The company also intends to leave a footprint in the footwear market.
Malgudi Days: Making a fashion statement
It can be curious and peculiar; Malgudi Days, the seminal work by R.K. Narayan has left an inspiring footprint on Joy Mitra.
In his brand new launch of ethnic collection, which also saw the erst-while sensation Sharmila Tagore walking the ramp in her natural gait; saris, scarves, anarkali kurtas and long jackets were sported along with men’s wear comprising of elaborate kurtas; which was a surprise.
Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WLIFW), Autumn/Winter 2011 edition is keenly watched by the fashion freaks and Joy Mitra reportedly created a stir by his concept.
Britney, Lopez: The Indian connection
Silver-screen celebrities and singers are often judged by what they do not wear! So it was shocking to read that certain celebrities were spotted as “wearing” Indian designers.
Indian fashion designers are currently surfing celebrity waves: the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna Fergie and Britney Spears are increasingly sporting Indian embellishments.
Lopez who is the reality show judge of American Idol was spotted wearing a beige number at an episode recently. The beige colored dress with short sleeves had metal work and a zipper at the back along with Falguni and Shane Peacock’s signature feather detailing.
While Rihanna wore Falguni and Shane for a private performance, Britney’s upcoming video “Hold It Against Me”has a look endorsed by the designer duo.
Fiat 500 by Gucci
Q: How can you sell a car?
A: Make the car a fashion statement!
Q: How to make the car a fashion statement?
A: Just look at Fait 500 by Gucci! With a price tag of £14,565 the 1.2-litre petrol version comes with ultra-super features like 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and leather Gucci branded seats.
Q: Who is endorsing the product?
A: Russian supermodel Natasha Poly
Q: Every fashion statements get obsolete after a while. Won’t Fiat 500 by Gucci too?
A: There is always scope for some vintage; or auction. Only celebrities would buy this model and the re-sale value leveraged through auctions would make the car worth buying.( Info inputs also from Fashion United)
As published in: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Fashion-Apparel-Beat-Happy-Birthday-Levis--Fiat-500-by-Gucci-39227-2-1.html
In fact we are late by a day. 138 years back, in 1873, on May 20, a Bavarian immigrant named Levi Strauss and his partner Jacob Davis introduced the most iconic American brand. The world, since then has inhaled blue. Youth, since then have sported blue…
And in India , those poor ‘housewives’ who toiled with a bar of soap to cleanse the clothes, have had silent diatribes as they flourished their washing-baton over the denim and squeezed out the month-old dirt. They could not scold their children for fear of an assasinative vengeance emanating from the other side which is matched only by the child’s suicidal passion for the piece of blue-torn.
But time is a miraculous entity ticking away in a piece of round frame like a detached yogi: Eventually mothers too began to wear Levi’s!
"Only Levi’s" was the new motto!
I cannot help but share a nugget here from Levi’s archives:
In the 1960s, a man in Levi’s was confined to a Cuban jail on a solitary basis for the longest short-term: 109 days. Subsequently he was freed.
In between he was forced to crawl on his knees until there was no skin on them! The man thanked Levi’s for its durability and testified the same in a letter to the company. Clearly, Levi’s saved the man from exposing his bones!
He concluded, “I highly recommend 'Mr. Levi's' to anyone who is confined or travels a lot. As for everyday wear, I think the above statement is proof enough of the durability."
Long Live Levi’s!!!
Van Heusen: Leaving a footprint
From Levi’s to Van Heusen is a galactic distance!
But the sensational brand Van Heusen is; is making no bones in saying that it aims to be the largest apparel brand in India. The brand grew an amazing 60% in 2010 beating the industry growth rate of 27% --a super salvo; and it is worth $1 billion.
Van Heusen is present in 70 countries spread across five continents and has over 300 stand alone stores worldwide.
Further, the company intends to open around 40 stores in FY-12, which would mainly be in Tier II-III cities. The brand head Ajay Ramachandran says that Van Heusen identifies these cities as the next big growth story.
Van Heusen turnover is Rs.650 crores on an annual basis but only 40% of the same comes from 120 exclusive stores in metros. Sales figures reported from small cities like Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur and Trichur are “mind-boggling” according to Ramachandran. The company also intends to leave a footprint in the footwear market.
Malgudi Days: Making a fashion statement
It can be curious and peculiar; Malgudi Days, the seminal work by R.K. Narayan has left an inspiring footprint on Joy Mitra.
In his brand new launch of ethnic collection, which also saw the erst-while sensation Sharmila Tagore walking the ramp in her natural gait; saris, scarves, anarkali kurtas and long jackets were sported along with men’s wear comprising of elaborate kurtas; which was a surprise.
Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WLIFW), Autumn/Winter 2011 edition is keenly watched by the fashion freaks and Joy Mitra reportedly created a stir by his concept.
Britney, Lopez: The Indian connection
Silver-screen celebrities and singers are often judged by what they do not wear! So it was shocking to read that certain celebrities were spotted as “wearing” Indian designers.
Indian fashion designers are currently surfing celebrity waves: the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna Fergie and Britney Spears are increasingly sporting Indian embellishments.
Lopez who is the reality show judge of American Idol was spotted wearing a beige number at an episode recently. The beige colored dress with short sleeves had metal work and a zipper at the back along with Falguni and Shane Peacock’s signature feather detailing.
While Rihanna wore Falguni and Shane for a private performance, Britney’s upcoming video “Hold It Against Me”has a look endorsed by the designer duo.
Fiat 500 by Gucci
Q: How can you sell a car?
A: Make the car a fashion statement!
Q: How to make the car a fashion statement?
A: Just look at Fait 500 by Gucci! With a price tag of £14,565 the 1.2-litre petrol version comes with ultra-super features like 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and leather Gucci branded seats.
Q: Who is endorsing the product?
A: Russian supermodel Natasha Poly
Q: Every fashion statements get obsolete after a while. Won’t Fiat 500 by Gucci too?
A: There is always scope for some vintage; or auction. Only celebrities would buy this model and the re-sale value leveraged through auctions would make the car worth buying.( Info inputs also from Fashion United)
As published in: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Fashion-Apparel-Beat-Happy-Birthday-Levis--Fiat-500-by-Gucci-39227-2-1.html
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Fashion-Apparel Beat: Raymonds, Levis talk economy mantra
Movers turned Makers
Raymond, the-complete-man-brand is now pitching for the masses as the economic realities gain strength and an axial shift occurs, lifting the cycle of consumption from the developed to the developing world.
With India’s middle class income booming and its premium segment flourishing; brands like Raymond are facing a unique dilemma. They can keep catering to the premium segment with some effort. But just by sticking to the knitting, they may not be able to cash in on the other lucrative side of the economy.
India’s domestic textile market is pegged at a whopping Rs.50,000 crores, the 75% of which belongs to the unorganised sector. Of this, shirt/suiting segment of the apparel industry is worth Rs.12000 crores; Rs.4000 crores being commanded by the organised players.
By catering only to the premium segment, Raymond may just get a small pie of the Rs.4000 crore industry primarily dominated by Vimal, Grasim, Siyaram and Donear.
Cometh “Makers” brand from Raymond, things can change dramatically. The economy brand is aimed at middle-class income group.
Interesting enough, the brand priced between Rs.250 and Rs.390 was launched in Bihar!
The company believes the rising middle class would slip into the Raymondian comforts and would live a complete dream at a lesser cost.
Needless to say that Raymond premium brands would be maintained as separate stores.
When swimwear meets innerwear
Now from completeness to some incompleteness:
Two days back Malibu Dream Girl—swim wear manufacturers--announced its partnership with Maidenform—women innerwear makers--resulting in the launch of Maidenform Swimwear.
“This revolutionary new swimwear brand brings together the nation's top intimate apparel and swimwear manufacturers. Maidenform's unrivaled expertise in fit solutions is complemented by Malibu Dream Girl's unparalleled design and swimwear quality.”—a press release said.
The line, which debuted this month on Maidenform.com, features Maidenform's Custom Lift technologies and the lift and support functions from Maidenform's Lilyette bras. The Custom Lift utilizes the same innovative padding system that may be found in Maidenform's Custom Lift bra, ranked number one pushup bra in domestic department and national chain stores. This lift feature adjusts in size and shape as the cup size increases.
The Lift & Support fit mimics the same exact technology found in Maidenform's Lilyette bras, and is ideal for larger busts. The hidden sling panel brings side support to the chest, while adjusting to the size and shape of the wearer.
The Maidenform Swimwear 2011 collection is comprised of flatter-your-figure styling as well as vibrant prints and colorways. Tonal flowers and mod geometrics in bright blues and greens may be easily paired with any of the black or print coordinates. Bottom styles include a classic side-tie adjustable hi-waist, ruffled and classic skirtinis, boy shorts and a side-shirred hipster skirt. The mix and match possibilities are endless, with plenty of options for every body type.
Sizes offered in the Custom Lift fit are 34A-C; 36B-D; 38B-C. The Lift & Support fit is available in 34C-38DD. Bottoms are offered in S-XL.
Pep it up
We understand that now you are a bit pepped up:
So it would help you know that, the stylish brand Pepe Jeans London has opened its biggest flagship store in Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
“Located on Vijayawada's busiest high street, on Ramchandrapur Ring Rd. Opp. Stella College, a vibrant source of pioneering youth culture, this store is the perfect gateway to an all new experience of fashion. The store will offer a far more vibrant experience than any other retail format in the city and showcase the brand ethos in totality.” –a press release said.
Spanning 2200 sq. ft., the vast retail area is divided into zones, to create a unique shopping experience. Bluez Lounge and Fashion Lounge transport you into an international shopping ambience.
The store will feature the latest Spring Summer '11 Collection, an array of trendy and stylish new designs and trends that are magnificently combined to create refined silhouettes; a colour palette that is voguish, diverse, and exciting this season.
The store provides consumers with a highly personalized way to shop by the latest fit, finish or style. Also on display will be more than 2500 styles of jeans and casual wear covering all the customer’s needs in terms of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses and accessories for both men and women.
Phasing out
When something new comes in something old has to be kicked out:
Levi Strauss is planning to gradually phase out its ‘Signature’ brand; mistake me not!
They plan to come up with'deNiZEN' instead, a brand aimed at the youth and mass segment, a top company official was cited by (DNA) as saying. The soon-to-be-expired brand came in at a time when globe was ‘denimated’ by Lee, Trigger NewPort and Pepe with prices upwards Rs.699/- Of course, signature left its own thump impression among the youth! Bon Voyage.
(This sounds like the Raymond strategy as we can see that the Signature brand shall be replaced with 'deNiZEN' that aims for the shallow pockets of 15-25 aged funky-fundaaite-bubbling guyz&galz. )
Potential of a ‘Watered-down’ brand
12000 kilometers from India, Levi’s is also catering to the green, eco-friendly customers in a bid to appease the good-to-thy-neigbour natured individuals. They say that a particular finishing process of jeans would mean pumping an additional 42 litres of water in Europe; a method which they intend to replace by super-efficient technology.
At least 30 liters of water incurred in the process of manufacturing a pair of jeans, as a result, can be saved!
As published in: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Fashion-Apparel-Beat-Raymonds-Levis-talk-economy-mantra-39024-3-1.html
Raymond, the-complete-man-brand is now pitching for the masses as the economic realities gain strength and an axial shift occurs, lifting the cycle of consumption from the developed to the developing world.
With India’s middle class income booming and its premium segment flourishing; brands like Raymond are facing a unique dilemma. They can keep catering to the premium segment with some effort. But just by sticking to the knitting, they may not be able to cash in on the other lucrative side of the economy.
India’s domestic textile market is pegged at a whopping Rs.50,000 crores, the 75% of which belongs to the unorganised sector. Of this, shirt/suiting segment of the apparel industry is worth Rs.12000 crores; Rs.4000 crores being commanded by the organised players.
By catering only to the premium segment, Raymond may just get a small pie of the Rs.4000 crore industry primarily dominated by Vimal, Grasim, Siyaram and Donear.
Cometh “Makers” brand from Raymond, things can change dramatically. The economy brand is aimed at middle-class income group.
Interesting enough, the brand priced between Rs.250 and Rs.390 was launched in Bihar!
The company believes the rising middle class would slip into the Raymondian comforts and would live a complete dream at a lesser cost.
Needless to say that Raymond premium brands would be maintained as separate stores.
When swimwear meets innerwear
Now from completeness to some incompleteness:
Two days back Malibu Dream Girl—swim wear manufacturers--announced its partnership with Maidenform—women innerwear makers--resulting in the launch of Maidenform Swimwear.
“This revolutionary new swimwear brand brings together the nation's top intimate apparel and swimwear manufacturers. Maidenform's unrivaled expertise in fit solutions is complemented by Malibu Dream Girl's unparalleled design and swimwear quality.”—a press release said.
The line, which debuted this month on Maidenform.com, features Maidenform's Custom Lift technologies and the lift and support functions from Maidenform's Lilyette bras. The Custom Lift utilizes the same innovative padding system that may be found in Maidenform's Custom Lift bra, ranked number one pushup bra in domestic department and national chain stores. This lift feature adjusts in size and shape as the cup size increases.
The Lift & Support fit mimics the same exact technology found in Maidenform's Lilyette bras, and is ideal for larger busts. The hidden sling panel brings side support to the chest, while adjusting to the size and shape of the wearer.
The Maidenform Swimwear 2011 collection is comprised of flatter-your-figure styling as well as vibrant prints and colorways. Tonal flowers and mod geometrics in bright blues and greens may be easily paired with any of the black or print coordinates. Bottom styles include a classic side-tie adjustable hi-waist, ruffled and classic skirtinis, boy shorts and a side-shirred hipster skirt. The mix and match possibilities are endless, with plenty of options for every body type.
Sizes offered in the Custom Lift fit are 34A-C; 36B-D; 38B-C. The Lift & Support fit is available in 34C-38DD. Bottoms are offered in S-XL.
Pep it up
We understand that now you are a bit pepped up:
So it would help you know that, the stylish brand Pepe Jeans London has opened its biggest flagship store in Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
“Located on Vijayawada's busiest high street, on Ramchandrapur Ring Rd. Opp. Stella College, a vibrant source of pioneering youth culture, this store is the perfect gateway to an all new experience of fashion. The store will offer a far more vibrant experience than any other retail format in the city and showcase the brand ethos in totality.” –a press release said.
Spanning 2200 sq. ft., the vast retail area is divided into zones, to create a unique shopping experience. Bluez Lounge and Fashion Lounge transport you into an international shopping ambience.
The store will feature the latest Spring Summer '11 Collection, an array of trendy and stylish new designs and trends that are magnificently combined to create refined silhouettes; a colour palette that is voguish, diverse, and exciting this season.
The store provides consumers with a highly personalized way to shop by the latest fit, finish or style. Also on display will be more than 2500 styles of jeans and casual wear covering all the customer’s needs in terms of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses and accessories for both men and women.
Phasing out
When something new comes in something old has to be kicked out:
Levi Strauss is planning to gradually phase out its ‘Signature’ brand; mistake me not!
They plan to come up with'deNiZEN' instead, a brand aimed at the youth and mass segment, a top company official was cited by (DNA) as saying. The soon-to-be-expired brand came in at a time when globe was ‘denimated’ by Lee, Trigger NewPort and Pepe with prices upwards Rs.699/- Of course, signature left its own thump impression among the youth! Bon Voyage.
(This sounds like the Raymond strategy as we can see that the Signature brand shall be replaced with 'deNiZEN' that aims for the shallow pockets of 15-25 aged funky-fundaaite-bubbling guyz&galz. )
Potential of a ‘Watered-down’ brand
12000 kilometers from India, Levi’s is also catering to the green, eco-friendly customers in a bid to appease the good-to-thy-neigbour natured individuals. They say that a particular finishing process of jeans would mean pumping an additional 42 litres of water in Europe; a method which they intend to replace by super-efficient technology.
At least 30 liters of water incurred in the process of manufacturing a pair of jeans, as a result, can be saved!
As published in: http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Fashion-Apparel-Beat-Raymonds-Levis-talk-economy-mantra-39024-3-1.html
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