Lifestyle

Over Half of Indian Consumers Prefer Branded Products: Smytten Pulse AI Report.

India’s festive season, traditionally marked by indulgence and grandeur, is undergoing a striking transformation. A new study by consumer insights platform Smytten Pulse AI reveals that consumer behaviour is now guided by authenticity and purpose rather than impulse and convention.

The study, conducted, draws insights from over 3,000 respondents. It highlights how Indian consumers are redefining the festive experience through conscious choices and stronger emotional connections with brands.

India’s MMF Textile Sector Urges Government to Reject Anti-Dumping Duty on MEG, cautions of Catastrophic Impact on India’s Man-Made Fibre Sector.
Part of developing story.
Core Concerns: Exorbitant Cost Hike and Industry Paralysis
Industry’s primary concern centers on the massive cost escalation the ADD would trigger. MEG is a key input for polyester staple fibre (PSF), yarn, filament, fabrics, and garments.
"The proposed Anti-Dumping Duty is estimated to raise MEG costs further by approximately 20%, this hike will practically force MMF units across India to shut down. The industry is in such a state of shock and panic that unit owners are ready to hand over the keys to their factories, as they cannot sustain this devastating blow."

India’s traditional textile mills are increasingly channeling investments into high-value technical textiles, marking a strategic shift from conventional fabric production to innovation-driven manufacturing. This transition is driven by rising global demand for specialized textiles used in healthcare, defence, infrastructure, and mobility sectors. Mills that once focused on cotton and blended fabrics are now upgrading their technology, enhancing R&D, and collaborating with technical institutions to produce performance-based materials such as geotextiles, medical textiles, and protective clothing. Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and dedicated technical textile missions have further accelerated this transformation. By embracing automation, sustainability, and product diversification, traditional mills are not only improving competitiveness but also expanding export potential. This evolution reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its textile ecosystem and positioning itself as a reliable global supplier of advanced, value-added technical textile products.

The 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Council of Administration of NITRA was held on 27th September 2025 at NITRA, Ghaziabad. Followed by AGM, 154 th Meeting of NITRA council of Administration was also held.

During the meeting, members unanimously approved the continuation of the existing NITRA leadership team for the year 2025–26:Sh. Vidit Jain, Joint Managing Director, Pasupati Spinning & Weaving Mills Ltd. – Chairman; NITRA,Sh. Sandeep Hora, Partner & CEO, Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliances – Deputy Chairman, NITRA and Sh. Nitin Nolakha, Joint Managing Director, Nitin Spinners Ltd. – Vice Chairman, NITRA.

Mantar Makkar again adorned the crown of chieftainship

He set a record for becoming the President 19 times in  a row.

Readymade Garments Association of Kotkapura organized a special function in the honour of social worker Mantar Singh Makkar for the 19th consecutive time at Dastan Hotel in Faridkot.

His continuously  leadership reflects the immense and cofidence At this time, with the consent of all the members of the union, Mantar Singh Makkar was appointed the President of Readymade Garments Association.

During this, Pradeep Chopra and Shakti Ahuja said that Makkar uniting all the traders of the city for 19 consecutive years is an example of Makkar's leadership and efficiency and it is also a record.

India’s leading conglomerates are making strategic moves into the technical textiles sector, recognizing its immense potential across automotive, healthcare, defence, infrastructure, and sustainability-driven applications.

With government initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and PLI schemes, companies such as Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group, Arvind Limited, and Welspun have accelerated investments in high-value segments like geotextiles, meditech, and protective fabrics. Their focus extends beyond manufacturing to R&D, advanced machinery, and global collaborations for next-gen materials.

By leveraging scale, technology, and strong global linkages, these players aim to position India as a world hub for innovation-led technical textiles. The sector’s projected multi-billion-dollar growth offers a compelling opportunity to create value chains integrating AI, sustainability, and smart fabrics, shaping the future of Indian textiles in global markets.

Responsible Innovation at FILO64: the new FILO space curated by C.L.A.S.S.

This season focus? Advanced Natural Fibers, Traceability, and Next-Generation Communication — showcased in an exhibition area and completed by two FILO Dialogues.

This year we are back at FILO with a completely new space — an open, collaborative FILO space curated by C.L.A.S.S. for those seeking fresh inspiration and tangible solutions to navigate the journey of responsible innovation. 
A dynamic platform where visitors will discover a curated selection of nature-driven fibres, yarns, and traceability platforms — offering real, tangible examples of responsible innovation, both in content and in storytelling.

The Warehouse Sale: Wedding & Festive Edit, taking place in Delhi on September 23rd and Mumbai on October 3rd.

The Warehouse Sale brings together 70+ of India’s top designers, including Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Masaba, Amit Aggarwal, Payal Singhal, and more, offering their coveted collections at up to 70% OFF. It’s India’s largest curated outlet event for wedding and festive shopping — all under one roof, for one day only in each city.

This season’s edition is designed specifically for brides, families, and fashion enthusiasts looking to shop luxury with ease, speed, and unbeatable value.

From everyday wear to bridal couture, the event offers something for everyone — with the added convenience of a single-day shopping experience.

The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, closed their doors on 6 September after attracting some 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions. One of the highlights of the two fairs was the 42nd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition with winning and shortlisted entries on display together with an awards ceremony at the event stage.

Over the years, the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition has consistently worked to raise the quality of watch and clock design in Hong Kong by encouraging innovation and creativity. At the same time, by enhancing its exhibition offerings, it aims to boost sales of Hong Kong-made watches and clocks both domestically and internationally.

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME end on a high note.

The exhibitions attracted some 16,000 buyers, with participants expressing strong optimism on the outlook for markets like the Middle East and East Asia - Two fairs attracted some 16,000 buyers on-site - Survey results indicate respondents consider the growth prospects for the watch industry in the following target sales markets to be promising or very promising in the next two years: the Middle East, Taiwan, Korea, Latin America, Australia, and ASEAN countries; smart watches are considered to have the most significant growth potential. 

The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited.

Welcome Reduction in GST Rates on Textiles & Apparel
A move to boost affordability, revive demand, and strengthen India’s fashion supply chain

The 10th edition of CENTRESTAGE runs from 3 to 6 September at the HKCEC
Over 260 brands from 25 countries and regions are participating, making this the biggest and most international edition to date. Six themed zones cover accessories, athleisure, circular fashion, craftsmanship, contemporary design and urban street style
The United Kingdom joins for the first time as Partner Country, presenting 16 British brands and bringing fresh perspectives to the fair
Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei and legendary fashion figure Professor Jimmy Choo OBE will both host sharing sessions
Around 30 runway shows will be staged, including the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show that features creative collections from four local brands
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) closes the fair on 6 September, with Charles Jeffrey, designer of London label Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, serving as guest judge.