Sabyasachi reflects on his 25-year journey building an Indian luxury brand, emphasizing integrity, customer respect, and the importance of preserving human craft in the age of AI. He discusses his design philosophy, market evolution, and the changing relationship between India and luxury. Sabyasachi also highlights the significance of human connection and empathy in business.

Global apparel trade continues to shift between cotton and man-made fibre (MMF) garments.
Cotton apparel remains preferred for comfort and sustainability but faces price volatility.
MMF apparel, driven by affordability and durability, aligns with fast fashion trends.
Export growth from 2015–2025 shows cotton outpacing MMF. Countries like Kyrgyzstan and Poland lead import growth.

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have propelled domestic gold prices above ₹1,00,000 per 10 gm, reaching ₹99,170 before GST, driven by increased safe-haven demand. The overnight attack on Iran’s nuclear sites and military leadership by Israel, coupled with fears of global recession and US-China tariffs, further fueled the rally. Analysts suggest potential de-escalation could lead to a price retreat.

Arvind Ltd and Noize Jeans Ltd are set to invest Rs 584 crore in Budhi Barlai, Indore, after securing land allocations from MPIDC. Arvind plans to produce 60 lakh garments annually and establish a garment park, while Noize Jeans will focus on diverse manufacturing activities.

US-based women’s apparel retailer J.Jill, Inc has reported a 4.9 per cent year-on-year drop in Q1 FY25 net sales to $153.6 million, impacted partly by an OMS transition.
Comparable and direct-to-consumer sales declined, while gross margin fell to 71.8 per cent.
Net income dropped to $11.7 million, prompting the withdrawal of full-year guidance.

Asian gold demand weakened as rates soared, with Indian prices hitting a record high of 100,403 rupees per 10 grams, leading to steep discounts up to $63 an ounce. Chinese premiums slightly decreased, reflecting a seasonally quiet period. Singapore saw retail selling due to rising prices, while Japan experienced minimal premiums.

Torrid, a plus-size clothing store, plans to close 180 underperforming stores this year across the US. The closures, in part, are a result of more customers shopping online. About 70% of Torrid’s customers make purchases from the website. The plus-size community has taken to social media to express its disappointment with the closures.

Fidelity has increased Lenskart’s valuation to $6.1 billion, a 21% rise from its previous $5 billion valuation. The omnichannel eyewear retailer is preparing for a potential $1 billion IPO at a $10 billion valuation. Lenskart’s FY24 net loss decreased significantly, while operating revenue and EBITDA saw substantial growth, highlighting its strong financial performance.

Cambodia’s apparel exports surged by 22.93 per cent to $4.213 billion in January–May 2025, with knitted and non-knitted garments both seeing strong growth.
Apparel contributed over 35 per cent of total foreign income.
Imports of key raw materials such as knitted fabrics, man-made fibres, and cotton also increased.
This follows a 24.44 per cent rise in apparel exports in 2024, reversing a 2023 decline.

Designer Brands, parent of DSW, saw Q1 FY25 net sales fall 8 per cent YoY to $686.9 million, with comparable sales down 7.8 per cent.
Gross profit dropped to $295.1 million, and net loss totalled $17.4 million.
CEO Doug Howe cited macro uncertainty and weak consumer sentiment.
The company withdrew FY25 guidance and targets $20–30 million in cost savings amid tariff and margin pressures.