Lenskart is leveraging AI for remote optometry, addressing the shortage of optometrists in India and offering AI-powered self-eye tests. Partnering with Qualcomm, Lenskart launched audio-enabled smart glasses and aims to innovate in materials and prescription options to enhance accessibility. The company focuses on making high-quality eyewear accessible to all at various price points.

Japan’s clothing and accessories imports rose 6.8 per cent YoY to $12.1 billion in H1 2025, driven by steady consumer demand.
Textile yarn and fabric imports inched up 1.3 per cent, while exports increased 2.5 per cent.
Textile machinery exports surged 11.9 per cent.
For June alone, clothing imports rose 6.2 per cent.
In FY 2024–25, clothing imports rose 5.2 per cent.

Just-announced deal is moving the market to a new level.
Premier League official replica shirts worth an annual £489 million.
Clubs earn surprisingly little from the physical sales of shirts.
UK counterfeit shirt business valued at around £180 million annually.
Clubs now deploy tech like QR codes and blockchain to protect brand identity and revenue.

Titan Company, an Indian jeweller, will acquire a 67% stake in Damas, a Dubai-based luxury jewellery retailer. The deal is valued at 1.04 billion UAE dirham. This acquisition will expand Titan’s presence in the Middle East. Titan already has Tanishq stores in the UAE since 2020. Damas has 146 stores across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

ANNY, a fashion-tech startup, has secured Rs 10 crore in Pre-Series A funding. Atomic Capital led the investment round. The company will use the funds to expand its product range and strengthen its technology. ANNY also plans to build leadership capabilities. The company aims to grow its distribution and marketing efforts.

Bestseller India mourns the loss of its Chief Operating Officer, Mrithyunjay Amblimath, who passed away after serving the company for over 14 years. He played a pivotal role in shaping Bestseller’s market strategy and was appointed interim leader in late 2024. Amblimath oversaw retail operations and expansion initiatives.

Prada has refuted claims of infringing the Geographical Indication (GI) for Kolhapuri chappals by featuring similar sandals in its Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection. The legal notice, issued by LIDKAR, alleged unauthorized use of the GI-registered name.

President Donald Trump has announced a trade deal with Indonesia, lowering US import duties on Indonesian apparel to 19 per cent.
Despite a 15.48 per cent rise in exports to the US in January–April 2025, Indonesia remains the fifth-largest apparel supplier, behind India.
Its market share rose to 6.05 per cent but has not returned to the fourth position it held before 2021.

To address credit access challenges in the textile sector, particularly for smaller units, the government is considering a credit rating system akin to CIBIL and a consolidated green fund. These initiatives aim to improve lenders’ understanding of the sector’s unique needs and streamline access to financing for sustainable production.

Total exports of Vietnam’s leather and footwear industry were worth over $14 billion in value in H1 2025—a 10-per cent growth YoY, official statistics show.
Footwear alone accounted for around $12 billion—up by 10.1 per cent YoY, while handbags, suitcases and umbrellas contributed nearly $2.2 billion—an 11.6 per cent rise YoY.
The industry targets a 10-per cent YoY export growth this year.