Apparels

Prada faced online backlash for its sandals resembling India’s Kolhapuri, sparking cultural appropriation accusations. This incident highlights the power of India’s digital community and the importance of cultural sensitivity for international brands entering the growing Indian luxury market. Prada is now collaborating with artisans to understand Kolhapuri’s history, recognizing cultural fluency as crucial for business survival.

Gold prices have surged past ₹1 lakh per 10 g, driven by global demand, trade uncertainties, and a weak rupee, pressuring festive jewellery sales and boosting investor interest in lightweight, lower-karat and investment-grade formats.

Jehangir Wadia returns to the Wadia Group after a four-year hiatus, focusing on revitalizing Bombay Dyeing into a real estate powerhouse. He aims to institutionalize real estate operations under Bombay Realty, leveraging the group’s legacy and integrity. Wadia plans to unlock land assets, explore joint ventures, and develop projects like the Island City Centre.

India Bullion and Jewellers Association requests Bureau of Indian Standards for self-hallmarking. IBJA suggests jewellers assign unique codes to silver items. They highlight high logistic costs of moving bulky items to hallmarking centers. Current rules and fines for gold hallmarking may also be amended. Silver jewellery demand is rising, increasing the risk of consumer cheating.

Israel’s apparel imports rose 13.41 per cent to $1.13 billion during January–May 2025, driven by strong growth from China and Bangladesh.
China retained top position with a 47.50 per cent share, while Vietnam overtook Italy to become the fifth-largest supplier.
Imports from Turkiye declined 26.60 per cent.
For 2024, total apparel imports were $2.59 billion, up 15.36 per cent year-on-year.

India’s retail sales rose 8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in June 2025, as per the RAI.
Apparel and sporting goods led with 10 per cent growth, followed by footwear at 7 per cent.
West India posted the highest regional growth.
RAI CEO Kumar Rajagopalan noted improved momentum ahead of the festive season, with non-discretionary spending offering hope for a broader consumption rebound.

Shanti Gold International, a gold jewellery manufacturer, has set the IPO price band at ₹189-₹199 per share, aiming to raise ₹360 crore. The IPO opens on July 25 and closes on July 29, featuring a fresh issue of 1.81 crore shares. Proceeds will fund a Jaipur facility, working capital, debt repayment, and general corporate needs.

House of Creed, the luxury fragrance house, is expanding its presence in India with its first flagship boutique in New Delhi, partnering with LUXASIA. The brand sees India as a key market with significant growth potential in the luxury segment.

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.