Apparels

Natural diamond prices are experiencing a significant rebound, climbing 5-8% year-on-year, driven by reduced supply from major miners and renewed investor interest. Solitaires are increasingly seen as an asset class, with younger generations like Gen Z and millennials leading the demand, viewing them for both aspirational value and investment potential due to their inherent rarity. India plays a crucial role, now accounting for 12% of global diamond demand value.

Raymond is gearing up for a significant global expansion, with Executive Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania highlighting the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as a key enabler. This pact is expected to merge British tailoring expertise with India’s manufacturing prowess, targeting a discerning international fashion market.

India aims to double its textile and apparel exports to $100 billion by 2030, with a nationwide exercise and summit focusing on strategies for key hubs. Discussions centered on technical textiles, man-made fibers, and improving logistics. The initiative emphasizes district-led growth and value addition to bolster the nation’s global textile trade presence.

Commenting on the appointment, Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands, said Sinha’s experience across brand building, merchandising, retail operations and customer experience will support the company’s efforts to strengthen the execution and positioning of its Metro and Mochi brands.

Heir Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio is publicly challenging his family’s holding company, Delfin, over a proposed 10 billion euro buyout of two siblings. He accuses the board of unclear governance and shifting positions, escalating a battle for control of a vast fortune. The deal, aimed at consolidating his stake and easing family divisions, faces complex financing and potential alternative proposals from Delfin’s chairman.

Advit Jewels is set to expand its consumer reach by launching 30 new retail showrooms across India within the next three years. This expansion, under the ‘Rambhajo’ brand, will be partly funded by the company’s upcoming initial public offering. The first showroom is expected to open in Jaipur by October-November.

India’s textile sector is showing promising growth. The Production-Linked Incentive scheme is boosting local manufacturing. Imports of specific items have dropped significantly. Exports of value-added textile products have nearly tripled. This initiative is helping India reduce reliance on imports and expand its global market presence in textiles.

Indian textile exporters anticipate a significant boost in the UK market. The new India-UK trade deal, effective July 15, offers zero duty access. This move is expected to double India’s market share in the UK within three to five years. Industry bodies predict substantial growth for textiles, garments, and home textiles. Trade is projected to rise from 1.

Bata India has announced Sanjay Rao will take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective on August 24, 2026. He replaces Gunjan Shah. Rao brings over two decades of retail and consumer leadership experience from international markets. Bata Group sees India as a key growth market. Rao’s appointment aims to drive consumer relevance and product strength for Bata India.

Gold imports into India have dropped sharply. The government’s decision to increase import duty is proving effective. Higher gold prices and reduced jewellery demand also contributed to this trend. Increased global gold recycling is another factor. Official gold inflows have also moderated. The government is not pursuing gold monetisation due to past challenges.