Apparels

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has mandated hallmarking for 9 Karat gold, effective July 2025, under BIS Amendment No. 2. This inclusion expands the hallmarking grades to eight, ensuring transparency in purity standards for consumers. The revised standard also updates definitions, excluding gold watches and pens from artefacts, and defines specific criteria for gold coins.

Burberry experienced a smaller-than-expected 1% drop in comparable retail sales during the first quarter, signaling potential early recovery signs. CEO Josh Schulman’s reboot strategy, leveraging the brand’s British heritage, aims to attract customers amid economic uncertainty. The company’s cost-cutting measures, including workforce reduction, and the positive reception of the Autumn 2025 collection contribute to optimism about future performance.

Rather than pacing ahead, overall progress related to circularity in fashion, sports, outdoor, underwear and lingerie, and footwear brands seems to be leveling off, the fifth edition of Kearney’s Circular Fashion Index said.
While many brands have committed to circularity, few have translated intent into consistent, scaled execution.
The leap from moderate engagement to scaled circularity is rare.

Kushal’s Fashion Jewellery, currently strong in South India, plans aggressive expansion to 300 stores in the next three and a half years, focusing on omnichannel and tech-led retail. The company will adopt a cluster-based approach, tailoring 40% of its product mix to local preferences as it enters markets like Maharashtra and other parts of West and North India.

Global luxury brands are increasingly turning to India for inspiration and market growth, with customized offerings that blend Indian culture with global appeal. Prada took cues from the Kolhapuri chappal, while Louis Vuitton released a handbag inspired by an autorickshaw. Designer Robert Wun sparked online buzz with a fishtail gown resembling a lehenga.

US apparel CPI fell -0.4 per cent MoM and -0.7 per cent YOY in May, but prices remain historically high.
Imports plunged -22 per cent after early tariff hikes, while spending on clothing rose +4.9 per cent YoY.
Consumer confidence dipped and overall spending slowed.
Tariff frameworks for August 1 propose higher rates, including 40 per cent on transhipped goods via Vietnam.

Shoppers Stop Ltd reported a reduced consolidated net loss of Rs 15.74 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025, with revenue from operations increasing to Rs 1,161.08 crore. The company’s sales growth was driven by premiumisation, with private brand sales and beauty segment contributing significantly.

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is committed to using the 4Cs grading system for all diamonds, including lab-grown ones, despite some industry shifts. IGI emphasizes its dedication to transparency, integrity, and scientific accuracy, which has earned the trust of consumers and retailers. The institute operates globally and holds a significant market share in India’s diamond certification.

Ajio Luxe, Reliance’s luxury e-commerce platform, has partnered with Audi to introduce the Audi Collection to the Indian market. This collaboration marks Audi’s entry into India’s luxury merchandise sector through an online-first strategy. The collection features over 30 products, including accessories and miniatures, ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 95,000, catering to the growing demand for curated global luxury brands.

High tariffs cut US apparel imports value from China in May by 52 per cent YoY, USITC data show.
China’s market share in US apparel imports in May also dropped to 9.9 per cent, a new low in decades.
Due to reciprocal tariffs, the average tariff rate for US apparel imports grew to 23.8 per cent in May, up several points from the already record-setting 20.8 per cent seen in April, a US academic said.