Raymond Group's Gautam Hari Singhania calls for Khadi promotion, optimistic about Indian textile industry growth
Speaking on the theme 'The Fabric of India: Strength and Sustainability,' Singhania reflected on the country's historical role in global textile trade. 'Khadi needs more push," said Singhania, the business reported in a press release. "There is so much talent in that space. I admire what they are doing... I also think the mindset around ethnic wear is changing, we are finally starting to wear our own with pride.'
Singhania also emphasised the present opportunity for India in global textile trade. 'This is the most opportune time for the Indian textile industry," said the executive. "We just need to stay one step ahead." Singhania cited global shifts and increasing sourcing challenges faced by countries like China as further opportunities for growth.
Marking Raymond's centenary, Singhania shared, 'Raymond completes 100 years this year. Our fabrics travel to 55 countries today, representing the modern era of India's manufacturing strength... Raymond is a national asset. We nurture the brand like we would a child.'
Singhania concluded his speech with a broader industry outlook: 'India ranks fifth globally in the textile segment and the industry is the second-largest employer in the country. We have all the right elements to become a global textile powerhouse.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Fashion Network
Kolhapuri controversy pushes Prada toward Indian collaboration
Prada is looking to collaborate with artisanal footwear makers in India, the company said on Friday, two weeks after the Italian luxury group sparked controversy by debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian styles. After runway images from Milan went viral, Prada drew sharp criticism from Indian artisans who handcraft Kolhapuri sandals—named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. In response to the backlash, the brand acknowledged late last month that its open-toe design was directly inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The controversy drove interest in Kolhapuri sandals, with artisans and sellers viewing the attention as an opportunity to promote the heritage craft and tap into a wave of nationalist pride. In a statement to Reuters, Prada said it held virtual talks on Friday with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. 'The next step will be for Prada's supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,' the company said. According to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Lorenzo Bertelli—son of Prada's owners and head of its corporate social responsibility—took part in the discussions. During the talks, Prada reportedly expressed its intention to launch a limited-edition 'Made in India' Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection in partnership with Indian artisans. India's luxury market remains relatively small but is growing steadily, with wealthy consumers investing in designer fashion, high-end cars and luxury timepieces. Prada does not operate any retail stores in India, and its products are generally available only to affluent consumers who shop overseas. The sandal controversy dominated social media for several days, sparking criticism and sarcastic memes. Indian politicians, artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce called for recognition of the country's cultural contribution to the design.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Fashion Network
Kolhapuri controversy pushes Prada toward Indian collaboration
Prada is looking to collaborate with artisanal footwear makers in India, the company said on Friday, two weeks after the Italian luxury group sparked controversy by debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian styles. After runway images from Milan went viral, Prada drew sharp criticism from Indian artisans who handcraft Kolhapuri sandals—named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra. In response to the backlash, the brand acknowledged late last month that its open-toe design was directly inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The controversy drove interest in Kolhapuri sandals, with artisans and sellers viewing the attention as an opportunity to promote the heritage craft and tap into a wave of nationalist pride. In a statement to Reuters, Prada said it held virtual talks on Friday with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration. 'The next step will be for Prada's supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,' the company said. According to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Lorenzo Bertelli—son of Prada's owners and head of its corporate social responsibility—took part in the discussions. During the talks, Prada reportedly expressed its intention to launch a limited-edition 'Made in India' Kolhapuri-inspired sandal collection in partnership with Indian artisans. India's luxury market remains relatively small but is growing steadily, with wealthy consumers investing in designer fashion, high-end cars and luxury timepieces. Prada does not operate any retail stores in India, and its products are generally available only to affluent consumers who shop overseas. The sandal controversy dominated social media for several days, sparking criticism and sarcastic memes. Indian politicians, artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce called for recognition of the country's cultural contribution to the design.
France 24
4 days ago
- France 24
Cricket's Indian Premier League value surges to $18.5 bn: report
The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11 billion a year for the Indian economy. According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, which has valued several sports franchises around the world, the brand value of the 10-team T20 franchise tournament has seen a sharp rise of 13.8 percent to $3.9 billion over the past year. Bengaluru, who along with star player Virat Kohli won their first IPL title this year, have overtaken five-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve a brand value of $269 million. Mumbai is second with $242 million, followed by Chennai at $235 million. The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL "a global phenomenon" that has become more than just a cricket league. "The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey, said in a statement. "The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal." Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings for the title at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in June to conclude the 18th edition of the league. The report said the 2025 final had more than 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, surpassing the India-Pakistan clash during the Champions Trophy in February this year. The IPL, which is broadcast around the world and features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler, mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood movie superstars. Since it launched in 2008 it has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi, and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere.
