Levi’s and BEAMS have unveiled their fourth collaborative capsule collection, the Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2. This exclusive lineup pays homage to Levi’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the subtle and elegant garments of 1944. The collection features standout pieces such as the Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker, the Super Wide V2 Jean, and a Graphic Tee.

The Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker, a nod to the 1944 Levi’s denim jacket, is crafted from heavyweight 16 oz. denim with a custom Orange Tick selvedge. Notable details include a super-wide custom leather back patch and a BEAMS-exclusive tongue. 

Complementing the Trucker is the Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2 Jean, inspired by the 1944 501 and made from Orange Tick selvedge denim exclusively developed for BEAMS. Both garments are available in a lighter vintage wash and an exclusive darker lightening wash.

The collection is rounded out by a white Graphic Tee featuring co-branded graphic prints on the back and a screen-printed "stitched" bow. 

The Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2 campaign, featuring nine models, showcases a blend of traditional Japanese landscapes against a studio backdrop, creating a captivating juxtaposition between the familiar and unfamiliar aspects of Japan. This collaboration seamlessly combines timeless American style with Japanese aesthetics, delivering a unique and bold fashion statement.

In a bid to counteract a rising trend of deceitful bargaining tactics by certain global garment buyers, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is taking a stringent stance. Reports reveal that a surge in incidents where buyers exploit exporters by seeking "illogical" discounts on clothing prices has prompted the industry apex body to contemplate blacklisting such entities.

The BGMEA issued a circular on December 21, urging its member-factories to compile a list of buyers engaging in dubious discount negotiations. The association's move aligns with the central bank's discount committee decision following deceptive dealings by these buyers. The circular highlights the manipulative practices of certain buyers who, after receiving goods, announce bankruptcy or demand discounts based on unfounded pleas.

Faruque Hassan, BGMEA president, emphasized the exporters' vulnerability, noting that fraudulent buyers, buying houses, and freight forwarders often trap them into accepting discounts. The circular warns of the financial repercussions for exporters, who end up paying bank interest and loans, potentially leading to factory closures if export proceeds (EXP) become overdue.

Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), expressed concern over the increasing incidents of unwarranted discounts. Both BGMEA and BKMEA are advocating for the blacklisting of buyers seeking illogical discounts and are working to raise awareness among their members.

Furthermore, the committee discussed issues related to Letter of Credit (LC) clauses and urged apparel makers to exercise caution regarding sanctions-related conditions. A recent LC clause, which absolved the buyer of liability for transactions involving sanctioned parties, raised concerns and confusion among exporters, leading to its subsequent removal. The trade bodies are now advising against accepting LCs with unwanted clauses or conditions.

In a glittering affair at JW Marriott, Chandigarh, on December 22, 2023, News 18 Punjab/Haryana hosted the L’Aspiration Summit, a distinctive event dedicated to the world of luxury. 

The summit brought together India’s erstwhile royals, including Aaliya Sultana Babi, Mallyka Singh Dundlod, and Siddharth Daspan, scions of Balasinor (Gujarat), Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan), and Jodhpur, respectively. Sharing the stage were renowned actors Jonita Doda, Aahana Kumra, and Niharica Raizada, alongside artist and collector Shan Bhatnagar.

L’Aspiration Summit stands as a celebration of ideas reshaping luxury, directly from those who have experienced and continue to live it. Divided into six sessions, the event delved into topics such as Rethinking Luxury, Reviving Tradition, and Redefining Royalty, providing a captivating evening of royalty, glitz, and glamour.

Among the highlights, actor Jonita Doda shared her accidental journey into acting, while Siddharth Daspan discussed the transformation of his century-old royal house into a haven for art enthusiasts. Artist Shan Bhatnagar showcased his vibrant artworks blending traditional temple art with Rajasthani embroidery. Aaliya Sultana Babi, known as Dr. Dinosaur, narrated her 27-year journey establishing a Dinosaur Museum in Gujarat.

The event underscored the evolving landscape of luxury, intertwining tradition, talent, and aspirations, creating an evening where royals stood alongside fashion designers, collectors, artists, and actors to discuss the dynamic world of luxury.

In a bid to trim costs by $2 billion over the next three years, Nike is set to slash hundreds of jobs, simplify product ranges, and embrace automation. 

The move, costing up to $450 million, follows a mere 1% sales increase to $13.4 billion in the three months ending November 30th. 

Global sales for Converse plunged by 11%, contrasting with a similar rise in Nike brand sales. While the US and Europe witnessed sales decline, China experienced an upswing. 

China’s PSF exports surged by 24.7 per cent Y-o-Y and 1 per cent M-o-M to 106,000 million tonne in November 2023. Its PSF imports rose by 46.7 per cent Y-o-Y and 25 per cent M-o-M to 11,000 million tonne. 

China’s PSF exports in the first 11 months of 2023 increased by 22.8 per cent Y-o-Y to 1.115 million tonne while imports during the period surged by 10 per cent Y-o-Y to 91.5000 tonne. 

China’s PSF imports from Southeast Asia started declining from 2019. Though these recovered slightly in 2023, imports from large origins, like Thailand and Vietnam, continued to dip from their peak period. 

China’s imports from Vietnam soared to 30,567 tonne in 2021. However, in 2022, they dropped by 64.8 per cent to 10,773 tonne. From January-November 2023, China’s PSF imports from Vietnam further dropped to 17,123 tonne. 

Imports from Thailand reached 45,000 tonne in 2019 before dropping gradually. China’s PSF imports from Thailand continued to drop and reached 17,208 tonne. 

From January-September 2023, these imports further dropped to16,891 tons.

China’s PSF imports from Cambodia totaled 1,261 tonne in 2021. These declined to 664 tons in 2022, further to zero till now in 2023.

 Overall, China’s PSF imports from Southeast Asia totaled 46,658 tonne in January-November 2023. They constituted 51 per cent to the China’s global PSF imports.

India’s apparel exports declined by 13.29 per cent to $12.19 billion during the January-October 2023 period from $14.05 billion recorded in the same period of 2022. 

As per a report by Apparel Resources, India’s apparel exports to major destinations including the US, UAE and UK dipped during the ten-month period.

India’s apparel exports to the US declined by 20.58 per cent to $3.90 billion in the mentioned period, whereas the exports to the UAE fell by 6.25 per cent to $1.18 billion in the January-October ’23 period.

Shipments to the third largest export destination-UK dropped by 12.12 per cent to $ 945.21 million in the January-October ’23 period.

This drop in India’s apparel exports to major destinations can be attributed to the fluctuating global economic scenario and inflationary pressures in the key economies worldwide.

Currently worth $521 billion, the Asia fashion e-commerce market is projected to grow at a 9.5 per cent CAGR to reach $985 billion by 2030. 

As per a report by CoherentMi, growth in the Asia fashion ecommerce market during the forecast period will be fuelled by the rising adoption of smartphones and growing internet penetration. Another key driver will be Asia’s rapidly expanding middle class population. 

The Asia fashion e-commerce market will also get a boost from the exponential increase in smartphone and internet users in the region over the past few years. With devices becoming more affordable, smartphone adoption in countries like China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Philippines has grown exponentially, making e-commerce more accessible to a large consumer base. 

One of biggest emerging opportunities in the Asia’s fashion e-commerce market is live streaming. Brands and influencers are using platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Facebook live to host live try-on hauls, tutorials and reviews. This enables customers to engage in real-time through chat features while watching new collections and get their questions answered instantly. 

India exports of men’s t-shirts declined by 2.32 per cent Y-o-Y during the January to October ’23 period to reach a total value of US $ 1.43 billion, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Exports of knitted shirts declined by 8.37 per cent to $556.22 million while woven shirts exports declined by 1.97 per cent to $872.71 million.

With exports worth $526.62 million, the US maintained its position as the leading export destination. It represented almost 37 per cent of the total export value. 

However, exports to the country declined by 7.88 per cent Y-o-Y. 

India’s exports of men’s t-shirts to its second-largest export destination, UAE declined by 3.64 per cent Y-o-Y to $158.55 million compared to the same period in the previous year.

Exports to the third largest destination, the UK declined by 0.30 per cent Y-o-Y to $87.22 million.

Export of men’s shirt constituted approximately 11.73 per cent of India’s overall apparel export values of $12.19 billion during the January to October ’23 period.

Sri Lanka’s RMG exports declined by 20.55 per cent decline to totaling $3.75 billion during the period from January to October 2023, as per data from the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA).

Sri Lanka’s RMG exports to the EU, during the period, declined by 19.15 per cent to $1.14 billion while exports to the United States declined by 24.75 per cent to $1.49 billion.

Together, the EU and the US accounted for 70.33 per cent of the overall shipment values.

On a monthly basis, Sri Lanka’s RMG declined to $330.95 million in October ’23, the worst 10th month for Sri Lanka’s apparel exports in the last five years.

The previous lowest shipment value was recorded in October ’20, the pandemic year, with an export value of $331.14 million.

Leading manufacturer and exporter of garments in Vietnam, Dony Garments plans to focus on the European and American markets.

The company aims to provide high-quality custom-made uniforms and protective gear to international customers. Made with high-quality materials and fabrics from reputable suppliers, these garments are manufactured under strict production processes to ensure the quality of its customers' uniforms and protective gear.

Dony Garments provides high-quality custom-made uniforms and protective gear at a reasonable price. The company responds to the demand with a quick turnaround time. Its custom-made uniforms and protective gears are suitable for businesses and organisations in the European and American markets. 

Based out of Vietnam, Dony Garment is on a mission to provide unmatched services for all kinds of companies in the country. Their wide range of apparel manufacturing services covers EXW, FOB, CIF, DDU, DDP, CM, AMPT, and FPP.