Message from President

From the President’s Desk

NGF will commence with the Kids wear show from 22–24 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. The Menswear show at the MMRDA Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, and the Womenswear show at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, will follow from 13–15 July 2026.

 

Dear Readers

The Indian apparel industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving business environment. Against this backdrop, this edition’s cover story brings together leading voices from the apparel retail ecosystem to assess the current mood of the market. It offers insights into how brands are navigating change and positioning for future growth.

Reflecting the scale, confidence, and dynamism of India’s apparel sector, the 83rd National Garment Fair (NGF) returns this year as one of the industry’s most anticipated business gatherings. NGF will commence with the kidswear show from 22–24 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon. The menswear show at the MMRDA Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, and the womenswear show at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, will follow from 13–15 July 2026. Bringing together over 1,300 exhibitors and more than 1,500 brands, NGF promises strong opportunities for business networking, sourcing, and market discovery. We look forward to welcoming retailers and industry stakeholders from across the country to this landmark gathering.

India’s growing prominence on the global textile and apparel map is further reinforced by Bharat Tex 2026, where the Brands of India Pavilion will showcase the strength and diversity of the country’s branded apparel ecosystem.

Coverage of the successfully held FAB Show 2026 and the ECO-STITCH Sustainability Conclave highlights CMAI’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and actionable sustainability.

Complementing the national growth narrative is our feature on Noida’s apparel manufacturing cluster, highlighting how infrastructure development, policy support, sustainability initiatives, and MSME empowerment are shaping the future of manufacturing competitiveness.

Innovation remains central to industry progress. Our coverage of retail fixtures explores how technology-enabled, flexible store environments are transforming consumer experiences.

This issue also spotlights key developments shaping the industry’s future—from cotton duty relief and emerging FTA opportunities that can strengthen India’s global competitiveness to CMAIled initiatives focused on future readiness. Our AI Masterclass highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies, while our World Environment Day initiative promoted circularity and responsible clothing upcycling across the value chain.

As the industry prepares for the festive season and the opportunities ahead, one message is clear: growth will increasingly belong to businesses that embrace innovation, sustainability, consumer-centricity, and collaboration.

SANTOSH KATARIYA

Kolaso is a design studio founded in London and expanded our services, and offering solutions Worldwide.