In dire straits:A powerloom unit in Erode. -PHOTO: M.GOVARTHAN More than 50 per cent of the powerlooms units in Erode region have closed their operations due to the slump in demand, spiralling prices of cotton yarn and power crisis. The demand for fabric from the domestic apparel manufacturers and export oriented units had come down sharply in the last few months. The global economic slowdown and the crisis in European countries were said to be the primary reasons for the sharp fall

When Iowa State University student models take to the runway Saturday for The Fashion Show 2013, they’ll be showcasing more than twice as many digitally printed garments than in years past. About 25 garments coming down the runway this year were made using the digital textile printer, compared to about 10 last year. The change comes as more students become aware of the technology, and as scholarships are awarded this year for garments that use it. “The overall color of their line is better

Oliver Proudlock, the young fashion designer primarily known for his role in the UK-based reality television series Made in Chelsea, has launched a new collection in collaboration with his photography enthusiast mother Lena Proudlock. Titled as Carnival '78, the fresh collection has been unveiled as part of the 24-year-old’s contemporary clothing brand Serge DeNimes. Made from hand-dyed 100 percent cotton fabrics, the new line of T-shirts feature the photographic images, taken by Oliver’s

Dudou, an ancient Chinese undergarment, is back in vogue again, thanks to its rapidly increasing popularity among socialites and celebrities from all around the world. Believed to be in wide use till the introduction of brassiere in the 20th century, the diamond shaped sexy revealing attire was revived and brought into mainstream fashion by internationally famous labels like Versace and Miu Miu in 2000. Made of luxe materials like lace, silk and cotton, the lower part of the antique linger

More than thirty well-known and emerging designers showcased their avant-garde apparel creations at the just-concluded South African fashion week titled Spring/Summer 2013 Collections. Influenced by the psychological personality analysis test Rorschach inkblot, Zimbabwe-born Clive Rundle featured a theatre like collection set on a live installation of a magazine fashion shoot replete with voice-over on the first day of the event. Adorned with exaggerated bow-tie collars, his collection includ

Twenty official inspection teams have filed case against 126 garment units in the capital for doing business without prior approval. These units also lack measures for safety and security of workers, officials said. A process has also been initiated to file cases against 71 more factories, they added. The special teams, formed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), following two recent devastating fire incidents at Tazreen Fashions Ltd and Smart Export Garment Ltd. The Tazreen fire

Holly knows a flattering fit is a girl’s best friend, and now you can wow the crowd with her latest collection for Very – including these gorgeous maxi dresses that promise to show off your curves in all the right places! Start summer early in Holly’s animal print maxi, featuring detachable straps with a fitted bustier and soft jersey fabric to flatter your figure. The dress is adorned with a dainty flower and butterfly print that perfectly matches the sweetheart neckline for the ultimate fem

China's consumer market is on track to earn 4,200 billion dollars in 2016, which will put it ahead of the United States for the first time ever. The retail market in China is expected to grow 10.3% in 2013, after which it will increase on an average of 10.4% over the following three years, according to PwC. The growth will especially be sustained by the fashion and apparel markets, with which Asia has already surpassed markets in North America and Western Europe. In fact, this gap is even

Let's treat ourselves to a bit of everyday luxury this summer with some fashionable, feminine nightwear and lingerie. The collection is a combination of loose and close-fitting silhouettes with fun-loving prints, inspired by gentlemen's tie patterns and soft feminine pastels. The micro geometric pattern provides continuity throughout the collection, making the pieces easy to mix and match. These elegant and comfortable fashion items, made of smooth viscose mixes, create a stylish evening

Italy’s finest world renown luxury lingerie label launches the La Perla Miss Studio Bridal Underwear Collection. Miss Studio is a long awaited La Perla label accessible to all women with it’s affordable price tag. The Bridal Lingerie collection will comprise of ivory lace and silk pieces including the essential uplifting strapless bridal bra, a strapless bridal basque corset with suspender straps. Matching string thong, flattering full Italian lace knickers and a Brazilian short. The colle