The fifth edition of Galleria Intima concluded in New Delhi earlier this month, welcoming almost 2,000 visitors and almost a thousand brands from across India and the globe, the Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI) reports.

More than 500 exhibitors networked and garnered an array of information, intel, sources, vendors and resources during the event. The event covered diverse aspects of the intimate apparel industry, including fabric, laces, fibre, machinery, packaging methodology, design trends, creativity, innovation and accessories.

Creativity and innovation

Creativity and innovation were highlighted with the Trends Pavilion managed by professor Monica Gupta and her team from NIFT. Having commenced to address problems that the intimate clothing industry were facing, the event has now emerged as one of the most substantial platforms for talent, skill, business and ideas in the industry to collaborate and contribute towards mutual growth, according to organisers.

“The show has been growing from strength to strength year on year. Inclusions of newer companies from India and abroad, as well as an array of unique products under one roof are some of the USPs of this show,” commented Dhiraj Makhija, of Makhija Intimates.

“We get to meet with our fellow companies and also understand latest trends from the seminars and panel discussions. I think, going ahead, I would like to see more participation from Indian companies as well as from the distributors of companies based overseas to harness better business deals.”

Presence of government officials

Galleria Intima 2016 was inaugurated by Smt Rashmi Verma, the secretary (textiles), who set the tone of the show with her speech. In her speech, Smt Verma was supportive of the event and lauded the efforts of the IAAI. She also explained the concept of the recent booster offered to the textiles and apparel industry. Smt Verma welcomed all international visitors and invited international exhibitors to consider opening their units in India.

Mr Rakesh Grover, the president of the IAAI, informed Smt Verma about the problems and concerns ailing the intimate clothing industry. Mr Grover also submitted a memorandum asking for the intimate clothing industry to be included in the list of merit goods under the GST bill.

Mr Gautam Makhija, the director of Sherry Apparels said that the presence of government officials at the event was a welcome sign for the industry. “I have been attending this show since its inception. It has been one of the best networking platforms for our industry. Inviting government officials has really boosted our morale as the ministry has been apprised of our pain areas and they have assured us all the possible help,” he said.

Trends and fashion

Sharing knowledge and information is one of the most important aspects of Galleria Intima. This year, Wazir Advisors, the knowledge partner to Galleria Intima, presented a white paper on the Indian men’s innerwear segment. Titled Insights & Perspectives, it was well received by the attendees. Mr Prashant Agarwal, the Joint Managing Director for Wazir Advisors explained the challenges, as well as the way forward for brands.

“These days, what is regarded as the rural or under-developed class is moving towards the more suburban and urban middle class mind-set,” he said. “And in the future the present, middle class will shift to the status of upper middle class. This shift is made possible by economic growth, increasing disposable incomes, dual income households etc. This has brought remarkable changes in the lifestyle of the people and they have become more brand conscious and are opting for better products and services.”

“Men are opting for branded suits and jackets over the tailored ones and women are moving from ethnic Indian wear to western wear. These lifestyle changes have recently percolated down to both men’s and women’s innerwear segment as well and owing to this fact the innerwear industry in India is expected to grow at a very healthy pace in the next decade or so.”

Seminars and panel discussions

Galleria Intima also has its eyes firmly set on the future and so does its attendees. This was epitomised during the seminars and panel discussions on Intimate Wear 2020 and the Use of Technology in Manufacturing, which recorded 100% attendance.

At the culmination of Galleria Intima, a gala dinner was organised, which was attended by over 500 exhibitors and visitors, who enjoyed the night networking with each other.

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