Pranav Kotgire

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The reality of designers in India’s apparel industry: Where do we stand? In India, the average salary of a tailor ranges between ₹18k to ₹25k per month, not including the overtime they regularly do. These tailors often work 3-4 hours extra per day, and earn only ₹40-50 per hour for their efforts. For night shifts, companies often provide meals as compensation, which usually cost around ₹200 per day, adding up to around ₹3,000 extra per month, taking their total salary to ₹28,000. And yet, given their living conditions, education levels, and struggles, this hardly seems like fair compensation. Now, compare this to the situation of fashion designers in the same industry. Designers typically hold a diploma or degree in fashion design, having invested years in education, but their starting salary is not much different from that of a tailor. Entry-level designers earn between ₹25k to ₹35k, while senior designers, who have significantly more experience, earn between ₹35k to ₹60k. Despite this, designers often have long working hours (12 hours a day, 6 days a week), no overtime pay, and they face the pressure of being constantly replaced. Companies can and do replace designers frequently, but this is not the case with manufacturing teams. So, where do designers stand after devoting so many years to education? Are we really nothing more than daily wage workers with a lucrative position? Over the past 18 years, I have seen many experienced designers – with 12, 15 or even 20 years of experience in the field – struggle to find jobs. But they are rarely interested in retaining their existing talent. Designer jobs have become a revolving door, while the manufacturing team remains intact. It is clear who benefits from this system – and it is not the designers. I advise young people entering the industry now to focus on retail management rather than design. If you have the means, consider studying at prestigious institutes like NIFT or NID, or even take advantage of opportunities abroad. Join established international brands rather than local brands because local brands can waste your time, and the path is tough, especially for male designers. Your dreams will increase along with the responsibilities. I started my career with a salary of ₹18,000, which eventually rose to ₹1.35 lakh. Yet, despite my progress, I faced many personal and professional setbacks. But that's a story for another day. The point is to understand - designers are being undervalued in the current system, and something needs to change. Now, I'm talking to my fellow designers through #MMAK_DesignServices* about my plan. This plan is for *us* - for designers who have devoted years to their craft and are ready to use their experience to create something of lasting value. If we come together, we can leverage our collective skills and build a brand that we have control over. I believe in following this path and I will make it happen, no matter how long it takes .

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How significant is the BHA (भ) Footwear sizing system for the Indian market? Footwear and Apparel sizing is a highly complicated affair, and has always confused customers leading to needless hassle, confusion, and frustration during purchases. For Footwear, UK, US, and Euro sizing have long been the standard, although the feet sizes and the anatomies around which these have been standardized are questionable! The human anatomy varies quite a lot among different geographies as well as among numerous races. And this is where localization comes into the picture, for both Footwear and Apparel. The average Indian foot size and anatomy varies quite a lot from the western standard, and the regional variation adds further to this complexity. Indian feet are shorter and wider on average as per data collected in the CSIR-CLRI study, owing to which we Indians often end up wearing one or a half size larger than the required foot length size. So, an Indian standard becomes the need of the hour for brands and manufacturering houses to design comfortable footwear suited to fit the majority of its 1.4+ Billion inhabitants. This is where the latest proposal to conceive and standardise a separate BHA (भ) Footwear sizing system becomes critical. The naming however can be more on the side of IND or BH (similar to Indian auto license plates) to aid in easier pronunciation and understanding by communities speaking multiple languages/dialects across the country. The detailed survey carried out to gauge the requirement has covered 1 lac+ individuals from 79 different locations spread across 5 geographical zones in the country. This system aims to significantly solve the problems faced by manufacturers, stores, and customers alike, including having less number of sizes to manufacture and stock-up, easier and faster purchase decisions, more comfortable and breathable designs, and less volume of returned products, thus reducing waste. Customer awareness and the extent of adoption by brands to the new standard would be key to its success. The BHA standard has been designed with 8 size sub-classes based on age groups ranging from Newborns to Adults. The BHA standard is set to come into effect in as early as 2025. Source(s): India Today, the Business of Fashion

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what can I do improvement for footwear industry I would also like to add that unless the industry leaders give platform to the skills, this industry will not be able to grow. The only reason for the lack of exports is the lack of new talent, especially the Indian leather export industry does not create an inclusive platform for players. I can say this from my experience so far. Established players are always afraid that new talent will destroy their legacy of years, which is... See more Independent Import and Export Business... It is time to bring a change in the way and mindset of leather making, still following old ways deprives us of modernization, follow sustainable practices not by words but by heart

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"Unwrapping the Leather Accessories Market in India: Trends to Watch in 2023-2024" The Indian leather accessories market is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for premium and sustainable products. Here are key trends shaping the industry: 1. Sustainable Leather: Eco-friendly leather alternatives, recycled materials, and responsible sourcing gain traction. 2. Digitalization: E-commerce platforms, social media, and influencer marketing drive sales and brand awareness. 3. Personalization: Customized leather accessories, monogramming, and bespoke designs appeal to younger generations. 4. Quality over Quantity: Consumers prioritize durability, craftsmanship, and quality materials. 5. Affordable Luxury: Aspirational brands offer affordable, high-quality leather accessories. 6. Wellness-focused Designs: Leather accessories incorporating wellness features, such as air-purifying bags. 7. Revival of Traditional Crafts: Indian artisans' traditional techniques, like hand-stitching and embroidery, gain popularity. 8. Collaborations and Limited Editions: Brand partnerships, exclusive collections, and limited-edition releases drive excitement. 9. Men's Grooming and Accessories: Growing demand for leather wallets, belts, and grooming accessories. 10. Experiential Retail: Immersive retail experiences, workshops, and events enhance brand engagement. Statistics : 👇🏻 •⁠ ⁠Indian leather accessories market projected to grow at 12% CAGR (2023-2028) •⁠ ⁠Online sales expected to account for 30% market share by 2025 •⁠ ⁠75% of Indian consumers prioritize sustainability in purchasing decision. The Indian leather accessories market is evolving, driven by consumer preferences for sustainability, quality, and unique designs. Brands embracing these trends will thrive in this growing market. #indianleathermarket #accessories #trends #demand #linkedinfam

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