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If the likes of Quentin Tarantino were fashion manufacturers instead of cinematic extraordinaires, I bet their preferred domain of choice would have been kidswear; because this is where the action is in India. And while the sector, as within the organized market, was almost non-existant till a few years, it now has embossed itself as the most propitious segment of the Indian fashion industry with dedicated trade meets and fashion weeks and shows to its name.
We all knew that it was inevitable, but if you’re wondering when this transition from docile to demanding really happened, it is now amply clear that as financial stability and purchasing power of modern parents grew in the last few years, an inevitable shift from need based to aspirational fashion manifested resulting in a boost hitherto unseen in the Indian kidswear industry. Parents now exhibit considerable brand awareness and inclination towards high quality apparel products for their kids. The kids too have emerged as a fashion conscious, opinionated new independent buyer group altogether. The young generation is no more like their erstwhile peers, they are righteously more demanding and they will no longer take fuddy-duddy outfits or worn out hand-me- downs from elder sibling.
As our research shows, one of the fastest growing segments in its home turf, the Indian kidswear market was worth ` 59,520 crores in 2015 and accounted for 20 percent of the total apparel market of the country. Industry sentinels expect significant future growth and even project predictions of it surpassing men’s wear and women’s wear in the near future by growing at a CAGR of 10.8 percent to reach ` 1,65,120 crores in 2025. With such immense market potential, a host of players, both home grown and international, have sprung up to cash in on this gold rush. While domestic brands like Toff ee House, Ruff , Bambiola, 612 League, Toons, etc., are aggressively exerting themselves to mark their territories, the segment witnessed the advent of quite a few international brands in the recent past including, Pepe, Claesens, Reebok, Puma, Benetton, etc.; and retailers like Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M, are also hosting dedicated sections. etc.
Recently global high-end bigwigs like Gucci, Armani, Hugo Boss, Karl Lagerfeld, Carrement Beau Fendi Kids, Versace, D&G and Paul Smith Junior have stepped in to test the Indian waters. This also is a clear indication of the potential of luxury and designer segment in the Indian kidswear market. Our exclusive report featuring veterans Ritu Beri, Archana Kochhar, Jattinn Kochhar and a slew of other designers, perfectly counts the pulse of this segment. In addition, the issue features exclusives on other emerging fragments of this market — kids’ denim wear and organic kidswear. Plus, lots more in this issue that I hope you fi nd worthwhile reading.
And finally, let me also take this opportunity to invite you to this year’s edition of the India Fashion Forum which will be held at the Renaissance, Mumbai on the 12th and 13th of April 2017. Also, IIF 2017 will have an additional day on 11th April exclusively for fashion influencers. Look forward to meeting all of you the
