Will the increase in the duty on raw silk, announced by Union finance minister P Chidambaram in the Union Budget on February 28, ruin the world famous silk industry and handloom weavers of Varanasi, known for weaving "colourful dreams" on looms? Facts and common perception support the contention. "The provisions announced for the handloom sector in the current Union budget have not only shattered the dreams of poor weavers, but also left them at the mercy of god," said Farid Ansari, a local ha

Cotton prices gained for a seventh straight session on Wednesday, touching a 10-month high, as expectations of strong demand and mill buying supported a recent rally that has been fueled by speculators' bullish investment. The most-active May cotton contract on ICE Futures U.S. rose 0.26 cent, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 87.24 cents per pound after earlier climbing to 87.59 cents, the highest level since May 7, 2012. Even as the U.S. dollar gained and other commodities fell, cotton continue

Garment industry employs up to 300,000 women in Kyrgyzstan. The information was voiced at a parliamentary session today. According to the deputy Roza Aknazarova, annual turnover of garment manufacturers amounts to several billion soms. "Basically, this sector employs women. But the development of light industry is slowed down by the total system of tax collection. Once the sewing workshop increases, so does the tax rate. And customs payments are inadequate as well. Garment workers are forced to

More than 1,000 fashion brands are showing their new lines fall/winter Competent, compact and comprehensive: a perfect structure shows different segments in the lifestyle world Underlines the importance of the Chinese consumer market, on an international level New expression in fashion: Jeans Arena (denim/street/urban-wear) and Pure Design (young designers' spirit) Meeting points for shows, seminars, special events Beijing – be inspired by culture and lifestyle Throughout last 20 y

London-based Burberry has signed a lease for 301 N. Rodeo Dr., according to . The Beverly Hills flagship is scheduled to open in 2014, when Burberry plans to close its nearby location at 9560 Wilshire Blvd. The new store will feature the retailer’s design concept, called “Burberry World Live,” which the brand debuted at its London flagship last year. The concept is focused on integrating digital initiatives into the retail experience, with more than 500 speakers and 100 screens. Source:

While the Miu Miu runway show that took place last night was technically to showcase fall 2013 looks, I spotted a styling trick I plan on using every weekend this spring. You see those silk scarves that are tied around the models' necks? How chic are they? You probably remember this look on some of most stylish women in history (Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy), but I don't think it has to be as prim and proper as it once was. Toss 'em on with your cutoff

Although there's a blizzard taking over the country today, I'm clinging on to hopes of warmer weather with a spring trend I can wear now: sunglasses. Mirrored lenses, geometric shapes, round and cat-eyes are the 4 OMG-worthy styles I'm excited to try this season. Don't know which style is best suited for you? It all starts with your face shape. Massade Eyewear Belle de Jour sunglasses, $270, Round sunglasses look great on square-shaped faces since they give your straight angles a s

The Pakistan government announced on March 2 an increase in the “withholding” tax on imports of cotton and cotton yarn (as well as some other types of textile raw materials and machinery). The increase in duty on cotton imports is from 1 to 5%, while the tax on cotton yarn was raised from 0 to 2%. Mills can claim back this tax if the finished goods are then exported, but such “drawback duties” often involve lengthy delays in receiving refunds. Textile lobbyists are pushing hard to have the dutie

As per the latest available data released by WTO Secretariat for the calendar year 2009, 2010 and 2011 the share of Indian textiles and clothing exports in World’s exports were 3.98% , 3.98% and 4.11% respectively and has not been declining. Several provisions are included in the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14, for providing incentives to the Textiles & Clothing sector exports which includes incentives for exports to focus markets and focus products, interest subvention on pre-shipment cred

With cotton prices ruling firm, the textile industry has requested the government to immediately release cotton procured by various government agencies through minimum support price (MSP) operations. Cotton prices had increased steeply because of an artificial shortage in the market created due to hoarding by traders and non-release of procured cotton by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) and other procurement agencies, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) chairman S V Arumugam sa