India and Italy in battle of the fashion brands

Both countries have increased by more than half and two thirds their exhibition space at Motexha, the interactive platform for industry professionals which this year takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 31 March to 2 April 2008.

More than 250 exhibitors from over 25 countries are expected to participate in Motexha 2008 a 12% increase over 2007 with ladies' wear and fashion accessories continuing to dominate the industry mix in a regional market worth around $12bn.

China and Turkey are normally the biggest participants at Motexha but this year both India and Italy will be making their presence felt in a dramatic way, said Jim Meltz, Show Manager for Motexha at IIR Middle East.

"The garment industry in India is one of the best in the world but it is to some extent still an unexplored gold mine," he added. "India's fashion apparel industry is to thrive in the near future because of the nation's cotton production, technological advances of its textile industry, and increasing disposable income within India itself."

"Indian readymade garments and textiles are increasingly popular the world over, competing extremely successfully with established suppliers. Today, garments exports from India are making major inroads into the regional and international markets as the country develops its own brands and establishes itself as a quality supplier."

"The still relatively low pricing of India's ready made garments because of the availability of highly skilled cheap labour in the country is another major plus factor."

The contrast with Italy is quite dramatic, Meltz added. "The Italian fashion industry is one of the most successful in the world with revenues well in excess of 50 billion euros and it yet it holds its leadership position without either raw materials of its own or a low-cost labour force," he said.

"It is Italy's ability to produce high quality apparel that makes it a country to which designers the world over turn to realise their manufacturing requirements.

"Though there may be markets capable of producing decent clothing at more modest prices, Italian manufacturers aim to strengthen the quality image of the 'Made in Italy' trademark that still commands considerable cachet. The fashion industry also has that innate Italian flair for marketing and brand focus."

Motexha has received wide international industry support including from the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India and the Taiwan Textile Federation. There will be 10 country pavilions participating at Motexha. The show also features PURE - a dedicated arena for international brands and franchise labels, showcasing mid to high-end brands and new designers.