The fifth edition of Galleria Intima 2016 that concluded earlier this month in New Delhi welcomed almost 2,000 visitors, more than 500 exhibitors and a thousand brands from across India and the globe, reported the Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI).

The event covered diverse aspects of the intimate apparel industry, including fabric, laces, fibre, machinery, packaging methodology, design trends, creativity, innovation and accessories.

According to the organizers, 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.

Smt Rashmi Verma, the secretary (textiles), who inaugurated the Galleria Intima 2016 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.

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 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.

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

Creativity and innovation were highlighted with the Trends Pavilion managed by professor Monica Gupta and her team from NIFT.

Dhiraj Makhija, of Makhija Intimates commented that 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.