Indian intimate wear industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI), will be heralding the wonderful times that lie ahead for the industry by organising the fifth edition of ‘Galleria Intima’ at New Delhi on August 5 & 6.

A robust domestic market that has been growing at an annual rate of 15 to 20 per cent gives Indian brands a solid standing that they can build upon to start foraying into unchartered territories. At present, exports from India accounts for a mere four per cent of international trade in intimate wear.

China, the long-standing indisputable behemoth of the global textile export market is growing weak around its knees. Top international brands like Victoria’s Secret, Fruit of the Loom, Aerie, Warnaco Group, La Senza, Hanesbrands, etc. that dominate the global market have been getting their products made in countries like China following a steep rise in manufacturing costs in Europe and USA. China for years has remained the largest supplier of intimate wear. However, slowdown in domestic economy and pressure from labourers has forced Chinese companies to increase their labour costs making their products less competitive in the international market.

Continuous rise in the disposable income of the Indian middle class means that the domestic market for intimate wear will remain robust in the years to come. India also has abundant availability of raw materials. All these factors make India an ideal hub for global manufacturing. Along with Indian brands, international brands too could consider setting up their manufacturing units here and then sell to domestic as well as global markets. This is the crux of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Nations across the globe have been made to sit up and take notice of an assertive and resurgent India following the aggressive promotion of the brand India under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ‘intimate apparel’ release said.

The two-day event will be attended by more than 2,000 visitors from India and abroad. Over 1,000 brands from India alone are expected to participate in the event. International brands will also be welcomed to set up their shops and manufacturing units in India and to find suitable Indian collaborators for the process, the release added.