Fashion
UK economy to grow 1.3% in 2025, trade deficit persists: BCC
The UK economy is forecast to expand by 1.3 per cent in 2025, up from the earlier 1.1 per cent estimate, supported by stronger Q1 performance and public spending. Growth is projected at 1.2 per cent in 2026 before rising to 1.5 per cent in 2027.
Business investment remains weak at 1.6 per cent this year, sharply down from the previous 4.8 per cent forecast, reflecting subdued SME sentiment and higher national insurance costs. A modest recovery is projected—1.9 per cent in 2026 and 3 per cent in 2027, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said in a release.
Exports are forecast to grow 3.1 per cent in 2025, aided by early momentum before new US tariffs, but net trade will stay negative as imports climb 4.4 per cent. Net trade is expected to contract by -1.3 per cent this year, -0.7 per cent in 2026, and -0.9 per cent in 2027.
“While 2025 may be slightly better than forecast, the overall growth landscape for the UK in the next couple of years looks weak. The economy will continue to be buffeted by global headwinds, alongside ongoing worries about high bond yields. Government expenditure has bolstered the economy this year, but the spending taps are likely to be tightened very soon across Whitehall,” said Vicky Pryce, chair of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, commenting on the forecast.
Inflation is expected to remain stubbornly above the Bank of England’s target, with CPI revised up to 3.7 per cent for 2025, before easing to 2.5 per cent in 2026 and 2.1 per cent in 2027. Higher wages and national insurance hikes continue to drive price pressures.
Interest rates are unlikely to fall further this year, with the base rate projected to hold at 4 per cent by end-2025. Limited cuts are expected in 2026, lowering the rate to 3.5 per cent, where it is set to remain through 2027.
Earnings growth will outpace inflation, rising 4.3 per cent in 2025, then 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 4 per cent in 2027, though this adds inflationary pressures. Unemployment is forecast to stay stable at 4.7 per cent through 2026, easing slightly to 4.5 per cent in 2027.
“A net trade deficit will continue to weigh on growth going forward. Global trade tensions, ongoing conflicts, and the recent removal of the USA’s de minimis threshold for small exporters are acting as a drag anchor on exports,” David Bharier, head of research at the British Chambers of Commerce said.
“The forthcoming Autumn Budget will be a pivotal moment. The Chancellor faces some tough decisions as more tax rises risk severely undermining sentiment and investment even further. Sustainable growth depends on driving productivity through modern infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and seizing the opportunities of the AI revolution. SMEs need the tools to invest, trade and expand. Without this, the UK risks being locked into a prolonged low-growth trap,” Bharier suggested.
“The spectre of inflation is set to loom over the economy for some time to come, with consumers reluctant to spend. That’s likely to slow the path of interest rate cuts. Government long-term strategies are welcome – but firms can’t only exist on promises of tomorrow. They need help today to grow, recruit and compete,” Pryce added.
The UK economy is forecast to grow 1.3 per cent in 2025, easing to 1.2 per cent in 2026 before 1.5 per cent in 2027.
Business investment stays weak at 1.6 per cent this year, while net trade remains negative despite 3.1 per cent export growth.
Inflation will stay above target at 3.7 per cent in 2025, with rates at 4 per cent.
Earnings outpace inflation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Switzerland’s apparel imports rose 11.7 per cent year on year (YoY) to $1.523 billion in January–February 2026, signalling steady demand.
Growth builds on 2025 momentum, led by knitwear and comfort-led segments.
China, Bangladesh and Italy remain key suppliers.
Strong purchasing power and stable retail trends continue to support consistent sourcing activity.
Source link
Chairman’s Collection reflects Raymond’s seamless transition from a heritage textile pioneer to a modern luxury menswear destination, now stepping into a more rarefied, couture-led space. One of the most ambitious expressions of luxury menswear retail, this new retail store is a sartorial experience for globally aware Indian consumers. Drawing from Renaissance and Baroque influences, layered with a contemporary European sensibility, the space is rooted in Indian craftsmanship while reflecting a distinctly global identity of the new-age India.
Raymond has unveiled its Chairman’s collection flagship in Bandra, marking its evolution into luxury menswear.
The 11,000 sq ft, two-level space offers couture fashion, fine jewellery, fragrances, and bespoke services.
Blending Indian craftsmanship with global design, it delivers an immersive, appointment-led experience with curated art, collectibles, and personalised styling.
THE COLLECTION: THREE DISTINCT WORLDS
Modern Opulence – Casual Couture
Elevated casualwear, reimagined through the grandeur of Renaissance motifs and the ornate richness of Baroque detailing on printed silk shirts, embroidered denim, and statement separates, offers a refreshing take on couture sensibility in the art of dressing.
Power Dressing – Contemporary Heirlooms
Power Dressing, elevated to an art form. Each suit is crafted in exquisite fabrics from across the world, offering impeccable fit and finished with the artisanal depth that is uniquely and unmistakably Indian.
Embellished jackets. Indo-Western silhouettes. Velvets, silks, and jewel tones that speak before you do. Every piece in the Chairman’s Collection reflects power dressing and is an act of self-expression, conceptualized for moments that demand presence, individuality, and the kind of authority that needs no introduction.
Art, Heritage & Experimentation – Indian Renaissance
A deeply artisanal expression combining Renaissance-inspired prints with traditional Indian techniques such as zardozi and hand embroidery, creating garments that transcend fashion to become collectible pieces.
BEYOND FASHION: A COMPLETE LUXURY EXPERIENCE
The Chairman’s Collection extends gracefully beyond apparel, embracing a far more holistic vision of modern luxury. Fine jewellery for men, lab-grown diamond pieces of exceptional provenance, and a curated edit of the world’s most coveted fragrance and watch brands – each chosen with the same discernment that defines every corner of this space.
A natural evolution of Raymond’s legacy, this launch marks a thoughtful foray into new luxury categories where style meets substance, and each coveted offering is a reflection of a life lived with intention. The store operates on an appointment-led model, ensuring a personalised experience from concept to execution. Be it bespoke tailoring or personalised styling, each element is designed to offer exclusivity.
A SPATIAL EXPERIENCE DESIGNED LIKE A JOURNEY
Spanning across two levels, the store unfolds through carefully designed environments:
- A lounge-inspired setting with leather armchairs and bespoke trunks, evoking exclusivity
- Gallery-style displays, where apparel and finest fabrics are presented as collectible pieces
- A refined tailoring zone, celebrating Raymond’s legacy in craftsmanship
- Curated display zones, where collectibles and design products add depth and narrative
Every detail of the space reflects a shift in luxury retail from transactional to experiential, immersive, and deeply personal.
WHERE FASHION MEETS ART & COLLECTIBLES
Woven seamlessly into the store are museum-worthy displays of rare collectibles, from Formula 1-inspired models to precision-crafted masterpieces that are a true reflection of the Chairman’s lifelong devotion to the art of the automobile, both vintage and contemporary. Impossible to overlook, the curated Art Deco-inspired pieces and handpicked artworks that grace the space have each been chosen with extraordinary intentionality, with every element in coherence with the store’s design language.
This layered, considered approach transforms the Chairman’s Collection into something far greater than a fashion destination, unraveling a world unto itself. Every corner, every curation, every carefully chosen object speaks to a man’s taste, his sensibility, and the life he has chosen to lead. The effect is singular and unmistakable – a space that does not merely dress a man, but defines him. Not just a philosophy of style, but a complete philosophy of living.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR RAYMOND
Speaking on the occasion, Satyaki Ghosh, CEO, Raymond Lifestyle Limited, said; “Chairman’s Collection reflects the pride of creating international-quality luxury, made in India, for the modern Indian man. Raymond being the pioneers in menswear, this is a logical brand evolution towards launching a first of its kind couture experience in India. Consumer centricity is at the core of Raymond and this latest endeavour is an affirmative step in the same direction.”
With Chairman’s Collection, moves forward not as a heritage brand resting on its century-old legacy, but as India’s homegrown brand paying homage to luxury that understands the new Indian identity, which is making its formidable presence being felt in the world.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
ASEAN+3 comprises the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, South Korea and Japan.
Macroeconomic stabilisation in the ASEAN+3 nations has progressed while navigating the new energy shock triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Structural adjustments continue, according to the latest ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook.
While vulnerabilities remain, the pace and direction of policy adjustment have improved significantly in the region.
In Singapore and Malaysia, strong institutional credibility, financial stability and well-developed investment frameworks support relatively stable economic management.
In Vietnam and Cambodia, manufacturing and services continue to underpin economic activity despite external headwinds.
Adjustment is also visible in economies that have faced more acute macroeconomic pressures, where policy measures to stabilise exchange rates, recalibrate fiscal policy and strengthen debt management have contributed to a marked improvement in macroeconomic conditions compared with earlier periods of stress, the report released by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said.
While vulnerabilities remain, the pace and direction of policy adjustment have improved significantly, it noted.
Taken together, these experiences suggest that economic management in the region has evolved around a pragmatic combination of policy approaches rather than a single doctrinal model, the report remarked.
Regional economies are placing greater emphasis on strengthening flexibility and resilience in trade, foreign direct investment and financial flows.
At the same time, many economies across the region are investing in digitalisation, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Rather than narrow sectoral targeting, industrial strategies often emphasise foundational capabilities—human capital development, digital infrastructure and technological capacity. These efforts support adaptation to shifting global conditions while maintaining long-term competitiveness, it added.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Switzerland’s apparel imports grow double-digit in Jan–Feb 2026
No vote after NCAA urges further study of age eligibility changes to college sports
Taylor Swift on bond with Dakota Johnson: ‘Curious’
-
Fashion1 week agoIndia’s exports face reset as EU links trade to carbon metrics: EY
-
Entertainment1 week agoQueen Elizabeth II emotional message for Archie, Lilibet sparks speculation
-
Entertainment1 week agoLamar Odom shocking response to Khloé Kardashian account of his overdose
-
Tech1 week agoAzure customers up in arms over ‘full’ UK South region | Computer Weekly
-
Tech1 week agoAs the Strait of Hormuz Reopens, Global Shipping Will Take Months to Recover
-
Fashion1 week agoCII submits 20-pt agenda to Indian govt to back firms hit by Iran war
-
Tech7 days agoThis AI Button Wearable From Ex-Apple Engineers Looks Like an iPod Shuffle
-
Politics6 days agoIndian airlines hit hardest after Dubai limits foreign flights until May 31