Fashion
Heritage-rich Indian carpets poised to tap EU luxury interiors: CEPC
The agreement places strong emphasis on labour-intensive sectors, including handmade carpets, rugs, handicrafts and textile products. For the carpet industry, the removal of tariff barriers is expected to significantly enhance competitiveness in Europe, a market where duties earlier constrained export growth and price positioning.
The India-EU FTA is set to transform India’s handmade carpet industry, with CEPC highlighting tariff elimination as a key enabler for access to premium European markets.
Preferential access is expected to boost price competitiveness, support MSMEs and artisan livelihoods, and reinforce India’s positioning in luxury home décor and sustainable, heritage-led sourcing, CEPC said.
India’s handmade carpet sector, rooted in long-established clusters such as Bhadohi, Mirzapur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Panipat in Haryana, Jaipur and Bikaner in Rajasthan, and Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, has shown resilience despite prolonged global headwinds. With carpets now covered under preferential access, exporters anticipate improved market penetration and renewed momentum across these regions.
CEPC noted that the benefits of the FTA will extend beyond large exporters to MSMEs and rural artisan units engaged in weaving and finishing activities. Easier access to the EU market is expected to boost price competitiveness, strengthen integration with European supply chains and support employment generation, particularly for women and youth in traditional carpet-making clusters. The council also highlighted that Indian carpets with their strong heritage value and design appeal are well positioned to cater to premium home décor and luxury interiors segments in Europe.
Captain Mukesh Kumar Gombar, Chairman, CEPC, said, “The India-EU FTA represents a transformational milestone for our handmade carpet sector. Eliminating tariffs will unlock expanded access to Europe’s large and sophisticated markets, allowing Indian carpets to compete more effectively on value, quality and sustainability. This benefit will be felt across carpet clusters in Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Srinagar, empowering artisans and micro and small exporters to scale new heights of global demand.”
Aslam Mahboob, Vice Chairman, CEPC, added, “With preferential market access under the India-EU FTA, the handmade carpet industry can now look forward to enhanced export prospects, improved price realisation, and deeper engagement with European buyers. This will reinforce India’s position as a trusted supplier of high-quality, handcrafted rugs and carpets and as a partner of choice for sustainable and ethical sourcing.”
CEPC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the agreement and to maximise its benefits for the handmade carpet sector. The council also noted that the FTA aligns with India’s broader India@2047 vision of building a resilient, competitive and inclusive economy, while creating sustainable growth opportunities for traditional and labour-intensive industries such as handmade carpets and rugs.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
Fashion
US brand NikeSKIMS unveils Spring ’26 head-to-toe women’s collection
Crafted to fit every curve, the new Spring line offers a fresh take on performance silhouettes with five apparel collections, the introduction of the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin and updated accessories.
NikeSKIMS will debut its Spring ’26 collection with a head-to-toe system of dress inspired by the modern ballerina.
The range spans five performance-led apparel material stories, updated accessories and the new NikeSKIMS Rift Satin footwear.
Fronted by Lisa and filmed in Paris, the campaign highlights grace, strength and engineered comfort for every body.
“This Spring ‘26 Collection celebrates the timeless poise and elegance of ballerinas but with a distinct modern twist,” says Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, SKIMS. “We obsessed every detail — from the soft lines and feminine colors to the premium materials. Each piece is a statement of beauty and allows women to move with confidence and grace.”
The Spring line offers five material collections across Matte, Stretch Knit, Ribbed Seamless, Weightless Layers and Woven Nylon. The Matte collection includes smooth, sculpting pieces with Dri-FIT technology and two levels of compression. Stretch Knit offers styles that are soft to the touch and lightweight with a flattering drape. The Ribbed Seamless collection includes soft and stretchy ribbed styles with a vintage wash and moisture-wicking tech. Weightless Layers pieces are semi-sheer, ultra-lightweight and feature quick-dry tech. Woven Nylon offers relaxed third layers designed for softness, function and movement.
Also new this season is the NikeSKIMS Rift Satin, which brings the brand’s considered design ethos to footwear. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin features the iconic tabi-toe design of the original Nike Rift, a sleek strap across the midfoot for quick entry and a secure fit, a soft satin upper material, a minimalist midsole and a textured logo outsole. The NikeSKIMS Rift Satin will be available in two colors, Silt Red and Black.
The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection comes to life through a campaign starring LISA of Blackpink. LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: a rapper, singer, dancer, actress and style icon.
“When I’m performing, it’s all about looking great while still being able to move and dance,” says LISA. “The NikeSKIMS collection is so comfortable and light that I feel confident wearing it everywhere — from rehearsals to traveling or even relaxing at home. It’s easy to move in, looks amazing and fits perfectly into my everyday life.”
Directed by Sergio Reis, the campaign film celebrates the grace and strength of motion and form while spotlighting LISA’s artistry and passion for movement and dance. Filmed in Paris, the campaign also features professional ballerinas and dancers who helped bring the Spring ’26 Collection look book to life.
NikeSKIMS offers women a complete system of dress that is built on the strength of both brands. From footwear to foundational pieces and bold silhouettes, every product has been meticulously designed to sculpt and engineered to perform for every body.
“The NikeSKIMS Spring ’26 Collection is a true head-to-toe system of dress, designed to make women feel confident and feminine,” says Jamie Jeffries, VP, Global Apparel, Nike. “We’ve paid attention to every detail — from style and function to comfort — so every piece works together seamlessly. By combining Nike’s expertise in performance innovation with SKIMS’s inclusive fit and sculpting technologies, we’re delivering something truly unique for women everywhere.”
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)
Fashion
South Indian cotton yarn steady ahead of Union Budget
In the Mumbai market, cotton yarn prices did not see significant movement after last week’s rise. The market reported average demand for cotton yarn from the consumer industry. A Mumbai-based trader told Fibre*Fashion, “Cotton yarn demand is expected to improve in the coming weeks. Buyers want to wait for the outcome of the Union Budget, although there is little possibility of major changes for the textile industry. Cash flow is another cause for concern. Traders are diverting funds into precious metals and the stock market for quicker and more lucrative returns, which is slowing payment flows across the textile value chain.”
In Mumbai, ** carded yarn of warp and weft varieties were traded at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.**) and ****;*,***–*,*** per * kg (~$**.**–**.**) (excluding GST), respectively. Other prices include ** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, ** carded weft at ****;*,***–*,*** (~$**.**–**.** per *.* kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, **/** carded warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg and **/** combed warp at ****;***–*** (~$*.**–*.**) per kg, according to trade sources.
Fashion
US’ VF Corporation posts firm Q3 as revenue rises despite Dickies exit
VF Corporation has reported a solid Q3 FY26, with revenue up 1 per cent YoY and 4 per cent excluding Dickies.
Strong holiday demand in the Americas and DTC drove performance.
Operating income and margins improved, supported by lower SG&A.
The North Face and Timberland led brand growth.
The company also announced a $0.09 per share dividend and maintained a positive FY26 outlook.
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