CMAI honours apparel industry veterans for their contributions

The CMAI presented its ‘CMAI’s Apex Awards 2015’ for excellence in the apparel industry on October 28 after seven years. Through these awards, CMAI recognised the contribution of individuals to boost India’s flourishing garments industry. As Rahul Mehta, President CMAI explained, “We have managed to revive the awards. That’s significant. I have always felt this was one of the important activities of the association and the industry.” The coveted ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ was presented to Meena Bindra, Chairperson, BIBA. Besides her, CMAI also presented awards for excellence in 25 categories in the apparel industry.

Mehta says, “The awards were fair and transparent but the criteria can be tweaked and improved for next year. We have covered the MBO segment, the LFS segment but could not arrive at a methodology for EBOs. We are looking at that, while planning to make this an annual affair.”

CMAI appreciates work of industry veterans

Jayesh Shah, Chairman, Apex Award sub-committee points out ‘The Apex Awards’ were presented based on the findings of a research conducted by Nielsen India. The President’s award for outstanding contribution by a CMAI member to the industry was given to Ashok Shah, Chairman of CMAI fair sub-committee for his initiatives in taking the ‘National Garment Fair’ to a new level.

The award for ‘The Clothing Company of the Year –Domestic’ went to Arvind Lifestyle Brands and ‘The Clothing Company of the Year – Exports’ award was bagged by Shahi Exports from Faridabad. The IVY League award for ‘The Most Admired Clothing Company of the Year (Small & Medium) was presented to Pragati Fashions. “The Apex Awards are happening after seven years. US Polo Assn is a successful brand in India. In the last five years, no brand has achieved a turnover like this brand did. It is widely accepted and is available in almost more than 2,000 point of sales now but did not bag any award. So that’s a bit disappointing. However, the plus side is Arvind is doing great right now. I have been with Arvind for the last 12 years so it’s a very proud moment to see Arvind becoming the clothing company of the year,” said Alok Dubey, CEO, US Polo Assn, after receiving the awards on behalf of the company as well as J Suresh. “Suresh has been instrumental in the turnaround of the company since 2006. We have seen his vision, the way he articulated and executed his vision along with the team. It is also a great honour that he got the ‘Professional of the Year’ award,” added Dubey.

Designer and entrepreneur Anita Dongre was honoured with ‘The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ award. ‘The Retail Professional of the Year’ title was bagged by Vasanth Kumar, Executive Director of Max Retail. “The Apex Awards are among the best in the industry. The selection is done in a professional manner. The team effort over the last 10 years has been recognised. Max is Rs 1,800 crores company and we are in 50 cities. We have a customer base of five million,” avers Vasanth Kumar on winning the ‘Retail Professional of the Year award.

Manohar Chatlani of SOCH was presented ‘The Retail Entrepreneur of the Year’ award. ‘The Distributor of the Year’ award went to Arihant Marketing of Guwahati and ‘The Brand Professional of The Year’ award was presented to J Suresh of Arvind Lifestyles. Ravi Modi of Manyavar was honoured with ‘The Brand Entrepreneur of the Year’ award.

Leading apparel brands bag coveted titles

‘The Brand of the Year-Kidswear’ title went to Gini & Jony and the ‘Brands of the Year Award Men’s & Women’s Innerwear’ went to Jockey. BIBA was chosen ‘The Brand of the Year- Women’s Indian Ethnic’, and ‘The Brand of the Year-Women’s Western Wear’ was won by Deal. “When you get an award, everyone starts expecting a lot from you. So you have to be on your toes and be innovative and different to stand out amid the competition,” said Sameer Patel, Director of Deal said

‘The Brand of the Year-Men’s Indian Ethnic Wear’ was conferred to Manyavar and ‘The Brand of the Year-Denim Wear’ was Levi’s. ‘The Brand of the Year - Men’s Formal Wear Award went to Louis Philippe and for Men’s Casual Wear to Mufti. The IVY League Award for the Most Admired Kids Wear Brand (Small & Medium) went to Blazo and The IVY League Award for the Most Admired Women’s Wear Brand (Small & Medium) went to Dressline along with ‘The IVY League Award for the Most Admired Men’s Wear Brand (Small & Medium)’ to Nostrum.

“It feels nice to get the award from CMAI,” opined Niyam Kiran Haria, Director, Blazo, adding, “Now we want to reach the next step to be one of the big brands. So we will bring changes in our product range and moving forward our way of doing business is going to be different.”

The Jury Award for ‘The Student Designer of the Year’ went to Anshika Goyal of NIFT, Mumbai. The evening of celebration was graced by Kavita Gupta, IAS, Textile Commissioner, B.S. Nagesh-Founder, TRRAIN, Vijayalaxmi Poddar, Viren Shah, Rakesh Biyani of Future Group and other stalwarts of the Indian apparel industry.