NEW DELHI : Anticipating a muted festive and wedding season, fashion designers and ethnic apparel brands are cutting back on inventory and toning down designs as shoppers opt for small social gatherings and scrimp on discretionary expenses. Apparel retailers, especially those selling formal or heavy ethnic wear, are bearing the brunt of the pandemic-led lockdown, economic slump and potential annihilation of the big fat Indian wedding, which has severely impacted their revenues. The festivities, which coincides with the wedding season is staring at a sombre consumer mood. “Individual fashion designers’ business has been badly hit by the pandemic," said Monisha Jaising, a Mumbai-based designer who offers ready-to-wear, pret and bridal couture. She said the market for Indian designers, who thrive on the big fat Indian wedding, has crashed this year.

Source: Mint September 11, 2020 11:15 UTC