Raymonds Offers New Work from Home in Style and Comfort Outfits

 As we witness couches, dining tables, bedrooms transform into work spaces, and log on to video conferencing for our daily professional interactions, what we wear during the work hours has also become essential.

The right outfit is not only comfortable, but also helps us don a professional look, creating a formidable impression and setting the right mental state to get down to business. With this in mind, Raymond brands including Park Avenue, ColorPlus, Parx, and Ethnix have launched exclusive Work-from-Home collections, to keep you ready to handle every work situation from home.

“Working all day from home is new for most us, and it is very crucial that we don the right attire during work hours not only to look sharp but also feel comfortable wearing them all day. Our work-from-home collection has been designed specifically keeping the needs of the new-age professionals in mind, as it weaves together styling with comfort.”, says Mr. Suman Saha, COO, Group Apparel.

Chic cotton shirts are wardrobe staples - especially in case of work-from-home, for those sales pitches you want to nail or the team meetings you want to shine in. The Prime Shirts Collection from Park Avenue with 100% cotton shirts is the perfect choice to get that pro look along with the comfort to wear it all day long. But getting the perfect fit in trousers can get tricky in times like these when staying home might have taken a toll on one’s size. Countering this problem effortlessly is the Auto-fit Trouser Collection by Park Avenue. As the name suggests, these trousers auto adjust your size gain or loss, making them more comfortable and long lasting.

It is also essential to stay refreshed all day long while working from home. The more refreshed you feel, the more productive you will be. Delivering this freshness and unmatched comfort with it’s sweat-proof attribute is the Cool Max Collection by ColorPlus, that includes shirts and tees.

Some days you might prefer something more relaxed, but still want a professional edge to your look. The colorful Polo Collection from ColorPlus, and Cool T-shirts from Parx and Park Avenue bring just that to the table – basic, yet amazingly comfortable, trendy and perfect for work. Pair these with the trendy Chinos from ColorPlus, Parx and Park Avenue, and you have added the perfect new-age work-from-home staples to your wardrobe.

Variety is absolutely needed, not only in life experiences but also in clothing. Adding variation from the western attire is Ethnix, with a range of classy kurtas, in subtle colors for the desi look, and all-day comfort.  

As long as this lockdown extends or even after, these comfortable, trendy and functional outfits are sure to turn heads and keep your productivity always on high. Now is definitely the time to upgrade your wardrobe with the Work-from-home collections by these Raymond brands, giving you an assurity on quality and style, as well as flexibility in pricing. Suiting your pocket, you can cruise through a range of outfits, starting from just Rs. 699. Check them out on myraymond.com.

Peter England and HeiQ, Switzerland Jointly Launch Innovative Antiviral Collection Including Work Wear, Lounge Wear and Face Masks

Peter England, a leading international menswear brand from the house of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd, is set to offer a fashionable and stylish collection with virus and bacteria resistant properties. The brand has collaborated with Switzerland-based HeiQ, a global leader in textile innovation, to bring the unique HeiQ Viroblock® fabric technology to India. Under this collection, Peter England will be launching work wear, lounge wear and face masks to meet complete lifestyle demands of the new-age consumer.

The HeiQ Viroblock® fabric is specially infused with virus resistant properties to ensure safety by inhibiting the persistence and growth of viruses and bacteria on its surface. For masks, the fabric retains these properties up to 30 gentle washes*. For apparel, the fabric retains these properties up to 20 gentle washes*.

Elaborating on the launch, Manish Singhai, COO, Peter England, “Safety and protection has never been more important than it is today, given the current situation which the entire world is facing. Peter England has a rich and strong legacy of introducing innovative products catering to spoken and unspoken needs of today’s consumers. We’re happy to announce our partnership with HeiQ, one of the world’s leading textile innovator from Switzerland, to launch our range of apparel and masks enriched with virus and bacteria resistant properties. We will be launching work wear, face masks and lounge wear in phases to address the country’s need for protection and safety. We believe that this new technology is a breakthrough in the lifestyle category and will bring us closer to the hearts of the consumers.”

In addition to the antiviral technology, Peter England has independently enhanced their mask offering with droplet resistant finish & Smart Straps. The droplet repellent finish makes the fabric hydrophobic. This repels contagious droplets on the masks’ outer surface, making it a perfect shield for the consumer. The smart straps used in the mask have a soft-finish and three-way adjustment to provide comfort, fit and a choice to carry the mask around the neck ,when not in use. Face contour design with chin mask and nose-clip make the mask sit over the consumer’s face comfortably. All these power-packed features come in varied styles and patterns, making this a comprehensive offering for protection, comfort and style in one go.

Co-founder and CEO of HeiQ Group, Carlo Centonze stated, “The team at Peter England undertook a through yet rapid learning about HeiQ Viroblock technology in order to quickly adapt it into their offerings, both in fashion masks and apparels. We worked closely with the teams to ensure that products that they have launched are fully validated in their performance to ensure that our stakeholders in India have the opportunity to add these fashionable article for their day to day protection from the current pandemic.”

Peter England’s new collection is currently available at www.peterengland.com and will shortly be available across the country through the brand’s retail network of outlets and multi-brand counters.

*Disclaimer: The fabric used in these products is treated with HeiQ Viroblock Swiss Technology that is tested to provide resistance against common viruses and bacteria, based on AATCC 100 and ISO18184 global testing methods, up to 30 gentle washes in masks & up to 20 gentle washes in apparel. Resistance to COVID-19 is yet to be assessed.

About Peter England:

Peter England is one of the most loved and largest menswear brands in India. It sells more than 14 million garments every year across 1000+ exclusive stores, 3500+ Multi‐brand outlets and across 800+ towns. The brand also holds a strong e-commerce presence. Peter England has been voted as India's Most Trusted Apparel Brand for 7 consecutive years by the Economic Times Brand Equity Survey. The brand is committed to offering varied styles across categories starting at an attractive price point of Rs. 999. Peter England was first launched in India by Madura Fashion and Lifestyle (previously known as Madura Garments) in the mid‐price segment in 1997; the company acquired the world rights for the brand in 2000. What began as a brand of honest shirts in 1997, in India, is today a complete lifestyle brand with merchandise available for every day and for all special occasions. The brand’s formal wear range of crisp formal shirts, well-tailored suits, jackets & trousers combines high fashion, impeccable fits along with a wide selection of highly curated looks for modern professionals. The casual wear range is a highly eclectic line of washed cotton shirts, denims, cargo bottoms, graphic tees, polos & winter-wear. The ‘Select’ line brings together premium formal wear with emphasis on fine detailing with a hint of color, comfort and panache. While the assorted collection of ties, pocket squares, belts, wallets and footwear assert a distinctive style statement, the finely crafted vests, boxer shorts and briefs from the newly launched innerwear line ensures highest comfort and great fit. While the brand continues to expand across India, they introduced a brand new retail identity called the Peter England Men’s Obsession, which is a large format store housing over 2000+ unique designs at an unmatched value, all the while delivering a young, vibrant shopping experience for all.

About ABFRL:

ABFRL is a part of USD 48.3 billion Aditya Birla Group. With revenue of Rs. 8,743 cr. spanning retail space of 8.1 million sq. ft. (as on March 31, 2020), it is India’s first billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.

Loyal Textile Mills Launches First Reusable PPE with Triple Viral Shield Technology in India

Loyal Textile Mills Limited today launched VIRAL SHIELD a Line of Covid-19 Anti-Viral, Reusable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Masks and Protective Fashion Wear Range. The series has been launched in collaboration with Reliance Industries India and HeiQ from Switzerland. This PPE emerges as the World’s first Reusable PPE that has passed the Viral Penetration Test, Synthetic Blood penetration test and the SBPR test.

Triple shield protection

i) R|Elan™ FeelFresh fabric which is inherently anti-microbial inhibiting bacterial and viral* growth

ii) HeiQ Viroblock anti-viral treatment on the fabric

iii) Viral barrier PU film lamination for the first time in the world.

Loyal has strived hard to innovate a range of products that would meet the current demand for reliable and reusable protective gears during this Covid-19 pandemic. Loyal Textile Mills Limited collaborated with Reliance Industries India and HeiQ from Switzerland to innovate this reusable protective PPE, mask and fashion wear.

R|ElanTM FeelFresh (from Reliance Industries India) fibre used in manufacturing this fabric is inherently anti-microbial that inhibits any viral* or bacterial growth. The fabric is then specially treated with “HeiQ Viroblock” a latest technology innovation from Switzerland, proven to have astounding Anti-Viral efficacy of 99.99% against Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19).

Loyal Textile Mills limited has engineered the fabric with a Viral Barrier PU film lamination from Taiwan that adds up as another powerful protective later.

Launching the triple viral shield products from Loyal’s signature brand SUPERA SHIELDTM, Mrs. Valli M Ramaswami, Chairperson of Loyal Textile Mills Ltd., said “Loyal Textile Mills Ltd has a heritage of 125 years of continuous existence in Indian Textile Industry. Our R&D Centre recognised by the Government of India and Technical teams have 27 years of experience in Technical Textiles. During Feb/ March 2020, Loyal Management team felt the need to join the war against COVID-19 Pandemic and designed Reusable Masks and PPE Kits and today has reached a stage of offering a range of PPE clothing, masks and a range of fashion wear and casual wear, which have a triple protection technology from viruses and bacteria”.   “This is first of its kind in the world. Guided by the philosophy of our late Chairman Sri Manikam Ramaswami, we will continue to keep abreast of the technology and add several more firsts to our credit, as in the past”, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dhamodaraswamy Devadas, Chief Technology and Business Development Officer of Loyal Textiles Mills Limited said, “This reusable PPE products can be washed ten times and sterilized 10 times for reuse. Heat Sealing PU tapes have been used to seal the seams. All the three  components of the PPE have been tested and passed for Viral Penetration test ASTM F 1671 – 2013, Synthetic Blood penetration test ASTM F 1670/F and the seams have passed SBPR test ASTM 1670-08 (2014). This is the World’s first Reusable PPE that has passed the Viral Penetration Test. ” 

Mr. Dhamodaraswamy Devadas, also added, “SS 95 medical respiratory type Mask launched today is a Reusable N95 type of mask with the same level of protection of 95% Particulate Filtration Efficiency and 99.9% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency. These masks are treated with HeiQ Viroblock and have the inner layers powered by R|Elan™ FeelFresh woven fabric that are inherently antimicrobial. Loyal is also launching an antiviral fashion wear range with an emphasis on safety and style for domestic and export markets.”

Talking about the collaboration to reach out to the Indian consumers, Mr Gunjan Sharma, CMO, Reliance Polyester said, “We are pleased to join hands with Loyal Textile Mills Ltd, a pioneering player in Indian Technical Textile industry to support them launch Masks and PPE kits powered by R|Elan™ FeelFresh fabric. This collaboration underlines the performance that R|Elan™ FeelFresh fabric provides to the consumer in improving wellness and hygiene through its inherent antimicrobial attribute.”

Mr. Carlo Centonze, CEO and co-founder of HeiQ Viroblock, highlighted the special features of HeiQ Viroblock “HeiQ Viroblock was recently tested at one of the world’s leading virology institutes and showed  99.99% reduction of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in 30 minutes. Its synergistic dual mode of action leaves viruses no chance and can enhance the protection factor of a mask by a factor 100. Tested repeatedly by industry standards such as the ISO 18184 and ISO 20743, it is effective against all enveloped viruses, bacteria and fungi. This novel Swiss technology uses 100% skin proved hypoallergenic cosmetic ingredients and features a 72% bio-based renewable content. HeiQ Viroblock respirator masks have recently been approved by the US FDA under EUA. The technology is registered by the US EPA (FIFRA), EU BPR (REACH) and JP MITI and is homologized with ZDHC, Oekotex and Bluesign.”

Explaining the salient features of the Reusable PPE Gown set Prof. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design said, “The design features include - Easy donning and quick doffing without any assistance and without any danger of touching the inner garments or skin; a full head cover offering full protection for head, face and neck region; and Shoe covers up to the knee. Special

ergonomic features have been incorporated to assist operations like Thumb loops, Side knots and longer length of the gown. A unique aspect of the design is that they have been sized as per Indian body shapes and so do not face any problem of bulk & overflowing as is faced in imported PPEs.”

Mr. Valerio Cagnoli, Director of Gruppo P&P Loyal S.p.A., Italy, a joint venture company of Loyal Textile said, “We operate mainly in Italy with a focus to European markets. With the help of Loyal Textile we developed many technical fabrics which allowed us to get very important clients. Some of our fabrics are cutting-edge innovations in the fire protection field. We succeed in this field mostly thanks to the wish and will of the former chairman of Loyal Textile Mr. Manikam Ramaswami. Still today I personally follow his philosophy not to be second to anyone in the safety of human workers. We need to highlight the HeiQViroblock and the R|Elan FeelFresh performance along with the opportunity of 10 times washes of the products. We congratulate Loyal’s R&D team for their success in coming out with the Virus penetration Resistant PPE by using a Special Virus PU Barrier film.”

A ramp walk by the staff and workers of Loyal showcasing the antiviral products made by them & a Dance titled ‘Kirumi Nashini’ were the other highlights of the launch event.

Will Fujitsu cut 1,750 jobs?

Japan's Fujitsu Ltd announced plans to axe 1,750 jobs in the Philippines, blaming the global economic downturn.

Workers have been offered early retirement packages to leave Fujitsu Computer Products Corp, which makes disk drives, said Ernesto Espinosa, a manager.

"We launched a voluntary leaving programme and the reason for this is that because of the global recession," he said.

Labour Secretary Marianito Roque told reporters the government had been notified of the plan, which takes effect on April 18.

He said this brought the number of Filipinos who had lost their jobs since the financial crisis unfolded last year to about 45,000. The government expects 800,000 people to lose jobs, mainly in the electronics and clothing sectors, before the downturn eases.

About nine million Filipinos, or 10 per cent of the population, were without jobs or underemployed, the government announced.

Espinosa said Fujitsu failed to save the jobs despite earlier efforts to cut working hours and overtime pay, which drastically reduced employees' salaries.

"Because of that we have no other choice but to offer voluntary separation," he added. About 2,900 other workers will remain with the company, based in Calamba town, south of Manila, he said.

Fujitsu announced in Japan last month that it would sell an 80 per cent stake to Japanese rival Toshiba Corp.

Agencies