Lectra brings fashion’s digital turning point to New Delhi as Daniel Harari engages India’s apparel leaders
As global apparel manufacturing faces continued pressure from tariff volatility, shifting trade routes, rising production costs and shrinking margins, digital transformation is fast becoming the defining factor for competitiveness and long-term resilience.
Recognising this moment of change, Lectra hosted an exclusive industry evening in New Delhi, bringing together senior leaders from India’s apparel manufacturing, export and sourcing ecosystem. The event marked the first visit to New Delhi by Daniel Harari, Chairman and CEO of Lectra, reinforcing India’s strategic role in the global apparel and fashion supply chain.
The visit focused on meaningful engagement with key stakeholders from the Indian apparel industry, with discussions centred on current challenges, evolving buyer expectations and the future of technology-led manufacturing. Industry leaders welcomed the opportunity to exchange insights on navigating global uncertainty through smarter, more connected operations.
Conversations throughout the evening highlighted how digitalisation is enabling apparel exporters to respond to shorter production cycles, complex compliance requirements and growing demand for transparency and sustainability. With international buyers prioritising speed, traceability and responsible sourcing, manufacturers are increasingly turning to data-driven decision-making, automation and intelligent systems to strengthen operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Daniel Harari emphasised India’s importance to Lectra’s global growth strategy. He noted that as uncertainty becomes the new normal, apparel manufacturers must balance cost control, profitability and sustainability. Industry 4.0-powered solutions, he explained, help fashion brands and manufacturers improve agility, reduce waste and make more informed decisions across the value chain. Drawing on Lectra’s expertise across fashion, furniture and automotive sectors, he reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to supporting digital transformation in India.
Offering an industry-wide perspective, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, spoke about the growing impact of digital technology on apparel design, manufacturing and marketing. He highlighted the role of AI-led design development, 3D sampling, digital product development and data-driven demand forecasting in making the fashion industry faster, more responsive and globally competitive.
For Indian apparel exporters, he noted, digital transformation is a strategic necessity rather than a choice. Beyond improving efficiency, technology plays a critical role in enhancing transparency, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices and integrating Indian suppliers more closely with global value chains. He also acknowledged the importance of platforms like the Lectra industry evening in fostering collaboration and aligning technology with the evolving needs of the apparel sector.
The evening opened with welcome remarks and theme-setting insights by Manish Ranade, Managing Director, Lectra India. The formal inauguration followed, led by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Daniel Harari, Frederic Adrien Morel, President Asia Pacific, Lectra, and Lalit Thukral, President, Noida Apparel Export Cluster. The leaders collectively underlined India’s expanding role in global apparel sourcing and the urgency of adopting digital solutions in the face of geopolitical shifts and tariff-related disruptions.
A major highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “How Digitalisation is Changing the Paradigms of the Fashion Industry.” The session featured industry veterans Anil Peshawari of Meenu Creations, Prashant Agarwal of Wazir Advisors, Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General of AEPC, and Roberto De Almeida, Business Development Director – Fashion at Lectra. The panel explored how digital tools can help apparel manufacturers mitigate tariff impact through productivity improvements, smarter planning, automation and reduced material waste.
The event saw strong participation from leading apparel exporters and industry stakeholders, including HKL Magu of Jyoti Apparels, Rohit Joshi of Impulse, and representatives from Radnik Exports, Ginza Industries, Radiant Exports, Modelama Exports, Gokaldas Exports, FA Home & Apparel Pvt. Ltd., Cantabil and Dhruv Global Ltd. The evening was co-hosted by IIGM and Perfect Sourcing, further strengthening industry collaboration.
Positioned at the intersection of fashion, technology and manufacturing, the Lectra industry evening in New Delhi reflected a broader shift underway in the apparel sector. As digitalisation reshapes global fashion supply chains, events like these signal how Indian apparel manufacturers are preparing to meet future challenges with agility, innovation and technology-led confidence.
