MAS group launches own label in August

By Antony Motha

Sri Lanka's US$ 2.5 billion clothing industry finally seems poised to make the transition from tailoring to building brands through the country’s biggest garments’ group, MAS Holdings.

Ajay Amalean, Managing Director of MAS Corporate Solutions, told The Sunday Times FT the group intends to launch its own signature lingerie label in India in August, perfectly timed to capitalize on India 's Diwali season, which is characterized by high retail spending.

Amalean added, "India is a growing market and the Indian woman deserves better… Our basic philosophy is to cater to customers' requirements."

And what about the Sri Lankan woman? “The same label will be launched locally during October/ November this year, in time for the Christmas shopping spree,” Amalean said adding that some marketing elements would be in place by May. MAS was, until recently, in talks with Vanina Vesperini of France to buy her brand outright. However, Amalean disclosed that MAS has shelved that plan since, finding it not feasible. "We have decided against buying the brand", he disclosed, "but will use her skills as and when we need designs."

MAS Holdings, the largest supplier to Victoria 's Secret, has a presence in eight countries.