(Filed Under wholesale Lingerie News). Aakar is an intimate apparel producer based in Noida, India that has low minimum order requirements and has built a strong following among specialty stores in this country. BODY’s associate publisher Ted Vayos interviewed founder and designer Aayuushi Agarwal.

VAYOS: How many workers does your factory have in India?

AGARWAL: We have an in-house design, development, research and sampling house with a team of 15 plus people. All high end garments are made in house plus at contractual manufacturing facilities. 

VAYOS: What is your minimum order quantity?

AGARWAL: 25 pieces per style per color is the minimum quantity to be ordered.

VAYOS: Do all of your garments come tagged with the customers branded name and other key information like “dry clean only” or washing information?

AGARWAL: Yes, garments which are selected from Aakar’s look book have the customer’s brand name, “Designed By Aakar,” and Made In India” on the main label. Wash care label includes the details as per the fabric and style. In the case of a design supplied by a client that does not include design inputs from us, the main label includes the customer’s brand name and “Made In India.”

VAYOS: For what type of customers do you produce private label?

AGARWAL: We provide private label services to speciality boutiques, stores, small department store chains and the wholesale luxury brands, who are interested to bring new trends and designer items on their shelves.

VAYOS: How did you start working with retailers’ stores in the United States?

AGARWAL: Initially we started mailing the boutiques for the private label services, through which we got our first client Ms. Edna Turner of Unique Lingerie. Later that year we participated in Curve New York which became a very good platform to meet more boutiques and specialty stores looking to have their own label on the products they sell in their store.

VAYOS: What types of products is your company producing?

AGARWAL: At Aakar, we deal with intimate apparel, night wear, loungewear and a small segment of lingerie. Robes and body suits are the best selling items. We are currently producing in all ranges of fabrics, like silk, satin, cotton, etc.

VAYOS: How does a new customer get started?

AGARWAL: We like to learn what our client wants from us and understand their technical needs. Once we understand the requirement, we send our look book for the selection of styles. We even help the client with the selection of styles, as each style may or may not work with the client’s needs. After the selection, if the client wants us to send the samples first before the production, it’s done on payment basis. Upon the final approval and the confirmation of the advance, we dispatch the goods between 30-90 days depending upon the style and quantities and delivery needs. 

VAYOS: Do you have a look book of products you are producing private label for customers?

AGARWAL: Yes, we provide our clients with our collection.

VAYOS: Is there a difference in producing look book products for clients and custom work?

AGARWAL: Yes, many times clients make some changes in the styles given in look book products. In any case, we require the minimum quantity of 25 pieces per style per color. Prices will be quoted as per the work required by the client. Prices of styles given in the look book are pre determined. 

VAYOS: Do customers have to visit your factory in India or can you work long distance with stores and brands?

AGARWAL: Clients don’t have to visit us in India. We can work long distance with stores and brands.

VAYOS: Do you source the fabrics and other components for customers or do they have to buy it and ship to you?

AGARWAL: We do all the sourcing, unless the client wants us to use their fabric in very specific cases. 

VAYOS: What is your typical turn around time for your look book private label production?

AGARWAL: 60-90 days depending upon the style and quantities. Exceptions are always there. 

more wholesale Lingerie News >>

Published 02-20-2019 by Ted Vayos