CMAI APEX Awards for excellence in apparel launched

Company press release, March 7, 2003

Mumbai

To foster the spirit of excellence and achievement and to encourage, recognize and reward the best, the Clothing Manufacturer's Association of India (CMAI) has instituted the APEX Awards - for excellence in Apparel. Ratified by the Government of India and the Textile Ministry. The awards were given away at a glittering function presented by Killer Jeans in Mumbai on March 5, 2003. Each winner was presented a uniquely designed Golden Scale Trophy by various dignitaries and celebrities including Shekhar Suman, Hrishita Bhatt, Alka Yagnik, Padmini Kolhapure, Poonam Dhillon, Amar Upadhyaya amongst others. Positioned as the Oscars of the Indian Garment Industry, the entries were judged by an eminent jury panel comprising of luminaries like Pradeep Guha of Bennett Coleman, B.S. Nagesh of Shoppers' Stop, Manish Malhotra, Sanjeev Kapoor, Lubna Adams, Anita Dongre, Sathya Saran of Femina, Chetan Shah of Pepe Jeans, Amar Dutta of NIFT, Anish Trivedi, Priyadarshani Rao amongst others.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Nilesh Mehta, President, CMAI APEX Awards Committee said, For us the Golden Scales are like the Oscars. Winning it means being recognized as being the foremost in this large industry and is a symbol of the excellence the winner has achieved. The Industry has indeed been very happy to receive these National awards which are the only ones recognized by the Government of India. "

Presented by Killer Jeans, the awards nite saw stars of all sorts coming together to create a memorable experience with Roshan Abbas compering the show and performances rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan, Mehghna Naidu, Koena Mitra, Shefali Zariwala, Ishaan Dutta, Sachin Tyagi and others. Top industry models walked the ramp in a unique rendition of an intriguing fashion show choreographed by Sameer Bhayani.

Scripted and Directed by Vinod G. Nair of Clea, the event was supported by brands such as, OOBE, Challenge Trousers, In Orbit Malls and Moksh. The conceptualization of the awards, marketing and management of the event was done by Clea Public Relations.

CMAI is the apex association representing the Indian Garment industry. Established in 1963 it pays a crucial role in promotion and protection of the Garment industry and has been a representative body at various committees constituted by the Government. The Association has on its roll over 1,500 members. Over 17,000 dealers are also associated with the activities of CMAI. The association also organizes the National Garment Fair, which is the largest fair for garment manufacturers in India.

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Anand Iyer

24988669-75

98211-35889