Gurgaon-based Fashion Accessories is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of home textiles and accessories out of India, in its category of business. The company is completing 2 decades of its inception later this year.
The company’s journey of 20 years is quite eventful and inspiring, as it started operations with a garage and today it has reached a turnover of US $ 43 million, and boasts of a team of 2,100 people. Under the fine leadership of Chandrika Thatai, Co-founder, the operations of Fashion Accessories are spread over five production facilities, covering an area of approximately 7,00,000 sq. ft. The company further expects to grow at 10-15 per cent Y-o-Y.
This remarkable growth is achieved through latest technology, people first HR policies, sustainability methods, extensive dedication on product development, strong focus on compliance and best services to the prestigious clients of the company.
Use of advanced technology is one of the biggest strengths of Fashion Accessories, as its production facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art inspection machines, end cutters, fusing machines, an automated workstation for drape hem cutting and computerised quilting machine along with ironing, dry-cleaning and washing stations.
Focusing on employee welfare is also a priority for Fashion Accessories, as it strongly believes that the core of an organisation is not its heavy-duty machinery or innovative technology; it is its people. Through its operations and innovations, projects, social responsibilities and work-life balance, the company ensures that its employees flourish in an environment that encourages them.
Chandrika leads the design development team that constantly works on the latest fashion trends. The company combines global experiences and extraordinary talent to develop products using innovative fabrics based on the latest colours. “The design aspect of our products reflects who we are and what is important to us. Our design team’s mission is simple – to develop design experiences that are distinctive, compelling and exquisite in quality. Our very strength lies in the exceptional ability to design to suit customer needs using varied fabrics and embroidery techniques, ensuring that their business stands out in the market,” she says.
The company offers duvets, quilts, comforters, slipcovers, decorative cushions, drapes, table linen, scarves, throws, kitchen linen and Christmas products.
Having much focus on compliance, it is certified by Control Union Certifications B.V. to produce organic products under The GOTS and OE programmes. “We are proud to be producing organic products for our esteemed customers for the last 5 years,” says Chandrika.
One of the three manufacturing facilities of Fashion Accessories is certified by Fair Trade USA. As per its policies, a percentage of its sales of one of the brands manufactured in the Fair Trade Approved factory goes towards the welfare of its workers. Upon the processing of every invoice, funds are directly transferred to the workers’ society.
Due to all the above-mentioned strengths, Fashion Accessories is successfully working with some of the top-notch brands in the US, UK and Europe.
Chandrika Thatai, hailing from a fairly affluent family based in Delhi, was introduced to the world of textile upon her marriage to a prominent textile entrepreneur, Anoop Thatai.
Remembering her memories, she shares, “In 2001, we were still working from the garage and spending hours of tireless labour in designing pillows for our clients. The pillows sold like hotcakes and at a mind-blowing rate in the USA.” She realised her full passion for design, as the drive for the same enabled her to proceed to the furnishing line and soon she was able to move to a bigger facility. From there on, she never looked back as ‘the bags became pillows and the pillows exploded into bedding’. Today, she has an aggressively expanding business of bags, beddings and pillows.
Currently, in this pandemic phase, facilities of Fashion Accessories are running with 55 per cent of workforce per shift and it will continue to increase the amount of workforce per shift with the situation getting better.
The company has implemented strict deep cleaning and disinfection procedures, social distancing measures and has made it mandatory for all employees to wear masks within the facility. Additionally, safety measures have been implemented for employee hygiene and well-being, onsite facilities.
Fashion Accessories has taken proactive measures to manage its cash flows, worked in a dynamic fashion with its suppliers and clients, and ensured all its employees are well taken care of. The overall strategy is to focus on its strengths and continue to provide its best services and continue to grow its business. The management is optimistic of new opportunities in various categories of product and synergies.
“Business is important to us and we are leveraging our size, scale and global reach to help ensure business continuity. We are working to complete orders and samples as per the latest required dates,” Chandrika concludes.
The journey and milestones
2000 – Took the first step and started operations with a garage
2002 – Moved to a factory in an industrial zone
2010 – Crossed US $ 10 million turnover
2012 – Exponential Y-o-Y 65 per cent growth
2014 – Started state-of-the-art green manufacturing facility covering 1,25,000 sq. ft.
2015 – Crossed turnover of US $ 30 million
Implemented ERP for efficient and lean management
Fair Trade Initiative
New display studio
Collaborated with renowned textile conglomerates of the country
2017 – Introduced the embroidery unit
2020 – Implemented sustainable methods of production
