The global collaboration is for fostering a better tomorrow
Made-in-India face mask & athleisure clothing will be the first offering to be launched under this collaboration
inStem is an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India
Mumbai; December 1, 2020: - Van Heusen, India’s leading power dressing brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., has entered into a collaborative agreement with Color Threads Inc. to launch inStem’s ‘G-Fab’ Technology in India. Through this collaboration Van Heusen is launching a premium quality Made-in-India mask & athleisure clothing powered by G99+ antiviral™️ to meet the current demands of the new-age consumer. The mask & athleisure products are manufactured using the ‘G-Fab Technology’ licensed from inStem; an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology and further developed by Color Threads Inc. The technology has been developed at Dr. Praveen Kumar Vemula’s lab at inStem.
inStem is the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The current situation augers the need to emphasize on ‘Make in India’, and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of Government of India.
Color Threads is an incubatee at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP). C-CAMP an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India is an enabler or catalyst of cutting-edge research and innovation in India
Van Heusen Mask powered by G99+ antiviral™️ is manufactured using inStem’s Germicidal fabric technology which reduces >90% and 99.99% of **SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity in 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. *When the virus comes in contact with the fabric, the treatment reduces the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, which is tested under lab conditions as per modified ISO 18184 protocol at an independent biotechnology research laboratory, an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. **It is known that SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for COVID-19. The mask is washable and reusable up to 30 washes subject to wash care instructions being followed.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Puneet Kumar Malik, CEO, Van Heusen Innerwear and Athleisure said, “We are delighted to be associated with institutes that are working towards creating solutions in the fight against the pandemic that the world is tackling. Contemplating the unprecedented times that we are encountering, our primary line of defense is taking necessary preventive measures, one of which includes wearing masks while stepping out. Through our association, we intend to introduce a face mask which has become a necessity in our lives. Van Heusen Mask powered by G99+ antiviral™️ offers quality, comfort, and affordability. This will also be followed with the launch of athleisure wear for men & women which are powered by G99+ antiviral™️ that offer protection, style & comfort.”
Ms. Roshni Lelani, Chief Business Officer of Color Threads said, “We are an innovative textile company that unites science and fashion to make the impact on society. As a part of our effort to tackle the pandemic crisis, Color Threads has licensed the G-fab technology from inStem, and further refined and developed into a market-ready-solution. We are delighted to partner with ABFRL to bring G-fab technology into the market through ABFRL’s massive network.”
Van Heusen Mask powered by G99+ antiviral™️ is available in a free size. The brand is offering the mask for both men and women with special packaging.
The brand will be deploying its strong and wide retail presence of 19,000+ multi brand retailers, 500+ Key Department Stores, 260 Planet Fashion stores, 350+ Van Heusen Mainline stores, 46 exclusive Van Heusen Innerwear stores, and Key E-Commerce platforms to ensure that the masks & athleisure clothing are available to consumers across the country.
Disclaimer: This textile article treated with G-Fab technology does not claim to prevent, treat, mitigate, diagnose, or cure any disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus. The manufacturer makes no warranties, either express or implied, that the mask prevents infection or the transmission of viruses or diseases. This mask is not for medical use.
About Van Heusen:
Van Heusen is India's No. 1 premium lifestyle brand for professionals. With a rich heritage of 128 years in United States of America, the brand entered India in 1990. Over a period of its 25 years of history in India, Van Heusen has emerged as a fashion authority for the ever-evolving Indian consumer and has established itself as the one stop destination for the latest trends. Today, Van Heusen is not only the most preferred work wear brand, but also effortlessly straddles across the entire spectrum of occasions like casuals, ceremonial and party wear.
About ABFRL:
ABFRL is a part of USD 48.3 billion Aditya Birla Group. With revenue of Rs. 8,788 cr. spanning retail space of 8.1 million sq. ft. (as on March 31, 2020), it is India’s first billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.
The Company has a network of 3,031 stores, presence across approximately 25,000 multi-brand outlets with 6,500+ point of sales in department stores across India.
It has a repertoire of leading brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England established for over 25 years. Pantaloons is one of India’s largest fast fashion store brand.
The Company also holds exclusive online and offline rights to the India network of California-based fast fashion brand Forever 21. The International Brands portfolio boasts of - The Collective, India's largest multi-brand retailer of international brands, Simon Carter and select mono-brands such as American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker and Fred Perry.
Van Heusen Innerwear, Athleisure and Active wear is establishing itself as India's most innovative and fashionable brand. Additionally, the company closed two strategic investments in branded ethnic wear business with Jaypore and Shantanu & Nikhil.
For further information, please contact: Janet Arole | AVP & Head, Corporate Communications, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited | janet.arole@abfrl.adityabirla.com
