Brands
ACC Trust’s social aid to migrant labourers, underprivileged
NEW DELHI: Businesses not only have access to several resources but also outreach to distribute them within the society. In times of crisis, it becomes their responsibility to contribute not only towards the economy directly but also to help the society stand on its feet. Keeping this in mind, the ongoing Covid2019 crisis saw ACC Ltd taking several initiatives to contribute to the goodwill of the whole society.
The brand’s CSR head Kurian Chandapillai tells Indiantelevision.com that the brand has spent close to Rs 5 crore under the aegis of ACC Trust to help migrant labourers and villagers near its plants in the past few weeks. It has also partnered with Ambuja Cement in several initiatives to support the needy in these tough times.
“We have been doing CSR activities for close to four decades now, even before it was legally mandated in India. The ACC Trust was started a few years ago to take on our social initiatives. We were very active during the recent Kerala, Orissa and Bihar floods for rehabilitation and relief drives. “We have partnered with several women self-help groups and NGOs to support the community,” Chandapillai elaborates.
During the crisis, the brand has worked on several initiatives including awareness campaigns in 93 villages across 11 states, disinfection drives benefitting over 3,75,000 people, production and distribution of face masks under alternative livelihood centres (DISHA), and distribution of more than 10,000 packets of provisions and food to migrant labourers and the disadvantaged. The women at SHGs also produced and sold sanitizers to keep themselves financially stable in the crisis.
Chandapillai says: “We have also partnered with three NGOs, Goonj, Roti Bank and Praja foundation, for taking our initiatives to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Also, we have been supplying ventilators, in collaboration with Ambuja Cement, to hospitals in Mumbai and Gujarat.”
All these drives were organised keeping in mind social distancing norms. All the members going on the ground were given clean pairs of protective gears every day. It was ensured that no one defied any legal guidelines.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
