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Superdry has launched its maiden kids wear collection in partnership with retailer Next. The collection will be available on Next's online platform and select UK stores. Under this licensing agreement, the retailer Next will design, manufacture, and distribute the 95-piece collection, created in collaboration with Superdry's design team. The range will include outerwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and dresses for children aged two to ten, drawing inspiration from Superdry's iconic archive styles.
The collection will debut online at Next.co.uk next month, with a physical launch in five selected Next stores in November. Julian Dunkerton, CEO, Superdry, shares, while Next will primarily focus on the UK market, it will also offer the collection to its agents and distributors across Europe starting from January 2025.
Next has been expanding its childrens wear licensing portfolio in recent years, bringing in brands like Clarks, Reebok, and Paul Smith in 2023/24, with All Saints and Superdry joining this year. According to its latest financial results, the retailer’schildrens wear licensing division experienced a 27 per cent increase in full-price sales, reaching £32.7 million for the year ending Jan 27, 2024.
India will export technical textiles worth over $10 billion annually by 2030, said Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh at the inauguration of a conference and exhibition on technical textiles in New Delhi.
The conference and the exhibition were organised by the Ministry of Textiles along with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Indian Technical Textiles Association.
Emphasising on the growing demand and significance of man-made fibres (MMF) and technical textiles both globally and within India, Singh said, to boost this sector, the government has launched the National Technical Textiles Mission and introduced a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for MMF, apparel, and technical textiles. Additionally, it has also sanctioned 156 research projects under the Mission.
Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles, highlighted the initiatives taken by various state governments to attract investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in technical textiles.
Rachna Shah, Union Textiles Secretary, noted, the global trade in technical textiles is valued at approximately $300 billion, with India’s domestic market accounting for $25 billion and annual exports reaching $2.6 billion.
Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary added, the government has issued Quality Control Orders for 57 technical textile items, such as fire retardant furniture fabrics. It has also introduced 37 new Harmonised System (HS) Codes to enhance regulation and standardisation of technical textile products.
Despite receiving a higher bid of £215.5 million from fast-fashion giant Shein and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), Asossold the 75 per cent stake it held in the brands Topshop and Topman to Heartland for £135 million. An investment company, Heartland is the largest shareholder in the online fashion retailer Asos.
Asos opines, its partnership with Heartland will benefit from positive sales of Topshop under its new ownership as the brands will continue to be sold on the Asos website. As part of the joint venture, Asos will retain ‘certain design and distribution rights’ for Topshop and Topman and receive a royalty fee for marketing and selling the brands online.
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte, CEO, Asos, says, the joint venture will help the company strengthen its strategy to offer customers the best of fashion while driving sustainable, profitable growth. The joint venture is a testament to the brands’ potential and will help introduce Topshop and Topman to more customers globally, he states.
With the brand continuing to focus on designing top-quality fashion and being a leading style destination, the joint venture will also open new opportunities for Asos, both online and offline, while securing the best value for its shareholders.
The New York Fashion Week kicked off on Sep 06, 2024 with five menswear designers showcasing their collections, inspired by varied sources such as Zanzibar’s beaches, the 1970s, and personal dreams.
Among these was the debut collection of the Minnesota-based brand Earthling. Titled ‘Doves Cry,’ the collection majorly featured leather and denim. The collection’s designs were shaped by the 1970s and the brand's hometown icon, musician Prince.
Designer Aaron Potts showcased a collection inspired by the natural beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches. The brand also incorporated iridescent organza fabrics to symbolize the shimmering fish found in the waters.
Taking a more introspective approach, designer Clara Son presented a collection that indicated the transformation of her negative emotions into artful fashion.
Other highlights of the fashion week included the debut of a nautical-themed menswear range from the brand, The Salting.
To run till Sep 11, 2024, New York Fashion Week is set to feature approximately 60 designers on the official calendar.
Leading Japanese computerised flat knitting technologist Shima Seiki, in collaboration with its Indian sales representative Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services, will showcase its advanced Mach2XS Whole garment Knitting Machineat the upcoming Garfab-TX Surat exhibition. To be held from Sep 13-15, 2024 in Surat, India, this international trade showwill focus on embroidery, apparel technology, fiber, yarn, fabrics, and accessories.
Equipped with 4 needle beds and Shima Seiki’s innovative Slide Needle, the Mach2XS, is designed to produce high-quality fine gauge Whole garment products using all needles, representing a breakthrough in seamless garment knitting. Additionally, Shima Seiki will also display its N.SVR123SP machine featuring a loop presser bed for inlay techniques. This machine allows for the creation of hybrid fabrics that combine both knit and woven characteristics, while its i-Plating inverse-plating capability enhances patterning possibilities, enabling the production of jacquard-like patterns in lightweight plain jersey stitch.
Both machines boast a range of Shima Seiki’s cutting-edge innovations, including the DSCS Digital Stitch Control System (enhanced with ‘intelligence’ on the Mach2XS), a spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. Renowned for their Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, and productivity, these machines are designed to meet the high expectations of the textile industry in Surat and beyond.
Also featured at the event will be Shima Seiki’s SDS-O APEX4 3D design system, which will offer demonstrations on the creative side of fashion. This system covers everything from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling, an accurate digital version of physical samples, reduces time, cost, and waste materials, transforming the sample-making process. The SDS-ONE APEX4 supports digital prototyping across various applications, including flat knitting, weaving, pile weaving, circular knitting, and embroidery, helping to drive sustainable manufacturing in the fashion supply chain.
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) is set to host the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit on Sep 17, 2024, at the Lakshmipat Singhania Auditorium in New Delhi. This annual flagship event aims to bring together key stakeholders from the textile industry to explore innovative solutions for creating a more sustainable future.
The summit is expected to attract over 200 participants, including representatives from textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters, traders, supply chain managers, compliance officers, environmental consultants, research institutions, technology providers, retailers, and leading brands.
The keynote address for the inaugural session will be delivered by Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Titled, ‘The Urgency for Sustainable Textile Solutions and Future Opportunities,’ this session will explore the economic and environmental impacts of the current textile industry, global sustainability trends, consumer demands, government policies, and the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable textile future.
Prajakta L Verma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, will deliver a special address in Session 1 titled, ‘Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Textiles,’ focusing on sustainable raw materials, clean technologies, and circular economy practices.
The 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit is backed by leading organisations dedicated to promoting sustainability within the industry. Key partners for the event include RSWM as the Premium Partner; Ecocert Group, Oerlikon Textile India., Filatex India, Polyester Textile and Apparel Industry Association as Associate Partners; Fairtrade India and CSM as Delegate Kit Partners; Wazir Advisors as the Knowledge Partner and CPD India as the Sustainability Partner.
In addition to the keynote and special addresses, the summit will feature a panel discussion on ‘Ethical Sourcing, Labor Practices, and Reducing Carbon Emissions for a Sustainable Textile Future.’ Another session titled ‘Building Sustainable Supply Chains for a Sustainable Fashion Future’ will further explore key strategies for achieving a greener, more ethical textile industry.
India will begin producing carbon fiber by 2025-26, a niche material currently used in aerospace, civil engineering, and defense sectors as a lightweight alternative to metal, said Giriraj Singh, Union Textiles Minister at a technical textiles event organised by FICCI.
At present, India relies entirely on imports for carbon fiber from countries such as the US, France, Japan, and Germany. This shift towards local production comes ahead of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will impose a tax on embedded carbon imports starting in 2026, Singh said.
He highlighted the Union Government’s commitment to developing India’s technical textiles industry by citing initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and PLI Scheme for MMF fabrics, MMF apparel and technical textiles.
The government has also approved 156 research projects under the NTTMincluding initiatives focused on developing carbon fibers and supporting startups, Singh added, He specifically mentioned the North India Textile Research Association's (NITRA) innovation in creating fibers from milkweed, which are suitable for cold-weather applications.
Looking ahead, Singh said, India will definitely surpass the $10 billion export target for technical textiles by 2030, with sectors like Meditech (medical textiles), particularly hygiene products, playing a significant role. He also highlighted the employment potential of Agrotech (agricultural textiles) and the growing demand for high-performance fibres in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Suedwolle Group has announced a new collaboration with Knitwear Lab, a Dutch design and development center, enhancing their expertise in Merino yarn production. This partnership was showcased at the recent PittiFilati event in Florence, where they presented innovative physical and virtual garments.
Among the highlights was a fully fashioned dress crafted from Merino wool from the Biella Yarn collection. The dress features a plated rib structure that transitions into wide floats, using a multi-stepping narrowing technique for an intricate design.
Also presented was a fully fashioned jacket, made from Merino wool. The jacket showcases a 3D structure with interlock flaps that vary in length, manipulated through a multigauge technique.
The collaboration also focused on digital knitwear, where accurate visualization of complex structures and yarns in the virtual realm was key. Knitwear Lab’s workflow integrates materials and specifications into digital previews, allowing designers to experiment with yarn choices and structures before producing physical samples. This not only saves time and materials but also empowers designers to independently create and refine their designs using open-source digital textures.
As virtual knitting technology advances, it promises more accurate visualizations and seamless integration between physical and digital products, paving the way for new innovations in fashion.
The Japan International Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing Technology Trade Show (JIAM 2024 OSAKA) returns with a broader focus, incorporating non-apparel industries into its offerings. Organized by the Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA), the 13th edition will be held from November 27-30, 2024, at Intex Osaka, featuring cutting-edge innovations across apparel, aerospace, automation, and more.
This year’s event reflects a significant shift, with expanded participation from sectors like aerospace and aviation, showcasing advanced textile solutions and technologies. JIAM 2024 OSAKA promises an immersive experience with state-of-the-art machinery, AI-driven systems, and robotic technologies. The event aims to drive industry growth by offering a platform for networking, trend-spotting, and inspiration in manufacturing automation.
As of September, 149 exhibitors from 10 countries, including China, Germany, India, and Japan, have confirmed their participation. The show will feature key pavilions by the China Sewing Machinery Association, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies, and the Taiwan Sewing Machinery Association. Notably, international exhibitor space has doubled since 2022, highlighting the show’s growing global appeal post-pandemic.
Despite challenges during Covid-19, JIAM 2022 attracted 10,452 visitors from 59 countries, underscoring its importance in the textile industry. With normalized global travel, JIAM 2024 is expected to draw an even larger, more diverse audience.
Key highlights include special exhibits on CAD data utilization in sewing automation, a Home Sewing Zone with workshops by major brands, and a symposium on the opening day. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony featuring industry leaders and government representatives.
The sixth edition of Texhibition Istanbul, scheduled from September 11 to 13, 2024, is set to reinforce Turkiye’s position as a global leader in the textile industry. This highly anticipated event, organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık AŞ in collaboration with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB), promises to gather around 25,000 visitors from over 100 countries, showcasing the latest trends and innovations across the textile sector.
Texhibition Istanbul will provide a comprehensive overview of the entire textile supply chain, covering everything from woven goods to knitwear, yarns, denim, artificial leather, and textile accessories. The event has solidified its reputation as a central hub for the international textile industry, drawing participants and visitors from the European Union, Great Britain, the USA, North Africa, and the Middle East. Market leaders such as Almoda, Bahariye, BTD, Can Textile, Menderes, Sasa, Soktaş, and Yunsa will showcase their cutting-edge products, highlighting Turkiye’s strength in textile innovation.
Spotlight on yarn and denim
A significant highlight of the event is the expanded Yarn Area, featuring 41 exhibitors, including companies like Karafiber, Iskur, and Karteks, who will present the latest advancements in yarn technology. Additionally, the BlueBlackDenim section will focus on denim—a cornerstone of the global fashion industry. With 25 companies such as Bossa, İskur, Maritaş, and Kipaş participating, this area will emphasize Turkiye’s dominance in denim production, design, and sustainability. Turkiye, a major cotton producer, is well-positioned to lead the global denim market, particularly with its focus on sustainable practices. The BlueBlackDenim section in Hall 7 will feature innovative denim developments with a special emphasis on sustainability, showcasing the country’s commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
Trend areas: Guiding the future of fashion
The Texhibition Trend Areas, curated by Texhibition’s creative director IdilTarzi, will offer a glimpse into the future of fashion. These areas will combine standout qualities and creative themes across fabrics, yarns, denims, and accessories, providing valuable insights for participants. The thematic stories will shape the upcoming autumn/winter 2025/26 season, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The trend area in the BlueBlackDenim section, curated by the founders of Alldenims, Gonul Altunışık and Selvi Yigci, will feature a standout piece, a denim dress created from waste fabricssymbolizing the industry’s shift towards sustainable fashion.
The Innovation Hub, created by renowned designer Arzu Kaprol and fabric designer Filiz Tunca, will be a key attraction at Texhibition Istanbul. This area will showcase pioneering projects that are set to shape the future of the textile industry, featuring innovative works from leading firms, techno parks, and international creative projects. A standout element of the Innovation Hub will be the Digital Art performance by conceptual artist Ecem Dilan Kose, whose work integrates augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Her piece, “Cotton Flowers,” will explore the transformation of nature’s beauty through digital mediums, reflecting the event’s focus on the intersection of technology and textiles.
The Texhibition Trend Seminars will offer a platform for industry experts to discuss the latest developments and challenges in the textile sector. Key topics will include the upcoming autumn/winter 2025/26 trends, the digital product passport, and the urgency of sustainable regulations. Experts like Cecile Rosenstrauch, Marwa Zamaray, Besim Ozek, and Arzu Konyali will provide insights into these critical issues, helping participants navigate the rapidly evolving textile landscape.
Turkiye’s global textile dominance
Texhibition Istanbul 2024 comes at a time when Turkiye’s textile industry continues to grow, despite global economic challenges. In 2023, the country’s textile exports reached approximately $30 billion, with $12 billion coming from textiles alone. This growth is driven by strong demand from European countries, particularly Germany, Spain, and the UK, as well as a growing market in the USA. Turkiye’s reputation for high-quality, innovative, and sustainable textile production is bolstered by its ability to quickly adapt to market trends and meet changing consumer demands.
As one of the world’s most important textile platforms, Texhibition Istanbul 2024 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the global textile industry. By offering a diverse range of products and innovative solutions in a creative environment, the event underscores Turkiye’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
