FW
In a noteworthy Fashion Week collaboration, Calvin Klein and designer Nensi Dojaka have teamed up to create a collection that bridges the gap between underwear and ready-to-wear, drawing from a shared inspiration: the power of female sensuality.
The Nensi Dojaka for Calvin Klein collection blends the London-based womenswear designer’s intricate, sensual style with Calvin Klein’s signature innovation and design ethos. Centered around women's underwear, the collection explores the balance between strength and softness, celebrating both equally. This collaboration feels natural, given Nensi Dojaka’s signature underwear-as-outerwear aesthetic and Calvin Klein’s longstanding reputation as a powerhouse in the intimates world.
Unveiled on Nensi Dojaka’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway, the pieces are already available for purchase. The collection emphasises specific areas of the body, drawing attention to the collarbone, hips, and back. Fine harness straps frame the chest, while sheer layers highlight rather than conceal. Sculptural metal hardware, inspired by Calvin Klein’s archives, serves as a striking focal point, blending rigidity and organic forms to celebrate duality.
Purpose and wear ability are keys to the collection, with multi-layered petal cups designed to enhance subtly and featherweight knits that provide discreet support. Calvin Klein’s advanced technical engineering ensures functional support throughout. Languid slip dresses, accented with sculptural hardware, are paired with ‘gently oversized’ tailoring, balancing the delicacy of the other pieces.
As with many current collections, this collection too is influenced by the 90s. It is updated with meticulous attention to detail. The collection is accompanied by a campaign featuring actor Rebecca Ferguson and models Jill Kortleve and Mona Tougaard, photographed by Harley Weir against a London backdrop, in images described as ‘powerfully feminine and boldly sensual.; Nensi Dojaka describes the collection as an exploration of femininity,’ saying, it reframes the image of a women, showing both vulnerability and strength.
Praising the designer Eva Serrano, Global Brand President, states, Dojoka’s vision and talent are on the next level. The collaboration is currently available at select Calvin Klein stores, key retail partners, and online through both brands’ webstores.
Bangladesh's apparel exports to the US declined by 10.27 per cent Y-o-Y to $4.57 billion duringJan-July’24, as per the updated statistics of the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) under the US Department of Commerce.
During this period, apparel imports by the US also declined by 4.65 per cent to $43.63 billion. Apparel exports from the top five exporting countries, including Bangladesh, decreased in the US market. Among these, Bangladesh experienced the steepest decline. Last year, Bangladesh exported $7.29 billion worth of apparel to the US. Currently, it holds 9 per cent of the US market share, making it the third-largest apparel exporter to the US.
China remains the top apparel exporter to the US, with exports totaling $8.75 billion in the first seven months of 2024. This marks a 4.22 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The second-largest apparel exporter to the US, Vietnam’s garments exports declined by 1.5 per cent to $8.08 billion from the $8.22 billion recorded last year.
Despite the recent challenges, including the quota reform movement, student protests, floods, and labor unrest, the Bangladeshi apparel industry remains optimistic about the US market following the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus. However, these disruptions have affected the industry’s production and exports over the past two months, causing some uncertainty.
While the overall global apparel market has faced difficulties, including reduced demand and market fluctuations, industry leaders in Bangladesh remain hopeful for a recovery, especially as they continue to navigate the evolving landscape of international trade and labor issues.
For the first time, the Philippines participated in the trade show Centrestage 2024, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sep 04-07, 2024.
Held under the banner of Fashion Philippines, the event featured15 Filipino brands highlighting Philippines’ textiles and craftsmanshipon the global stage.
Known as ‘Asia’s Fashion Spotlight,’Centrestage 2024 featured over 250 fashion brands from around the world. Alongside the exhibitions, the event also included fashion shows, parades, seminars, and networking activities.
A wide array of handcrafted apparel, footwear and accessories were showcased at the event, reflecting the cultural heritage and innovation of the Philippine fashion industry. The participating brands presented their creative and artistic expertise through a mini-parade fashion show on Sep 06, 2024.
The involvement of Fashion Philippines in the event was organised by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission-the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The initiative was supported by the Malikhaing Pinoy Program of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group in partnership with Fashion and Accessories Makers of the Philippines and the Philippine Textile Research Institute.
Some of the brands that participated in this trade show will further join the Manila Fame 2024 show at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from Oct 17-19, 2024. Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products, Manila Fame 2024will showcase artisanal pieces made by Philippine designers and manufacturers.
Textile and apparel(T&A) exports by the Portugal declined by 6 per cent Y-o-Y to €3.376 billion during the period spanning Jan-July’24. However, T&A exports by the country rose by 3 per cent Y-o-Y to €529 million in July ’24 as per a statement by the Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal (ATP).
Highlighting the sector's resilience in a challenging global environment, ATP noted, the volume of Portugal’s T&A exports increased by12 per centto 43,372 tons in July. This indicates robust production and export activity during the month.
However, overall export value declined over the seven-month period due to difficulties faced in key traditional markets, such as Spain and Italy, where both the value and volume of trade decreased. Despite this, the sector succeeded in expanding business in strategic markets like the US, where exports grew by 5 per cent in value and 4% per cent in volume, adds ATP.
Morocco emerged as a leading export destination due to more favorable pricing. Portugal’s exports to the region increased by 15 per cent in value and 18 per cent in volume. Turkey also gained importance with exports to the country rising by 44 per cent in value and 93 per cent in volume.
Despite challenges, Portugal managed to strengthen its market share in many EU countries, including mature markets like Italy. Additionally, raw material imports by the country rose by 40 per cent in July, signaling the sector’s readiness to ramp up production and meet growing international demand, suggesting a potential recovery on the horizon.
As per the September 2024 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report by USDA, global cotton production is expected to decline by 1.2 billion bales to 116.4 million bales during the 2024-25 season. Global ending stocks are expected to contract by 77.6 million bales to 76.5 million bales reported in August.
The report also reduces the estimates for global cotton consumption by about 460,000 bales. It identifies key markets such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Turkiye as those expected to see notable decreases in consumption, with consumption in Vietnam declining by 200,000 bales and that in both Bangladesh and Turkiye lowering by 100,000 bales each.
The decrease in global cotton production is likely to be primarily driven by smaller crops in the United States, India, and Pakistan, which more than offset a production increase in China. Additionally, global trade is expected to decline by approximately 550,000 bales, as reduced imports from China, Vietnam, Turkiye, and Bangladesh offset an increase in imports by India.
Despite these changes, the world cotton price, represented by the ‘A’ Index, remains steady at 81.5 cents per pound. The global balance sheet for the 2023-24 season has been updated to reflect higher beginning stocks, increased mill use, and lower ending stocks.
The USDA’s estimate for US cotton production in 2024-25 has been reduced by 600,000 bales, bringing the total to 14.5 million bales. US cotton ending stocks were also lowered by 500,000 bales, leaving them at 4 million bales. This decrease in US production is attributed to lower yields for upland cotton in the Southwest, with the September National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) forecast showing yields down to 807 pounds per acre, 33 pounds less than the previous month.
With reduced production, US cotton exports are projected to fall by 200,000 bales to 11.8 million, and ending stocks will now account for 29 per cent of projected use. The season-average upland farm price for 2024-25 remains unchanged at 66 cents per pound. Revisions to the 2023-24 US cotton balance sheet includes a 400,000-bale increase in beginning stocks and a reduction in unaccounted bales due to revised data and methodologies.
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has entered into a new partnership with JD.com, also known as Jingdong, to boost the presence of British and international fashion brands in the Chinese market. This collaboration aims to enhance the visibility of Chinese and Asian designers by creating a global platform for them.
Leveraging JD.com’s advanced e-commerce infrastructure and vast consumer reach, the partnership will assist British and global fashion brands to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market. Additionally, it will strengthen JD.com’s role in promoting Asian fashion on the world stage, with the platform serving as the Official Asian Online Retail Partner for London Fashion Week (LFW) in September 2024.
From now until October 3, JD.com will also feature a dedicated London Fashion Week page on its app, promoting international fashion brands to its 600 million users. This kind of exposure will prove invaluable for LFW, given JD.com’s influence in the Asian market, particularly in China. The platform currently represents over 90 per cent of the world’s most renowned luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Mulberry, and Bottega Veneta.
In the past year, JD.com has expanded its luxury portfolio with partnerships including Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Moncler, and Alexander Wang, while also introducing various modern streetwear labels to its offering.
Caroline Rush, CEO, British Fashion Council, states, the partnership provides emerging designers and brands with a platform to facilitate smoother cross-border collaborations and increase their exposure in the crucial Chinese market.
Sherrin Kong, President, Jingdong Fashion, adds, the partnership demonstrates JD.com’s commitment to connect the global fashion community with Chinese consumers and foster a dynamic exchange of fashion culture and innovation.
This collaboration marks a significant step in bridging British and global fashion brands with the growing Chinese market.
Over fifty apparel factories in Bangladesh have been shut down indefinitely as worker protests continue, with more closures happening daily, noted Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Secretary-Labor and Employment, Bangladesh.
Around 15 per cent-20 per cent of apparel orders from international customers have been cancelled, he added.
To help ease the situation, Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Advisor has arranged a Taka 7.9 billion loan to cover wage payments for approximately 40,000 workers.
The unrest follows the ousting of the Awami League government on Aug 5, 2024 which triggered widespread labor protests across several industries, including the apparel sector.
Differing demands from garment workers across various factories have further complicated matters, causing significant disruptions.
Bhuyain also announced the formation of a review committee comprising labor leaders and legal experts to address the concerns. He urged workers to present their grievances to the committee for resolution.
Foreign interference could be contributing to the unrest, he opined citing, some international companies are aggressively seeking to secure orders. Workers are bearing the brunt of the damage caused by attacks on factories, he emphasised
The government remains committed to addressing legitimate labour demands and responding to external pressures, promising swift action to restore order and resolve issues impacting the apparel industry.
Mahlo GmbH + Co KG will showcase its latest innovations in efficient, sustainable, and high-quality textile production and finishing at the upcoming ITMA Asia 2024 exhibition.
The company will collaboration with Shanghai Kuantex, Mahlo to focus on the theme of production optimisation. It will demonstrate its modular process control system, ‘Optipac VMC,’ and the enhanced data management platform, ‘mLog Enhanced.’ These systems enable superior monitoring and control throughout the textile production process, ensuring consistent quality and operational efficiency.
At the forefront of Mahlo’s showcase will be its cutting-edge straightening concept designed for the feed-forward control of knitted fabrics with large and variable distortions. The flagship straightener, ‘Orthopac RXVMC-20,’ which debuted as a prototype last year, has now been successfully implemented across multiple installations worldwide, proving its effectiveness in diverse applications.
Mahlo will also unveil another breakthrough machine that can be used both as a standalone straightener or retrofitted to existing machinery.
With Asia playing a central role in global textile manufacturing, ITMA Asia provides a valuable opportunity for Mahlo to present its technological advancements to an international audience. The event allows industry professionals to engage with the latest trends and forge critical connections in the textile sector. It is slated to be held from Oct 14-18, 2024 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China.
The Global Sourcing Expo, organized by the International Expo Group, has positioned itself as Australia’s premier sourcing platform, with editions in both Sydney and Melbourne. This event plays a crucial role in connecting exhibitors from across the globe with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers from Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. Launched over a decade ago, the expo has grown to become a cornerstone for apparel and textiles sourcing in Australia.
A hub for apparel and textiles sourcing
The upcoming Melbourne edition, scheduled from November 19-21, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, promises a dynamic experience for attendees. Featuring over 900 exhibitors from countries including India, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Vietnam, the expo is set to be a global showcase. Co-located with the Footwear and Accessories Show and the China Clothing Textiles Accessories Expo, it offers a diverse range of sourcing opportunities for visitors. The Global Sourcing Seminars program will further enrich the event with a focus on contemporary sourcing trends.
Julie Holt, Global Exhibitions Director of the International Expo Group, emphasized the importance of the Global Sourcing Expo, noting its strong focus on addressing contemporary trends and challenges in global sourcing. She highlighted the event’s ability to consistently attract high-quality suppliers from both established regions and emerging sourcing hubs, ensuring that attendees are provided with a dynamic and refreshed experience each year.
Strategic expansion and industry partnerships
The Global Sourcing Expo has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by its strategic partnerships and emphasis on engaging with the industry. Julie Holt credits much of this success to her team's expertise and their dedication to developing a comprehensive audience database. Their strong research and curation efforts have enabled the Expo to deliver top-quality seminar content, carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of its attendees.
Key to the expo’s success is its collaboration with industry stakeholders and visitors. Each edition of the expo introduces new features, such as panel discussions on hot topics and the inclusion of sourcing regions and industry groups previously unexplored. The Australian market is a focus for manufacturers and suppliers globally, and the Expo has leveraged this interest to build strong industry relationships.
Julie Holt emphasized that each edition of the Global Sourcing Expo is designed to offer something new. Whether through updated panels, added features, or the inclusion of different sourcing regions, the expo is continuously refined to align with the evolving needs of its attendees.
Post-pandemic growth and future expansion
Despite a brief interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Expo has rebounded strongly. Visitor attendance surged by 46 per cent at the most recent Sydney show in June 2024. The demand has grown so significantly that the organizers are now planning a biannual edition in Sydney to cater to seasonal shifts in the industry. The Melbourne edition is also showing strong pre-registration numbers.
Julie Holt highlighted the increase in attendance and interest in both the Sydney and Melbourne editions, indicating a strong demand for expanded sourcing opportunities. She expressed enthusiasm for further developing the Expo into a biannual event, ensuring continuous engagement between buyers and sellers throughout the year.
Focusing on sustainability and innovation
A major shift in the sourcing landscape has been the increasing focus on sustainability. The Global Sourcing Expo has responded to this trend by curating seminars and featuring suppliers that emphasize mindful and responsible sourcing. The Expo is placing greater importance on sustainability, differentiation, quality, and functionality to align with the evolving demands of the market.
The Expo aims to meet the diverse needs of its audience, from beginners in global sourcing to experienced professionals. With tailored seminar content, it offers a comprehensive experience for all attendees. Business matching services also play a pivotal role, helping visitors connect with suppliers that meet their specific needs.
Looking ahead: Building partnerships for long-term success
The future of the Global Sourcing Expo lies in its ability to expand and strengthen partnerships with apex industry organizations, both within Australia and internationally. Holt emphasizes the importance of these relationships in ensuring Australian buyers have access to top-tier sourcing opportunities without needing to travel overseas.
The Expo is set to strengthen its relationships across all levels of the apparel and textiles supply chain. Julie Holt emphasizes that sourcing is a multifaceted process, involving not just buying and selling, but also research, logistics, finance, technology, and design collaboration. She highlighted the Expo's commitment to developing as a key destination for solving challenges across the global sourcing and supply chain ecosystem.
As the Global Sourcing Expo continues to grow and evolve, it remains a key player in the global apparel and textiles industry, providing a critical platform for sourcing, innovation, and sustainability.
The GREENEXT EXPO, a major event focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility, recently concluded in Shanghai. The Expo, held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center, brought together global leaders, innovators, and industry experts to explore the intersection of environmental protection and business practices.
Celebrating 20 Years of UNGC ESG principles
This year's Expo held special significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) ESG principles. These principles, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, have become a standard for corporate sustainability.
Global participation and focus on innovation The GREENEXT Expo attracted over 4,300 attendees and featured over 100 global brands and companies. The event was divided into three thematic zones: the United Nations Global Compact, “Fashion Reborn,” and “Living Earth.” Each zone showcased the latest innovations and solutions for achieving sustainability in various industries.
Key highlights and announcements
• The Expo hosted numerous keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, with over 120 industry experts sharing their insights.
• Renowned brands like Nespresso, TES Group, Esquel Group, and JIANGNANBUYI showcased their latest technologies and sustainability initiatives.
• The “Fashion Reborn” zone featured innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
• The "Living Earth" zone focused on soil science and sustainable land development.
Key highlights
• United Nations Global Compact: The special exhibition “Uniting Global Enterprises for a Better World: ESG+20 Pathways to Sustainable Development” showcased major achievements and practice cases in global sustainable development.
• "Fashion Reborn" Zone: Visitors experienced innovative solutions designed to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry and enhance sustainability.
• "Living Earth" Zone: This zone focused on soil science and sustainable land development across various industries, advocating for the protection and sustainable use of soil.
• The Expo hosted numerous keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, with over 120 industry experts sharing their insights.
• Renowned brands like Nespresso, TES Group, Esquel Group, and JIANGNANBUYI showcased their latest technologies and sustainability initiatives.
Thought leadership and collaboration
The expo served as a platform for thought leaders to discuss and advance the understanding of ESG and carbon neutrality. The opening ceremony featured speeches from Dr. Hong Zheng, Founder of GREENEXT, and representatives from various organizations, all emphasizing the importance of ESG in global sustainable development.
Interactive experiences and public engagement
GREENEXT offered a range of public activities to promote sustainable lifestyles. These included a dance-martial arts fashion performance, a sustainable fashion show, and numerous art installations. The expo also featured educational check-in sites and science Q&A points to encourage public participation.
Looking Ahead
The successful conclusion of the GREENEXT EXPO marks a significant step forward in the global sustainable development movement. The event fostered collaboration, showcased innovative solutions, and inspired action toward a greener future. As Dr. Hong Zheng stated, GREENEXT is "a platform where global like-minded individuals come together to explore and achieve a green future." The Expo's impact will undoubtedly continue to resonate as businesses and individuals strive for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible world.
