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Dondup, the iconic Italian designer denim brand, has joined forces with Bluesign, becoming the first major European denim company to enter the Bluesign System Partner network. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Dondup’s commitment to sustainability, responsible production, and environmental leadership within the fashion industry.
Bluesign is renowned for its comprehensive approach to sustainable chemistry, focusing on environmental improvements, worker safety, and resource efficiency. As part of this partnership, Dondup joins Bluesign’s Denim Initiative, a global effort launched in March 2023 to revolutionize denim production. This initiative brings together leading denim brands and suppliers like Everlane, Reformation, Pure Denim, and ISKO, all dedicated to clean chemistry and sustainable practices.
Matteo Anchisi, CEO of Dondup, highlights the brand’s strong commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. By partnering with Bluesign, Dondup is advancing its mission to create denim that is not only stylish but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. This collaboration positions Dondup as a leader in the fashion industry, setting new standards for transparency and accountability.
This partnership is expected to create a ripple effect throughout the fashion industry, inspiring suppliers, manufacturers, and raw material providers to adopt similar environmental and social standards. As Dondup implements Bluesign’s clean chemistry practices across its supply chain, the broader industry is likely to follow, driving significant advancements in sustainability.
Dondup’s collaboration with Bluesign positions the brand as a leader in the global movement towards sustainable fashion.
India’s textile industry will grow to $350 billion by 2030 and add 3.5 crore jobs, stated Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles at the Curtain Raiser event of ‘Bharat Tex 2025’ in New Delhi. He hoped, the event will boost India’s image on the world stage and help it to be recognised by its ‘Bharat’ brand and green sustainable textile products.
Further Singh affirmed,the Union Government’s PLI scheme for textiles will enable the apparel industry to boost production and promote their branding. The scheme will enable linking of the textile value chain and lure FDI in the country, he added.
Emphasising on the role of the Indian demographic dividend in aiding India’s growth ahead of China, Singh urged state governments to participate in the event.
A global textiles event organised by a consortium of Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Bharat Tex 2025 is scheduled to be held from Feb 14-17, 2025 at two state-of-the-art venues, of Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi and India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.
The main event will be held from Feb 14-17, 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam and will cover the entire value chain of textiles. On the other hand exhibitions pertaining to handicrafts, garment machinery, ethnic apparel will be held from Feb 12-15, 2025 at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.
Built around the twin themes of resilient global value chains and textile sustainability, Bharat Tex 2025will be more vibrant and attractive than the first edition, attracting top policymakers, global CEOs, international exhibitors and global buyers.
Spanning 200,000 square meters, the event will host over 5,000 Exhibitors, 6,000 international buyers from over 110 countries and over 1, 20,000 visitors are expected to participate in this year’s event. Around 100 international speakers are also scheduled to participate in the event.
The Bharat Tex exhibition will feature Apparel, Home Furnishings, Floor Coverings, Fibers, Yarns, Threads, Fabrics, Carpets, Silk, Textiles based Handicrafts, Technical Textiles and many more. It will also host a retail high street focusing on the opportunities in India’s fashion retail market. Besides, exhibitions on handicrafts and apparel machinery, the expo will host displays of ethnic wear at the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.
The textile extravaganza will offer a range of activities including a global sized trade fair and expo, a global scale textiles conference, seminars, CEO roundtables, and B2B and G2G meetings. It will also feature strategic investment announcements, product launches, and collaborations poised to reshape the global textile industry. Additionally, attendees can benefit from the live demonstrations, cultural events, and fashion presentations, designer and brand exhibitions and sustainability workshops, and expert talks.
The curtain raiser event for Bharat Tex 2025 attracted a distinguished gathering of industry associations, textile sector leaders, and senior officials from various ministries.
Causing an alarm in the textile industry, cotton production plummeted by up to 60 per cent in the Punjab and Sindh regions of Pakistan by Aug 31. The industry now needs to import lint from foreign markets, straining the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
A discrepancy of over 0.3 million bales between the figures released by Punjab’s Crop Reporting Service (CRS) and the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) is adding to the confusion surrounding future procurement strategies. According to the PCGA, around 1.226 million bales arrived at the ginning factories by the end of August, a sharp decline from 3.04 million bales during the same period last year.
The shortfall is linked to various issues, including delayed sowing, prolonged heatwaves, heavy August rains, pest infestations, reduced crop acreage, and market manipulation. The absence of an intervention price and declining profitability further compounded the situation, alongside insufficient government support for research and development (R&D).
Cotton production in Sindh declined by 61 per cent, with the state producing only 0.773 million bales compared to 1.972 million bales last year. Production in Punjab declined by 58 per centto just 0.453 million bales compared to 1.068 million in 2022. However, the CRS in Punjab claims the province harvested 0.759 million bales, about 30 per cent less than last year’s output. Dr. Abdul Qayyum, Director-General, CRS attributes this discrepancy to his agency’s calculation methods based on boll size and picking ratios.
Sajid Mahmood, Head-Technology Transfer Department, Central Cotton Research Institute, points out, a lack of R&D funding for developing climate-resilient cotton varieties is a key reason for the ongoing decline in cotton output since 2016. The absence of support from the textile industry and the government for the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee has stifled R&D efforts, further impacting the industry, he adds.
A few experts in the ginning sector attribute the current drop in cotton production to the under-invoicing and undocumented business, driven by heavy taxation. In response to quality and quantity issues, textile mills have increasingly turned to imports, purchasing 1.171 million bales so far as against 2.615 million last year. They are also negotiating for additional imports, with deals for 1.6 million bales being reportedly signed.
North Carolina-based startup, Keel Labs has teamed up with eco-conscious California brand Outer known for the first commercial launch of Kelsun, a seaweed-based fiber. This collaboration reflects both companies' shared commitment to ocean sustainability and responsible fashion.
Co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater and designer John Moore, Outer known is known for launching the popular Blanket Shirt in 2016, celebrated for its sustainable design and vintage softness. Made from an organic cotton and Kelsun yarn blend, the latest version of this shirt retains the comfort of the original while incorporating innovative, eco-friendly materials.
Designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional textile fibers, Kelsun is 100 per cent bio based and biodegradable. It is made from over 75 per cent seaweed biopolymer, and decomposes naturally in about 60 days. Keel Labs ensures that their seaweed is sourced responsibly, following sustainability guidelines and local harvesting practices.
Tessa Callaghan, Co-founder and CEO, Keel Labs, affirms, the company’s partnership with Outer known is dedicated to sustainability and the ocean. It aims to create environmentally friendly products from ocean resources.
In an era where sustainability is paramount, Circ the new innovative fiber from Danville, Virginia-based company stands out as a game-changer in the fashion industry's quest for eco-friendly materials. Unlike traditional recycling methods that often degrade material quality, Circ's technology preserves the integrity of fibers through a meticulous process combining hydrothermal and chemical treatments. This innovative approach gently breaks down fabric blends into pure cellulose and polyester components, which are then transformed into high-quality recycled pulp suitable for textile production. “Circ's technology represents a significant breakthrough in textile recycling. Their ability to transform discarded textiles into high-quality fibers is a game-changer for the fashion industry," says Professor Rachel McQueen, Textile Science, University of Alberta.
Unique properties and applications
Experts point out, Circ's technology is a game-changer for the textile industry. It addresses the critical issue of textile waste and offers a pathway to a more circular economy. Circ fiber boasts of properties that make it a compelling alternative to conventional textiles like cotton and polyester. Beyond its inherent sustainability, reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimizing environmental impact, Circ fiber offers softness, durability, and excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. Its versatility allows seamless blending with other fibers, enabling a wide range of design possibilities across various applications.
Commercial success and industry adoption
Major fashion brands are embracing Circ's innovation as a cornerstone of their sustainability strategies. Leaders like Patagonia, H&M, Levi's, and Zara have partnered with Circ to integrate recycled fibers into their product lines. This collaboration underscores a growing industry demand for sustainable textiles and highlights Circ's potential to transform manufacturing practices across apparel, home textiles, automotive interiors, and medical products.
• Patagonia incorporates Circ's recycled cotton fibers in their latest T-shirt collection, showcasing high-quality apparel with minimal environmental impact.
• H&M features Circ's recycled polyester fibers in their Conscious Collection, aligning with their commitment to sustainable fashion and customer preferences.
• Levi's explores Circ fibers for more sustainable and durable denim products.
• Zara utilizes Circ to offer stylish, eco-conscious clothing options to a broad audience.
Circ's technology holds immense promise for the future of the fashion and textile industries. As brands increasingly prioritize sustainability, the demand for innovative solutions like Circ fiber is expected to grow exponentially. With continued research and development, Circ aims to further refine its process and expand its applications, contributing to a more circular and responsible industry.
With its pioneering technology, Circ is poised to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting circularity and producing superior recycled fibers. As consumer demand for sustainable textiles continues to rise, Circ's innovative approach ensures it will play a pivotal role in shaping a more responsible and eco-conscious future for fashion.
US luxury spending saw a significant downturn in July, reveals Citi Research's latest findings. Spending on luxury goods dropped by 11 per cent compared to the same month last year, marking another month of declining demand. This decline, based on data from 10 million credit card holders, follows a 7 per cent dip in June, suggesting a sustained softening in the luxury market.
The report highlighted a particular weakness in luxury leather goods and ready-to-wear categories. However, bucking the overall trend, the watch category saw an unexpected surge in demand, pointing to a potential shift in consumer preferences or spending patterns within the luxury sector.
Key findings
Spending growth slows: Year-over-year spending growth in the US luxury market decelerated to 5 per cent in July 2024, compared to 8 per cent in June and 10 per cent in May.
Shift towards value: Consumers are becoming more selective in their luxury purchases, prioritizing items that offer long-term value and durability.
Experiences gain traction: Spending on luxury experiences, such as travel and fine dining, continued to outpace spending on goods.
Table: US luxury market spending growth
|
Month |
Year-on-year growth |
|
May 2024 |
10% |
|
June 2024 |
8% |
|
July 2024 |
5% |
The rise of ‘quiet luxury’
The report highlighted the growing trend of ‘quiet luxury’, where consumers are opting for understated, high-quality items over flashy logos and conspicuous consumption. This shift is driven by a desire for authenticity and individuality in luxury purchases. In fact, the decline in traditional luxury categories like leather goods and ready-to-wear could be attributed to the rise of 'quiet luxury.' This trend favours understated, high-quality items over flashy logos and conspicuous consumption. Consumers are increasingly seeking value and longevity in their purchases, which may explain the growing interest in luxury watches, known for their craftsmanship and enduring appeal.
Analysts say, the July data confirms a sustained weakening in US luxury spending. While the overall picture is concerning, the growth in the watch category suggests that consumers are still willing to spend on luxury items that offer enduring value and quality.
Overall, the US luxury market is facing headwinds from multiple directions. Economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and shifting consumer priorities are all contributing to the current downturn. However, the resilience of certain categories, like watches, offers a glimmer of hope. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, luxury brands that can adapt to these changes and offer products that resonate with the new 'quiet luxury' ethos may be best positioned to weather the current storm.
Driven by a surge in demand and favorable global market conditions, Kitex Garments is poised to achieve record turnover and profits in FY25, says Sabu M Jacob, Chairman and Managing Director. The company’s capacity utilisation is at its peak, with factory orders fully booked until June 2025.
In Q1 FY25, Kitex Garments’ revenues increased by 32 per cent Y-o-Y toRs 195.02 crore, compared to Rs 147.84 crore in the same period last year. This growth was a result of a strong demand from existing customers. The company’s EBITDA margin rose to 23.77 per cent during the quarter from 11.19 per cent in Q1FY24. Its net profit more than doubled, reaching Rs 29.95 crore, compared to Rs 7.99 crore in the previous year's quarter.
Kitex Group is currently developing integrated textile units in Telangana under Kitex Apparel Parks (KAPL). To be executed in two phases, the project will cost approximately Rs 2,890 crore.
Originally expected to complete a year ahead of schedule, the first phase of this project is now set to be finished by Mar’25, with spinning operations in Warangal starting by Sep’24. The second phase is projected to be completed by Mar’26.
According to ICRA, while the large-scale expansion exposes the Group to execution and demand risks, debt protection metrics are expected to remain subdued in FY25 due to ongoing debt-funded capital expenditure. However, these metrics should improve from FY26 once the first phase of operations commences. Government subsidies, once operations begin, are expected to support liquidity, though timely receipt of these subsidies remains crucial.
Circulose, the Swedish innovator behind Circulosea revolutionary material made from 100 per cent recycled textiles—has teamed up with Faherty Brand to debut a new collection featuring this eco-friendly fabric. This collaboration underscores a major advance in sustainable fashion, merging high-quality design with environmental responsibility.
Circulose, created from worn-out cotton garments and production waste, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. Faherty Brand’s Fall 2024 collection will showcase Circulose in garments that blend classic style with a commitment to reducing ecological impact. The use of this material aligns with Faherty Brand’s broader sustainability goals, including support for Canopy and the adoption of Next Generation fibers.
Lisa Diegel, Director of Global Sustainability at Faherty Brand, emphasized that the Fall 2024 collection featuring Circulose underscores the company's commitment to environmental impact and circular fashion. The integration of this material represents a significant step in advancing their sustainability goals.
Anna Sammarco, Senior Director at Circulose, highlighted that the partnership with Faherty Brand to use Circulose in their collection reflects a mutual commitment to a circular fashion model. She expressed enthusiasm about scaling up this innovative material and advancing sustainable practices.
The debut collection, set for Fall 2024, marks the beginning of Faherty Brand’s use of Circulose, with plans for additional releases in Spring 2025.
Following the resounding success of its Sydney edition earlier this year, the Global Sourcing Expo is set to make a significant impact in Melbourne from November 19-21, 2024. This highly anticipated event serves as a premier platform for global companies to showcase their products, connect with top-tier buyers, and explore new business opportunities in the textile and apparel industry.
Sydney success sets the stage
The Sydney edition of the Global Sourcing Expo was a remarkable success, underscoring the event's growing importance on the global sourcing calendar. With over 500 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors, 97 per cent of whom were key decision-makers or influencers in their respective sectors, the event offered unparalleled opportunities for networking and business growth.
Marie Kinsella, CEO of International Expo Group Pty Ltd, expressed her satisfaction with the event, noting that the caliber of exhibitors and the quality of visitors surpassed expectations. She highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback received and conveyed excitement about delivering the same high level of excellence at the Melbourne Expo.
The event attracted a diverse array of participants, including decision-makers, trade buyers, leading manufacturers, brands, major retail groups, and wholesalers from sectors such as fashion, homeware, textiles, apparel, accessories, and footwear. The high level of engagement was evident, with many exhibitors noting the significant number of buyers visiting their stands.
Positive testimonials highlight Expo’s impact
Exhibitors at the Sydney event consistently praised the Expo for offering invaluable exposure to new markets and opportunities to connect with high-profile buyers. Many found the experience to be exceptional, highlighting the smooth and seamless on boarding process. The Expo facilitated numerous interactions with diverse individuals, marking their first experience exhibiting in Australia as highly successful. Exhibitors expressed enthusiasm about participating in future events, appreciating the chance to engage with a broad audience.
Visitors were also impressed, with one Australian retail buyer noting that their first experience at the Expo was highly valuable. They appreciated the opportunity to meet potential suppliers in person, view samples up close, and assess the quality firsthand.
These testimonials highlight the value of the Expo as a platform for exhibitors to promote their products, connect with new and emerging brands, and gain valuable insights into the global fashion landscape.
Melbourne Expo promises more opportunities
Building on the success of Sydney, the upcoming Melbourne edition promises to offer even more opportunities for exhibitors and visitors. The event will feature a comprehensive three-day seminar program, world-class exhibitors from over 15 countries, and a focus on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.
The Global Sourcing Expo Melbourne is one of the largest sourcing events in the region, attracting buyers from Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Forbes has recognized it as one of the Top Ten Fashion Expos in the world, further cementing its status as a must-attend event for companies looking to expand their market reach.
Registered exhibitors include manufacturers from Australia, India, Turkiye, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, and Bangladesh, with many more signing up daily. The Expo attracts top-tier buyers from leading retail chains, wholesalers, and distributors, providing exhibitors with the chance to connect with decision-makers actively seeking new suppliers and products.
Looking ahead to Melbourne
Marie Kinsella highlighted the Expo's unique value, noting the excitement of a physical marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. She is particularly looking forward to seeing how different countries showcase their expertise and present their pavilions. Kinsella also urged companies worldwide to take advantage of the Expo as an ideal platform to make their mark on the global stage.
As the global textile and apparel industry continues to evolve, the Global Sourcing Expo Melbourne 2024 is poised to be a pivotal event, offering participants a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in an ever-changing marketplace.
China International Fashion Fair (CHIC), a leading fashion platform since 1993, continues to champion the Chinese fashion industry on the global stage. This year, CHIC Paris will feature prominently at the Who's Next event in Paris, spotlighting cultural communication and sustainable fashion under the banner ‘Fashion China’.
The exhibition will present eleven Chinese brands across 500 square metres in Hall 7.3 of Porte de Versailles. Featured brands include women's fashion labels like Lancy, Chichy, and Robinhood, alongside designer labels such as Van Sunsun, Trui Berra, and Daoxu. Accessories will also be highlighted, with brands like Keyone by Hatters hub showcasing their collections.
Lancy, established 24 years ago, offers two distinct lines: Lancy for the mature, confident woman and Lancy From 25 for the younger, style-conscious consumer. Chichy, under the Dymaxi Fashion Group, provides luxury designer fashion across over 100 stores in China. Robin Hood specializes in versatile, comfortable basics suitable for various occasions.
Van Sunsun returns to CHIC Paris, featuring luxury clothing made from natural materials like silk and cashmere, infused with oriental cultural elements. Trui Berra offers artisanal evening wear adorned with crystals, pearls, and feathers, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship.
Typetail’s spring/summer 2025 collection draws inspiration from wildflowers, combining clear cuts with intense colors for a graceful, independent style. Doaxu breaks conventional fashion norms with casual, calm designs that emphasize comfort. Vermo, a gender-neutral brand founded in 2021, blends vintage and modern aesthetics, challenging traditional gender boundaries.
Come & Go merges Western and Eastern tailoring, creating a unique aesthetic with silk satin and brocade jacquard. Alfronce focuses on menswear with bold, colorful sportswear designs. Keyone, known for its street-style headwear, also runs China's Hat Festival and boasts a global online presence.
The Fashion China exhibition will also feature a photo display on Chinese fashion’s global influence, showcasing how Chinese designers are redefining the international fashion scene.
CHIC Paris reaffirms its commitment to internationalizing Chinese high-end fashion.
