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India Hand Made Collective (IHMC) organised a three-day Natural-Dye Handmade Exhibition to provide visitors with a platform to interact directly with artisans.
Held from Aug 30-Sep 01, 2024 in Bengalaru, the exhibition featured several workshops focusing on cotton, and handspun and hand woven fabrics, These fabrics were dyed naturally in floral eco print, block prints, kalamkari, Lambadi embroidery, Bengal Muslin and Jamdani weaves, observed Mahima Thangappan, Co-ordinator, IHMC,
The products displayed at the exhibition included saris, fabrics, women’s wear, menswear, home decor, accessories, terracotta crafts, bamboo crafts, banana fiber crafts, coconut shell crafts and cloth diapers. The exhibition aimed to promote a sustainable lifestyle and fashion and work with only biodegradable cotton, Thangappan added.
IHMC was started in 2020 by Ananthoo, Tula Organic Garments alongwith Tara Aslam, Nature Alley; Dr Lalitha, Porgai Artisans Association; Arup Rakshit, MG Gramodyog Sewa Sansthan Foundation and Late Karuna Tai Futane, Gram Sewa Mandal, Wardha.
The organisation works with artisans and craftsmen. It mainly generates revenue by organising various exhibitions. During the COVID-19 lockdown, it shifted to virtual exhibitions and united as a collective to reduce carbon footprints.
British luxury footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger has collaborated with model and actress Emily Rataj kowski, who will be the face of the brand's Fall 2024 campaign, featuring the new ‘Chelsea’collection.
Founded in 1963, Kurt Geiger has since evolved into a fashion powerhouse, thanks to a simple yet ingenious concept: ‘Luxury at a sane price.’ The brand offers a refreshing alternative with bold, colorful, and instantly recognisable designs—without the hefty price tag. According to a report by Women's Wear Daily (WWD), the brand's sales increased by 10 per cent last year to $466 million while profits soared by 34 per centto $50 million.
Neil Clifford, CEO, says, the brand combines its vibrant, colorful and recognizable designs with its British DNA and an amazing price offer.
In the past five months, Kurt Geiger has experienced meteoric growth in the US, with a staggering 104 per cent increase in sales. The brand plans to open several new stores across the US in the near future.
A global leader in viscose staple fiber (VSF), Birla Cellulose has teamed up the world’s largest spandex manufacturer, Hyosung, to unveil an innovative collection of vibrant cellulosic knit fabrics. This new range has been launched by integrating Creora Color+ Spandex, which blends the rich, vibrant colors of cellulosic fibers with the flexibility of spandex.
The collaboration focuses on the blend of science with style, says Abir Chakrabarti, Joint President, Grasim Industries, which operates Birla Cellulose plants in India under the Aditya Birla Group. The group’s research and development teams have worked diligently to perfect the balance between spandex’s elasticity and dye absorption, reimagining traditional processes to create a fabric that maintains its stretch while embracing a full spectrum of color.
Typically, spandex does not absorb dye well, making it difficult to achieve uniform color when blended with natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and modal. To overcome this challenge, Hyosung developed Creora Color+ Spandex, a reactive dyeable spandex designed specifically for natural blended materials. This breakthrough ensures deep, rich color coverage in natural and cellulosic fabrics without grin-through, making it ideal for use in intimate apparel, activewear, and ready-to-wear brands. Dyeable spandex knit fabrics open up new possibilities for designers and creators across various applications, avers Dinesh Keswani, Director - Technical and Business Development - India, Hyosung. By collaborating with Birla Cellulose, Hyosung reiterates its commitment to provide comprehensive textile solutions that address complex material challenges across the entire value chain, he adds.
The new fabric line also represents a significant step toward sustainability. As Chakrabarti affirms, more than just style, the collection focuses on reducing environmental impact. The man-made cellulosic dyeable spandex knit fabric enablesGrasim to not only minimise water usage, energy consumption, and waste but also enhance shade depth, he adds.
Global Standard has launched its #BehindTheSeamsCampaign for the second consecutive year in September 2024.
Spanning the entire month, the campaign focuses onthe sustainable and social attributes of GOTS-certified products. It showcases the scope of sustainable textiles from runway fashion to hygiene items and beyond.
Throughout the month, Global Standard will host daily giveaways on Instagram, featuring collaborations with leading GOTS-certified brands such as Frugi, FC St. Pauli, LangerChen, Natracare, Organic Basics, Mandala, Dedicated, etc.
Additionally, it will announce two major giveaways on the campaign's website, behindtheseams.eco. A Europe-based winner will receive a sustainable trip for two to Paris, including train travel, a two-night stay at the eco-friendly Eden Lodge Paris, and a private fitting for a custom GOTS-certified jacket by John Preston. Meanwhile, a winner in North America will receive a hand-built GOTS-certified organic ‘Serenade’ mattress sponsored by Naturepedic.
Focusing on ‘organic in-conversion’ farming, the #BehindTheSeamscampaign urges brands to support farmers during the critical transition from conventional to organic practices. In partnership with the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), a multi-stakeholder organisation dedicated to aiding farmers throughout the cotton supply chain, GOTS aims to encourage brands to invest in and purchase organic in-conversion cotton. Together, GOTS and OCA seek to strengthen the organic cotton supply by supporting farmers through this challenging transition.
The campaign offers an engaging way to educate the public on living eco-consciously and choosing organic textiles for the health of both people and the planet, says HolgerStripf, Head-Marketing, Global Standard. The firm works tirelessly with other GOTS-certified companies to ensure an organic, sustainable and socially conscious textile industry, he adds.
The body positivity movement, a social movement advocating acceptance of all body types, has led to change in global fashion and apparel industry. By challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting inclusivity, the movement has led to the rise of size-inclusive brands, changes in sizing practices, and a broader cultural conversation about body image and self-love.
Breaking size barriers
"The body positivity movement has empowered people to embrace their bodies and demand more from the fashion industry. We're seeing a shift towards greater inclusivity, with more brands offering extended sizing and diverse representation in their marketing," explains Stephanie Yeboah, body positive activist and author
Meanwhile, many fashion brands have changed their size chart to be more inclusive. For example, US-based fashion brand Universal Standard, has become a beacon of inclusivity, offering a wide range of sizes from 00 to 40. The brand's commitment to size inclusivity goes beyond simply extending their size range. They also prioritize fit and design for all bodies, ensuring that every customer feels confident and stylish in their clothes. "We believe that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their size," says Polina Veksler, Co-founder and CEO of Universal Standard. "Our mission is to create a world where everyone feels seen and represented in the fashion industry."
Similarly, Rihanna's lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, has revolutionized the lingerie industry with its inclusive sizing and diverse representation. The brand's runway shows and campaigns feature models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, challenging the traditional notion of what a lingerie model should look like. "I wanted to create a brand that celebrates all women," says Rihanna. "Savage X Fenty is about empowering women to feel confident and sexy in their own skin."
And ASOS Curve, the plus-size line of the popular online retailer ASOS, has become a go-to destination for stylish and affordable plus-size fashion. The brand offers a wide range of trendy and fashionable pieces in sizes 16 to 30, catering to the needs and desires of plus-size consumers. "We believe that plus-size women deserve to have access to the same fashion choices as everyone else," says an ASOS spokesperson. "ASOS Curve is committed to providing stylish and affordable fashion for all."
The body positive movement's influence extends beyond the US, with initiatives and campaigns promoting inclusivity taking place worldwide. In the UK, the #MakeMySize campaign calls on retailers to offer a wider range of sizes, while in India, the #MyBodyMyPride movement celebrates body diversity and challenges societal beauty standards.
As the fashion industry finally starts recognizing the diversity of its customers and making strides towards greater inclusivity challenges remain. Some critics argue that the movement has been co-opted by brands seeking to capitalize on the trend, while others point to the continued prevalence of narrow beauty standards in certain segments of the industry.
However, the body positive movement continues to gain momentum, driven by consumer demand and a growing awareness of the importance of representation. As the movement evolves, it is expected to further shape the fashion industry, promoting inclusivity and challenging traditional norms.
India's textile industry, a major contributor to the nation's economy, is facing a formidable challenge: soaring fiber prices. The cost of key fibers like cotton, polyester, and viscose is significantly higher in India than in the international market, jeopardizing the industry's ability to compete globally.
Reasons for higher domestic prices
There are several factors behind the price rise of fibers and they vary for cotton and MMF fibers. For cotton for example, erratic weather patterns, pest attacks, and supply chain disruptions have impacted production in India, leading to reduced supply and higher prices. Also, the government's minimum support price (MSP) for cotton contributes to keeping domestic prices high.
For MMF fibers like polyester and viscose, prices are influenced by the cost of crude oil, which has been volatile in recent times. Moreover, India's dependence on imports for certain raw materials used in the production of these fibers exposes the industry to fluctuations in global prices.
Table: Price disparity, a closer look
|
Fiber type |
Domestic price (July 2023) |
International price (July 2023) |
Price differential |
|
Cotton |
₹75,000/candy (approx.) |
₹61,000/candy (approx.) |
23% higher |
|
Polyester Staple Fiber (PSF) |
₹120/kg (approx.) |
₹83/kg (approx.) |
45% higher |
|
Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) |
₹180/kg (approx.) |
₹150/kg (approx.) |
20% higher |
Source: Industry estimates, Deccan Chronicle
Import hurdles
India's stringent Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates that all imported fibers must meet specific quality standards and obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This process is time-consuming and expensive, discouraging imports and limiting competition in the domestic market.
Perhaps that is why, Chinese fiber known for its competitive pricing, struggles to enter the Indian market due to delays in obtaining BIS certification. This creates a supply shortage, driving up domestic prices.
As Sanjay Jain, Managing Director, TT Textiles opines, the price differential is making Indian yarn and value-added products less competitive in the international market. Industry experts also point out India’s competitors’ like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Pakistan benefit from preferential trade agreements with major markets, giving them a further advantage over India.
The bottomline is, high cost of fibers is a major roadblock for Indian textile industry’s growth. Unless addressed promptly, this issue could lead to a decline in exports, job losses, and a loss of market share to competing nations. Policymakers need to consider measures to stabilize domestic fiber prices, streamline import procedures, and explore alternative sources of raw materials to ensure the industry's long-term sustainability.
The Lycra Company, a global leader in spandex, made a strong impression at the recently concluded Intertextile Shanghai and Yarn Expo. The company showcased its commitment to sustainability by highlighting a range of innovative products, including bio-derived Lycra fibre made with Qira, the industry's first renewable spandex available at scale.
Qira, derived from annually grown field corn, is set to launch in the first half of 2025 and is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of Lycra fibre by up to 44% while maintaining the same performance as the original.
Other sustainable offerings included Lycra FiT400, a bicomponent fibre made with recycled PET and bio-derived resources, Coolmax EcoMade fiber from 100% textile waste, and Thermolite EcoMade fiber for lightweight warmth.
"We are excited to showcase our sustainable solutions at Intertextile," said Jason Wang, Lycra vice president for Asia. "These products will help our customers reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their sustainability goals."
In addition to its sustainable offerings, Lycra also highlighted its partnership with Regina Miracle, a leading garment maker from Hong Kong, to showcase samples made with Lycra Adaptiv, a product that enables inclusive sizing and provides a second-skin fit.
With its highest exhibitor number in 10 years, India's participation at the Yarn Expo Autumn 2024 was marked by the launch of a new initiative aimed at showcasing the country's finest cotton fabrics to the global market. Under the brand name Kasturi, the Cotton Textile Promotions Council of India (TEXROCIL) presented a curated collection of high-quality cotton fabrics, setting a new standard for Indian textiles.
The name "Kasturi" is inspired by the musk deer, a creature known for its fragrant scent. Much like the deer is unaware of its own aroma, the TEXROCIL believes that India's premium cotton fabrics have often been overlooked amidst the vast quantities exported. The initiative seeks to bring these exceptional textiles to the forefront of the international textile industry. By introducing the Kasturi brand, the country has taken a proactive step towards establishing itself as a leading exporter of premium cotton fibre, yarns and fabrics.
Explaining the concept behind the brand name, Murali Balkrishna, Joint Director, TEXPROCIL said, “We think Indian cotton fabrics are of very high quality have always been present in the large volumes of the fibre that India exports and we have launched this initiative to bring more attention to it. And as the initiative gains momentum, it is expected to further enhance India's reputation as a reliable and innovative textile supplier in the global market.”
49 Indian textile brands, at the recent Intertextile Shanghai and Yarn Expo exhibition, showcased their Kasturi-labelled yarns and fabrics, demonstrating the initiative's impact. The response from buyers and industry experts was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality cotton products.
The Yarn Expo Autumn 2024 provided a significant platform for India to showcase its textile capabilities. Leading enterprises from across the country are showcasing, amongst other products, an extensive collection of traditional and eco-friendly cotton. The pavilion has Indo Industries, Padwa Worldwide, Texperts India, Niva Organics and other members exhibiting under the banner.
Messe Frankfurt has introduced a novel sustainability concept, ‘Econogy’, to the textile industry. The term is a combination of "ecology" and "economy," reflecting the initiative's focus on creating sustainable products that are also economically viable. The sustainability featured in Messe Frankfurt shows earlier in different formats including “All About Sustainability”, where as Econogy represents a more inclusive format.
Econogy represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainability within the textile industry. By combining ecological responsibility with economic viability, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the sector.
The Concept
Econogy aims to highlight and promote sustainable practices within the textile industry. Messe Frankfurt believes that for a product to be truly sustainable, it must not only be environmentally friendly but also economically sound. The initiative encourages exhibitors to showcase sustainable elements of their collections, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their commitment to responsible production.
The Action Plan
Product Assessment: Exhibitors can submit their yarns and fabrics for evaluation to be included in the Econogy program. An independent panel assesses the products based on their sustainability criteria.
Logo Recognition: Successful products are awarded a distinctive logo, allowing exhibitors to visibly identify their sustainable offerings.
Industry Platform: Messe Frankfurt provides a platform for industry players to showcase their advancements in sustainability, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
What Econogy Intends to Do
While Messe Frankfurt cannot directly make the textile industry more sustainable, the Econogy initiative aims to:
Increase Visibility: By highlighting sustainable products, Econogy helps to raise awareness of eco-friendly practices within the industry.
Promote Collaboration: The initiative can foster partnerships between industry players, encouraging the development of innovative sustainable solutions.
Drive Consumer Demand: By showcasing sustainable offerings, Econogy can contribute to a growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
Explaining the concept, Olaf Schmidt , Vice President, Messe Frankfurt, for textile industry events, said, “Messe Frankfurt had been inviting exhibitors to highlight sustainable elements of their collections at its shows since 2008, but now we wanted to bring this range of initiatives under one umbrella, and have termed it Econogy. However, he emphasised, “We cannot make the textile industry more sustainable, it is for the industry to do that. But we can give the industry a platform for making its advances in sustainability more visible.”
Adding further he said, “For a product to be sustainable it has to have a good business case behind it. Exhibiting companies are able to apply to have yarns and fabrics assessed for inclusion in the Econogy programme, with an independent judging panel deciding which products qualify. If successful, exhibitors are able to display a new logo for the initiative on their stands.
Messe Frankfurt earlier launched the programme at Heimtextil, Frakfurt in January this year and followed this up at Texworld in Paris and New York. Its inclusion at Intertextile Shanghai marked its debut in China.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics celebrated its 30th anniversary with a spectacular inauguration event held on August 27th morning marking a significant milestone for the global textile industry. The grand event is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai during August 27-29, 2024.
Organized by Messe Frankfurt, the event is set to hold thousands of exhibitors and visitors from over 27 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and sustainable practices in the global textile industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Detlef Braun, a member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, reflected on the journey of Intertextile Shanghai. He noted that the first edition of the event in 1995 featured 123 exhibitors. However, the origins of the exhibition date back even further to 1987, when Messe Frankfurt launched its first overseas show, Interstoff Asia, in Hong Kong. “This was Messe Frankfurt’s first ever overseas show,” Braun said, “and it led to the launch of Intertextile Shanghai.”
Over the past 30 years, Intertextile Shanghai has grown significantly, with a total of 103,000 exhibitors and more than 2.4 million visitors. Braun emphasized the event's importance, stating, “It is one of Messe Frankfurt’s crown jewels and a major sourcing hub for the global textile industry. It is an incredible success story, and the best is still in front of us.”
Highlights of the 30th Anniversary event
The autumn edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is showcasing a variety of key highlights, focusing on global reach, sustainability, and innovation:
Global Reach: The event features a diverse range of exhibitors from over 27 countries and regions, highlighting a broad spectrum of products and services tailored to different markets.
Milano Unica returns
Milano Unica continues to play a prominent role, 43 Italian companies are participating in Milano Unica Shanghai with their offerings and varying experiences. While many companies have been selling textiles in China for years, others are new to this vast and complex market.
Sustainability Focus: Reflecting a growing demand for eco-friendly materials and production processes, a significant portion of the exhibition is dedicated to the sustainable textiles.
Innovative Technologies: Attendees will explore the latest advancements in textile technology, including digital printing, functional fabrics, and smart textiles.
Trend Forecasting: The event provides valuable insights into the key trends for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season, aiding designers and manufacturers in planning for the future.
Networking Opportunities: The exhibition serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and build relationships.
Trends and innovations on display
Several notable trends are set to emerge during the event, emphasizing the evolving landscape of the textile industry:
Sustainability: Exhibitors are showcasing a strong commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly materials, certifications, and innovative production methods.
Functional Fabrics: There is a high demand for functional fabrics featuring properties such as moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and UV protection, particularly in the sportswear and outdoor apparel sectors.
Digital Printing: The popularity of digital printing technology continues to rise, offering increased flexibility, customization, and a reduced environmental impact compared to traditional methods.
Smart Textiles: The integration of technology into textiles, such as wearable devices and sensor-embedded fabrics, represented a growing trend in the industry.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics continues to be a pivotal event for the textile industry. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration aligns with the changing landscape of the market.
