FW
Italian contemporary fashion fair, White Milano, is gearing up to hold its next edition, from February 27 to March 2 in Tortona Fashion District, Milan This year’s event will showcase over 300 brands, with 55 per cent from Italian companies and 45 per cent from international labels, reflecting its global appeal.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, M Seventy, the company behind White Milano, is expanding its reach with new initiatives in strategic markets. These include pop-up events and dedicated spaces in flagship stores outside Italy, designed to introduce participating brands to new audiences, strengthen retail distribution, and engage directly with customers.
The first of these international pop-ups will debut in Saudi Arabia in February 2025, in collaboration with the Al Malki Group, a leading player in the Middle Eastern market. The exclusive pop-up will be located in the renowned Westerly department store in Riyadh and will run until May. This pilot project will feature a curated selection of brands, chosen from White Milano’s regular exhibitors, as a B2C-focused effort to bring contemporary Italian and global fashion directly to consumers. It’s the first in a series of similar events planned throughout 2025.
To support foreign buyers from top boutiques and concept stores, White Milano has partnered with key markets, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Eastern Europe, Japan, Benelux, Spain, and the Middle East/GCC. These collaborations aim to facilitate the participation of international buyers and broaden the reach of White’s showcased brands.
In addition to the core business events within the stands, White Milano will host entertainment initiatives open to the public. These will include art, fashion, and music events, creating opportunities for both industry insiders and consumers to engage with the fair.
White Milano’s innovative projects, including its international pop-ups, retain the DNA of the Milan event, offering the same high-quality brand selection. These efforts allow participating brands to tell their stories directly to buyers and consumers in targeted regions, reinforcing White Milano’s role as a dynamic platform for contemporary fashion on a global stage.
Epic Group and Creative Group signed a non-binding MOU to invest Rs 500 crore (approximately $60 million) to boost innovation and growth in the apparel sector besides creating 10,000 jobs.
A global leader in apparel manufacturing, Epic Group boasts decades of expertise and innovation. Known for integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the group has state-of-the-art facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, Its New York design studio and worldwide customer base underscore its dedication to quality, creativity, and market responsiveness.
A prominent player in India’s textile industry, Creative Group contributes its extensive knowledge of the domestic market and proven operational excellence. By merging Epic Group’s global reach and cutting-edge solutions with Creative Group’s local insights, the venture aims to transform India’s role in the global apparel supply chain.
The partnership emphasizes advanced manufacturing technologies, eco-friendly practices, and design-focused solutions to meet evolving customer expectations. With a shared vision, Epic and Creative Groups are committed to position India as a vital hub for apparel innovation and sustainability while delivering exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.
A leader in textile machinery manufacturing, Reshmi Industries aims to achieve a revenue growth of 40 per cent in FY 2025. The company plans to expand its new manufacturing, including a machine shop and technology center set to open in January 2025.
Under the visionary leadership of KB Sajan, Chairman and Vishnu Sajan, Joint Managing Director, Reshmi Industries continues to address the dynamic needs of the textile industry with a portfolio of advanced, Industry 4.0-enabled products. Among its flagship offerings are the Ultiflex Precision Winders, Precithread Automatic Sewing Thread Winders, and Precitube Automatic Winders.
The company’s upcoming product launches include the Ultiflex TG, which features electronically adjustable traverse capabilities, ensuring Reshmi stays ahead of industry demands. To further enhance customer experience, the company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Customer Experience Centre in Coimbatore. This facility provides live demonstrations, workshops, and customized solutions to meet the specific needs of clients.
Reshmi Industries has also strengthened its global footprint by participating in renowned exhibitions such as ITMA Milan, ITM Istanbul, and Indo Intertex Indonesia. These events have cemented its position in international markets and driven substantial business growth. The company will further participate in upcoming exhibitions in Egypt (Egystitch) and ITMA Singapore to help penetrate emerging markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Reshmi’s operations. Approximately 70 per cent of its machinery is designed to reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs and carbon footprints. The company’s manufacturing facilities employ eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient systems to optimize resource usage, aligning with the global textile industry’s focus on sustainable practices.
The Karnataka Government has completed the land acquisition process for its planned Jeans Textile Park in Ballari.
To be set up across 154 acre, the Jeans Textile Park will be set up in Sanjeevarayanakote, under the supervision of the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).
The initiative will help position Ballari as a global leader in denim production, leveraging the region’s rich history in jeans manufacturing. The park is expected to attract significant investments, create employment opportunities, and enable local manufacturers to compete on an international scale by incorporating advanced technology, sustainable practices, and world-class infrastructure.
Already recognized for its skilled workforce and high-quality denim product, Ballari will further be recognized as a key player in the denim industry globally with the establishment of this Jeans Textile Park.
The development underscores Karnataka Government’s commitment to support its textile and garment sectors while enhancing Ballari’s reputation as a premier destination for denim manufacturing.
Premiere Vision Paris will host its Spring-Summer 2026 showcase from February 11-13, 2025, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. This globally renowned event brings together key players in the fashion industry, emphasizing creative and sustainable approaches. Spanning three days, it will feature artisans, designers, and manufacturers from 40 countries, including France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and China.
This edition marks a renewed focus on craftsmanship and innovation, with themes of reinvention, resilience, and sustainability at its core. As the industry grapples with economic, ecological, and existential challenges, know-how is positioned as a vital tool for transformation. Florence Rousson, President of the Premiere Vision Management Board, noted, "Craftsmanship is at the heart of addressing current challenges, offering inspiration for rethinking the future of fashion."
Highlights include the Inspiration Forum, where curated selections of leathers dyed in Premiere Vision's palette and seasonal themes-Re-Fresh, Re-Set, and Re-Store will be explored. Visitors can attend 16 conferences and 25 pitches addressing innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. A special focus on Fashion Tech will take place on February 12, featuring keynote speeches, guided tours, and a series of 15-minute tech pitches by exhibitors.
Maison d’Exceptions, a dedicated space for artisanal craftsmanship, will host live embroidery demonstrations and unveil the Textile Lexicon. This new educational initiative aims to catalog textile materials, starting with fibers, offering insights into traditional and innovative options.
The Spring-Summer 2026 collection reflects emerging trends in craftsmanship, versatility, and sustainability. Lightweight, airy materials inspired by outdoor sports dominate, while recycled and bio-based composites redefine comfort across streetwear and sportswear. Themes like Re-Fresh focus on blending industrial techniques with natural solutions, Re-Set celebrates embellished satins, and Re-Store promotes recycling and upcycling practices.
Notable contributions include creations by Mathilde Hiron, a Hyeres International Festival finalist, made in collaboration with French tanneries. Over 1,060 exhibitors will present cutting-edge innovations and materials, making the event a cornerstone for the fashion industry’s responsible evolution.
Premiere Vision Paris invites visitors to explore the future of fashion through the lens of craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation.
Expanding opportunities with new product zones
Cinte Techtextil China 2025 will return to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 3-5, 2025, bringing innovative features to the forefront of technical textiles and nonwovens. In addition to its well-established European Zone, the fair will debut two new product zones: the Medtech & Protech Zone, focusing on medical and protective applications, and the Mobiltech Zone, dedicated to automotive textiles.
These additions align with growing market demand in these sectors, which are projected to experience significant growth, including medical and hygiene products (4.3 per cent CAGR, 2023-2030), safety and protection (3.9 per cent, 2024-2030), and automotive applications (3.2 per cent, 2022-2030).
“As part of Messe Frankfurt’s Texpertise Network, Cinte Techtextil China is positioned to tap into evolving global market needs,” said Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “These zones offer targeted opportunities for exhibitors and visitors, addressing under-utilized potentials and advancing the industry’s sustainable future.”
Sustainability at the core of technical textiles
Sustainability remains a central theme at the fair, with many exhibitors showcasing eco-friendly solutions. Nihon Glass Fiber Industrial Co Ltd, for instance, emphasized the role of functional fibres in creating durable, green automotive materials. Lin Yang, Sales Department Minister, remarked: “Green applications are becoming pivotal in automotive textiles, driven by the rise of new energy vehicles.”
Similarly, Reifenhauser Enka Tecnica highlighted its cost-effective method for refurbishing spinnerets, aligning with industry sustainability goals. Sales Manager Denis Wallrafen stated: “Innovation and sustainability are rules for success.”
Major exhibitors like Andritz, Ibena, and Monosuisse Group will showcase cutting-edge solutions spanning filtration, medical, and protective applications. Visitors, such as Claudia Moreno of Group Dragon, expressed optimism about the sustainable offerings, noting the fair’s role in facilitating meaningful collaborations.
Bridging Asian and global markets
Cinte Techtextil China continues to serve as a strategic platform for networking and business matchmaking across the global value chain. In its last edition, the fair welcomed nearly 17,000 visitors from 77 countries and regions, enabling exhibitors like Groz-Beckert East Asia to engage with both domestic and international markets.
The event’s comprehensive coverage of 12 application areas, from raw materials to finished products, ensures its relevance to stakeholders across the industry. This extensive scope, combined with themed events such as Econogy Talks and innovative product showcases, provides a rich environment for information exchange and market insights.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and CNITA, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 promises to further strengthen its reputation as Asia’s leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens.
Being held from January 10-12, 2025, the three-day, non-China machinery expo, Surat International Textile Expo (SITEX) 2025 aims to promote the government’s ‘Make in India.’ Initiative.
The exhibition focuses on the latest technological upgrades in textile machinery. It features a 32-head Japanese printing machine, the latest technology in high-demand productivity.
Currently installed only in Varanasi, the machine will also be installed in Surat. This 32-head machine helps manufacturers produce embroidery fabric and viscose jacquard more efficiently. It will help boost Surat’s garment industry significantly, says Vijay Mewavala, President, SGCCI.
Under the ‘Make in India' initiative, SGCC showcases water jet machines, high-speed rapier machines and shuttle looms with seven shuttles. Currently available only in South India and Varanasi, these machines are capable of producing value-added fabrics, including pure silk and semi-silk made with gold and silver threads.
The exhibition also showcases velvet airjet machinery that can produce high-quality velvet locally, adds Mewavala.
SITEX is organized every year by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Southern Gujarat Trade and Industries Development Centre in two editions. To be held later this year, the second edition will focus exclusively on Chinese machinery.
To counter current challenges being faced by the brand in its retail and sportswear markets in India and globally, Nike has decided to replace its CEO John Donahoe with Elliott Hill, a long-time executive who retired in 2020.
An experienced company veteran, Hill will help Nike reconnect with its staff and retail partners. His primary task will include rejuvenating Nike’s sneaker offerings and rebuilding the brand’s position in the running category.
Hill will also focus on upgrading Nike’s fashion statement to enable it to compete with Adidas. Similar to Zara, he will accelerate the brand’s product development to ensure a consistent flow of the brand’s new footwear in the market and avoid depending on popular models.
Additionally, Hill will help Nike reconnect with old retail partners, to make its products available in stores. He will assist the brand regain consumers’ trust, and boost sales in this highly competitive retail environment.
Majority of Nike’s current struggles stems from Donahoe’s strategy to reposition the company as a tech power house and a luxury brand. Donahoe’s policies led to the brand’s footwear portfolio struggling to survive as its popular sneaker models, such as the Airforce 2 and Air Jordan 1 lost popularity. Consumer preferences shifted towards retro styles like Adidas' Samba, However,
Nike was slow to pivot to this trend. On the other hand, Bjorn Gulden, CEO, Adidas was quick to ramp up production of in-demand styles, gaining market share.
US President Joe Biden recently signed a legislation to renew the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act for an additional five years. Initially passed in 2020, the act authorizes sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Turkic groups in the Xinjiang region.
In effect since June 2022, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) presumes that goods from the Xinjiang region are produced with forced labor unless proven otherwise. As a result, US Customs and Border Protection has detained over 9,000 shipments, totaling $3.4 billion. The Xinjiang region accounts for about 23 per cent of the world’s cotton production, making supply chain oversight critical. Companies are encouraged to implement global standards to exclude forced labor from their supply chains. The renewed Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act continues to impose sanctions and introduces new measures, including a federal procurement ban on goods made with forced labor.
In 2025, the enforcement strategy for UFLPA will focus on utilizing advanced analytical tools and enhanced tracing capabilities to detect and prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering the US market, even through third countries. This will involve improved supply chain analysis and greater international collaboration to safeguard the integrity of global supply chains.
Newly formed company, Catalysts Brands has sold its US operations of the brand Reebok, and is exploring strategic options to sell Forever 21’s operations.
Catalysts Brands is a result of merger between Sparc Group, the operator of renowned fashion brands Lucky Brand, Bauer, Aeropostale, Forever 21, and Brooks Brothers with JCPenney.
The newly created Catalysts Brands is being led by Marc Rosen, Former CEO, JCPenney as its CEO. The company boasts impressive figures, including approximately $9 billion in revenue, 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees, and $1 billion in liquidity.
Acquired by Authentic Brands Group out of bankruptcy in February 2020, Forever 21 was licensed to Sparc Group, an operator of about 500 stores. Many of the group’s stores are leased by Simon Property, benefiting both companies by maintaining mall occupancy and generating income for Authentic Brands Group, which owns numerous lifestyle and retail brands.
Having filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, JCPenney was acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. for $800 million.
