FW
Joe Foster, Founder, Reebok has partnered with a burgeoning footwear brand led by Ben Weiss, Syntilay to create AI-designed shoes tailored for content creators. Syntilay leverages artificial intelligence and 3D printing to transform innovative digital designs into tangible footwear.
Syntilay debuted its first AI-generated slide in December, bridging the gap between digital creativity and physical products. Weiss emphasizes the unique design perspectives offered by AI, which challenge traditional footwear aesthetics. Currently, Syntilay offers a single SKU in five color variations, utilizing smartphone camera technology for precise foot measurements and ensuring a personalized fit. The 3D-printed shoes are sold directly to consumers worldwide through their e-commerce platform.
The product’s design has been significantly influenced by Indian designer Kedar Benjamin. AI plays a three-fold role in the creation of these shoes, affirms Weiss. This includes conceptualizing the shoe’s form, generating 3D models from sketches, and creating intricate patterns and shading. This process showcases AI's capacity to enhance design through unique algorithms, he adds.
Syntilay's next phase focuses on scaling production. Having successfully launched an AI-designed product, the brand aims to transition to traditional manufacturing methods for broader market accessibility. Expected within months, this expansion will enable Syntilay to reach global retailers.
Priced at $150, Syntilay’s initial AI-designed shoe is produced on-demand, reducing overhead costs. Valued at $6.25 million, the bootstrapped company engages with potential investors. Weiss highlights the capital-efficient nature of their business model, as on-demand printing eliminates the need for extensive inventory.
Leading manufacturer of shuttle weaving looms, Premier Looms plans to introduce Airjet Looms by 2026.
Established in 1976, Premier Looms has become a leading manufacturer of shuttle weaving looms, with a market share of 70 per cent. The company is renowned for producing looms and their components using the highest quality castings, It’s shuttle weaving looms are produced to ensure minimal wear and tear of spare parts.
The company improvises on its spare parts after studying the reason for the wear and tear. This prevents customers from maintaining large inventories of spares, notes Ashish Amin, Director.
In 2022, Premier Looms introduced India’s first Waterjet look with a width of 190 cm. The new loom boasts components and spares of the same high quality as its shuttle looms. The loom allows weavers to weave two sets of smaller width fabrics simultaneously, states Amin. The company recently received an order for 700 looms from a new entrepreneur.
Over the past few decades, Surat’s weaving industry has undergone significant growth, driven by an influx of migrants from Mehsana district and Saurashtra region in Gujarat. These migrants’ investments have played a crucial role in expanding the industry.
Announced in the recent Union Budget, the Mission for Cotton Productivity is anticipated to launch within the next four to five months.
To be implemented with a budget of Rs 2,500 crore over five years, the the Mission will consist of three mini-missions.
Titled, ‘Kapas Kranti,’the first mini-mission, will focus on enhancing cotton yield and farmer productivity. This will involve strategic initiatives like research, extension services, and human resource development, led by the Central Institute for Cotton Research. Managed by the Cotton Corporation of India, the second mission will involve modernizing of 1,000 ginning and pressing units. The third mission will promote sustainable natural fibers, including banana, milkweed, and bamboo.
Incorporating inputs from all stakeholders, the Mission will proceed in a consultative manner, as per the Ministry of Textiles. The allocation for each mini-mission will vary, but the overall annual allocation will be around Rs 500 crore (approximately $60 million). The Mission will also promote the production of Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, including Kasturi cotton.
Globally, major textile brands and retailers are sourcing certified and traceable cotton. The Cotton Productivity Mission will establish traceability for Indian cotton with certification.
Capitalizing o the growing garment industry in the Middle East, Indonesia aims to expand its modest fashion exports to Saudi Arabia, as per a report by the Ministry of Industry.
Ranked third globally for modest fashion in the 2023/24 Global Islamic Economy Report, behind Turkiye and Malaysia, Indonesia recorded a 18 per cent rise in sale of modest fashion products to $20 billion, Jakarta seeks to leverage this global potential by developing its domestic market and increasing exports to Muslim countries, particularly in the Middle East.
A large Muslim population and high purchasing power makes Saudi Arabia one of the biggest markets for modest fashion globally, says Reni Yanita, Director-General - Small and Medium Industries, Ministry of Industry. Consumers in Saudi Arabia prefer to buy high-quality, fashionable modest fashion products that adhere to Islamic principles, providing significant opportunities for Indonesian products, she adds.
Indonesian modest fashion brands have benefited from digital platforms, using e-commerce to reach national and international buyers. The government has supported this growth through trade roadshows, networking opportunities with foreign partners, and sponsoring events like the Muslim Fashion Festival.
According to Indonesia, valued at $4.25 billion in 2025, the Saudi Fashion market is prouected to grow to $5.7 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets. This growth reflects a broader trend in the Middle East, where the garment industry is valued at approximately $89 billion.
This huge potential of the Middle East market will positively impact Indonesia's economic growth by increasing exports of modest fashion products, states Yanita. Indonesia can also boost bilateral trade relations and attract more investments through economic cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, she adds.
After a successful debut, Shift returns on June 29-30, 2025, at the Taets venue, now in a larger hall to accommodate its growth. This expansion allows the menswear platform to welcome more brands while keeping everything under one roof for a seamless experience.
A significant number of first-edition participants have confirmed their return, joined by new brands that further enrich the event’s lineup. Shift continues to establish itself as a key platform for progressive menswear brands and industry professionals.
"We are incredibly excited to host this second edition in a space that aligns with Shift’s energy and ambition," the organizers stated. "With both returning and new participants, this edition promises to be just as inspiring and dynamic."
The full program will be revealed soon, but Shift SS 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for fashion professionals and enthusiasts.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has raised concerns over the Trump administration’s new tariffs, warning that they could destabilize North America’s textile supply chain. The administration imposed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, alongside an additional 10 percent on Chinese imports.
NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas stated that these tariffs threaten a critical US-Mexico-Canada textile and apparel coproduction chain that sustains nearly 500,000 American jobs and 1.6 million across North America. She cautioned that disrupting this chain, combined with the existing de minimis loophole, could worsen migration issues and the fentanyl crisis.
The US textile industry exports $12.3 billion worth of products to Mexico and Canada annually, accounting for 53 percent of total global textile exports. Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), these exports return as finished products, supporting a $20 billion two-way trade. Glas warned that imposing tariffs on these key trade partners would ultimately benefit China and other Asian competitors.
While opposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada, NCTO welcomed the additional 10 percent tariff on China, bringing the total penalty tariff on Chinese imports to 20 percent this year. Glas urged even higher tariffs specifically on finished apparel and textiles from China.
Additionally, the NCTO called for closing the de minimis loophole, which allows 4 million daily shipments of duty-free goods into the US Glas argued that this loophole facilitates the import of illegal and unsafe products, including fentanyl, undermining U.S. manufacturers.
NCTO pledged to work with the administration to develop trade policies that strengthen the domestic textile industry, protect jobs, and encourage regional investment.
Fashion for Good and The Microfibre Consortium have launched Behind the Break: Exploring Fibre Fragmentation, an innovative study to investigate the root causes of fibre fragmentation in textiles. This initiative aims to challenge existing assumptions, fill data gaps, and validate test methods to advance industry knowledge and tackle fibre pollution at the source.
Major fashion brands and manufacturers, including adidas, Bestseller, C&A, Inditex, Kering, Levi Strauss & Co, Norrona, ON, Paradise Textiles, and Positive Materials, are part of the project, with Under Armour joining as a partner. Testing will take place at Paradise Textiles, Under Armour, and Northumbria University’s Impact+ Network, focusing on cotton knit, cotton woven, and polyester knit fabrics.
Fibre fragmentation poses environmental and health risks, yet most mitigation efforts focus on capturing fragments downstream rather than preventing them at the source. This study seeks to shift the focus upstream by analyzing how factors like dyeing methods impact fragmentation.
A key component of the initiative is a comprehensive report that will examine the issue from multiple angles, including sources, pathways, biodegradation, toxicity, regulation, and testing methods. The study aims to enhance test accuracy, strengthen data correlation, improve manufacturing processes, and support better regulatory policies.
Katrin Ley, Managing Director at Fashion for Good, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This study will provide essential data to help reduce uncertainty and guide industry-wide strategies.” Kelly Sheridan, CEO at The Microfibre Consortium, highlighted the need for alignment in closing knowledge gaps.
ON’s Textile Innovation Lead Lucie Anne Martinol called the initiative a proactive step toward sustainability, while Paradise Textiles Head of Innovation Lewis Shuler stressed the importance of informed design and manufacturing. Elsa Parente, Co-CEO & CTO of Positive Materials, underscored the role of innovation in balancing environmental responsibility with material quality.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step in reducing fibre fragmentation and shaping a more sustainable future for fashion.
YKK Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) secured the top prize at the Orange Innovation Award 2024, organized by the Dementia Innovation Alliance Working Group under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on February 19.
The award recognizes innovations that improve the daily lives of people with dementia, emphasizing co-creation with those affected. YKK’s participation-based development approach was praised for integrating user feedback into product design. The company has collaborated directly with individuals with dementia to create user-friendly zippers, including the click-Trak Magnetic zipper, which aligns automatically using magnetic force.
YKK’s efforts extend across generations, ensuring accessibility for all. By preparing diverse product samples and engaging with various stakeholders, the company has developed fastening solutions that promote ease of use. The recognition highlights YKK’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in everyday essentials.
The award ceremony will take place on March 5. YKK remains dedicated to designing fastening products that help create a more comfortable and accessible society for everyone.
Tradition meets innovation on the global stage Aarti Vijay Gupta brought a fresh perspective to sustainable fashion at London Fashion Week with the debut of her FW25 collection, Kalighat Stories. The collection, created in collaboration with Liva’s eco-friendly fabrics, paid homage to India’s artistic heritage while embracing contemporary design and sustainability. By seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials, Gupta reinforced the growing movement towards responsible fashion on the global runway.
Liva Reviva Fabrics, crafted from up to 30 per cent recycled textile waste and blended with FSC-certified wood pulp, formed the foundation of the collection. These breathable and fluid textiles enabled Gupta to present a striking mix of heritage and modernity. Her designs reflected the intricate artistry of India’s cultural legacy, emphasizing that fashion can be both aesthetically compelling and environmentally conscious.
Reviving Indian folk art through fashion
Gupta worked closely with artisans from Kolkata’s renowned Kalighat and Patua traditions, transforming these rich storytelling art forms into wearable fashion. Inspired by Midnapore’s famed scroll paintings, her designs featured ‘Patua Feet,’ a vibrant artistic expression depicting music, mythology, and everyday life. Each piece in the collection showcased a fusion of age-old narratives and contemporary aesthetics, allowing heritage craftsmanship to reach an international audience.
The 35-look runway presentation spanned both menswear and womenswear, featuring flowing drapes, structured layering, and handcrafted detailing. Earthy hues and muted pastels formed the base of the collection, with intricate prints bringing the garments to life. The meticulous use of Liva’s fabrics emphasized not only sustainability but also versatility, ensuring that traditional artistry remained at the forefront of modern fashion.
A commitment to responsible fashion
Commenting on the collaboration, Sree Charan, VP Marketing, Global Head - Brands at Birla Cellulose, Aditya Birla Group, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “We are proud to support Aarti Vijay Gupta in her mission to integrate traditional art with contemporary design. By using Liva’s sustainable fabrics, she exemplifies our commitment to responsible luxury and innovation in fashion.”
Gupta, sharing her vision, expressed the importance of bringing traditional Indian artists to an international platform. “Traditional artisans are often overlooked in global fashion. With Kalighat Stories, I wanted to shift that narrative by using age-old techniques to create something fresh and contemporary. Working with Liva Reviva Fabrics provided the perfect canvas to honor these traditions while championing sustainability. This is the future of fashion where heritage and eco-conscious innovation come together with purpose.”
Liva’s partnership with Gupta aligns with its mission to drive change in the fashion industry through advanced, sustainable fabrics that minimize waste. By supporting designers who merge artistry with sustainability, Liva continues to lead the movement towards meaningful, responsible fashion on the world stage.
Successful launch of MOD'Unica
The inaugural edition of MOD'Unica, the textile fair organized by ATP - Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal with Spormex's support, gathered around 100 exhibitors on February 26-27 at Exponor’s Pavilion 1. The event established itself as a key meeting point for Portugal’s textile industry, attracting 3,500 visitors, including over 110 international attendees. The fair featured 300 collections and showcased more than 150 materials in its Trends Forum.
Organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, recognizing the collective effort that demonstrated resilience and confidence. They emphasized their commitment to strengthening partnerships with various entities and municipalities to enhance future editions.
AICEP’s support and industry transformation
On the second day, Paulo Rios, a member of AICEP’s Board of Directors, visited the fair and noted the sector’s ongoing transformation. He affirmed AICEP’s support for businesses, stating, “We are aligned with the sector and continue to believe in its potential.” Rios also highlighted the importance of MOD'Unica, emphasizing its role in advancing the industry.
Institutional representatives from the city councils of Fafe, Guimaraes, Santo Tirso, and Vila Nova de Famalicao attended, witnessing firsthand the sector's innovation capabilities.
Cultural and textile design showcases
MOD'Unica featured a creative entrance hall with works by visual artist Antonio Jorge and designs inspired by Valentine's handkerchiefs, in partnership with Vila Verde City Council and the Namorar Portugal initiative. Additional exhibits included contributions from the Guimaraes Marca platform and the Covilha Triennale, reinforcing the event’s cultural significance.
Conference program highlights industry trends
The MOD'Unica Talks program hosted over 20 expert-led discussions, presenting innovative projects such as Digi4Fashion, Metaskills4TCLF, RDC@ITV, Resotex, Texad, Vetrine, and Waste2BioComp. Institutions like AE Minho, Circular Strategy, Citeve, Humana Portugal, MAAB Consulting, Modatex, OMA, Universidade da Beira Interior, Universidade do Minho, and industry professionals shared insights into market shifts and sustainability trends.
MOD'Unica broadened its scope by welcoming companies from home textiles, decoration, and technical textiles, reinforcing its role as a premier platform for showcasing Portugal’s textile excellence.
Positive industry feedback
Exhibitors highlighted the fair’s importance in fostering industry connections, innovation, and business growth:
JF Almeida: "MOD'Unica is essential for strengthening partnerships, presenting new products, and staying updated on market trends. Each edition reaffirms its significance."
Vale & Vilas: "Portugal must continue to support this fair, and the government should encourage internationalization initiatives."
Bordados Oliveira: "This event provides visibility in a new format, a platform for showcasing innovation, and a networking space for strategic partnerships."
Fashion Details: "Portugal has a highly differentiated textile ecosystem, and this fair serves as a privileged showcase of its adaptability and innovation."
With its successful first edition, MOD'Unica is set to grow as a major event, further elevating Portugal’s textile sector on the global stage.
