FW
After a two-year gap, Parisian label owned by the Chinese giant Lanvin Group, Lanvin plans tol once again participate in the upcoming edition of Paris Fashion Week. The brand will showcase both at the menswear week, to be held at Jan-end, and also at a co-ed show where Peter Copping, New Creative Director will launch his maiden men’s and women’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 collections.
Bruno Sialelli, Previous Creative Director, Lanvin, quit the label in Mar’23 after working with it since Jan’19. In the following two years, Lanvin restructured its range and repositioned it with a more elegant, sophisticated and intrinsically French style in the market, notably by releasing several institutional campaigns.
Having worked with renowned labels like Louis Vuitton and Nina Ricci, etc, UK-born Copping has an extensive experience. In his new role, he looks forwad to translate the transformation launched by the Lanvin into new collections.
The Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) hosted the Stakeholder Event India 2024: Scaling Organic Cotton in India on Nov 27–28 in New Delhi. This key gathering brought together farmers, brands, suppliers, manufacturers, and public sector representatives to foster collaboration across the organic cotton value chain, emphasising India’s role as a global leader in organic cotton production.
The event highlighted OCA’s work since 2016, which has supported nearly 110,000 farmers across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Their Farm Program has delivered tangible benefits, such as high-quality non-GM seeds, premium payments above market prices, and extensive training, empowering farmers with sustainable and profitable practices.
Aligning with India’s 5F Initiative, the event focused on creating an integrated and sustainable textile value chain, reinforcing the government’s commitment to organic cotton as a key driver of rural development and environmental protection.
Inaugurating the event, a 13-member farmer delegation shared firsthand insights into the benefits of organic farming and the challenges they face. Sangita Bai Munna, an AKRSPI farmer, emphasised the importance of premium pricing for organic products and thanked OCA for connecting small and tribal farmers with global markets.
Discussions at the event centered on creating equitable working conditions, fostering climate adaptation strategies, and meeting global climate goals, with an emphasis on direct-to-farm sourcing for enhanced transparency. Sessions addressed trade dynamics, emerging technologies, and rising demand for sustainably sourced textiles, offering attendees tools to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape.
The event was supported by leading sponsors such as Arvind, Pratibha Syntex, Suminter India Organic, RSB Cottex, Milan Group, etc.
Highlighting India’s rile in the organic cotton movement, Bart Vollaard, Executive Director, OCA stated, more than just production, scaling organic cotton involves creating lasting value for farmers and the environment.
Fast-fashion giant Shein has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey as its ‘Centre of Innovation for Garment Manufacturing’ bagged a certificate for its Zero Waste to Landfill Management System. Awarded by independent auditor TÜV Rheinland, this recognition underscores Shein’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.
The certification marks the third Shein facility to meet TÜV Rheinland's stringent zero-waste standards. Emphasising on the measures taken to achieve this milestone, the company said, it implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimise land pollution.
Shein’s efforts through its innovation center reflect its broader strategy to align with global sustainability practices, addressing growing concerns over fast fashion's environmental impact. By adhering to zero-waste principles, the company aims to set a benchmark in waste management within the industry while innovating in garment manufacturing processes.
European Waste Management Association (FEAD) along with European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC Textiles) and Decathlon have jointly published a paper to advocate the need for enhanced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in the upcoming revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD). This initiative aims to address challenges in textile waste management while promoting sustainability and competitiveness across the sector,
Setting basic waste management concepts, the WFD defines waste, recycling, and recovery, and outlines the transition of waste into secondary raw materials. From January 2025, EU member states will be mandated to collect textiles separately, making EPR an essential tool for achieving the directive’s objectives. The ongoing WFD revision presents an opportunity to harmonise practices across the EU, enabling better sector efficiency and environmental outcomes.
The joint paper recommends the WFD to ensure accountability and fair competition in EPR programs across all actors. Further, it advocates the directive to establish measurable targets for waste prevention, collection, reuse and recycle. It also aims to clarify data to differentiate ‘used’ textiles from waste and define end-of-waste parameters to streamline recycling and material repurposing.
Besides, the joint paper also stresses the need for swift action to address current challenges, such as geopolitical instability, logistical barriers, and the influx of ultra-fast fashion, which has led to oversupply and financial strain on waste management systems.
Emphasising on the urgency for textile recycling, Claudia Mensi, President, FEAD, notes, 1 per cent of the 5 million metric tons of clothing discarded annually in the EU is recycled into new garments. Julia Ettinger, Secretary General, EuRIC Textiles urges for scaling up textile recycling infrastructure to realise circularity. Meanwhile, Emilie Mauffet, Sustainability Director, Decathlon highlights the potential of well-designed EPR schemes to close the loop on textile waste.
This collaborative effort aims to transform textile waste management, fostering a circular economy while supporting Europe’s recycling infrastructure and environmental goals. With the WFD revision, the EU has a vital opportunity to establish innovative, efficient textile waste systems that benefit industry and the planet.
Presiding over a review meeting at the Secretariat on Nov 26, 2024, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, said, in order to be more successful and attract investments worth $1.18 billion, the new textile policy needs to focus on providing more job opportunities at the local level, especially for women.
According to Naidu, the policy seeks to generate 2 lakh job opportunities by providing incentives. It aims to offer additional incentives and capital subsidies for women, minorities, BC, SC, and ST by focusing on the weaving, processing, clothing, and integrated units.
Spearheaded by the state’s Textiles Minister, S Savitha, the initiative focuses on creating a conducive environment for investment by improving infrastructure, providing timely incentives, and facilitating clearances. The policy also emphasises on expanding opportunities in sub-sectors such as agro textiles, geo textiles, and mobile textiles.
While the rise of online shopping has undeniably transformed the retail sector, recent trends suggest a shift in consumer behavior. Across Europe, brick-and-mortar stores are experiencing a resurgence proving their enduring relevance in an increasingly digital world. This phenomenon dubbed ‘bricks over clicks’, is reshaping the retail landscape and prompting businesses to re-evaluate their strategies.
Its bricks over clicks
One reason for the resurgence of physical stores is that post-lockdowns consumers crave tangible experiences and social interaction, driving them back to physical stores. Meanwhile, experiential retail has gained momentum and retailers are investing in immersive in-store experiences, transforming shopping into a leisure activity. Also savvy retailers are seamlessly integrating online and offline channels, offering click-and-collect, in-store returns, and personalized experiences. And the rise of behemoths like Shein has pushed traditional retailers to innovate and elevate the in-store experience.
Despite an overall decline in store numbers, selling space in Europe is steadily increasing. Euromonitor data reveals.
|
Metric |
2022 |
2023 |
2028 (projected) |
|
Number of stores (millions) |
4.92 |
4.9 |
- |
|
Selling space growth (%) |
- |
+1% |
+2.7% |
This indicates that retailers are prioritizing larger, more experiential stores over sheer quantity. For example, Decathlon the French sporting goods retailer has expanded its global network by 80 stores this year, incorporating interactive features like repair hubs, rental services, and play areas. With the bricks and mortar stores gaining momentum Zalando, the German online retailer is now opening physical stores to complement its online presence and counter competition from Shein.
In fact, the presence of physical stores has been shown to boost online sales. As per Deutsche Bank analyst Adam Cochrane, having a physical store can increase online sales by 10-20 per cent within a 20-minute radius. This highlights the synergistic relationship between online and offline channels. Analysts say, consumers are choosing to return to stores as they’re rediscovering the leisure aspect of shopping. This sentiment is echoed by Thomas Joekel, a portfolio manager at Union Investment, who emphasizes the importance of human interaction and immediate gratification in the shopping experience.
Therefore, ‘bricks over clicks’ trend signifies a shift towards a more balanced and integrated retail landscape. While online shopping remains crucial, physical stores are evolving to offer unique and engaging experiences that cannot be replicated online. This omnichannel approach, combining the convenience of online shopping with the tangible appeal of physical stores, is likely to define the future of retail in Europe and beyond.
Milan's Via Montenapoleone dethrones New York's Fifth Avenue as the world's most expensive retail street, reveals Cushman & Wakefield's 34th annual Main Streets Across the World report. This achievement underscores the growing allure of Milan as a global fashion capital and a haven for discerning shoppers.
A perfect combination of factors
Several factors have contributed to Milan's meteoric rise. One major reason is the resurgence of European luxury brands in recent years, with strong demand, particularly from affluent Chinese shoppers. Milan, as the epicenter of Italian fashion, has benefited immensely from this trend. Another factor is euro's appreciation against the US dollar that has made European luxury goods more affordable for international buyers, further boosting demand. Also Milan has invested heavily in infrastructure, tourism, and cultural initiatives, enhancing its appeal as a global destination. The limited availability of prime retail space on Via Montenapoleone has intensified competition among luxury brands, driving up rental prices.
Table: Rents of top 10 most expensive high streets
|
Rank |
Street |
City |
Country |
Annual rent per sq ft in $ |
|
1 |
Via Montenapoleone |
Milan |
Italy |
2,047 |
|
2 |
Fifth Avenue (49th-60th Sts) |
New York |
USA |
2,000 |
|
3 |
New Bond Street |
London |
UK |
1,762 |
|
4 |
Tsim Sha Tsui |
Hong Kong |
China |
1,697 |
|
5 |
Champs-Élysées |
Paris |
France |
1,615 |
|
6 |
Ginza |
Tokyo |
Japan |
1,582 |
|
7 |
Causeway Bay |
Hong Kong |
China |
1,474 |
|
8 |
Orchard Road |
Singapore |
Singapore |
1,422 |
|
9 |
Nanjing Road |
Shanghai |
China |
1,345 |
|
10 |
Rodeo Drive |
Beverly Hills |
USA |
1,295 |
The table provides a snapshot of the top 10 most expensive retail streets globally, as per the Cushman & Wakefield report. It throws up some clear trends. First, European cities dominate the top 10 list, with Milan, London, Paris, claiming three of the top six spots. Among Asian markets, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai continue to be strong contenders, reflecting the growing purchasing power of Asian consumers. In the US market while New York's Fifth Avenue remains a global icon, its dominance has been challenged by European cities.
As for Milan’s Montenapoleone with its elegant boutiques and historic architecture, it has long been synonymous with Italian luxury. However, in recent years, the street has seen high demand from both domestic and international brands. In fact, Gucci's flagship store on Via Montenapoleone is a prime example of the street's allure. The store, designed by renowned architect Peter Marino, showcases the brand's latest collections in a stunning setting. The limited availability of prime retail space on the street has driven up rental prices, making it one of the most expensive shopping destinations in the world.
As global economy continues to evolve, the luxury retail landscape is likely to remain dynamic. While Milan has emerged as a dominant force, other cities, such as Dubai, Seoul, and Sydney, are also vying for a share of the global luxury market. Cushman & Wakefield's report provides valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of luxury retail. As consumer preferences shift and new markets emerge, the competition for prime retail space will intensify.
Address sustainability challenges in the industry through a unified approach, urges Chairman, PRGMEA
In a meeting between the two leaders, Dr Ayyaz Uddin, Chairperson-North Zone, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) urged Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Commerce Minister to adopt a unified approach to address sustainability challenges in Pakistan’s textile industry. Further, Dr also Uddin emphasised on the need to increase collaboration between government ministries, academia, and industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with global sustainability standards.
Highlighting the significance of Pakistan’s textile industry that generates $16.5 billion in annual exports besides being the primary employment generator in the country, Dr Ayyaz said, the sector faces increasing pressure to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, particularly in light of international frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and International Labor Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Recognising these demands as both a challenge and an opportunity, Dr Ayyaz proposed creating two specialised task forces under the National Compliance Centre (NCC). One of these task forces would address challenges specific to the textile export sector, while the other would focus on governance concerns in non-textile export industries.
Further, Dr. Ayyaz advocated for leveraging expertise from academia, industry associations, and the government to develop practical solutions for compliance and sustainability. He emphasised on PRGMEA’s ongoing efforts to support manufacturers and exporters in calculating carbon footprints, adopting eco-friendly practices, and meeting global benchmarks for sustainability.
These proposed initiatives will help PRGMEA make significant improvements in labor practices, environmental compliance, and export competitiveness, ultimately strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global market, Dr Ayyaz affirmed.
Paving the way for a more sustainable future, these measures will drive transformative progress in the industry, opined PRGMEA,
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will showcase the trend book for Spring-Summer 2026 at the upcoming trade fair, taking place from February 10 to 12 at the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Centre. Titled Neocene, the trend book, curated by artistic directors Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud, explores new creative worlds in response to profound societal, economic, and environmental changes.
The first theme, Quantum, focuses on energy and fluidity, featuring heated materials and radiant hues like tan, caramel, and spicy tones. Gravity explores physical and emotional heaviness with mineral textures, biomimetic forms, and natural, diffuse colors.
Relativity presents oxymoronic aesthetics, using graphic motifs, draped textures, and deep blues and mauves. The final theme, Magnetism, emphasizes lightness and renewal, with transparency, floral motifs, and soft colors like peach and blush pink.
This edition’s layout enhances the buying experience, with halls 2, 3, and 4 reorganized for synergy. Hall 2’s Trends Forum will showcase the four themes alongside key services, including the Agora for conferences and discussions. Hall 4 focuses on women’s clothing, while Hall 3 highlights outdoor, sportswear, and casualwear.
The new setup aims to streamline sourcing, foster creativity, and provide a productive experience for attendees.
Roica by Asahi Kasei returns to ISPO, taking place from December 3-5, 2024, with its signature ‘3D Dimensions’ booth, offering visitors an immersive journey through its innovative stretch fibers, from raw materials to final products. Emphasizing performance and sustainability, the Roica Eco-Smart family takes center stage, showcasing advanced solutions for contemporary wardrobes.
The Roica Eco-Smart family features two standout yarns that emphasize sustainability without compromising on performance. Roica V550 is a degradable stretch fiber that breaks down into carbon dioxide and water when exposed to specific conditions (ISO 14855-1), earning it the Cradle to Cradle-Certified Material Health Gold Level Certificate.
On the other hand, Roica EF is a recycled stretch fiber made from pre-consumer materials, certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Both fibers are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable yet high-performance textiles in modern fashion and activewear. Both fibers balance performance, sustainability, and style, meeting the needs of activewear and everyday fashion.
The Roica Innovation Gallery highlights a range of fabrics from leading industry partners, each pushing the boundaries of textile innovation. Brugnoli Fabrics presents blends like BDG2 and BRecycled 11 GRS, offering a perfect balance of softness and performance. Cifra WKS features seamless garments enhanced with body-mapping technology, improving movement and breathability.
Dresdner Spitzen brings elegant, elastic fabrics ideal for athleisure, while Iluna Group focuses on activewear fabrics that merge bold aesthetics with functionality. Innova Fabrics is committed to eco-conscious textiles that address the impact of microplastics. Lauma Elastic offers technical textiles that combine flexibility and comfort, and Maglificio Ripa delivers thermal and moisture-wicking fabrics designed for base layers.
Penn Textile Solutions showcases advanced, breathable sport fabrics that prevent transparency, while Reda Active introduces Merino wool blends that provide thermoregulation and odor resistance. Sitip presents aerodynamic, dual-stretch textiles designed for superior insulation, and Tessitura Colombo Antonio offers lace fabrics with graphene, enhancing thermoregulation and abrasion resistance. Each of these innovations reflects the commitment to high-performance, sustainable, and functional textiles.
Visitors can explore garments made with Roicafibers from brands like Bioracer, Edelvissa, and Scott Racing Team. Notably, Socklab by Interloop Europe debuts Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold socks, recognized by ISPO Textrends. Stellawear introduces multifunctional pieces blending lingerie and swimwear.
Roica at ISPO demonstrates a commitment to responsible innovation, performance, and style, setting a new standard for sustainable textiles.
