FW
The fifth edition of the IFCO Istanbul Fashion Connection, held from February 7-10, 2024, witnessed a remarkable turnout, welcoming a record-breaking 38,545 visitors. The event, hosted at the Istanbul Expo Centre across eight expansive halls, saw participation from 545 exhibitors who engaged with international trade visitors hailing from 159 countries worldwide.
A diverse array of attendees from across the globe graced the event, highlighting its international significance. The Middle East constituted the largest contingent at 33.4 per cent, followed closely by Europe at 24 per cent, with Asia and North Africa contributing 23.3 per cent and 13.3 per cent, respectively. Notably, 6 per cent of visitors represented regions including the USA, South America, Australia, and Africa, underscoring the event's global outreach.
Exhibitor satisfaction
Mustafa Paşahan, Vice President of İHKİB, expressed immense satisfaction with the event's success, emphasizing its pivotal role as a nexus for the global fashion industry. Exhibitors lauded both the quality and quantity of visitors, alongside the creative presentations and high-caliber products showcased.
Spanning an extensive 100,000 sq m, the exhibition featured distinct zones showcasing the latest collections across various fashion domains. Notably, 'The Core Istanbul' embraced the Color of the Year 2024, boasting a peach-colored ambiance and hosting 25 acclaimed designers.
In the 'IFCO Brands' section, leading market players like Armine, Giotelli, and Kayra captivated attendees with trendy displays, showcasing their latest collections and fostering international business opportunities.
Specialized showcases
Lingerie and hosiery manufacturers were showcased in the LinExpo section, while FashionIST presented a diverse range of bridal and evening wear selections, reinforcing the event's comprehensive scope.
The event's unprecedented attendance reaffirmed its stature as a premier international fashion hub. Notable international buyers, including 6th Street Apparel and Ted Baker, leveraged the platform for networking and order placements.
IFCO collaborated with the Fashion Designers' Association for the first time, enriching the event with curated projects and thematic engagements. Additionally, the inclusion of educational institutions and innovative trend showcases added depth to the visitor experience.
Insights and outlook
Expert sessions highlighted industry trends, emphasizing a shift towards sustainable fashion and digital transformation. The Turkish textile and clothing sector's robust performance further underscored the nation's pivotal role in the global fashion landscape.
With plans underway for Texhibition Istanbul in March 2023, IFCO continues to fortify its position as a comprehensive platform for the international fashion trade. The forthcoming edition, scheduled for August 7- 9, 2024, promises to further elevate industry standards and foster global collaboration.
Lindstrom India, a key player in textile rental services and a subsidiary of Lindström Oy, Finland, takes a significant stride towards sustainability with its latest initiative. The company announces the incorporation of recycled polyester from PET bottles into its workwear garments collection, aligning firmly with Lindstrom's dedication to science-based climate targets and environmental stewardship.
This innovative process involves sorting and cleaning PET bottles, followed by mechanical shredding into small flakes, and subsequent melting and purification to create fibers. These fibers, combined with 35 per cent cotton, yield a versatile fabric merging cotton's comfort with polyester's durability.
Anisha Mukherjee, Head of Procurement & Sustainability at Lindstrom India, underscores the environmental advantages of this 65 per cent recycled polyester 35 per cent cotton blend. By utilizing recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, the production process effectively diverts plastic waste from landfills, conserving resources and reducing the need for virgin polyester production notorious for its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
This sustainable fabric finds applications across various textiles, from clothing to upholstery, significantly reducing the demand for new raw materials and lessening the environmental impact associated with traditional polyester production. Estimates from the Textile Exchange suggest that recycled polyester materials could potentially emit 30 per cent less carbon dioxide compared to virgin polyester, requiring 45 per cent less energy and 20 per cent less water.
Jayant Roy, Managing Director of Lindstrom India, emphasizes the blend's benefits, highlighting its softness, breathability, resilience, and longevity. This durability not only reduces the need for replacement products but also fosters a more sustainable approach to workwear, minimizing overall textile waste.
Moreover, recycling polyester consumes substantially less energy than producing virgin polyester, while blending it with cotton further mitigates the water footprint. This eco-conscious blend not only addresses concerns regarding resource depletion and pollution but also offers a high-quality fabric meeting the demands of conscientious consumers.
Roy notes a positive response from a prominent customer in South India since introducing recycled polyester in workwear. Lindstrom Oy joins the ranks of over 4500 companies with approved science-based climate targets and 2897 companies globally committed to net-zero targets, signifying a growing momentum towards sustainability across industries.
Archroma Textile Effects, a global leader in sustainable specialty chemicals, is integrating its 5,760 color portfolio into the Pointcarre digital textile design and manufacturing system, enhancing designers' capabilities.
Pointcarre, a Mac and PC textile design software pioneer for over three decades, empowers designers across fashion, home furnishing, and technical textiles to create precise digital samples and streamline production processes. By infusing Archroma's color range, designers gain access to an extensive library for enriched design workflows and precise color matching during production, all meeting stringent eco-standards.
Chris Hipps, Archroma Textile Effects' Global Head of Color Management, emphasizes the competitive edge of end-to-end agility in the textile value chain. The integration aims to facilitate seamless color implementation, fostering both agility and sustainability.
Steve Greenberg, President of Pointcarre Textile Software, underscores the collaboration's goal: to simplify design workflows, enhance productivity, and reduce costs for their esteemed clientele. To aid in utilizing the new color library, Pointcarre offers interactive e-learning modules and multilingual support.
Renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Decathlon trust Pointcarre systems, highlighting the reliability and innovation driving the partnership's success.
After seven years of dormancy, the Chamundeshwari Mega Silk Cluster is set to transform a 10-acre plot near Belavadi on the outskirts of Mysuru. Initially sanctioned by the Union government in 2017 with a generous allocation of Rs 49 crore, the project languished in uncertainty until now.
The initiative aims to rejuvenate sericulture, a cornerstone industry of the Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, and Ramanagar regions. With Mysore silk's coveted geographic indication tag highlighting its distinctiveness, the cluster promises a surge in employment opportunities, bolstering the local economy and nurturing silk-related enterprises.
The Karnataka State Textile Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSTIDCL), tasked with spearheading the project, has embarked on groundwork and surmounted hurdles, notably land acquisition. Endorsed by the Union government, KSTIDCL assumes the pivotal roles of cluster management and technical oversight.
Out of the total project cost of Rs 49.2 crore, the Union government's funding comprises 60 per cent, with the state government contributing Rs 10 crore, and the remainder sourced from entrepreneurs. A meticulously crafted blueprint, aided by the Infrastructure Development Corporation Karnataka Limited (I-DECK), envisions essential amenities encompassing roads, drainage systems, water, power, and waste management facilities.
The cluster's infrastructure will accommodate 24 industrial sheds, catering to silk-centric ventures such as yarn dyeing, fabric printing, and more. This initiative, one of six nationwide under the revamped National Handloom Development Programme, has already received an initial infusion of Rs 2.5 crore from the Union government.
However, delays have escalated the project's estimated cost to Rs 76 crore, prompting a revised proposal. Yet, the Union government has mandated adherence to the original budget, emphasizing efficient execution. As tenders are floated, imminent commencement of cluster-related development heralds optimism, albeit underscored by the imperative of expedited progress.
The Chamundeshwari Mega Silk Cluster embodies not merely a developmental endeavor but a promise of resurgence for the region's silk legacy, urging swift action to translate aspirations into tangible prosperity.
In a significant move to mark the Lunar New Year, three prominent Chinese fashion conglomerates, representing a total of eight brands, have joined forces with Canopy, a leading environmental nonprofit. Their collaboration aims to safeguard critical forests by excluding them from their viscose and paper packaging supply chains. Additionally, these companies are prioritizing the adoption of circular and environmentally-friendly alternatives, signaling a paradigm shift in the industry.
ELLASSAY Group, a multi-brand fashion entity, sports apparel brand Engine Bird, and sock company Happywool are among the brands committing to protect Ancient and Endangered Forests. Their decision aligns them with over 500 global fashion brands, including industry giants like Stella McCartney and Uniqlo, in supporting Canopy's initiatives.
The fashion industry's reliance on Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF)-based materials and paper packaging has led to the logging of over 3.4 billion trees annually, endangering crucial ecosystems worldwide. As China dominates clothing manufacturing and consumption, the pledge by these Chinese brands sets a compelling precedent against forest degradation.
Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, expressed delight in welcoming these Chinese companies, emphasizing the symbolism of the Lunar Year of the Wood Dragon, synonymous with vitality and creativity. Their proactive stance reflects a commitment to preserving forests, biodiversity, and combating climate change.
Alan Xia, Founder & Chairman of ELLASSAY Group, highlighted their dedication to sustainability and protecting biodiversity. He emphasized their ambition to lead China's fashion industry towards a more sustainable future.
The signatories not only vow to source textiles and packaging responsibly but also collaborate with Canopy to promote NextGen materials derived from recycled clothing and agricultural residues. These materials offer a sustainable alternative while preserving forests, reducing water usage, and fostering green employment opportunities.
China's support for NextGen viscose and packaging production underscores its potential to spearhead global sustainability efforts. Government initiatives and market incentives are already driving the adoption of circular practices within the fashion supply chain.
With the addition of these Chinese companies, Canopy's initiatives now encompass 555 brand partners with a collective annual revenue of 1.05 trillion USD under CanopyStyle, and 427 brands generating over 236 billion USD annually under Pack4Good. This collaboration marks a crucial step towards a more sustainable and forest-friendly fashion industry.
India’s premier fabric brand, Liva, has announced its active participation in Bharat Tex 2024, a landmark event celebrating the convergence of culture and commerce in the textile sector. Scheduled from February 26-29 in New Delhi, Bharat Tex 2024, organized by 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, is poised to be a global platform showcasing India's rich textile legacy and its strides in sustainability.
Liva’s presence underscores its steadfast dedication to innovation, collaboration, and eco-friendly practices, cementing its leadership in sustainable fashion. With a focus on showcasing its wide-ranging product portfolio, including the acclaimed Liva Reviva, a circular fiber made from pre-consumer cotton waste, Liva aims to engage with industry stakeholders and emphasize its commitment to responsible production.
The event promises a vibrant tapestry of exhibitions, knowledge sessions, and business networks, attracting top policymakers, global CEOs, and fashion enthusiasts alike. Notably, Prime Minister will grace the occasion, reflecting its significance on the national stage. Liva’s booth will spotlight its eco-conscious ethos, emphasizing attributes like fluidity, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, which have made it a preferred choice for consumers worldwide. Collaborations with leading brands such as Biba and Rangriti underscore Liva's stature in the fashion industry.
ManMohan Singh, CMO of Birla Cellulose, expressed enthusiasm for Liva's participation, highlighting its role in driving positive change. He emphasized the event's importance in fostering dialogue and partnerships to shape the future of sustainable textiles.
Liva’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond Bharat Tex 2024, with initiatives like Livaeco and Liva Reviva setting new standards for environmentally friendly fashion. As the textile industry embraces sustainability as a core value, Liva stands at the forefront, leading the way towards a greener, more ethical future.
Liva, part of the Aditya Birla Group, specializes in nature-based fabrics derived from wood pulp. Known for its natural fluidity and eco-friendly approach, Liva redefines fashion with comfortable, sustainable fabrics. Made from renewable plant-based fibers, Liva fabrics offer breathability and luxurious drape, promoting a greener future for the fashion industry.
The 3rd Mumbai edition of Gartex Texprocess India, concluded on February 3, emerged as a pivotal platform for the exhibition and procurement of pioneering products within the garment and textile manufacturing sector. Among the distinguished personalities gracing the event were Chandrakant Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Textile, Higher Education and Technical Education, Parliamentary Affairs State Border Defense, and Virendra Singh (IAS), Secretary Textiles, Maharashtra Government, alongside various industry leaders.
Exhibition highlights
With 105 exhibitors showcasing their innovations, and an impressive footfall of 8,309 visitors, the event showcased cutting-edge machinery for garment manufacturing, avant-garde fabrics, smart technology, and textile printing solutions.
The event also featured enlightening sessions such as ‘Gartex Talks’ and ‘Denim Talks’. During 'Gartex Talks', Ramesh Gosai, Principal Consultant at R R Gosai & Associates, shed light on the challenges of initiating a business in the textile industry, offering insights into overcoming hurdles for successful establishment.
'Denim Talks' delved into the latest trends and advancements in denim manufacturing, with experts like Amit Gugnani, Manuj Kanchan, Madhulika Tiwari, and Puneet Dudeja sharing valuable perspectives.
Exhibitors' feedback
Exhibitors expressed overwhelming satisfaction with the platform. Parvinder Singh from Optitex lauded Gartex as a fruitful platform for engagement, emphasizing their consistent participation over the last three years.
Lion Denim's Gunjan Panchal described their experience as ‘overwhelming,’ citing significant interaction with industry peers and visitors. Sharad Jaipuria of Ginni International Ltd highlighted the exhibition's comprehensive representation of the textile value chain, expressing optimism for fruitful business engagements.
Mayur Ghatak from Codverse Technology praised the event for attracting a niche audience relevant to their business, underscoring its efficacy as a branding platform. First-time exhibitor Alok Parekh from Shreenath Paper commended the event for facilitating relevant visitor profiles and generating export inquiries.
Suketu Shah of LNJ Denim expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to connect with brands and distribution networks. Tapan Kapadia from HSW Embroidery Machines hailed the event's success in attracting buyers from across India.
Future outlook
The success of the Mumbai edition sets the stage for the upcoming 10th Delhi edition of Gartex Texprocess India, scheduled from 1- 3 August 2024 at YashoBhoomi (IICC) Dwarka, New Delhi. The event promises to continue its tradition of showcasing high-end innovations, offering a platform for industry players to explore new possibilities and foster collaborations.
Marking a pivotal moment in the textile industry, The Textile Show and the Dallas Market Center have collaborated to launch The Textile Show Dallas. To be held from October 22-24, 2024 on 5 million sq ft at the DMC, the Textile Show Dallas will be an exclusive, boutique-style trade event featuring select textile mills, agents, trims, accessories, print design studios, and support services.
This curated event will attract a high-quality showcase of suppliers within a welcoming atmosphere, fostering innovation and collaboration. By aligning with the Dallas Market Center, the Textile Show underscores its commitment to serve the textile and design community. The event will coincide with the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld, offering attendees a comprehensive experience.
The show will provide abundant networking opportunities to attendees enhacing their prospects for collaboration and business growth. Moreover, the show will feature seminars, panel discussions, and presentations led by industry experts, covering a spectrum of topics including trends, technologies, and sustainability practices.
Overall, The Textile Show Dallas promises to be a dynamic platform for industry professionals to connect, innovate, and thrive, setting new standards for excellence within the textile, design, and manufacturing sectors.
A prominent player in global textile manufacturing, Trident Group has being roped in as the Silver Sponsor for the forthcoming Bharat Tex event, scheduled from February 26-29 at the Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.
With India’s textile industry poised to reach $350 billion by 2030, growing at a steady CAGR of 10 per cent, this event emerges as a crucial platform to delve into the sector’s immense potential. Trident will unveil its innovative products and sustainable practices at the exhibition.
The group’s participation in this global event underscores a steadfast commitment to nurture growth and innovation within the textile industry, reflecting the government’s unwavering support for pivotal economic sectors.
Trident Group's presence at Bharat Tex exemplifies the essence of Atulaya Bharat and underscores India’s stature as a reliable textile manufacturing hub across the entire value chain, from cultivation to international markets.
In resonance with the event’s overarching theme, Trident Group will showcase its craftsmanship, embodying a seamless blend of tradition and eco-consciousness.
Attendees at the exhibition will encounter a diverse array of eco-friendly collections and sustainable manufacturing practices, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Reshaping notions of versatility and inclusivity, Marks & Spencer has launched an innovative campaign to showcase its assortment of latest denim pieces, from trench coats to tailored skirts. With sizes spanning from 6-24, and offering three different leg lengths of petite, regular and long, the collection pledges to adorn every body type with grace and ease.
The latest collection by Marks & Spencer transcends conventional denim boundaries, seamlessly blending pieces that effortlessly integrate into both formal and casual wardrobes. Trench coats, tailored items, skirts, and a myriad of denim silhouettes highlight the fabric's adaptability across various seasons and occasions.
This versatility extends beyond just wearability; it encompasses the range's inclusivity and sustainability endeavors. The array of sizing options ensures that everyone discovers their ideal fit, shattering barriers and establishing a fresh benchmark in fashion inclusivity.
At the core of Marks & Spencer's denim campaign lies a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Each garment in the collection is crafted from cotton sourced from the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), underscoring the brand's dedication to diminishing its ecological impact.
The BCI's mission to enhance global cotton production for the benefit of workers, the environment, and the sector's future aligns closely with Marks & Spencer's principles. By opting for BCI cotton, the brand guarantees that its denim pieces are not just chic and adaptable but also crafted with conscientiousness for the planet.
The collection's expansive array of pieces underscores Marks & Spencer's insight into the contemporary consumer's requirements. From the impeccable denim trench coat that injects sophistication into any ensemble to the tailored skirts promising comfort without sacrificing style, the brand presents a denim narrative that is both compelling and comprehensive.
The inclusion of varied leg lengths further enriches the collection's appeal, ensuring that customers no longer need to compromise on fit. Whether dressing for a laid-back outing or a formal gathering, Marks & Spencer's fresh denim collection offers solutions that are both trendy and practical.
