Eastman has developed a new eco-friendly cellulosic fiber named Naia. Naia can transform into luxurious, soft, and easy-to-care-for fabrics, garments made from Naia can be laundered at home, have excellent wrinkle recovery and pilling resistance, all without compromising its luster and silky hand.

The fiber is produced in a safe, closed-loop process where non-hazardous chemical solvents are recycled back into the system for reuse. This optimized, low-impact manufacturing process has a third party verified Life Cycle Assessment certification. Naia has a lower impact than other fibers such as generic modal, viscose and triacetate.

Eastman, based in the US, is a producer of advanced materials and specialty additives. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman delivers innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. As a globally diverse company, it serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company employs approximately 14,000 people around the world. It is committed to improving sustainability in the textile industry and providing choices to designers seeking out sustainable yarns.

With Naia, sustainability does not mean compromising on design. This yarn is made with no hazardous solvents. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water use and impact on the ecosystem Naia has significantly lower environmental impact compared to natural fibers such as cotton and silk.

Over the last few years, Bangladesh has successfully diversified its product basket to offer value-added, innovative, and fashionable items to attract buyers from across the globe. And the cases in point are names like US-based brand Southpole and the Russian fashion brand Oodji that have not only started sourcing from the country but are also aiming to increase their order volumes significantly in coming days.

Aimed at catering to the young consumrs, Southpole® is the flagship brand of Wicked Fashions founded by David Khym and Kenny Khym. Starting as a premium urban brand, Southpole with its legendary puffy ‘bubble’ jacket and 4180 ™ relaxed fit denim pants, influenced the beginning of urban fashion in American street culture. The company has five brands under its portfolio and sells its products through its stores AAO (Against All Odds) as well as other stores like Sears, Burlington, etc.

Kick-starting Bangladesh operations in 2010, Russian fashion brand Oodji has so far been procuring 15-25 per cent of its requirements from Bangladesh while Uzbekistan accounts for another 20 per cent and the rest comes from China. However, with China increasingly getting expensive owing to spiralling labour costs and Bangladesh maturing as a manufacturing destination while being able to maintain and leverage its cheap and abundant workforce— things are set to change as far as Oodji is concerned.

Despite its ongoing trade war, Chinese apparel exports to the US increased to 31.68 per cent of total world exports till August. OTEXA’s data reveals, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India lost share in US exports to 14.90 per cent, 6.72 per cent and 5.02 per cent respectively from Jan. to Aug. ’18. China might have increased its share on a monthly basis but its share on the yearly note plunged 1.04 per cent in value terms.

Shipments from Vietnam increased 5.85 per cent to $8,125 million on a monthly basis during the period. Bangladesh and India too increased their exports to $3,664.15 million and $2,741.44 million respectively. Exports from Indonesia on the other hand, declined to 5.57 per cent on a yearly basis in the corresponding period of 2018. On a monthly basis, the country’s exports declined 5.66 per cent.

"Though the fast-paced recovery of global economy and increased domestic demand led to the strong growth in Chinese textile industry in the first half of 2018, the US-China relationship posed great challenges. As the latest statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China indicate, Chinese textile and apparel exports in the first half of this year amounted to $127.524 billion representing a year-on-year growth of only 3.24 per cent. Exports of textile yarns, fabrics and end products, in particular, amounted to $58.332 billion, a YOY growth of 10.28 per cent, while export of garments and accessories decreased 2.03 per cent YOY."

Though the fast-paced recovery of global economy and increased domestic demand led to the strong growth in Chinese textile industry in the first half of 2018, the US-China relationship posed great challenges. As the latest statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China indicate, Chinese textile and apparel exports in the first half of this year amounted to $127.524 billion representing a year-on-year growth of only 3.24 per cent. Exports of textile yarns, fabrics and end products, in particular, amounted to $58.332 billion, a YOY growth of 10.28 per cent, while export of garments and accessories decreased 2.03 per cent YOY.

Rapid growth of domestic market

China’s domestic textile and apparel market continued to grow at a fast pace with both physical stores and e-commerce channels registering high level of sales. As the country’s National Bureau of Statistics indicate, the sale of clothing, shoes, hats and knitting products from January to May 2018 increased 9.1 per cent over the same period last year. Meanwhile, e-commerce channels continued to maintain rapid growth. The sales of clothing on these channels from January to May increased 24.9 YOY, representing a higher growth rate when compared with the same period in the previous year.

As per latest statistics from the Office of Textiles and Apparel US, China’s textile and apparel exports to the US totaled $38.74 billion in 2017, of which apparel exports was $27.03 billion and textiles and finished product exports was $11.71 billion.

From July this year, the US imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese products worth $36 billion. China took counter measures. Meanwhile, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) further announced 25 per cent tariffs on another list of Chinese imported products worth $16 billion on August 7. The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China responded by imposing an extra 25 per cent tariff on US imported products also worth $16 billion.

An extra 10 per cent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imported products was announced by the USTR recently. This list of over 5,000 products includes textile related products, such as textile raw materials, yarns, fabrics, carpets, technical textiles, leather, etc. As per CNTAC, the value of annual exports to the US amounts to about $4 billion.

Shift in global supply chain

A recent survey by the US Fashion Industry Association indicates, nearly 70 per cent of fashion industry executives plan to restructure sourcing from China over the next two years. At the same time, China’s latest tariff imposition on US imports led to many Chinese textile enterprises and traders shifting their sourcing to other countries.

The foundation for the development of Chinese textile industry in 2018 remains strong. To achieve this growth, the industry needs to upgrade production technologies and product quality, grasp the opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative and transform into the world’s true textile industry leader.

"The recent edition of CHIC held from September 27 to 29, in Shanghai, was attended by over 58,400 visitors from all sectors of the trade. Commenting on the exhibition Chen Dapeng, President, CHIC Shanghai and Executive Vice President, CNGA says, "The meaning of ‘Made in China’ has changed. The focus of the Chinese apparel industry has shifted from quantity to quality, innovation and upgrading are key factors in the competitiveness of fashion brands in response to market changes."

The recent edition of CHIC held from September 27 to 29, in Shanghai, was attended by over 58,400 visitors from all sectors of the trade. Commenting on the exhibition Chen Dapeng, President, CHIC Shanghai and Executive Vice President, CNGA says, "The meaning of ‘Made in China’ has changed. The focus of the Chinese apparel industry has shifted from quantity to quality, innovation and upgrading are key factors in the competitiveness of fashion brands in response to market changes."

This edition featured 719 exhibitors from 825 brands across 14 countries who presented new S/S ’19 collections. China’s most famous sportswear brand Li Ning impressed with a fashion show, at the At the Sustainable Development Zone.

Hi-fashion with comfortable casual wear

CHIC Shanghai presented 10 clearly structured trade fair segments covering the entire spectrum of fashion and lifestyle: Urban View, New Look, Impulse, Fashion Journey, Heritage, Secret Stars, Bags & Shoes, CHIC Young Blood, Superior Factory and Future Link.

The Urban View section featured over 60 exhibitors including E-Fashion Town supported by the China National Garment Association. Other noteworthy exhibitors included the world-famous couture designer Guo Pei and Supin who presented a collection for the Globetrotter comprising comfortable casual wear combined with travel gadgets such as neck pillows and teapots.

The Kid’s Paradise section displayed leading brands such as eton kidd, which focused on school uniforms, among others; xtep- kids, which incorporated many Chinese elements into its kidswear collection; Beijing Jiaman Dress Co which displayed brands like Hush Puppies, Hazzys and Souhait; Solocote which presented trendy down jackets for kids.

Italian brands make a splash

The Fashion Journey sector included companies and brands from Italy, France, Norway, the UK, Poland, Australia etc. Italy recorded the largest European group participation with 10 men's and women's accessories brands like Collirossi, Giovanni Fabiani, Fabiani, Mychoice, Sara Kent, Primigim, Made in Italy, Thierry Rabotin, Tr1, Thierry Rabotin Couture and Tiffi showcasing their products.

Norwegian shoe brand Swim attracted attention with loafers, rain boots, umbrellas and bags and the UK brand UKPiers with hand-sewn classic men's shoes. Buenos from Australia enthused with exclusive women's shoes in the finest lamb leather, made in Turkey.

Sales and networking opportunity

More than 120 brands used CHIC as a network and sales platform. Hennessy Bear expanded its customer network and found new agencies. Hasuptam bagged an order worth €30,000. Stetson and Ruediger Accessories expanded their distribution network; Future Link offered solutions for an efficient and sustainable garment production, led by exhibitors Suntole, Anok And Hikari.

CHIC as a service partner provided information about current market developments through CHIC Talk which discussed topics like: Big data, iFashion Cloud, retail evolution and trend analysis. CHIC Shows presented the International Brands' Show. CHIC Matching focused on the management of purchasing/trade key accounts.

Interbrand recently released its much-anticipated ranking of the world's 100 best brands for 2018. This ranking measures how much a brand name contributes to a consumer's decision to buy a product, which is especially true when it comes to luxury items. On an industry-by-industry basis, the luxury industry tops the Best Global Brands 2018 Index. According to Interbrand, the luxury fashion and accessories sector reported an overall growth of 42 percent since 2017. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the world's fastest-growing luxury apparel brands.

Gucci's brand value grew by 30 per cent to $12.9 billion. On the other hand, Louis Vuitton's grew by 23 per cent to $28.2 billion. The nine luxury brands on the list have a combined brand value of $105.8 billion.

Individually, or on a brand-by-brand basis, Apple tops the list of the world's top brands. Its brand has an estimated value of $214.5 billion, an increase of 16 percent from 2017. Behind Apple is Google, another tech giant, which saw its brand equity jump 10 percent to $155.5 billion. And third is Amazon, whose brand equity skyrocketed 56 per cent to $100.8 billion, helped by the massive increase in its stock price and revenues since the start of the year. Amazon is also the fastest-growing brand on Interbrand's top 100 list.

Yarn Expo will be held in China from October 15 to 17. This is a textile sourcing event. More than 500 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions will showcase an unrivalled range of yarn and fiber products. It will have visitors from throughout the textile supply chain.

For those looking for the industry’s latest innovations, Yarn Expo is the place to be. Industry players like PT Indo-Rama, Chemtax, Shandong Ruyi, Jiangsu Shenghong and Jilin Chemical Fiber Group choose the fair as a platform to debut new products each year.

The fair’s product groups have also expanded in recent years, reflecting market needs, to now include natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk and flax / ramie); manmade fibers (regenerated and synthetic); specialty fibers; natural and blended yarns; manmade and blended yarns, elastic yarns; fancy yarns and specialty yarns.

Significant new business partnerships in the yarn and fiber industry are anticipated at the fair, with new international sourcing options this edition. Highlighted big-name newcomers at the fair include Safilin from France, offering premium linen products developed through the brand’s extensive history, and Italy’s Sinterama Asia who will show their range of 1,200 diverse chemical fibers and end use. Novetex Textiles from Hong Kong will feature super soft merino in a wide range of colors.

Trident has added four staff members to its New York team. Luis Hernandez has joined as vice president, sales and marketing. He has over 30 years’ experience in the home fashion industry. He has worked for Loftex, Richloom and Cone Mills. Hernandez has an excellent handle on the market and consumer insights.

Jennifer Polikoff is vice president, bedding design. She has a design and product background of over 20 years in both luxury and moderate home textiles. With an exceptionally strong background in trend analysis and interpretation, Jennifer is highly respected for her creative talents and ability to transform trends into commercially successful product lines. She has worked for Victoria Classics, Kohl’s, Target and Nostalgia Home Fashions.

Carla Grosso is vice president, bath design. She has a background in bath and fashion bedding. She has technical knowledge in all areas of textiles, with an emphasis on terry cloth. She has worked for Createx, Sunvim and Macy’s.

Jhony Pamnani is director operations. He is experienced in overseeing logistics, imports, demand and supply planning, replenishment, EDI and OMS teams. In addition, he’s well versed in the unique relationship between 3PLs, Retailers, and manufacturers.

Trident, a manufacturer of home textiles, hopes these appointments will enable it to further its expansion and growth in the North American market.

As per a report by Avesta, textile and clothing production in Tajikistan, for the first eight months of this year, increased by almost 30 per cent. As the Ministry of Energy and Industry revealed, production of textile and clothing products during this period amounted to over 844.5 million somoni (more than $ 89.6 million). Industrial production index increased 29.1 per cent due to an increase in the output of cotton fiber, fabric, carpets and carpet products, and hosiery.

As the country’s statistics agency reported, for the specified period, textile exports amounted to more than $149.6 million or 92 per cent more than the same period last year. Of the total exports, over $106.9 million is cotton fiber exports.

Mahlo is known for its automatic straightening technology. This is the principle of detecting and automatically correcting distortions in the fabric by means of scanning. The scanning system detects and analyses the angle position of the weft threads, courses or rows of tufting. An intelligent control algorithm with a self-optimisation function, together with the hydraulic or electric roller positioning adapted to it, ensures that all web distortions are reliably removed.

Scanning and distortion correction of patterned products (lace, jacquard, print, terry cloth) is also possible. Mahlo, based in Germany, has paired over 70 years of experience with state-of-the-art technology and set standards in textile production and finishing.

The Generation 15 machine features cross-platform visualisation. The user interface can be adapted to the individual requirements of the operating personnel with just a few clicks. A large number of operating pages can be individually defined and provide the operating personnel with a complete overview of all the process parameters without having to constantly scroll through the menus. Visualisation can also be used as an information centre to visualise and monitor several Mahlo devices. The data generated is stored in databases and can be summarised in adapted protocols and output via suitable interfaces.