FW
With growing wellness trend among consumers, Lenzing is developing fibers that keep users pleasantly cool and dry with natural comfort and versatility. Tencel Active is a group of cellulose fibers of botanic origin that keep the body pleasantly cool and dry with their natural comfort and versatility, enabling freedom to move with confidence. Lenzing is focused on introducing its award-winning Refibra technology and Lenzing Ecovero fibers to the active wear segment as well as the Lenzing Modal Black solution for colored fibers. Lenzing’s pioneering Refibra technology reinforces circularity through recycling cotton scraps with minimal emissions. The fully sustainable Lenzing Ecovero branded fibers offer transparent identification ensuring these viscose fibers are cleanly sourced and produced.
Water conservation is another environmental concern in the industry. Synthetic materials that are frequently used for sportswear, such as polyester, are naturally hydrophobic, making them more difficult to dye. To tackle this, Lenzing has introduced Lenzing Modal Black fibers, a spun-dyed fiber that incorporates the pigment during the extrusion production process. It can help lower energy and water consumption by 50 per cent compared to conventional dyed fabrics. These fibers are suitable for soft sports garments, such as yoga clothing or athleisure leggings. They are also fade-resistant and show no signs of fading even after up to 50-plus washes.
Heimtextil will begin in Frankfurt, Germany from January 7 to 10, 2020. This trade fair for home and contract textiles has attracted nearly 3,000 companies from 65 countries and regions. More than 600 Chinese companies from various sub sectors are attending the fair. Chinese companies have their own strengths, particular in design and fabric research and development. While many Chinese exhibitors at the fair are manufacturers, Chinese design studios have also started to have a bigger presence at Heimtextil.
This year Heimtextil has included a new area which showcases innovative and even progressive choices of raw materials for textile. In this section, textiles made from pineapple leaf, seaweed and even PET bottles and human hair are being exhibited.
International manufacturers rely on Heimtextil as an attractive platform for export business and as a trendsetting launch event where they can present their new season products at the start of the year. The exhibition has a space which sees exhibits from around 250 international textile designers. Manufacturers of machines for digital printing and textile processing are presenting their innovations. The trade fair is also presenting furnishing solutions and specialist offers specifically aimed at contract furnishing. It offers interior designers, architects and hospitality experts a business and networking forum.
Established in 1962, the West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association recently celebrated 50 years of operations with a buyer-seller meet in Kolkata. Organised twice year, the recent edition from December 20-22, 2019 at New Town saw a strong presence of industry stakeholders.
The first edition of the fair was attended by only 10 people and this time, around 250 manufacturers with 600 brands participated in it. The fair provides free accommodation and air tickets to visitors. “Earlier, we had to go door to door to sell our clothes. Now customers come to us,” noted Devendra Vaid, Secretary of the association.
The fair gives kids wear brands in Kolkata a platform to showcase their apparels. “There are other fairs that too focus on kids wear but they feature limited retail brands. Our fair offers a wide range of apparels to choose from. The next edition of the fair will focus on men’s and women’s wear,” Vaid expained.
Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada, one of the renowned international sourcing event focused on the North American apparel, textile, and fashion sectors is proud to announce that it will be doing its fifth annual edition at a new venue, the Toronto Congress Centre, August 17th to 19th 2020.
ATSC 2020 is expected to be the largest edition yet, offering many new additions to respond to a constantly changing geopolitical environment, tariffs and trade agreements that are creating uncertainty for the apparel and textile market and having a trickle-down effect on retail sales.
The event will feature international exhibits and delegations from over 30 countries and connect these international producers directly to the apparel, textile and fashion markets of North America. It will be attended by more than 300 apparel and textile companies and offer numerous interactive events and industry connection opportunities.
The Fashion Show, Seminar Series, Matchmaking, Fashion Lab, and the Trade Boot Camp hosted by event-partner Canadian Apparel Federation are just some of the ways ATSC 2020 will provide participants with a free, interactive business and educational experience.
The convenience of connecting with international suppliers, up close and directly, provides unparalleled opportunities not offered anywhere in Canada or the northeastern United States. Insights needed to navigate the international sourcing process will be made available on two stages daily and be provided by experts both foreign and domestic.
Attendees will include apparel and fabric buyers, sourcing directors, merchandisers, retailers, department stores, and designers from North America and around the world. Over the years, the show has attracted thousands of companies, including Joe Fresh, Simons, Giant Tiger, Adidas, Hudson’s Bay, Canadian Tire and Aritzia. The event is supported by many Canadian partners including TFO-Canada, Global Affairs Canada, mode, Montreal Fashion Week, and the Canadian Apparel Federation.
ATSC 2020 will offer comprehensive seminars and informative expert-led panel discussions. The Seminar Series features two separate conference tracks: Enterprise Connect and Fashion Lab. Each will be held on separate stages located on the show floor. The seminar will cover sustainability, compliance, and technology, focusing on a range of speakers both from Canada and abroad.
THE ATS FASHION LAB was piloted at events in Miami and Toronto in 2019 and will build on the success of the program at the 2020 trade show in Toronto. The educational conference series targets small to mid-size brands, retailers, e-commerce platforms and designers looking to scale their business. The ATS Fashion Lab will provide an immersive, interactive forum where panelists and speakers will lead discussions and workshops focused on rising sourcing, fashion, textile and apparel entrepreneurs, start-ups and students looking for that next level lesson or connection. Topics will encompass e-commerce, retail technologies, the apparel industry 101, digital marketing, product development, and fashion law brand development.
THE FASHION SHOW will always be the belle of the ball at ATSC, with the spotlight on Canadian production and fashion and featuring apparel available directly from the trade show floor. Held in the afternoon on Day Two, it includes a professional runway show highlighting looks from local Canadian designers, international brands and the latest garment trends from ATS exhibitors.
The international sourcing trade show entered the North American market via Toronto in 2016 and has since expanded to Montréal, Miami, and Berlin.
Kornit Digital, a worldwide market leader in digital textile printing technology announced that GEAR for Sports, a division of Hanesbrands Inc. has installed a Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro system to supplement previously-implemented Kornit Digital direct-to-garment (DTG) print systems within the company’s Lenexa, Kan., production facility.
GEAR for Sports sells its products under some of the most powerful brands in sportswear, including Under Armour, Champion, Alternative Apparel, Hanes, and Gear for Sports. This compelling portfolio of brands allows GEAR to provide a longstanding history of quality graphics and innovative apparel design, giving customers a single resource for all their sportswear needs. Installing Avalanche Poly Pro, which integrates Kornit’s proprietary NeoPoly print technology with the brand’s production strategy will enable them to custom-print poly rich garments on-demand.
GEAR for Sports has implemented three Kornit DTG print systems in the last two years. Having established a process for delivering imprinted cotton garments on-demand, and further answering the voice of its customers, the brand decided to expand these capabilities to polyester and poly-blend pieces.
DeSL will be showcasing Made for You software solutions at National Retail Federation’s Big
Discover e-Solutions Ltd. (DeSL) is the leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for the fashion, apparel, textile, and footwear sectors.
DeSL is set to exhibit at National Retail Federation (NRF) from January 12th to 14th in New York City, NY. At this event, DeSL will be showcasing its newest suite of software solutions, Made for You.
Made for You is a series of specialized standalone, or fully integrated modules, aligning with today’s digital transformation business strategy. These modules are created for all stages of the supply chain and prioritize key processes in the business.
A few featured Made for You modules includes Digital Planning Boards a revolutionary centralized tool to empower the creative aspects of the brand, while harnessing financial data to make informed decisions. Total Quality Management, a specialized real-time solution enabling companies to ensure products are made to specification and supplied from vendors operating to highest levels of social compliance and ethical trading levels.
Dynamic Purchasing Platform delivers a complete end-to-end tool for managing suppliers and covers all procurement processes. Creative Sales Platform - an integral component of global sales team’s digital infrastructure to deliver key functions, shortening the overall order processing cycle and reduce the need for physical samples.
DeSL knows one-size-fits-all isn’t a realistic approach to running a business, that is why Made for You was created to accommodate the demands of businesses of all sizes, SMB to enterprise software.
DeSL offers appointment sign-ups for the upcoming show. Appointments allow NRF attendees to meet with DeSL representatives to schedule a live demo or discuss tailored software solutions.
The recent strike by the transport sector is going to have adverse impact on exports as there are no vacant containers available in upcountry for exports.
In a statement issued to the press, Spokesman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association said that as a result of unavailability of empty containers in upcountry due to strike of transport sector, exporters are missing shipment deadlines. One additional factor that is a major cause of the scarcity of containers is the large number of orders that have been received from China after the effectiveness of the Phase II of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Pakistan.
APTMA Spokesman further added that even if the containers were to be dispatched from Karachi today they would take 3 days to reach upcountry where exporters have already have had 2 days without containers; effectively a further week of exports would have been delayed/lost.
Under these circumstances, we request the government to take immediate action for resolving the issue so that no more exporting deadlines are missed.
The incredible founder and designer of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki has collaborated with slow-fashion ethical label Flare Street for a new AW20 collection which will be launching in the UK at Pure London. Barbara has created a hand-drawn textile design exclusively for Flare Street featuring on a range of modern and meticulously tailored flared bell bottoms and dresses
Celebrating the shades of fashion Pure London has announced an incredible line-up of inspirational new designers and much-loved womenswear brands, including the debut collection from Barbara Hulanicki for Flare Street.
The incredible founder and designer of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki has collaborated with slow-fashion ethical label Flare Street for a new AW20 collection which will be launching in the UK at Pure London. Barbara has created a hand-drawn textile design exclusively for Flare Street featuring on a range of modern and meticulously tailored flared bell bottoms and dresses. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, all garments are hand-made and vintage-inspired.
With its electric atmosphere, a spacious, light-filled hall and stunning architecture, visitors to Pure London at Olympia London from the 9th to 11th February 2020, will also discover the new collection from luxury fashion designer, Matthew O’Brien. Since winning Britain’s Top Designer at 22, Matthew has spent the last few years building his brand where everything is the best of British, designed, sourced and made within the UK.
Valentina Poltronieri, a young Italian fashion designer is presenting her new collection in the Emerging Talent space showcasing Italian craftsmanship. Chasing the Stars is the name of the new collection that will bring the viewers into an imaginary and virtual journey from Venice Beach to Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Hilary MacMillan is a contemporary, Canadian, cruelty-free womenswear brand. The eponymous brand was founded in 2013 and is renowned for offering versatile pieces in timeless silhouettes.
Silk meets the art of painting at Castlebird Rose, a Nordic slow and sustainable fashion designer brand. By recreating artists´ original paintings on genuine silk and other authentic materials, they design deluxe garments to give every day a touch of luxury and magic. 
1,618 will debut their first gender neutral collection. Manchester brand Urban Bliss will launch a new trend-led fashion collection including luxe knitwear and must-have outerwear. Lemuel MC creates timeless clothes from 100% linen, with ethical sustainability at its heart.
Sofie Schnoor launches its Femme Power Autumn 2020 collection comprising strong, sharp cuts with soft fabrics and floral prints. AIRFIELD, the fashion label for the modern and self-confident woman returns with its innovative, high quality designs to fit every situation in life.
Derhy, the Parisian brand that launched in 1969, is celebrating its 50th birthday at Pure London by re-visiting its original fashion success stories. It was during a road trip around India that the Derhy family fell in love with the Indian culture and philosophy, the immensity of its ochre landscapes, the saturated colours of the women's saris and the sarongs. Recalling the nostalgia of the 1970's, Derhy has revisted their best sellers from the 70’s adapting them for 2020.
Returning to Pure London are Wibes, a French premium, ethical and multicultural brand creating contemporary and colourful sneakers made in Côte d'Ivoire, and Nomads, an ethical fashion brand based in North Cornwall, specialising in high-quality, contemporary garments that embrace colour and print.
As a global show that celebrates newness, Pure London, annually attracts over 300,000 industry professionals from the UK and around the world via its shows, and digital platforms offering 365 unique content.
Starting a new trend, Banana Republic launched its own rental services in 2019. However, the road ahead seems challenging as even big rental companies like Rent the Runway have been facing tough times of late. The company faced several service glitches in 2019 and even had to shut down its subscription facilities for a while.
Demand for rental grows despite challenges
Besides managing their shipping and inventory costs, rental companies also have to deal with washing and dry cleaning of their apparels. Yet, the demand for rental fashion seems to be growing with brands like Banana Republic, Vince, American Eagle and Bash launching their own rental services.
In November 2019, fast-fashion brand H&M also announced its intention to enter clothing rental services. The brand recently launched a flagship store in Stockholm that
allows customers to rent a piece of clothing for $37 from a collection of 50 pieces that it currently holds. The store will first test waters for three months before expanding operations. Meanwhile other retailers like Banana Republic plan to expand their rental services by learning the intricacies of business and adding new customers. The company launched its service Style Passport in September and customer profile is increasing every month as the company allows customers to rent three items at a time with unlimited exchanges and free shipping and returns for $85 a month.
Best services at affordable rates
Growing rapidly, the online clothing rental market is expected to reach $1.96 billion by 2023. New companies are entering the space which is attracting many new customers. Opportunities for women customers are increasing as the entry of new players enables them to avail the best service at most affordable rates. A recent survey from JDA Software says, while 25 per cent of the surveyed consumers had used a rental service, about 75 per cent of them, traditionally used it to rent something for a special occasion. Customers prefer to rent more from retailers who offer a strong assortment of products at a good price point Brands like Banana Republics and Urban Outfitters offer customers strong loyalty programs which gives them a rich data that they can leverage to predict demand and choose products that have the highest potential to be successful.
US apparel imports from China were down 31 per cent in November 2019. This follows a 35 per cent plunge in October. In volume, apparel imports from China fell 20 per cent in November. This follows a 30 per cent volume decline the prior month.
While the erosion of apparel sourcing from China by US brands and retailers has been ongoing throughout the tariff-driven US-China trade war, the dramatic drop-offs in the past few months were driven in part by companies bringing goods in before the 15 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports. People tried to lock on and get their product in early this year.
but western hemisphere makers also have gained as well. Apparel shipments from Vietnam rose 10.37 per cent year to date but were down 12 per cent for the month. Vietnam’s market share stood at 15.93 per cent, a ten per cent gain.
US apparel imports from China for the first 11 months of the year fell 7.59 per cent. This brought China’s import market share–still in the top slot–down 6.63 per cent to 30.25 per cent in value terms for the year through November. Suppliers, largely Asian, are stealing away that market share
