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Gucci has announced the departure of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno. His final contribution will be the Fall-Winter 2025 show in Milan on February 25, which will be presented by the Gucci design office. The luxury house will reveal its new Artistic Direction in due course.
Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino expressed gratitude for De Sarno’s dedication, highlighting his respect for the brand’s craftsmanship and heritage. Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s Deputy CEO for Brand Development, also thanked De Sarno for his professionalism, emphasizing the progress made in strengthening Gucci’s foundations. She affirmed that Cantino and the upcoming Artistic Direction will continue driving the brand’s fashion leadership and sustainable growth.
De Sarno joined Gucci in 2023, introducing a minimalist aesthetic after the departure of Alessandro Michele. His exit marks another leadership change at the iconic fashion house as it navigates evolving industry trends.
Metamorphosis project strengthens digital transformation
Turkey’s apparel industry has taken a significant step forward with the completion of the “From Design to Production: Digital Transformation in the Apparel Industry (metamorphosis)” project, led by the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) under the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA-2) program.
Speaking at the closing event, Mustafa Paşahan emphasized the industry’s resilience despite cyclical challenges. “We take a long-term perspective. Apparel will remain crucial for the Turkish economy for years to come. With this awareness, we are building an infrastructure that strengthens our position in global trade,” he said.
The project secured €10.4 million in EU funding and focused on analyzing the apparel and textile sectors, developing a Digital Transformation Roadmap, and training SMEs. More than 100 SMEs benefited from digital transformation and social compliance consultancy services, while 125 SME representatives received Digital Fashion Design Training. Additionally, 60 companies underwent a Digital Maturity Assessment to enhance operational efficiency.
Investment in green and branded production
Highlighting the need for value-added production, Paşahan stated, “The price-focused competition model is fading. Instead, we must focus on design, innovation, and branding.” Turkey’s apparel brands already have over 3,000 stores across 100 countries. However, he stressed that digital and green transformation often referred to as the twin transition—will shape the sector’s future.
The European Union’s total grant support for Turkey’s textile and apparel sector has now reached €37 million, contributing to digitalization, sustainability, and brand development. Among upcoming initiatives, a ‘Carbon Footprint Monitoring and Reduction’ project will be launched to align with the EU Green Deal. IHKIB has also secured funding under the European Digital Innovation Hubs Program, further supporting technological advancements in the industry.
Turkey’s competitive sectors program utilizes €500 million in EU funds
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Zekeriya Coştu highlighted Turkey’s long-standing collaboration with the EU under the IPA framework. “Since 2007, we have utilized IPA funds to enhance institutional and commercial capacities. In the first phase of the Competitive Sectors Program, we allocated €500 million-€400 million from the EU and €100 million from our national budget to 46 projects focused on regional development,” he said.
The ongoing IPA-2 phase, with a budget of €260 million, supports R&D, digital transformation, and green initiatives across 23 provinces. “Our goal is to create a more technology-driven, efficient, and competitive ecosystem,” Coştu stated. “The Metamorphosis project, a key part of this initiative, will enhance SMEs’ compliance with international standards and promote environmentally friendly production.”
Jurgis Vilcinskas, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Turkey’s textile and apparel transformation. “Since 2007, the EU has invested €780 million to enhance Turkey’s industrial competitiveness and innovation. Our collaboration with IHKIB continues to evolve, fostering digitalization and sustainability in the sector,” he said. This partnership underscores the importance of Turkey-EU cooperation in shaping a greener and more innovative future for the apparel industry.
To be organized in partnership with UKFT in Brussels, Belgium from June 4-5, 2025, the debut edition of Textiles Recycling Expo aims to establish a key platform for innovation, partnership, and education within the textile recycling sector.
The exhibition will gather global specialists in textiles, recycling, waste management, manufacturing, clothing supply chains, and retail. The event will also feature a comprehensive conference with expert speakers and showcase innovative exhibitors such as AIMPLAS, Andtritz, Stadler, Picvisa, Redwave, and Valvan.
Organized by leading organizer of international exhibitions and conferences for the recycling market, AMI, the Textiles Recycling Expo is supported by prominent associations including EuRIC, Fedustria, ReHubs, ASTRI, and the Textiles Recycling Association. Attendees of the expo will network with leading suppliers, explore the latest technologies and innovations, and engage with industry experts in a collaborative setting.
Recognizing the textile industry's substantial contribution to global waste, UKFT is committed to expanding its impact by supporting initiatives that prolong the life of textiles and promote a circular economy model. The organization’s prior work with ACT UK (Automatic-sorting for Circularity in Textiles) and CFIN (Circular Fashion Innovation Network) has created a solid foundation for advancing circularity within the UK fashion and textile industries. Its partnership with the Textiles Recycling Expo allows UKFT to further this progress, strengthening connections between industry participants, policymakers, and sustainability advocates.
To be organized in partnership with UKFT in Brussels, Belgium from June 4-5, 2025, the debut edition of Textiles Recycling Expo aims to establish a key platform for innovation, partnership, and education within the textile recycling sector.
The exhibition will gather global specialists in textiles, recycling, waste management, manufacturing, clothing supply chains, and retail. The event will also feature a comprehensive conference with expert speakers and showcase innovative exhibitors such as AIMPLAS, Andtritz, Stadler, Picvisa, Redwave, and Valvan.
Organized by leading organizer of international exhibitions and conferences for the recycling market, AMI, the Textiles Recycling Expo is supported by prominent associations including EuRIC, Fedustria, ReHubs, ASTRI, and the Textiles Recycling Association. Attendees of the expo will network with leading suppliers, explore the latest technologies and innovations, and engage with industry experts in a collaborative setting.
Recognizing the textile industry's substantial contribution to global waste, UKFT is committed to expanding its impact by supporting initiatives that prolong the life of textiles and promote a circular economy model. The organization’s prior work with ACT UK (Automatic-sorting for Circularity in Textiles) and CFIN (Circular Fashion Innovation Network) has created a solid foundation for advancing circularity within the UK fashion and textile industries. Its partnership with the Textiles Recycling Expo allows UKFT to further this progress, strengthening connections between industry participants, policymakers, and sustainability advocates.
During its recent visit to the headquarters of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), A high-level delegation from the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), led by Eric Trachtenberg, Executive Director discussed the state of Pakistan's cotton and textile value chain.
The delegation met with APTMA leaders and representatives from the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), including Shahid Sattar, Secretary General, APTMA; Kanwar Usman, Head-Textiles,ICAC; Dr Yousaf Zafar, Vice President, PCCC and Dr. Ahmad Waqas. PCCC). Their discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan's cotton and textile sectors.
Sattar highlighted critical issues plaguing the cotton value chain, particularly the detrimental impact of the 18 per cent General Sales Tax (GST) on domestic cotton supply. He argued, GST has led to significant decline in Pakistan’s cotton production, undermining the competitiveness of local spinning and weaving industries. A great disparity exists between domestic inputs which are subject to 18 per cent sales tax and imports under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) which are available duty-free and sales tax-free, he argued.
Exporters using local inputs face sales tax refund delays exceeding six months and receive only 70 per cent refunds, resulting in significant financial losses, job losses, and depletion of foreign exchange reserves, stated Sattar. EFS imports of cotton, yarn, and other intermediate inputs should be subject to the same sales tax regime as local products, he urged. He also recommended restoring the EFS to its June 2024 structure and adopting India's model of graduated sales tax rates.
Trachtenberg reiterated ICAC's commitment to supporting Pakistan's textile industry through informed policymaking. He announced ICAC's plan to publish a policy paper addressing these challenges and offering strategic recommendations.
Usman emphasized on the role of the Ministry of Commerce in resolving these issues to boost textile exports and support Pakistani cotton farmers. Comparing these with Bangladesh, he noted similar challenges and ICAC's active support for member countries, including Pakistan, in navigating these difficulties.
Praising APTMA's role in promoting textile exports, the delegation expressed an interest in publishing a report on Pakistan's cotton supply chain. Both organizations agreed, reviving the cotton crop is crucial for Pakistan's sustainable economic growth. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of millions connected to Pakistan's cotton value chain and textile industry.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily halted incoming international parcels from China and Hong Kong, effective immediately. While USPS has not officially linked the move to recent trade measures, it follows President Donald Trump’s order ending the de minimis exemption for duty-free imports under $800.
The policy change, which also imposes a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, aims to curb illicit goods and address trade imbalances. The stricter regulations mean all parcels will now face detailed inspections and tariffs, potentially delaying shipments.
E-commerce giants like Shein and Temu, which benefited from the previous exemption, may struggle with rising costs and logistical challenges. FedEx and UPS have warned of possible disruptions. Customs and Border Protection, already stretched thin, faces added strain in handling increased inspections. American shoppers relying on low-cost goods from China may see higher prices and longer delivery times.
Fueled by an increased through online platforms, smaller Indian cities are experiencing a surge in luxury shopping, indicates a report by Tata Cliq Luxury.
There has been a significant growth in luxury shopping towns such as Botad and Asansol with purchases of high-end footwear, watches, clothing and accessories rising, shows the report. This trend signifies a shift away from the traditional dominance of luxury shopping in major metropolitan areas, it adds.
As per industry analysts, luxury is no longer exclusive to the very wealthy, with customers from Tier II and III cities and emerging areas within metros driving a ‘radical reboot’ of the industry.
The report emphasizes the growing influence of the ‘Henry’ (high earners, not rich yet) consumer group - working professionals with rising incomes who are increasingly interested in luxury goods and experiences.
Generating 55 per cent of its sales from non-metro areas, Tata Cliq Luxury confirms this trend. According to Gopal Asthana, CEO, actively seeking luxury experiences and goods, this cohort is driving significant sales increases in beauty, accessories, apparel, and footwear, with order values comparable to metro consumers. Industry experts observe, luxury customer base is evolving to include professionals in smaller cities, not just established wealthy individuals.
Luxury brands, including international names like Bvlgari, are leveraging online platforms to reach these new markets. E-commerce platforms like Ajio Luxe are helping brands overcome the limited physical store presence in smaller towns. The report also highlights rising demand for luxury items beyond fashion and jewelry, such as art, partly influenced by social media.
These new luxury consumers are more informed and conduct research before purchasing. They utilize knowledge from social media, websites, and customer reviews to make informed choices. Tata Cliq Luxury data shows, these customers typically browse six to seven brands before making a purchase, regardless of the product category.
Looking forward, analysts predict, Gen Z and Gen Alpha will become the primary target market for luxury brands. These generations are expected to drive the pre-owned luxury market, favor a blended online and in-person shopping experience, and demand greater transparency from brands.
Chaired by Textile Secretary, Ministry of Textiles under the National Textiles Mission, the 10th Empowered Program Committee (EPC) approved a grant of approx Rs 50 lakh each for four Start-Ups under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ scheme. The approved Start-Up projects focus on key strategic areas of Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles and Protective Textiles.
The committee has also approved a grant of approx Rs 6.5 crore to three educational institutes to introduce courses in Technical Textiles under the ‘General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic Institutes in Technical Textiles’. IIT Indore and NIT Patna are amongst the list of approved institutes. These institutes will introduce courses in Geotextiles, Geosynthetics, Protective Textiles, Sports Textiles etc. in their e curriculum.
Further, the committee has also approved 12 skill development courses across Medical textiles, Protective Textiles, Mobile Textiles and Agriculture Textiles fields. The courses were developed by three textile research associations; namely, SITRA, NITRA and SASMIRA and aim to provide training to all focus groups of the technical textiles value chain.
The recent announcement of a 10 per cent tariff hike on Chinese imports by the US could create a significant opportunity for India to capture a larger share of the US market.
However, India's ability to fully capitalize on this situation is limited by factors such as its production capacity, which cannot match China's scale, and competition from other exporting nations also vying for a bigger piece of the US market.
Acknowledging the temporary benefit, Indian textile industry leaders however, advocate caution. N Thirukkumaran, General Secretary, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA) emphasizes on enhancing long-term competitiveness over short-term gains while Sanjay K Jain, Textiles Committee, Chairman, ICC Textiles Committee opines, India should aggressively pursue this opportunity Highlighting the importance of the US market for the country’s textile industry, Ashish Gujarati, Past President, SGCCI notes, India can strengthen its position there.
Offering a more nuanced perspective, Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI states, while high tariffs protect domestic industries, they also increase production costs for those relying on imports. He raises concerns about the potential impact on US consumers and the feasibility of relocating industries to the US. A massive increase in tariffs may not be in the US's best interest, he opines.
The US administration had also planned a 25 per cent tariff hike on goods from Mexico and Canada but postponed it after both nations agreed to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Currently, China holds a 25 per cent share in the US textile and apparel import market. As per OTEXA data, China supplied 24.23 per cent of the total $99.125 billion in US textile and apparel imports during January-November 2024. The 10 per cent tariff increase will make Chinese textiles and apparel more expensive for US consumers, potentially slowing imports from China and creating opportunities for other suppliers, including India.
Second-largest garment supplier to the US after China, Bangladesh faces challenges recovering from political instability in late 2024. This situation could further enhance India's prospects in the US market.
The US apparel import landscape is changing, with Bangladesh, once a rising star, losing ground to competitors like India, Vietnam, and Pakistan. This shift is driven by factors like, changing US policies, economic conditions, and political instability in Bangladesh.
Emerging trends
Bangladesh's decline: Despite being the third-largest apparel supplier to the US, Bangladesh's exports have fallen for two consecutive years. This drop is attributed to a market correction following a pandemic-driven push in 2022, coupled with political unrest and labor issues within the country.
Competitors capitalize: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam have seized this opportunity to increase their apparel exports to the US. What works for these countries is political stability, strong supply chains, and competitive pricing.
China's slowdown: Even China, the largest apparel supplier to the US, has experienced a decline in exports. This is partly due to US tariffs and a shift towards higher-value products.
What’s driving the shift…
One major reason for the change in trend is US trade policies. The imposition of tariffs on Chinese goods has created an opportunity for other countries to compete in the US market. While Bangladesh enjoys lower tariffs than China, its competitors like Vietnam have established themselves as reliable suppliers with strong production capacities. Also, the global economic slowdown and high inflation have impacted consumer demand in the US, leading to reduced apparel imports overall. This has intensified competition among suppliers. And what has added to Bangladesh’s troubles is the political turmoil that has disrupted production and led to concerns about supply chain reliability. This has prompted some buyers to shift orders to other countries. At the same time, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have focused on producing higher-value apparel items, commanding better prices and attracting US buyers seeking quality and diversification.
Table: Changing US apparel imports
|
Country |
Apparel exports to US (Jan-Nov 2024) |
Year-on-year change |
|
Bangladesh |
$6.76 billion |
-0.44% |
|
China |
$15.22 billion |
-0.30% |
|
India |
$4.36 billion |
4.49% |
|
Pakistan |
$1.97 billion |
6.57% |
|
Vietnam |
$13.77 billion |
4.48% |
|
Indonesia |
$3.92 billion |
0.14% |
Source: US Office of Textiles and Apparel – OTEXA
While Bangladesh hopes to regain its footing in the US market, it faces significant challenges. To succeed, it needs to address its political instability, improve labor conditions, and invest in upgrading its manufacturing capabilities to compete with countries offering higher-value products. The US apparel import market remains dynamic and competitive. Suppliers who can offer a combination of price competitiveness, quality, and supply chain reliability are best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.
