Denim Summit 2018, to be held from Oct 24-25, 2018 in Des Moines will feature a strong line up of experts and innovators who will offer exclusive insights on the financial services industry. Hosted by Des Moines-based tech company Denim, the event will bring together insurance, banking, financial services and innovation thought leaders to experience thought-provoking perspectives and out-of-the-box networking opportunities. All-access passes for the event will be available until Oct. 17 at the cost of $95 each.

Du Pont Biomaterials and Mud Jeans have joined the Circular Economy 100 (CE100) Network. Circular Economy 100 is a pre-competitive innovation program established with the aim of advancing circularity across a variety of sectors. Corporate organisations, governments, cities, academic institutions and innovators all make up the platform’s membership, which helps participants build capacity and integrate circular economic practices.

The goal of the network is to connect leaders and innovators from all sectors and locations around the world, with new members contributing towards a transition to new, circular business models.

Dutch denim brand Mud Jeans has been selected for inclusion as an emerging innovator due to its manufacturing technique which combines organic and recycled denim through proprietary recycling techniques. The firm is also now undertaking research into getting a 100 per cent cellulose-based yarn and wants to increase its level of transparency.

Du Pont Biomaterials works towards product development that facilitates better life cycle analysis and easy integration into existing supply chains and production systems. The company adheres to Circular Economy Network through its work in developing renewable biomaterials aimed at solving problems customers face with sustainable packaging. DuPont Biomaterials has the goal of developing innovative solutions to the industry’s problems. Circular Economy 100 is led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

As per a report in South China Morning Post, China is reconsidering its decision towards the revised TPP, signed by 11 countries, including Australia, in March despite the Trump administration pulling the US out of the deal.

While China originally had no interest in joining the TPP, officials were rethinking their strategy with the possibility of joining the regional trade pact as a counter act to Trump. Besides increasing its anti-Chinese trade measures, the US has forced its two North American trade partners — Canada and Mexico — to agree to a possible veto of any trade deal they make with Beijing.

Wang Huiyao, Director of Beijing-based Centre for China and Globalisation, points out joining the CPTPP could send a strong message to the world that China was serious about further opening up its economy. It could become a tool to hedge against the US and help China establish a new trade circle in addition to the Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation.

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group will have a strong presence at SGIA Expo 2018 with its products being displayed at several booths. The company will host its own booth on the main floor of the exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, from October 18 to 20, 2018.

Aurora’s printable textiles will be used by several major digital printer manufacturers and finishing equipment brands including the company’s new fully-expanded, Expressions canvas line – to demonstrate their newest advanced printing and finishing technologies on the convention floor.

At HP booths, 120” wide Expressions Matte Canvas will be used to demonstrate HP’s Latex 3600 printer and Expressions 60” wide Gloss Canvas and 60” wide Expressions Décor Semi-Gloss Canvas will be used on the HP Latex 570. Mimaki will use Aurora’s Linen FR, Twill FR, and Uncoated Cotton Fabric to demonstrate Mimaki’s textile pigment Inks. Durst will run Dual rolls of 96” Expressions Matte Canvas on the Durst Rho 512R LED printer. Fujifilm will use Aurora’s 63" Pearl on Fujifilm’s Acuity Ultra 3208W, which is making its debut at SGIA. SwissQprint will use 122" wide Expressions Semi-Gloss Canvas to demonstrate the new Newsprint Nyala 3, another show premiere.

Zund will run Aurora’s 60" Triple White on Zund’s S3 L-1600 and the G3 3XL-3200 digital cutters. Finally, IT Supplies will use Aurora’s 60" Expressions Semi-Gloss and Matte canvases on the Canon OCE Colorado UV Gel ink and Epson S80 Solvent printers. IT will also transfer print on Aurora’s Accent Soft Knit 5oz with an Epson 9370 and IT will demo heat transfer on Aurora products with a Therm TX Rotary unit.

This is a biennial Seoul Fashion Week is being held from , October 15 to 20. It aims to excel in its role of providing up-and-coming designers with opportunities to rise as global fashion experts and turning the event into Korea’s biggest fashion festival so the public can easily experience and understand what fashion truly is.

The show aims at becoming a global professional fashion fair event. More than 130 buyers from Asia and 30 buyers from Europe and the Americas are expected to visit Seoul Fashion Week. At the Seoul Collection, the main fashion show, 42 local fashion brands will display their creations for the upcoming spring/summer season. For 24 rookie designer brands, Generation Next is a platform to showcase new talent. The Seoul Design Foundation has fully sponsored all participating designers from Generation Next.

Outside the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, 33 fashion brands will appear on runways at different venues across Seoul, including showrooms and culture complexes. For the general public interested in fashion, a mentoring seminar will take place. Fashion editors, critics and buyers will discuss influencer marketing and how to inject a fresh perspective into the fashion industry.

The film McQueen, which celebrates the life of renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen, will be shown at nearby cinemas throughout the fashion week.

"Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for MSME [I/C] presented the guild certificates to nine framers in Picture Framing Segment today at 46thedition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn being held at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida from October 14 – 18, 2018. Also present on the occasion were O.P. Prahladka, Chairman, EPCH, Jesmina Zeliang, President of the fair, Mohan Singh Bhati and Ahmed Akberali Sundrani, Vice Presidents of the fair, R.K. Passi and Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairmen, EPCH and Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director, EPCH. Santosh Ranjan Rai, Rajesh Chaudhary and Naveen Kumar also attended the fair."

Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for MSME [I/C] presented the guild certificates to nine framers in Picture Framing Segment today at 46thedition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn being held at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida from October 14 – 18, 2018.

Also present on the occasion were O.P. Prahladka, Chairman, EPCH, Jesmina Zeliang, President of the fair, Mohan Singh Bhati and Ahmed Akberali Sundrani, Vice Presidents of the fair, R.K. Passi and Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairmen, EPCH and Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director, EPCH. Santosh Ranjan Rai, Rajesh Chaudhary and Naveen Kumar also attended the fair.

Handicrafts-the backbone of Indian economy

Distributing the guild certificates to the winners, Singh stated that the Indian soul resides in the handicrafts sector, which keeps us close to the roots of our culture. He revealed that nearly 7 million artisans and crafts persons work in different craft clusters of the sector and are its backbone. He therefore urged everybody to make efforts to increase their livelihood. He appreciated EPCH for giving them the opportunity to display their intricate craftsmanship through this show, generating employment for them as well as providing technical support for enhancing designs of their products to compete in the world market.

Paying the artisans the real value of their skills

MSME Minister further said that handicrafts sector can flourish only when these artisans are paid the real value for their skills. Whatever progress the handicraft sector has so far made, is because of hard work of the artisans and craftpersons of India.

GCF training programme to improve skills and workmanship

EPCH in collaboration with Manish Gourisaria, Joint Managing Director of M/s Lion India has taken unique initiative to upgrade the Picture Framing Industry in India by conducting GCF training programme for the Indian framers in association of Fine Art Trade Guild, London, UK. Rakesh Kumar, ED, EPCH revealed that this will enable the framers to acquire higher skills and quality of workmanship and accommodate different levels of framing with the bespoke market to International standards.

The training programme was held from March 12-17, 2018 in Kolkata. The world renowned master trainer, Stephen Finney GCF (APF) Adv. from Germany & U.K. conducted this course. It was attended by18 participants from all over India & abroad. Out of these participants who appeared for the exam, 9 passed the Guild Certified Framers examination successfully. They included Vivek Dhar from Meghalaya, J. Anto Amalraj, Tamilnadu, Chandrashekar, Karnataka, Krishnamoorthy Manivannan, Karnataka, Awani Saraogi, Telangana, S.K.R Ramesh, Tamilnadu, Nihal Sayed, Goa, Mr. Shailesh Udupi, Karnatkaka and Richie Robert from UAE.

"The October edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off with traditional finale of the Futurum Moscow providing a fresh start to the event. The show kick started with futuristic and retrofuturistic collection of young designer Sakina K that comprised quilted white overcoats with Japanese hirogana symbols, black balaclavas, Yakuza-like tattoos, see-through bags and long black belts. The program Vasilisa Vetrova created by the biggest social network in the country, VKontakte, in a partnership with Futurum Moscow presented a collection inspired by the French impressionism."

The October edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off with traditional finale of the Futurum Moscow providing a fresh start to the event. The show kick started with futuristic and retrofuturistic collection of young designer Sakina K that comprised quilted white overcoats with Japanese hirogana symbols, black balaclavas, Yakuza-like tattoos, see-through bags and long black belts. The program Vasilisa Vetrova created by the biggest social network in the country, VKontakte, in a partnership with Futurum Moscow presented a collection inspired by the French impressionism.

Streetwear in bright colors

The light and airy collection SETI combined blue, purple and teal abstract prints and opplique work in intricately-constructed dresses and shirts tied with long belts. The Daria Lukash collection, on the other hand, refurbished old carpets and wool blankets into scarves, sweatshirts and even handbags. Daniil Kostyshin’s collection combined bright-orange elements with teal, orange and blue outerwear. Vassili Volchok displayed minimalist streetwear in a striking red and black color. The Hovanskie brothers combined classic streetwear tropes with beautiful, flowing semi-transparent dresses. Otocyon showed subdued tones of black white and red, used in jackets with tasteful silver accessories, long black dresses with bright white accents, flowing skirts with thin striping and pastel coats combined with elegant felt slippers.

Adding a military touch to these collections

While Alkhanashvili displayed militarism with a genderqueer side, Dinara Murasova collection added a definite Asiatic flare featuring female models dressed in traditionally male military coats of olive and black. Maria Iliynishna’s collection combined small grey jackets with metal slave collar rings.

The FactiveFace collection comprised silken free-flowing garments using clashing colors and Matisse and Chagall-inspired prints in bright yellow and blue to Jackson Pollock-like splatters of black on white. Be.Li.Ve, collection ethnic prints - ranging from Maori to Aztec to Slavic - played a central role.

Inspired by global warming and eco-energy

A fully recovered fabric collection inspired by global warming and eco recovery, kruzhok showcased gas masks and breathing tubes as accessories. Another collection of practical techwear - six one six - comprised belts and buckles, Japan-inspired jackets - mostly teal and black-and-white. The Not Today collection featured long hoodies and reversible overcoats with bright red print over a white background. A collection Svarka fully inspired by the 1980’s – comprised long Matrix-inspired coats, black, red and blue color combos, and cords coming out of sleeves and collars.

Odor, a new collection from designer Nikita Kalmykov, had an assortment of light, simple sleepwear for men with long sleeves lavish silks and lace. The collection Citizen_A featured models coming out with typical housewife tools - from washing up liquid to rubber gloves and sponges. The collection itself had a constructivist feel, with plastic overcoats using mostly primary colors and transparent plastic raincoats galore.

The evening closed with a showcase of latest collection by Jean Rudoff that displayed prints ranging from Gaspar Noe-inspired neon typefaces, to classic acid symbolism of the 1990’s, with models proudly handing out fake LSD stamps with the slogan “Acid Moscow” and a smiley face.

The title partner of the Fashion Week was Mercedes-Benz. The Russian partners for the event included Schaffhausen and glo as official partners, L’Oréal Professionnel as the official stylist, Mary Kay as the official make-up artist, Harmaan as the Official partner, DHL as the Official logistics partner and Metropol as the Official hotel.

"Nearly 25 per cent of buyers who attended Leatherworld Paris this year were looking for an alternative to leather. The exhibition, held from September 17-20, 2018 in Le Bourget, Paris organized by Messe Frankfurt France, laid the groundwork for a new concept for a show dedicated to leather and related materials. This year, 44 exhibitors from six different countries attended the exhibition."

Nearly 25 per cent of buyers who attended Leatherworld Paris this year were looking for an alternative to leather. The exhibition, held from September 17-20, 2018 in Le Bourget, Paris organized by Messe Frankfurt France, laid the groundwork for a new concept for a show dedicated to leather and related materials. This year, 44 exhibitors from six different countries attended the exhibition.

This Leatherworld show was stimulated by the attendance of a dozen South African exhibitors, clothing manufacturers and designers of bags and shoes. The guest of honor was first Coco dâ™Afrique, label for leather bags was able to demonstrate that South Africa can play a role on international markets. Chimpel, a brand for leather bags and belts, surprised and delighted visitors by displaying products offered by South Africa.

Leather on display

Ningxia Shansan Industry and Trade presented a fine collection of sheepskin, cowhide and fox fur at Leatherworld Paris. Material derived from animals, offered by South Africa, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Turkey, were displayed. Materials intended for the same use proved to be one of the show’s attractions, thanks to greater scope for expressing creativity, both in terms of visual and tactile appeal. PU Dongguan Zhigao Leather attracted many Italian and American customers, while the polyester with an extremely soft handle, from Changshu Asia Textile Decoration was the firm favorite among designers and creative fashion labels. Ecopel, the manufacturer of fake fur, whose collections are designed in Paris, consolidated its customer base by building up a new portfolio of buyers.

Sustainability in focus

The trends forum showcased interesting materials along with FashionSustain stand, which demonstrated the issues of sustainable development in the shoe industry by way of some model products. A series of four lectures

(Sustainable development and marketing; all about shoes; alternatives to leather; the future of shoes by way of leather and recycling) organised on September 17 by FashionSustain examined these goals in detail, promising potential for a better future.

Creations from across the world

A Leatherworld catwalk show showcased shoes and bags from South Africa and the Turkish firm Acar Basim ve Cilt Sanayi, in addition to clothing collections and fashion accessories from Muhammad Ashraf, a Karachi tanner. Another catwalk show on 20 September dedicated to South Africa presented work by Tara Simeon, a young designer who came to people’s attention during Africa Source, another Messe Frankfurt trade fair.

To make coastal shipping more effective for bilateral trade, India has urged Bangladesh to use Kolkata and Haldia ports for transhipment purposes. This initiative can shift cargo from the costly land route, and create an opportunity for Bangladeshi garment exporters to reach European and American markets avoiding congestion at the Chittagong port.

Indian customs authorities have already cleared the deck for Bangladesh to use Haldia as a transhipment port. However, Bangladesh is yet to approve the same. The proposal was reiterated at a ministerial meeting in Dhaka recently. At the crux of the proposal is the growing need to augment handling capacities on either side, keeping in tune with growing trade volumes.

India-Bangladesh trade grew 38 per cent to $9.1 billion over the last four years. On a year-on-year basis, the trade grew 24 per cent in 2017-18. This was followed by nearly 22 per cent growth in April-July 2018.

Home textile manufacturer Welspun India has collaborated with UN Women, a subsidiary of the United Nations to help women at all levels of the value chain access skill-building initiatives in technical and entrepreneurial sectors. The company aims to create sustainable livelihoods to establish gender equality in the workforce, drive equal payment opportunities, encourage women to take up leadership roles and create a zero-harassment work environment.

This strategic partnership will strengthen the capabilities of 500 women entrepreneurs and embed them within organised value chains ensuring enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that will empower women. Establishing joint advocacy platforms with UN Women will promote greater representation of women in leadership across corporate India.

Welspun India is part of the $2.3 billion Welspun Group, which currently has 23 per cent women workforce and targets taking it up to 30 per cent by 2020. Recently, the company launched Welspun 2, a cut and sew unit that is entirely run by women employees.