FW
A specialist in sizing technology Makip has launched its Unisize technology in the US. The company supports over 250 online retailers and fashion labels, including well-known names like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
According to a study conducted by software firm Nfinite in collaboration with Coresight Research, a significant 20 per cent of online purchases end up being returned to retailers, leading to an estimated loss of $600 billion.
The issue is especially pronounced within the fashion and apparel sector, largely attributed to clothing that doesn't fit properly and inaccurate product representations
While artificial intelligence (AI) promises to provide size recommendations, these sizes vary across brands further complicating the online shopping experience.
Makip's innovative Unisize technology allows online shoppers to virtually ‘try on’ clothing, enabling them to purchase accurately sized items on their first attempt.
By collecting basic information such as age, weight, and height, the technology tailors its recommendations to match the unique body size of each shopper. Their technology has helped reduce clothing return rates by an average of 20 per cent.
Shingo Tsukamoto, President, Makip, acknowledges the advancements in sizing technology but highlights the persisting challenge: the absence of a standard body size. Despite the sophistication of sizing solutions, the variability in body shapes necessitates personalised approaches, he opines.
Amazon Fashion India has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 collection, showcasing over 1,000 styles from more than 200 renowned Indian and international brands. Encompassing a diverse range of curated, multi-brand edits, this collection caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
The new collection promises to capture the vibrant spirit of the spring and summer seasons through a spectrum of colors, chic designs, and versatile styles that effortlessly enhance one's fashion statement.
Featuring segmented themes like 'Summer of Love,' 'Indie Summer,' 'Heritage Getaway Beach Dream,' 'Explorer Club,' and 'Last Resort,' the collection offers curated sections aimed to enhance the online shopping experience and aid consumers in finding precisely what they desire.
With an extensive lineup of top fashion and beauty brands such as Biba, Wrangler, Guess, Van Heusen, Levi's, Skechers, Clarks, Puma, and Titan, etc, Amazon Fashion ensures a comprehensive selection to suit every individual's personality and preferences.
Moreover, Amazon Fashion plans to kick off its much-anticipated 'Great Summer Sale' on May 2. The sale will offer apparel and beauty products starting at an attractive price point of just Rs 199, coupled with enticing offers such as up to 20 per cent cashback on the first order.
Paige Adams-Geller, Founder, Paige has forayed into the swimwear category with the launch of its maiden collection.
The brand’s debut collection encompasses swimsuits, versatile bikini tops that can be worn with or without straps, and bikini bottoms, all available as separate pieces. Adams-Geller's research into the essential components of excellent swimwear led her to prioritise elasticity and fabric sheen, while drawing inspiration from Paige's existing collection of prints.
Designed to seamlessly complement Paige's range of denim and apparel, the collection includes pieces that can effortlessly transition from beachwear to brunch attire.
Drawing from her extensive experience in the fashion industry, including stints as a fit model for brands like Hard Tail, Guess, True Religion, and others, Adams-Geller was keen to ensure that the swimwear catered to a diverse range of body types. To achieve this, she enlisted a variety of fit models to try on the samples, ensuring that the designs were flattering and comfortable for all shapes and sizes.
At the Techtextil exhibition in Frankfurt, BASF unveiled a host of innovative solutions showcasing their commitment to circular fibers production. One of these standout solutions was a jacket created by Inditex using loopamid polyamide 6 (PA6) derived from textile waste through segregated production.
This jacket not only featured fabric made from recycled PA6 but also boasted recycled PA6 lining, zippers, velcro fasteners, and buttons. BASF's chemical recycling technology allows for the recycling of various fabric blends, facilitating textile-to-textile recycling of industrial textile waste and used clothing, all while maintaining material properties identical to conventional polyamide.
Among their innovations were ‘drop-in’ solutions like Ultramid Ccycled, supporting the use of alternative raw materials from chemically recycled plastic waste, including end-of-life tires. Similarly, Ultramid Biomass Balance (BMB) offered a sustainable option by using renewable raw materials in product manufacturing, significantly reducing carbon footprints without compromising quality.
A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Elastollan was highlighted for its versatility in the textile industry, offering high elasticity and mechanical strength. BASF introduced bio-based and certified biomass-balanced Elastollan grades, ensuring identical material properties to fossil-based products.
The company also collaborated with Certified Sustainable FiberMax (CSF) partners in Greece to introduce a transparent and traceable blockchain platform. Powered by Hyperledger and technology by Bext 360°, this platform enables seamless integration of data like carbon footprint into supply chains, promoting transparency and sustainability. Additionally, BASF collaborated with the University of Thessaly to research regenerative practices for cotton production in Europe, aiming to provide European fashion brands with certified European non-GMO regenerative cotton.
BASF's commitment to upcycling was evident through exhibits showcasing their Acrodur, acForm, and Acronal low-emission fiber bonding technologies. These technologies enable the transformation of reclaimed materials such as denim, spent coffee grounds, and used paper cups into building blocks for new products. The company’s exhibits included flooring made from denim, coffee grounds, and paper cups, as well as lightweight panels and composites showcasing the versatility of these upcycled materials.
To expand its presence in the UAE market, renowned Danish fashion house synonymous with contemporary apparel and accessories, Bestseller plans to debut its flagship retail store for Jack & Jones by 2024-end.
Embracing the intersection of technology and sustainability within the fashion realm, Bestseller has implemented a plethora of initiatives to enrich its customer journey, spanning from purchasing and reporting to data analysis, all in a continuous effort to optimise customer and product performance. Elke Jungbauer, Commercial Director, Bestseller MENA, says, the brand aims to democratise fashion by focusing on contemporary designs and competitive pricing.
Bestseller has also pioneered the NOOS program, aptly named 'Never Out of Stock', to address product availability concerns and enhance convenience for shoppers. This innovative program ensures that key items remain perpetually in stock, offering customers a dependable selection of essential wardrobe staples year-round, thereby fostering brand loyalty and trust through a consistent shopping experience.
The versatility of the NOOS program strikes a delicate balance between stability and innovation, catering to evolving customer preferences in the MENA region, elaborates Jungbauer. This confers a competitive edge and a compelling unique selling proposition to the brand with customers valuing the reliability and convenience it affords, heads.
Furthermore, Bestseller has augmented the shopping experience with an array of digital tools both in the showroom and online store, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to excellence and expansion in the UAE and beyond.
Further solidifying its foothold in the fashion retail landscape, Bestseller plans to launch its e-commerce operations for Jack & Jones and Vero Moda in the forthcoming year,
A recent study conducted by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) titled ‘Upscaling the RMG Sector’ forecasts, Bangladesh's export earnings from MMF (Man-Made Fiber) products could surge to $19 billion within a decade if it achieves projected market shares in 20 potential products.
Currently, Bangladesh's exports primarily consist of cotton-based apparel, constituting a substantial 71 per cent of total exports. The report highlights the impressive growth in cotton apparel exports over the years, reaching $33 billion in 2021 from $3.0 billion in 2001. In contrast, MMF apparel exports have seen a more modest growth of $8 billion over two decades, indicating Bangladesh's gradual progress in this segment.
Import data of MMF or non-cotton raw materials also reflects an increasing trend, indicating a growing usage of these materials in garment manufacturing for exports. For instance, in the first quarter of 2024, Bangladesh imported 30,900 tons of polyester staple fibre, marking a significant 42.46 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2023. Similarly, imports of synthetic filament yarn and yarn of synthetic staple fibre also saw notable increases during the same period.
Despite its strong presence in the cotton market, Bangladesh has substantial room for growth in MMF and blended apparel, where it currently holds a modest 5.6 per cent global market share, compared to China's dominant 36 per cent.
However, the textile industry faces challenges, including import duties on many MMFs while cotton enjoys duty-free status, inefficient customs clearance, and complicated duty-drawback procedures. Moreover, there are discriminatory policies on PET bottle and scrap imports and limited capital investment support for the industry.
Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chairman, RAPID, emphasises, Bangladesh could potentially earn up to $19 billion from MMF garment exports within the next five to ten years if these challenges are addressed.
To achieve this potential, the report recommends consolidating Bangladesh's dominance in the cotton apparel export market while simultaneously expanding MMF apparel production and exports. This would require modernising customs clearance procedures, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the MMF sector, promoting a circular economy for sustainability, modernising technology, and enhancing management capacities and worker skills.
Fazlee Ehsan Shamim, Vice President, BKMEA, highlights the increasing imports of MMF, indicating a shift towards non-cotton fibers in production. He stresses on the need for supportive policy measures, especially in customs-related issues, to encourage entrepreneurs to explore non-cotton segments and attract investment.
UK lawmakers are revisiting the 2019 initiated Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) inquiry into the fashion industry to reexamine the sustainability practices of major fashion retailers H&M and Boohoo.
Through this, the committee aims to scrutinise the concrete steps taken by these retailers to reduce their environmental footprint since the issuance of the 2019 ‘Fixing fashion: clothing consumption and sustainability’ report. According to a research by the Hot or Cool Institute, the UK ranks fourth in carbon footprint from fashion among G20 nations.
The agenda also includes an examining the impact of resale platforms like Thrift+ on clothing consumption habits, questioning whether they contribute to reducing overconsumption in fashion.
The ‘Fixing Fashion’ report had urged urgent government action to combat throwaway fashion, proposing measures such as an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. However, progress has been sluggish, with most recommendations from the 2018 inquiry being rejected by the government.
These recommendations encompassed various measures, from producer responsibility charges to due diligence checks in supply chains to combat forced or child labor. Despite the urgency highlighted by the committee, the government's response has been deemed inadequate.
During the initial probe, 16 fashion retailers were questioned about their efforts to mitigate the negative environmental and social impacts of their products. The rejection of legislative measures to enforce due diligence checks across supply chains was met with criticism from the EAC.
Rather than implementing proposed bans on incinerating or landfilling unsold stock, the government opted to review the Modern Slavery Act of 2015. It also pledged support for voluntary initiatives like the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan.
Not satisfied with the government's response, Mary Creagh, Chairperson, emphasised on the need for tangible actions to address environmental and labor concerns in the fashion industry.
The EAC remains vigilant, monitoring the government's purported steps to tackle the issues highlighted in its report.
The Swedish Textile Machinery Association (TMAS) has secured its place as the newest Associate Member of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), marking a significant expansion in the forum's reach within the global textile manufacturing value chain.
With TMAS onboard, ITMF now encompasses companies responsible for nearly 90 per cent of global textile and apparel production. This development underscores ITMF's growing influence, exemplified by its upcoming Annual Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 8-10, coinciding with the International Apparel Federation’s 2024 Fashion Convention. This follows the success of ITMF's 2023 conference in Keqiao, China.
TMAS brings to the table a wealth of expertise reflective of Sweden's leadership in textile technology. From advanced yarn fault detection to automated sewing production lines, TMAS members offer a comprehensive array of cutting-edge solutions crucial for staying ahead in the fast-evolving textile landscape.
Christian Schindler, ITMF Director General, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to empower members with the latest technologies. TMAS Secretary General, Therese Premier-Andersson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective action to achieve sustainability goals. She underscored the value of ITMF's resources, including statistics and global networking opportunities, in shaping industry strategies and navigating dynamic market trends.
Techtextil, a pivotal event in the technical textiles sector since 1986, recently celebrated its 20th edition with an homage to its founding exhibitors.
Hosted by Messe Frankfurt on April 24, 2024, in Hall 9, the ceremony recognized industry stalwarts like the Karl Mayer Group for their pioneering contributions.
Detlef Braun and Sabine Scharrer of Messe Frankfurt presented commemorative plaques acknowledging the enduring dedication of these pioneers.
Jochen Schmidt, General Manager of Karl Mayer Technical Textiles, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting their integral role in the fair's inception and ongoing success.
Schmidt emphasized Techtextil's continued significance as a platform for innovation and customer engagement.
Reflecting on a fruitful Techtextil 2024, the Karl Mayer Group eagerly anticipates future editions, underscoring the event's enduring relevance as a nexus for industry advancement and collaboration.
In a landmark collaboration, Autumn Fair, the eminent seasonal showcase for the retail sector, has forged an exclusive partnership with Faire, Europe's premier wholesale marketplace. This alliance marks a significant shift by seamlessly integrating online and offline wholesale realms, poised to redefine the buying experience for over 20,000 independent retailers.
The partnership equips retailers attending Autumn Fair with access to Faire's extensive global network, enabling them to effortlessly peruse a diverse array of products, streamline procurement processes, and benefit from favorable 60-day payment terms. Additionally, Faire extends a generous 50 per cent discount on initial orders, facilitating smooth transactions both during and beyond the event.
Notably, exhibitors leveraging Faire's platform will enjoy enhanced visibility through inclusion in a curated collection on Faire's website, presenting an invaluable opportunity to showcase their offerings to a vast audience of global retailers. A strategic marketing campaign will further elucidate retailers and brands on optimizing the collaboration's myriad advantages.
This partnership is a response to evolving industry dynamics, where retailers increasingly seek the synergy between tactile, in-person engagements epitomized by events like Autumn Fair and the expansive reach and operational efficiency afforded by online platforms such as Faire. Katie Holmes of Autumn Fair exhibitor Sting in the Tail attests to the symbiotic benefits, emphasizing the newfound ease of conducting business and expanding market reach amid evolving market landscapes.
Charlotte Broadbent, UK Country Manager at Faire, underscores the collaborative ethos driving this initiative, emphasizing its potential to elevate sales for brands and streamline operations for retailers. Similarly, Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director of Spring & Autumn Fair, underscores the partnership's capacity to enrich the retail landscape by fostering networking opportunities and granting access to diverse product offerings, empowering independent retailers to thrive amidst competition while preserving their distinct identity and community ethos.
In essence, the Autumn Fair-Faire partnership heralds a transformative chapter in retail procurement, heralding a harmonious convergence of traditional and digital wholesale paradigms to cater to the evolving needs of today's dynamic marketplace.
