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Tonello has unveiled its new website, ‘Inspiring,’ offering a fresh perspective on fashion and denim. This digital platform embodies the company's creative vision, connecting brands, professionals, companies, and students. It emphasizes the synergy between art and technology, serving as a collaborative space for innovation and creativity.
The website, inspiring.tonello.com, is more than a portal; it's a journey into Tonello's world. Divided into five sections—Essence, Dossier, Journal, The Story, and Collections - each part uniquely showcases the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability. "Essence" introduces the site's core concept, while "Journal" features interviews, updates on research, and new technological advancements. "Dossier" offers practical tips on denim care and sustainable dyeing methods.
"The Story" narrates Tonello's history and the evolution of denim through various decades, blending fashion, society, and pop culture. "Collections" highlights exclusive capsule collections created with top designers, showcasing cutting-edge research and experimentation.
Inspiring is not just a website; it’s a dynamic platform designed to inspire and engage. It prioritizes humanity and creativity, positioning Tonello as "The Inspiring Company." Visit Inspiring to explore this innovative and sustainable fashion journey.
From Jan-April’24, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the European Union fell by 9.85 per cent to €6.01 billion from €6.67 billion in the same period of 2023, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
While managing to mitigate the negative growth in its apparel exports to the EU, Bangladesh still underperformed compared to its competitors. The country attributed the lag in its performance to a severe energy crisis, high utility costs, increased production costs, long lead times, and cumbersome customs procedures, similar to the challenges faced in the US market.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU were further impacted an overall decline in apparel imports by the EU due to the global economic slowdown, as per Eurostat data. From Jan-Apr’24, Bangladesh’s knitwear exports to the EU fell to €3.38 billion from €3.88 billion in the same period of 2023. Similarly, woven garment exports dropped to €2.64 billion Y-o-Y from €2.79 billion.
Clothing imports by the EU from various countries declined by 6.28 per cent to €26.41 billion in January-April 2024 from €28.19 billion in the same period of 2023. The EU imported apparel worth €6.54 billion from China in January-April 2024, a slight decline of 1.81 per cent from €6.66 billion in 2023. Imports from Turkey decreased by 11.84 per cent to €3.03 billion from €3.44 billion. India’s exports to the EU fell by 10.74 per cent to €1.53 billion from €1.71 billion. Vietnam’s exports to the EU dropped by 6.25 per cent to €1.17 billion from €1.25 billion.
Additionally, Bangladesh experienced a significant decline of over 14 per cent in apparel exports to the US, the country’s largest export destination, earning $2.30 billion in the January-April period of 2024, according to the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel.
Fashion and textile tradeshow, ‘Sourced Sri Lanka’ concluded successfully with a network reception held by the High Commission of Sri Lanka on June 17 at the Royal Horticultural Hall in the UK.
Marking its debut in the UK after 22 years, the tradeshow highlighted the best of Sri Lankan fashion and textiles with 80 exhibition stalls. This unique event offered UK buyers and fashion enthusiasts a direct engagement opportunity with Sri Lankan manufacturers and designers.
The tradeshow was organised collaboratively by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association (SLASA), and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in partnership with the High Commission of Sri Lanka.
The event featured panel discussions with industry leaders, fashion shows, and the launch of ‘Your Vital Island.’
Rohita Bollogama, High Commissioner, Sri Lanka, remarks, the tradeshow launched Sri Lanka’s National Export Brand to present the country’s exports in the international markets through an integrated approach.
The new brand identity, ‘Your Vital Island,’ signifies the unique qualities of Sri Lankan products and the country's commitment to being a reliable sourcing destination, consistently delivering products that embody authenticity, sustainability, and competence, he adds.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Bollogama notes,the ‘Sourced Sri Lanka’ Road Show emphasised Sri Lanka’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the global fashion industry.
Facing regulatory pressures to meet the new sustainability and circularity standards set by the 2030 EU Green Deal, fashion brands and retailers are turning to the Future Fabrics Expo for solutions. The expo is being held at Magazine London from June 25-26.
The largest dedicated showcase for sourcing certified, sustainable, and responsibly produced textiles and materials, the Future Fabrics Expo is being attended by new fiber supplier, Hyosung who is exhibiting its range of eco-friendly textile solutions across recycled and bio-based categories, including its portfolio of certified sustainable regen elastane, nylon, and polyester fibres.
The expo will help Hyosung meet new customers, exchange new ideas and interact with industry experts, says Claire O’Neill, Director-Brand Marketing-Textiles, Hyosung. Focusing on renewable fibers from alternative feedstocks, the brands and retailers at the show are showing immense interest in Hyosung’s regen BIO elastane.
Hyosung was the first company to commercialise USDA and SGS certified bio-based elastane fibers made partly with renewable resources in 2022. Fibers from the brand were adopted by Pangaia in its activewear collections. For its collection, Pangaia combined bio-based elastane with its Hyosung regen BIO elastane, and Icebreaker, which blends the bio-based elastane with its signature merino wool.
As part of its corporate ESG commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 and support the wider textile industry in meeting evolving sustainability goals, Hyosung has partnered with sustainable materials leader Geno to begin construction of a plant in Vietnam. Starting in Q2, 2026, the plant will produce Bio BDO derived from sugarcane.
Hyosung’s partnership with Geno will establish the world’s first fully integrated manufacturing site for bio-based elastane, from renewable raw materials to fiber. This project aims to produce Bio BDO with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons by the second half of 2026, with plans to expand capacity to 200,000 tons/year to meet the expected industry demand for bio-based elastane.
To be held at the Port de Versailles, Paris from July 01-03, the Texworld and Apparel Sourcing fairs will bring together around 1,154 companies.
With nearly 530 exhibitors, Apparel Sourcing will closely match the approximately 570 exhibitors of Texworld, the textile and materials fair. Additionally, around 30 exhibitors will feature in the Denim zone, and 20 leather specialists will come together in the Leatherworld zone, which will also host a Leather Trend forum co-produced with Edizioni AF.
A highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of Yarn Expo, a space dedicated to yarns and fibers, echoing the biannual fair organized by Messe Frankfurt alongside Intertextile Shanghai. Yarn Expo will feature productions from China and India, as well as Pakistan and Taiwan.
This year, Apparel Sourcing will host 30 Chinese manufacturers, showcasing their own brands or producing white-label goods for European distributors. These exhibitors will be identified by a Chinese Brands Gallery logo. The accessories sector will also expand to include a range of jewelry and bags.
Dedicated to innovation, the Avantex zone will introduce a Designer Hub for meetings between designers and buyers, and a ReSources zone focused on sustainable innovation. The Near Sourcing Hub will offer proximity production solutions, featuring around 20 companies from Portugal, Turkey, and Serbia.
This edition will also host a series of thematic conferences to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital product passport textiles items. It will also organise conferences on other topics including developing European regulations, the rise of African fashion, and the revaluation of textile products.
Archroma, a leading player in sustainable specialty chemicals, has garnered significant recognition at the Just Style 2024 Excellence Awards. The company secured dual Innovation Excellence accolades for its pioneering Super Systems+ solutions and Avicuero leather tanning process, alongside a Social Excellence award for community engagement near its Baroda, India plant.
The Innovation awards highlight Archroma's commitment to advancing sustainability within the textile industry. Super Systems+ offers a comprehensive suite of solutions addressing critical challenges like water consumption and chemical management. It not only enhances process efficiency and product durability but also anticipates future regulatory requirements, underscoring Archroma's proactive approach to sustainability.
Avicuero, developed in partnership with Leather, represents a breakthrough in chrome-free leather tanning, reducing processing times, salt usage, and pollution effluent discharge while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 23 per cent. This innovation underscores Archroma's drive towards eco-friendly manufacturing practices without compromising quality.
Beyond technological innovations, Archroma's Social Excellence award recognizes its holistic community initiatives near Baroda. From educational scholarships and agricultural empowerment to sustainable energy projects like the Household Biogas Plant, Archroma exemplifies corporate responsibility and positive socio-economic impact.
The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate Archroma's transformative contributions to the textile industry, reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainable innovation and community engagement.
Inditex, the powerhouse behind Zara and other renowned brands like Berksha and Massimo Dutti, has aligned with Canopy's Pack4Good initiative, signaling a transformative shift towards sustainable practices in fashion packaging. This collaboration extends Inditex’s decade-long commitment under CanopyStyle to exclude Ancient and Endangered Forests from its textiles, now encompassing stringent measures to safeguard these forests from paper packaging production.
The fashion sector heavily relies on paper packaging for various purposes such as shipping boxes, e-commerce envelopes, and paper bags, making sustainability efforts crucial in combating climate change and biodiversity loss. Inditex’s pledge underscores its proactive stance in adopting recycled pulp, FSC-certified materials, and cutting-edge Next Generation Solutions to reduce its ecological footprint.
Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy, praised Inditex’s leadership, emphasizing the company’s role in encouraging suppliers to prioritize forest conservation and explore alternative materials. Javier Losada, Inditex’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Green to Pack program, which has substantially slashed paper usage and operational costs.
As part of Pack4Good, Inditex aims to further diminish packaging volumes through reusable boxes and increase the adoption of recycled paper content. Their commitment extends to developing Next Gen materials, potentially integrating agricultural by-products like cereal straws and hemp into paper production.
With Inditex’s inclusion, Pack4Good now encompasses 449 brands with a collective revenue exceeding 287.4 billion USD annually, amplifying efforts towards a more sustainable future in global fashion.
Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, will inaugurate the 71st India International Garment Fair (IIGF) on June 25, 2024, at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi.
Organized by the International Garment Fair Association (IGFA) with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the fair highlights the collaboration of key industry bodies, including the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Garment Exporters & Manufacturers Association (GEMA), and Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR).
AEPC and IGFA Chairman, SudhirSekhri, highlighted the fair's importance, noting its role in reversing the decline in apparel exports and achieving a 10 percent growth in May 2024. He mentioned that the surge in global demand makes this fair crucial for harnessing new opportunities. The event will also be Minister Singh’s first close engagement with the industry, offering a platform for interaction with global buyers.
Secretary General of AEPC, Mithileshwar Thakur, stated that IIGF aims to offer a marketing platform for micro, small, and medium exporters, showcasing the latest trends and diversity in Indian garments and accessories.
The fair, spanning 18,000 square meters, will feature over 350 exhibitors presenting a variety of products including womenswear, menswear, kidswear, knitwear, accessories, and sustainable garments. Participation from buyers across 50 countries is confirmed, targeting the Spring/Summer 2025 season.
The 71st IIGF will also host knowledge sessions on June 25-26, focusing on global trade challenges, manufacturing excellence, and sustainable fashion. Additionally, fashion shows will be held twice daily from June 25-27, highlighting the top collections on display.
The fashion industry is in a whirlwind of consolidation. From luxury giants to high-street favorites, brands are merging, acquiring, and forming strategic partnerships at an unprecedented rate. This trend reflects a dynamic shift in the fashion landscape, driven by a numerous factors.
Mergers and acquisitions changing business
In August 2023, Tapestry, Inc. (owner of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman) acquired Capri Holdings (Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors) for a staggering $8.5 billion. This deal, the biggest in fashion for 2023, aims to create a powerhouse with a diversified brand portfolio and global reach, leveraging Tapestry's data analytics and direct-to-consumer expertise.
On similar lines G-III Apparel Group, known for brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, acquired a significant stake in AWWG, owner of Champion and Starter. This move strengthens G-III's position in the booming activewear market.
There are several reasons for this shift.
Evolving consumer landscape: Today's shoppers crave convenience, omnichannel experiences, and sustainable practices. Mergers allow brands to combine resources, cater to diverse customer segments, and build robust online presences.
Digital transformation: The rise of e-commerce necessitates a strong digital infrastructure. Acquisitions like Farfetch's strategic partnership with Richemont (owner of Cartier) in 2023 bolster online capabilities and tap into new markets.
Growing competition: Fast fashion giants like Shein's IPO filing in 2023 and their acquisition of Missguided highlight the pressure to stay competitive. Mergers create economies of scale, allowing brands to compete more effectively.
Indeed there are several strategic benefits of mergers economies of scale is the foremost. Merged entities can leverage combined resources, leading to cost reductions in production, marketing, and logistics. It also helps in brand portfolio diversification as acquiring complementary brands allows companies to tap into new customer segments and product categories. And sharing knowledge and expertise across brands can foster innovation and accelerate product development. By combining resources and expertise, brands can strengthen their online presence and compete more effectively in the digital marketplace.
The ongoing M&A activity in the fashion industry signifies a period of significant transformation. As brands consolidate and seek strategic partnerships, the future of fashion promises a more streamlined and competitive landscape, with a focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Activewear brand owned by Gap Inc, Athleta, has appointed Tania Flynn as its new Head - Design. Flynn joins Athleta from Nike, where she served as VP and creative director of apparel design, overseeing product design across women's, men's, kids', and accessories segments. During her 19-year tenure at Nike, Flynn also contributed significantly to the international sport, footwear, and novelty departments, and was instrumental in fostering external collaborations.
Flynn's appointment comes at a critical time for Athleta, which has been struggling to compete in the activewear market. In 2023, Athleta experienced a 12 percent decline in same-store sales, with annual net sales dropping from $1.48 billion in 2022 to $1.36 billion.
Under the leadership of Chris Blakeslee, CEO who joined Athleta from Alo Yoga in July 2023, the brand is focusing on enhancing product and marketing strategies. Early signs indicate a recovery, with a 5 per cent Y-o-Y increase in comparable sales reported for the first quarter of 2024, ending on May 4, 2024. This period also marked the first time in several years that all of Gap Inc.’s brands, including Old Navy and Banana Republic, achieved positive comparable sales growth.
Flynn will report directly to Blakeslee, and her appointment underscores Athleta’s commitment to revitalising the brand and solidifying its position as a leader in performance and design innovation. According to Blakeslee, Flynn’s extensive experience in performance, lifestyle, and partnerships will enhance Athleta’s ability to deliver exceptional products designed specifically for women, by women.
