FW
At the ‘Bombay Times Fashion Week 2024,’ Amity University Mumbai's School of Fashion Design and Technology (ASFT) showcased a dazzling collection titled 'Tarang.' Featuring 20 garments crafted by 18 talented student designers, the collection fused textures, colors, and innovative designs, symbolising a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Gracing the runway as the showstopper was Esha Velankar, holder of titles such as Miss Cocoaberry Diva and Miss Unity International 2021–2022, who not only mesmerised the audience with her graceful stride but also unveiled her own collection. She showcased a garment adorned with intricate ‘wings’ inspired by the art of ‘Kirigami,’ symbolising a profound sense of liberation and creativity.
Professor (Dr) AW Santhosh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Amity University Mumbai, emphasised the institution's commitment to nurture young talent and foster excellence in the field of fashion design. He lauded the collaborative efforts between the university and the fashion industry, which have enabled students to shine on prestigious platforms like the Bombay Times Fashion Week. Professor (Dr) Bhawana Chanana, Director of Amity School of Fashion Technology, highlighted the thematic depth and technical sophistication of 'Tarang' The Collection. From fluid drapery to intricate surface embellishments, the designs showcased a seamless marriage of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, reflecting a rich tapestry of creative expression.
Amity University Mumbai's School of Fashion Technology has emerged as a beacon of innovation and creativity in India's design landscape, offering students a holistic education that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and industry exposure. With a focus on digital innovation and interactive design, the institution is preparing the next generation of fashion leaders to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global market.
A hallmark event of LuLu, the Lulu Fashion Week (LFW) promises five days of fashion extravaganza until May 12. Being held in Kochi, the event showcases the latest spring and summer fashion trends from renowned global brands.
The lineup for LFW includes multiple fashion shows featuring models strutting down the runway in the latest designs. The event is being presented by Pepe Jeans London, powered by Amukti and Peter England, and supported by brands like Louis Philippe, Croydon UK, Sin, among others.
Over 30 runway shows by top fashion brands are scheduled, under the expert direction of leading stylist and fashion choreographer Shie Lobo.
In addition to showcasing trends, LFW will host fashion awards to honor outstanding contributions to the industry. The Lulu Fashion Awards will recognise achievements across various categories, including a coveted award for the style icon of the year.
LFW will also feature a thought-provoking roundtable discussion led by prominent costume designers from the Malayalam film industry. Panelists including Indrans, Maneesh Narayanan, Melwy J, Stephy Xavier, Divya George, Mashar Hamza, and other distinguished personalities from diverse sectors will engage in insightful dialogue.
Possenia, a pioneering force in the cycling industry, proudly announces its achievement as Switzerland’s premier cycling brand to embrace the Bluesign Product label, a significant stride towards sustainable cycling apparel in Europe. Available now on Digitec Galaxus and their own platform, Possenia’s environmentally-conscious premium cycling essentials redefine industry standards.
This milestone underscores Possenia’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, as it becomes the first Swiss cycling brand to obtain Bluesign Product certification for a substantial portion of its product range. The brand aims to transition the rest of its products into Bluesign Product ranges by 2025, reinforcing its dedication to revolutionizing the cycling industry through eco-conscious practices.
CEO and Co-Founder Melissa Vostriakova emphasizes Possenia's ethos, stating, "At Possenia, we're driven by sustainability and the pursuit of possibilities. Being Switzerland’s inaugural cycling brand to offer Bluesign Product reflects our dedication to a happier, sustainable future."
The Bluesign Product label signifies a pinnacle in responsible production, ensuring adherence to rigorous chemical, environmental, and worker safety standards. By collaborating with Bluesign technologies, Possenia ensures its products prioritize both planetary and human well-being.
Executive Member of Possenia’s Board of Directors, Michael Kenyon, articulates the brand's vision of democratizing sustainability in cycling wear, asserting, "Sustainability must be accessible to all, not just a luxury for the privileged few."
Possenia's cycling range predominantly incorporates Bluesign Approved recycled and biodegradable fabrics, highlighting its commitment to ethical manufacturing. Partnering with Bluesign Technologies emphasizes strict chemical management, a crucial aspect of environmental impact reduction.
Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign Technologies, applauds Possenia's alignment with sustainable values, stating, "Possenia understands the importance of preserving our planet's health, a vital endeavor for our society."
The availability of Possenia's Bluesign Product styles on Galaxus signals a significant stride in making sustainable cycling apparel accessible to a broader Swiss market, reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Possenia's mission transcends performance; it aims to empower cyclists worldwide while minimizing their environmental impact—a testament to its dedication to both excellence and sustainability in cycling.
As a superior alternative to spandex, Under Armour is set to introduce a groundbreaking material named Neolast on May 13. The brand will also launch the Vanish Pro tee on Under Armour’s official website.
Neolast is the result of extensive research and development conducted at Under Armour’s innovation labs in Baltimore, along with collaborative efforts at the company’s innovation center at North Carolina State University.
With Neolast, Under Armour aims to tackle key sustainability issues associated with elastane, such as recyclability and solvent usage. The company envisions Neolast as instrumental in achieving its target of reducing spandex in its products by 75 per cent by 2030.
Described as lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and quick-drying, Neolast embodies the qualities athletes seek in performance wear.
John Hardy III, Senior Director – Product, Under Armour, emphasises the simplicity of design in the Vanish Pro tee, allowing the Neolast material to take center stage. Not only does the durable material promise an extended lifespan for the garment, but it also ensures consistent fit and stretch over time. Under Armour anticipates expanding its range of performance apparel featuring Neolast offering athletes access to the cutting edge of stretch technology.
Being held from May 08-11, 2025, the second Vietnam Outstanding Export Products Fair or the HCM City Export 2024 fair features over 400 companies across 450 booths.
The event showcases the country’s major export industries including textile, garment, footwear, handbags, rubber, plastics, food and beverages, farm and fisheries produce, furniture, handicrafts, electronics, and supporting services. Most of Việt Nam's major export firms, including Masan Consumer Holdings with the Chinsu brand, Vina T&T Group, Bình Tây Food JSC, Vantrgap Food JSC, and Phước Hải Leather Box-Handbag Trading Production Co Ltd are participating in the fair.
The fair also features a forum titled ‘Promote linkages towards green exports’ that will discuss solutions for sustainable exports. Additionally, business matching programs will be organised to bring together local firms and foreign supermarket and retail chains such as Central Retail, MM Mega Market, Amazon, and Alibaba and buyers from India and Russia.
Organised by the city Department of Industry and Trade and the Việt Nam Trade Promotion Agency, the fair is expected to attract 20,000 visitors and buyers from major markets such as the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea, and e-commerce platforms.
The brand lineup for Copenhagen Fashion Week’s (CFW) SS25 edition features a blend of international stalwarts and Nordic innovators.
This year, the event integrates runway shows and presentations as two distinct formats within its official schedule. This amalgamation will offer a more diverse array of expressions, engaging brands, and reflecting the evolving creative landscape of the Nordic fashion industry, thus solidifying CFW’s stature as a leading global fashion event.
Alongside the inclusion of new player Berner Kühl in the CPHFW New Talent program, established names like Alectra Rothschild / Masculina, Stamm, and Rolf Ekroth also feature. The event will also be graced by returning favorites such as A. Roege Hove, (di)vision, Jade Cropper, Latimmier, and Rabens Saloner. This juxtaposition of esteemed Nordic labels with international frontrunners across 46 shows and presentations underscores Copenhagen Fashion Week's global significance within the fashion calendar.
Notably, SS25 has announced Sinead O’Dwyer as the new Zalando Visionary Award winner. Recognised for their innovative and purpose-driven approach to fashion, O'Dwyer will present their Spring/Summer collection in a runway show, showcasing their visionary design ethos and commitment to impactful creativity.
Additionally, Bonnetje, Sól Hansdóttir, and Stem are recognised as Ones to Watch, presenting their upcoming collections as part of the August 2024 edition.
Meticulously vetted by the official Show & Presentation Committee and Sustainability Committee, Copenhagen Fashion Week’s SS25 lineup comprises 46 brands and institutions. Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week says, this season's showcase brings together a diverse array of brands amidst challenging economic, political, and environmental landscapes. The event serves not only as a platform for fashion but also as a testament to a progressive mindset and a collaborative spirit.
Selected brands undergo rigorous screening against Copenhagen Fashion Week’s 18 Minimum Standards, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability and ethical practices
The CPHFW New Talent scheme continues to nurture emerging talent, with four brands supported for SS25, including the addition of Berner Kühl. It offers designers three seasons of support, encompassing financial assistance, mentorship, partnership opportunities, and extensive PR exposure through CFW’s international networks. Graduating designers then join the esteemed alumni network, further enriching the fashion community.
Rooted in creativity, social impact, and innovation, the Zalando Visionary Award honors Sinéad O’Dwyer for their boundary-pushing designs that transcend conventional norms. O'Dwyer's distinctive blend of artistry and technical prowess resonates with themes of identity, body positivity, and self-expression, making them a deserving recipient of the €50,000 monetary prize and runway showcase at SS25.
Ending a two-year upward trend, UK’s imports of men’s or boy’s knitted or crocheted clothes declined by 18.3 per cent to 92 million units in 2023. However, the total import volume rose at an average annual rate of 1.1 per cent from 2013 to 2023, albeit with noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The peak import volume of 128 million units was reached in 2016, but from 2017 to 2023, imports remained lower.
In terms of value, imports of men's knitwear declined to $753 million in 2023, according to IndexBox estimates. However, there had been a significant expansion in total imports from 2013 to 2023, with a value increase averaging 3.6 per cent annually over the last decade. The highest growth rate was recorded in 2022, reaching 15 per cent, leading to a peak of $978 million, followed by a sharp decline the following year.
Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan emerged as the top exporters of men's knitwear to the UK, accounting for 57 per cent of total imports. The exports of Vietnam grew at a CAGR of 17.6 per cent , outpacing other leaders.
In terms of import prices, there was a noticeable decrease in 2023, with the price per unit dropping to $8.2 (CIF, United Kingdom), marking a 6 per cent decrease from the previous year. However, over the decade, import prices had been on an upward trend, increasing at an average annual rate of 2.6 per cent. Notably, there were significant price differences among the major supplying countries, with Belgium having the highest price per unit at $24 and India among the lowest at $4.1.
China saw the most notable rate of price growth from 2013 to 2023, with an increase of 8.3 per cent, while other major suppliers experienced more modest growth rates.
Colarado-based firm, Crocs Inc, recorded a 6.2 per cent rise in revenues during Q1,FY24. The firm’s revenues grew to $939 million during the quarter with the brand Crocs’ revenues offsetting a double-digit decline in HeyDude sales.
Revenues of the brand Crocs increased by 14.6 per cent to $744 million during the quarter. The firm’s DTC revenues increased by 18.3 per cent to $282 million while wholesale revenues expanded to $462 million. Crocs’revenues in North America also increased by 9 per cent to $383 million while international revenues surged 21.3 per cent to $361 million.
On the other hand, revenues of the brand HeyDude declined by 17.2 per cent to $195 million while DTC revenues declined by 11 per cent to $60 million. The company also recorded a 19.7 per cent decline in wholesale revenues to $135 million.
During the three months, Crocs’ income from operations decreased by 3.6 per cent to $226 million from $235 million, resulting in operating margin of 24.1 per cent
Crocs aims to reduce its revenue expectations for the brand HeyDude for the remainder of the year, says Andrew Rees, CEO. The company is confident of the opportunity for the brand in the long-term. It has appointed Susan Healy as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Crocs Inc, effective June 3.
Healy succeeds Anne Mehlman, who will continue to serve as chief financial officer until Healy resumes duties. She will join the executive leadership team and report directly to Andrew Rees, CEO.
With over three decades of financial and operational leadership experience, Healy joins Crocs, Inc. from IAA, Inc, where she served as chief financial officer and led the company through its $7 billion merger with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Incorporated.
Prior to 2021, Healy served as senior vice president of finance for Ulta Beauty. Earlier in her career, she held various senior financial leadership roles in addition to a 12-year tenure at Goldman Sachs.
Thriving on a wave of eco-consciousness and fashion savvy, Europe's second-hand clothing is likely to grow at CAGR of 7.70 per cent to $36,368.10 million by 2034 from $17.3 billion in 2024. As per a report by the Future Market Insights, this growth will be driven by easing of the purchase and sale of pre-loved clothes by websites and apps like Depop and Vinted.
Consumers continue to embrace individuality by personalising their second-hand garments. Resale businesses are also launching their own DIY workshops and customisation services. Fashion influencers are promoting second-hand clothing, particularly among younger generations, making it trendy and desirable.
While the women's segment dominates, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain each show unique growth patterns within the European market. Major players like Depop and Vestiaire Collective are capturing consumer interest with innovative strategies while traditional retailers continue to launch their own second-hand offerings.
Lines between high-end fashion and sustainability are becoming increasingly blurred with the growing collaborations between luxury brands and resale platforms. Recent acquisitions and partnerships, like Poshmark buying Premium Garage Sale and H&M entering the resale space, highlight the industry's dynamism.
However, a few consumers continue to associate second-hand clothing with being used or of lower quality. Concerns about condition and logistical hurdles like managing inventory and shipping also threaten to deter the industry’s growth.
To thrive in this competitive environment, innovation, brands need to adapt to emerging trends besides prioritising sustainability. This will help ensure a bright future for Europe's second-hand clothing market.
In a significant stride towards sustainable textile innovation, Spinnova’s Research and Development (R&D) yarn spinning line has been inaugurated at Tearfil’s mill in Portugal. The collaboration between Spinnova and Tearfil, initiated in June 2023, has culminated in the establishment of a yarn development cooperation agreement, leveraging the cutting-edge spinning line machinery provided by Rieter, a leading supplier of yarn production systems.
Located in Guimarães, Portugal, the R&D spinning line serves as a pivotal platform for product development and testing of Spinnova fibre, aiming to facilitate its integration into various applications within the textile value chain. Tearfil, responsible for operating the line, anticipates that this collaboration will streamline the development process, enabling the creation of guidelines for industrial application of Spinnova fibre.
Shahriare Mahmood, Spinnova’s Chief Product and Sustainability Officer, underscores the significance of yarn spinning in transitioning Spinnova fibre from novelty to widespread commercial adoption. Maria de Belém Machado, Tearfil's CEO, expresses enthusiasm about the partnership's potential to drive sustainable innovation within the textile industry. Additionally, Franziska Hafeli, Head of Sales and Marketing at Rieter, reaffirms the company's commitment to supporting Spinnova's journey towards producing fully innovative, sustainable yarn.
The inauguration of Spinnova's R&D spinning line marks a pivotal milestone in the collaborative efforts of industry leaders towards a more sustainable future in textiles.
