From the Sector

Dibella has strengthened its sales team with a new sales representative since March 2025. The company is thus continuing its growth strategy and aims to further optimise its customer service.

Dennis Bujack, with over 20 years of experience in sales of contract textiles, will be available as a competent contact person for customers in future. Bujack will be responsible for exports and for the northern German region, where he will be responsible in particular for looking after existing customers and acquiring new business partners.

With his many years of expertise in advising and supporting business customers, Dennis Bujack has extensive knowledge of the requirements of the textile service sector. Most recently, he worked for one of the market-leading terry towelling manufacturers.

This year’s fashion show AFRIK, the 20th, to be held March 15 in Barton Hall, continues the mission of celebrating cultural unity and diversity across the African diaspora while bringing students of African descent together and sharing Pan-African cultures with the wider Cornell and Ithaca communities. The event will feature clothing from seven professional designers and four student designers incorporating a range of cultural influences, from African to Caribbean to African American.

Thirty-two Cornell students will model the clothes on the runway, and six student groups will perform music and dance, including Baraka Kwa Wimbo, an all-women gospel a cappella group; the Caribbean Students’ Association Dance Ensemble; and the African Dance Repertoire.

The event has been held since the founding of the Pan-African Students Association PASA, although two years ago, it outgrew Duffield Hall, its original venue with a capacity of 650, and moved to Barton to accommodate more attendees. The focus on fashion allows the group to showcase many things at once: the music of the diaspora; the student models; and the designers and their artistry, which often challenges stereotypes of gender, race and nationality.

Students involved in AFRIK and PASA meet the professional designers before the show and hear stories of how they started their brands. PASA students also benefit from the experience of planning a large-scale event.

Pioneering a new era in sustainable fashion, TrusTrace, adidas, and Tapestry are set to headline a thought-provoking panel at SXSW 2025 titled "Honest Marketing and Circularity: A New Era for Fashion." This session will delve into the imperative of transparent data in guiding consumers towards environmentally conscious purchases and the transformative role of data and Digital Product Passports in fostering deeper brand-consumer connections. Registration is now open here.

Kicking off SXSW on opening day, March 7th, at 2:30 PM CT, this panel will bring together industry leaders to share key sustainability insights and explore fashion’s evolution from a storytelling-driven industry to one built on transparency, featuring:

• Sigrid Buehrle, adidas SVP Sustainability and ESG
• Logan Duran, Tapestry VP of ESG and Sustainability
• Anja Sadock, TrusTrace SVP of Marketing
• Brooke Roberts-Islam, TECHSTYLER Founder, Forbes Senior Contributor Sustainability (Moderator)

“For years, adidas has been dedicated to increasing the use of recycled materials in our products, incorporating third-party certified cotton and ensuring our leather is processed to the highest standards set by the Leather Working Group,” said Sigrid Buehrle, SVP Sustainability and ESG at adidas. “However, tracking material information from raw material to finished products needs robust data and systems. Providing transparent information about our products is of utmost importance to adidas, as we know that it drives trust and credibility with consumers and other stakeholders.”

“Transparency in sustainability claims and reporting is simply a business imperative.” said Logan Duran, VP of ESG and Sustainability at Tapestry. “Brands that ground communication in facts and not promises build stronger trust with their customers, investors, and stakeholders. Companies that prioritize transparency and data-driven accountability can drive real environmental impact while ensuring they meet the rising expectations for corporate responsibility.”

“We’re on the verge of a major shift in the fashion industry,” said Anja Sadock, SVP of Marketing at TrusTrace. “Advancements in technology and AI have made data-driven transparency more accessible than ever, unlocking new opportunities to drive real impact, strengthen consumer trust, and empower shoppers to make more sustainable choices.”

Brooke Roberts-Islam, a renowned writer and consultant on sustainability in the fashion industry, will moderate the discussion, using her expertise to explore how brands can navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability and consumer expectations. “Fashion marketing has long been marred by unsubstantiated and confusing sustainability claims. Brands now have an obligation–and a powerful opportunity–to share evidence-based sustainability information to empower consumers, level the playing field and re-build trust.”

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) announced the appointment of Katherine White as the organization’s new Vice President of Policy, effective February 18, 2025.

As Vice President of Policy at NCTO, Katherine White will work on critical policy priorities to the U.S. textile industry and provide expertise and support to the association’s extensive lobbying efforts in D.C.

“We are excited to welcome Katie to NCTO,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “Her extensive expertise and ongoing engagement with the U.S. textile industry is instrumental in advancing our advocacy agenda and supporting this vital industry.”

“I am thrilled and grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to NCTO’s advocacy on behalf of the U.S. textile industry,” White said. “The textile industry is a critical, strategic manufacturing sector and a key contributor to our national defense and the overall U.S. economy. I look forward to working with the NCTO team and our textile association members to advance priority issues and opportunities that impact the industry’s competitiveness and growth.”

White recently served as the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator and previously served on the House Ways and Means Committee as an International Trade Policy Advisor.  

In her roles at USTR and on the Ways and Means Committee, White worked specifically on trade policy matters, including de minimis and customs enforcement, and helped shape U.S. trade laws. She also participated in the negotiation, implementation, and enforcement of U.S. trade agreements, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Further, White has worked closely with the textile and apparel industry during the development of trade legislation on Capitol Hill.

She has also previously worked at the International Trade Administration at the Department of Commerce and at the White House on the National Economic Council.

White is a North Carolina native and earned a Master of Public Policy from Duke University and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Green Theme Technologies (GTT) has appointed Courtney Harold as Head of Marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, Courtney brings a proven track record of transforming complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies that drive growth and product innovation.

“I am thrilled to join GTT and help lead the initiative to bring EMPEL’s innovative, water-free, and PFAS-free DWR technology to market,” said Courtney Harold. “GTT’s commitment to surpassing industry standards is precisely the challenge fueling my passion for solving complex problems. I look forward to spearheading the marketing initiatives to position EMPEL as the leading brand in the DWR sustainable performance fabrics.”

Courtney’s career began at Hill Holliday Advertising, where she built a solid foundation for creating impactful value propositions for the retailer Marshalls. She continued to enhance this foundation as a member of the inaugural branding team at Polartec, contributing to the development of a leading brand that resonates with both consumers and industry professionals.

At Sappi Release Papers, Courtney led efforts to establish specification programs targeted at apparel and footwear product developers, resulting in a unique partnership with Nike.

For over 10 years, Courtney launched the first footwear supplier tradeshow for the world’s largest footwear tradeshow and staged the MAGIC apparel tradeshow in China, a highly complex market. She has also developed market entry strategies for several fashion, outdoor, and apparel brands entering the Chinese market, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the supply chain, the global retail sector, and the crucial connection between product development and market positioning.

A Study Dissemination on ‘Assessment of Technological Transition in the Apparel Sector of Bangladesh and Its Impact on Workers’ has arranged by Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF), Solidaridad Network Asia & Brac University.

Automation had led to a 30.58% decline in the total workforce across production processes in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector with the majority of the displaced workers being helpers, according to the study.

While automation has boosted economic growth and productivity in the sector, it has simultaneously created significant challenges for RMG workers—especially women, older employees, less literate individuals, and those lacking skills or confidence.

The sweater factory subsector experienced the highest workforce reduction, with a 37.03% decline per production line, followed by woven factories, which saw a 27.23% drop. In terms of specific production processes, the cutting stage showed the most pronounced reduction, with a 48.34% decrease in workers, whereas the sewing process experienced a comparatively smaller decline of 26.57%.

The findings emphasize the urgent need to address “Just Transition” issues, which aim to balance economic advancement with equitable outcomes for displaced workers, as highlighted in the study’s executive summary.

Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, has announced an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers for its upcoming event, running from 18th to 20th February 2025 at Olympia London. On Wednesday 19th February, a full day of thought-provoking sessions will be headlined by industry visionaries including All Saints Founder Stuart Trevor, award-winning social entrepreneur Safia Minney MBE, and Andrew Xeni, Founder of Nobody’s Child.
 
The sessions will explore critical themes shaping the future of fashion, from sustainability to circularity and transparency, aiming to equip visitors with actionable insights to transform their brands and business practices.
 
Session Highlights:

• The Urgency of Transparency
  • Speaker: Andrew Xeni, Founder, Nobody’s Child, Fabacus and Soreto
  • Time: 11:00 AM
  • Synopsis: As transparency becomes the cornerstone of sustainability, Andrew Xeni will discuss how brands can lead the charge in accountability and ethical operations. From unveiling supply chain practices to empowering consumers, this session highlights the role of transparency in building trust and driving meaningful change in the fashion industry.
•  A Clothing Company That Doesn’t Produce Clothes
  • Speaker: Stuart Trevor, Founder, All Saints & Stuart Trevor
  • Time: 1:30 PM
  • Synopsis: In a groundbreaking fireside chat, Stuart Trevor will showcase how his company is pioneering circularity by transforming pre-owned clothes into desirable fashion pieces. By rethinking the traditional industry model, Trevor will illustrate the potential of upcycling to combat waste and redefine sustainable style.
• Ecosystem Thinking in Fashion: Redesigning for Regeneration
  • Speaker: Safia Minney MBE
  • Time: 2:10 PM
  • Synopsis: In a dynamic panel discussion, Safia Minney will explore strategies to adopt circular and regenerative models, scale these practices, and foster collaborative supply chain solutions. Featuring contributions from experts across industries, this session is set to empower visitors with practical tools for transformative change.

 The keynote sessions will be complemented by speakers from industry-leading organisations such as John Lewis, Vivo Footwear, Pepsi Co, Kingfisher, and environmental NGO WRAP. The full programme will be revealed in the coming weeks.
 
Join the Conversation
Source Fashion 2025 invites fashion professionals, sustainability advocates, and industry leaders to connect, learn, and lead the transformation of the fashion industry.
 
As Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, Source Fashion brings together a global community of brands, suppliers, and thought leaders to shape the future of ethical and sustainable fashion. Through cutting-edge events, expert-led sessions, and innovative showcases, Source Fashion champions transparency, circularity, and collaboration in the industry.

About Stuart Trevor
In 1983, Stuart Trevor was a finalist in the Paul Smith/Mont Blanc competition and in 1985 he won designer of the year at The Smirnoff Fashion awards “Menswear Day”. Aged 19 he became the first designer and main buyer for REISS. At 28 he founded All Saints and many of the clothes that continue to feature every week in the top 10 bestseller list of the high-street brand today, were designed by Trevor himself over 20 years ago.
 
About Safia Minney
Safia Minney, MBE, FRSA, is an award-winning social entrepreneur, consultant and advisor. Safia is recognised by the World Economic Forum as an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur and is a leading influencer and international speaker on sustainable fashion, sustainable supply chains, ethical business and climate action.
 
Safia founded REAL Sustainability CIC in 2019, to promote awareness and action for sustainable living and leadership. In 2022 REAL launched Fashion Declares – a bottom-up, industry wide movement to promote rapid action to redesign the fashion industry to operate within planetary boundaries.
 
About Andrew Xeni
Andrew Xeni is a visionary technology and retail entrepreneur. After building successful fashion manufacturing business suppling leading UK high street brands, Xeni went on to create eco-conscious 2023 Drapers Retailer of the Year (<£100m), Nobody’s Child, of which Marks and Spencer is a strategic investor and shareholder.
Merging both retail and technology, Xeni also founded award-winning retail tech companies Fabacus and Soreto.
 
As CEO of Fabacus, a DaaS (Data-as-a-Service) technology platform for revolutionising the licencing and retail industries, Xeni has established partnerships with a number of leading businesses within the sectors, including, Fanatics, UFC, Epic Games, Ubisoft and IMG, part of Endeavour.
 
This year, seeing the growing consumer demand for sustainably, Xeni pioneered the UK-first Digital Product Passport in a collaboration with between Fabacus and Nobody’s Child, in partnership with Coinbase.
 
Xeni is backed by a number of leading financial institutions, including iNovia Partners, led by former Google CFO, Patrick Pichette, as well as New Look founder, Tom Singh. In addition to managing a diverse portfolio of businesses, and sitting as Chairman for Nobody’s Child and Soreto, Xeni is an active angel investor.

Mark Ushpol has been appointed Executive Vice President, Americas business area at Suominen. He will be a member of Suominen's Executive Management Team and report to President and CEO Tommi Björnman. Ushpol will start in his new position on January 6, 2025.

Mr. Ushpol joins Suominen from Ahlstrom, where he worked as Executive Vice President of the Food & Consumer Packaging division and as a member of the Executive Management Team.

“Mark has a strong experience in leading industrial business and operations. He also has industry knowledge and proven record in successfully executing company goals. I am sure he will be a valued member in our Executive Management Team and support us in our journey towards profitable growth,” says Tommi Björnman, President and CEO of Suominen.

Denis Albert is to become the new Head of Business Group North America and member of the Group Executive Board of Autoneum Holding Ltd as of January 1, 2025. The French-American dual citizen has many years of experience as a general manager in the international automotive supply industry in North America. He will succeed Greg Sibley, who will retire at the end of January 2025.

The Board of Directors of Autoneum Holding Ltd has appointed Denis Albert as the new Head of Business Group North America and member of the Group Executive Board as of January 1, 2025. Denis Albert has been Head of Sales Development & Strategic Project Manager for Post Merger Integration (PMI) at Autoneum since January 2024. In addition to his new position, he will continue to assume the role of Head of Sales Development.

Before joining Autoneum, Denis Albert worked for the French automotive supplier Forvia (Faurecia) for over 25 years, where he held various management positions, most recently as President of the Faurecia Interior Division North America. Over the course of his career, he has acquired profound knowledge of the North American automotive market and extensive experience in sales, business management, implementation of regional strategies, purchasing and technology. Denis Albert holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the Institut Catholique d’Arts et Métiers in Nantes, France, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Mannheim Business School, Germany.

Following a one-month transition period, Denis Albert will take over as Head of Business Group North America from Greg Sibley, who will retire on January 31, 2025. Greg Sibley has steered Business Group North America through turbulent times since May 2019 and has made a decisive contribution to the turnaround in this region. The Board of Directors and the Group Executive Board would like to thank Greg for his significant and tireless commitment to Autoneum over the past five years and wish him all the best for his personal future.

eVent^®️ Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof and breathable laminates, announced the hiring of three key team members to assist with growing demand for the brand’s expanding line of performance laminates and recent expansion into the South Korean market. Founded in 1999, the company impressed the industry with the first air-permeable 100% waterproof membrane and continues to innovate with sustainable, high-performance textiles. eVent is globally recognized for its breathable waterproof solutions and commitment to reliable, high-performance laminates.

Recent hires include Bartosz Lassak to the US sales team and Xie Yi to engineer the next generation of eVent textiles. For the recent expansion into Korea, Terry Kim will assist as eVent’s Korean Market Consultant.

eVent’s recent expansion into the Korean market includes a new strategic partnership with GEO International Co., LTD, a leading Korean company in the textile industry. This collaboration will introduce eVent’s high-performance waterproof breathable laminate solutions for apparel, footwear, and accessories to the Korean market, catering to the increasing demand for premium outdoor and performance apparel.

eVent’s newest team members include:

Bartosz Lassak – Senior Sales Manager
Based in Washington D.C., Bartosz is a Senior Sales Manager for the Eastern U.S. region and will help expand eVent’s sales footprint as new customers are added to the eVent portfolio. Bartosz brings 20 years of global industry experience and has a deep knowledge of outerwear materials, end use applications, and component brand sales. Most recently, Bartosz was a Territory Sales and Marketing Manager for Primaloft, managing ingredient brand distribution in the UK, Germany, Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, and North America.
 
Xie Yi – Textile Engineer
Having recently graduated with a double Master’s Degree in Textile Materials and Product Design from the highly regarded Donghua University, Xie joins the eVent team full time as a Textile Engineer. Xie will be integral as eVent continues to enhance product strategy and new product introductions. Throughout her academic career, Xie worked as a Production Assistant for Oya Jacquard Belt limited and a Research and Development Assistant at Atelier LUMA.

Terry Kim – Senior Consultant in Korea
Terry will support the expansion of eVent’s global footprint into Korean markets and assist with marketing efforts in the Korean market as well. Terry has significant experience in the industry including 20 years working in roles such as Sales Director and New Business Development Director in his time at Gore-Tex. In his most recent role, Terry was the Managing Director of Fabric Division for Gore-Tex.