From the Sector

Photo (c) Neo.Fashion.

08.06.2026

Neo.Fashion. Berlin: Emerging Fashion Talent Chart a New Course

More than 620 talents, nine editions, one milestone: Neo.Fashion. celebrates its 10th edition this July and announces a new organizational structure — a clear statement of commitment to the long-term development of emerging talent in the German fashion industry.

Germany’s most versatile platform for emerging fashion talent marks its 10th anniversary with a strategic repositioning and a new venue: For its 10th edition, Neo.Fashion. will take place during Berlin Fashion Week from July 2 to 4, 2026, in a former industrial hall at “Neues Ufer 13” in Berlin-Moabit. The program includes the Best Graduates Shows and Aspiring Designer Shows, alongside the presentation of the Neo.Fashion. Award and the Digital Fashion Award. To date, ten universities from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Ukraine have confirmed their participation. A strong emphasis on sustainability defines this year’s collections. With the establishment of the non-profit Neo.Fashion. e.V. in 2025, the initiative has further professionalized its organizational structure, creating a more robust foundation for the long-term promotion of emerging design talent.

What started in 2017 as a vision has since become a defining fixture for young fashion designers across Germany: Neo.Fashion. is celebrating its 10th edition this year. Since the inaugural graduate show in the fall of 2017 at Motorwerk Weißensee in Berlin, more than 620 graduates from across the country have presented their final collections on the Neo.Fashion. stage. In 2019, the platform became an official part of Berlin Fashion Week, cementing its place in the international fashion calendar. With the Best Graduates Shows, the Aspiring Designer Shows, the Neo.Fashion. Award, and the Digital Fashion Award — launched for the first time last year — Neo.Fashion. has grown into a unique ecosystem that goes far beyond a pure presentation platform.

The founding of the nonprofit Neo.Fashion. e.V. in 2025 marks a pivotal step toward sustained, structured talent development. A newly expanded organizational team now manages the full range of Neo.Fashion. activities — from university coordination and communications to technical production, industry partnerships, textile research, and startup outreach. Workshops, competitions, mentoring programs, and international collaborations will be part of the platform’s expanded offering going forward.

Neo.Fashion. is also making a geographic move. From July 2 through 4, 2026 — as always, in sync with Berlin Fashion Week — the event relocates to “Neues Ufer 13” (“New Shore 13”) in the Berlin district of Moabit: a former industrial hall whose raw, urban aesthetic provides an authentic backdrop for young, uncharted fashion voices. “We see ‘Neues Ufer’ as a metaphor — for us as a format that has reinvented itself time and again over ten years, and for the talents who show their collections here with a new shore as their destination,” says Jens Zander, CEO of brand experience agency S49, founder of Neo.Fashion., and director of the new Neo.Fashion. e.V., where he oversees production and strategic development.

More than ten professional runway shows are planned, featuring selected graduates from nearly all German fashion schools presenting their collections. Each show will spotlight six to eight emerging designers. In total, up to 80 participants will take the stage in July, presenting their work to a broad public audience—well beyond the industry itself. This open and inclusive approach sets Neo.Fashion apart from other formats.
Ten universities have already confirmed their participation: Hochschule Pforzheim (Pforzheim), Hochschule Niederrhein (Krefeld, Mönchengladbach), AMD Akademie Mode & Design (Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Wiesbaden, Munich), Hochschule Reutlingen (Reutlingen), Hochschule Hannover (Hannover), Hochschule Bielefeld (Bielefeld), Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin – HTW Berlin (Berlin), Hochschule Macromedia (Berlin), Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle (Halle/Saale), and HAW Hamburg – University of Applied Sciences (Hamburg). On the international side: the University of Art and Design Linz (Linz, Austria), the Academy of Art and Design Basel – HGK FHNW (Basel, Switzerland), Fashion Art Toronto (Toronto, Canada), and the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design – KNUTD (Kyiv, Ukraine).

One theme runs through nearly every collection shown at Neo.Fashion.: sustainability. What was a niche concern a decade ago is now a core driver of young designers’ creative work. From material sourcing and production processes to circular design principles, Neo.Fashion. graduates are rethinking fashion from the ground up — and setting new standards for a responsible future in the industry. Neo.Fashion. actively supports this shift, providing space for innovative, sustainable approaches.

Nurturing Talent as an Investment in the Future
Germany’s fashion economy — including retail, startups, and FashionTech — contributes approximately €70 billion to the country’s GDP and supports around one million jobs, according to research by Oxford Economics commissioned by the Fashion Council Germany (FCG) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The German textile and apparel industry generates around €32 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 120,000 people across approximately 1,400 companies. The German apparel market as a whole recorded revenues of around €67.7 billion in 2025.

Maintaining and growing that position demands a consistent pipeline of new talent. Platforms like Neo.Fashion. play a central role in bridging the gap between education and professional entry — giving emerging designers the visibility and industry connections they need to launch their careers.

Success Stories and International Partnerships
The impact of Neo.Fashion. as a launchpad for young designers is evident in the careers that have followed: many alumni who showed their first collections on the Neo.Fashion. runway have since returned with their own labels — and are now fixtures in the Berlin Fashion Week calendar.

Particularly noteworthy is the partnership with Ukrainian Fashion Week, established in 2022, which gives Ukrainian design talent an international platform despite the difficult situation in their home country. Strategic partners including the Fashion Council Germany (FCG) and the German Textile and Fashion Federation (Gesamtverband textil+mode) support Neo.Fashion. in broadening its reach and opening doors into the industry for emerging designers.

Neo.Fashion. — The Ecosystem
Best Graduates Show: The flagship show of Neo.Fashion. during Berlin Fashion Week, in which the best final collections from fashion design students across Germany are presented in professional runway shows.

Neo.Fashion. Award: An award recognizing outstanding emerging talent distinguished by exceptional creativity, innovation, or sustainability in their collections — designers who are setting the agenda for the future of the industry.

Aspiring Designer Shows: A platform for young designers who have already taken their first steps toward independence and are building their own labels — giving them the opportunity to present their current collections to a broad professional audience.

Digital Fashion Award: Launched in 2025, this award signals a shift in how fashion engages with the digital world — treating it not just as a tool, but as a creative space in its own right. For Neo.Fashion., it marks a key step in the evolution of the format and opens a new chapter in supporting digital emerging talent.

More information:
Neo.Fashion Neo.Fashion. Berlin Fashion Week International Talent Support

Source:

Neo.Fashion.

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13.05.2026

Italian investor Pidigi to continue Sympatex

Pidigi S.p.A. of Verona and a German subsidiary acquire key assets of Sympatex by way of an asset deal
21 jobs and all four apprenticeship positions will be retained at the Unterföhring site
Transaction creates significant operational and economic synergies

In the insolvency proceedings concerning the assets of the Munich-based textile company Sympatex Technologies GmbH, insolvency administrator Axel W. Bierbach of the law firm Müller-Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen (Munich) has found a viable solution for the continuation of business operations. The operating business is to be taken over by Pidigi S.p.A. of Verona by way of an asset deal effective June 1, 2026. Pidigi is an owner-managed, internationally active Italian supplier and innovation partner to the footwear, leather goods, and apparel industries, with a market presence spanning more than 70 years. Pidigi develops and markets high-quality materials and sustainable components for industrial applications.

Pidigi S.p.A. of Verona and a German subsidiary acquire key assets of Sympatex by way of an asset deal
21 jobs and all four apprenticeship positions will be retained at the Unterföhring site
Transaction creates significant operational and economic synergies

As part of the asset deal, Pidigi and a German subsidiary are acquiring the core assets of Sympatex and intend to continue business operations under the Sympatex brand. At the Unterföhring site near Munich, 21 jobs and the apprenticeships of all four trainees will be retained. The international locations in France, China, and Hong Kong, as well as the Korean sales office, are also to be continued. As part of the structural realignment, 25 employees at the Unterföhring site will receive notices of termination for operational reasons in the course of May, effective at the end of August.

To mitigate the economic consequences for the affected employees, a reconciliation of interests and a social plan have been agreed upon. Around 20 employees have already left the company on their own initiative during the preliminary insolvency proceedings. With the transfer of business operations to Pidigi, future operational responsibilities will also be reorganized. Kim Scholze, who took over Sympatex as sole managing director during an extremely challenging phase and guided the company through the insolvency proceedings, will leave the company upon completion of the transaction.

Basis secured for the continuation of operations at the Unterföhring site
Insolvency administrator Bierbach described it as particularly encouraging that Sympatex’s Unterföhring site will be retained, thereby laying a crucial foundation for the sustainable continuation of business operations in Germany. He expressly thanked Kim Scholze, the entire workforce, and the works council for their dedication over the past few months. “Under difficult circumstances, Sympatex’s employees and managing director have contributed with a high degree of professionalism, great commitment, and remarkable loyalty to maintaining stable business operations and laying the groundwork for this investor solution,” Bierbach stated. Business operations have been able to continue in full during the three and a half months since the insolvency filing at the end of January 2026.

“The past few months have demanded an enormous amount from Sympatex’s employees. This makes me all the more filled with respect for how professionally, loyally, and dedicatedly the teams worldwide have supported business operations, customer relationships and key projects during this phase. The fact that an investor solution for the technology, brand, and core business areas has now been achieved is a significant shared success. My special thanks go to all employees, partners, and customers who have supported Sympatex during this time with trust, dedication, and resilience,” said Kim Scholze.

From the perspective of insolvency administrator Bierbach, Pidigi’s entry has created a viable future for the company. “Given the challenging market environment, which is subject to significant competitive and cost pressures, and Sympatex’s unique corporate history, finding a suitable buyer for Sympatex was a very demanding task. I am all the more pleased that we were able to secure an ideal investor in Pidigi, a company that knows this highly specialized market well and has itself been successfully rooted in the footwear and apparel industry for many decades. Pidigi has a clear vision for and brings excellent operational capabilities as well as deep industry expertise to secure and sustainably develop Sympatex’s international market presence, technological know-how, and established customer relationships,” the insolvency administrator said.

Pidigi has been working with Sympatex for several decades and, as a long-standing distributor in the footwear segment in Italy, possesses comprehensive market knowledge as well as a strong international network in the footwear and apparel industry. In addition, there is a long-standing partnership in the field of tape production. The Italian family-owned business uses Sympatex laminates and membranes, which Pidigi incorporates into its footwear and apparel products.
This creates significant operational and economic synergy potential throughout the value chain.

Strong foundation for continued growth and new market opportunities
For Dr. Giorgio De Gara, owner and managing director of Pidigi, the transaction marks a milestone in the family business’s continued development. “The acquisition of Sympatex is an important strategic step for us, building on a long-standing and trusting partnership. We have known the company, its technologies and the people behind them for many years and are delighted to now welcome Sympatex as part of the Pidigi family. Together, we aim to further develop Sympatex’s international business in a targeted manner – from performance laminates and tapes for footwear applications to technical solutions for the public sector, workwear and apparel markets. By combining Sympatex’s technological expertise with Pidigi’s global market presence and operational strength, we are creating a strong foundation for further growth and new market opportunities. It is important to us to preserve Sympatex’s valuable technological know-how and the Unterföhring site, and to offer employees long-term prospects”, Dr. De Gara said.

The structured investor sale process was supported by an experienced team of advisers. On the M&A side, the insolvency administrator was advised by Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner (W&P). Led by Dr. Hubertus Bartelheimer, M&A specialists Ante Jelavic and Thomas Müller oversaw the entire transaction process. Legal advice to the insolvency administrator was provided by Taylor Wessing Germany, led by Dr. Hendrik Boss and Lisa K. Iwersen, LL.M. (Stellenbosch).

More information:
Sympatex insolvency Pidigi

Source:

Müller-Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen

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Photo GoodTextiles Foundation

Start of the Training for Common Ground Farmers

12.05.2026

GoodTextiles Foundation launches “Common Ground” Farmer Initiative in India

The GoodTextiles Foundation, in collaboration with Dibella India, Gallant Regenerative Organic Private Limited, and Spoorthi Raith Producer Company Limited, announces the launch of its new flagship project Common Ground. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable, regenerative cotton cultivation among smallholder farmers in southern India.

A Shared Vision Rooted in the Land
Set in the rural landscapes of Karnataka’s Haveri district, Common Ground brings together farmers, local communities and agricultural experts with a unified goal: to restore harmony between people and nature through organic and regenerative farming practices.

The foundation for this initiative was laid as early as 2024 through site visits, farmer dialogues and collaboration with the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad. In 2025, the project entered its implementation phase, including soil assessments, team training, community engagement and the registration of participating farmers.

Seven carefully selected villages now form the core of the project. Chosen for their accessibility, strong community structures and development potential, they provide fertile ground for a scalable model that can be replicated across other regions.

Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge and Structure
At the heart of Common Ground lies a commitment to people. To date, 510 farmers have been identified, with 475 already in the final stages of enrolment into a newly established Organic Cotton Grower Group (OGG).

The project combines technical expertise with hands-on support close, continuous support. A dedicated team—comprising an Internal Control System (ICS) Manager and trained field staff—is being steadily expanded to ensure effective on-the-ground implementation. Farmers participate in targeted training sessions that introduce them to organic cultivation practices and certification requirements, equipping them with the knowledge needed for long-term success.

In parallel, external experts are developing location-specific “Packages of Practice” tailored to local conditions, alongside watershed-level strategies that promote sustainable resource management. To ensure transparency and traceability from the outset, all farms are digitally documented, including GPS-based mapping of agricultural plots.

Beyond Cotton: Building Resilient Futures
Common Ground goes far beyond sustainable cotton production. It is an investment in the long-term resilience of farming communities. By improving soil health, conserving water resources and enhancing biodiversity, the initiative supports both environmental sustainability and economic opportunity.

At the same time, it strengthens farmers’ independence and confidence in an agricultural system capable of sustaining livelihoods for generations to come.

Together the partners are building a scalable model for regenerative value creation – from seed to finished textile. Step by step, a transparent and responsible supply chain is emerging.

With every field converted, every training delivered and every partnership formed, Common Ground is cultivating more than cotton – it is nurturing a growing community committed to shaping a more sustainable future.

More information:
The GoodTextiles Foundation India Dibella India Dibella agricultural system

Source:

GoodTextiles Foundation

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Endeavour process—excluding pre and post treatment

Photo: Alchemie Technology

12.05.2026

Alchemie Technology: Up to 92% Water Saving in Textile Dyeing

Alchemie Technology, a leader of jet precision dyeing solutions, is pleased to share that Endeavour demonstrates up to 92% water saving in their dyeing process.

The demonstration was validated by Fashion for Good and conducted by BluWin, through Fashion for Good’s Advanced Process Matrix (APM) assessment, an initiative to find sustainable resources for “Future Forward Factories”, seeking low-carbon innovative solutions to help textile process transition from wet processing to dry processing.

Alchemie Technology announced the results of the APM assessment, confirming that Endeavour digital dyeing technology delivers significant reduction in resource consumption, compared to traditional jet dyeing and thermosol processes.

Alchemie Technology, a leader of jet precision dyeing solutions, is pleased to share that Endeavour demonstrates up to 92% water saving in their dyeing process.

The assessment, conducted in Taiwan in September 2025, demonstrates that the Endeavour process—excluding pre and post treatment, achieves up to 92% reduction in water usage compared to jet dyeing and up to 90% reduction compared to the Thermosol method. By eliminating steam usage entirely, the technology reduces total energy consumption by up to 86% against Thermosol and up to 70% against jet dyeing. While the process is fully electric, it results in an increase in electricity consumption ranging from 30% to 128%, the shift facilitates a significant net decrease in Greenhouse Gas emissions, by up to 86% compared to Thermosol and up to 70% compared to jet dyeing methods.

The data of the assessment was captured in a commercial production environment, highlighting Endeavour as a production-ready solution that can deliver environmental and operational advantages. In addition to reducing resource use, the technology operates at line speeds of 35 metres per minute, with the potential for higher speeds depending on fabric specifications. The impact assessment confirmed that the dyed polyester fabrics achieved colour fastness grades of 4 and above in all cases, meeting all standard industry requirements.

“The assessment was orchestrated by our partner, Fashion for Good under their APM project to validate the performance and impact of Endeavour” said Dr. Alan Hudd, CEO and Founder of Alchemie Technology. “The results of the APM or most people understand as a form of LCA confirm that it is possible to significantly reduce water, energy, and emissions in our dyeing process, without compromising on quality or production efficiency. This is a critical step in enabling the industry to adopt more resource-efficient processes at scale.”

Endeavour is a digital dyeing platform configurable for polyester, cotton, and man-made cellulosic fibres. It uses Alchemie’s proprietary dye application system to precisely apply dye to fabric, ensuring that no excess dye is used. By eliminating the need for large volumes of heated water, the process delivers substantial reductions in resource consumption compared to traditional dyeing methods.

The assessment evaluated the Endeavour polyester process against conventional jet exhaust dyeing and thermosol process, incorporating data from a full production workflow. The results of this assessment reinforce Alchemie Technology’s position as a provider of production-ready solutions that combine measurable sustainability improvements with consistent, high-quality output and operational efficiency.

More information:
Alchemie Technology solution dyeing water saving digital dyeing technology Future Forward Factories jet precision dyeing solutions

Source:

Alchemie Technology

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From the Sector

Neo.Fashion. Berlin: Emerging Fashion Talent Chart a New Course

Italian investor Pidigi to continue Sympatex

GoodTextiles Foundation launches “Common Ground” Farmer Initiative in India

Alchemie Technology: Up to 92% Water Saving in Textile Dyeing