From the Sector

The 2021 C.L.A.S.S. Icon Award Portuguese brand Duarte is ready to presents its Fall/Winter 2022/23 collection developed in collaboration with C.L.A.S.S. Eco Hub during Milan Fashion Week. With the support of WHITE, Duarte’s creations will be featured as a special project at WSM (WHITE Sustainable Milano) platform space inside “Unveiling the fashion Backstage”, a docu-event focusing on an immersive journey into the amazing world of premium and smart supply chains that make innovative and responsible fashion wardrobes a reality.

For its second collection Duarte still counts on C.L.A.S.S. support in sourcing materials and communication activities as part of the Icon Award yearly program. The streetwear designer Ana Duarte, with the help of the Milanese hub, is back with a renewed collection that counts 40 pieces continuing the concept and the story behind the previous World Keeper: the irresistible superhero Tadao - Ana Duarte’s dog – fighting against the environmental issues created by mankind and personified as Smog Man (air pollution), Fire Man (climate change), Deforestation Man (forests destruction) and Wave Man (water overconsumption).

This time the inspiration is also Street Dance drawn directly from the city streets, with majorly unisex pieces (apart from some small specific details linked to sizes or ergonomics) and materials that both respect the planet and keep you warm. The prints drawn from ripped posters giving birth to a sort of new style named “Eco-Street Dance”.

The collection presents a selection of urban pieces for everyday superheroes, fighting against environmental issues - with a holistic approach to sustainability values thanks to the synergy with C.L.A.S.S. and its Back in the Loop area: a section dedicated to alternative and sustainable sourcing against the massive amount of materials and textiles produced that are not used and discarded by the fashion system. This is mostly powered by MAEBA International - and its ReLiveTex® fabrics - leader in selecting and repurposing premium Italian fabrics with exceptional 60 years of expertise in collecting high-quality materials from leading brands and textile manufacturers, and one of the first companies at an international level to be accredited for the UNI EN ISO 14021 certification which grants the traceability of the collected materials.

The linings complete the full sustainable picture, thanks to Bemberg™ by Asahi Kasei fabrics by Gianni Crespi Foderami. Bemberg™ is a new generation material made from the smart-tech transformation of cotton linter pre-consumer material, converted through a traceable and transparent closed loop process.

More than 150 exhibitors will be presenting their Green Fashion collections at INNATEX 49 next week, from 25 to 27 February. Given the pandemic situation and the shift in dates for the ordering fair in Hofheim-Wallau, organisers MUVEO GmbH say they are more than satisfied with the number of brands.

“For the original dates in mid-January we had over 200 registrations as usual,” says Alexander Hitzel, INNATEX Project Manager. “"Since we had to postpone another time, the date no longer made sense for many. However, if you consider this in addition to the fact that almost all trade fairs had to be cancelled and the general uncertainty makes decisions virtually impossible, 75 per cent is actually a very good result.”

The fair catalogue, published today, shows that visitors can expect a multifaceted range of goods.
Alongside popular classics and natural textile providers, there will as usual be young and adventurous new concepts. Newcomers are also to be found, including the linen womenswear from Lithuanian brand Luel, Canadian footwear label Native Shoes with its compostable materials derived from algae and other plants, and the yoga accessories from Southern Shores. As well as the labels, the International Association of Natural Textiles (IVN) and the Global Organic Textile Standards body (GOTS) will also be attending.

“We are assuming that by summer the situation will be more relaxed,” says Hitzel. “Originally we had a lot of plans relating to the fair programme and opportunities for dialogue, with various representatives from the community. We are therefore looking forward all the more to implementing these and other ideas at the end of July, on the 50th anniversary of INNATEX. Our deepest wish is that we will then be able to joyously celebrate 25 years of INNATEX with the entire community all together again and under largely normal conditions.

ROICA™ main objective is to focus on and respond to new generation values in fashion. Values that are key for contemporary consumers, who are the ones leading the change throughout all the supply value chain, and have received even more attention since the beginning of the pandemic. ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei team knows that value creation is the basic foundation of contemporary business. Its teams are ready to go to the next level, answering to the market demand for innovation while sharing its responsibility efforts towards the new generation of consumer.

For this reason, the ROICA™ strategy is based on two key elements. On the one side, a strong focus on responsible innovation, able to respond to new fashion needs and desires while not harming the environment nor the society at large. On the other hand, a consolidation of partnerships along the whole supply chain through conversations and collaborations with companies sharing the ROICA™ values, in order to deliver creativity, solutions and design to all contemporary consumers. For example, in terms of fabric producers ROICA™ has been working alongside industry leaders such as Brugnoli, Candiani Denim, CIFRA, Dresdner Spitzen, Eusebio, Iluna Group, Innova Fabrics, Inter Jersey Milano, Lauma Fabrics, L/E Textile, Maglificio Ripa, M.I.T.I., Penn Italia - Penn Textile Solutions GmbH, Piave Maitex, Sitip S.p.A., Sofileta, Taubert Textil, Tessitura Colombo, TINTEX Textiles, TVB Textil-Vertrieb-Beratungs.

See attached document to read more about the current wardrobe stories.

Schon seit einigen Jahren bemüht sich der BTE um eine effiziente und umfassende Versorgung des Fashionhandels mit aussagekräftigen Produktbildern und relevanten Produktdaten und hat entsprechende Initiativen unterstützt. Denn geeigneter Content ist für digitales Marketing und einen erfolgreichen E-Commerce ein absolutes Muss. So laden heute bereits mehr als 17.000 Händler Produktdaten über den Online-Dienstleister Fashion Cloud, Europas führender Anbieter für Lösungen zum Content-Austausch, herunter; 2.000 Händler nutzen zusätzlich die besonders effiziente Möglichkeit Produktdaten von Marken automatisch via API über Fashion Cloud in ihre Webshops zu integrieren.
 
Doch die Datenqualität der Lieferanten, die z.B. für einen erfolgreichen Webshop der Händler ausschlaggebend ist, variiert stark und ist in vielen Fällen noch immer optimierungsbedürftig. Fashion Cloud hat daher mit Unterstützung des BTE und Euretco auf Basis der Händlerbedürfnisse einen neuen E-Com Datenstandard entwickelt. Industrie und Handel erhalten jetzt ein standardisiertes und praktikables Content-Datenformat für E-Commerce-Anwendungen.
 
Der E-Com Datenstandard von Fashion Cloud besteht aus Pflichtattributen, wie z.B. Saison, Geschlecht, Material und Pflegehinweise. Begleitet werden diese von optionalen Attributen, die E-Com-Händlern darüber hinaus helfen, die Artikel optimal in Szene zu setzen. Darunter fallen bspw. Nachhaltigkeits-Zertifikate, Herkunftsland oder die genau Bemaßung. Der Standard orientiert sich an der von Industrie und Handel erarbeiteten Anwendungsempfehlungen der GS1, an der auch der BTE maßgeblich mitgewirkt hat.
 
BTE und Fashion Cloud appellieren an alle Lieferanten, den neuen Standard anzuwenden. Weitere Informationen zur Produktdaten-Schnittstelle für Fashionhändler findet man unter https://fashion.cloud/de/integration-haendler.

For over 80 years Riri Group has established itself as a leading point of reference for the creation of details of style providing high-end fashion brands with top quality accessories – which now include zippers, buttons, metal components and fashion jewels.

All things style and sustainability: This year Première Vision Paris (08 – 10 February) will be once more the stage to show off the results. The new Spring/Summer 2023 line is inspired by three distinct eras and paths, but at the same time it conveys a total synergy and integration between the various divisions of the Group, coordinated and harmonised as well as united by their common interest in nature and sustainability.

SOUL COMFORT
Off-the-grid essentials between relaxation and style
Sparked from the contemporary need to balance happiness and security, while enriched by an aesthetic and provocative approach, this line embodies all the value and potential of a sustainabilityoriented communication for each and every product, as pieces feature the relevant information on the zip tape and on the button application support. This line presents softer colours that encompass a wide range of styles, including floral, summer satin and semi-transparency, accompanied by innovative yarns and sustainable materials, such as hemp, linen, silk, certified organic cotton, recycled nylon and bio-based polyester. The line also features stainless steel products, including mono-material buttons and zipper chains or the use of aluminium chains that stand out for their particular lightness.

OUTDOOR EXPRESSION
To always stand out
Inspired by nature and outdoor activities, in this section the focus is on attire codes that become the means through which everyone can express and enhance their look in every context, even when immersed in the surrounding environment. Coloured stripes and rubberized soft touch materials are the two essential concepts, combined with bright and flashy colours. The Storm Evo zip, reversed coated nylon zips (among which the one with the reflector catches the eye), and the recycled nylon buttons are back.

WISE EXCLUSIVITY
Smart and sustainable luxury
Each creation in this line is studied down to the smallest detail, to achieve luxury products that increase their value over time thanks to their sustainable process and long life cycle, achieved through multiple possibilities for use in different ways and areas. We find here the use of diamond, recreated in the laboratory with more sustainable techniques, but also zips with elegant and refined lines, the use of stainless steel and PVD and finally, the use of precious galvanic finishes on buttons, but also on chains and pullers. This path shows the important role collaboration plays between the divisions of the Riri Group, making it possible to create something unique and valuable.

Bemberg™ is back at Première Vision to celebrate its 90th anniversary through its latest collections, premium partnerships with contemporary brands such as ECOALF and a brand new visual identity. The industry-leading textile fair will represent another pivotal occasion for Bemberg™ to showcase its latest claim “Crafted Elegance”, which perfectly embodies its values of preciousness, quality and refined aesthetic blended with innovation and responsible values.

Born in 2009, both the name and concept of ECOALF came after the birth of Javier Goyenche’s - founder and president - two sons: Alfredo and Alvaro. He wanted to create a truly sustainable fashion brand and believed the most sustainable action to take was to stop using natural resources in a careless way to ensure them to the next generation. Since then, Ecoalf’s mission has been to make a new generation of recycled products with the same quality and design as the best non-recycled.

Based on this design idea, the Mery dress and Patrica pants are part of Ecoalf’s FW21 collection and both made with 100% Bemberg ™ Cupro by Asahi Kasei.

The Parisian exhibition completes the company’s celebrative two-chapter journey. The first half was presented during Pitti Uomo, where Bemberg™ showed archival suits crafted by the historic Sartoria Litrico and lined in Cupro. Behind them stood the new visual image of Bemberg™, focused on exceptional beauty, one-of-a-kind uniqueness and joyful comfort.

The Lenzing Group will present the Young Scientist Award for outstanding research in the field of fibers and textiles for the first time in 2022. The Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress (GFC Dornbirn) is an ideal platform for the recently launched research competition. Bachelor’s and master’s degree students will have the opportunity to submit their scientific work in the categories of fashion and the circular economy, textile recycling and the innovative use of biobased fibers to a jury of well-known industry experts.

The jury consists of Karla Magruder (Founder of Acceleration Circularity), Friedericke von Wedel-Parlow (Beneficial Design Institute Berlin) and Dieter Eichinger (Head of Standardization and Innovation, Secretary-General of BISFA). The winning project will receive a prize of EUR 5,000. The aim is to promote the students’ work and create a platform for networking with the textile and fiber industry.

The Austrian Fibers Institute is the organizer of the 61st Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress on a not-for-profit basis. The event, due to take place from September 14 to 16, 2022, will offer an ideal setting for the presentation of the Young Scientist Award prize.

You can read more about the Young Scientist Award and the submission in the attached document.

In Düsseldorf konnte Ende Januar unter strengen Corona-Reglementierungen die Kollektionssichtung der Herbst-/Wintermode 2023 im Rahmen der Düsseldorf Fashion Days stattfinden. Dank zuverlässiger Impfnachweiskontrolle und Schnelltests vor Ort, konnten Einkäufer:innen in über 600 Showrooms ihre Order platzierten. Dominiert wurden viele Gespräche von moderaten Preiserhöhungen und steigenden Personalkosten. Die Stimmen der Branche war jedoch einheitlich optimistisch: „Sobald die 2G-Regel einheitlich entfällt, kommt das Geschäft zurück", ließen Händler:innen einheitlich verlauten.

„Dass die Düsseldorf Fashion Days stattfinden konnten, ist ein wichtiges Signal für die gesamte Branche und unterstreicht die Relevanz des Modestandortes. Die Zusammenarbeit mit der Stadt Düsseldorf sowie die Bereitstellung eines Hygienekonzeptes haben allen Akteuren Sicherheit gegeben. Die Einkäufer:innen waren dankbar für eine Kollektionssichtung am Standort und den persönlichen Kontakt. Wir freuen uns jetzt auf den Sommer 2022 und hoffen, dass die geplanten DFD-Aktivitäten sowie neue Formate stattfinden können, um an den Erfolg des letzten Jahres anknüpfen zu können“, so Angelika Firnrohr, Geschäftsführerin des Fashion Net Düsseldorf.

„Das Vertrauen zu unserem Standort ist hier“, sagt Ulrike Kähler, Geschäftsführerin der Igedo Company und Veranstalterin der FASHN Rooms auf dem Areal Böhler. Zu den DFD verzeichnete sie im Januar 2022 einen Markenzuwachs von 80 neuen, internationalen Brands. „Agenturen und Marken fühlen sich bei uns gut aufgehoben und schätzen die Verlässlichkeit des Orderstandortes Düsseldorf. Auch wenn die Messe in Pandemiezeiten einen großen Mehraufwand und erhöhte Personalkosten bedeutet, sind wir dankbar FASHN Rooms als Präsenzveranstaltung anbieten zu können. Das Feedback auf die bevorstehende SHOES Düsseldorf ist ebenfalls ausschließlich positiv: Vor Corona haben 500 Marken ausgestellt, jetzt sind es bereits wieder 400 – somit sind wir nach 1,5 Jahren wieder auf Kurs.“

Über einen deutlichen Zuwachs ausländische Einkäufer:innen freut sich Julius Brinkmann, Geschäftsführer der bugatti Holding Brinkmann GmbH & Co. KG. „Wir haben als Unternehmensgruppe in den letzten zwei Jahren aufgrund der Pandemie stark gelitten, weil in der gesamten Branche die Geschäftsgrundlage weggefallen ist. Warenverfügbarkeit war nicht immer gegeben, Preisanpassungen oft die Folge. Die bugatti Holding ist jedoch wieder auf Wachstum ausgerichtet. Ich hoffe, dass sich diese Prognose in den nächsten Wochen auch bestätigt, bin aber sehr zuversichtlich. Aufgrund der gegenwärtigen Situation sind wir seit dieser Orderrunde außerdem digital präsent, sodass die gesamte Orderabwicklung über einen Screen laufen kann. Unser Wirkungskreis ist dadurch flexibler geworden. Für den Sommer wünsche ich mir jedoch, dass wir all unsere ausländischen Partner wieder nach Düsseldorf einladen zu können.“

Mirjam Dietz, Direktorin für Markenkommunikation und –entwicklung der The Supreme Group fasst zusammen: „Wir waren mit der Besucherfrequenz und der Qualität der Einkäufer:innen sehr zufrieden. Gerade Einzelhändler:innen sind es gewohnt, die geltenden Corona-Regeln zu befolgen und kommen motiviert zur Order. Sehr positiv ist außerdem, dass wir trotz verschärfter Corona-Reglementierungen keine großen Schwankungen als Showroom-Vermieter feststellen konnten. Die Supreme Women&Men ist in Düsseldorf und München ausgebucht, die Qualität der Einkäufer:innen stimmt und die Stimmung ist positiv. Aktuell planen wir auf dem Niveau von 2019.“

The current energy crisis is impacting on the competitiveness of the European textile and clothing industry. Because there are limited alternatives to the use of gas in different parts of the production process, production costs increase sharply. EURATEX asks the European Commission and Member States to urgently support the industry to avoid company closures. At the same time, we need a long term vision to move towards climate neutrality, while keeping the T&C industry internationally competitive.

EURATEX presented ten key requirements to Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, to develop such a vision:

1. The apparel and textile industry needs a safe supply with sufficient green energy (electricity and gas) at internationally competitive prices.
2. The transformation of industry requires access to very significant amounts of renewable energy at competitive costs. Additional investments in infrastructure will also be needed to guarantee access to new renewable energy supplies.
3. Until a global (or at least G 20 level) carbon price or other means for a global level playing field in climate protection are implemented, competitive prices for green energy must be granted at European or national levels (e.g. CCfDs, reduction on levies, targeted subsidies).
4. As the European textile and clothing sector faces global competition mainly form countries/regions with less stringent climate ambitions, it is of utmost importance that the European textile and clothing companies are prevented form direct and indirect carbon leakage.
5. EU-policy should support solutions, e.g. through targeted subsidies (for hydrogen, energy grids, R&D, technology roadmap studies etc.).
6. A dedicated approach for SMEs might be appropriate as SMEs do not have the skills/know-how to further improve their energy efficiency and/or becoming carbon neutral.
7. CAPEX and OPEX support will be necessary for breakthrough technologies, like hydrogen.
8. The Fit-for-55-Package must support the European Textile and Clothing industry in decarbonization and carbon neutrality. The EU must therefore advocate a global level playing field more than before. The primary goal must be to establish an internationally uniform, binding CO2 pricing, preferably in the form of a standard at G-7 / G-20 level.
9. EU-policy must not hinder solutions, e.g. we need reasonable state aid rules (compensating the gap between national energy or climate levies and a globally competitive energy price should not be seen as a subsidy).
10. The European Textile and Clothing industry has made use of economically viable potentials to continuously improve energy efficiency over many years and decades. The obligation to implement further measures must be taken considering investment cycles that are in line with practice. Attention must be paid to the proportionality of costs without weakening the competitive position in the EU internal market or with competitors outside the EU.

Please see the attached position paper for more information.

• Based on high-tech finishing, responsible materials and certified partnerships
• With multicolored flock, zero water printing, chenille and metallic effects, the company is at the forefront in establishing a responsible lace supply chain

Legend has it that a sailor brought his beloved a seaweed from distant seas as a gift. The woman, wanting to preserve its beauty, replicated the design and holes with needle and thread. And so lace was born. Since that moment, lace has lived within the walls of churches and castles, visited race tracks and catwalks, changing shape and color according to seasons and times.

Among the companies involved in writing a new chapter in the history of lace, Iluna Group definitely stands out. Founded in 1970 from an idea of its founder Luigi Annovazzi, over the years Iluna has responded to the challenges posed by the market in terms of technology and sustainability.

Since 2017 Iluna has been using only sustainable and certified ROICA™ stretch yarns from the ROICA Eco-Smart™ family, while the percentage of sustainable references has risen from 3% in 2018 to 52% in 2021.

There are four main proposals presented by Iluna Group during Milano Unica:

• Flock in flounce or allover entirely made with recycled ingredients and equipped with endless printing possibilities, with 3D and multicolor effects that allow the inclusion in fashion, underwear and athleisure looks. All certified GRS (Global Recycled Standard).
   
• Continued investment in both the Green Label and Bioline, two collections totally dedicated to innovative and responsible aesthetics. Both include lace made with the responsible 6.6 polyamide yarn Amni Soul Eco® and the degradable stretch fiber ROICA™ V550, combined with natural vegetable dyes with OEKO TEX and GOTS certifications.
   
• The union of a chenille yarn blended with FSC-certified viscose and Renycle® yarn, a product obtained by recycling nylon 6, a high-value material with excellent strength, dyeing, softness and versatility, gives life to surprising new Textronic. The embossed designs with 3D effect create a cloud effect that, combined with Lurex, gives unexpected glows.
   
• GRS-certified tulles printed with GREENDROP technology, the new GOTS-certified digital pigment printing system, with lower energy consumption and low water waste, thanks to an internal closed-circuit process for water recycling.