From the Sector

Textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will participate in the Future Fabrics Expo 2025 exhibition in London, England, 24th – 25th June. Held during London Climate Action Week, Future Fabrics Expo showcases sustainably and responsibly produced materials to the textile industry, and is considered a platform for exchange of knowledge and sourcing of sustainable textiles, materials and leading innovations for fashion, home and interior brands. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI is showcasing just such an innovation in the form of its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software. APEXFiz® supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling for various textiles including flat knitting, circular knitting, weaving, pile weave, socks, embroidery and print. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. Virtual samples can furthermore be used in e-commerce to gauge consumer demand before production begins, allowing production to be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. Virtual sampling on APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain. 
 
SHIMA SEIKI will be displaying virtual sample swatches at both the Curated Textiles Area and the SHIMA SEIKI booth to demonstrate just how real and expressive digital simulations can be. Virtual sampling is not limited in use for product planning and design by visitors, but is perfect for consideration by fellow exhibitors as well, as it gives them the opportunity to consider a truly sustainable method of planning, designing and evaluating their sustainable fabrics made from sustainable materials. 

Mit seiner Bachelor-Abschlusskollektion „Suiyan Cai“ zählt Jing-Jie Huang zu den diesjährigen Preisträgern des Wilhelm-Lorch-Preises. Der Absolvent des Studiengangs Fashion & Textile Design an der TEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil der Hochschule Reutlingen wurde für seine gestalterisch präzise und zugleich zutiefst persönliche Arbeit über Migration, Identität und Erinnerung in der Kategorie Kreation ausgezeichnet.

Huangs Kollektion überzeugte die Jury durch künstlerische Klarheit, emotionale Tiefe und eine markante gestalterische Handschrift. Im Zentrum steht die Geschichte seiner Mutter, die er mit klarer Schwarz-Weiß-Ästhetik und konzeptionell-avantgardistischen Elementen wie einem übergroßen Hut, der die Kindheit seiner Mutter auf den Reisfeldern reflektiert, erzählt. „Eine Geschichte von Erinnerung und Aufbruch, verwandelt in textiles Design“ – so beschreibt die Jury das Werk des 27-Jährigen und lobt ihn als „Designer-Persönlichkeit mit großem Potenzial“.

Geboren in Groß-Gerau und aufgewachsen in Nürtingen, absolvierte Huang sein Bachelorstudium an der Hochschule Reutlingen. Ein Praktikum im Berliner Studio des Designers William Fan ergänzte seine Ausbildung. Im Herbst beginnt er sein Masterstudium an der Swedish School of Textiles in Borås – einer Partnerhochschule des TEXOVERSUM –, mit dem Ziel, seine gestalterische Handschrift weiterzuentwickeln und perspektivisch eine eigene Couture-orientierte Herrenmodemarke zu gründen.

„Jing-Jie Huangs Auszeichnung steht exemplarisch für visuelle Ausdruckskraft, handwerkliche Präzision und konzeptionelle Tiefe – Qualitäten, die wir am TEXOVERSUM als Fundament gestalterischer Exzellenz verstehen“, so Prof. Natalie Seng, Studiendekanin des Studiengangs Fashion & Textile Design. „Wir sehen darin eine Bestätigung unserer Studieninhalte, unserer individuellen Betreuung – und für den Mut unserer Studierenden, persönliche Themen in gestalterische Virtuosität zu übersetzen.“

Auch Larissa Blau, Absolventin des Studiengangs International Fashion Business an der TEXOVERSUM Fakultät Textil, wurde erneut mit dem Wilhelm-Lorch-Preis geehrt. 2022 wurde sie für ihre in Reutlingen angefertigte Bachelorarbeit ausgezeichnet und überzeugte dieses Jahr mit ihrer Masterarbeit im Bereich Wirtschaft, entstanden an der Jönköping International Business School in Schweden.

Die Preisverleihung fand im Mai im Rahmen des TextilWirtschaft-Forums in Frankfurt statt. Der mit 5.000 Euro dotierte Wilhelm-Lorch-Preis wird jährlich bereits seit 1988 von der gleichnamigen Stiftung an herausragende Nachwuchstalente der deutschen Textil- und Modebranche vergeben.

Bringing together India’s textile community under one roof, with a special focus on textile and garment manufacturing machinery and technology and innovations in fabrics, digital screen print, accessories, and trims, the Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai 2025 edition presents industry advancements.

With over 125 exhibitors from India, China, Italy, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan - the show features strong international participation and highlights from India’s growing role in the global textiles industry.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra stated: “Denims have become a major fashion trend, and the government has announced relief on import duty for machinery. However, the central government, in an endeavour to encourage local manufacturing in the country, has announced the Technical Textile Mission, which empowers companies to receive subsidies and start manufacturing. Maharashtra has launched its textile policy, which operates in a zonal format. Zone 1 can help you gain a 45% subsidy, Zone 2 offers 40%, Zone 3 provides 35%, and so on. We have announced Zero-Waste Fashion, which aims to control textile waste by recycling it and converting it into usable materials like carpets. For this, the private sector can benefit from an electricity subsidy of Rs 2 per unit, and Rs 3 per unit for co-operative societies, in addition to the previously mentioned subsidies. In Amravati, the PM Mitra Park will be launched soon, as most of the work is complete, with only final touch-ups pending. I thank the organisers for having me here and wish you all the very best.”

Shri Shashank Chaudhary (IAS), Additional CEO, Invest UP informed: “Under the PM Mitra Scheme, we are developing a mega-integrated textile park near Lucknow, covering 1,000 acres of land. It will be set up under the PPP model, which offers a great opportunity for investors. The state of Uttar Pradesh has been developing new portals for single-window clearance and approvals. We have successfully managed to attract good investors.”

Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director of MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, shared: “Gartex Texprocess India as a show has only evolved consistently. This is reflected in our Mumbai and New Delhi editions each year. As India strengthens its position in global textile manufacturing, I believe that this show has become a platform to shape conversations and update the industry with innovations that will drive the next phase of growth for India’s textiles and fashion ecosystem. We are honoured to have Invest Uttar Pradesh as our State Partners at this edition and with the kind of innovations on the show floor in denim, fabrics, machinery and more - I am sure visitors have tremendous business opportunities through our platform.”

Similar sentiments were shared by Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, expressed: “This show goes beyond exhibition; it is about enabling industry transformation. At a time when global supply chains are realigning, platforms like Gartex Texprocess India become crucial to connecting industry stakeholders. This also bridges Indian expertise with international demand and we are pleased to welcome the textile fraternity to the show and see the scale of innovations from the industry.”  

The expo is jointly organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fair India Pvt Ltd. Gartex Texprocess India Mumbai is scheduled from 22 – 24 May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The green fashion community is looking forward to the forthcoming INNATEX, which takes places from 19 to 21 July 2025. A unique variety of fashion labels will present styles for all generations, occasions and tastes at the international trade fair for sustainable textiles in Hofheim-Wallau, near Frankfurt am Main.

One highlight of the fair will be the trade association’s expert panel on the topic of shoplifting, provided by MUVEO GmbH and the Hessen Retail Federation in response to feedback from retailers. As well as the latest facts and figures, leading experts on the panel will discuss preventive strategies and solutions.

“The issue of shoplifting has been brought to us by various representatives from the retail sector,” says Alexander Hitzel, Project Manager of INNATEX. “There is a growing sense of insecurity among retailers. Our panel not only explores the current challenges, but also provides concrete preventive measures, legal frameworks and strategic approaches. The emotional aspect is another important factor: How do you keep your cool when the situation escalates?”

On the Saturday and Sunday, a presentation from Nina Lorenzen (Fashion Changers Berlin) and the Community Talks with moderator Miriam Smend (Greenstyle Munich) will take place. These smaller-scale panels will focus primarily on the DESIGN DISCOVERIES and their stories – curated labels, exhibiting for the first time, still at their new location in the foyer.

The regular exhibitor portfolio includes exciting brands such as Dawn Denim, Jan’n’June and Mela. Näz Fashion, Bask in the Sun and Two Thirds will be representing the international contingent. Babies and young children are catered for by brands such as Koel, with their barefoot shoes, and Sense Organics. Zamt Berlin celebrates INNATEX premiere. Zamt Berlin celebrates INNATEX's premiere, while VAUDE, Knowledge Cotton Apparel and Recolution are established regulars. Similarly, there is plenty for friends of the footwear sector with brands such as Grand Step Shoes, Genesis Sustainable Footwear and Ethletic.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will take place from Septembre 15 to 17 2025 in Halls 2, 3 and 4 of the Paris-Le-Bourget Exhibition Center. Texworld Paris, Apparel Sourcing Paris, along with their dedicated sectors Avantex and Leatherworld, will showcase the global offering for fashion brands—from ready-to-wear to luxury.
 
Between 1,200 and 1,300 exhibitors expected in Paris in September  
Returning this September for the autumn edition, Apparel Sourcing & Texworld Paris and their key sectors Avantex and Leatherworld have chosen these dates to better align with buyers' calendars.

The event will follow the same layout as the February edition, whose dynamism was hailed by both manufacturers and fashion buyers. Halls 2, 3, and 4 will hence welcome nearly 1,300 exhibitors, in line with the target set by the Messe Frankfurt France teams.  

Major textile-producing countries have already confirmed their participation: weavers and manufacturers from China, India, Türkiye, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong will be present in Paris this September. Their willingness to attend once again highlights the central role of European markets in a global ecosystem disrupted by ongoing US-China trade tensions. Central European garment manufacturers are also showing considerable interest in this edition. Countries such as Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine are expected to make significant appearance at Apparel Sourcing Paris, with real know-how and remarkable levels of quality.
 
Organized by universe, with an Initiatives by Texworld zone
In terms of layout, Avantex will be located in Hall 2, alongside trend forums, conference, and service areas. As in February, thematic “universes” will be featured, focused on women’s clothing and activewear collections, to create synergies between raw materials and finished products and to enhance the sourcing experience for visitors.

Leatherworld will be in Hall 4, next to the Denim area, bridging Texworld and Apparel Sourcing to maintain proximity between materials and finished products. The Initiatives by Texworld zone, located at the entrance of Hall 4, will highlight the specific expertise of certain countries such as Türkiye which will present a trend area featuring its top weavers, and India which will showcase the remarkable work of its embroiderers.

Eastman Naia™ joined Challenge the Fabric 2025 as an official Innovation Partner, reaffirming its commitment to scalable sustainability through cross-sector collaboration. The event held May 13–14 in Milan, brought together leaders from fashion, textiles, and forestry to accelerate circular solutions and spotlight man-made cellulosic fibers.

A key highlight of the event was the CTF Award, a global competition pairing emerging designers with material innovators to co-create visionary garments. As part of the program, Naia™ collaborated with designer Oscar Ouyang and Italian mill Lady V to co-create a garment using NAIA/WO, a custom textile made from 50% RWS-certified virgin wool, 50% GRS-certified recycled wool, blended with Naia™ Renew fiber. “The esteemed Prato-based textile company Lady V have introduced Naia™ into their apparel by creating NAIA/WO. The fabric is finished using traditional wooden barrels, ensuring a soft, luxurious ‘lambswool’ texture without overfelting. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to creative, sustainable innovation in fashion,” said Cristiano Vieri from Lady V.

Designer Oscar Ouyang reflected on the inspiration behind his piece: “It has been a pleasure working with the Eastman Naia™ fabric. The versatility and the sustainability of the MMCFs fabric is truly impressive. The combination of cutting-edge and traditional techniques behind the production of the fabric inspired me to create this shepherd's look,” said Oscar Ouyang.

At the heart of the textile is Naia™ Renew, Eastman’s cellulosic fiber made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled waste, enabled by molecular recycling. “Challenge the Fabric is a unique event where we have real, action- and collaboration-based conversations,” said Claudia de Witte, Marketing & Sustainability Director at Eastman. “We are proud to have participated in the design competition and even prouder to see Oscar, his design, and how he showcased the versatility of our Naia™ Renew staple fiber.” De Witte also expanded on this vision during the CTF panel “From Ambition to Execution,” emphasizing the role of partnerships in scaling sustainable solutions.

Industry people at the 18th Bangladesh Denim Expo thinks that the country will continue to be an indispensable global sourcing destination even during the times of tariff and trade wars. Capacity building and innovation will be the building stone for the industry to sail through the uncertain times.

The 2-day expo kicks off today where 57 exhibitors from 13 countries are participating includes Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Vietnam. UAE, Germany, Switzerland & USA.

“Bangladesh has emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States in the first quarter of 2025, posting the highest year-on-year growth of 26.64%. This performance placed Bangladesh ahead of other major exporters such as India with a 24.04% rise, while Pakistan, Vietnam, and China with the rise of 17.49%, 13.96%, and 4.18% respectively at a time when US market is volatile because of imposing worldwide reciprocal tariff by the Trump’s Administration recently. I think even on the negotiation table of the trade issues our card should be the industry’s steady progress towards skill development, sustainability and innovation. As we need our trade partners as much as their consumers need us’’ said Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo.

Bangladesh is the largest denim exporter both to the USA and Europe. The country is enjoying duty-free market access to the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) and Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) as an least developed country (LDC); but the status to be changed to a developing nation next year.

If Bangladesh could not attain GSP Plus, the country from 2029 could not export duty free to the EU, the region accounts for 50.15% of Bangladesh’s total apparel export.

“In the last edition of Bangladesh Denim Expo, we had experts panel sessions on the LDC graduation where all the speakers unanimously stressed on the capacity building of the industry to cope up with the changing tariff regimes.  So, in this edition of the expo, all the panel sessions we designed are solely meant for capacity building of both the professionals and the industry. You may also say that from this edition we shifted from plans to actions to prepare Bangladesh’s denim industry for 2029 and beyond,’’ added Mostafiz Uddin.

There are two panel sessions scheduled for the two-day event on the topics “The growth of the Bangladesh denim industry, through the perspective of denim washing” and “Stretch-ability of Bangladesh denim traceability”.

Abdus Samad, Director, Well of Washing, Arief Labu, Co-founder & Creative Director, Ruhrose RBT Ltd. Julie Davies, GM - Processing Innovation, and Education Extension, The Woolmark Company, Kamal Uddin Mia, Chief Operation Officer (Washing), Bitopi Group, Marco Volpi, Head of Sales for the Europe and Africa region, Bluesign Technologies AG, Md. Forhad Hossain, Owner, Pure Chemicals, Raquib Imtiaz, Business manager, LC WAIKIKI, Reza e Rabbi, Head of Operation, Vertex Wear Limited,  Shohel Rana, CEO, Designer Fashion LTD and Designer Wash LTD, are sharing their expert insights in the panel sessions.

There will be also one special presentation on ‘The denim business beside sewing and wash production’ by Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Head of Operation, Square Denims Ltd, Garment Unit.  

At the expo also a fashion trend-zone is set up to showcase cutting-edge denim innovations and unique fabrics from Bangladesh.

The responsible Sourcing show, Source Fashion returns from the 8th -10th July 2025, is moving into a larger venue, The Grand Hall, Olympia London to accommodate its season-on-season growth. The show has grown by 30% each season, and now in its 3rd year, is showing no signs of slowing down.  Registration for the event is live from the 29th April 2025.    

Source Fashion is a global platform with exhibitors from over 25 countries including manufacturing power houses China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Turkey as well as a growing focus on the UK and emerging African markets.

As the gateway to the UK fashion industry, Source Fashion connects audited, international manufacturers and suppliers with UK retailers, brands, wholesalers and corporates who want to make better. It has become a must-attend event for decision-makers in buying, sourcing, and procurement. Visitors can explore everything from white-label products to bespoke creation opportunities, all on the show floor.

February 2025 saw a 32% increase in visitors, its biggest increase to date with buyers, sourcing managers, product developers, technologists, and designers from some of retail’s biggest names, brands and retailers including John Lewis, Harrods, NEXT, Reiss, Fortum & Mason, QVC, Sophia Webster, Joseph, Lulu Guinness, ASOS, Pretty Lavish, Birkenstock, Chanel, Lucy & Yak, Oxford Shirt Company, French Connection, Aspinall’s, River Island, West Ham United, Sahara London, ME+EM and many more, attending.

Source Fashion has become renowned for its exceptional content program, designed to inspire, educate, and challenge visitors. This season’s programme will feature a variety of thought-provoking sessions and discussions, focused on driving growth and innovation in the fashion industry. The popular Source Debates stage, which facilitates conversations on the industry’s most pressing and provocative topics, will return, alongside the Catwalk Stage, showcasing live catwalks, case studies, panels, and interviews with top leaders in fashion retail, ensuring a dynamic and inspiring experience for all.

Back in February, Source Fashion hosted three full days of back-to-back exclusive seminars for fashion brands and retailers. And now, every single one of them is available to watch for free on their website.

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Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and Concept N Strategies has announced partnership to introduce ‘Sporttech pavilion’ – a dedicated area showcasing sports and activewear textiles and accessories under Techtextil India 2025. It is a premier platform dedicated to the rapidly expanding sports and fitness textiles at Techtextil India 2025. This strategic alliance aims to provide a major boost to the segment aiming to showcase innovations in speciality fabrics, yarns, sportswear and gear, high-performance textiles and sustainable materials, generating remarkable opportunities for the entire textile universe, especially, for sportswear brands.

The Indian sports and fitness textiles sector are transforming remarkably, driven by the evolving consumer lifestyles, advanced material innovations and growing government support. Amidst this backdrop, this partnership marks a significant leap of growth for the specialised textiles segment, which is envisioned as a game-changer in the Indian sports and activewear market.

The demand for cutting-edge moisture-wicking fabrics, compression wear, breathable textiles and sustainable sports and fitness fabrics are at an all-time high. Rising health consciousness consumers and increasing appetite for high-performance sportswear, are also contributing to the growing demand. This makes Techtextil India 2025 the perfect launchpad for this specialised segment. This collaboration seamlessly aligns with the growing push for self-reliance in textile manufacturing, bundled with the Indian government’s focus on technical textile innovations and expanding domestic production capabilities. Industry leaders are recognising this as the perfect time to showcase national innovations in fitness textiles on the global stage of Techtextil India.

Industry figures highlight growth of this segment:

• The Indian sportswear market: valued at USD 10.2 million in 2024
• Expected to reach USD 16.6 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2025-2033*1 according to a recent report by IMARC Group.
• Global sportswear market size was valued at USD 206.64 billion in 2024.
• Expected to reach USD 350.45 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period.

This segment will see an expansion of the exhibitor profile with inclusion of:

• Sports textile material producers including compression fabrics, breathable textiles, suppliers of sustainable and recycled textiles suitable for sports equipment and gear manufacturers
• Producers of sports and fitness equipment with an emphasis on textile-based products like: yoga mats, fitness bands, straps, & etc
• Accessories and footwear manufacturers for products like gloves, bands headgear and socks using innovative materials; manufacturers and brands showcasing new textile technologies in sports footwear and performance shoes
• Smart textile manufacturers producing materials embedded with sensors for fitness tracking; chemical suppliers for sports textiles
• Producers of finishing chemicals that enhance performance e.g. anti-odour, UV protection, water-repellent coatings
• Manufacturers of various fitness textiles and activewear materials and textile machinery manufacturers, equipment suppliers, suppliers of technology for fabric testing, dyeing, and finishing for sportswear and more.

With such an extensive product showcase, the expo aims to attract visitors from major sportswear retailers and distributors, product developers, fitness enthusiasts, fashion designers, research and development professionals, textile institutes, sourcing specialists and other professionals from the textile spectrum looking for the next big breakthrough in the segment. The dedicated space for Sporttech Pavilion will serve as a powerful business catalyst connecting material innovators, sportswear brands and textile manufacturers with national and international sourcing leaders.