Carrington Textiles has introduced three new stretch fabric ranges–‘Tahoe’, ‘Lugano,’ and ‘Meteo.’

Designed for shirts and workwear applications, the ‘Tahoe’, range offers 20 per cent stretch, thanks to the inclusion of 4 per cent EOL fibers by ‘Xlance’. The fabric is made from a combination of polyester, recycled polyester, and cotton, aligning with the Better Cotton initiative.

Ideal for making trousers and jackets, the ‘Lugano’, range offers 2-way stretch, durability, and comfort as it is incorporated with ‘Lycra T400’ eco made elastomultiester, a fibre that provides this textile with a durable stretch that withstands the rigors of repeated industrial laundering and maintains consistency of fit, aesthetic and performance over time and recycled polyester. 

Suitable for applications across sectors including railways, the ‘Meteor’, range offers the heaviest fabric in Carrington Textiles' new workwear range.

Carrington Textiles has also expanded its flame-retardant range with the introduction of ‘Flametougher 290AS Flex’ and ‘Flameflex 300AS.’ Featuring EOL fibers, these fabrics offer comfort and safety. 

The ‘Flametougher 290AS Flex ‘ range is ideal for workers in high-risk industries, while ‘Flameflex 300AS’ combines full certification for flame retardancy with the comfort and durability of a stretch product. Carrington Textiles has also relaunched ‘Flameban 240’, offering a range of colors ideal for workwear applications. The company has also expanded the color range of its ‘Balance Range’ of sustainable fabrics, enhancing the aesthetics and versatility of their product offerings.

Current global economic uncertainties have made the extension of the RoSCTL scheme for three more years, a dire necessity; says Naren Goenka, President, AEPC. 

According to Goenka, in order to boost exports to $40 billion by 2030, the industry needs to focus on innovation and faster clearances. It also needs to expand market and product basket, adopt cluster-based model, bring in investments and enhance branding efforts, he adds. 

Goenka also urges the industry to focus on harnessing the potential of e- commerce segment and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), practise sustainability, and responsible business practices. 

The RoSCTL scheme was approved in 2021to provide garment exporters a rebate on central and state taxes on their outward shipments till March 2024. Under the RoSCTL scheme, the maximum rate of rebate for apparel is 6.05 per cent, while for made-ups this is up to 8.2 per cent. Garments and made-ups segments such as home textiles products are covered under the scheme. Global economic uncertainties are increasing due to Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts. Attacks on ships at the Red Sea are also impacting smooth supply of goods across countries.  

An initiative by the Korean sustainable store, the Circular Library project was launched in the American market, with sustainable fashion brands Le Cashmere and Re Code.

Embodying the principles of circularity and sustainability, Circular Library offers upcycled workshops, musical experiences, inspiring art installations, and narratives that champion sustainability.

The store acts as a communal store for local artist exhibitions, workshops and yearly gatherings on sustainability and fashion, says Brandon Yu, Head, Circular Library project.

The store’s launched with Cashmere, a brand renowned for ethically sourcing naturally shed sheep hair. Showcasing a unique array of clothing items—jackets, sweaters, bags, tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, etc, the Re Code store was filled with installations showcasing sustainability, like oval-shaped décor from unused airbags and fabrics repurposed from backpacks. 

To make its entire operations sustainable, technical textile manufacturer, Heathcoat Fabrics, has launched the new ‘Succession Collection.’

Crafted from 100 per cent recycled yarn, the collection majorly uses nylon from industrial waste and polyester from recycled bottles. Heathcoat seeks to introduce new bio-based and natural fibers to enhance sustainability further. It also promises to use resource-efficient manufacturing processes and eco-friendly machinery, like low liquor dye machines that reduce water usage, without compromising product quality. 

The company’s ‘Synchrotec’ products empower consumers to be environmentally friendly.. The fabrics in this collection help reduce environmental impacts through improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and less noise pollution.

With over 3,000 solar panels, a hydro scheme, and a 2 MWh CHP engine, Heathcoat generates more than 70 per cent of its electricity on-site. Furthermore, the company exclusively buys imported electricity from 100 per cent natural renewable sources, ensuring their commitment to clean energy. The company has not only introduced segregated waste bins, reduced virgin plastic packaging, but also initiated schemes like “Cycle to Work” to combat climate change and environmental harm.

The global home textile products market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent between 2023-2031and reach a value of $195.7 billion by 2031, as per a study by Transparency Market Research (TMR). 

Offering insights based on an industry SWOT analysis, the report provides detailed information on market growth drivers, restraints, trends, economic and financial structure, etc.

The report also focuses on the market segments formed by combining different prospects such as types, applications, and regions. Apart from this, it discusses, key growth drivers, restraints, potential growth opportunities, and market challenges.

Bangladesh’s RMG exports to all its major markets declined during the July to November period due to global economic situation, a decline in demand and policies of the Western countries. 

As per a report by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and BGMEA, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the EU fell by 0.15 per cent in the five months from July to November of the current fiscal year compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Exports to the largest markets within the eu, Germany fell by 15 per cent to $231 million in the last five months..

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the United States declined by 5.76 per cent to $328 million in the last five months. The US share of total apparel exports fell to 17 per cent during the period..

According to Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Chairman, Rapid, the reason for this decline in exports to the US market is the fear of sanctions, and reduced demand in the country. 

Exports to Canada decreased by 2.71 per cent to nearly $61 million with the share of this market in the total exports of garments decreasing from 3.40 to 3.22 per cent.

Levi’s and BEAMS have unveiled their fourth collaborative capsule collection, the Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2. This exclusive lineup pays homage to Levi’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the subtle and elegant garments of 1944. The collection features standout pieces such as the Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker, the Super Wide V2 Jean, and a Graphic Tee.

The Super Wide V2 Type I Trucker, a nod to the 1944 Levi’s denim jacket, is crafted from heavyweight 16 oz. denim with a custom Orange Tick selvedge. Notable details include a super-wide custom leather back patch and a BEAMS-exclusive tongue. 

Complementing the Trucker is the Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2 Jean, inspired by the 1944 501 and made from Orange Tick selvedge denim exclusively developed for BEAMS. Both garments are available in a lighter vintage wash and an exclusive darker lightening wash.

The collection is rounded out by a white Graphic Tee featuring co-branded graphic prints on the back and a screen-printed "stitched" bow. 

The Levi’s x BEAMS Super Wide V2 campaign, featuring nine models, showcases a blend of traditional Japanese landscapes against a studio backdrop, creating a captivating juxtaposition between the familiar and unfamiliar aspects of Japan. This collaboration seamlessly combines timeless American style with Japanese aesthetics, delivering a unique and bold fashion statement.

In a bid to counteract a rising trend of deceitful bargaining tactics by certain global garment buyers, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is taking a stringent stance. Reports reveal that a surge in incidents where buyers exploit exporters by seeking "illogical" discounts on clothing prices has prompted the industry apex body to contemplate blacklisting such entities.

The BGMEA issued a circular on December 21, urging its member-factories to compile a list of buyers engaging in dubious discount negotiations. The association's move aligns with the central bank's discount committee decision following deceptive dealings by these buyers. The circular highlights the manipulative practices of certain buyers who, after receiving goods, announce bankruptcy or demand discounts based on unfounded pleas.

Faruque Hassan, BGMEA president, emphasized the exporters' vulnerability, noting that fraudulent buyers, buying houses, and freight forwarders often trap them into accepting discounts. The circular warns of the financial repercussions for exporters, who end up paying bank interest and loans, potentially leading to factory closures if export proceeds (EXP) become overdue.

Mohammad Hatem, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), expressed concern over the increasing incidents of unwarranted discounts. Both BGMEA and BKMEA are advocating for the blacklisting of buyers seeking illogical discounts and are working to raise awareness among their members.

Furthermore, the committee discussed issues related to Letter of Credit (LC) clauses and urged apparel makers to exercise caution regarding sanctions-related conditions. A recent LC clause, which absolved the buyer of liability for transactions involving sanctioned parties, raised concerns and confusion among exporters, leading to its subsequent removal. The trade bodies are now advising against accepting LCs with unwanted clauses or conditions.

In a glittering affair at JW Marriott, Chandigarh, on December 22, 2023, News 18 Punjab/Haryana hosted the L’Aspiration Summit, a distinctive event dedicated to the world of luxury. 

The summit brought together India’s erstwhile royals, including Aaliya Sultana Babi, Mallyka Singh Dundlod, and Siddharth Daspan, scions of Balasinor (Gujarat), Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan), and Jodhpur, respectively. Sharing the stage were renowned actors Jonita Doda, Aahana Kumra, and Niharica Raizada, alongside artist and collector Shan Bhatnagar.

L’Aspiration Summit stands as a celebration of ideas reshaping luxury, directly from those who have experienced and continue to live it. Divided into six sessions, the event delved into topics such as Rethinking Luxury, Reviving Tradition, and Redefining Royalty, providing a captivating evening of royalty, glitz, and glamour.

Among the highlights, actor Jonita Doda shared her accidental journey into acting, while Siddharth Daspan discussed the transformation of his century-old royal house into a haven for art enthusiasts. Artist Shan Bhatnagar showcased his vibrant artworks blending traditional temple art with Rajasthani embroidery. Aaliya Sultana Babi, known as Dr. Dinosaur, narrated her 27-year journey establishing a Dinosaur Museum in Gujarat.

The event underscored the evolving landscape of luxury, intertwining tradition, talent, and aspirations, creating an evening where royals stood alongside fashion designers, collectors, artists, and actors to discuss the dynamic world of luxury.

In a bid to trim costs by $2 billion over the next three years, Nike is set to slash hundreds of jobs, simplify product ranges, and embrace automation. 

The move, costing up to $450 million, follows a mere 1% sales increase to $13.4 billion in the three months ending November 30th. 

Global sales for Converse plunged by 11%, contrasting with a similar rise in Nike brand sales. While the US and Europe witnessed sales decline, China experienced an upswing.