Soktas, a luxurious cotton fabrics brand by Grasim Industries, part of Aditya Birla Group, today announced the opening of its first ever exclusive brand outlet in India at Jayanagar, Bengaluru. The store was inaugurated by actor and director of Kannada Cinema - Darling Krishna and Mr. Jasvinder Kataria, COO – Domestic Textiles, Grasim industries, Aditya Birla Group.

Soktas offers an exceptional range of premium cotton shirting fabrics, made with 100% premium cotton and natural blends. Each piece of fabric is meticulously created using super-fine, high-quality yarns, resulting in an impeccable finish and a luxurious feel.

The outlet in Jayanagar is designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, showcasing an exquisite range of fabrics that cater to diverse fashion preferences and providing a bespoke solution for every custom tailoring need.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Jasvinder Kataria, shared his excitement saying, "The launch of SOKTAS' first ever exclusive retail outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone for us. Our fabrics are not just textiles; they are expressions of elegance and sophistication. ."

Actor Darling Krishna, who was present at the inauguration, shared his excitement about the brand saying, “As an actor, I have always been captivated by the spirit of Bengaluru..”

SOKTAS believes in responsible sourcing and ethical practices, ensuring that every fabric tells a story of quality and consciousness. The brand's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its certifications, including GOTS, OEKOTEX, and ISO – 9001.

SOKTAS sells through 3000+ multi-brand premium fabric retail outlets across India. The grand opening of SOKTAS' exclusive outlet in Jayanagar promises to be a landmark event in the world of luxury fabrics offering its customers multi-weave patterns such as premium jacquards, fil-coupe jacquards, and clip dobby fabrics, among others.

The Parisian fashion scene buzzed with excitement from September 2 to 4 as it played host to Who's Next, drawing crowds to the Porte de Versailles. This year's theme, "Back to School," welcomed over 1,300 exhibitors in clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry. 

However, stealing the limelight was the debut of twenty esteemed Chinese design labels, gathered under the umbrella of CHIC, the China International Fashion Fair. CHIC, representing a pivotal bridge between East and West, showcased these top Chinese brands and designers at one of Europe's premier fashion events. Chen Dapeng, President of the China National Garment Association, emphasized the importance of this cultural exchange. Spanning 900 square meters, the FASHION CHINA Pavilion wowed visitors with an exquisite array of Chinese women's, men's, and sports fashion, along with hats. 

Notable brands included Ellassay, JOEONE, KB Hong by K-BOXING, and RAXXY, among others. Sylvie Pourrat, Director at WSN, emphasized the significance of this selection, aiming to unveil the depth and expertise of Chinese fashion beyond its 'fast fashion' stereotype. This successful Parisian debut signifies a promising future for these emerging Chinese brands with global ambitions. 

China's fashion elites, including Jinding Award winners Luo Zheng and Hong Boming, showcased their talents. They have already left their mark on international stages, with Luo Zheng being the first Chinese womenswear designer at New York Fashion Week and KB Hong organizing Milan Fashion Week shows since 2020. 

The CHIC Pavilion's resounding success at Who's Next Paris heralds an exciting chapter in the internationalization of Chinese top fashion. Brands like KeyOne, JNBY, and May D. Wang are already making waves globally through online platforms, and the FASHION CHINA Pavilion is poised to expand CHIC's strategic offerings for Chinese fashion brands worldwide. 

Schedule: CHIC Spring 2024, scheduled for March 6-8, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai

Apparel Group's Club Apparel loyalty program is rewarding shoppers with an exclusive "Club Apparel Half Points Back" campaign during the long UAE weekend, from September 29th to October 1st, 2023. This exciting three-day event offers Club Apparel members exclusive rewards across a wide array of stores and brands.

The Club Apparel Half Points Back Campaign offers a unique shopping experience, incentivizing customers to earn back half of the points they spend. 

Valid across all participating Apparel Group stores, brands, and malls, this campaign is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for all shoppers and loyal customers to indulge in a shopping spree and maximize their rewards. To capitalize on the offer, all shoppers should be Club Apparel members before making their purchase. With no spending cap on the offer, shoppers can multiply the Club Apparel points, which can be saved or spent across Apparel Group's Club Apparel ecosystem of brands.

Aligned with the celebration of the long UAE weekend, the Club Apparel Half Points Back Campaign is perfectly timed for those looking to update their wardrobes, purchase gifts for loved ones, or simply indulge in retail therapy. Apparel Group invites everyone to join the festivities, explore the latest collections, and make the most of this rewarding shopping experience.

Uster Quantum 4.0 is redefining the game for spinners by introducing a groundbreaking innovation – the Smart Duo technology. This advancement combines both capacitive and optical sensors, eliminating the need for spinners to choose between the two. Two years after its debut, industry feedback has confirmed the remarkable benefits of Uster's cross clearing and density detection functions.

Smart Duo, as the name suggests, employs cross clearing, harnessing the strengths of both sensor types. Capacitive sensors excel at pinpointing compact yarn faults, guaranteeing detection of dense thick areas containing more fibers. In contrast, optical sensors shine in identifying visually prominent issues in the yarn. By merging these signals, spinners gain an upper hand in detecting both compact and fluffy events.

Cross clearing events, denoted as X, also serve as vital indicators for maintenance, shedding light on spinning conditions. In one instance, an Indian spinner enhancing fabric quality while maintaining cutting levels proved the effectiveness of cross clearing. Meanwhile, the Quantum 4.0's density detection feature came to the rescue of a Chinese mill, saving over a ton of yarn by distinguishing high twist from regular yarns.

Uster Quantum 4.0, with Smart Clearing Technology, not only elevates yarn quality assurance but also addresses today's spinning mill challenges, offering flexibility, security, and prevention in a rapidly evolving market.

Cifra is set to redefine sportswear sustainability at Performance Days (Oct. 4-5, 2023, Munich) showcasing innovative prototypes of athletic apparel created from cutting-edge yarn compositions. The brand's latest collection places paramount emphasis on material sustainability, production processes, and durability.

Cifra's breakthrough lies in its use of regenerated and bio-based fibers, notably polyamide 6 and 6.6, sourced from both pre and post-consumer recycled materials. The patented WKS technology enables the creation of highly mechanically elastic garments without the need for elastomers. This not only guarantees exceptional fit and comfort but also ensures the garments are 100% recyclable.

In a significant stride towards eco-consciousness, Cifra introduces SENSIL ByNature, a nylon 6.6 yarn employing Biomass Balance technology, substituting fossil fuels with renewable sources derived from organic waste. This pioneering approach slashes 1400 kg of CO2 equivalent per ton of conventional Nylon 66, marking a milestone in the fashion and sportswear industry's green journey.

Cifra's commitment to durability is evident through rigorous independent tests, highlighting the superior endurance of its Warp technology compared to Weft alternatives. As sustainability regulations tighten worldwide, Cifra's focus on lasting performance underscores its dedication to a greener, more responsible future.

Milano Unica Shanghai's 18th edition, which concluded on August 30th, marked a significant resurgence in the presence of 44 elite Made in Italy textile and accessories manufacturers. Exhibitors reported higher turnout compared to March 2023, underlining the resiliency of the Italian luxury market. The event, hosted at the expansive Intertextile Apparel Fabrics fair, was a testament to the pivotal role of the Chinese market for Italian textile and accessory producers.

Italian exhibitors, showcasing their ethically-driven, technologically advanced creations, captivated the audience with their opulent presentation, epitomizing Italian luxury. This success was largely attributed to the ICE Agenzia's efforts in internationalizing and promoting Italian companies abroad. While visitor numbers surpassed those of March 2023, they fell just short of the 2019 edition.

Augusto Di Giacinto, director of ICE Agenzia Shanghai, emphasized the significance of the Chinese market for Italian exporters, emphasizing the Chinese consumers' affinity for Italian quality, design, and innovation.

Despite challenges, including Hong Kong's economic downturn, China remains the third-largest market for Italian textile exports, experiencing a 7.3% upward trend. Italian textile and accessory exports, with their unrivaled quality and sustainability, continue to thrive, making this sector the third-largest Italian manufacturing segment globally.

Milano Unica Shanghai reaffirmed its position as an essential event for global market engagement and international business relations. Alessandro Barberis Canonico, President of Milano Unica, recognized the enduring Chinese demand for Made in Italy products and the increased interest in top-tier women's collections, highlighting the event's significance for gauging future market developments.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in a report states, in fiscal year 2022-23, the readymade garment export contributed 84.5 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports valued at nearly $47 billion. The report also published growth figures for Bangladesh’s major destinations. The US is its largest market where unfortunately, growth was negative at -5.5 per cent. However, garment exports to the UK and the EU fared much better, registering a positive growth of 11.8 and 9.9 per cent respectively. 

Non conventional markets fare well

The growth figures in Bangladesh’s non-traditional markets fared exceptionally well, far ahead of its negative performance in the US, single digit growth in the EU and lowest double-digit growth in the UK. Brazil is where the growth percentage was off the charts with over 71 per cent, followed by Turkey at nearly 50 per cent and Japan with nearly 46 per cent. However, fiscal year 2023-24 is playing out differently as Bangladeshi sees moderate demand growth in both traditional and non-traditional markets, in the first two months (July-August). 

Country-wise detailed apparel export data of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and compiled by BGMEA shows, Bangladesh exported apparel items worth $7.99 billion, a growth of 12.46 per cent from $7.11 billion in July-August of this fiscal. During this period, Bangladesh exported clothing items worth $1.46 billion to the US, which is the largest single export destination for the nation’s garment exports. This marked a year-on-year growth of 2.95 per cent compared to the $1.41 billion exported during the same period in the previous fiscal year (July-August of 2022-23). 

BGMEA satisfied with export performance

As per BGMEA after a realistic interpretation of the current readymade garment import scenario across major hubs, the country has fared well as per course. The spokesperson rated Bangladesh’s exports to non-traditional market as a success despite depressed orders from traditional markets. He reiterated that in the traditional markets like the UK and the EU, export figures when compared to the economic stress those markets are going through are good enough. Seeing the current trends BGMEA did not comment on the performance they expect next year as the global market is yet to return to normal.

Within the large EU market, apparel export has seen a decline of 6.3 per cent. Germany is the second largest single-country destination with exports worth $994 million down from the months of July-August of the last fiscal wherein exports was over $1 billion. During this period with 19.1 per cent year-on-year growth, Bangladeshi exports to the UK was worth $976.8 million, UK is the third highest destination for the country's readymade garment products. Exports were up from last year’s $819.9 million. 

Apparel export to other major destinations such as Spain, France, Netherlands, Italy and Poland also registered positive growth of 26.9 per cent to $729.5 million); 8.5 per cent to $402.13 million; 19 per cent to $354.4 million; 28.7 per cent to $329.9 million, and by 26.4 per cent to $293 million respectively. Since July 2023, the US imports from Bangladesh’s apparel sector has swung favorably for the South Asian nation and very recently, it was confirmed in Dhaka that the US’s Generalized System of Preference program has included Bangladeshi apparel, making it duty free as opposed to the 11 per cent it is being taxed as customs. 

Karl Mayer, the renowned textile machine manufacturer, celebrates its enduring partnership with Georg+Otto Friedrich (GOF), a pioneer in warp-knitted digital printing fabrics and technical textiles. This remarkable collaboration began 75 years ago when Karl Mayer delivered its first warp knitting machine to GOF. To commemorate this milestone, GOF recently gifted Karl Mayer with its seventh machine, showcasing their unwavering loyalty.

Over the years, this partnership has not only advanced warp knitting but also driven innovation. GOF played a pivotal role in testing and refining Karl Mayer's models, leading to the development of wider and more sophisticated machines. Today, they stand as the largest customer for Karl Mayer's cutting-edge HKS 3-M ON tricot machines, producing an impressive 650 tons of warp-knitted fabrics monthly.

However, their collaboration goes beyond technological achievements. GOF prioritizes sustainability, pioneering the use of recycled materials and environmentally responsible practices. They have introduced product lines made from recycled post-consumer PET, including DecoTex Blue, a fabric comprising over 60% SEAQUAL polyester fibers sourced from recycled marine plastic. The company has also committed to offsetting its CO₂ footprint through the PLANT-MY-TREE reforestation program, exemplifying their environmental responsibility.

Moreover, GOF emphasizes energy efficiency, with extensive solar installations covering their facilities, generating 30% of their electricity needs. Their commitment to sustainability positions them as leaders in the textile industry.

Karl Mayer Sales Manager Julian Schubert values this partnership not just for its technological achievements but also for the shared commitment to sustainability. As these two industry leaders continue their journey together, they exemplify how long-term collaborations can shape the future of sustainable textiles.

Today, during the Global Fashion Summit: Boston Edition 2023, the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) unveiled the 2023 edition of the Fashion CEO Agenda. This concise report is designed to empower fashion industry leaders with strategies to create a net-positive impact on society, the environment, and the global economy. It marks a significant shift by introducing actionable guidelines for brands, retailers, and producers.

With less than seven years to fulfill the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the fashion industry must urgently incorporate sustainability into its core strategies.

The Fashion CEO Sustainability Agenda prioritizes a respectful and secure work environment, better wage systems, resource stewardship, smart material choices, and circular systems for the fashion industry.

These priorities have been established through extensive stakeholder engagement, including a global Fashion Industry Target Consultation in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key action areas identified in the report encompass worker grievance mechanisms, fair compensation, water stewardship, and curbing overproduction. The report also emphasizes adopting industry-aligned targets, such as UNFCCC's decarbonization goals.

To complement the agenda, GFA introduced the 2030 Fashion Sector Vision, calling for sector-wide collaboration to achieve sustainability goals by 2030. Federica Marchionni, CEO of Global Fashion Agenda, urged fashion leaders to align their strategies with the Fashion CEO Agenda and work together to transform the industry into a net-positive force by 2050.

The CHIC, China International Fashion Fair's autumn event, held from August 28 to 30 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai, made waves in the global fashion industry. With a staggering 424 exhibitors and a record-breaking attendance of 53,137 visitors, the fair was buzzing with activity, firmly establishing itself as a pivotal player in the fashion business.

CHIC Autumn, renowned for its role as a supply chain solutions platform, caters to the entire fashion industry, serving as a crucial international business hub. This edition sought to create an innovative and inclusive platform for the fashion supply chain, drawing top companies from China and fostering dialogue, networking, and business connections.

Chen Dapeng, president of CHIC and China National Garment Association, emphasized the fair's significance, stating, "CHIC acts as a service agency for the entire fashion industry and trade," underlining its role in promoting global interconnectedness.

The event showcased the latest developments in the Chinese apparel market across various categories, from suits and down jackets to denim and emerging talents. Additionally, CHIC organized highly successful matchmaking events that facilitated productive interactions between exhibitors and visitors.

CHIC also hosted numerous seminars and fashion shows, further solidifying its status as a center of excellence in the fashion world. The WeChat Mini Programme played a pivotal role in streamlining the fair's operations.

Looking ahead, the spring edition of CHIC from March 6 to 8, 2024,  promises to be even more spectacular, with over 1,600 exhibitors and brands, 170,000 visitors, and international participation already on the horizon. It will focus on brand presentations and retail, reaffirming its position as Asia's largest and most influential fashion fair.