The upcoming ‘Wonderland’ trade show, dedicated to lingerie, nightwear, resort, and lifestyle apparel, is scheduled to take place on January 28 to 29, 2024, at the Vinyl Factory in Soho, London. Organized by Nicky Clayton and Lucy Dowler from Philippa Bradley Agencies, this event will feature the autumn/winter 2024 collections from both established intimate apparel labels and emerging talents.

The fashion show aims to provide a platform for over 60 brands, including well-known names like Triumph, Simone Pérèle, Aubade, Maison Lejaby, Cyberjammies, Hanro, Playful Promises, and Wolford. Additionally, new and highly sought-after brands such as Temperley London, Evelyn & Bobbie, and Noblesse Oblige will be participating in the trade show.

Nicky Clayton and Lucy Dowler emphasize that Wonderland offers brands, buyers, and industry professionals an exceptional opportunity to connect, engage in trade, and foster expansion. The event is positioned as a valuable occasion for the industry to showcase their autumn/winter 2024 collections, establish new contacts, and network with influential figures in the field.

As per a We Market Research report, the global alpaca fiber market is anticipated to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2 per cent from 2024 to 2033. The market is expected to reach a value of $5.32 billion by the end of 2033, marking a significant increase from $3.65 billion in 2023.

The primary driving forces behind this growth are the increasing demand for opulent and soft fiber, coupled with a growing preference for ethical and fair trade products. These factors are expected to fuel the expansion of the alpaca fiber market on a global scale.

Countries such as India, China, and Indonesia are poised to play a pivotal role in the future growth of the alpaca fiber market. India, with its expanding middle class population and a well-established textile industry, represents a substantial opportunity for alpaca fiber. The country's strong presence in global markets further enhances its capacity to produce high-quality products.

China, known for its efficient and cost-effective production of alpaca fiber products, is set to contribute significantly to the market's growth. In 2022, the Chinese apparel company Li Ning introduced a line of sportswear crafted from alpaca fiber, showcasing the country's capability to innovate in this market.

Indonesia has also taken proactive measures to boost the alpaca industry, including the implementation of research programs and farmer training initiatives. In 2020, PT. Indo Alpaca, an Indonesian company, established a large-scale alpaca farm aimed at producing substantial quantities of high-quality alpaca fiber. This move not only contributes to Indonesia's self-sufficiency but also positions the country for potential exports in the alpaca fiber market.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, India witnessed a dynamic shift in its textile exports landscape, with notable changes in various segments. The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector demonstrated robust growth, surging to Rs 16,191 crore from Rs 16,138 crore in FY’19. Conversely, cotton textile exports experienced a decline, decreasing to Rs 11,085 crore in FY23 from Rs 12,405 in FY’19, as highlighted by Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Textile.

Goyal reported that man-made textile exports remained steady at Rs 5,412 crore in FY’23, holding ground compared to Rs 5,551 crore in FY’19. Despite a remarkable 41% year-on-year growth in textile product exports during 2021-22 compared to 2020-21, a minor correction occurred in 2022-23. This correction was attributed to the normalization of international demand and the surpassing of cotton prices beyond the typical range.

Notably, the period from April to July 2023 witnessed a decline in India’s textile and apparel exports compared to the same period in 2022. The global geopolitical landscape, impacting demand, was identified as a key factor contributing to this downturn.

Over the past three years, wool and woolen textile exports have shown consistent growth. In FY’23, these exports reached Rs 205 crore. However, the carpet exports sector experienced a setback, declining from Rs 1,790 crore in FY22 to Rs 1,366 crore in FY23.

Addressing the need to fortify India’s textile exports, the Central Government is actively implementing various nationwide schemes. Piyush Goyal outlined several initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA), Silk Samagra, National Handloom Development Program, National Handicrafts Development Program, Integrated Wool Development Program (IWDP), National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), and Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP). These measures collectively aim to enhance the competitiveness and global standing of India’s textile industry.

The upcoming edition of Source Fashion, Europe's premier sourcing show, is set to welcome a diverse delegation representing companies and business support organizations from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Nepal. Scheduled to take place at Olympia London from February 18-20, 2024, the event aims to facilitate connections between international manufacturers and suppliers with prominent UK brands.

A contingent of 22 companies, supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC), will be showcasing their styles at Source Fashion. Notable exhibitors include: Sabahar, Red Earth, Ultramaille, and the Nepal Pashmina Industry Association.

Besides these, the range of exhibitors will span smaller producers to high MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) suppliers. Their presentations will feature an array of products, including natural fabrics, high-end accessories, and responsibly manufactured ready-to-wear apparel.

Source Fashion serves as a valuable platform for these companies, offering a distinctive opportunity to showcase their capabilities and establish themselves as reliable partners. Furthermore, it presents an alternative sourcing destination for African and Asian countries, all while adhering to rigorous international social and sustainable standards.

Net sales of the H&M Group in the fourth quarter spanning September 01, 2023-November 30, 2023 remained flat at a value of SEK 62,629* million compared to last year. The brand’s sales, excluding its Russia and Belarus markets, increased by 3 per cent in SEK and decreased by 1 per cent in local currencies. In total, the H&M group’s net sales decreased by 4 per cent in local currencies compared with the corresponding quarter last year.

For the entire FY’23 from December 01, 2022 –November 30, 2023, H&M ‘s net sales increased by 6 per cent to SEK 236,014* million, compared with 2022. Its sales in SEK currencies, excluding Russia and Belarus markets, increased by 8 per cent while in local currencies they increased by 1 per cent,

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU) have signed an agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). First proposed by the European Commission in 2022, this landmark law has been lauded by civil society, trade unions and consumers for its ability to tackle systemic human rights and environmental abuses in global value chains.

Introducing the mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence obligations for large companies, the law urges them to remedy the harm caused by their value chains. The law specifically applies to foreign and EU companies, their subsidiaries, and their business relationships.

The law also introduces monetary sanctions on companies failing to comply with their new obligations. It facilitates a network of competent authorities in Member States to receive complaints from rights holders. It also allows aggrieved workers to sue companies under the new civil liability regime on being subject to harm as a result of a due diligence failure. 

The final text of law will be approved by both the Council of the EU and the European Parliament over the next months. The implementation of this law will also be monitored by the Clean Clothes Campaign to ensure that garment workers’ rights remain at the top of the political agenda.

The inaugural combined Pure London x JATC show, will showcase Spanish brands at Olympia London from February 11-13, 2024. The organisers of the show have collaborated with ICEX Spain Export and Investment, FEDECON, the Spanish Federation of Clothing Companies and FICE to introduce a variety of Spanish fashion brands to the UK market.

Melissa Ramage, International Development Manager, Pure London x JATC says, the alliance will facilitate a link between innovation and responsibility. It will enable the show to provide international designers and exciting collections every season to the UK Fashion market. 

The show’s largest zone, ’Woman,’ will house a collection called Skatie. , Inspired by the iconic California-cool vibe, the collection will offer sustainable fashion epitomising an active and laid-back lifestyle. The collection will be made using exclusively surplus and upcycled fabrics. It will help disrupt the industry’s wasteful practices. 

Another collection in the zone, Rubísnacks will offer sporty bra tops to promote movement, comfort, style and joy. The NKN Nekane collection will be meticulously hand-crafted and offer apparels made with fabrics having intricate trimmings and finishings.  The collection by Vilagallo will feature its signature vibrant colours, patterns and silks. A collection of vintage garments, Wearibe will mix colors and fabrics in an original way while the Compañía Fantástica collection will feature printed garments.

In JATC Shoes & Accessories zone, brand ALPE will offer an extensive footwear collection featuring Spanish design and style alongside active and kid’s ranges. The zone will also house an ecological footwear collection called Natural World, that will made from 100 per cent organic raw materials.

The Jewellery section will present a collection by Studio Lia Etoile featuring two distinct styles, geometric patterns using acrylic and elegant bead embroidery to create standout earrings, brooches, necklaces, hair accessories, and bracelets and the extensive Sonata collection. 

After the departure of Susie Mulder, VF Corp, the lifestyle giant, has appointed Nina Flood, current President-EMEA, as interim president for Timberland. In her new role, Flood will be overseeing the brand's global operations. With two decades of experience at Timberland, Flood is well-acquainted with the intricate workings of the group, having taken charge of the brand's EMEA region earlier this year.

During the first half of its fiscal year, Timberland saw a 6 per cent decrease in sales, amounting to $742.5 million. Timberland, an American outdoor footwear and apparel manufacturer and retailer owned by VF Corporation, also offers accessories such as watches, eyewear, and leather goods.

Sophia Hwang Judiesch, currently the President of Hudson’s Bay, has been appointed new President of Tommy Hilfiger in North America at PVH Corp. Her tenure will commence on January 8, 2024, and she will report directly to Stefan Larsson, the CEO of PVH Corp. Judiesch's proven track record in driving profitable omnichannel growth and enhancing the overall shopping experience for consumers is deemed essential for her new role, according to Larsson.

While at Hudson’s Bay, Judiesch played a crucial role in overseeing the retail stores in Canada, focusing on elevating the consumer experience through her strategic omnichannel optimization initiatives. Prior to her time at Hudson’s Bay, she served as the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ulta Beauty, where she successfully launched the Ulta Beauty brand at Target.

In addition to Judiesch's appointment, PVH Corp announced the promotion of Amba Subrahmanyam, current Executive Vice President of PVH Americas and Calvin Klein Global, to the position of Chief People Officer. Subrahmanyam, who joined PVH in early 2022, has a background in HR leadership roles at Tapestry, Tory Burch, and Coach. She will succeed Julie Fuller, who has been with the company since 2020 and will be departing PVH to explore new opportunities. This leadership transition is scheduled to take effect on February 5, 2024.

Laurent Malecaze, the current CEO of Dunhill, has been appointed the new President and CEO of Chloe, the prestigious Paris-based fashion house belonging to the luxury group Richemont. This move follows the departure of Riccardo Bellini, who will now oversee the recent appointment of Chemena Kamali as the house's new Creative Director.

Malecaze brings a wealth of experience to Chloe, having previously been associated with AZ Factory, an Alber Elbaz brand under the Richemont umbrella. Before his tenure at AZ Factory, Malecaze served as the CEO of The Webster, a luxury multi-brand retailer based in New York. His professional journey also includes a role as a strategic consultant at Bain & Company.

In his new role at Chloe, Malecaze will be reporting to Philippe Fortunato, the CEO of Richemont's Fashion and Accessories Maisons.

Chloe, established in 1952 and recognized as a influential marque in Paris fashion, has been home to renowned designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Martin Sitbon, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and Clare Waight Keller. With Laurent Malecaze at the helm, the brand looks set to continue its legacy of excellence and innovation in the world of luxury fashion.