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Britt Moore, Vice President of Sales & Customer Support at Minnesota Knitting Mills (MKM), is poised to lead SEAMS (Seams Educational Association of Machinery and Supplies) into a new era of growth and expansion. With his upcoming inauguration as SEAMS President at the Spring Networking Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC, Moore discusses his vision for the organization and the challenges facing the textile industry.
Moore acknowledges the honor of leading SEAMS, emphasizing the rich history and knowledge within the organization that benefits the entire textile industry. His extensive background in the textile, apparel, and cut-and-sew sectors positions him well to steer SEAMS towards continued success.
Minnesota Knitting Mills, a 116-year-old family-owned company specializing in circular knitting products, underscores Moore's commitment to the industry. He highlights the importance of fostering relationships within the industry, a goal he aims to achieve through SEAMS' networking opportunities.
Central to Moore's agenda as President is the expansion of SEAMS membership across the United States. He envisions SEAMS as the premier association for textile companies, offering valuable networking, sourcing tools, and a robust calendar of events, including SEAMS Pavilions at industry trade shows.
Moore attributes SEAMS' success to the dedication of its member companies and the support of its Board of Directors. He praises his predecessor, Ron Roach of Contempora Fabrics, for his visionary leadership and mentorship, which has facilitated a smooth transition.
Addressing the current economic downturn, Moore stresses the importance of collective action within SEAMS. In challenging times, SEAMS' events provide invaluable networking opportunities and support, essential for navigating industry headwinds.
Looking ahead, Moore identifies offshore production as a significant challenge for the US textile industry. He emphasizes the need for quality products and adherence to trade laws to counter the influx of cheaper imports. Encouraged by the growing awareness among the next generation, Moore believes in the potential for consumer-driven initiatives like "Buy American" to drive change.
As SEAMS prepares for its upcoming networking conference, Moore promises an enriching experience for attendees. The event will feature comprehensive discussions spanning the textile supply chain, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Britt Moore's presidency heralds a new chapter for SEAMS, marked by growth, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the textile industry in the face of evolving challenges.
On the 11th anniversary of the tragic Rana Plaza industrial collapse, which claimed the lives of 1138 workers and left thousands injured, the European Parliament has made a significant stride in corporate accountability. The approval of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) signals a pivotal moment towards ensuring global value chains are free from human rights abuses, labor violations, and environmental degradation.
This landmark legislation, hailed as a historic shift, mandates stringent human rights and environmental due diligence for large companies operating within the European Union, both domestically and internationally. However, while the directive represents progress, it falls short of its initial ambition.
Critics highlight that the version endorsed by the Parliament lacks the robustness of the original agreement reached in December 2023. Key concerns include its limited coverage of EU companies, overlooking crucial aspects of the value chain, and significant gaps in protecting workers' and victims' rights.
Muriel Treibich, Corporate Accountability Coordinator at the Clean Clothes Campaign, acknowledges the directive's innovative nature but voices concerns over its limited impact. She notes that many intermediary and smaller operators may evade responsibility, undermining the directive's effectiveness.
While the directive offers avenues for enforcement and justice for victims, including a civil liability regime, it still falls short in removing obstacles for victims seeking justice in European courts. Giuseppe Cioffo, Lobby and Advocacy Coordinator at the Clean Clothes Campaign, emphasizes the need for Member States to address these issues during the directive's transposition into national law.
Despite efforts to broaden the scope of international instruments, crucial International Labour Organization conventions on occupational safety and health remain excluded. This omission poses risks to workers' safety, as demonstrated by the Rana Plaza tragedy.
Despite its imperfections, the CSDDD represents a crucial milestone in recognizing the human rights and environmental impacts of corporate activities, particularly within the garment industry. The Clean Clothes Campaign vows to continue advocating for more ambitious regulations during the directive's implementation by Member States.
Marking a significant leap forward for the apparel industry, the Lycra Company unveiled its groundbreaking Lycra FitSense® denim technology at the Kingpins Amsterdam 2024 trade show. This innovative shaping technology addresses common fit issues like the waist, thighs and rear by offering tailored support to various body types while maintaining the beloved look and feel of authentic denim.
Ebru Ozaydin, Global Strategic Marketing Director-Denim, The Lycra Company explains, this discreet and invisible solution is integrated into stretch jeans through advanced fabric construction and precise garment making. Designers can now enhance the fit and comfort in specific areas, providing consumers with a personalised experience that boosts confidence and reduces returns due to poor fit.
Steve Stewart, Chief Brand & Innovation Officer, The Lycra Company, adds, the technology has the potential to reshape the apparel industry. He also highlighted the company’s plans to debut the new technology at upcoming Kingpins events in China and New York.
In collaboration with the House of Denim Foundation and Jean School students, The Lycra Company showcased ‘Stretch Yourself #3: Denim of the Future, Designed by Gen Z,’ featuring cutting-edge designs powered by their technologies, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing talent and pushing boundaries.
Attendees at Kingpins also had the opportunity to learn about the development of bio-derived Lycra® fiber made with Qira®, a sustainable initiative set to launch in early 2025. By using field corn, this product aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of Lycra® fiber while maintaining its performance standards.
Sales updates from Europe's major luxury brands have offered little comfort regarding the recovery of Chinese demand for high-end fashion, casting a shadow over the industry's prospects.
Citing low demand in Asia, particularly in China, Kering warned that its first-half profits would significantly decline
Italian luxury group, Ermenegildo Zegna also witnessed a revenue decline in the first quarter, attributed to decreasing sales of its Thom Browne label in the Greater China region. However, family-owned Italian brand, Prada reported strong demand for its Miu Miu fashion brand and sustained growth in Asia.
Despite solid reports from luxury bellwethers LVMH and L'Oreal, concerns persist regarding Chinese consumers' appetite for premium goods and the broader sector.
The luxury industry had anticipated a challenging first quarter compared to the same period last year when business surged following the lifting of stringent COVID lockdowns in China. However, various factors, including a property crisis, stagnant private sector investment, and trade disputes, are impeding Chinese economic growth, according to Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist, Deloitte.
The luxury goods sector had been heavily reliant on rapid growth in China, which tripled in size between 2017 and 2021, according to Bain consultancy. However, in an environment of slower Chinese growth, Jacques Roizen, Managing Director –Consulting, Digital Luxury Group, anticipates that leading brands will widen their leads while others may experience negative year-over-year results.
LVMH noted a 6 per cent decline in first-quarter sales in Asia (excluding Japan) but highlighted an increasing proportion of Chinese shoppers purchasing goods outside the region, particularly in Japan and Europe. Similarly, Prada too echoed this trend.
Analysts believe that fashion brands like Chanel, Hermes, and LVMH's Louis Vuitton are well-positioned to strengthen their presence in China due to their base of older, affluent clientele, which is less susceptible to economic uncertainties. These brands can invest in marketing events and upscale retail spaces to capitalize on this advantage.
Despite the challenges, LVMH remains committed to expanding its retail network in mainland China, although internal discussions have occurred regarding the pace of these projects, according to Jean-Jacques Guiony, CFO.
Kering has also intensified its efforts in China by expanding its management team and resuming in-store training, albeit cautioning that results will require patience to materialise, according to Armelle Poulou, CFO.
Showcasing a cutting-edge shopping experience, Foot Locker unveiled its latest store concept at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey. Introducing a sleek, modern layout, the store concept aims to encourage customers to explore the store from the moment they step inside.
Bright, attention-grabbing displays near the entrance of the store highlight the newest sneaker releases and trending products. Throughout the space, dynamic storytelling elements shine a spotlight on Foot Locker's brand partners, enhancing product presentations and helping customers grasp the unique features and benefits of each item.
A central communal try-on area fosters connections among shoppers, inviting them to experience the inclusive spirit of sneaker culture firsthand. At the heart of the store lies the Sneaker Hub, a dedicated destination offering specialised lacing customisation, expanded ordering options, and personalised experiences tailored to deepen connections with customers.
Equipped with advanced technology, Foot Locker's staff can seamlessly access omnichannel inventory availability, providing customers with a range of fulfillment options to suit their preferences. Mary Dillon, President and CEO, Foot Locker, Inc., emphasises, this innovative store concept consolidates Foot Locker's leadership in sneaker culture, delivering an engaging and forward-thinking retail experience.
Aligned with Foot Locker's Lace Up Plan introduced in 2023, the new store concept underscores the company's commitment to reshape its real estate footprint and deliver a consistent, elevated brand experience.
Facing stiff competition from China, Bangladesh struggled to seize a larger portion of the expanding global apparel market in 2024.
As per a report by Quality Inspection Management (QIMA), China bagged maximum export orders during the first quarter of the year despite a 20 per cent increase in demand for textile and apparel inspections and audits from garment manufacturing countries like Bangladesh.
Though both the US and EU-based companies increased procurement from Bangladesh during the year, the government’s policy shift to reduce cash incentives for garment exports led a rise in China’s popularity among apparel brands.
Industry insiders like Fazlul Hoque, former President, BKMEA, also cited increasing production costs and aggressive pricing strategies by competitors as factors contributing to Bangladesh's loss of competitiveness in the global market.
Meanwhile, China witnessed a rebound in demand from Western markets, with US-based buyers showing a 12 per cent Y-o-Y growth in inspections and audits, and European brands experiencing even faster growth rates. Other regions, including Asia, Latin America, and South America, also displayed significant interest in China's manufacturing capabilities.
Recent data from the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) and Eurostat highlights Bangladesh's declining apparel exports compared to its counterparts. In Jan-Feb’24, Bangladesh experienced a significant drop in exports to both the US and the EU, while China and Vietnam managed to maintain or slightly increase their export volumes during the same period.
These challenges underscored the need for Bangladesh to address rising production costs and enhance competitiveness to reclaim its position in the global apparel market.
In FY’23-24, until November 2023, India's total cotton production decreased to 31.6 million bales of 170 kg each from 34.3 million bales in FY’22-23.
The Central Zone, encompassing states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the largest producer of cotton in India during FY’22-23. Within this zone, Gujarat was the highest contributor, producing 9.49 million bales. Saurashtra, comprising 70 per cent of Gujarat's cotton production played a pivotal role in this achievement.
In Maharashtra, Vidarbha's districts, including Yavatamal, Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Washim, and Wardha, were significant contributors to the state's cotton production.
The Southern Zone, consisting of states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, ranked as the second-largest producer of cotton in India, contributing approximately 28.5 per cent of the nation's cotton output. Telangana emerged as the leading producer in this zone and the third-largest nationally, with a contribution of 5.31 million bales
The value of India's cotton exports reached $5.3 billion in the 2023-2024 period until January 2024. However, there has been a fluctuation in export values over recent years, with $5.66 billion in 2022-23, a decline from $10.78 billion in 2021-22, and US$ 6.3 billion in 2020-21. Despite these fluctuations, cotton exports remain a significant component of India's total exports.
To further enhance the textile industry's performance, the Government of India, in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council, has set a long-term target of achieving $100 billion in textile exports by 2025-26. This objective involves increasing productivity from the current level of around 450 kg lint per hectare to at least 800-900 kg lint per hectare.
One of the oldest US and most authentic sportswear brands, Gant is celebrating its 75th anniversary with the opening of an exhibition and installation in Berlin.
Being held at Highsnobiety's new flagship store in Berlin from Apr 12-May 8, 2024, the exhibit tells the story of this authentic American East Coast brand since its inception in 1949.
Curated by Herbert Hofmann, VP creative and buying, Highsnobiety, the exhibition sheds light on the history of one of the first American sportswear brands, examines its influence on the fashion industry and shows iconic pieces like Old Oxford button-down shirts, college classics and Ivy League memorabilia from its founding in New Haven in 1949 to the present day.
The exhibit was created by Christopher Bastin, Creative Director, Gant who aimed to open the brand’s archive and show it to a vast number of consumers and insiders.
The installation is accompanied by an exclusive interview with one of the founders, Marty Gant, which takes visitors on a journey back to 1950s Americana.
Renowned international fashion and luxury conglomerate overseeing brands like Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf, as well as holding stakes in companies like Staff International and Brave Kid, OTB has unveiled its third Sustainability Report.
The report delineates OTB strides and accomplishments concerning environmental, social and governances in 2023 through a meticulous monitoring and reporting processes. The group persists in its dedication to sustainability by remaining rooted in its three pillars—‘The New Fashion System,’ ‘Protecting our Planet,’ and ‘Brave Together.’
Under the ‘The New Fashion System’ pillar, OTB focuses on adopting solutions that prioritise minimal environmental impact, circularity and product longevity, and advocating for responsible materials and treatments.
To achieve this, OTB has pledged to ensure that 25 per cent of total purchases are from only certified materials adhering to environmental and animal welfare standards, constituting.
Each brand within the group is actively contributing to this endeavor. For instance, Diesel's denim collections strive to incorporate over 50 per cent organic, recycled, and regenerative cotton.
In parallel, OTB allocates significant resources to combat counterfeiting, crucial for ensuring consumer safety and brand integrity. The group also continues to pioneer technological solutions for product authenticity. Through collaborations like the Aura Blockchain Consortium, over 580,000 products from Marni, Maison Margiela, and Jil Sander were encrypted on the blockchain platform, marking a 200 per cent increase from the previous year, totaling over 800,000 products. Additionally, OTB is deeply involved in projects nurturing the growth and development of its value chain partners, with initiatives like the ‘M.A.D.E. - Made in Italy, Made Perfectly’ docuseries and the C.A.S.H. project.
Under the ‘Protecting the Planet’ pillar, OTB received validation of its environmental impact reduction targets from the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), recording a significant decrease in emissions and substantial use of renewable energy sources.
As a member of The Fashion Pact, OTB is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the industry and promoting circular models, exemplified by initiatives like the Re.Crea Consortium.
Lastly, within the ‘Brave Together’ pillar, OTB champions socially sustainable initiatives, including gender equality efforts and impactful projects supported by the OTB Foundation.
Renzo Rosso, Chairman and Founder, OTB Group, emphasises, sustainability is a mindset shared across the Group, with 2023 marking significant milestones in environmental achievements and social impact. He urges the industry to make collaborative efforts to drive substantial change and attain even more ambitious goals.
A key city in South India, Hyderabad played host to the Indian fashion lifestyle exhibition-Sutraa over a span of two days from April 23-24, 2024 at Hotel Taj Krishna.
Serving as a platform to unite artists and independent designers, the exhibition, Sutraa offered visitors, an unparalleled experience. Leaving behind an indelible mark on visitors, the trade show showcased Hyderabad's rich textile heritage and architectural splendor.
Over 65 designers from across India participated in the exhibition, showcasing everything from exquisite couture for women, children, and men to bespoke jewelry, handcrafted footwear, designer clutches, and captivating home décor.
Serving as a nexus for retailers, Sutraa offered an array of contemporary designs for both men and women. The event proved to be a melting pot of innovative ideas and cutting-edge fashion concepts.
For brands and companies, Sutraa served a platform to carve out their niche in the industry. The exhibition enabled participants to redefine the landscape of apparel retail by integrating inventive techniques and latest technologies.
Going beyond seasoned professionals, Sutraa served as a platform for aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Attendees at the event gained insights from the speeches of the industry stalwarts and immersed themselves in the latest trends from across the nation.
