Sustainability took center stage at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, with a spotlight on the intriguing concept of zero-waste fashion. The session titled "Closed-loop fashion. An inspiring utopia?" brought together industry experts, like Aishwarya Sharma of the Fort Fashion Council, to dissect the challenges, incentives, and potential impact of this eco-conscious approach.

The quest for a "sustainable" fashion industry raises crucial questions. How can brands be motivated to embrace zero-waste practices? Why are only a select few committed to these guidelines? And most importantly, how does this impact the consumer?

Aishwarya shared insights on the evolving consumer landscape, noting that post-pandemic awareness of safety and conscious consumption has surged. "There's a clear shift towards organic products," she observed. "People are becoming more mindful of what they buy and wear, and this trend is gaining traction even in India."

Beyond consumer choices, the session explored the role of media and influencers in driving eco-conscious practices. Aishwarya emphasized that sustainable fashion is ultimately driven by people. While eco-activism can set a powerful societal trend, brands themselves are also human-powered. This highlights the importance of brand alignment with influencers, ensuring their message resonates with their values.

The BRICS+ Summit discussion underscored the growing commitment to a more sustainable fashion future. Zero-waste fashion, once an alluring utopia, might be inching closer to reality, fueled by conscious consumers, responsible brands, and influential advocates.

Moscow's Pashkov House pulsed with the rich tapestry of Indian fashion as four powerhouse designers stole the show at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit. Each, a master weaver of style, captivated the audience with collections that vibrated with the soul of Indian handlooms, yet sang to the rhythm of modern sensibilities.

KHANIJO, a rising star in the menswear galaxy, redefined cultural fusion. Sleek silhouettes waltzed with traditional motifs, empowering men to make a statement that echoed their roots with global panache. "Connecting with 62 countries? Sur surreal!" beamed Khanijo, his collection a testament to the international allure of Indian design.

Naushad Ali, the Pondicherry storyteller, painted a vibrant canvas of cultural exchange. His designs whispered tales of Danish whispers and Tamil echoes, breathing life into the history of Tranquebar, a town close to his heart. "It's about borrowing, adapting, and creating something uniquely ours," Ali declared, his garments a celebration of heritage reborn.

Shruti Sancheti, the champion of everyday elegance, elevated the ordinary to the extraordinary. Khadi, the fabric of freedom, took center stage, woven into pieces that exuded comfort and grace. "Khadi is a movement," she asserted, showcasing its versatility and timeless beauty to a global audience.

Ritesh Kumar, the Italian-trained maestro, orchestrated a symphony of contrasts. His "Snack" collection, inspired by Ottoman warmth and embraced by Indian vibrancy, created pieces that whispered cozy indulgence. "It's about feeling at home," he chuckled, his designs radiating a sense of luxurious comfort.

The BRICS+ stage wasn't just a runway; it was a bridge built with threads of silk and stories of heritage. Beyond showcasing Indian talent, these designers ignited a spark of collaboration and understanding, reminding us that fashion speaks a universal language.

Amidst growing concerns over Western disengagements and a surge in volumes on recently established rail routes, China is strategically fortifying its supply chains. At a recent Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing, China's political leaders underscored their commitment to enhancing the country's supply resilience to mitigate potential losses from international shippers, including those in India and Mexico.

Highlighting the significance of China, which still constitutes over 14 per cent of global exports, leaders see an opportunity to revitalize domestic car manufacturing. This move comes as a response to a shift in sentiment among US businesses, with 61 per cent of respondents in a poll by the Department of Commerce's office of textiles and apparels no longer considering China as their primary supplier. The diversification is spurred by rising operational costs in China and escalating tensions between the United States and China. In a notable development, Italy has withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative, adding to China's geopolitical challenges.

Despite these hurdles, China's growth remains resilient. Rail freight volumes with Azerbaijan witnessed a remarkable surge of 47 per cent over the past year, underscoring China's ability to navigate challenges and explore new avenues for economic collaboration.

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.