The late 1990s and early 2000s was the period of Y2K fashion. From flip-phones to over-the-top high-contrast colors, the low-rise jeans, the flared pants and space-age clothes jumbled up with pigtails, dazzling sneakers, metallic sheens and unique textures, Y2K fashion reflected the breakaway time from one millennium to another. As the 2000s settled down and the Y2K-technolgy anxiety faded away, so did Y2K fashion, replaced by a more toned-down sartorial expression which the millennials fostered. 

Then Gen Z arrived and decided they were not the millennial followers after all and set the fashion trend and tone for their generation. That’s when Y2K fashion got its seat back at the fashion table as Gen Z was its new patron. Paris Hilton, Brittney Spears, Sarah J Parker, Jennifer Lopez came out from the woodwork with their metallic tops, short and pleated skirts, baby t-shirts with zany graphics, sparkles everywhere and a lot of multicolored sass. Celebrity stylist Samantha Brown said in a recent interview in New York that Gen Z is moving the needle in fashion because they’re young, fresh and all about looking cool and casual. They’re determining what’s in style and watching the ‘IT’ girls, who are making each resurfaced trend their own.

Top influencers of Y2K fashion amongst Gen Z

They aren’t hard to spot at events, sporting the revival of Y2K fashion. A-list fashionistas like Sydney Sweeney, Bella Hadid, Sophia Richie and Kendall Jenner are out there, defining the fashion trends for fashionistas worldwide. They’ve won the thumbs up from Gen Z with the exposed bra, the micro-shades sunglasses and jorts. While gaudiness was a core component to the aesthetic that dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s, the excess isn’t the only defining feature of fashion from that period. Y2K fashion re-emerged with labels like Versace and Blumarine including some of the trend’s nostalgic influences into their Spring/Summer 2023 collections. Blumarine teamed butterfly tops and low-rise jeans, while Versace enlisted Paris Hilton to model a sequined mini dress, essentially a pink version of her iconic 21st birthday party look from 2002.

The 2023 version of Y2K wear has combined a mix of style –genres. The looks have been remixed to be much more than bejeweled butterflies, low-rise jeans, boot cuts and diamante belly piercings. A new trend amongst TikTok fashionistas is to showcase bits and bobs of grunge, rave and the 2010 bling fashion into the mix. The extravagant Y2K fashion has been toned down just a little bit as if it’s an attempt to be a genre of its own. 

A New York trend analyst Casey Lewis points out numerous micro trends — often tagged with the suffix ‘core’ — have emerged in the past few years. In fact, she created a newsletter about them. From ‘Barbiecore’  to ‘mermaidcore’, which highlight the hot pink reminiscent of Mattel Inc.'s Barbie doll or sheer materials with ocean-like hues and sequins. And there is ‘coastal granddaughter’ that emerged from the youthful update of the ‘coastal grandmother’ trend featuring oversized cardigans and linen sets. The list is long indeed. What’s more retailers have been pushing these trends and consumers have been quick to pick them up.

For example, sales of women’s cargo pants increased a whopping 81 per cent from January to May, reveals Circana data, which tracks retail purchases. Fast fashion brands H&M and Zara saw success with biker jackets, denim garments and crop tops. Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein,  saw its baby tee sales triple this year, making them by far the hottest T-shirt style of 2023.

Some fashion revivals from Y2K 

Exposed bras are a thing teamed with over-size T-shirts where the collar continues to slip off the shoulder or into cleavage. Wearing innerwear as outerwear are back in town as thongs peek boldly above low-rise jeans and embellished bras pass off as tops, teamed with jorts, i.e. jeans cut off just above mid-thigh. Supermodels Bella Hadid and her best friend Kendal Jenner brought back the “no pants” look in one-piece upper torso body suits paired with sheer stockings in late 2022 and early this year Jenner’s other sister Kylie killed it with her Instagram post “No pants, no problem #Y2K”. Another trend that returned was the Brittney inspired dress over jeans, but this time it could be termed as layered dressing over jeans as summer dresses are accessorized with bell-sleeved cut-away cardigans, all worn over a pair of jeans. The over-sized belts with chunky and sparkly buckles are now quite the rage coupled with at early 2000s trend on undone top buttons on jeans and skirts. 

Revival to reform

The good news that will certainly calm those concerned with sustainability and circularity in fashion will be pleased to know that the revival of Y2K fashion has brought out the best in pre-loved clothing as many attics are being plundered to bring out an aunt’s long cherished pieces back into play. 

Growth in RMG export

Bangladesh's RMG export reached US$ 11.61 billion during the July-September period of fiscal year 2023-24, up from US$ 10.27 billion in the same period of FY 2022-23, indicating 13.07% year-over-year growth.

Knitwear export grew by 19.70% year-over-year, while woven garments export grew by 4.97% year-over-year.

In September 2023, the country's RMG export grew by 14.46% year-over-year.

Challenges and opportunities

The global economic slowdown is a challenge for Bangladesh's RMG sector, as global import by Bangladesh's major markets is declining.

The increase in raw material prices, fuel, gas-electricity, and other production costs is also a challenge for the sector, as it is causing inflated prices of goods.

Despite the challenges, Bangladesh's RMG sector is showing resilience. The growth in export is being driven by the emerging diversity in product range within the industry and the appreciable progress in higher value addition.

Recommendations

Bangladesh should focus more on the future possibilities and diversification when it takes further expansion plans.

The country can direct its investment towards the future by focusing on diversification, technology, and innovation.

Overall

Bangladesh's RMG sector is showing resilience despite the global economic slowdown. The country should focus on diversification, technology, and innovation to maintain its growth momentum in the long term.

The upcoming Textile & Fashion Forum Helsinki 2023, a collaborative effort between Finnish Textile & Fashion and Euratex, is set to be a game-changer in the textile and fashion industry. Scheduled for October 26-27 at the enchanting Little Finlandia event center in Helsinki, this two-day event not only promises a discourse on sustainable practices but also a day of curated company visits.

This prestigious gathering aims to shed light on Finland's leading textile and fashion companies, showcasing their relentless pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future. Through thought-provoking discussions, captivating speakers, and compelling business cases, this event is poised to redefine the industry's standards.

The roster of speakers, featuring experts from Finland, Europe, and beyond, underscores the event's significance. Distinguished figures such as Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, Marimekko's President & CEO; Kai Mykkänen, Finland's Minister of Climate and the Environment; Marcus Hartmann, H&M's Head of Public Affairs & Sustainability; Liljana K. Forssten, Range Strategist at IKEA; and Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner (via video), will be sharing their insights.

Marja-Liisa Niinikoski, CEO of Finnish Textile & Fashion, expressed her excitement, stating, "I am thrilled to welcome industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to Helsinki. Our fantastic speakers represent the forefront of sustainable fashion, each bringing their unique know-how to drive positive change."

The Textile & Fashion Forum Helsinki 2023 will emphasize three critical industry themes: circular business models that balance growth with sustainability, a green and digital transition powered by information technology for sustainability delivery, and the scaling of businesses, with a focus on start-ups' leap and big companies' evolution of growth strategies.

EURATEX Director General, Dirk Vantyghem, emphasized the importance of such events, stating, "Textiles are essential components of our society and well-being. It is key for Europe to maintain its capacity to manufacture high-quality, sustainable, and high-technology textiles. That's why we need events like this one, where the whole European value chain can meet and develop a common strategy for the future." Helsinki 2023 is set to be a landmark event in the journey towards sustainable textile and fashion industries.

To Scale Sustainable Denim Manufacturing

The Good Fashion Fund, a sister company of Fashion for Good, has invested $2.5 million in Sri Kannapiran Mills Limited (SKML), a leading Indian producer of cotton yarn and sustainable denim fabrics. 

The investment will support SKML in replacing and expanding key sustainable equipment across three of their factories, enabling them to meet manufacturing demands, scale their sustainability approach, and enhance their competitiveness in the global supply chain.

The Good Fashion Fund is committed to driving positive change in the fashion industry by providing long-term loans, technical expertise, and environmental and social support to manufacturers in Asia. 

The fund's investment in SKML exemplifies its commitment to addressing sustainability challenges in the industry and supporting companies that are pioneering sustainable practices.

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) export reached US$ 11.61 billion during the July-September period of fiscal year 2023-24, up from US$ 10.27 billion in the same period of FY 2022-23, indicating 13.07% year-over-year growth.

A category-wise disaggregated analysis shows that during the mentioned 3 months the export of knitwear was US$ 6.76 billion with 19.70% year-over-year growth, while woven garments export was recorded US$ 4.85 billion, with 4.97% growth.

In September 2023, the country's RMG export grew by 14.46% year-over-year and reached US$ 3.61 billion, which was US$ 3.16 billion in September 2022. However, export in September was around US$ 400 million less than the export in August this year.

The year-over-year growth in export cannot be judged as a trend since global import by Bangladesh's major markets is declining in the past few months. The economies in Europe and North America are not faring well due to higher inflation and rising interest rates, which is limiting the spending power of consumers.

Despite the global economic challenges, Bangladesh's RMG sector is showing resilience. The growth in export is being driven by a number of factors, including the increase in raw material prices, fuel, gas-electricity, and other production costs, which are causing inflated prices of goods to a certain extent. 

On the other hand, the emerging diversity in product range within the industry and the appreciable progress in higher value addition are also leading to unit price upsurge.

This is a promising sign as Bangladesh heads towards a more sustainable and innovative future. The country should focus more on the future possibilities and diversification when it takes further expansion plans, as inflation and cost hikes are inevitable in the longer term. The country can direct its investment towards the future by focusing on diversification, technology, and innovation.

Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of wood-based specialty fibers, has collaborated with Kentaur, a global specialist in the manufacturing of innovative and functional workwear, to develop a pilot collection of chef uniforms centered around circularity, durability, and functionality.

Aimed at reducing the usage of virgin raw materials in the workwear segment without reducing quality and comfort, the chef uniforms comprise 50% of TENCELTM branded lyocell fibers with REFIBRATM technology and 50% of recycled polyester.

“Our extended partnership with Kentaur marks a significant milestone in our efforts to transform the textile industry, including the workwear sector, into a circular model,” said Alexandra Steger, Business Development Workwear, Lenzing AG. “The pilot collection of chef uniforms with Kentaur is a great example of Lenzing’s circular solutions that combine circularity with functionality. The collection is not only made with quality fabrics of recycled materials which are the same high quality as virgin raw materials, but it comes with the added value of giving textile waste a second life. We are confident that the comfort and quality of the recycled materials in TENCELTM Lyocell fibers with REFIBRATM technology will also spread into other types of workwear, like healthcare and hospitality sectors.”

The partnership underscores Lenzing and Kentaur’s commitment in accelerating the development of a circular model for the functional workwear sector. The new collection will be showcased at the A+A trade fair, October 24–27, 2023.

TENCELTM Lyocell Fibers with REFIBRATM Technology

TENCELTM Lyocell fibers with REFIBRATM technology are a sustainable and innovative fiber solution that combines the benefits of TENCELTM Lyocell fibers with the added benefit of circularity. REFIBRATM technology enables the recycling of cotton textile waste into high-quality TENCELTM Lyocell fibers, reducing the need for virgin raw materials.

The pilot collection of chef uniforms is a testament to Lenzing and Kentaur’s commitment to developing sustainable and functional workwear solutions. The collection is a step towards a more circular future for the textile industry.

In a remarkable celebration of branding excellence, Nine West, the prominent designer, developer, and marketer of women's fashion footwear and accessories under the Apparel Group umbrella, proudly announces its achievement of prestigious Superbrand status at the Superbrands Award 2023. This accolade was presented alongside nine other exceptional brands during an illustrious ceremony held on the 28th at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.

Receiving this esteemed award is not only a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation but also an honor we deeply cherish. It underscores our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled quality and value, reflecting the robustness and resilience of its brand portfolio. 

This recognition underscores Nine West's exceptional ability to thrive and excel in a competitive market, reinforcing its standing as a leading brand in the global fashion and lifestyle industry. The award serves as a testament to Nine West's distinctive capacity to connect with consumers by offering products and experiences that distinguish themselves in the marketplace.

Furthermore, this achievement underscores Apparel Group's exceptional knack for nurturing and expanding brands in a fiercely competitive market, further solidifying its position in the global arena.

Virgio, a fashion-tech startup, is set to unveil a new version of itself this week. The brand is evolving from fast fashion to circular fashion, promising to be still fashion forward with enhanced customer experiences, and a renewed commitment to circularity and innovation.

This exciting development marks a new chapter in the brand's journey, and Virgio's design team has been hard at work, meticulously crafting new collections that embody both sophistication and modernity, all made in natural fabrics to ensure they last longer, are good for the community, and can be recycled after their usage.

Commenting on the evolution, Co-founder Amar Nagaram stated, “While fast fashion is agile, trendy and caters to the growing needs of the young blood in India, it also promotes over production, over consumption. Fast fashion companies use harmful fabrics and exploit labour to cut corners on pricing and quality fuelling the market with what will be sent to landfills. It’s a global crisis and we all are witnessing it. That’s why we’ve made a conscious choice to move our entire efforts to build a circular fashion brand.”

Virgio's commitment to circular fashion is pro-planet and will usher in a new era in the fashion industry in India. The brand's move to circular fashion is a welcome development, and it is sure to inspire other fashion brands to follow suit.

A groundbreaking partnership has emerged between Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers, and Kentaur, a Denmark-based innovator in workwear manufacturing. Their joint venture aims to revolutionize the workwear industry with a strong focus on circularity, durability, and functionality. The result of this collaboration is a pioneering pilot collection of chef uniforms that seamlessly integrates sustainability into every fiber.

The chef uniforms consist of 50% TENCEL branded lyocell fibers with REFIBRA technology, and 50% recycled polyester. This innovative blend significantly reduces the reliance on virgin raw materials without compromising on quality and comfort. Alexandra Steger of Lenzing AG expressed the importance of this partnership, marking a significant step towards a circular textile industry. The collection sets an example by not only utilizing recycled materials but also giving textile waste a new life.

Kentaur's Chief Commercial Officer, Christian Beirholm, emphasized their commitment to sustainability and circularity in the workwear industry. Their partnership with Lenzing, which began in 2018, has culminated in the incorporation of recycled cellulosic materials, proving that recycled content can coexist with high-performance products.

This pilot collection showcases the potential for workwear to be both durable and sustainable, with Lenzing's innovative Fiber Identification technology enhancing supply chain transparency. The collaboration underscores Lenzing and Kentaur's shared vision to accelerate the transition to a circular economy within the textile and workwear sectors.

Attendees of the A+A trade fair in October 2023 can witness Lenzing's commitment to responsible practices, as they showcase their latest portfolio, including the chef uniforms produced through this pioneering partnership with Kentaur.

Social media, AI, VR, metaverse, simulated in-store experience… the list grows bigger and keeps changing the landscapes and platforms for brands and their customers to engage in. Models showcasing latest collection in fashion glossies or towering billboards are still around but more for maintaining their legacy channels of communications rather than the primary outreach to customers. 

Fashion marketing now has to keep up as new social apps appear and also keep note that some apps may not be the wonder they were launched to be. The much-celebrated metaverse started getting flaks for its weak security that scared brands of being misled or hacked. In the midst of it all, creative agencies that manage reputable fashion accounts are getting out and about, coming up with a variety of platforms that may not be entirely pioneering but definitely engaging. 

As per McKinsey study, while the fashion has experimented with basic AI and other technologies viz.  Metaverse, nonfungible tokens (NFTs), digital IDs, and augmented or virtual reality, it has not experienced generative AI -- a nascent technology so far. It could change fashion marketing as per some indications are and improve at lightning speed and become a game changer in many aspects of business. “In the next three to five years, generative AI could add $150 billion, conservatively, and up to $275 billion to the apparel, fashion, and luxury sectors’ operating profits,” says McKinsey analysis.

Brand communication goes beyond fashion

Gen Z is keen to relate to their preferred brands not through product exclusivity but with the multifaceted brand personality that resonate with them. As this truth grows more profound, fashion brands have jumped off the catwalk, photo shoots and influencer endorsements into larger and live activities. One such example is the Air Afrique and Bottega Veneta collaboration. The pan-African airline Air Afrique, co-owned by a large number of sub-Saharan African nations, was operational between 1961 and 2002. Bottega Veneta partnered Air Afrique to launch an eponymous magazine, a platform dedicated to Afro-diasporic art and conversation. To mark the launch of the magazine, creative director Matthieu Blazy commissioned a series of blankets by Bottega Veneta’s Franco-Sudanese designer Abdel El Tayeb. Drawing on Sudan's history and contemporary identity, El Tayeb’s Afro-futuristic designs are a unique composition of fine wool, silver leather et al from the brand’s archive.

Similarly, Saint Laurent commissioned contemporary Cai Guo-Qiang to create a spectacular a first-time daylight fireworks display in Japan in June, the day Cai inaugurated her solo exhibition in Tokyo titled ‘Ramble in the Cosmos’. Spanish luxury brand Loewe is celebrating Japanese musician Kenshi Yenezu’ music through his creative spaces that can experienced at the Saint Laurent outlet in Tokyo.

Many brands capitalised on TV by partnering productions to increase visiblity. For example, Gucci provided access to its archives and allowed shooting in its Rome flagship for ‘House of Gucci,’ a film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver, which generated 25,000 posts across news and social media in ahead of the film’s release in 2021.

Levi’s goes Lollapalooza in India

Year 2023 marked the 150th year of the world’s most iconic denim jeans, the Levi’s 501. In India for example, Levi’s decided to engage with Indian youth consumers by jumping into the first Indian edition of Lollapalooza Music Festival held in Mumbai in January this year as a sponsor along with a host of other well-known entities and brands. Levi’s partnered a range of Indian influencers and artists to connect with the large Indian population of Gen Z consumers using this festival as its engagement platform.  The ‘Levi’s® on Wheels’ branded double decker chauffeured a group of influencers to the festival while driving around Mumbai to promote the label. The brand also ran a ‘Levi’s® Tailorshop’ which offered live garment customization. It enabled fans to customize their denim and make it truly their own through screen prints, paneling and heat-press.

This trend has had a positive impact on global creative talent pool that gains international recognition and international brands entrenching its regional loyalty.