Skechers has been declared women’s brand of the year at the Drapers Footwear Awards. The brand stood out from the competition as it drives growth through constant innovation and consistent marketing. This is the third time Skechers has been recognized by Drapers. The Drapers Footwear Awards acknowledge outstanding performance and innovation among retailers, brands and individuals.

Skechers has always been a strong and in-demand brand for women. Skechers started as a men's brand and now offers shoes for women and children. It also has men’s and women’s street wear. The men's collection has trainers, sandals, boots and shoes for every occasion, whether one is out playing sports, walking or needs some casual shoes with style. The brand is known for stylish footwear that doesn't compromise on comfort. The UK is the brand’s largest market in Europe and continues to grow year on year. Skechers offers two distinct footwear categories: lifestyle with comfort-focused, trend-right product for men, women and children, and Skechers Performance for elite athletes and sports enthusiasts. Celebrity product endorsees for Skechers' collections include actress Kelly Brook, multi-award winning singer Camila Cabello, boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard, and baseball slugger David Big Papi Ortiz.

Prym Fashion has launched eco-friendly snaps. The snaps, available in EcoWhite or EcoGreen, offer earth-friendly solutions for sportswear, outdoor performance apparel and children’s and babies’ wear manufacturers. The EcoWhite snaps are made from recycled water bottles to eliminate the use of crude oil used in the production of virgin products, a process that also diverts single use plastic from the waste stream. A single water bottle can produce 13 snaps. The EcoGreen snap is green in color but also green because it is sourced from plant materials, such as potato starch. As a result, this snap is both biodegradable and recyclable. An EcoBlue snap is on the horizon, which will source recycled ocean plastic for production.

The fashion industry is well-known for wasteful practices in manufacturing, including excessive water consumption and chemical run-off. Smaller details such as snaps can have a large manufacturing and waste impact as do larger fashion components. Today’s consumers expect brands to offer products that are completely sustainable, including the fabric and the trim. As brands and retailers in the textile industry continue to raise their sustainability goals, details like trim will become increasingly important. Prym Fashion is committed to making snaps that make a difference.

Performance Days will be held in Germany on November 13 and 14, 2019. The trade fair for functional fabrics and accessories for the sport and fashion sector has long been committed to sustainability. This is evidenced by several recent focus topics, which have included subjects like recycling, biodegradability, responsible use of water in textile production, and renewable functional materials such as wool. The trade fair itself will be generally more sustainable. A comprehensive overall concept is designed to avoid unnecessary waste, for example, generated from disposable products. Performance Days has taken up the promotion of sustainable development in the industry. In the past it stimulated exhibitors to create new developments. It now looks forward to guiding fabric manufacturers in the right direction and inspiring yet more innovation. And the show has the leverage to make a difference in the entire value chain.

The topic of sustainability will highlight 24 of the most innovative sustainable fabrics, each accompanied by a comprehensive explanation. Performance Days will host the first international sustainability conference for the textiles industry and, in particular, for the sportswear sector. International guests will explore all aspects of sustainability in an exciting and entertaining lecture and discussion series, introducing them to the audience of trade professionals.

Concerned about increasing imports from Bangladesh, the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF), an association of more than 560 textile establishments with a combined turnover of over Rs 40,000 crore has sought the help of the central government in getting supply contracts from Indian retailers and brands.

The companies are worried that the increasing imports of readymade garments might hurt them in the local market even as they grapple with tepid growth in exports. They believe that Indian clusters can better serve the sourcing needs of both Western and Indian brands than products sourced from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Indonesia.

In the first nine months of the current fiscal year Pakistan’s textile exports grew 19 per cent in quantity and three per cent in value.

Incentives will be provided to the textile sector to boost value-added exports. The aim is to boost value-added textile exports to 30 billion dollars over the next five years. The aim is to increase exports, boost the domestic economy, accelerate industrialisation and create job opportunities. The six major sub-sectors of the textile sector, including spinning, weaving, processing, printing, garment manufacturing, and yarn manufacturing, are expected to benefit by adopting value addition and modern techniques. The special energy package will continue for the five zero-rated sectors. The drawback of local taxes and levies scheme will continue for the five zero-rated sectors. Exporters of textile products will be entitled to free-on-board value of their enhanced exports on an incremental basis if exports increase more than ten per cent over the previous year’s exports.

Financing under the subsidized export finance scheme and long-term financing facility will be increased. A five per cent customs duty will be applied on raw cotton imports from July 2019. Support price will also be announced for raw cotton based on export parity.

Hyosung has developed a new high-performance elastane creora called ActiFit. This has been engineered for all types and levels of endurance sportswear. It is designed to provide longer-lasting durability, higher levels of UV and chlorine resistance and better shape and recovery required of cycling, swimming, triathlon and adventure racing apparel. The elastane has been developed to offer athletes the best multi-sport apparel for all levels of sports, from yoga and gym to swim, cycling, triathlon and adventure racing and an increased wearer experience, comfort and confidence. It allows the wearer to focus on their sport and not what they’re wearing. People want both fashion and function. This trend has led outdoor brands to make fashionable outerwear designed for commuters and fashion brands to add function to daily wear – and even luxury-fashion apparel. It also led Hyosung to create its new Creora ActiFit spandex.

Hyosung is a Korean fiber and yarn company. Hyosung is the largest elastane producer in the world and first developed its own process for manufacturing spandex in 1992. Creora is a brand belonging to Hyosung. Hyosung offers a broad range of high quality, competitively-priced fiber technologies throughout the global apparel value chain. The spandex range includes: Creora dyeable spandex, Creora black spandex and Creora fresh spandex.

Hard luxury goods are growing at 10 to 12 per cent, says a new study. The luxury goods market is segmented into soft luxury goods and hard luxury goods. Soft luxury goods includes designer apparel and leather goods such as handbags. Hard luxury goods comprises jewelry and premium watches.

North America and Europe have the highest market share of the hard luxury goods market. But the Asia Pacific is expected to account for the fastest CAGR growth as compared to other regions. Among the countries in the Asia Pacific, China is expected to be the most lucrative market, followed by Japan. India is also expected to show healthy growth. In the Asean region Singapore is expected to be the most dominant market. The rising growth for hard luxury goods in Singapore is supported by new entrants in jewelry brands and rising sales of watches. Thailand and Malaysia are also prominent contributors to the revenue of the hard luxury good market in the Asean region followed by Indonesia and the Philippines.

Luxury goods comprise products which are quite expensive and the target is consumers who belong to the premium class. The market for luxury goods consist of three types of end consumers, children up to 12 years, teenagers belonging to the age group of 13 to 19 years and adults.

"Contemporary designer womenswear trade show, Scoop has unveiled a tantalising line-up of “new brands” who will showcase their SS20 collections at the show to be held from July 21-23, 2019 at the iconic Saatchi Gallery in London. The carefully curated and enticing selection of new designers will include Cecilie Copenhagen, Suncoo, A Kjærbede, Mhudi, M.A.B.E., Kleed Kimonos, and Maison Johanna Braitbart."

Contemporary designer womenswear trade show, Scoop has unveiled a tantalising line-up of “new brands” who will showcase their SS20 collections at the show to be held from July 21-23, 2019 at the iconic Saatchi Gallery in London. The carefully curated and enticing selection of new designers will include Cecilie Copenhagen, Suncoo, A Kjærbede, Mhudi, M.A.B.E., Kleed Kimonos, and Maison Johanna Braitbart.

Stocked in Galeries Lafayette, BHV Swamp, Haussmann Spring, and Citadium Caumartin, Suncoo is a profoundly Parisian and contemporary brand created in 2010 from the meeting of two aesthetes, Stella and Thomas, breathing a powerful sense of freedom into the women's wardrobe.

M.A.B.E will also launch its collection at Scoop. Each piece of this comes with intricate embroidery and print, as well as artisanal embroidery techniques such as Aari, Chikankari, Kantha, Shisha and Banjara.

Since its launch in 2016, Carolina Guedes Cruz’s fashion brand Kleed has been synonymous with chic African wildlife patterned kimonos and loungewear. The one-time fashion executive for Gucci and Dunhill continues to volunteer on conservation projects in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Founded in 2012 Cecilie Copenhagen has become a cult label adopting different cultures and styles. Stocked in Browns and Farfetch, its free-spirited charm meets Scandinavian design-led simplicity with pared-back silhouettes crafted from soft natural fabrics, invigorated with contrasting shades and eye-catching motifs.

Syra J. designs capture the daring, bold, elegant, beautiful female spirit in timeless style. Its image, quality, fit, and workmanship bridges every woman's fashion fantasy to her reality. Syra J. proudly stands for female empowerment and self-expression through its clothes.

Mhudi was created in 2013, designing unique, timelessly elegant, and unconventional hats including its bestseller, the cosmopolitan reversible turban shape. All Made in Italy, the designer and founder Mami FP, is inspired by a sense of great craftsmanship, meticulous attention to the combination of fabrics, and the blend of vintage and contemporary.

A Kjærbede sunglasses take inspiration from simplistic Nordic design coupled with functionality and quality. The vision of A Kjærbede, stocked in The Mercantile London and the V&A, is to craft a unique, personal and timeless look, drawing from the deep roots of fashion and in the small, but well thought out details.

Much-loved and revered Barcelona-based jewellery designer Albert Coll is re-launching a conceptual jewellery collection based on the archive jewellery designs from his jewellery boutique which closed in the 1950s. Bold, striking and colourful, this statement jewellery celebrates the beauty of shapes.

After spending several years in Kyoto, founders of Kyomai Bags were inspired to create a range of striking clutches crafted from traditional Japanese belts, called obis. “Obi” ornamental belts are made of silk and gold, silver or platinum thread, and are woven on Japanese Jacquard looms.

In January 2016 The Painter’s Wife was founded by a painter’s wife, as a project dedicated to lifestyle for pets and their owners. With an eclectic, contemporary and fresh approach, and a background in contemporary fashion and art, The Painter’s Wife fulfils the needs and life philosophy of today’s dog owners.

Johanna Braitbart’s unique hair accessory and hat creations are handmade in her studio in the Marais, in the basement of Boudoir 26. She is now stocked in Le Bon Marché, Mademoiselle Chapeaux, Isetan and Takashimaya.

Showing its collection of unique pieces handcrafted by Maasai women at Scoop for the first time, the MaasaiWomenArt (MWA) project is a preservation effort headed by the Italian NGO Istituto Oikos, in partnership with Regione Lombardia and Istituo Europeo di Design (IED).

Founded in Gothenburg, Sneaky Steve's footwear is inspired by its founding city’s industrial heritage, rainy winters, and thriving underground cultures, where the music scene is always alive and where legions of fashion designers have started on their journey.

Luna Amani has been designing women’s accessories for more than 20 years. She designs her collections based on her childhood memories in Iran and the 21st-century sensibilities of a designer committed to giving something back.

"British Wool will sponsor the England, Scotland and Wales teams at the 2019 Shearing & Wool Handling World Championships. The Championships, to be held in Le Dorat, France from July 01-07 July, 2019, will see the teams from England, Scotland and Wales face competitors from over 20 countries, up to 300 shearers and 5,000 sheep."

British Wool will sponsor the England, Scotland and Wales teams at the 2019 Shearing & Wool Handling World Championships. The Championships, to be held in Le Dorat, France from July 01-07 July, 2019, will see the teams from England, Scotland and Wales face competitors from over 20 countries, up to 300 shearers and 5,000 sheep.

British Wool Chief Executive Officer, Joe Farren, said: “It’s an honor to support these incredibly skilled and committed individuals in their quest to be World Champions. It has been amazing to watch them progress through the British Wool training courses, mentored by a great team of proven and talented shearers and wool handlers, and grow as skilled tradespeople.

“In the UK, we are seeing a resurgence of interest from young people looking to improve their skills with the aim of improving the value of wool as well as recognising the global respect of the British Wool training courses for job opportunities.

“The teams heading to France have a lot of experience and support each other immensely. I am very proud of their achievements to date and they are a credit to our industry. Their dedication to the sheep sector gives me huge confidence in the future.

“At British Wool, we strongly believe in our remit to encourage young people who offer the sheep industry ambition and enthusiasm. This team proves we are achieving this objective and I believe the industry is stronger and will be more resilient for it.” Team Manager of the England Team, Andrew Barratt, feels the British Wool courses were “a foundation for their success”:

“All of the people on the team have been on British Wool shearing courses, and as one of the instructors for British Wool, I know they have had a good foundation to start their shearing career.The courses are fantastic and a platform for key knowledge transfer. It’s not just about going on one course, it’s about continuing to develop and learn something new each time.”

British Wool is based in Bradford and is owned by approximately 40,000 sheep farmers in the UK. It collects, grades, sells and promotes British Wool to the international wool textile industry for use in flooring, furnishings and apparel.

"Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions launched Diresul® Smartdenim Blue, a liquid sulfur blue dye designed to mimic indigo at ITMA 2019. The new product will be the core of Archroma's Indigo Reflection, a coloration system that behaves like indigo, with an even more sustainable and efficient application process compared to indigo."

Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions launched Diresul® Smartdenim Blue, a liquid sulfur blue dye designed to mimic indigo at ITMA 2019.

The new product will be the core of Archroma's Indigo Reflection, a coloration system that behaves like indigo, with an even more sustainable and efficient application process compared to indigo.

With this new innovation, Archroma completes its spectrum of eco-advanced denim coloration solutions, from this new indigo-mimicking Diresul® Smartdenim Blue which is aniline-free* and can be used in Archroma’s water-saving Advanced Denim technology, to its recent launch of the purest indigo, the aniline-free* pre-reduced liquid Denisol® Pure Indigo liquid.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue is a liquid sulfur dye that behaves like liquid indigo in elegant neutral-green blue tone and in the most common wash-down processes.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue has been especially designed to address the limitations of the Indicolors earlier technology. The new Diresul® Smartdenim Blue has a greener shade, better fastness to minimize back staining, and allows to create overall wash-downs much closer to actual indigo than any other dyestuff, whilst avoiding greyish cast especially in bleaching with hypochlorite.

Diresul® Smartdenim Blue can be applied in all the standard dyeing methods recommended for sulfur dyes, including pad-ox, pad-steam, exhaust, denim in all its variations (color denim, bottoming and topping of indigo), as well as in the Advanced Denim procedures (Denim-Ox, Pad-Sizing-Ox).

The innovation is the brain child of the Global Competence Center for Denim & Special Dyes experts in Archroma’s Castellbisbal plant, near Barcelona, Spain, where Diresul® Smartdenim Blue is produced.