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A global leader in garment finishing solutions, Tonello has launched a breakthrough machine that sets a new standard for speed, quality, and retrofittability in denim and garment processing.
Known as The Laser 2.0, the machine’s next-generation, fully digital laser source, combined with high-performance electronic boards, delivers exceptional marking speeds while preserving the highest standards of quality. With the new Turbo and Hyper modes, processing times can be cut by up to 40 per cent, unlocking a new level of productivity without compromising results.
The Laser 2.0 was also designed for absolute accuracy, reproducing even the finest details with clarity and consistency. Thanks to its dynamic focusing system, it ensures uniform marking across the entire work area, guaranteeing flawless execution on every garment.
The Laser 2.0 is fully retrofittable, making it easy to integrate into existing production lines. Its quick installation and compatibility with Tonello’s Climate technology ensure optimal performance even in the most demanding environments.
At the heart of the system is CREA, Tonello’s proprietary software developed with laser designers and technicians worldwide. CREA translates creativity directly into production, offering intuitive tools, automated optimization, and a wide range of working modes to balance maximum quality with maximum speed.
With The Laser 2.0, Tonello once again confirms its pioneering spirit, delivering the most advanced laser system in the industry: faster, sharper, and built for the future.
Global online retailer Shein has teamed up with Nickeldeon to launch a collaborative collection featuring SpongeBob SquarePants. This partnership offers a mix of playful designs and cozy seasonal staples, inviting the whole family to embrace fall with a splash of Bikini Bottom fun.
The collection includes over 200 items, ranging from apparel and accessories to home essentials. It blends whimsical charm with wearable fall fashion. Fans can find everything from statement sweaters and bold graphic tees to quirky jewelry and pineapple-inspired decor. All items are infused with iconic details like jellyfish prints, Krabby Patty graphics, and SpongeBob's joyful energy.
The collection offers everything from bright, animated patterns or subtle nods to the series with cozy, character-embroidered knits. It presents the perfect way to add warmth, nostalgia, and playful flair to your wardrobe just in time for crisp days and cozy nights.
A global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, Shein offers its branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors at affordable prices. Headquartered in Singapore, Shein is committed to making fashion accessible to all and promotes an on-demand production model for a smarter, future-ready industry.
Since its debut on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has been the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years. It has created a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases, and memes, along with theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, and a global fan base.
The global Metaverse in fashion market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 10.50 per cent from 2025-32, rising from $0.7 billion in 2025 to $1.8 billion by 2033, as per report by HTF Market Intelligence.
Current trends in this market include a shift towards fashion try-ons, rise in application in virtual runway shows, rising demand for phygital fashion and growing integration with blockchain. The market growth is being driven by factors like rising demand for virtual fashion, growth in digital collectibles, expansion of fashion NFTs and increasing focus on immersive experiences.
Metaverse in fashion refers to the use of virtual platforms and immersive technologies for fashion design, retail, and consumer engagement. This includes digital clothing, NFTs, virtual fashion shows, and 3D avatars. By 2025, luxury brands and mass-market retailers will expand into virtual marketplaces, blending digital identity with real-world commerce. The metaverse will enable new revenue streams, sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, and direct-to-avatar sales.
At the upcoming ITMA Asia + CITME textile machinery exhibition in Singapore this October, Monforts will introduce the new VertiDry, a vertical dryer designed for special finishing of technical textiles. It can be used in combination with coating machines, padders, or Monforts EcoApplicator units.
The VertiDry is a fully contactless and energy-optimized convection dryer. It can be used before or after a stenter depending on the application. The dryer is ideal for the essential pre-drying of sensitive fabrics and for post-coating processes on materials like airbags, denim fabrics, and glass-fiber substrates. Other potential uses include finishing sportswear, outerwear, carpets, geotextiles, and tarpaulins.
The VertiDry is designed for easy integration into both new and existing finishing lines. A single unit can hold about 26 ft of fabric, and multi-story versions are also available, making it highly adaptable to various production setups. The unit can be powered by any available heating source, or a combination of them, to ensure the most cost-effective operation for each mill. It also comes with an integrated exhaust air duct and can connect to a heat recovery system, such as the Monforts Energy Tower. Different nozzle types are available, and the unit will be supplied pre-assembled for quick installation.
The new VertiDry was designed in response to market demands for a space- and energy-saving vertical dryer to help with CO2 reduction and integrate into special processes, especially in the treatment of technical textiles, says Nicole Croonenbroek, Marketing Manager, Monforts With its contactless drying, it will help customers efficiently and economically produce a wide range of high-quality, value-added fabrics, he adds.
Rating agency ICRA has revised its outlook for India's apparel export industry from ‘Stable’ to ‘Negative,’ citing the recent increase in US tariff rates as a major factor that will significantly impact export revenues in the upcoming fiscal year.
According to the agency, the higher tariffs are projected to cause a 6-9 per cent decline in revenue for Indian apparel exporters in FY2026. This is expected to occur despite potential support from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK and attempts by exporters to redirect their supplies to other international markets. The agency also forecasts a contraction in operating profit margins, which are expected to drop to approximately 7.5 per cent in FY2026 from 10 per cent in the prior fiscal year. This decline is largely attributed to weaker performance in the second half of the year, which is likely to reduce overall operational efficiency.
Currently accounting for a modest 6 per cent of apparel imports, the US is a crucial market for Indian exporters, representing nearly one-third of their total apparel exports. The recent 50 per cent tariff rate increase poses a substantial challenge to the competitiveness of Indian products. While exporters advanced shipments ahead of the tariff hike, providing a temporary boost to exports in H1, FY2026, the long-term impact remains a serious concern.
ICRA's report highlights that Indian exporters may struggle to maintain their market share in a highly competitive global environment. The impact will also vary across different product categories, as an immediate shift of US orders to lower-tariffed countries may not be feasible due to differences in manufacturing capabilities and the time required to build new capacities.
Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs may cause hesitation among competing countries to make new investments, further intensifying the challenges for Indian exporters. Lower earnings and a greater reliance on working capital are also expected to moderate the credit metrics for the industry as a whole.
Fueled by the increasing fashion consciousness of male consumers and the rapid rise of digital shopping platforms, the global menswear market is experiencing steady growth. As per a report by Imarc Group, worth $624.3 billion in 2024, the market is forecasted to reach a value of $984.0 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.77 per cent during 2025-2033.
Some of the key factors driving this growth include a shift toward sustainable clothing, convenience offered by e-commerce and influence of social media and celebrity-driven fashion campaigns.
North America continues to dominate the global menswear market, supported by strong consumer purchasing power, established brand loyalty, and increasing demand for premium casual wear and luxury styles among younger buyers.
Asia-Pacific is emerging as a key growth hub, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and widespread adoption of Western fashion. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are particularly strong performers due to booming e-commerce and a vibrant fashion industry.
Melbourne will become a global trade hub as the Global Sourcing Expo returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from November 18–20, 2025. Known as the leading sourcing marketplace in the region, the Expo connects international manufacturers and suppliers with thousands of buyers from Australia and New Zealand, providing a unique platform for business growth, trend spotting, and networking.
The 2024 Melbourne event drew over 900 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, attracting over 4,700 professional attendees, a 24 per cent increase from the previous year. The 2025 edition is expected to surpass this, with over 5,000 buyers, designers, and decision-makers ready to find new partners.
For global suppliers, the Expo is a crucial entry point into the Indo-Pacific market, one of the world's fastest-growing consumer regions. Exhibiting in Melbourne gives businesses direct access to decision-makers actively seeking quality and innovation in categories like apparel, textiles, home furnishings, footwear, and accessories.
Unlike digital platforms, the Expo offers invaluable face-to-face interaction. Exhibitors can showcase their craftsmanship, discuss logistics like minimum order quantities (MOQs) and lead times, get instant feedback, and build long-term relationships. This direct engagement helps businesses gain a foothold in the region’s dynamic retail markets.
For visitors, the Expo is an unmatched opportunity to physically explore products, discover trends, and meet suppliers in one central location. It's the most efficient way for buyers, retailers, and designers to find new partners and expand their product lines, offering a more comprehensive experience than online searches.
The event will also feature the Global Sourcing Seminar Series, with expert-led sessions on key industry themes like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and sustainability. These sessions help attendees future-proof their business strategies.
Adding to the event's scope, the China Clothing Textile Accessories Expo will be co-located with the main event, giving buyers even more access to a diverse range of products and suppliers.
The European Parliament is expected to soon approve the updated EU waste legislation aimed at reducing textile waste. The new rules introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, which will require manufacturers to fund and manage the collection, sorting, reuse, and recycling of waste textiles.
This reform follows a deal reached between Parliament and the Council earlier this year. The Council has already adopted its position, and the Parliament's endorsement will clear the way for the new legislation to be published in the EU Official Journal.
According to the European Commission, the EU generates 12.6 million tons of textile waste annually. Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tons, which is equivalent to about 26 pounds per person each year. Despite this, less than 1 per cent of textiles worldwide are recycled into new products, which highlights the significant scale of the problem.
This revised legislation is part of the EU's broader effort to promote circularity and sustainability in the textile sector, which has been identified as one of the four largest sources of environmental pressure globally.
In a strong showing of support, around 70 VDMA member companies will participate in ITMA ASIA + CITME at the end of October in Singapore. These companies represent nearly every chapter of the textile machinery value chain, including spinning, man-made fibers, nonwovens, weaving, braiding, knitting, warp knitting, finishing, and dyeing, as well as technologies for textile recycling and processing recycled materials.
The VDMA has organized a German Pavilion with two group stands - one for spinning in Hall 4 and another for finishing in Hall 7 - featuring a total of 30 exhibitors.
Dr. Janpeter Horn, Chairman, VDMA Textile Machinery Association, explains, the main topics for VDMA members are efficiency, automation, digitalization, and sustainability. The companies continue to strive for innovative and sustainable solutions with low environmental impact to reduce production costs, without compromising on the high quality of European machinery that customers rightly expect.
Dr Harald Weber, Managing Director, VDMA Textile Machinery Association, adds, the members of the association are looking forward to coming back with ITMA ASIA to Singapore after 20 years. With its central location and seamless travel options, Singapore is the perfect location for reaching customers from one of the world's fastest-growing regions for textile and garment production. Asia remains the world’s top production location for textiles and clothing and is expected to hold this position for the foreseeable future. This makes Asia the most important sales market for VDMA member companies, with nearly half of all German textile machinery and accessories exports shipped to the continent. Additionally, many German textile machinery companies have local production facilities in countries like China, India, and Vietnam.
The $4.5 trillion global luxury market is under siege, not just from the traditional counterfeiters operating in back alleys and illicit online forums, but from a new, more sophisticated challenger: the ‘dupe’ retailer. These brands, distinct from their counterfeit counterparts by not directly copying trademarks, have built multi-billion-dollar empires. They replicate the aesthetic and quality of premium mid-market brands at a fraction of the cost. While the threat is real, an emerging ‘dupe-proof playbook’ is showing that the most successful defence is not a legal one, but one rooted in brand identity, innovation, and consumer connection.
The dupe phenomenon led by social media platforms like TikTok, where viral ‘dupe hauls’ and side-by-side comparisons flourish, is a direct response to a cultural shift. Young, aspirational consumers, particularly Gen Z, are sceptical of the high-end luxury price tag. They feel cheated by what they perceive as opaque pricing structures and are drawn to the transparency of dupe brands that break down production costs. This is not about supporting illegal counterfeits, but about a new form of everyday luxury that prioritizes value and accessibility.
How big is the dupe economy?
The financial impact of the dupe market is huge and its continuous growth is a major concern for luxury brands. According to a 2024 report, the global perfume dupes market alone was valued at $2.71 billion in 2024. This segment is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.80 per cent from 2025-34, reaching an estimated $11.75 billion by 2034.
This growth is not limited to one product category. The broader illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated good, which includes dupes was estimated at $467 billion in 2021, accounting for up to 2.3 per cent of global trade. The sheer scale of this market, driven by changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements, highlights the urgency for brands to adapt.
The brands most impacted
While the super-exclusive haute couture houses and storied luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel are not immune, the dupe phenomenon impacts them differently. Their allure is built on scarcity, heritage, and unattainable price points. The real battle is being waged in the accessible luxury and mid-market segments. These are the brands that offer high-quality, long-lasting products but operate on a business model that, until now, has relied on a certain level of exclusivity and brand-led aspiration.
Luxury and premium brands most at risk are those that are product-centric rather than brand-centric these are brands whose success is tied to a single, easily replicable product or silhouette, rather than a distinctive brand story and community. When a brand's hero product like a specific cashmere sweater or a minimalist leather tote becomes a generic commodity, it's ripe for a dupe.
Brand overly reliant on a singular design motif are also at risk. While signature motifs are crucial for brand recognition, if they can be easily copied without trademark infringement, they become vulnerable. For instance, a particular weave, stitching pattern, or silhouette that is widely recognized but not legally protected can be mimicked by dupe manufacturers.
In an age where consumers are driven by values and authenticity, brands without a strong story about their craftsmanship, sustainability efforts, or founder's vision are at a disadvantage. Dupes can't replicate heritage or a brand's deep-rooted point of view.
What brands can do
The fight against dupes requires a multi-pronged approach that moves beyond traditional brand protection and legal action. It's a fundamental shift in how brands build and maintain value.
Double down on brand building and storytelling: The most effective counter-strategy is to create an identity that simply cannot be copied. This is about elevating the brand beyond the product itself.
Craft a unique point of view: Brands are moving away from simply selling a product and are instead selling a lifestyle, an ethos, and a community. This involves investing in compelling storytelling, from the sourcing of materials to the artisanal process. Brands like AYR, Bleusalt, and White + Warren are building strong identities through unique design motifs and narratives that highlight their distinct point of view.
Lean into scarcity and exclusivity: While accessibility is a goal for many, a brand can create a new form of exclusivity through limited drops, collaborations, and member-only access. This transforms the purchasing experience from a simple transaction into a special event, something a dupe can't replicate.
Innovate beyond the dupe: Rather than playing defence, some brands are using dupes as a signal for market demand and are innovating to stay ahead. They are creating dupe-proof products which involves developing proprietary materials, unique technical innovations, and design elements that are difficult and expensive to replicate. For example, Lululemon's ‘Dupe Swap’ campaign by inviting customers to trade in their dupes for an authentic pair of Align leggings, the brand showed the superior quality and value of their product, turning a threat into a marketing opportunity.
Also, when a physical product can be replicated, the experience of interacting with the brand becomes the ultimate differentiator. This includes creating immersive retail environments, personalized services, and exclusive events that a dupe brand, operating almost exclusively online, cannot offer.
While legal battles are often a game of ‘whack-a-mole’, technology offers a proactive defence. Luxury brands are increasingly using blockchain technology to create an immutable record of a product's journey from factory to customer. The Aura Blockchain Consortium, a joint effort by LVMH, Cartier, and others, is a prime example. Consumers can scan a QR code on a product to verify its authenticity, learn about its origin, and access information about its craftsmanship. Also, AI-powered tools are being used to scan e-commerce platforms and social media in real-time to detect and take down dupe listings, using coded language and visual cues that human eyes might miss.
Thus the rise of the dupe market is a wake-up call for the premium sector. It reveals that in a post-trust consumer landscape, a brand's price tag and reputation are no longer enough to justify its value. The data is clear. Consumers are more willing than ever to buy a lookalike if the original brand fails to provide a compelling reason to choose authenticity. The brands that will not only survive but thrive in this new era are those that pivot from selling products to selling an identity, an experience, and a narrative that is, by its very nature, impossible to duplicate.
