FW
A rising innovator in AI-powered sustainability solutions for the fashion and textile industry, GreenStitch has launched a groundbreaking new tool: the Higg FEM AI Gap Analyzer. This free, AI-powered solution is designed to help manufacturers achieve higher Higg Facility Environmental Module (FEM) scores with unprecedented ease, accuracy, and speed.
The Higg FEM is the global standard for facility-level sustainability in the fashion and textile sector. However, many manufacturers find the assessment confusing, often receiving vague feedback and unclear scores without clear guidance on how to improve. GreenStitch's new tool aims to transform this uncertainty into clarity, offering a fast, data-driven path with precise suggestions for boosting their scores.
Manufacturers can simply upload their Higg FEM report and, within minutes, receive a comprehensive AI-powered breakdown. The tool identifies exactly which questions have gaps, what requirements were missed, and provides actionable steps for improvement. A market-first feature, it also predicts the score increase each fix can deliver. For sustainability teams, this means they can prioritize efforts effectively, act with confidence, and prepare for third-party verification without needing expensive consultants or ESG specialists.
Factories today are under growing pressure from brands and regulators to prove their sustainability claims, but they often lack the time, tools, or expertise to act on vague audit feedback, states Narendra Makwana, Co-founder and CEO, GreenStitch. This new AI agent flips the model as it doesn’t just diagnose problems, it shows the exact fix and what it’s worth. This is about moving from compliance confusion to instant clarity.
Unlike traditional support methods that rely on generic feedback or manual consulting, the Higg AI Gap Analyzer is fully automated, aligns with the latest Higg Index v4.0, and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. It also strengthens alignment with other critical frameworks like ZDHC, CDP, SBTi, and EU CSRD by helping manufacturers improve core reporting data on emissions, energy, water, and chemical management.
From September 23- 29, 2025, Milan Fashion Week will showcase Spring 2026 collections to an audience of celebrities, buyers, and press. This season is particularly notable for several major debuts, with new creative directors unveiling their first collections for iconic Italian houses.
The week kicks off with Glenn Martens' show for Diesel, followed by a highly anticipated moment for Gucci on September 23. Demna, the former creative director of Balenciaga, will present his first collection for the house. It's expected to be a clean, back-to-basics collection that honors Gucci's heritage. Demna's full vision for the brand is slated to be unveiled at Gucci's March show.
On September 24, Simone Bellotti will make his debut for Jil Sander. Based on his pre-show teasers, which included a music video and EP, the designer is expected to present a collection with a musical theme.
The week will also feature Prada in its usual slot on September 25. The day after, on September 26, Dario Vitale will present his first collection for Versace, a show that is planned to be a more intimate event.
The end of the week will see more significant moments. On September 28, Bottega Veneta will begin a new chapter as Louise Trotter, previously of Carven, makes her debut for the brand.
Later that evening, Armani will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special runway show at the Palazzo Brera in Milan's design district. This major milestone will be preceded by two Emporio Armani shows on September 25.
Multi-brand global leading innovator in outdoor, active and lifestyle products including apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment, Columbia Sportswear Company has published its outlook for Q3, FY25.
According to this outlook, the company’s net sales are expected to decline by 1-3 per cent to $922 million from $932 million for the comparable period in 2024. Operating margin is expected to decline to 7.6 to 9.0 per cent, compared to operating margin of 12.1 per cent in the comparable period in 2024.
In Q2, FY25, the company’s net sales increased 6 per cent (6 per cent constant-currency) to $605.2 million from $570.2 million for the comparable period in 2024. The increase primarily reflects changes in wholesale shipment timing which benefited sales in the quarter, and higher Spring 2025 wholesale orders, partially offset by lower direct-to-consumer ("DTC") net sales. Sales growth in most of our international markets was offset by underlying weakness in the U.S.
The company’s gross margin expanded 120 basis points to 49.1 per cent of net sales from 47.9 percent of net sales for the comparable period in 2024. Gross margin expansion reflected several factors including healthier overall inventory composition resulting in less clearance and promotional activity, as well as favorable product sales mix, partially offset by unfavorable channel and region sales mix.
Operating loss decreased to $23.6 million, or 3.9 percent of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $23.8 million, or 4.2 percent of net sales, for the comparable period in 2024.
Tim Boyle, Chairman, President and CEO, says, while business trends in the company’s US business remain soft, the company continues to take steps to re-energize the Columbia brand through its Accelerate growth strategy. In the coming days, the brand plans to launch one of the most impactful components of this strategy, their new highly differentiated Columbia brand voice and marketing campaign, he adds.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has approved the levy of the new 20 per cent reciprocal tariff rate on Sri Lanka’s apparel exports to the United States. The organization praised the Government of Sri Lanka for its determined efforts in securing this favorable outcome, which is considered crucial for the nation's apparel sector.
The revised tariff brings Sri Lanka's apparel industry into closer alignment with other major regional exporters like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This change creates a more level playing field and helps maintain the competitiveness of Sri Lankan apparel in the key US market.
JAAF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Sri Lankan government and its US counterparts to promote ethical labor practices, environmental sustainability, and innovation within the industry. The organization believes, these shared values, combined with ongoing diplomatic efforts, will deepen bilateral trade relations and potentially lead to further tariff reductions in the future.
A leading technology company owning Sports.com, Concerts.com, and Lottery.com, SEGG Media Corporation has launched its first apparel collection since the company’s strategic investment in Veloce Media Group.
Titled, ‘Quadrant Speedway,’ the collection blends motorsport heritage with streetwear aesthetics. The collection was launched by Lando Norris in the F1 paddock ahead of his pole position and podium finish at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
Quadrant has always aimed to position itself at the centre of key motorsport subcultures, and this time, the brand embraced a more aggressive, rugged creative direction. With its raw energy and exhilarating atmosphere, Speedway provided the perfect backdrop.
Matthew McGahan, Chairman & CEO, SEGG Media, says, the Speedway Collection offers the first glimpse into SEGG Media powering the next generation of sport, fashion, and fandom since the acquisition.
Quadrant has emerged as one of the most influential brands targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences across motorsport, gaming, and digital content. With an audience reach of more than 750 million views per month and 55 million subscribers, Veloce’s platform gives Quadrant launches, such as the Speedway Collection, an unmatched global audience.
The Speedway collection also reflects SEGG Media’s long-term vision through Sports.com, its flagship platform aimed at reshaping how fans consume, engage with, and experience modern sport. Defined by gritty textures and bold distressed finishes, the collection celebrates the collision of racing, culture, and design.
Founded in 2018, Veloce Media Group is a multi-pillared gaming, motorsport, and lifestyle media business operating at the intersection of some of the world’s fastest-growing and most future-focused industries.
Headquartered in London, Veloce’s ecosystem spans the industry-leading gaming and racing platform Veloce Esports, the upcoming hydrogen-powered FIA Extreme H World Cup team, Veloce Racing, and a vast digital media network boasting over 55 million subscribers and 750 million monthly views.
SEGG Media is a global sports, entertainment and gaming group operating a portfolio of digital assets including Sports.com, Concerts.com and Lottery.com. Focused on immersive fan engagement, ethical gaming and AI-driven live experiences, SEGG Media is redefining how global audiences interact with the content they love.
Scheduled from September 2-4, 2025 in Shanghai, the upcoming autumn edition of Yarn Expo will feature over 500 international exhibitors, many highlighting their diverse sustainable practices and products. This year, exhibitors will undergo the independent Econogy Check, an initiative prioritizing environmental certifications. The event will accelerate the industry's collective journey toward a more sustainable future.
Beyond the booming recycled yarn market, projected to hit $8.31 billion by 2030, the demand for eco-textiles is manifesting in various forms. While some companies focus on groundbreaking solutions, others integrate existing green materials and processes, supported by recognized certifications. Yarn Expo continues to prove its effectiveness as a vital platform for sustainable industry exchange, with its extensive international reach, broad product offerings, and impactful fringe programs driving exposure to innovative trends.
Visitors to Yarn Expo Autumn will discover a wealth of exhibitors showcasing a spectrum of sustainable practices. Key participants include the Docotton Group AS from Türkiye, Vietnam-based Hai Thien Synthetic Fiber Limited Company, Jiangxi Hengbang Textile Co from China, Indian company Shri Madhusudan Rayons and The Movement BV from the Netherlands.
As a part of the Texpertise Network, Yarn Expo Autumn consistently prioritizes its own sustainability efforts. Held concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, CHIC, and PH Value, the fair also fosters synergy across the fiber, yarn, apparel, fashion, and knitted garment industries, maximizing business opportunities for all participants.
Quashing rumors about the Roberto Cavalli business being up for sale, Hussain Sejwani, Owner, Damac Group says, the group has been investing in the growth and success of the company since acquiring it in 2019 and continues to remain interested in acquiring strategic partners who can add value to the business, he adds.
Robert Cavalli has faced the same challenges that have hit the rest of the luxury sector in recent years. However, the brand continues to open new boutiques and launching regular collections as well as collaborations. This year alone, the brand opened new stores in Ibiza, Dubai Mall and Los Angeles besides collaborating with Skims and LeSportsac.
Launched in 1970, the label’s founder died a little over a year ago. The company had been bought just before the pandemic by DAMAC, which is a multi-billion-dollar business conglomerate founded and headquarted in the UAE by Hussain Sajwani. The parent company also invests in luxury real estate, capital markets, hotels/resorts, manufacturing, catering, and data centers.
Small-cap company with a market cap of $75.39 million, Loop Industries has unveiled a new circular polyester resin made entirely from textile waste.
Called Twist, the polyester resin is designed to provide the fashion and textile industries with a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester. The product is created using Loop's patented depolymerization technology, which breaks down old polyester textiles into their core chemical components. These components are then purified and repolymerized, resulting in a resin that is chemically identical to polyester made from fossil fuels.
Giovanni Catino, Chief Revenue Officer, Loop Industries states, Twist is a major step forward in closing the loop for textiles. The company claims, production of Twist can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 81 per cent compared to fossil fuel-based resin. These figures have been independently validated by Franklin Associates, a ERG division.
Twist features embedded chemical tracers that allow for complete traceability. This technology enables products to be tracked back to their original textile waste inputs, verifying the recycling process. The resin is designed to work seamlessly with existing spinning and manufacturing equipment, allowing for easy integration into current production lines without major modifications. It will be produced at Loop Industries' Terrebonne facility and at the planned Infinite Loop India facility. The India plant is strategically located to serve global textile and apparel brands.
Oeko-Tex has become an official member of United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNFLN), a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in support of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This new partnership enhances OEKO-TEX's role in global sustainability efforts significantly by providing a direct channel for its expertise in certification, traceability, and responsible sourcing.
As a member of the UNFLN, OEKO-TEX gains a unique opportunity to engage in high-level discussions and contribute to global policy dialogues. Represented by its official partner, Testex, the organization will actively provide its technical and scientific knowledge to accelerate collaborative action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The network connects industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society, creating a structured ecosystem for knowledge exchange and promoting best practices.
By joining this UN-recognized platform, OEKO-TEX and Testex will increase the visibility of certified best practices and contribute crucial scientific data to international initiatives that are shaping the future of textiles and lifestyle goods. This strategic move strengthens their position as leaders in sustainable supply chain management and reinforces their commitment to a more transparent and responsible global fashion industry.
Having set an ambitious goal of increasing its exports to $100 billion by 2030, the Indian textile industry has been shaken by the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on India’s textiles and clothing by the US. This move comes as a major shock, especially as India was making strides in negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US to lower tariffs.
According to Dr SK Sundararaman, Chairman, Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), this unexpected tariff poses a serious setback that could negatively impact India’s export performance in the short term. With the festival season approaching, the new tariff could severely affect summer export orders.
A critical market for India, the US accounts for nearly 30 per cent of its total garment exports. India currently exports about $11 billion worth of textiles and clothing to the US and has seen its market share grow from 4.5 per cent in 2020 to 5.8 per cent in 2024. Before this new tariff, Indian exports faced duties of up to 16 per cent on readymade garments, which already hurt their competitiveness.
While a 25 per cent tariff may seem manageable compared to those on other countries, the real concern for the industry is the penal tariff, the full impact of which is not yet clear. Dr. Sundararaman has appealed to the Indian Prime Minister to intervene with the US President to withdraw the penal provisions and expedite the bilateral negotiations scheduled for later this year.
