The 15th edition of the Bangladesh Denim Expo is gearing up to make its mark on the global denim scene, scheduled to take place on November 8th and 9th, 2023, at the International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

This prestigious trade show is set to host over 80 exhibitors from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, and Italy. The event will feature an array of innovative denim products, ranging from fabrics and garments to machinery and accessories.

The expo will also provide a platform for engaging panel discussions and trend seminars, delving into the future of the Bangladesh apparel industry, sustainability in the denim sector, unlocking untapped potentials, and transforming human capital for a USD 100 billion industry. Visitors can gain firsthand knowledge of the latest denim trends and innovations in the dedicated "Trend Zone."

Founder and CEO of the Bangladesh Denim Expo, Mostafiz Uddin, emphasized the event's role in fostering discovery, connections, and new business opportunities, making it a must-attend for authorized trade visitors. The expo promises to provide valuable insights into the denim industry and its latest technologies, equipment, and materials.

With young people dictating the spending power of each country and influencing global economy in a big way, Nike has managed to retain its status as the top footwear and clothing brand among teenagers for over a decade. Despite the potential signs of a slowdown in teen spending as inflation affects all social and economic strata, Nike has managed to remain as the the most desired brand for teens and Gen Z.

US-based investment bank and financial services company Piper Sandler’s Generation Z survey in 2021 of US teens found the general self-reported spending fell by 1 per cent year-on-year to around $2,316 and has more or less remained the same then on. Almost 60 per cent of their spending power comes from their parents, as even though they are extremely brand-conscious with their own style, they are too young to have own income.

Nike is consistently surpassing other apparel and footwear brands in the premium segment that includes competitors Adidas, Converse, Crocs, and Lululemon. Nike is a brand that Gen Z views as one that shows maximum inclusivity and challenged gender norms. Lululemon is increasingly growing in popularity with teens this year and increasing its rank in the accessories category.

Sports clothing, footwear, accessories lead the Gen Z market

As per a Europe Sportswear Market Research report by London-based GlobalData, the European sportswear market size was valued at $115.9 billion in 2020 growing rapidly in the post-pandemic era with focus on wellness. The Gen Z segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6 per cent during the forecast period of 2020-2025. 

Leading brands like Nike, Adidas, Decathlon, Puma, ASICS, New Balance, Lacoste, Under Armour, Reebok, The North Face, Napapijri, Converse, Vans, Champion and Columbia among others are expected to continue their popularity stakes.

Piper Sandler’s survey focuses on Gen Z trends

Athletic and athleisure clothing brands ranked high among teenagers with 44 per cent preferring the segment over others in the apparel categories. As for handbags, luxury brands Coach and Michael Kors took the top two spots among Gen Z. While Coach has managed to retain its number one position over the last few years, Michael Kors popularity has slipped taking it from second place in 2022 to fourth this year.

In online shopping, 55 per cent chose Amazon as their top e-commerce shopping site, followed by 12 per cent Shein and 7 per cent Nike while Lululemon, and PacSun were also in the top 5 list. 

Even though men and women always differ in their apparel and footwear brand choices, spending on food is usually the top priority for men while clothing is the highest for women. The core beauty wallet of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance, led by the cosmetics segment is the big draw for women. Also unlike working adults, teens prefer Off-Price and secondhand channels to spend less and yet stay on trend.

Over the years, Piper Sandler Taking Stock With Teens® semi-annual research project gathers input from around 6,000 teens with an average age of 16.2 years. It gives many insights on discretionary spending patterns, fashion trends, technology, and brand and media preferences. 

Nike will have to fight it out really hard with clever marketing and retail strategies with other big brands in both offline and online formats in order to continue to stay on top of the game in the quick-changing Gen Z market. 

Digital shop floor management and Digital Production Management (DPM) are reshaping the textile manufacturing landscape, offering unprecedented efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

In a rapidly changing global economy, textile manufacturers face complex challenges, including fierce competition, rising costs, and increasing consumer demand for sustainability. To address these challenges, innovative solutions like digital shop floor management are transforming the industry. This revolutionary concept integrates advanced information technologies into manufacturing, providing real-time insights that empower manufacturers to optimize operations and reduce costs.

At the forefront of this transformation is KM.ON's DPM, a groundbreaking software tailored for the warp knitting sector. DPM utilizes IoT and advanced analytics to provide real-time, production-specific data, enabling managers to optimize resource allocation and make data-driven decisions. Its specialized features include performance reporting, quality analysis, and streamlined production planning.

Implementing DPM leads to increased productivity, reduced administrative overhead, and improved quality control. Moreover, it aligns with the industry's sustainability goals by optimizing resource allocation and reducing waste.

Embracing DPM is a step towards increased revenue and optimized costs in an ever-shifting market. The textile industry is evolving, and digital solutions like DPM are leading the way towards a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future. Manufacturers partnering with KM.ON can redefine their processes and secure a thriving future in this dynamic landscape.

Sartoria Studio, the eminent hub for meticulously curated menswear in New York City, is further enhancing its custom tailoring portfolio. The esteemed Soho menswear lounge, nestled at 65-69 West Houston Street, is gearing up to host a limited trunk show event on November 15-16, featuring the prestigious Milanese bespoke tailor, Prata & Mastrale.

This unique event invites clients to either casually drop in or secure a private appointment, granting them access to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Prata & Mastrale. Sartoria Studio has swiftly emerged as Manhattan's premier destination for personalized men's attire, excelling in made-to-measure and bespoke ensembles, top-tier ready-to-wear clothing, and thoughtfully curated accessories that effortlessly combine edginess, elegance, and expert craftsmanship.

This expansion reinforces the vision of Sartoria Studio's Founder, Jack Menashe, as he introduces a new level of handcrafted garment customization into the permanent offerings of their extensive custom tailoring services.

Jack's mission revolves around filling a distinctive void in the Manhattan tailoring scene, where men can acquire personalized menswear with flair and the guidance of trusted stylists.