Social media followers are rallying for a boycott of the latest campaign by Spanish fashion giant Zara, citing concerns about its insensitivity towards the ongoing situation in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly surpassed 17,000 people.
The campaign, posted on December 8, 2023, has faced intense backlash for featuring model Kristen McMenamy carrying a mannequin wrapped in white cloth, reminiscent of scenes seen in news coverage. Another image portrays her standing inside a wooden box, further fueling criticism.
Numerous online commenters have expressed their discontent, with @AnamSalem asserting on X that "their pain isn’t for sale" in response to the campaign. Meanwhile, @writernextdoor labeled the brand as shameless, urging Zara to show more humanity in its approach.
The controversy surrounding these images has sparked a broader conversation on social media platforms, with users condemning what they perceive as an inappropriate use of imagery during a sensitive and critical time. The campaign has ignited calls for Zara to reconsider its promotional material in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Focusing on its ambitious target of reaching $50 billion in export, key players in Pakistan's textile industry have unveiled a comprehensive strategy for the Export Advisory Council for Textiles. The strategy encompasses setting up of 1,000 garment plants nationwide, aimed at increasing exports and diversifying the industry's product portfolio. With an investment of $5 million per plant, equipped with 500 stitching machines, these facilities are projected to generate $20 million in annual exports each, while concurrently generating 1,000 job opportunities.
A noteworthy component of the proposal is a 'no cost-no commitment' incentive package, designed to entice international brands and retailers to establish a physical presence in Pakistan. The package includes incentives like free office spaces, with the implementation costs covered through upfront financing from the Export Development Fund in the initial six months. Funding for the scheme will additionally be supported by a 0.1% rebate for firms procuring merchandise exceeding $50 million from Pakistan.
In response to evolving strategies in the US fashion industry, the textile firms reiterated their dedication to leveraging opportunities emerging from the reassessment of textile product sourcing.
To foster a competitive landscape, industry leaders urged the government to institute a distinct power tariff category for exporters. They advocated consistent supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) at regionally competitive prices and a transition to zero emissions to align with net-zero greenhouse gas emission targets.
In further appeals they called for exemptions from sales tax for textile exports, expeditious processing of refunds by the Federal Board of Revenue, and the establishment of free commercial zones with simplified procedures.
Emphasizing the imperative for tax incentives and financial schemes, industry leaders underscored the necessity of diversifying textile and apparel exports beyond reliance on cotton-based products.
Manufacturer of breakthrough technology for making textile fibre out of wood or waste, Spinnova Plc has appointed Tuomas Oijala the new CEO. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President at Kone Corporation, Oijala has served the company across many commercial and business development roles. Most recently, he was the managing director for Kone in Denmark.
Based in Finland, the company Spinnova is known for transforming textile production across the globe. The company manufactures the patented SPINNOVA® fibre that creates zero waste and side streams or microplastics, and its CO2 emissions and water use are minimal.
In a significant move to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Indian apparel exporters, Union Minister for Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, presented the prestigious ‘AEPC Excellence Honours’ on December 8, 2023. The awards, spanning the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, were bestowed upon RMG exporters for their exceptional role in shaping the country's modern export enterprises and fostering a distinctive Indian export culture.
The highlight of the event was Minister Goyal's call for a remarkable expansion of textile exports, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Proposing the '40 by 30' initiative, Goyal urged collective efforts to elevate RMG exports from the current $16 billion to $40 billion, heralding a potential game-changer for the textile industry's future.
Addressing industry leaders, Minister Goyal emphasized the government's commitment to promoting exports through measures such as free trade agreements and the promotion of brand India. He urged apparel exporters to prioritize domestic raw material procurement over reliance on "opaque" foreign suppliers, cautioning against falling prey to "predatory pricing." Goyal stressed the need to strengthen the domestic supply chain to ensure the long-term health of the textile ecosystem.
Notably, Goyal commended the industry for its role in achieving a remarkable 55% growth in exports, totaling $776 billion in both merchandise and services over the last two years (2021-23). The event kicked off with a Focus Group Discussion on the '40 by 30' theme, addressing topics such as enhancing competitiveness, industry-academia linkages, exploring new frontiers with MMF, and ensuring compliance and sustainability.
During the Power Group Discussion, AEPC Chairman Naren Goenka expressed confidence that the next decade would be India's in textiles exports, attributing this optimism to increased international interest in India following China's exit and regional instability in neighboring countries. Goenka highlighted India's abundant raw material availability, positioning the country to cater to shorter lead times and remain resilient to global economic fluctuations.
Despite the sector's successes, challenges were acknowledged, notably the issue of poor economies of scale in Indian apparel. The event also saw discussions on the PM MITRA initiative, aimed at addressing industry concerns related to scale, investment, and infrastructure, with a proposed park spanning 1000 acres.
The awards ceremony recognized top exporters, with Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd. receiving the gold trophy for the highest global exports in 2021-22 and 2022-23, followed by Richa Global Exports Pvt. Ltd. and Arvind Limited. Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman, President FIEO, received the Mentor of the Indian Apparel Industry award, and Shri Deepak Seth, Founder and Group Chairman of Pearl Global Industries Limited, was honored as the Icon of the Indian Apparel Industry.
Chairman AEPC emphasized the need for innovation, market expansion, sustainability, strategic partnerships, and empowering the workforce to achieve the ambitious $40 billion RMG export target.
Vietnam is showcasing textile and garments products at Intex South Asia at a pavilion organised by the Vietnam Trade Office.
Opened on December 07, the international textile sourcing show hosts young startup brands like Vindi Global to showcase Vietnam and India manufactured products including fabric, yarn, and accessories.
Connecting over 50,000 buyers with 1,800 suppliers, Intex South Asia is held by the Worldex India Exhibition and Promotion nd the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), with sponsorship from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India.
The fair has connected 50,000 buyers from 35 countries and territories with more than 1,800 suppliers.
The event, a leading international textile sourcing show in South Asia, has been organised for 11 times in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India since 2015.
Data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs shows, Vietnam’s textile and garment exports to India surged by 10 per cent to $150 million during the first ten months of this year.
In a highlight of the Aachen-Dresden-Denkendorf International Textile Conference in Dresden, Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, lauded the accomplishments of four outstanding young engineers. The awards ceremony, held as part of the conference, recognized innovative contributions in sustainability and technological advancements.
Franziska Jauch from Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences clinched the Bachelor's category Sustainability Prize, a 3,000-euro accolade, for her groundbreaking work on pigment digital printing in denim production. Meanwhile, Annika Datko of RWTH Aachen secured the Bachelor's category Promotion Prize, also valued at 3,000 euros, for her research on determining polyester content in used textiles.
In the Diploma/Master's category, Dave Kersevan from TU Dresden received a 3,500-euro Sustainability Prize for his noteworthy thesis on developing a laboratory system for needled carbon preforms. Flávio Diniz, representing RWTH Aachen, clinched the Diploma/Master's category Promotion Award, also endowed with 3,500 euros, for his outstanding work on the feasibility of manufacturing ultra-thin carbon fibers.
The anticipation for the 2024 award ceremony is building, set to unfold in April at the VDMA stand during the Techtextil fair in Frankfurt. The accolades underscore the industry's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable practices among emerging talents.
Scoop, the renowned international trade show, is set to captivate visitors at Olympia West, Kensington, from the 11th to the 13th of February 2024. Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley has unveiled a stellar lineup of new designers, promising a dynamic and diverse experience for attendees.
Among the highlights is The New Society, originating as a childrenswear line and expanding into women's fashion, boasting a conscious, timeless, and sustainable ethos with a distinct Spanish flair. Story Wear, a zero-waste brand from Taiwan, impresses with stylish and durable collections crafted entirely from upcycled denim and other waste fabrics, garnering acclaim at Taipei and London Fashion Weeks.
17H10 Paris specializes in reimagining the suit, blending elegance and simplicity with responsible fabrics, while WILD, a Parisian creation, draws inspiration from the vibrancy of Brazil, offering a vivid antidote to minimal dressing. TANAVANA, founded by an Indian designer, seamlessly blends heritage and modernity in a bold and feminine collection rooted in exceptional craftsmanship.
Stoney Clover Lane, a favorite in America, brings vibrant lifestyle and travel accessories to the UK market, offering customizable duffles, totes, and pouches. Radley emphasizes Scoop's uniqueness in constantly evolving and introducing emerging brands from around the world, promising an exciting showcase of approximately 250 designers across premium women's fashion, luxury home, beauty, lifestyle, and men's collections at Olympia West. Scoop remains a must-see on the international trade show circuit, showcasing innovation and beauty in fashion.
Bangladesh’s earnings from apparel exports to the United States dived by 24.75 per cent Y-o-Y to $6.35 billion during the January-October 2023 period from $8.44 billion during the January-to-October period last calendar year.
Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the US during this period dropped by 29.52 per cent Y-o-Y, as per data from OTEXA. .Bangladesh exported 1.94 billion sq m of garments as against 2.76 sq m exported last year.
Overall US imports of apparel from the world during January-October 2023 declined 22.71 per cent to $67.26 billion compared to $87.03 billion in the same period of 2022, data showed.
In October particularly, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US fell by 36.50 per cent to $578 million as against apparels worth $910.72 exported during the same month last year.
The 15th edition of TEXCON-the annual conference on textiles and apparels is being held on December 14, 2023 by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The theme of the event will be Making India a Global Textile Manufacturing Hub: A Paradigm Shift’.
Focusing on key topics to consider India’s position in the global textile and apparel sector, the conference will hold several discussions on key topics like the importance of sustainability and traceability in future manufacturing excellence, enhancing India's raw material competitiveness, including developing a network for recycling raw materials, and a panel discussion on ways to make India a top sourcing destination for global brands from their perspective.
The conference will address the changing landscape of global textile and apparel manufacturing, with a focus on India's potential to becoming a global manufacturing hub, and to prepare a roadmap for this paradigm shift.
A drop in orders from garment buyers and challenges in securing letters of credit due to dwindling foreign exchange reserves may result in Bangladesh importing less quantity of cotton in the current marketing year of 2023-24.
As per USDA report, Bangladesh's imports of raw cotton are projected to decrease by 12 per cent to 7.5 million bales in 2023-24. Gas supply shortages have led several spinning mills in the country to operate at reduced capacities, and cotton importers are encountering difficulties in opening letters of credit, states the report.
The upcoming national elections scheduled for January are further hindering production in Ready-Made Garment (RMG) factories, whose efficiency has already been impacted by political movements, including blockades and strikes, as mentioned in the report.
The forecast indicates a potential 11.4 per cent decline in the consumption of raw cotton to 78 million bales, with yarn production expected to decrease to 1.6 million tonnes. This includes 1.4 million tonnes of cotton yarn and 400,000 tonnes of mixed yarn.
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