The fashion industry is facing numerous challenges across countries. These include obstacles in delivery of in-demand products from suppliers. Also, suppliers are not able to predict demand due to uneven consumption patterns, says Achim Berg, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Co.

Focus on new alliances and technologies

Situations like these demand focus on new alliances and closer exchanges with brands, Berg opines. This would help suppliers predict demand by giving access to data. Brands also need to be flexible in their operations and improve product costs and Tier II and III suppliers, Berg says.

Demand recovery varies across regions. Recovery is strong in Asia with China leading demand. On the other hand, Europe is struggling due to lack of international travellers and fragmented nature of markets. North America, that initially witnessed a V-shaped recovery, is still going strong. Technology is playing an important role in recovery of brands with digitization of supply chains becoming extremely important.

Categories like dresses, high heels, even suits made a strong return in the first five or six months of this year. Europe is recovering so are the US and Asia. Together, these nations are expected to drive future consumption.

Managing costs

Though consumers desire to spend on fashion, mounting energy bills are preventing them from doing so. The Russia-Ukraine war is boosting energy bills and cost of living. It may also impact the fashion industry, particularly, he discounts, value fashion and midmarket segments.

Brands are likely to face a recession induced by current inflation levels. Rising energy costs and interest rates are likely to impact consumption and refinancing patterns and cost structures of companies. To manage costs, brands will have to review their investment budgets and cost structures, and prepare for a challenging 2023. They will have to move away from physical stores toward a more digital business model.

Traceability gains traction for brands

Sustainability continues to be the big topic. In the next 18 to 24 months, brands will have to focus on sustainability. They will have to emphasize on traceability and digitalization to ensure transparency across the supply chain.

Big players will get bigger in future, given the resources, brands and business systems they have built. Low-performing players will face challenges in funding some of the things that the top performers are doing. Brands need to diversify to geographic regions to balance risk. They should also expand their product categories with a bigger focus on digitizing operations.

Activewear brand Lululemon plans to launch its Hike Collection on July 5, 2022.

The 33-piece line has been designed to make hiking easier and more enjoyable.Its abrasion-resistant seams reduce friction for chafe-free climbs while lightweight fabrics make the items more breathable.

One such example is the ‘Grid Fleece Hiking Overshirt’ which is made of a grid-textured mesh fleece fabric that is also breathable. It’s also water-repellant and has pockets on the chest, arm sleeve and side of the stomach for carrying items.

The ‘Convertible Ripstop Hiking Jacket’ features zip-off sleeves to maximize comfort in shifting. Other pieces are highly adaptable to enable hikers to be comfortable in a variety of climates, like the water-resistant and windproof ‘Convertible Ripstop Hiking Jacket’ which features zip-off sleeves and a mesh opening in the back to maximize airflow. It even has a shoulder bag built into the side pocket that can be easily zipped off and used as a lightweight purse. The jacket can be rolled up into a small bundle for easy packing.

Convenience and comfort is equally as prioritized with the eight accessories included in the collection. The ‘LiftOS Hiking Backpack 25L’ is made with a water-repellent material and has been designed so that once it’s packed, it sits higher on the back, removing strain from the shoulders. The back panel is also curved for added lumbar support and to help transfer weight to the hip.

The entire collection is packable, stretchable and highly adjustable to maximize convenience and encourage hikers to get outdoors. The phrase “detours are welcome” is subtly sprinkled throughout the line—on the back of sports bras and above the hip pockets on leggings. “For us it’s about a sense of adventure,” says Stubbington. “We want to invite people to get out and enjoy nature.”

The ‘Hike to Swim Bra’ are designed to be functional both while hiking and swimming, to encourage hikers to not let their clothing prevent them from experiencing all that nature has to offer. The bra is made with Esca fabric and Xtra Life Lycra for stretch and shape retention, and improved chlorine and salt resistance.

The collection has been designed to take hikers from the trails to everyday activities, like socializing in the city.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global zippers market, currently worth $16.760 million, is forecast to a readjusted size of $22.280 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 4.1 per cent during the forecast period 2022-2028.

As per a report by Market Research Guru, key players in the global zippers market include YKK, Coats Industrial, SBS, Weixing Group, YBS Zipper, etc. Global top five manufacturers hold a share about 20 per cent. Asia-Pacific is the largest market, with a share about 60% per cent followed by Europe and North America, both with a share about 15 percent. In terms of product, Nylon Zipper is the largest segment, with a share about 65 per centAnd in terms of application, the largest application is garment, followed by luggage and bags, sporting goods, camping gear, etc.

The research report incorporates the analysis of different factors that augment the market’s growth. It constitutes trends, restraints, and drivers that transform the market in either a positive or negative manner. This section also provides the scope of different segments and applications that can potentially influence the market in the future. The detailed information is based on current trends and historic milestones. This section also provides an analysis of the volume of production about the global market and about each type. This section mentions the volume of production by region. Pricing analysis is included in the report according to each type, manufacturer, region and global price from 2017 to 2028.

KraigBiocraft Laboratories, Inc, the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, in collaboration with its joint venture partner, Kings Group, has selected a high-quality garment manufacturer to produce first apparel line under its Spydasilk'sTMbrand.

The manufacturer selected has demonstrated its capacity and technical ability to deliver on Spydasilk's vision for apparel that blends performance and elegance with its exclusive spider silk materials. With more than 20 years in business and its strong ties to Vietnam's entire textile supply chain, this producer can leverage the capabilities of the best mills to bring the Spydasilk brand to life.

In partnership with Kings Group, the Company has already delivered its recombinant spider silk yarn and a non-spider silk fabric swatch for use in developing a brand new fabric built upon the performance and feel of the Company's spider silk.

Kraig Labs and Kings Group are simultaneously developing an accelerated product launch plan, including media, marketing, sales, and distribution systems for this first direct-to-consumer apparel launch.