Marco De Vincenzo returns to Pitti Uomo as the Pitti Italics Special Event for this edition (June 11-14, 2019). Recognized as one of the most innovative voices on the fashion scene, the designer will launch his first menswear collection. The Marco De Vincenzo SS2020 men’s collection will be presented at a fashion show scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

“Marco De Vincenzo is one of the most successful Italian fashion talents on an international level,” said Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine Director of Communication & Events. “We are happy that he is back at Pitti Uomo for the debut of his menswear collection. I am convinced that together we will find a space in Florence able to further inspire him for this truly special occasion. It already happened three years ago when his installation inside the historic Niccolini Theater built around the visual and spatial relationships between the clothes, crystals and lights enthralled the public due to the refined cultural references. May it be a good omen for this new, necessary and courageous undertaking of Marco.”

The First edition of PROJECT TOKYO was held at the Tokyo International Forum from the 26th-27th of March. There were 270 leading designers and advanced contemporary brands that participated from around the world, including multiple brands from the US, France, and Italy. 62 of those brands exposed their collection in Japan for the first time.

“We made sure to bringing buyers from all regions of Japan, not just the big department stores and boutiques based in Tokyo” states Hayato Ishihara, Director of the event. “We also brought buyers from Europe, US with focus on East Asia, multiple stores from China, Korea and Taiwan as we position PROJECT TOKYO as a gateway to the Asian market”. 

Japanese and international buyers also took part in “Matchmaking”, which is a unique feature of this event. The organizers arranged over 660 onsite matchmaking appointments prior to the show, many of them leading to orders. 

Dominika Budny, designer of Amsterdam based brand “Wardrobe” commented as follows: “As a completely new fashion label to Japan, we were embraced by the organizers who helped with all the useful and necessary information about the market and the business etiquette. That proved priceless. PROJECT TOKYO also offers a unique matchmaking concept, which can be very useful to start building valuable business relationships. All in all, we are happy with our participation and are looking forward to continue our business journey in Japan.” 

Sports company PUMA has announced a long-term partnership with Formula 1 to become the exclusive merchandise retail partner from the start of the 2019 season. This year, PUMA stands and superstores will be present in 17 out of the 21 Grands Prix in the calendar.

Adding to the company’s impressive motorsport credentials, PUMA has gained the rights to design, produce and sell Formula 1-branded products trackside. Visitors to Formula 1 races across the globe will be able to purchase F1 and Grands Prix related products as well as all 10 teams’ merchandise from on-site PUMA stands and superstores during race weekends. PUMA and its fully-owned subsidiary Branded will also retail official merchandise and accessories from Formula 1’s growing portfolio of consumer products licensees, such as Codemasters and BAPE.

“PUMA has a long and proud history in motorsport, and we are very happy to take this a step further today. Our agreement with Formula 1 will allow us to connect with the fans directly at the races by offering them the best motorsport merchandise experience possible,” said PUMA CEO Bjørn Gulden.<>

“By advertising the LYCRA 166L fiber in denim and woven fabrics, Weber, brands and retailers can trust the transparency of the ingredients of the product and those of the suppliers. In addition, they can be assured of the commitment to continually improve the sustainability profile of THE LYCRA Company’s products, “said Jean Hegedus, Ready-to-Wear Director for The LYCRA Company. The 166L fiber is manufactured in the production facilities of THE LYCRA Company in China, Singapore and Northern Ireland and is widely available. The LYCRA Company will present their latest sustainable fabric offering at the current Kingpins Amsterdam. This includes the fiber type LYCRA 166L, which recently received the Gold Level Material Health Certificate from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.

Navajo artist Cody Sanderson’s sophisticated silver jewelry, which employs native craftsmanship and hand-fabricating techniques such as bending, forging, casting and stamping, has won awards and become synonymous with fashion. It is worn by artists and celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Machine Gun Kelly, Luis Fonsi, Sophie Turner, Jeremy Renner, Jay Chou, Kris Wu, Kimura Takuya, GDragon, and so on.

For A/W 2019, Cody Sanderson introduced a debut clothing collection for men, women and children, plus a denim line that is constructed with the same dedication to detail – heat press transfer, embroidery, linings and leather-attachments feature – that his eye-catching jewelry is renowned for.

Expert testing, including 3D simulations and osteology, test for potential reactions to ensure maximum quality and comfort.

ISKO chose the exciting frame of the Milan Design Week to present Denim Sound Textures, the first immersive and interactive experience that introduces guests to the surprising multi-sensoriality of the much-loved fabric.

ISKO confirms denim as an inspirational material to see, touch and even to listen to. In fact, the sounds emitted by the different kinds of denim can stimulate different senses. The project culminates in ten creative interpretations, all different to each other, by some very exclusive brand partners that have relied on ISKO fabrics for their collections: HUGO, Madewell, Replay, Dovetail Workwear, François Girbaud, Taylor Stitch, 7 For All Mankind, Blue de Gênes, Tiziano Guardini and O’Neill.

This one-of-a-kind project is the result of ISKO’s focus on pushing the unlimited possibilities of denim: an ongoing technical, aesthetic and functional research process which highlights the core values of the company – competence, creativity, social and environmental responsibility – as its leading force.

When two Italian fashion dynasties come together for a one-time cooperation, then the fashion and art scene can not wait to catch their breath. The BONAVERI exhibition – A FAN OF PUCCI is a tribute to the Florentine fashion designer Emilio Pucci by the showcase master Bonaveri. With specially made mannequins – including a six-meter-tall “giant” – tells the exhibition impressively the history of the fashion house PUCCI.

LODENFREY München will bring this highly exclusive exhibition across the city limits of Florence and Munich for the first time: on the occasion of the PUCCI SS2019 collection, LODENFREY stages BONAVERI – A FAN OF PUCCI for its customers in the store from April 05 to April 25, 2019.

Tencel Earth Month launch took place in New York, at Hudson Yard on April 3rd. The evening included a Sustainable Fashion panel moderated by Kerry Bannigan (founder of the Conscious Fashion Campaign), with panelists: Tolu Olubunmi: UN, Advisor Department of Global Communication Andreas Dorner: Lenzing, Regional Commercial Director Textiles Europe & Americas Nora Shaughnessy: BN3TH, Director of Product

This launched TENCEL Earth Month campaign. For the month of April, they partnered with One Tree Planted to replant the forests that were destroyed by the California wildfires. All month long, likes & shares of  posts + purchases of participating TENCEL products = trees planted. They also planted one tree for each person who attended the panel (in lieu of gift bags). As part of the launch, the hashtag #FromTreesForTrees was used.

TheHula.com announces its first permanent retail warehouse space, located in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong. A dedicated 3500 sq. ft space will house the best edit of pre-owned designer womenswear, whilst HULA will still maintain its online presence, creating the perfect retail experience both online and off to suit your needs.

Stocking over 750 brands including; Alaïa, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, Chloé. Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Commes Des Garçon, Dolce & Gabbana, Ellery, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Hèrmes, Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Valentino and with over 5500 unique pieces at up to 95% off retail – the new HULA warehouse space is the perfect one-stop-shop for those looking for an alternative retail experience to conventional shopping malls.

The FW19 season of Vancouver Fashion Week brought serious talent to centre stage, with an incredible range of creative designers from Canada and across the world. Spearheading diversity VFW featured local lines as well as an influx of international designers representing the likes of Australia, France, Russia, Japan, India, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Some highlights included:

Japanese designer Emi Jingu showed off the endless artistic possibilities of balloons with her collection ‘Unlimited’. She captivated the audience with her innovative and sophisticated dresses each using the unique material of balloons. Jingu pushes artistic boundaries as she effortlessly coordinates a metallic palette of grey, bronze and gold tones while intricately layering balloons of different dimensions in such a way to create elegant couture silhouettes. Jingu’s dresses featured peplum-styles, slim bodices, and flared skirts, highlighting her extraordinary talents. The eccentric garments were complemented with sleek hairstyles, glossy makeup with ashy tones, and stilettos to encompass the chic futuristic style. 

YONFA, a collection from Japanese designer Kim Yonghwa, was the embodiment of accessible, comfortable elegance. In her collection, Yonghwa played with dimensions, offering a range of oversized jackets, crisp calf-length white shirts and sweaters cut at unique yet flattering angles. Yonghwa’s commitment to basic materials, such as wool and cotton, worked in harmony with her flattering silhouettes and elementary palette of white, navy, black and tan, to create looks free from fuss that express comfort, elegance and accessible style. 

Local designer Melissa Yin of Mel Elegance presented ‘Celestial’, a resort-wear collection. Melissa is Chinese-Canadian and brings a multicultural aesthetic and minimalist comfort to luxury resort-wear. Inspired by a summer spent in Alaska Delaney National Park, Melissa’s designs were defined by flowing silhouettes and warm floral patterns in silk and linen. The sounds and sights of Alaskan wildlife were reflected through colour and detail in a collection that transitions steadily from black and floral ruffles to white lace. Rounding out the tone of the show were floor-length dresses in soft pinks and bright reds. Thoroughly accessorized, outfits were completed with bright blue and pink straw beach bags.

Vancouver Fashion Week is the fastest-growing fashion week in the world and the only industry event that actively seeks out to showcase international award-winning designers from over 25 global fashion capitals. For 32 seasons, VFW has celebrated multiculturalism and up-and-coming designers on their runways. VFW strives to identify undiscovered designers by providing an accessible and internationally-reputable platform. Through international media coverage and cogent buyer connectivity, VFW has provided the exposure to project past designers on to international success.

Sterling Ruby will be the Special Guest at Pitti Immagine Uomo no. 96, taking place in Florence, from 11th till 14th June 2019. The American artist famous for the multifaceted nature of his work that spans painting, ceramics, collage, video and photography, sculpture and installations, as well as textiles and garments, will present the first collection by the S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA. brand at a special event scheduled for 13 June 2019.

“We have been very interested in the work of the artist Sterling Ruby for a long time” says Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine’s director of communication and events, “endeavors which are suspended between different areas with, at the center, a heterogeneous project dedicated to reinterpreting American workwear. This alone would be enough to justify Pitti Uomo’s invitation to host the debut of the collection that will convey the project on to the fashion market. But Sterling Ruby is also one of the protagonists of the powerful and creative Los Angeles artistic scene that still moves between a thrust towards experimentation free from the burdens of success and competition and an adherence to industrial models of cinema, music, entertainment…and, naturally, fashion.”

Tomorrow, om March 28th, ISKO and Ksenia Schneider are going to present a new eco-denim collection made with ISKO Earth Fit responsible fabrics. The event will take place at Museo del Novecento (Piazza del Duomo 8 – Milan), from 6.30 pm to 9 pm.

This year, TENCEL is hosting a media kick-off event on the 3rd April 2019, in honor of Earth Day. The event will be held at Hudson Yards, New York where attendees can learn more about the Earth Day initiative, listen to a 30 minute panel discussion on the future of sustainable fashion & textiles.

The New School will host the 71st annual Parsons Benefit, honouring visionary figures in fashion, technology and the arts that embody the university’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The evening recognizes acclaimed singer, songwriter, artist and designer Pharrell Williams; Julie Wainwright, Founder and CEO of The RealReal; and Katrina Lake, Founder and CEO of Stitch Fix with the Parsons Table Award, and Michael Preysman, Founder and CEO of Everlane, with the Frank Alvah Parsons Award. The Parsons Benefit will take place on May 20, 2019, at Pier Sixty, New York, New York.

 These honorees will be celebrated for their numerous contributions to fashion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, as well as their deep commitment to supporting future generations of artists and designers. Under the leadership of Julie Wainwright, Katrina Lake, and Michael Preysman, their respective companies are positioned at the intersection of fashion and technology. They have embedded innovation throughout their businesses, challenging and advancing our ideas about fashion’s role in contemporary culture. These concepts of the transformative power of design are at the core of The New School and Parsons’ mission and curriculum.

“We are thrilled to be honouring Pharrell for his substantial contributions to the music and fashion industries and The RealReal, Stitch Fix, and Everlane for their unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability in fashion,” said Joel Towers, Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design. “Parsons was founded upon the idea that design can change the world, and these exceptional honorees are reimagining the creative and commercial landscape in a way that will positively impact the industry for years to come.”

On the occasion of Pitti Uomo n.96 (Florence, 11-14 June 2019), the Fondazione Pitti Immagine Discovery presents ROMANZO BREVE DI MODA MASCHILE – A SHORT NOVEL ON MEN’S FASHION, an exhibit showcasing thirty years of menswear from 1989 to the present as seen through the eyes of Pitti Uomo. Passing through the halls of the Palazzo Pitti Museum of Costume and Fashion one by one, Olivier Saillard will recount the history and evolution of menswear, the intersection of Made in Italy with guest designers, and the fashion talents from the international contemporary scene together with the experiences of leading menswear entrepreneurs. ROMANZO BREVE – A SHORT NOVEL will be an exhibition, a permanent collection and a book/catalog to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pitti Immagine. Opening 10 June – until 29 September 2019

Constantly monitoring strategic markets for Italian footwear exports remains high amongst Assocalzaturifici’s priorities. Because of this Obuv’ Mir Koži, the international exhibition of footwear and leather goods organised at the Moscow Expocentre from March 19th to 22nd, continues to be a reference point in the world of international trade fairs dedicated to the sector. 

130 Italian brands will be present at the event that, over four days, will present the Autumn/Winter 2019/2020 collections to buyers and members of the trade from the Republics of the Russian Federation and the states that gravitate in the commercial orbit of the Eurasian giant – like Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. Obuv’ Mir Koži, in fact, after Milan’s Micam remains the most prestigious international showcase and guarantees excellent visibility to Italian footwear companies, as well as reflecting the vitality and fervour of a market that pays great attention to the creativity, quality and craftsmanship that goes into a product – all factors that have always characterised our “know-how”. 

In 2017, more than 6.3 million pairs of Italian shoes were exported to Russia, for a total value of 380 million euros. In the first eleven months of 2018, Italy exported 5.2 million pairs, worth 316 million euros (down to 11.5% compared to the same period in 2017). Despite the unfavourable trend, Russia confirmed itself as the sixth reference market in terms of value and the eighth for volume in the world ranking of destination countries. 

Fashion Box, the company that owns the Replay brand, has experienced a decidedly positive 2018. With revenues of €237.9 million and EBITDA of €21.7 million (up 21% on the previous year), the Group is set to accelerate its pace of growth in 2019. Fashion Box is historically an internationally-oriented company, as exports account for 85% of its total sales. 

In view of its international expansion, last year Fashion Box entered into a strategic partnership arrangement with Reliance Brands Limited for distribution in India of Replay casual wear, footwear and accessories. The agreement, which came into being concretely with the deliveries for Spring/Summer 2019, will be based on a multi-channel distribution, with retail stores – with the opening of 2 flagship stores in Delhi and Mumbai in the next few months, as well as mono- brand stores and shops-in-shop in the most prestigious malls of the country – and through key e- commerce players in India. 

Japan deserves a special mention, as the brand continues to grow through highly selective distribution in the main local department stores. 

The Company’s growth plan also leverages on the Joint Venture entered into in December with Fashion Company for the distribution of the clothing, footwear and accessory lines in some of the main markets of Eastern Europe. The Joint Venture, majority-owned by Fashion Box, will become operational in Fall/Winter 2019 and expects to develop markets for the Replay products in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Romania, both through the opening of 8 mono-brand stores by 2021 and the development of the wholesale channel. 

In addition, Fashion Box is paying great attention to the Latin American market, which today for the brand is no longer just an opportunity but a tangible, important and fast-growing reality. Thanks to 5 mono-brand stores and 2 outlets opened between April 2017 and December 2018, Brazil is currently the main market for the brand in Latin America. Replay Jeans do Brasil is also active in the wholesale channel and distributes the Replay brand through a network of 200 multi- brand retail stores in the country. 

Another important market is Colombia, where, in addition to the two mono-brand stores opened in Bogota and Medellin at the end of last year, the Company will inaugurate 5 retail stores by 2022 and will continue with a wholesale distribution, which is already operational, serving multi-brand stores in strategic locations throughout the country and high-level accounts. Replay is also present in Paraguay, with a store in Asuncion and a corner in the department store of Ciudad del Este. 

In the European market Replay continued its own strengthening, with a double-digit organic growth rate in the wholesale channel, and particularly brilliant results in Northern and Central Europe, thanks to a very positive sell-through in the last few seasons. 

Givenchy will be the Guest Designer at Pitti Immagine Uomo no. 96, taking place in Florence from 11th till 14th June 2019.

“It is a huge honor for us to host the runway debut of the Givenchy men’s collection under the creative direction of Clare Waight Keller” says Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine’s director of communication and special events. “A strong, modern and elegant vision: it is the perfect project for Pitti Uomo. I am certain that the atmospheres and spaces of Florence will offer Givenchy further aesthetic and symbolic motivations for concentrating on men’s fashion”.

For S/S 2019, Stone Island presents its seasonal camouflage which is thermosensitive and replicates a particular morphing, digitally elaborated to create an optical illusion at a distance, emphasised by the printed Heat Reactive fabric.

The garments are in cotton ripstop, printed with a permanent colour and three colours that react with temperature changes. The printed pattern considerably mutes and morphs when exposed to heat.

A culture of an all-around improvement is what defines ISKO’s approach to denim production, allowing the thriving of technological and creative potential of the company and its resources. 

On March 6th and 7th, the world leading ingredient brand hosted a 360° Denim Seminar to share its vision and expertise with key industry players, brands and designers. As the name suggests, the initiative was an all-out experience that took place right on the grounds where ISKO denim happens: the factory’s headquarters. 

Here a special highlight was the opening of its new state-of-the-art distribution center. This space – 40 meters high, 80 meters long and 45 meters wide – and has 128,000 cells/ locations, each is able to contain a fabric roll that can hold up to 500 meters of material. Seven automated robots process every single order, in a controlled environment where oxygen levels are kept at 16,4% to prevent oxidation and fires. As normal oxygen levels in the air is 21%, no human beings are employed here. 

The two-day event covered denim from A to Z, providing tools and know-how on everything from fiber to final garment. The occasion was a chance for the audience to learn about new fashion trends and ISKO’s latest sustainable achievements through its commitment to Responsible Innovation. ISKO keeps being at the forefront in terms of competence, creativity and citizenship. 

COTERIE, the premier global event within the New York marketplace that bridges women’s apparel and accessory designers to the international ‘Who’s Who’ of retailers, opened the February show with its first-ever live photo shoot, and a series panels covering ethical and sustainable fashion, the power of brick and mortar, and the business of influencers.

This season, COTERIE produced its first-ever live photo shoot featuring upcoming styles and trends from the FW ’19 season. The two-day shoot, styled by William Graper and Jeff Lasota, exclusively showcased apparel and accessories from the show’s current designers and brands. Attendees experienced the behind-the-scenes production of a real-time editorial shoot including live styling, photography by Mani Zarrin, model grooming, and photo editing.

In addition, COTERIE hosted a series of panels dedicated to discussing sustainability, retail, and influencer relations with some of the industry’s top voices. Panels included “The Daily x COTERIE Fashion Influencer Panel”, Conscious Fashion Campaigns’ “The Future of Fashion” panel, and “The Power of Brick & Mortar” presented by Sofia Karvela of Le Board.

Momonì confirms its growth path for 2019 by announcing 3 new openings, two in France and one in Italy.

In fact, the two countries have always been the reference markets for a strong brand with a turnover which, for the current year, expects to close at 15.5 million euro, of which 50% of revenues come from the Italian territory.

After the first Roman opening in the last month of October, the brand doubled in the Capitoline city with a new showcase in the prestigious Via del Babbuino 106, thus bringing the number of single-brand stores in the Belpaese to 9.

In Paris, in the heart of the Marais, and in Lyon, in the prestigious Carré d’Or, there are other new boutiques that confirm the importance of France in Momonì’s retail strategy, which alone accounts for over 20% of its foreign revenues.

An important milestone for Momonì, which has always focused on a strategy that favours the distribution of its collections, which have become synonymous with femininity and trends, in mono-brand boutiques and in selected multi-brand showcases.

Assocalzaturifici and EMI are launching two events in CIS countries: “La Moda Italiana@Almaty” in Kazakhstan, March 5 through 7, and “La Moda Italiana@Kiev” in Ukraine, March 11 and 12. The two events are based on the successful formula of “Shoes from Italy”, a footwear event Assocalzaturifici organised in Kazakhstan and Ukraine for more than a decade, expanded to include the entire fashion industry and present the retail market with a single event offering an all-Italian “total look”. 

The support of ITA Agency with the promotion of the initiative among footwear dealers and the practical assistance of ITA Almaty and ITA Kiev in on-site organisation complete the infrastructure of this important event for the fashion industry 

“The Kazakh market has not yet overcome the financial difficulties resulting from Russia’s economic crisis,” says Marino Fabiani, Assocalzaturifici adviser responsible for business in the CIS area. “The banking system is experiencing difficulty, and the currency, the tenge, is still weak compared to the euro and the dollar. This makes life harder for our clients, and consumer demand is not high either. Yet the figures for the first ten months of last year suggest a partial upswing in the volume of Italian exports to the country. After all, Kazakhstan is the second largest market in the CIS area, and above all it demonstrates a strong interest in quality Italian footwear, which its high-spending clientèle are not ready to give up”. 

At the most recent edition of the Thinkathon on 14th and 15th January 2019 in Berlin, 40 international experts took on tasks set by the challenge hosts Bikini Berlin, Otto Group and TCBL. During the innovative workshop format, which was organised by Messe Frankfurt as part of the Neonyt trade fair, six multidisciplinary teams came up with sustainable business strategies and forward-looking concepts on the subjects of the circular economy, experience retail and industry 4.0 within 48 hours.

The Neonyt Thinkathon is a radical design-thinking format established by Messe Frankfurt. It involves multidisciplinary teams developing future-oriented approaches for the sustainability transformation of the fashion and textile industry. The Thinkathon brings together progressive companies from the fashion and textile industry with the unique Neonyt network. So-called challenge hosts – concept shopping mall Bikini Berlin, the Otto Group and EU project TCBL (Textile and Clothing Business Labs) at the most recent Thinkathon – each come up with a challenge on a specific subject area, which two international teams have just 48 hours to work on. The Thinkathon was organised on behalf of Messe Frankfurt by Berlin agency Sourcebook.

In January, experts from the fields of fashion, textile, architecture, technology, marketing and research came from a total of 19 nations and transformed the Old Smithy’s Dizzle event location, an old barn in the heart of Berlin, into a collaborative ideas workshop for two days. Each of the challenges was tackled by two of the six small groups so all three challenge hosts, Otto Group, Bikini Berlin and TCBL, were presented with two completely different solutions at the end of the Thinkathon.

In a video, excerpts of the workshop results were then presented on the Fashionsustain conference stage to an international audience of professionals. Like the Thinkathon, Fashionsustain is also a part of Neonyt, the global hub for fashion, sustainability and innovation, which celebrated its premiere during Berlin Fashion Week at Kraftwerk and was developed by Messe Frankfurt as a fusion of the successful tradeshow duo Greenshowroom and Ethical Fashion Show Berlin. 

The BoF China Summit is an invitation-only event that brings together a dynamic group of business leaders propelling the fashion industry forward. With this year’s theme focused on Modern Entrepreneurship, expected are candid conversations about changes happening in the entrepreneurial journey and valuable insight drawn from the startup experiences of inspirational speakers across the luxury, retail, tech and beauty sectors within China’s fast-moving fashion industry. The event is taking place on March 28th, 2019 in Shanghai.

Key speakers are as follows:

·         Shangguan Zhe, creative director, Sankuanz

·         Andrew Wu, group president of Greater China, LVMH Group

·         Ganesh Srivats, chief executive, Moda Operandi

·         Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder & chief brand officer, Moda Operandi

·         Edison Chen, co-founder, Clot

·         Gary Shi, brand account general manager, Xiaohongshu

·         Cai Chongda, chief executive, Magmode

·         OIB China, founder & general manager, Wu Zhigang

·         Benny Dong, beauty vlogger & founder, Croxx

Global speciality materials provider Eastman, the maker of sustainably-sourced Naiaä cellulosic yarn, announces a new partnership with Milan-based C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy) in the wake of Première Vision Paris, the international apparel textile exposition, where Naiaä showcased over 100 new on-trend fabrics from over 20 partner mills. Naiaä joins C.L.A.S.S. to support the fashion industry’s shift toward the “circular economy,” the economic model characterized as a collective awareness of social and environmental values throughout the fashion ecosystem. 

“Responsible innovation means embracing new business models and encouraging businesses to take a broader approach at all phases of fashion creation to ensure that environmental responsibility is embedded throughout fashion development and production,” said C.L.A.S.S founder Giusy Betoni. 

With Naiaä, Eastman integrates sustainability and fashion in a way that supports the circular economy by providing designers with a viable eco-conscious choice of material. Made from bio-based wood pulp, Naiaä is a best-in-class example of responsible innovation, because it is sustainably sourced and has inherent luster and a silky hand that create comfortable, luxurious fabrics. 

Eastman demonstrated its dedication to sustainability at Première Vision by showcasing the sustainable production process of NaiaTM from responsibly sourced wood to end of life. Eastman used FSC certified wood in the construction of the booth and upcycled NaiaTM fabric swatches into small bags as giveaways. 

For the fourth time, a fully booked Gallery SHOES will be opening its doors from 10-12 March 2019 – and is proving to be a whole lot more than just a functional order platform for shoes and the accompanying collections. In a very short time, Gallery SHOES has become a competent industry get-together for the European shoe business that provides visitors with a wealth of useful information: this makes it unparalleled and unique, and not only in Germany.

• Over 9,500 professional visitors are expected to attend this strong event with over 500 brands and around 350 exhibitors, which is rounded off by an impressive line-up of accompanying events and the striking industrial backdrop of the Areal Böhler venue.

• “The event is making dynamic progress with extremely positive developments,” sums up Igedo Managing Director and Gallery SHOES Project Director Ulrike Kähler. “Awaiting professional visitors at the fourth edition are new, exciting brands including firm favourites like Clarks, but also plenty of exciting newcomers like EYS, BNSM (Basics Natural Spirit in Motion) and Mythoo. We are allocating, for example, the ‘Halle am Wasserturm’ to 40 brands including Cinque Shoes and Colmar Footwear, including 15 new brands such as Alba Moda, Manas and Womsh from Italy.” 

Also very much in tune with the times is the accompanying line-up of events, which is making a significant contribution to the event’s appeal as a meeting place for international manufacturers and buyers from neighbouring European countries, as well as the press and media.

Plus: The topic of sustainability in leather production will be the focus of a presentation by OEKO-TEX. And the award ceremony of the HDS-L Junior-Award, which honours outstanding achievements by young talents who are showing their innovativeness in the production of shoes: under the motto ‘Sport meets fashion – open minded’, the focus this year is on finding new, creative ideas for sports sandals. The wealth of in-depth information will be complemented by the HDS-L press conference, an absolute must-attend for the international trade press, and the MODEUROP Fashion Forecast, as the official trend fashion platform of the DSI, the German Shoe Institute. In addition to the lectures, FASHION TREND POOL will also be represented with a ‘Trendbox’ dedicated to the overriding topic ‘Checks combined in a sporty way with elements from Memphis design’ to provide visitors with inspiration and ideas for the store window design of fashion looks at the POS.

From March 12 to 14th, 2019 CHIC China International Fashion Fair, Asia’s largest and most important fashion and lifestyle fair will return and showcase 1,365 national and international exhibitors with 1,453 brands from 16 countries. In the context of falling global growth rates, China remains the world’s largest retail market in 2019, with forecast USD 5.6 trillion in retail sales, surpassing the USA by USD 100 billion this year. 

The new consumer structure is integrated into the whole fair design at CHIC and this year ́s slogan is “Hi Me”, which was launched in cooperation with WGSN. It reflects the young Chinese consumer, the economic powerhouse in the country. The exhibitors’ offer is increasingly focusing on the ‘egotists’, who act individually, fast and set the latest trends. 

The designer section IMPULSES is fully booked, CHIC-TAILORING celebrates its premiere at the upcoming CHIC and presents high-quality bespoke collections; GREEN FASHION is a key topic at the fair, with more and more manufacturers presenting sustainable collections in all segments of CHIC. In particular, the manufacturers of baby and children’s clothing are expanding their ecological offer to meet the consumer demand such as CHIC-KIDZ exhibitor GRASS AND WOOD DYEING ALLIANCE that is famous for its environmental dye technique offering healthy clothing for the cherished youngest generation. CHIC- KIDZ will also be presented for the first time as a separate section at CHIC as show-in show. Other group participations come from Korea with the show-in show PREVIEW IN CHINA, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Individual exhibitors come from Canada, including the premiere of Joseph Ribkoff, from Belgium, Ecuador, India, Japan, Poland, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. 

CHIC-YOUNG BLOOD show-in-show is the platform for well-known Asian streetwear labels. Wookong, Pace, Jelly Lin, Coffee, CRUCIAL among a total of 61 brands use CHIC as an essential marketing platform. 

CHIC drives exchange of market info and gives expert insights into the latest developments in the market. CHIC TALK provides visitors and exhibitors with expert speeches and seminars on the state of technology in the fashion business. Topics are „Driven by Data and AI, It Starts From the Consumer Experience — the Transformation of Clothing Enterprises In the Data Era”.

YòKo is a new concept of product borrowed from the traditional Japanese sandal. The Japanese flip-flops. Made of high-quality anti-abrasion, lightweight microporous, available in an infinite range of colors and combinations. It is totally “Made in Italy” consisting of high-quality artisan laboratories. Two versions that differentiate the beautiful season from the winter one. For the FW, a microfibre matelassé contributes to a thermal seal. A tribute to the Orient, to Japan, its elegance, its culture and its traditions, here interpreted the key fashion and with great contemporaneity

For the summer, the footrests directly on the rubbery material with grooves that offer braking and pleasant well-being on contact. Some of the most significant boutiques in our country have purchased the product that will be on show from next March. Prices? “YòKo” is between eighty-five euros and one hundred euros as the final price to the consumer.

The launch covers simultaneously the season SS19 and the next FW19.20. The “YòKo” woman dominates the proposal, it differs in height and for the research on the materials that include: “3D” “Lurex” “Silk Velvet” and “Chenille” in summer. “Ecofur” “Boucle” “Lurex” and “Silk Velvet” for the winter. The “YòKo” man is imagined in a domestic version, for the garden, the edge of his pool. More limited, the height includes “3D” and “Silk velvets” in spring and summer. “Silk velvets” for the winter. In this last version always with support on matelassé in microfiber. The kaleidoscope of colors of both the microporous and the upper features of the upper gives the possibility of endless combinations that change from ultra chic combinations to really rock fashion proposals.

The company was founded by 3 business partners: Luigi Conti, Settimio Fazzano and Maurizio Ciambella and is based in the former Miss Sixty Headoffices in Chieti (Italy).

Coterie starts again during this season’s NY Market and WeAr is as always live at the show to give you an impression of what is happening for the next few days.

From inspirational purposes to brand watch and innovations, the tradeshow has it all. Presenting elevated contemporary apparel, accessories and footwear for women, every booth is designed to bring a fresh perspective on upcoming trends.

Furthermore this season, COTERIE released the official mobile app “COTERIE Show” to better assist attendees to navigate the show floor, search for brands, stay up-to-date with daily happenings and create an agenda by adding events directly to personal calendars. App users will also be able to view the season’s latest brand look books and directly access the Informa and Coterie Instagram’s from mobile devices. The app is available for download on Google Play and Apple’s App Store!

After close to four years within the City Hall district, multi-brand concept store Manifesto puts down roots in the heart of Singapore’s shopping precinct, Orchard Road. 

The move for the independent fashion retailer reflects a desire by store founder Walid Zaazaa, to inject Manifesto’s subversive, boundary-pushing energy into the local retail experience. 

In a departure from its monochromatic palette, Manifesto’s new space in Mandarin Gallery envelopes guests in the stark and abstract beauty of the Saharan landscape—think: various shades of sand, and organic rock-like contours. 

Inspired by Zaazaa’s French-Algerian heritage, WY-TO architects opted for natural desert hues to reflect the warmth and hospitality unique to the North African region. The entrance, for instance, recalls a nomadic tent, highlighted in slick LED lights to accentuate the fractal form. 

This restful, modern-minimalist atmosphere underscores the most-loved aspects of Manifesto: its bold fusion of art, architecture, and intelligent fashion in one ever-evolving space. 

The store continues to surprise and seduce with its offering of over 30 brands encompassing fashion, avant-garde streetwear, and lifestyle accessories. 

NY Women’s February Market, opening Monday, February 25th through Wednesday, February 27th, is an elevated fashion showcase comprised of four unique shows: COTERIE, SOLE COMMERCE, FAME, and MODA. Held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City, the show is the premier destination for the most sought-after contemporary and progressive designers and brands in womenswear and beauty.

This season, COTERIE released the official mobile app “COTERIE Show” to better assist attendees to navigate the show floor, search for brands, stay up-to-date with daily happenings and create an agenda by adding events directly to personal calendars. App users will also be able to view the season’s latest brand look books and directly access the Informa and Coterie Instagram’s from mobile devices. The app is available for download on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

On the first day of the show, COTERIE is hosting a panel series, covering ethical and sustainable fashion, the power of brick and mortar, and the effectiveness of influencers.

 COTERIE has also partnered with fashion publication, The Daily Front Row, for “The Daily x COTERIE Fashion Influencer Panel” discussing the relationship between brands and influencers. Influencers Danielle Bernstein (@WeWoreWhat) and Lainy Hedaya (@LainyHedaya), Stylist and Host, William Graper (@William_Graper), NEXT Management’s Digital Brand Strategist, Jennifer Powell, and President of Coterie, Danielle Licata will lead the conversation. 

Day two brings COTERIE’s first-ever live photo shoot to inspire attendee on the show floor. Models will be styled by a stylist using FW’19 apparel and accessories pulled directly from the show floor. Fashion creative and photographer, Mani Zarrin, will be shooting the models throughout the day, while images are being edited and posted to the COTERIE Instagram (@Coterie_Show) in real-time.

It is with a heavy heart that we write about the passing of a legend, Karl Lagerfeld. At (supposed) age of 85, the iconic fashion designer/creative director of Chanel and Fendi as well as own eponymous brand Karl Lagerfeld, passed away this morning.

Known for his trademark signature look of a ponytail, dark sunglasses and high collars, his life and achievements are being praised and celebrated today by brands, industry professionals, celebrities and media alike.

The Chanel website is currently featuring an iconic image of Karl, whilst his own site Karl.com says ‘Thank you Karl, With Love Forever, Your Team’. And Fendi’s currently states alongside a wide-long shot of the legend “Thank you Karl for the most beautiful journey. With all our love. Your Fendi family”

On February 13th, 2019 ISKO hosted the “Responsible Denim” event to share knowledge and experiences on the development of an integrated field-to-fabric approach all along the value chain. An occasion to think about what choices can be made to give shape to a greener and better future.

Highlights of the event that took place in Paris, at 47 Rue des Tournelles, were:

-A special panel to talk about how the denim industry can become more responsible.
-A Responsible Denim Presentation by Lambert + Associates
-A presentation of ISKO Earth Fit, ISKO’s lowest-impact denim collection.
-An educational exhibition with a strong focus on what everyone – brands, designers as well as manufacturers – should be aware of regarding responsibility in the industry.
-The launch of the third Eyether collection, created by Creative Room and François Girbaud with innovative ISKO fabrics.

As the industry still appears to be facing a lot of “greenwashing”, it is important to take a stance in order to achieve the implementation of definite best practices. ISKO brought together five industry experts to provide insight that could help brands make informed decisions concerning responsible products. ISKO commitment towards Responsible Innovation is a longstanding one, deeply rooted in the company DNA. This approach has led ISKO to play a major role in supporting and pushing the industry to raise the bar. During the event, a Responsible Denim Exhibition was featured, intended to shed light on ISKO’s efforts and on the tools deemed essential for the fulfilment of a truly responsible denim vision.

At the 28th edition of Milano Unica, the Italian Textile and Accessories Exhibition, held at Fiera Milano Rho from 5 to 7 February, together with the number of exhibitors (421) similar to the one recorded in February 2018, a substantial confirmation was also confirmed of the number of visiting companies, both Italian and foreign, which were around 6,000. The attendance of Chinese companies was down due to the concomitance of the celebrations of their New Year, to a large extent recovered from the Korean presences and Japanese and the overall good performance of European presences. A result that, considering the general trend of the textile-clothing fairs, confirms the rightness of the choice of the advance in July also as a tow for the winter edition.

During the ceremony the ‘e-milanounica’ project was also presented, the marketplace launched in a pilot version that will be fully operational for the July 2019 edition. The initiative, thanks to the system partnership with Pitti Immagine, pursues the objective to promote the textile-clothing-fashion by extending digital the traditional activities of the fair, through marketing, content and promotion, allowing companies and their customers a constant updating throughout the year.

“The organizational effort, more and more aimed at making Milano Unica an essential appointment in the international panorama of textile fairs, has found a general positive feedback from buyers and exhibitors – said Massimo Mosiello, General Manager of Milano Unica, at the operational guide of the event textile-accessories since the first edition -. Upstream of this result there has not only been an important selection process aimed at guaranteeing high levels of quality of the collections presented, but also the accurate ways in which we have been able to present the various thematic areas and content projects. This work is the fruit of a great team game put in place at the system level, made possible by the indispensable support of the Ministry of Economic Development and the extraordinary collaboration of ICE. A result to which we must also give credit to the commitment lavished by the staff and collaborators of Milano Unica. A special thanks, finally to Japan Fashion Week for the original thematic evening dedicated to the tenth presence of the Japan Observatory in Milan.”

HUB 1922 is born, the new subsidiary company of RUDOLF GmbH. It will be based in Busto Arsizio near Milan, the capital of Italian fashion.

RUDOLF GmbH has been a leader in the textile chemicals industry for 100 years. The decision to open HUB 1922 has a specific objective: to give life to collaborations with brands and international retailers. And through product innovation, give space to new ideas and useful functionalities at the crossroads of Italian fashion: Milan. 

The task of HUB 1922 is to research and develop innovation primarily for the garment processing industry, denim and beyond. And it will do so with the introduction of its own exclusive elements of diversity: deep scientific knowledge, true environmental responsibility, technical innovation and creativity. 

«The strategic intent is to introduce a whole new approach that embraces both product and concept development. An extraordinarily robust R&D centre that is also a novel marketing and communication channel» says Dr. Wolfgang Anton Schumann, Managing Director of RUDOLF GMBH. He continues: «HUB1922 can count on RUDOLF’s global service, manufacturing, sales and distribution networks as a secure and transparent global fulfilment partner for brands/retailers and their supply chain partners». 

«The idea is to start pursuing ideas that are conscious, necessary and useful» says Alberto De Conti, Head of Fashion Division at RUDOLF Group. «If they meet all those criteria, we won’t hesitate to make them beautiful». He continues: «Emphasis is put on listening attentively to the market and on engineering solutions proactively, even before being prompted». 

Nowadays science plays an irreplaceable role in society: fashion research should focus more on scientific research. HUB 1922 is born for this. To get away from consolidated industrial processes from an industrial point of view, but increasingly incompatible with the environmental point of view. And to give space to every opportunity that can change the state of things and give things a new state: the quality of the product. 

The bi-anual event Magic, by UBM, which takes the US fashion industry to Las Vegas has started with many visitors pouring in. Magic now combines multiple fashion trade shows under one roof. Asides the classic menswear collections in Project and (the more premium lines) in The Tents, one can also discover exciting womenswear lines from all over the world at Project Womens.

This season Project Womens partners with the Conscious Fashion Campaign supported by the United Nation Office for Partnership to drive sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. For this occasion, Project Womens has also published a special lookbook to raise awareness: “We are honored to continue leverage our platform and audience to propel the mission of the Conscious Fashion Campaign supported by the United Nations,” shares President of Womenswear, Danielle Licata. “We are proud to amplify this partnership with first-ever PROJECT WOMENS look book created by Egyptian-Australian dancer and content creator, Mimi El-Ashiry that features several Conscious Fashion labels as well as Australian labels in an exquisite setting.”

WeAr’s team is once again at the Magic shows and reports here live about the brands and booths.

Black Orchid creates a fresh wind in LA’s denim scene

LA based brand Chasor stays on top for tops

Scotch & Soda surprises with a cool booth

Johnny Was shows a very L.A. collection

L.A. based brand Rails shows its collection

Cool for dudes – Robert Graham also launched a womenswear collection last year

Project Womens has special decoration

Hats can also be found at Magic

…as can accessories and cool items for concept stores

Further impressions

Hunting World, the 54-year-old brand collaborates with Ben Eine, a street artist based in London renowned worldwide, regarded as a pioneer in the exploration of graffiti letterforms and for his projects with fashion brands. The collaboration was revealed during the FW2019 fashion week and included T-shirts, hoodies, caps as well as HUNTING WORLD’s iconic bags and small leather goods. 

“The understated timeless style of Hunting World luggage makes the perfect canvas for EINE artwork. It brings a whole new meaning to The Elephant in the Room, interpreting the signature logos and symbols of both brands and creating complimentary contemporary products that will be deemed future classics.” Ben Eine

Launch dates of Hunting World x Eine London collaboration will be announced soon.

The international textile and fashion industry kicks off the 2020 Spring/Summer season of Munich Fabric Start. More than 1,000 fabrics, additionals, denim & sportswear suppliers exhibited their latest product and trend developments in 1,800 collections from 29th to 31st January 2019 at the MOC Munich and in the Zenith Area. 

They were complemented by a growing number of service and sourcing providers as well as young brands and start-ups that presented their philosophies and the ideology of forward-looking process solutions as well as solutions for resource-saving material sourcing and their areas of application. 

This dynamic and mutually inspiring exhibitor structure brought about one of the most important international trade fair platforms for sourcing materials and in-depth networking and, hence, for linking fashion with technology with a view to shaping the future.

In terms of trend concepts for 2020 this future is characterised by emotionality, empathy and community. This is expressed by WHAT IS LOVE as a source of inspiration – passionate, playful, pragmatic. Spring.Summer 20 indulges in a rich choice of fabrics, in innovative silhouettes, in philosophical wealth but also in tongue-in-cheek kitsch and – last not least – a new lightness at heart, which is never entirely uncritical. 

The ReSOURCE segment is MUNICH FABRIC START’s enhanced sourcing platform flagging up new dimensions of sustainability for an innovative and future-oriented production. This is how a forum initiated and supported by experts was established that offers comprehensive sustainability solutions. Boasting over 500 articles ReSOURCEshowcases the latest developments in sustainable fabrics and findings as well as innovations in the categories:  RECYCLED | ORGANIC / NATURAL | REGENERATED CELLULOSICS | INNOVATIVE (HYBRIDS & BIOPLASTICS) | LEATHER & ALTERNATIVES | DENIM | GOTS.

Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding, one of the leading textile and apparel companies in China, announced that it has completed its acquisition of INVISTA’s Apparel & Advanced Textiles business. The transaction includes all associated assets and contracts. 

The new company will operate as The LYCRA Company, an independent subsidiary, and will continue to manufacture advanced fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and hygiene industries. The LYCRA Company is named for LYCRA fiber, the original spandex/elastane fiber and the company’s best-known product.

“We are fortunate to be purchased by Ruyi, a company that shares our vision and our commitment to delivering high-quality products, technical expertise, and unmatched marketing support to our valued customers,” said Dave Trerotola, chief executive officer, The LYCRA Company. “With the continued investment of Ruyi, we look forward to working with our customers to bring exciting innovations to market. Our new shareholder’s textile and retail experience will be a tremendous asset as we develop differentiated fibers that deliver the lasting performance benefits consumers have come to know and expect from our brands.” 

“We are thrilled to acquire The LYCRA Company and will continue to invest in its innovation pipeline and brands in order to reach our objectives for business growth,” said Yafu Qiu, chairman of the board of Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding. “As a spandex producer ourselves, we have admired the iconic LYCRA® brand for years, and we see the value The LYCRA Company adds to our business. We believe its assets and capabilities are a perfect complement to our own and will help strengthen our position as a world-class, fully-integrated textile company.” 

For summer ’19, BARTS  is going back to the beach. The brand’s summer collection will be extended with swimwear for men, women and kids, designed with creativity and produced with the quality standards that you are used to from Barts. The collection includes bikinis and bathing suits for women and girls as well as swim shorts for men and boys. It’s the answer to a common problem of their customer: there seems to be no qualitative, sparkling swimwear collection that fits well ánd is friendly to your wallet-Until now. The collection includes classic Breton stripes, leopard prints and beautiful trend colours. Of course sun hats, kaftans, (beach) bags and towels are also back.

Kelly Wieck, responsible designer for this new launch, had been searching for a high quality swimwear brand for a long time. Born and raised in Australia, she  was kind of spoiled with all the best swimwear brands. Here in Europe, she never really found a competing brand. Now that Barts has developed a solid summer collection, it’s time to complete it. And that’s how Barts swimwear was born.  Starting point was combining quality and fit from Australia within a price range that’s corresponding to Barts. Kelly is proud with the results: “I really wanted a premium collection based on high quality fabric and materials. I love the beach and surf lifestyle. If it were up to me, I’d live in a bikini!” Barts targets a young, self-assured woman, but the age group can be much wider – like you’re used to from Barts. Expect beautiful bathing suits, sexy triangle bikini’s, but also wire cups. In addition, there are bottoms for every figure: from high cut briefs to hipster bottoms with a wider brim. The designs are versatile: beautiful florals, leopard prints, Breton stripes and chic solids. Commercially strong, but distinctive.”

The Only at TRANOÏ operation presents simultaneously a selection of 25 capsule collections only available at TRANOÏ Paris for buyers and also a limited choice from these same collections, presented exclusively at Galeries Lafayette for end customers, from January 16 to February 4 2019.  Among the 150 participating brands, 25 of them are showcasing a 20-piece capsule next January. Only available in Paris, for buyers, in an immersive itinerary, at the Palais Brongniart, the historical TRANOÏ location. At the same time a selection of these limited edition pieces will immediately be released for sale at the 1st floor of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, within a ONLY AT TRANOÏ corner designed by  Studio Avoir – Arthur Van Peteghem.

To create a strong and lasting link between designer, buyer and final customer is one of the major challenges of tomorrow’s retail industry. ONLY AT TRANOÏ is part of this dynamic combining BtoB and BtoC in a project on the scale of Paris.
By placing exclusivity at the heart of its approach, this operation allows buyers and customers to discover new collections first and only in Paris. 

During our visit to the Tommy Hilfiger denim lab in Amsterdam we got to know more about this workshop laboratorium where denim is constantly tested and treated with several techniques such as laser printing, dry-washing and various colour treatments. The lab is used internally by the brand to develop new fits and also give workshops externally. There is a huge focus on sustainability throughout!

On the morning of 15th January 2019, Anita Tillmann, Managing Partner Premium Group, Michael Stracke, Chief Business Development Officer and Ole Tillmann, Founder & CEO Peak, welcomed the auditorium at Kraftwerk to the ninth edition of #FASHIONTECH BERLIN.

Stracke says, “We are extremely pleased with this year’s edition of #FASHIONTECH BERLIN. Our thanks must once again go to our high-calibre international speakers and partners without whom this continuous growth wouldn’t be possible. We are unique in Europe at this level, which is also apparent from the consistently positive feedback from participants during and after the conference.Among other things, we have increased the exhibition space by 300% and we have had even more interactive workshops and masterclasses going on for those attending, to ensure knowledge transfer. The slightly modified concept – #LISTEN, #LEARN, #EXPERIENCE and #BUSINESS – was very well received, as we want to do justice to the individual needs of all participants.”

“It was especially gratifying this year to experience the positive atmosphere on site and to ascertain that the topic of digital transformation has finally grown in importance for the fashion industry too, which was also evident in the renewed increase in and international character of the visitor numbers. Digitalisation is fun of course, and you can achieve much more in a short space of time than was possible previously, and respond to customers’needs much more strongly and in a more targeted way.”

The goal of the conference is for everybody who faces digital disruption to walk away with inspiration and hands-on advice to be able to get started or continue their own digital transformation and get ready for the future. Learn from leaders and innovators from other industries to be among the first in the fashion industry to implement innovation.

On the main stage: keynote presentations from innovators and visionaries from fashion and other industries (#LISTEN). In the exhibition area: the latest developments, products, solutions and innovations in the fields of retail and ecommerce solutions, robotics, AI, omnichannel or digital model booking with international exhibitors from Germany, France, UK, Hungary, Sweden, Israel and the USA (#EXPERIENCE). Telekom Fashion Fusion presented the latest developments in wearable technology and Bonprix used the platform to introduce the “fashion connect”pilot store,which opens in Hamburg in February.

Anyone interested in a closer look at how to transform their own organisation was able to find more in-depth approaches in the masterclasses,or get hands-on in the workshops (#LEARN). Electrolux AEG gave insights into caretech,and Collabary by Zalando showed how to create an engaging Influencer Marketing campaign in just one hour.In the networking area visitors can connect with the speakers, industry insiders and entrepreneurs to foster business connections and meet potential business partners and generate new business leads (#BUSINESS!).

The central question was: “How to transform your organisation”, which was broken down and discussed through four aspects: Leadership & Culture, Future of Work, Innovation & Technology and Customer Journey.

Today marked the premiere of Neonyt, showcasing state-of-the-art sustainable collections and innovations during Berlin Fashion Week.

What does the future hold for the fashion industry? Answers to this question can be found from today at the premiere of the global hub for fashion, sustainability and innovation at Kraftwerk Berlin. “The change of fashion is now – we are certain of that. And what this transformation looks like is being demonstrated at Neonyt. We are pooling the most urgent topics currently facing the fashion industry, offering space for discussion and presenting well thought-out solutions. Even more varied events and the fashion expertise of around 150 brands are making the kick-off of this pioneering, forward-looking format a real must-attend event!” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

At the Neonyt Trade Fair, which is replacing the two successful formats Greenshowroom and Ethical Fashion Show Berlin, international and national sustainable fashion brands are presenting their autumn/winter 19/20 collections. And in addition to the tradeshow itself, there is an even more comprehensive line-up of accompanying events with the Fashionsustain and Fashionimpact conferences, the design-thinking format Thinkathon and the Neonyt Fashion Show during MBFW, as well as showcases, presentations, press conferences, networking events, the Neonyt Party and influencer and blogger event Prepeek. This makes Neonyt the world’s biggest B2B event for sustainable fashion. Against this backdrop, the United Nations, as a partner of the Conscious Fashion Campaign, will be presenting their sustainability agenda known under the name Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to a European fashion audience.

Check out our Buyer’s Guide on WeAr Global Network for Neonyt brand highlights and impressions!

With keynote presentations from leading international experts on stage (#LISTEN!), interactive masterclasses to boost your knowledge (#LEARN!) and the exhibition area that will introduce visitors to the latest developments, products, solutions and innovations on the market (#EXPERIENCE!), #FASHIONTECH has united the four most important sections to prove being the leading content hub for technology, digitalisation, and innovation in Europe. 

#FASHIONTECH stages also as the platform for interdisciplinary exchange between the various industries. In the networking area visitors can connect with the speakers, industry insiders and entrepreneurs to foster business connections and to meet potential business partners and generate new business leads (#BUSINESS!). 

The main topic at the upcoming conference is “How to transform your organisation”, which will be addressed through aspects of Leadership & Culture, Future of Work, Innovation & Technology and Customer Journey. 

With the collaboration between PREMIUM GROUP holding the #FASHIONTECH conference taking place on 15 January 2019, and Messe Frankfurt with FASHIONSUSTAIN taking place on 16 January 2019, visitors are provided with an extensive programme containing industry-relevant content. 

For this edition, PREMIUM is partnering with Spanish fashion label and sustainable clothing pioneer ECOALF. The brand will present its lifelong mission and latest collection in a dedicated space as well as an art installation together with conceptual artist Juan Garaizabal. 

ECOALF creates high-quality garments using recycled materials collected from the bottom of our oceans. Commitment, sustainability and innovation are at the core of everything the company does, resulting in both conscious and stylish urban, adventure, knitwear and activewear pieces. 

On Wednesday, January 16th, at 10am and 2pm, Goyeneche will present his brand’s values, philosophy and way of working on the experience floor of SHOW&ORDER X PREMIUM at Kühlhaus, right next to the STATION area. Show visitors, media and other exhibitors are invited to listen, learn and discuss. 

The art piece in partnership with Garaizabal unveiled at PREMIUM on January 15th is filled with waste to portray our everyday reality, and purposefully interactive so that visitors can throw their own trash inside the installation. The aim is to educate about correct waste disposal and show that every individual’s decision matters: Stop, Think, Act. 

“2019 is all about digital first and an active debate about social and environmental issues. Transparency and sustainability are key words. By reducing plastic waste on all our shows, teaming up with ECOALF and giving this wonderful brand dedicated space and time for spreading their message, we are taking steps into the right direction. Every little action counts. We should talk about the things we do more instead of talking about what we are not doing. We all need to wak up. Now.” – Anita Tillmann, CEO PREMIUM Group 

The global hub for fashion, sustainability and innovation – this is the claim that Neonyt aims to live up to from 15-17 January. The Neonyt Trade Show will thus be supported with a broad-ranging fringe programme. This will examine the sustainable transformation of the fashion industry along the entire value chain from different perspectives. 

Four stages, three days, two conference formats, one goal: a paradigm shift in the fashion industry towards a fairer future that saves more resources. ‘The current change in consciousness’, says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, ‘is not taking place in a vacuum. It’s hasn’t just appeared from nowhere. Rather, it is the result of discourse and discussions, competition and collaboration. The aim of Messe Frankfurt as a global player in the fashion and textile industry is to accompany this process of change and give it a platform. This is why we’ll be expanding the fashion trade show Neonyt in a consistent manner to include an even more broad-ranging fringe and conference programme whose content will partly be generated from our global Texpertise Network and will in turn be reflected in it’. Neonyt, which is taking place for the first time, is the synthesis of the two successful formats Greenshowroom and Ethical Fashion Show Berlin and will take place from 15-17 January 2019 as part of Berlin Fashion Week at the Kraftwerk, thus continuing the tradition. 

Pitti Immagine will be thirty years old in 2019. In fact, back in January 1989 it was actually Pitti Immagine Uomo that inaugurated the group’s new name and all the other fairs followed on its heels. To celebrate this anniversary a stamp dedicated to Pitti Immagine will be issued – created by Italo Lupi, one of the best known and most highly esteemed Italian designers in the world – and an exhibition, The Fashion Mail Box, about the relationships between the world of fashion and that of stamps to be staged in the Pitti Uomo Press Room at the Fortezza: around 80 stamps particularly beautiful and in some cases very rare, linked to fashion from all over the world. The issue of the Pitti Immagine stamp by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development was realized thanks to the Istituto Poligrafico, Zecca dello Stato and Poste Italiane, and the official presentation will take place on Tuesday 8 January, during the official inauguration of Pitti Uomo (Palazzo Vecchio – 10.30 a.m.) and at the same time in the Fortezza da Basso (Entrance Hall).

Vilebrequin Denim – the Seventies capsule: The logo is the 1971 original designed by the founder of the brand, Fred Prysquel. Jacket, trousers, overalls, hat… all the must-have variations of denim make up the Seventies capsule from the first VILEBREQUIN DENIM collection. An ode to the same sense of freedom, comfort and fun that you could feel in St Tropez in the same years in which Vilebrequin was born. The capsule will be on sale starting from March 2019 exclusively at the Vilebrequin boutiques in Milan, Milan Malpensa airport, Rome, Rome Fiumicino airport and Forte dei Marmi.

The VILEBREQUIN DENIM collection is entirely made in Italy thanks to the license agreement with Giada SPA that will oversee all production and distribution.

“Vilebrequin has been thinking about creating a denim collection for a long time: cool and chic and emblematic of the ’70s – denim pants are definitely part of our heritage. It is a true opportunity for us to be able to work with Giada: we share the same attention towards quality and the same Mediterranean roots “, said Vilebrequin CEO Roland Herlory.

“The launch of VILEBREQUIN DENIM” – adds Giada SPA CEO Franco Catania – “is an exciting venture for our company that certifies its position as a leader in the denim and luxury sector. We are really pleased to add VILEBREQUIN, a brand with a strong tradition and global recognition, to our portfolio. This opportunity will contribute to strengthen our expertise in design, production and distribution. The prestige of the brand Vilebrequin will be an incentive to broaden an extensive international distribution as we expect that VILEBREQUIN DENIM will be well received from the market.”