During the upcoming edition of Milan Menswear Week taking place this month, as part of the collaboration between the Italian and Dutch fashion industry, a selection of the creations by the winning Amsterdam Global Denim Awards will be displayed. Named ‘Best of Both’ the collaboration aims to strengthen the connection between Dutch and Italian fashion and denim.

The Global Denim Awards Exhibition has focused on the Italian and Dutch collaborations over the last 3 years, highlighting the best creations of Netherlands and Italy. On display will be the capsule collections of five designers (Jonathan Christopher, Alexandra Frida, Edithmarcel, Sartoria Diletto and Anbasja Blanken) and three Italian denim mills (Candiani Denim, Berto Industria Tessile and ITV Denim).

Stella McCartney has teamed up with Parley for the Oceans on a long-term project named ‘Ocean Legends’. McCartney already previously designed a pair of trainers made from ocean plastic, instead of woven/recycled polyester in her designs. 

As well as being made from upcycled marine plastic, each piece in the collection will be dedicated to individual pioneers within the ocean movement, as a "symbol of recognition". The first design, which will recognise Greenpeace co-founder Paul Watson, is an update on the existing Falabella Go backpack. Made from recycled polyester fabric salvaged from the sea, it will feature the brand's signature braided Falabella chain across its pocket, as well as Sea Shepherd badges, all made from ocean plastic.

Parley for the Oceans is the space and network where the creative industries come together to raise awareness about the oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction. The ocean is a vital part of our planet and we are running out of time to save it.

Maison Margiela has announced its cancellations of its S/S 2018 menswear runway show which would have taken place during Paris fashion week this month. 

The change comes as the brand is undergoing a strategic review under its new Chief Officer Riccard Bellini.

Cindy McNaull, Global Cordura brand & marketing director, has been nominated as finalist for the first ever ‘Woman of the Year’ award offered by the Professional Clothing Awards. The winner will be announced on June 21st 2017, at the same time Cordura will announce further news on #Cordura50.

Cindy McNaull has been a driving force and “durable ambassador” at INVISTA’s CORDURA brand for more than a decade. In Cindy’s current role as global CORDURA brand and marketing director, she harnesses more than 25 years of passion and experience in specialty chemical, textile and non-wovens industries. She has lead the expansion of the brand from its heritage in military and outdoor applications to today’s durable performance textile powerhouse offering technical solutions for gear and apparel used in building & construction, endurance sports, motorcycling, commuting and increasingly everyday lifestyle activities where durability counts.  

Now, after ten durable years, she says “it's been a long journey that couldn’t have been made without our loyal brand customers, collaborative partners and durably passionate global CORDURA brand team – and we’re not stopping anytime soon.”

Two students are amongst some to have implemented CORDURA Fabrics into their designs that are part of this week’s Graduate Fashion displays in London.

Bethany Martin – Northampton University
Bethany won the CORDURA Durable Design Award in the Project 20/20 workwear contest last year. This is her final year collection and it is outdoor industry inspired.  Fabrics supplied to her are from two of the ISPO Textrends award winning mills – Yoonia and One Chang – both based in Korea.

Seunghee Lim – Royal College of Art
Seunghee has a workwear/military faceted collection that takes fabric inspiration and styling from athletic bags and equipment. She chose to work with CORDURA Fabrics that are traditionally used in bags and packs. Fabrics are from mills in Germany and Asia region.

This is what Seunghee says: “To me, the conditions of now-a-day's material reality is about functionalism. After looking back from my surroundings, I started from the frame of a ready-meal case. This generic frame is specific in its detail through a Molle [Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment] system and Labels. I wanted to show this as ordinary and reject a concentrated aesthetic of beauty. To show this concept through fashion, my collection want to be categorized by work-wear as the form of technical and functional solution. The stitch and fasteners should visible like the inside of machine to show the logical structure of cloth.”

With a new format of "BORN IN THE USA", Pitti Immagine continues its collaboration with Liberty Fairs, created by Sam Ben-Avraham. Staging a project that is now linked to contemporary-classic menswear, Liberty Fairs will bring to the Arena Strozzi, in an autonomous space but close to the collections of Futuro Maschio, some of the most well-known brands born and produced in the US – an accurate mix & match ranging from the classic world to sportswear.

Tommy Hilfiger will close London Fashion Week with the Fall 2017 TOMMYNOW experiential runway event on September 19th, 2017. Building on the success of “Tommy Pier” in New York City for Fall 2016, and Spring 2017 “TOMMYLAND” in Los Angeles, the London show reflects Tommy Hilfiger’s continued commitment to bringing TOMMYNOW to new cities and audiences around the world.

“My vision for TOMMYNOW was to create a global platform that could bring our shows to audiences around the globe like a rock-and-roll world tour,” said Tommy Hilfiger. 

The Fall 2017 TOMMYNOW fashion show will include men’s looks from Hilfiger Edition, marking the first time since 2010 that the brand’s men’s and women’s collections have shared the runway.  The show will also feature Hilfiger Collection, the brand’s most premium womenswear designs, and the Fall 2017 TommyXGigi collection, the third collaboration with supermodel and global brand ambassador Gigi Hadid.

The upcoming edition of European ShoeShow which was set to take place from September 24th till 25th 2017, has been announced as cancelled. The tradeshow which would have been exhibiting its second edition registered too low of numbers for the coming edition.

Jason Wu has announced that he will be showing his Resort 2018 collection in combination with his Spring 2018 collection in one big show called ‘Spring One’. The designer also announced that he will be showcasing his pre-fall together with his fall 2018 runway show.

To celebrate the occasion of the 'La Rinascente' name turning 100 years this year, Milan City Council | Culture, Palazzo Reale and La Rinascente have decided to tell this story in an exhibition in the Appartamento del Principe (Prince’s quarters), on the piano nobile of Palazzo Reale, from 24th May to 24th September. The name was thought up by Gabriele D’Annunzio, commissioned by Senator Borletti who bought the Bocconi department store in 1917, promoting its rebirth.

An exceptional variety and quantity of works of art, graphic design, design objects, historic images and previously unseen exhibits will tell visitors how La Rinascente managed to write important chapters in the history of costume, communication and retail. Right from its birth, it stood out as a laboratory for experimentation of new ideas arriving from the rest of Europe. Its innovative sales model, stemming from early French examples, with goods displayed on shelves at a fixed price, was not only a turning point for a modern economy, it also led to incisive changes in the everyday life of the growing consumer society. 

The location chosen is Palazzo Reale, Milan’s main exhibition venue and heart of that urban centre that represents the spirit of this city, just a stone’s throw from the Duomo, the Galleria, the Scala and La Rinascente, which stands for its manufacturing spirit. The exhibition is part of the annual programme at Palazzo Reale, and plays an important role due to the complexity
and articulation of the project. All this not only because Palazzo Reale is one of Milan’s main cultural institutions, but also because, like La Rinascente, it stands within the district that perfectly embodies the active, central role of this area’s cultural and productive life.

Invista's Cordura brand in partnership with DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products is bringing the first in a series of eco-innovations to Techtextil, driving the future use of new sustainable textiles. Based on the combination of the long-lasting durability of CORDURA fabrics combined with the bio-based performance of Susterra membranes and coatings, the first cutting-edge innovations resulting from this collaboration are on display at INVISTA Stand G25, Hall 4.1 at Techtextil, May 9-12, 2017, in Frankfurt, Germany.

“We continue to look at ways that we can benefit the environment as part of our innovation continuum – and CORDURA fabrics can do this by helping to increase a product’s utility and durability,” explained Cindy McNaull, global CORDURA brand and marketing director. “As the textile market continues to look for innovative solutions to help reduce its environmental footprint, we want to provide long-lasting products that need to be replaced less often. Through our recent collaboration with Dupont Tate & Lyle’s Susterra brand, designers of apparel, footwear and gear will have access to a wide variety of durable fabric technologies that incorporate high performance coatings and membranes based on plant-based materials."

 Bahrain-based fund Investcorp, which acquired a stake in the company in June 2016, along with the Corneliani family, decided to potentiate the management of its American subsidiary to implement the brand’s leadership in one of the most crucial international markets. In particular, Corneliani has announced the appointment of Maurizio Mantovani as its Americas Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  

In his new role, Mantovani reports to Corneliani Chief Executive Officer Paolo Roviera, and has the goal to confirm the brand as a leading player in the luxury men’s wear arena in the American market by boosting the brand’s wholesale network and retail business. In order to further reinforce the American sales and commercial department, Corneliani has appointed Sean Hieter as Senior Vice President of Sales. 

The new appointments reflect Corneliani’s new strategy aimed at innovating the company while respecting its unique, rich heritage. A stronger attention to the international markets, along with the research for the best and most engaging customer experience are the pillars of the path defined by the Corneliani family and Paolo Roviera to stimulate the brand’s growth. While restructuring its wholesale network, Corneliani will focus on the retail expansion and on the launch of an online store next year.   

Milliner, Justin Smith will be exhibiting his forthcoming ‘Gold’ collection of hats under his brand, J Smith Esquire, in the YKK London Showroom from the 16th May – 24th June.

Smith is notorious for his creative hat designs, showcasing strong skills in millinery craft and tradition, producing well made, durable pieces, with a client portfolio that includes A-list celebrities. The anticipated ‘Gold’ collection, taking three years to develop and involving extensive global travel for Smith to source materials and evolve ideas, officially launches in June 2017. Six pieces from this range will be on display exclusively in the YKK London showroom in May, demonstrating how YKK’s fastening solutions helped Smith achieve his creative vision; used in a decorative manner to creative unique showpieces. 

Materials, textures and understanding how these can be translated into something wearable have also been key inspirations for Smith in the creative process, pushing boundaries of millinery craft whilst maintaining the British tradition of hat wearing.

The exhibition at the showroom and launch of the ‘Gold’ collection coincides with the first of Smith’s teaching workshops at Pinewood Studios. He says, “I am proud that my brand, which I started from scratch, continues to prosper with the minimum of compromise and that I am still able push myself in my technical accomplishments and to fulfil my dreams.” 

One of the most popular sections at Pitti Uomo, Touch! expresses the eclectic spirit of the contemporary man's wardrobe, with an innovative and internationalist approach. For this edition of the show,Touch! is presenting at the Padiglione Medici for the first time, a strategic location within the main show, creating a new line of continuity with sections such as L'Altro Uomo and Unconventional.

Beyond and the students of NABA- Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (Milan’s New Fine Arts Academy), have together kick-started a creative project for the Milan Design Week, sharing the endless search for new creative ideas and made-in-Italy high quality – of which they are the highest expression. 

A team of Fashion Design students designed an original FW 2017-2018 trainers collection of 10 models that make a statement. 

With their creations, they wanted to represent Beyond trainer in a collection which harmoniously blends women’s and men’s fashion items, resulting in unisex footwear that breaks all fixed rules and promotes an original contemporary look. 

With the technical and manufacturing support of shoe factory Elisabet, designers have put an emphasis on details, colours, and mixed materials, for an original and balanced collection, ideal to enhance all outfits. 

INVISTA owners of the LYCRA brand, along with Cone Denim and its parent company, International Textile Group have announced that INVISTA has purchased Cone Denim’s and ITG’s dual core patent portfolio. The patent estate covers a broad variety of dual core yarns, fabrics, and garments made from those fabrics, which are sold in the U.S., China, and most recently, Europe. The purchase is effective immediately. 

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of Cone Denim’s development of its dual core patented innovation, trademarked as SGENE&reg technology,” says Steve Maggard, Cone Denim’s senior vice president of operations. “Cone’s SGENE&reg technology integrates a stretch fiber, such as LYCRA&reg fiber, with an inelastic control filament. Cone is pleased to collaborate with INVISTA to provide a global platform to take this technology to the next level and will continue to produce yarns and fabrics made with the SGENE® technology under a license from INVISTA.” 

Last month, Cone Denim’s dual core patent was granted in Europe and is now part of the INVISTA patent estate. “The granting of the EU patent marks another milestone in dual core technology and should provide new opportunities for INVISTA’s customers,” Hegedus said. Over the next several months INVISTA will be meeting with its customers and other fabric producers to discuss its expanded dual core patent estate and license requirements.

DENHAM the Jeanmaker has just opened its first store in China, located in Shanghai’s new HKRI Taikoo Hui Mall. The store showcases DENHAM’s collections for men and women, with the opening being an extensive rollout of DENHAM stores across China, reflecting the brand’s greater strategic commitment to expansion in the Asia region. 

Designed by DENHAM’s in-house team, the 160-square-metre store combines a clean, gallery-like aesthetic with authentic character and décor. Furnishings have been imported from Europe, including recycled and salvaged pieces like sewing machines, vintage lamps, and trolleys reworked into tables. The floor is made of wood that was reclaimed from a French farm, while walls are made from a special indigo concrete that has been developed exclusively by DENHAM. Graphic art includes the latest work by Anthony Burrill, a renowned English printmaker known for his eye-catching use of text and typography. 

Furthermore, DENHAM commissioned Shanghai-based studio JoMo Design to custom create a cash desk using vintage American yardsticks. Founded by furniture makers Moritz Spielberg and Jonas Merian in 2015, JoMo Design fuses contemporary design with uncompromising craftsmanship for signature collections and bespoke creations. 

The DENHAM Shanghai store has a full Service Co., which offers a hand-wash laundry service and a custom sewing area where DENHAM jeans can be hemmed, maintained and repaired for life. The change room features DENHAM’s unique 360-degree fitting mirror, which makes it easy for shoppers to see precisely how jeans look and fit, from all angles. 

LVMH is launching a multi-brand e-commerce site inspired by its exclusive Parisian department store Le Bon Marche. The new website called "24 Sevres" is named after the Rue de Sevres location of Le Bon Marche, will offer fashion, cosmetics and luggage products from LVMH's own portfolio as well as brands from outside the group.

LVMH, controlled by French billionaire Bernard Arnault, announced the new site would go live on June 6th in more than 70 countries.

On May 10th a select group of contestants of the Denim Design Award of the 2016 edition of ISKO I-SKOOL will put on a Dynamic Exhibition of the projects that had led them to the finale of last year’s contest – but with a twist: they have been revamped to reflect environmental sustainability. The students have re-thought their designs under a more conscientious approach, using Tonello’s treatments and the concepts from ISKO EARTH FIT for this special task. ISKO EARTH FIT is the green platform by ISKO that has already received two important recognitions: the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, for several of the platform’s products. The “responsible” outfits will be evaluated by very prestigious jury composed of fashion experts.

On May 11th, ISKO will host a breakdown session dedicated to “Technology innovation”, with Marco Lucietti. The group of experts will explore the new frontiers of the promising technologies that will change industry’s methods like 3D printing, robotics in cut and sewing factories and much more. They will give insight into the very near future from a courageous and critical perspective, examining the possibile social consequences that this kind of revolution might produce.

International knitting show, PH Value, with intertextile, will open on 11-13 October, in Hall 3 of National Exhibition and Convention Center ( Shanghai).

PH Value was officially launched in 2007, and named as China International knitting Fair (with brand name PH Value). The Fair is sponsored by China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC ) and organized jointly by the Sub-council of Textile Industry, CCPIT and the China Knitting Industrial Association. It aims to be an international business and communication corporation platform in knitting industry, and composed by Exhibition, Forum, Fashion Show, New Product Launches, etc. 

As a trade promotion and business platform, "PH Value" is committed to the knitting clothing and accessories, covering the full range of knitted products, including sweater, T-shirt, lingerie, underwear, loungewear, sportswear, hosiery and socks, knitting accessories and etc., showing the latest developments in product and technology, coupled with fashion highlights in trend forecast. It created a unique platform for the exhibitors to meet potential customer, explore new market opportunities, and learn the next season's trend. After years of operation, "PH Value" has become a "barometer" of the economic climate for China's knitting industry. In addition, the exhibitors will share more than 100,000 professional visitors synchronically with intertextile and CHIC shows, plus the targeted direct-link matching activities for these exhibitors and buyers at home and abroad.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute spring 2017 exhibition, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, on view from May 4 through September 4, examines Kawakubo’s fascination with interstitiality, or the space between boundaries. In Kawakubo’s work, this in-between space is revealed as an aesthetic sensibility, establishing an unsettling zone of oscillating visual ambiguity that challenges conventional notions of beauty, good taste, and fashionability. A thematic exhibition, rather than a traditional retrospective, this is The Costume Institute’s first monographic show on a living designer since the Yves Saint Laurent exhibition in 1983.

he exhibition features approximately 140 examples of Kawakubo’s womenswear designs for Comme des Garçons, dating from the early 1980s to her most recent collection. Objects are organized into nine dominant and recurring aesthetic expressions of interstitiality in Kawakubo’s work: Absence/Presence, Design/Not Design, Fashion/Anti-Fashion, Model/Multiple, High/Low, Then/Now, Self/Other, Object/Subject, and Clothes/Not Clothes. Kawakubo breaks down the imaginary walls between these dualisms, exposing their artificiality and arbitrariness. Her fashions demonstrate that interstices are places of meaningful connection and coexistence as well as revolutionary innovation and transformation, providing Kawakubo with endless possibilities to rethink the female body and feminine identity.

Sônia Bogner, born in Brasil, who built and inspired the German label Bogner together with her husband Willy Bogner, sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 66. She set trends in the fashion world with her distinctive style, both nationally and internationally.  It did not take much to see that this woman had a passion for her business, the fashion industry and her creations. She was active as part of the board of directors at Willy Bogner GmbH &Co KGaA until the last moment. The fashion industry will miss this very talented woman. WeAr Global Magazine sends its deepest condolences.

Pure London has launched its new campaign, which will immerse visitors to the S/S 2018 show in July in ‘Oriental Futures’; a cultural fusion exploring Eastern-inspired arts and artistry with a futuristic and celestial approach. 

Unveiling its new theme inspired by WGSN’s S/S18 trend forecast, Pure London aims to create a fashion movement which ties together two fundamental ideas – the first being Oriental culture, the second being interplanetary travel. 

With a focus on unity and collaboration across cultures and galaxies, Oriental Futures explores the stratosphere where scintillating constellations meet Eastern-inspired arts. Delve deeper into a unified cosmos rich in tradition, yet contemporary and authentic. WGSN trends reference eastern artistry and discover new galactic realms inviting you immerse yourself in a journey of collaborative auras. 

The next edition of Pure London will take place from 23rd – 25th July at London Olympia.

UBM Fashion, the world’s leading organizer of trade shows for the fashion industry has announced a strategic partnership with Mirjam Dietz, who has been appointed as an official consultant for UBM Fashion in the European Market, focused on building awareness and sales in Europe for UBM Fashion events in the apparel and accessories sectors.  Mirjam Dietz’s extensive fashion background in the European markets will serve as a vital asset for growing UBM Fashion’s presence in Europe and developing its global portfolio. 

The scope of work of Mirjam Dietz includes building awareness of UBM Fashion and its apparel and accessories shows through public relations efforts as well as managing the activities of a new team of representatives for Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Furthermore, Mirjam Dietz will act as an ambassador in helping build relationships with European Government Trade Offices and Associations in addition to building relationships with key individual fashion brands.

US GROUP presented their collection at King Pins Amsterdam and Denim PV in Paris in April 2017 and will go to present the collection in Kingpins NYC in early May 2017.

The Umer Siddique Group was established by two friends, Mr. Mian Ahsan and Mr. Javaid Arshad Bhatti as a part time apparel trading business intended to finance their higher education abroad. The US Group opened their doors at a new regional office located just off Oxford Street, London. The group are continuing to expand US Denim Mills moving towards it’s first Leeds Certification in unit V. Today US Denim Mills and Apparel & Textiles form the US Group.

The lookbook shot by Nick Clements and Stephiane Sian Smith, present an overview of the collection highlighting several fabrics such as Selvedge, Feather Weave, Re:vive, Evoke, Black Concrete, Stretch, Stretch & Bi-Stretch Selvedge

Furla will be buying back its Australian distribution network from Luxury Retail Group. The distribution network will add to its strategy of strengheting its position in Australia and New Zealand. With this, Furla will be opening five new stores between the two countries and will also expand its existing Sydney boutique. 

Cartier will be launching a pop-up shop on Net-a-Porter in their first partnership with the e-commerce site. The pop-up will coincide with the launch of its Panthère de Cartier watch, a revived with from the early 80s.

The collection will consist of 12 different models in different variations such as rose/yellow/white gold as well as stainless steel, some embellished with diamond bezels, some without. 

Net-a-Porter will produce elusive content for its social media platforms to pay homage to the revived watch. The Cartier Panthère collection will be available on Net-a-Porter from May 2nd until May 31st, 2017. 

The core of AlphaTauri being the combination of sophisticated, forward-looking design and the latest technologies  are perfectly reflected in the collections, and now also in the new online shop.

The state-of-the-art online shop features a full-screen language, a sophisticated navigation and the latest e-commerce solutions. The homepage and all product pages are divided into four content blocks and allow you to navigate in all four directions. In terms of content, there is information on the technologies, videos, detailed views, other product recommendations or shop the look suggestions. The fully responsive design allows for an optimal display on all end devices, from the mobile device, tablet to the widescreen monitor. The product groups are navigated via the AlphaTauri stars constellation, as well as submenus on the individual product listing pages.

Replay has opened its first flagship store in, Sao Paolo, Brazil, on the central shopping street Rua Oscar Freire. The store concept designed by Studio 10, consists of 220 sq.m space featuring a giant 10 metre garden wall and an array of materials such as wood, raw concrete, leather and black iron. 

Avant Toi, innovative and avant garde Italian brand, launches its exclusive and first Home collection; hand painting, the iconic feature of the brand, decorates and enhances an infinite composition of blankets, covers, pillows, carpets, tablecloths and many other elements of design. Avant Toi experiments with passion, matching and blending materials to create unique, home-made pieces: needlework of vintage foulards on a light, impalpable knit, patchworks of cloths create colorful carpets with thousands of hues, mixes of furs on felted cloths, jacquard wall hangings in a chenille of silk, cushions and bedspreads in a furry stitch or jacquards which recall blankets of leaves, covers and carpets with rudimental seams. 

The Avant Toi showroom in Via Carlo Botta 8, staged for the launch with the exclusive collection, transformed into the “Avant Toi Home” in the occasion of the 2017 Fuorisalone, which took place earlier this month.

Hudson’s Bay Company has announced the appointment of Dr. Wolfgang Link as Chief Executive Officer of HBC Europe, effective May 1st, 2017. Dr. Link will lead the company’s expansion and growth strategy for the European business including Galeria Kaufhof, Galeria Inno, and the entrance of Hudson’s Bay and Saks OFF 5TH. Reporting to HBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Storch, Dr. Link will oversee the European management team.

Jerry Storch, HBC’s CEO, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the HBC family during this new phase of development for our European business, as we prepare to launch two new banners in the region. Wolfgang is an accomplished leader with a proven track record in the retail sector in Germany and throughout Europe. His experience in both digital and traditional channels and profound knowledge of the European market were key in selecting him for this role, and will help foster the expansion and success of HBC Europe, including our significant investment in Germany.” 

Robinsons has opened its new flagship store at Al-Futtaim, one of the most progressive regional business houses headquartered in Dubai. The latter brought the leading fashion department store Robinsons to the GCC and the Middle- East through a joint venture agreement with the Chalhoub Group. 

The store is redefining fashion retail with its unique interior design featuring vertical gardens on all levels created by Patrick Blanc, the globally renowned visionary designer, as well as an array of natural elements from wood to marble. The visual merchandising is giving a completely new look and feel to the store and inspirational experience to its customers. The launch thematic, “URBAN ROMANCE”, celebrates the greenery and freshness of fashion, a new urban-green attitude with a nod to the Singaporean heritage of Robinsons. 

Spreading on three levels, across 200,000 sqft and with 600 brands, this will be the largest department store in the region giving home to 90 exclusive fashion and beauty brand, as well as John Lewis home collections, available only at Robinsons, on top of the large variety of carefully selected international and local labels.

Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale, the brand new trade platform serving the off-price and value retail industry, opened its doors to exhibitors and attendees alike on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017, featuring more than 60 men’s apparel and accessory brands. As the brainchild of industry veterans Arnold and Bruce Zimberg, in cooperation with international trade show organizer Messe Frankfurt, this first-of-its-kind trade show focused on building a business platform for the fastest growing yet under- served segment of the apparel market: off-price retail. 

Over the course of three days, Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale exhibitors showcased a variety of current, past season, and future inventory and made it available to attending buyers at discounted prices. Additionally, select exhibitors provided information on private label services and available FOB factory to retail programs. 

“We’ve curated a tightly edited group of exhibiting brands for our first menswear edition and have been very focused on quality over quantity.” said Bruce Zimberg, Co-founder and Sales Director, Boulevard Prêt-à-Sale. “The biggest challenge off-price retail buyers are facing is repetitiveness across all categories, including menswear. Our ultimate goal is to help these retailers differentiate themselves by introducing them to new upscale brands – both emerging and established.”

The Stone Island Prototype Research Series are native limited editions. They feature garments in fabrics and/or treatments born from research and experimentation processes that have not yet been industrialized. Dyneema is the strongest and most durable lightweight fibre in the world. This super light yet extremely tough Dyneema Flexible Composite fabric has increased tear, puncture, and abrasion performance.

Stone Island has engineered a ready to dye version by bonding it to an exclusive performance membrane with an ultra-light nylon tela backing. It is a reversible jacket: one side shows the Dyneema face, the other side shows the ultra-light nylon tela which takes the dye color as do all the other nylon components of the piece. The garments are cut and sewn, the seams are entirely sealed by hand with Dyneema re-enforced tapes.

This limited edition is made of 2 sets of 50 items that are garment dyed with 50 color recipes in the Stone Island Colour Laboratory.

Jil Sander has announced the appointment of Lucie and Luke Meier as its new creative directors. With immediate effect, the couple will create their first collection for the S/S 2018 season. Lucie comes from a position at Dior as co creative-director, also previously working for Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs. Luke has been the head designer for the brand Supreme for a duration of 8 years, before finding his own menswear line OAMC.

Vital energy and the beauty of flowers has provided inspiration for “BOOM, PITTI BLOOMS”, the leading theme of the Pitti Immagine summer trade shows. 

New creative ideas that blossom just like flowers: improbable, effervescent and ironic. Sometimes in the form of macro inflatable flowerbeds, odd sculptures or flying bouquets. A fantastic world of original patterns blended with colour contrasts on façades, in areas and on objects. 

Layout, creative direction and Fortezza da Basso's setting by lifestyler Sergio Colantuoni. This introduces the overall topic relating to the new digital art project accompanying the exhibitions’ advertising campaign. An Art + Vibes production, directed by Valentina Be, Executive Producer Max Brun and Sound Designer Lorenzo Confetta.

Four denim fabrics developed by Prosperity Textile have been named top products & selections of the ISPO TEXTRENDS 2017 Fall/Winter. The total selection was on display at ISPO MUNICH from February 5th to 8th and then later at ISPO BEIJING. 

ISPO TEXTRENDS is the platform for textile innovations and components. Twice a year, ISPO honors innovative fabrics and components that are used to manufacture sports apparel with ISPO TEXTRENDS. Designers, product managers and media representatives consider ISPO TEXTRENDS a valuable platform for pioneering textile trends and innovations. It also gives designers and product developers a comprehensive overview of exciting innovations, but it is also a unique opportunity for networking and sourcing. 

Mr. Xiang Gu, General Manager of Prosperity Textile, said, “We are proud to have our denim fabrics been selected as the top products & selections of ISPO TEXTRENDS again, for our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Over the years, we have been developing denim with upgraded performances, interesting surfaces, soft touch and eco- friendly ingredients, to meet the growing demand of sportswear and outdoor apparels customers. We will continue our efforts to relentlessly drive the innovation of denim.”

During Who’s Next trade show, which took place from the 20th to 23rd January 2017, Citadium had the idea to create an exclusive space where 11 young designers could showcase their collections to professionals in the fashion industry. Following the success of the space at the trade show, Citadium has decided to host a pop-up store for these young labels in the heart of its Parisian flagship, Caumartin.

From Wednesday 29th March to Wednesday 12th April the window display at the Citadium Caumartin is merchandised with the collections of these young designers. Afterwards, the collections will be showcased and distributed in the Bordeaux and Marseille branches of Citadium, from 15th May to 4th June.

By highlighting their work and coaching them in business development, Who’s Next and Citadium are coming together in their commitment to discovering young designers and supporting the growth of their brands.

Balmain has named Massimo Piombini as its new CEO, effective immediately. Piombini takes over from Emmanuel Diemoz as the brand prepares to position themselves as a larger global luxury presence with their new Qatar owners. The new focus will be on casual luxury and more jersey, denim and knitwear.

Eastlake has launched its new premium LAB Collection, focusing on design and a variety of material such as neoprene and mesh. The collection is divided into 5 different categories: Oily LAB, Tailored Lab, Welded LAB, Tech LAB and Neoprene LAB.

For Spring 2017, Tommy Hilfiger continues to work with tennis pro Rafael Nadal as a global brand ambassador for the brand's tailored collection. Nadal's energy and determination are reflected in the THFLEX Tailored line, which offers high-performance suits made from the Woolmark-certified Merino wool; In the spirit of the motto: Tailored to Move.

Three innovative suits ensure a sophisticated look of relaxed ease: the Performance Suit, the Travel Suit and the Ultra-Light Suit; perfectly adapted to Rafael Nadal's active lifestyle.

The launch of Confindustria Moda, the new federation of fashion, textiles and accessories, representing more than 67 thousand Italian enterprises that generate a turnover in excess of 88 billion euros and give work to over 580 thousand works, was announced today in Milan. The Confindustria Moda member companies represent outstanding Italian craftsmanship, lead the international markets and in 2016, their exports accounted for 62% of turnover.

Claudio Marenzi, President of SMI – Sistema Moda Italia – since 2013, was voted in as the Federation’s first President, while Cirillo Marcolin, President of FIAMP – the Italian Federation of Fashion and Personal Accessories – and of ANFAO – the Italian Association of Optical Goods Manufacturers – is the Federation’s new Vice President.

Confindustria Moda groups together the member companies of SMI and FIAMP – which comprises AIMPES (the Italian Association of Manufacturers of Leather Goods and Substitutes), AIP (the Italian Fur Association), ANFAO, Assocalzaturifici and Federorafi (the Italian Federation of Goldsmiths and Silversmiths). Membership of UNIC (the Italian Tanning Industry Union) will also be formalised very soon.  The federate Associations will maintain operational autonomy on vertical themes specific to each industry, for example with regard to events and trade fairs, while Confindustria Moda will offer its members, for now, cross-cutting legal consulting services, industrial relations management and a research department.

Moreover, Confindustria Moda has already sealed the purchase of a new site in Milan, which will bring together all the associations, the trade fair events and the offices of the newly-formed Federation. The move to the new site is expected to take place at the start of next year

Attendance was good at the 45th edition of the Obuv’ Mir Koi international footwear and leather goods show, which closed on March 24 at Expocentr in Moscow. The number of buyers was up over the previous edition, and 130 exhibitors (including 18 new entries) were represented in 3200 square metres of display space.

“We are finally seeing an upswing of orders in Russia and the CIS area. Buyers are still prudent, but better prospects are emerging for the months to come, and we look forward to seeing greater stability on the market in upcoming seasons,” says Arturo Venanzi, director and coordinator of Assocalzaturifici's Russia and CIS Laboratory of the Russian event. “We're still far from recovering the level of exports we saw in 2013, but what we were looking for at our event in Moscow has come true: Obuv’ Mir Koi is still an event of central importance for Italian companies working in Russia and the CIS area, the most important event after theMICAM in Milan, positioned towards the end of the season”.

At this edition ITA brought 25 selected customers from a number of regions in the Russian Federation to the event and set up a lounge where Italian exhibitors could network with buyers.

Assocalzaturifici's programme in the CIS area will continue with two additional series of events promoted and organised in partnership with ITA Agency: Shoes From Italy Almaty, from April 5 through 7 in the financial capital of Kazakhstan, and Shoes from Italy Kiev, April 12 and 13 in Ukraine

The Spring / Summer 2017 collection from Uniforms for the Dedicated brings both uniforms and contemporary classics in structured, lightweight and sustainable fabrics. Other than 100% GOTS certified cotton and linen, outerwear and board shorts consists of a Swedish made alternative to polyester: biological polymer.

The colors run in off-white, dark navy and a saturated green, and selected styles carry a signature unicorn patch as a tribute to the brand’s creative legacy. Some key pieces include deconstructed suits made of textured cool wool, field bomber jackets, tapered and cropped trousers, piqué t-shirts, just to mention a few.

Ever since it's establishment in 2008 by a collective of snowboarders and creatives, Swedish brand Uniform for the Dedicated has been pursuing a holistic approach on how to reduce its impact on the environment: From launching The Rag Bag concept— a shopping bag that turns into a parcel addressed to charities — to launching full suit collections in recycled wool. 

DENHAM Group B.V. and Trendy Fashion Co., Ltd have announced a joint venture agreement, to operate and manage the distribution of the DENHAM brand in greater China — including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan — and drive business growth in the region. 

‘Our joint venture with Trendy International Group will allow us to expand our business in China, building upon the strong momentum we’ve already established in regions like Japan and the Netherlands,’ said Ludo Onnink, CEO of DENHAM Group B.V. ‘China is a large and diverse market where we plan to drive significant and strategic long- term growth. Trendy International Group has fantastic commercial and distribution experience, and we are confident in their expertise and support as we realise the full potential of our brand.’ 

The DENHAM China joint venture will oversee the opening of approximately 40 DENHAM stores in the market by 2020, and safeguard the brand’s positioning in the premium denim segment. The first DENHAM store in China will open in May 2017 in Shanghai Dazhongli, followed by three additional locations this year including Beijing Wangfu Central. 

‘We are proud to have created a partnership with such esteemed and successful leaders in our industry,’ said Jason Denham, Chief Creative Officer of DENHAM Group B.V. ‘Jacky Xu, Chairman of the Board & CEO of Trendy International Group, is an energetic visionary and a pioneer in our field. We had an instant click and a like-minded vision, both on product and how to take our business model in to the future.’ 

‘We’ve identified an incredible opportunity to expand the value and reach of DENHAM in China,’ said Andre Chen, Senior Vice President of Trendy International Group. ‘We believe the brand has huge potential, and we look forward to making this a reality by maximising our well- established infrastructure and regional leadership expertise.’ 

DENHAM will continue to showcase its collections at Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong and China. 

SCAD Fash Museum of Fashion + Film presents "Shoes: Pleasure and Pain," an exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, that explores the creativity, cultural significance and transformative power of shoes. The exhibition displays more than 200 pairs of shoes, from ancient Egyptian slippers embellished with gold leaf and the seductive signature red soles of Christian Louboutin heels, to cutting-edge designs created by contemporary designers experimenting with new materials and the latest technology. 

In addition to the range of historic footwear, the exhibition also features platform boots worn by Elton John, Princess Diana's shoe lasts, and David Beckham's soccer cleats. Styles by numerous celebrated designers and labels such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Nike and Vivienne Westwood, as well as two iconic pairs of shoes from film history — the famous red ballet slippers from the film "The Red Shoes" (1948) and the Swarovski crystal slippers featured in Disney's "Cinderella" (2015) — are also included.

The exhibition is curated around five different themes: ”Transformation," "Status," "Seduction," "Creation" and "Obsession." Designers' sketches, shoemaking materials and historic fashion illustrations provide a deeper understanding of the exhibition's themes. Debuting with the exhibition is "Touching the Sole," a special interactive tactile display that enables visually impaired visitors to engage with replicas of many of the shoes displayed.

Committed to innovation, INVISTA, presents LYCRA MADE TO FIT YOU technology for knee-highs, a new garment construction designed to deliver an improved balance between force and compression, resulting in a product that offers all-round comfort for all sizes, with no garment slippage and less digging in. 

“We are delighted with the outcome of this new technology and the results from our wear test have exceeded all expectation,” states Jane Gwyther, Marketing Segment Manager for Legwear at INVISTA. She continues: “Two out of three non-wearers from our study said that they would now start wearing knee-highs with LYCRA MADE TO FIT YOU technology, highlighting its potential to grow the category and build consumer loyalty. This new technology truly delivers a new standard in comfort.” 

Issey Miyake announced the opening of its first flagship store in Italy. Milano has been chosen for the location, and the store will be located in an historic building, Palazzo Reina, at Via Bagutta 12, in the Quadrilatero district. 

Approximately 500m² in size, and spread over the most prominent floors of the Palazzo, it is the first time that Issey Miyake has chosen an historical building for its new flagship store. 

"Design is an act of discovery, making things, making reality, freedom, innovation. Design is work that brings people joy. For me Milano is already the city of all creativity. I am proud to be part of it." Issey Miyake 

The store space is designed by TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA. 

“A unique aesthetic is created when historical townscape and futuristic interior panels come together to express the passage of time. 

We are attracted to a past enriched by layers of history as well as an opaque future not yet realized. The space exists within a 19th century building located near Via Montenapoleone, Milan's sophisticated street famous for historical architecture. It expresses the contrast between history and future showing the many layers of time in the texture of the interior walls juxtaposed with futuristic colored aluminum. 

The floating sculptures of round aluminium are colored like pieces of dyed cloth. The blue, orange and green symbolize the energy of nature, and also delivers a sense of translucency. The essence of design harmonized with technology and handwork is projected into the shop space, reflecting the philosophy of Issey Miyake's creations.”

J.W. Anderson has been selected as Pitti Uomo’s Special Guest for its June 2017 edition and will present on June 14th, its new S/S 2018 collection.

“We have been keeping a careful eye on Jonathan Anderson’s career for several seasons,” says Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine Director of Communications and Events. “Above all, we are drawn to the creativity and eclecticism he expresses in his collections that are further enhanced by high-quality manufacturing and – in menswear — by undisputable sartorial skill. The way he reinterprets elements from the contemporary art scene and from the youth culture, alternating emotional impact (such as out-of-scale volumes) and transgression that are projected towards anticipating the future leaving little room for nostalgia, is very interesting. And his shows are always surprising, with great communicative strength.”