Disposable Fame enters fashion arena with buttoned shirt line

Disposable Fame Inc, a new specialty brand of casual, stylish and active fashion apparel for men and women, announced the launch of its debut collection of men’s shirts. The Los Angeles based fashion brand Disposable Fame is unveiling its premier classic buttoned shirt collection for Spring-Summer 2011.

Disposable Fame’s Spring-Summer 2011 men’s shirt collection presents a fusion of classic buttoned shirt patterns fashioned with modern cuts, creating a distinctive, smart and stylish selection of silhouettes. Inspired by the spirit of the individual, the brand is focused on creating a simple and unique style for the man who expresses himself through what he wears, how he wears it and why he wears it – whatever his signature piece or style may be.
“We are excited to have our first men’s line ready to launch and available in 2011,” said Disposable Fame founder Rovane Durso. “The collection’s modern take on classic tailoring offers fresh essentials for every wardrobe. Guys are going to love it.”

Read More about Disposable Fame enters fashion arena with buttoned shirt line @ Fibre2fashion

CIRCOT & Fibre2fashion to host business development programme on cotton technology

When Government research institution joins hand with private sector to start playing the role of incubator of entrepreneurial projects, then businesses are definitely bound to go places, benefiting all.

Zonal Technology Management and Business Planning & Development unit at Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai in association with Fiber2fashion is jointly organizing one day Business Development Programme for “ Cotton Technologies” on January 7, 2011 at Ahmedabad.
Announcing this, Dr P R Roy, Director, Fibre2fashion.com said, “In India, CIRCOT today is a premier cotton research organization. Their pioneering research right up to the entire textile value chain is indeed commendable and needs to be taken to the market place.”
He adds, “Fibre2Fashion offers its business networking platform to connect CIRCOT with the industry whereby its research can be commercially exploited to benefit the cotton sector at large. Last month, Fibre2Fashion hosted the International Trade Centre (ITC), Switzerland led 36 member study delegation from East African countries visiting Ahmedabad and its surrounding cotton belt. Here, too we leveraged our forte at business networking and connectivity to promote the burgeoning Indian cotton sector and its technologies to the African cotton sector representatives whose industry has huge potential to grow by learning from our Indian experience.”
This Business Development Programme intends to bring technology and machinery suppliers, seed producers, pesticides manufacturers, cotton farmers and growers, ginners, spinners, weavers, allied value chain members and ICAR Scientists to discuss about the opportunities on setting up of knowledge based enterprises using agricultural technologies.
The BPD Units are also expected to promote entrepreneurial attitude and raise awareness about the technology driven business opportunities that the entrepreneurship can bring into the local business environment.

Read More about CIRCOT & Fibre2fashion to host business development programme on cotton technology @ Fibre2fashion

FIRMA by Sanja Grcic comes to RS POP in January 2011

Politically noncorrect, nontrendy pop, postcommunist global, worldy East European, urban bohemian, street couture – for new world order adventurers comes to NYC January 6th, 2011.

PRLog (Press Release) – Dec 23, 2010 – Slovenian fashion brand FIRMA by Sanja Grcic was established in 2003 by Slovenian fashion designers Sanja Grcic & Iztok Hrga. Since their first collection presentation "Goodbye communism?" for S/S 2003, they have been recognized by top fashion experts, stylists and critics, being nominated as the new avantgarde in Slovenian fashion.
FIRMA style is described as Street Couture; instinctive, innovative and alternative with clever detailing and a slight sporty touch. FIRMA builds new concepts of designing clothes, garment  out of wide range of tailoring and cutting knowledge. The combination of different and often opposite approaches of design concept results in a unique look and is signature of the brand's style which is recognized and highly valued during various renowned fashion shows or fashion exhibitions at home or abroad.

Read More about FIRMA by Sanja Grcic comes to RS POP in January 2011 @ Fibre2fashion

Bangalore Fashion Week to introduce Concept of Showers

Bangalore Fashion Week (BFW) has been conceived and created with a vision to Showcase Indian Fashion Industry to The Global Fashion World.
The objective of BFW will be to create business relationships and to facilitate a dialogue between Fashion designers and trade buyers.
The 4th Edition is scheduled between the 3rd & 6th Feb. 2011. The BFW is hosted at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 43 Electronics City, Hosur Road, Bangalore, India.
Bangalore Fashion Week Includes After Hour Parties, Press Conferences, Designer Product Exhibit and Fashion shows.
Bangalore Fashion Week goes Summer / Showers This February 2011
India’s climate is dominated by Monsoons and Summer and a Little bit of Winter i.e if you call it so... The Indian Climatic Seasons can be Divided into 3 Broad Categories i.e Summer, Mild Winter and Monsoon.
BFW in its drive to adapt the Fashion Week to India's Climatic conditions instead of Europe or the West; Launched the Winter / Festive Season in July 2009 and received Overwhelming Response.

Read More about Bangalore Fashion Week to introduce Concept of Showers @ Fibre2fashion

CIRCOT & Fibre2fashion to host Business Development Programme on Cotton Technology

When Government research institution joins hand with private sector to start playing the role of incubator of entrepreneurial projects, then businesses are definitely bound to go places, benefiting all.

Zonal Technology Management and Business Planning & Development unit at Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai in association with Fiber2fashion is jointly organizing one day Business Development Programme for “ Cotton Technologies” on January 7, 2011 at Ahmedabad.

Announcing this, Dr P R Roy, Director, Fibre2fashion.com said, “In India, CIRCOT today is a premier cotton research organization. Their pioneering research right up to the entire textile value chain is indeed commendable and needs to be taken to the market place.”

He adds, “Fibre2Fashion offers its business networking platform to connect CIRCOT with the industry whereby its research can be commercially exploited to benefit the cotton sector at large. Last month, Fibre2Fashion hosted the International Trade Centre (ITC), Switzerland led 36 member study delegation from East African countries visiting Ahmedabad and its surrounding cotton belt. Here, too we leveraged our forte at business networking and connectivity to promote the burgeoning Indian cotton sector and its technologies to the African cotton sector representatives whose industry has huge potential to grow by learning from our Indian experience.”

This Business Development Programme intends to bring technology and machinery suppliers, seed producers, pesticides manufacturers, cotton farmers and growers, ginners, spinners, weavers, allied value chain members and ICAR Scientists to discuss about the opportunities on setting up of knowledge based enterprises using agricultural technologies.

The BPD Units are also expected to promote entrepreneurial attitude and raise awareness about the technology driven business opportunities that the entrepreneurship can bring into the local business environment.

Read more about CIRCOT & Fibre2fashion to host Business Development Programme on Cotton Technology @ Fibre2fashion

Overseas garment workers get DOL grant

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a grant award of more than $5.3 million to the International Labor Organization to support the global Better Work program by implementing projects in Bangladesh and continuing projects in Cambodia and Vietnam. The grant was awarded by the department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs.

Better Work is a unique partnership program of the International Labor Organization and the International Finance Corp. that seeks to improve labor conditions in global supply chains. The Better Work program monitors conditions in export factories, publishes the results in a transparent manner and assists shirt suppliers to comply with labor standards that many Shirt buyers and customers demand.
"The goal is to replicate this highly successful strategy, first developed in Cambodia 10 years ago, in countries that protect their workers' rights while promoting development," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Read more about Overseas garment workers get DOL grant @ Fibre2fashion

Dixcy targets Rs 3 bn revenue, unveils winterwear

Dixcy, a well-known Tirupur based innerwear brand has launched a winterwear collection of it’s leather outwear brand; Higgins. Higgins was essentially launched as a summerwear brand and has a product portfolio ranging from loungers, track pant, t-shirts and polos, which targets the segment between three years to upper middle age.

The new winterwear range uses a sandwich technology where cotton-polyester is used and which traps the heat and keeps out the cold and acts as an insulator. Dixcy Textiles has Salman Khan as its brand ambassador and generates around four percent of its revenue from exports and hopes to post a turnover of Rs 3 billion in the current fiscal year.
Providing details about the new initiative to fibre2fashion, Mr Raghul Sikka, Director of Dixcy Textiles said, “Dixcy Textiles has launched a thermal range in colors like white, dark mélange and grey mélange and will be sold through around the country in thousands of points of sale. We also plan to open exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) in a few years, but in a few months time, we will also be retailing through large format stores and multi-brand outlets (MBOs)”.
Speaking about the current performance of the textile industry, he informed, “We are just out of recession. As incomes are increasing, things are recovering currently and volumes are growing. So overall the textile industry is doing fine. Companies are mulling big expansion drives in the next financial year, so there will be lot of action”.

Read More about Dixcy targets Rs 3 bn revenue, unveils winterwear @ Fibre2fashion

Clearwater Fashion Week’s history of economic impact

On February 3rd – 6th at Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater, the Clearwater Designer Co-Op, a group of dedicated volunteers committed to improving the economy of Downtown Clearwater through artistic events, will expand upon Clearwater Fashion Week, their inaugural event, in a four-day celebration of culture known as Fashion and Arts Week.

Clearwater Fashion Week began as an attempt to revitalize the Cleveland Street District by showing retailers that having a store in Downtown Clearwater could be both possible and profitable by holding a designer sample sale in an empty store front of Station Square.

Clearwater Fashion Week was spearheaded by fashion designers and Clearwater resident Craig Taylor, who had the desire to see Clearwater grow into the next Naples or Sarasota. Taylor has been involved in the renaissance of other communities which have now gone on to become quite fashionable, including SoHo in New York City, Downtown Los Angeles, and South Beach in Miami.

1,000 people attended last year’s event, including fashionistas from Miami and Orlando trekking out to take advantage of the deeply discounted prices on Rebecca Minkoff handbags,Bamboo bags Whitley Kros dress and Craig Taylor blouse. A total of $41,000 was spent. A portion of proceeds benefitted Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Junior League. Since the event, Fashion Week volunteer Paula Cadman opened up the Blue Dahlia on Cleveland Street – which was named “Best Hidden Treasure Boutique” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay.

Read More about Clearwater Fashion Week’s history of economic impact @ Fibre2fashion

Power of Jessica Simpson’s ‘Show Me Your Blues’

Jessica Simpson, forever transformed after her experiences filming VH1's "The Price of Beauty," and with a longstanding philanthropic dedication and passion for Operation Smile, launched A Beautiful Me as a personal initiative dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

A Beautiful Me, as a collaborative movement with Operation Smile, aims to help youth believe in themselves and use their personal strength to change the world.

With the launch of her Jeanswear, Jeans, Jacket Collection this year, Jessica is asking her friends and family, her fans and the world, to join her in honoring A Beautiful Me and the positive power of confidence with "Show Me Your Blues."

"I wanted to launch the 'Show Me Your Blues' application because I thought it would be a fun way to connect with fans of the Collection. It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved in a philanthropic cause by uploading photos of themselves and their friends," Simpson said. "We are each unique in our own skin. Believe in yourself and change the world."

Read More about Power of Jessica Simpson’s ‘Show Me Your Blues’ @ Fibre2fashion

World Fashion Organization welcomes China

During its 10th edition of Shanghai Fashion Week (SFW), The Shanghai Garment Association, SFW and Shanghai International Fashion Center signed the official representation of the World Fashion Organization (WFO)-Shanghai Regional Chapter for China.

The WFO–Shanghai Regional Chapter will provide a global platform and e-commerce services for the national fashion and textile industries, with a shared commitment to raise awareness to Corporate, Social Responsibility, furthering the reach of the WFO Humanitarian campaign “Fashion for Development and Peace”.
During the celebration, SFW Shanghai Fashion Week showcased outstanding collections from fashion designers from UK, Argentina, India, China and Italy, such as Percy Parker and Amy Molyneaux, head designers of “PPQ” from London, as well as Andrea Cardinale, Head Designer of “Lidia Cardinale” from Italy, Argentinean brand “Cardon”, emerging fashion designer and the new face of India “Paromita Banerjee” from Calcutta, showcasing a collection based on 100% environmentally friendly, Eco Friendly fabrics and Wool fabrics, closing with Chinese brands such as Prolivon, La Vie and Ling Yali, celebrating cultural exchange and understanding.
“It's a great honor to embrace this exciting opportunity, committing with corporate and social responsibility within the fashion industry, while generating new commercial opportunities for the Chinese market” says Xi Shiping, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shangtex Holding Group – Shanghai Garment Association.

Read More about World Fashion Organization welcomes China @ Fibre2fashion

AIFW combines new talent, established names and trendsetting labels

The 14th Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) will be held at the Westergasterrein in Amsterdam from 26 to 30 January 2011. Opening the official runway presentations on Wednesday, 26 January will be a show by Jan Taminiau.

The schedule for the following days will be filled with new talented Fashion designers, established names and trendsetting fashion labels. New names on the programme include Bas Kosters, Tony Cohen and Velour. The Fashion Week LAB. will provide a platform for eight ambitious young designers. In addition to the shows, the AIFW will organise DOWNTOWN, a varied programme of fashion-related activities open to the public that will open at the INDIVIDUALS brand store.
AIFW: ‘Celebrate, Connect & Grow’

The Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) was launched in 2004 to put Amsterdam on the map as an inspiring, internationally oriented fashion destination. By now, the AIFW has become the most important semi-annual fashion event in the Netherlands. By providing a platform for the most beautiful and the very best that the Netherlands has to offer in fashion design, the AIFW is celebrating the creativity, glamour and magic that fashion inspires.
The AIFW devotes itself all year long to connecting people by creating bridges between culture and commerce, education and the business community, and fashion and other creative disciplines. Its partners are found in various disciplines within the fashion industry and include designers, Eco Friendly Fabrics, business, academies and branch organisations. The AIFW sees bringing together various fields and strengthening the fashion network as one of its key tasks. It also sees itself as a platform determined to grow in size and impact.

Read More about AIFW combines new talent, established names and trendsetting labels @ Fibre2fashion 

AIFW combines new talent, established names and trendsetting labels

The 14th Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) will be held at the Westergasterrein in Amsterdam from 26 to 30 January 2011. Opening the official runway presentations on Wednesday, 26 January will be a show by Jan Taminiau.

The schedule for the following days will be filled with new talented Fashion designers, established names and trendsetting fashion labels. New names on the programme include Bas Kosters, Tony Cohen and Velour. The Fashion Week LAB. will provide a platform for eight ambitious young designers. In addition to the shows, the AIFW will organise DOWNTOWN, a varied programme of fashion-related activities open to the public that will open at the INDIVIDUALS brand store.
AIFW: ‘Celebrate, Connect & Grow’

The Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) was launched in 2004 to put Amsterdam on the map as an inspiring, internationally oriented fashion destination. By now, the AIFW has become the most important semi-annual fashion event in the Netherlands. By providing a platform for the most beautiful and the very best that the Netherlands has to offer in fashion design, the AIFW is celebrating the creativity, glamour and magic that fashion inspires.
The AIFW devotes itself all year long to connecting people by creating bridges between culture and commerce, education and the business community, and fashion and other creative disciplines. Its partners are found in various disciplines within the fashion industry and include designers, Eco Friendly Fabrics, business, academies and branch organisations. The AIFW sees bringing together various fields and strengthening the fashion network as one of its key tasks. It also sees itself as a platform determined to grow in size and impact.

Read More about AIFW combines new talent, established names and trendsetting labels @ Fibre2fashion 

BFC announces Newgen Men winners for AW11

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that eight of London's most exciting emerging menswear fashion design talents will receive sponsorship from its designer support initiative NEWGEN MEN sponsored by TOPMAN. All recipients will receive business support, funding and the opportunity to use the official BFC venue to host either a catwalk show or, following on from the success of last season, a presentation or an installation during London Fashion Week's (LFW) Menswear Day, on Wednesday 23rd February 2011.


The recipients of NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN are:
Catwalk sponsorship (shows will take place in the BFC Show Space):
Christopher Shannon, James Long and J.W. Anderson

Salon show sponsorship (TOPMAN show space at the Royal Opera House):
Lou Dalton

Presentation sponsorship (presentations will take place in the Portico Rooms):
Katie Eary, Omar Kashoura, and SIBLING

Installation sponsorship (installations will take place in the ground floor showrooms):
Christopher Raeburn

NEWGEN MEN began in February 2009, building on TOPMAN and Fashion East's successful MAN initiative. It has since become instrumental in raising the profile of emerging British designers using the dedicated Menswear Day at London Fashion Week as a showcasing platform. As well as sponsorship, the initiative offers its recipients tailored business and mentoring support, with a view to increasing the success of their business commercially and building relationships with key press and buyers. NEWGEN MEN continues to promote the best of British menswear talent for the fourth consecutive season, with ongoing dedicated support from TOPMAN.

Read more about BFC announces Newgen Men winners for AW11 @ Fibre2fashion

View More Newgen Men winners for AW11 Pictures 

 

Ryder Cup putt sporting diamond-patterned Glenmuir line

Inspired by the designs that propelled the European team to Ryder Cup glory, Glenmuir launches its Spring/Summer 2011 collection today with the message: diamonds are forever.

Millions of golf fans around the world watched as Graeme McDowell rolled in the winning Ryder Cup putt sporting a diamond-patterned Glenmuir sweater – and diamonds feature in no less than 12 products in the Lanark, Scotland company’s latest seasonal collection.
In all, Glenmuir introduces more than 40 exciting new garments for Spring/Summer including significant additions to its innovative Performance Shirts range, new filigree embroidered Ladies golfwear, leather belts for the first time and a new capsule Junior collection.
And as well as some stunning and striking new shirt and knitwear designs, Glenmuir has injected a riot of colour with bright Mango, electric Kingfisher blue and Hot Pink featuring across the board to appeal directly to the fashion-conscious golfer.
Seven new Men’s Luxury and Men’s Classic shirts make their debut, Clunie, Foss, Tummel, Ralia, Atholl, Tomatin and Garvald, and golfers can choose from a total of 17 shirt designs in those categories.
The phenomenal popularity of Glenmuir Men’s Performance Shirts, featuring hi-tech fabrics, sees the introduction of five new shirts, Jackson, Vardon, Condor, Eagle and Ambrose, with the Spey cardigan and Culcairn sleeveless slipover to offer co-ordinating performance knitwear.
Ambrose, for example, features the new Coolplus moisture-wicking system, while the diamond-patterned Eagle provides outstanding UV protection as Glenmuir continues to enhance its reputation for giving golfers the ultimate in sports fabric technology.

Read more about Ryder Cup putt sporting diamond-patterned Glenmuir line @ Fibre2fashion

Façonnable S/S collection: timeless clothes for people of taste

The spirit of the French Riviera - its singular colour, rich history and unmistakable style - is the starting point for Façonnable’s spring 2011 collection. Drawing on the heritage of founder Jean Goldberg and his original atelier to the stars, spring’s at-ease message is a master class in the Art de Vivre.

The Façonnable woman-confident, feminine and chic-walks stylishly next to the Façonnable man, who is elegantly relaxed. Colourful knits, jacket with removable cardigans, garment-dyed sport coats easy beachwear and functional sportswear are at once timeless and contemporary. While attentive details, like contrast stitch construction, removable layers and patch pockets lend the clothes understated appeal.
Bienvenue to the world of quality and taste. When you dress in Façonnable, everyday is like a perfect day by the sea. Façonnable was founded in the 1950s by Jean Goldberg, immediately becoming one of the most celebrated internal menswear brand worldwide.

Read more about Façonnable S/S collection: timeless clothes for people of taste @ Fibre2fashion

BCB wins Wales Innovation Award for its Blast-Proof Boxers

Cardiff-based firm BCB International has been named one of the most innovative business in Wales after designing a new item of protective gear for soldiers: blast-proof underwear.

The company, which provides servicemen and women with protection against blast injury to the groin and other lower body damage with its Blast Boxers, was named joint winner of this year’s Wales Innovation Award 2010, alongside Aeristech Ltd, at the Wales Quality and Innovation Awards on December 2nd 2010.
BCB International Ltd is a Fashion designers and Eco Friendly Fabrics wholesaler of survival equipment based in Cardiff, South Wales. The company started in 1854 as a chemistry company that provided cough medicine to the troops during the Crimean war. From here the evolution of the company has seen it meet the demands and needs of millions of individuals in military, civilian and aid environments.
BCB is a family run company that currently has 50 employees at its HQ in Cardiff as well as approximately 50 international agents and representatives.

Read More about BCB wins Wales Innovation Award for its Blast-Proof Boxers @ Fibre2fashion

PITTI CITY: the theme for January 2011

Once again, this coming January 11-14, 2011 in Florence, Pitti Uomo will maintain the figures it has attained: over 950 brands will be showing at the Fortezza da Basso, plus 70 women’s collections Like Shirt, jeans, Eco Friendly fabrics, jacket, at the Dogana for Pitti W, bringing the total to more than 1,000 collections presented.

The fair’s role as a point of reference on the international scene is confirmed once again by the increase in the number of applications from other countries (the requests from foreign firms and brands have risen by 20% for this edition). And let’s not forget the Pitti Uomo buyers: at the last winter edition, out of a total of 30,000 visitors, 23,360 buyers came to Florence representing all the most important boutiques and departments stores in the world. And the Pitti Club, whose members include some of the most prestigious names in the world, has over 150 Italian stores and more than 550 from abroad.


Read More about PITTI CITY: the theme for January 2011 @ Fibre2fashion

Shivani Chavda is Young Designer of the Year 2010

De Montfort University (DMU) student Shivani Chavda has been named Young Fashion Designer of the Year at one of the UK’s most prestigious fashion events.

Shivani, 22, from Harrow, London, is in her final year of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design at DMU in Leicester and won the catwalk finals of the Young Designer of the Year 2010 competition at the Clothes Show Live at NEC in Birmingham.
She has won £1,000 prize money and a £1,000 donation to the university.
Shivani’s design, inspired by the Orient, was among ten finalists whose designs were showcased on the catwalk who included fellow DMU student Maria Ellina.
This is the second time in three years that the Young Designer of the Year title has gone to a DMU student. In 2008 Charlotte Christy won the competition which is open to fashion students from universities and colleges around the UK.
The brief for this year’s competition was to design a dress that draws inspiration from any country in the world.
Shivani has taken elements of the Orient and incorporated it into her dress. The mixture of delicate beauty and strong shapes are the defining features of her design.

Read More about DMU’s Shivani Chavda as Young Designer of the Year @ Fibre2fashion

Topshop offers graduate collections of three CSM alumni

Topshop will be stocking key pieces from the graduate collections of three of this year's most talented Central Saint Martins alumni for the first time.

All three collections are available in-store from 8th December, while Lilly Heine and Matthew Harding's collections are also available on Topshop.com. Unavailable anywhere else in the world, customers can get their hands on one-off pieces by these talented graduates.
Lilly Heine's graduate collection won her international recognition. Lilly is trained in textile design and her aesthetic is characterised by unusual shape and surface detail. For her MA collection, Lilly drew inspiration from Picasso's sketches of women and she interpreted the exploration of body through the strong silhouette in her design. Topshop will be stocking three of her designs in the signature subtle fleshy tones for which she is renowned. Two dove grey shift dress, jeans, Skirt with demi-sleeves are available in wool crepe with sublimation print leaves laser cut in yellow or lilac which move when in motion. A fitted T is the same cut and the front appliqued with square leaves.

Read more about Topshop offers graduate collections of three CSM alumni @ Fibre2fashion

Birthday Suits to hit the runway during London Fashion Week

Louise Walleneit and her conceptual label Birthday Suits will be bringing experimental fashion to the forefront of London Fashion Week this season.

The innovative luxury label known for blurring the boundaries between research, art and fashion is set to cause quite a stir amongst British press keen to see Walleneit’s signature experimental silhouettes and approach to Aut/Win 2011.
Walleneit’s background in the arts led to the launch of her label in 2008. The philosophy behind the brand states: ‘The ideas and products develop in a Tran disciplinary space between fashion, art and research. 3- dimensional statements are made, based on periodic changing concepts. The progress of translation from the current state of a shape into another state is the design method to overcome borders between fashion, art and research.’

Read more about Louise Walleneit’s Birthday Suits to hit LFW runway @ Fibre2fashion

Persil Abaya Design Awards searches for undiscovered talent

Fashion students and amateur designers in the UAE are being encouraged to take part in a design competition which will catapult their talents into the spotlight and onto the runway.

The Persil Abaya Design Awards, sponsored by Persil Abaya Shampoo and organised by the team behind The Bride Show Abu Dhabi is open to any UAE resident who has a flair for fashion and a desire to put an individual spin on the traditional Abaya.
Entrants are asked to submit an initial mood board with their elegant, classical Abaya design which would be suitable to wear to a glamorous wedding, providing details of the style, materials and embellishments they would utilise.
A judging panel of local Fashion designers and opinion formers will then shortlist 10 finalists who will create their design and see it modeled down the catwalk on the final day of The Bride Show Abu Dhabi in front of thousands of fashion lovers and brides-to-be.

Read more about Persil Abaya Design Awards searches for undiscovered talent @ Fibre2fashion

Groupe Bikini enters last quarter with good inventory situation

Groupe Bikini Village inc reported that, for the second year running, it achieved solid sales in its third quarter of the fiscal year, a quarter traditionally marked by a seasonal slowdown in business volumes. The Company's third quarter 2010 sales performance nearly matched the high standard it had set last year.

2010 third quarter results
Net sales for the third quarter which ended October 30, 2010 were $6.5 million compared to $6.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Comparable sales, which compares the sales from the same number of stores year over year, increased by 2% for the quarter.
The Company was able to stem operating loss (EBITDA) for the third quarter at $1.5 million, down $0.4 million from the $1.9 million operating loss (EBITDA) in the same period in 2009, by tightly managing inventories, focusing on full-price selling, and controlling costs. "While the third quarter traditionally presents a challenge due to the seasonal nature of the swimwear business, said President and CEO Yves Simard, Groupe Bikini Village's third quarter results over the last two years demonstrate the effectiveness of these strategies.".
For the quarter ended October 30, 2010, the Company's net loss was $1.5 million (($0.81) per share, basic and diluted), as compared to net loss of $1.8 million (($1.34) per share, basic and diluted) for the same quarter in the previous year.

Read More about Groupe Bikini enters last quarter with good inventory situation @ Fibre2fashion

FIFA keeps you warm this winter

Fédération Internationale de Football Association - FIFA a brand synonymous with football fashion launches its latest collection of winter wear which hit the stores nationwide. The Collection introduces several themes inspired by its over 100 year old heritage.

Sport Graphics: This collection combines a modern graphics portraying edgy styling. History fact and graphics contemporarised to engage the youth.
1904: This line of collection is inspired by the foundation of the foot ball federation in 1904.The ranges consists of vintage details and styles that have references from the original football kits that impart a retro look. The colour palette includes tones of grey, aubergine, vintage reds, black currant and blacks with mixed application graphics –appliqués/embroideries and prints on it. The collection also comprises of sweaters and jackets.
Trophy: This theme of the collection is a graphic tee story based around the FIFA world cup trophy. The line rotates around classic styles of merino v –neck and has full and half sleeved t-shirts white varied colours like dark purple, black and blues featuring a gold foil print on the chest of the t-shirts. This range also features sweater, hoods and jacket.

Read More about FIFA keeps you warm this winter @ Fibre2fashion

Ride in style with Wrangler’s Deep this winter

Turn on the heat this winter with Wrangler’s all new range of Deep winter wear for men and women. With stylish jacket, sweater and pullovers to choose from, they come in a variety of colors, designs and fits that will make you want to hit the streets in style this winter.

Considered as stylish clothing, jackets today are no more restricted to hard core chilling winters but can now be worn also in open weather. The collection hosts an array of jackets in varieties of leather, quilted yarn, denim and appliqué. The denims are lightly distressed in washes with bleach streaks and spotting for that natural, worn-in look. Leather buttons, exposed zippers, metallic rivets, lurex embroidery and foldable clasps make appearances in the collection to give it a chilly edge.
Wrangler influences the return of bold checks in the fashion scene this season. The Deep winter collection has a lot to offer in checks from Detachable hoods, tonal prints, reversible styles and metal buttons. Bomber jackets come in checks too, with fleece linings, varying lengths and rugged attitude.

Read More about Ride in style with Wrangler’s Deep this winter @ Fibre2fashion

Arrow launches a new line of ‘Body-Tailored Suits’

Arrow has launched a new collection of Suit called “Body-Tailored Suits” to compliment the stature of the Indian Man. An analysis of the Indian population data in the current study shows that a mere 20% of the population matches the dimensions of an ‘average figure’! So what happens to the rest 80% of the Indian males who do not confirm to the European fits, which most of the Indian apparel brands use to dress up Indian men?

Even for men, its not just about size, its about the shape as well. The shape is characterized in a person’s torso by a little known factor called “Drop Value” which is the ratio between the shoulders and the waist. The more prosperous we get, the more it reflects as a bulge around the middle, throwing European system of Drop Value out of order.

Read more about Arrow launches a new line of ‘Body-Tailored Suits’ @ Fibre2fashion

Honeysuckle - Pantone's colour of the year for 2011

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company, and the global authority on Dyes color and provider of professional fabric color standards for the design industries, announced PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011.

While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.
“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”
Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Read more about Honeysuckle - Pantone's colour of the year for 2011 @ Fibre2fashion

Two El Centro College students receive FGI scholarships

Fashion Group International of Dallas announced that Eric Oliver and Norma Cuevas, two El Centro College students, will each receive a $500 scholarship for their achievements in the respective fields of fashion marketing and fashion designers. The two students were recognized earlier this month at FGI Dallas' annual Fashion and Lifestyle Apparel Awards Night of Stars Gala at the Dallas Trade Mart Grand Pavilion.

Oliver and Cuevas received the competitive FGI scholarship based on their GOA, original essays, and their individual involvement in FGI as student members. Oliver, a fashion marketing student, was the past president of El Centro's Fashion Club which produces the school's annual fashion show. A former real estate professional, Cuevas learned the craft of sewing at an early age from her mother while growing up in Mexico and is interested in making fashion design her new career.

Both Oliver and Cuevas are completing Associate in Applied Science Degrees at El Centro College, the downtown campus of the Dallas County Community College District. El Centro College Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing Programs are award-winning programs which have been recognized by Fashion Group International Dallas during their annual Career Day. The awards range from Best of Show in Fashion Design to Second Place in the DAVACO Visual Merchandising competition. Graduates of the fashion programs at El Cetnro College work in a variety of careers: designer for H & M, assistant buyer for JC Penney, e-commerce manager for St. Bernard Sports, and assistant store manager for Destination Maternity as well as many more.

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100 Models will be chosen at Dec 11 for Project 2011

Forget the runway show and the catwalk. Say goodbye to fashion shows in which clothing is presented completely out of the context in which it was meant to be worn. Fashion Designers Bijou Champagne has a new vision, and he has created Project 2011 a two-week-long Beauty and Fashion Extravaganza to bring it to fruition.
“When a designer creates a garment,” explains Bijou, “it is meant to evoke a particular emotion in the wearer and the onlooker. Our vision is to showcase fashion in a setting that reflects this. How and where should the clothing be worn? How should it affect the community? How will a woman feel when she puts that item on? Project 2011 event will present fashions in context, in scenes meant to portray the emotion and relevance of the designs.”
Imagine, for example, a stage set with a detailed summer party scene, complete with swimming pool, barbecue and patio furniture. Models enter in swim suits and summer clothing, interacting with each other as though they’re enjoying a social event. Later in the day new props are brought out, and the scene turns into a cruise ship deck, where formally attired models are arriving for a dinner dance.
Various techniques will be used to add to the realism of the scenes, such as wind blowing, water falls, clouds, bright day, dark skies and more. Creative sound effects will be designed for each scene, to further enhance the visual impact and atmosphere created. All sound used during the show will be performed live (no DJs).

Read more about Sports inspired design concept by Zegna Sport for A/W @ Fibre2fashion

Nehad al Halwachi launches new fashion line

Dubai Investment Properties, one of the leading real estate developers in UAE, announced that Kubra Al Qaseer has launched a new fashion line at its store at the Palm Strip Shopping Mall in Jumeirah. In addition to promoting Kubra’s collection, the store, which is owned and managed by Nehad al Halwachi, also plans to provide both local and regional designers a platform to stock and sell their creativity.

Speaking at the launch, Nehad al Halwachi, owner of the store, said, “Our store - Kubra Al Qaseer, which is named after the famous Bahraini Fashion designers herself, is synonymous with elaborately embellished Jalabiyas and Kaftans for both the expat and Emirati women. Our new line of jalabiyas are colourful, flowing and made in 100% silk Dress and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. We are confident our customers will love our new collection.”
The unique feature of the fashion at Kubra Al Qasser is that, every quarter there will be a host of new talent displaying their creativity. Not only does this add freshness to the collection but at the same time it also provides shoppers an unrivalled opportunity to see new emerging talent as well as a vast variety of outfits from different talent from around the region and UAE. Furthermore, Nehad, has taken this one step forward by also introducing a range of designs from expatriate designers whom are influenced by Middle Eastern fashion.

Read More about Nehad al Halwachi launches new fashion line @ Fibre2fashion

Phoebe Philo wins British Designer of the Year Award

The British Fashion Council is delighted to announce Phoebe Philo, Creative Director of Celine as the winner of the prestigious British Designer of the Year Award. Eleven other leading fashion figures were also honoured at the 2010 British Fashion Awards held this evening at The Savoy Hotel and Theatre, London.

Hosted by presenter Claudia Winkleman, the ceremony saw fashion designers, fashion models, fashion editors and stylists, and industry VIPs joined by a glamorous line-up of guests and presenters, including Naomi Campbell, Victoria Beckham, Thandie Newton, Claudia Schiffer, Yasmin Le Bon and Alexa Chung.
The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator went to renowned stylist, Nicola Formichetti whose unique vision, style and insight has had an incredible impact on the fashion industry internationally. He holds significant roles at aspirational high street and high end fashion brand, editorial roles at influential UK and international titles; V Magazine, Dazed and Confused, Another and Vogue Hommes Japan, and is stylist to the legendary pop icon of this generation, Lady Gaga. Nicola is currently Creative Director at Thierry Mugler in addition to consultanting for a number of leading global brands including Alexander McQueen, Prada, D&G and Missoni, working on their image, campaigns, business strategy and marketing processes.
Decided entirely by public vote, the British Style award recognises an individual who embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital was awarded to Alexa Chung.

Read more about Phoebe Philo wins British Designer of the Year Award @ Fibre2fashion

Twenty Seven Names wins DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship

The Fashion designers of Kiwi fashion label Twenty Seven Names have been awarded with the $10,000 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship for 2010, and are set to make an impact on the global fashion market.

DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, announced the designers behind Twenty Seven Names, Anjali Stewart and Rachel Easting, as the winners of the 2010 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship at an event in Auckland, establishing them as New Zealand’s top emerging fashion Clothing Manufacturers exporters.
The scholarship, in its third year, was open to New Zealand fashion designers who have been selling offshore for less than four years. Applicants were asked to submit a design portfolio and key trading figures, as well as an export and marketing strategy for the next 12 months.
Linda Turner, Strategic Account Manager – Fashion, DHL Express New Zealand says, “Twenty Seven Names presented an impressive submission. They have a focused strategy, and a particularly impressive exporting portfolio, with strong growth in Australia, and emerging growth in Hong Kong and the US. The DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship aims to help Twenty Seven Names achieve even more success overseas, and create a platform for them to expand into different markets.”

Read More about Twenty Seven Names wins DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship @ Fibre2fashion

Jones-Camuto partner to launch Jessica Simpson Sportswear

The Jones Group Inc and Camuto Group announced that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to design, develop, produce and distribute Jessica Simpson Sportswear under the Jessica Simpson Collection. This agreement is in addition to Jessica Simpson Jeanswear that The Jones Group currently licenses.

Jessica Simpson Sportswear is iconic, redefining the new modern American classic. The vision of the brand focuses on key items that relate through fabric, print and color. This new, contemporary line encompasses various categories, including jacket, woven and knit bottoms, tops, dress and skirts. Each look captures the essence of Jessica Simpson's flirty, feminine and sexy style for the fashion-forward consumer. Jessica Simpson Sportswear will be available in over 650 doors in both specialty and department distribution in the U.S. and Canada beginning fall 2011, and sold adjacent to Jessica Simpson Jeanswear where available.

Read More about Jones-Camuto partner to launch Jessica Simpson Sportswear @ Fibre2fashion

GTN to debut first of its kind mercerized cotton t-shirts

GTN textiles, the vertically integrated textile company, is debuting its own Organic clothing label and in the process move up the textile value-chain. After having launched branded cotton socks, it is planning to unveil the first of its kind; 100 percent mercerized cotton t-shirts under the brand name of Coystyle, in the next six months.

At the same time, the company is also ramping up production capacity by investing Rs 750 million at its two spinning units in Hyderabad and Nagpur, by adding 30,000 spindles to its existing capacity of 90,000 in the next 18 months. This will take yarn output from the existing 25 tons per day to 40 tons.
GTN Industries is a name to reckon with in the Indian textile sector, for its vertically integrated operations, encompassing 100 percent cotton yarn spinning and processing, fabric knitting and processing and garmenting, with multi-location operations and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants.
“GTN Industries has planned to enter the premium retailing market by launching Cotstyle, which will be India’s first 100 % mercerized cotton specific brand, Mr MK Patodia, Chairman and Managing Director of GTN Industries, informed fibre2fashion.

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Christmas trading is expected to peak later

British Retail Consortium announces retail sales report of November 2010.

UK retail sales values were up 0.7% on a like-for-like basis from November 2009. On a total basis, sales were up 2.8% against a 4.1% increase in November 2009.
Clothing Accessory and footwear also had a better month, helped by colder weather.
Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: “It’s been another tough month. Total sales growth has been weak now for eight months in a row and, given that VAT has pushed up annual inflation boosting sales values, underlying volume growth is virtually zero.
“Customers are cutting back because they’re worried about prospects for their own jobs and personal finances. Non-food sales are being hit hardest. But, if there is good news, it’s that the cuts outlined in the Government’s Spending Review have not made things worse.
Read more about Christmas trading is expected to peak later @ Fibre2fashion

Lumberjack shirt sales shooting up as cold snap bites, Debenhams

Debenhams department store is reporting sales of the traditional long-sleeved check shirts have shot up 65 per cent on last year, making the garment the key item to get through the cold snap.

Once ridiculed as the clothing of simple, hulking woodsmen, and lampooned by Monty Python, the lumberjack style men's shirts have moved on from fashion foible to must-have according to department store Debenhams.
Inspired by the likes of Prince Harry, David Beckham, Justin Timberlake and Robert Pattinson, it seems you no longer need to have the backdrop of a forest and chainsaw in hand to carry off the look.
However, with the Met Office predicting continual snow showers, Debenhams stores are gearing up for the rush. More lumberjack styles have been brought in and extra stock has been sent to more stores to cope with the demand.
Ruth Attridge, spokesperson for Debenhams said, "Although the lumberjack look is back in vogue, the chunky check shirt is now more likely to be worn out on the town than slogging away in the forests.
"Modern man has been influenced by these uber-masculine folklore heroes but unlike the figure made famous by Monty Python, these days lumberjack shirts are more likely to be worn with a t-shirt underneath, not lingerie."

Read more about Lumberjack shirt sales shooting up as cold snap bites, Debenhams @ Fibre2fashion

Lee Alexander McQueen to be honoured at BFA

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce that Lee Alexander McQueen will receive a posthumous award at this year’s British Fashion Awards (BFA) on Tuesday 7th December for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. This special award celebrates the achievement of a designer whose work has had an exceptional impact on global fashion.

Four time winner of British Fashion Designers of the Year award, Lee Alexander McQueen received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design in recognition for his extraordinary career. Revered globally for his fabulous tailoring, exciting, innovative and outrageous style on and off the runway, McQueen will be remembered as the most innovative and influential fashion designer of his generation.
To commemorate Lee’s life and celebrate this award the ceremony will open with a film featuring Lee’s most iconic pieces directed by Nick Knight, styled by Edward Enninful and soundtrack by Bjork. The film will feature iconic pieces from Lee's career from the Alexander McQueen archive.

Read more about  Lee Alexander McQueen to be honoured at BFA @ Fibre2fashion

Page persona inspired creation of Bettie Page Clothing

Famous in the 1950s for her fetish modeling and pin-up photos, the iconic "Queen of Pinups" one of Playboy Magazine's first "Playmates of the Month" Bettie Page continues to captivate millions of men and women around the world with her youthful-sexy image, voluptuous figure, and signature jet black hair with short-cut bangs and blue eyes. Upon Page's passing, MTV acknowledged that without her generation-hopping influence, a slew of contemporary stars would have different looks from Katy Perry to Madonna, Rihanna, The Pussycat Dolls and Dita Von Teese.

Page persona inspired the creation of Bettie Page Clothing. Launched by commercial financer Jan Glaser and brilliant Russian-born fashion designers Tatyana Khomyakova, Bettie Page Clothing boutiques have given those who live in or near Las Vegas, Hollywood, San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district and San Diego's Gaslamp district the advantage to re-create Page's look.

Opening their first store in 2007 at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood on the Strip in Vegas, Glaser and Khomyakova tapped into this widespread divine madness and created fashion phenomenon that seems boundless. Beyond the current locations, there are future plans to expand their lines on Newbury Street in Boston, Manhattan, the Twin Cities' Mall of America and Miami's South Beach.

Read More About Page persona inspired creation of Bettie Page Clothing @ Fibre2fashion

Barton intends to launch inexpensive clothing line

The 24-year-old actress, Mischa Barton, desires to have a clothing line which is inexpensive as well as outstanding. She believes that all fashion collections should not be too pricey.

Barton already possesses her own collection of handbags and is all geared up for launching a clothing line in the coming year. She intends to attract young women who desire to have an appealing look without spending too much on garment.
She added that her clothing line is particularly meant for women in their teenage or in their 20’s or 30’s who desire to be trendy but within an affordable range.

Read More about Barton intends to launch inexpensive clothing line @ Fibre2fashion

Helmsman the new Topman LTD trend for A/W 2010

Helmsman the new Topman LTD trend for A/W 2010 is a blend of timeless classic pieces with a modern twist. The LTD collections epitomise luxury, with emphasis on design, detail, fabric and finish. Helmsman precedes the Seafarer trend, and introduces heavier weight fabrics and layering for the colder months.

Ltd started as a free-range project with the intent to deliver pieces to a Topman customer whose wardrobe ethos works on the basis of transitional pieces rather than disposable catwalk trends. The success has enabled the collection to grow with Fashion accessories being added to the portfolio and the range will now be available in 24 stores worldwide.
‘It’s exciting for us to be able to develop Topman Ltd so quickly and confidently based on the positive reaction to our initial trends. Once again these new collections are full of simple, beautifully designed contemporary classics that would not only enhance an existing wardrobe but be the start of a burgeoning new one.’ Gordon Richardson, Topman Design Director

Read More about Helmsman the new Topman LTD trend for A/W 2010 @ Fibre2fashion

Erin Fetherston launches Juicy Couture Holiday Collection

Juicy Couture's debut capsule with Erin Fetherston for Holiday 2010 is now in stores. This is the first collection of an ongoing collaboration. Inspired by iconic Juicy elements such as heritage fabrics like velvet, velour, viscose and silk ribbed waistbands and draw-cords -- the guest fashion designer and creative consultant infuses her own feminine, fun-loving spirit for a glamorous dress-up dress-down holiday collection.

Fetherston brings modern proportions to 1930s and 1970s inspired silhouettes through a series of dresses and separates in rich, just this side of holiday jewel tones. A draped silk skirt wears a giant abstract bow, while a washed silk dress gets a velvet bow draped across the bust. The beloved Juicy track pant is re-imagined as a front-pleat silk pant with a braided draw-cord finished in rhinestone-encrusted tips. And, the season's sure-to-be favorite -- the silk tuxedo jumpsuit -- boasts a waist wrapped in a bejeweled bow.
The playful rhinestone, sequin, bead and bow motifs threaded throughout, continue beautifully in a viscose scoop neck T-shirt embellished with rhinestones and little bow, giving it that Juicy girly flare. The dolman velvet jacket with its single rhinestone closure and the silver-sequined, black-beaded velvet blazer both promise to lend a perfect holiday sparkle to any occasion.

Read more about Erin Fetherston launches Juicy Couture Holiday Collection @ Fibre2fashion

Achieve a modern look in Mango’s Modernist Resort

Mango introduces Spring-Summer Collection 2011. This new collection, called Modernist Resort, the brand is opting for a clean, modernist look with the emphasis on simple lines and minimalist silhouettes, which add energy through bright colours and graphic contrasts in stripes.

Fluidity is obtained through transparencies and lightweight fabrics, while the proportions are mischievously combined to achieve a modern look. Longer skirts evolve towards pencil and slightly fuller forms, offer movement and sensuality. Men’s sportswear details are added to the coordinated classics, soft tailoring and paper touch cotton fabrics. This produces boxy and A-line forms, which are contrasted with more flowing shapes.

Read more about Achieve a modern look in Mango’s Modernist Resort @ Fibre2fashion