Revival in Indian apparel industry being dented by fresh crisis

There is some reason for Indian apparel manufacturers,Indian Sarees Manufacturers to cheer up after a long time. The Indian apparel sector, which had been reeling under pressure since recent past primarily due to rising cotton yarn prices, has witnessed a positive beginning in December 2010.

Almost after seven months of continuous decline in apparel exports i.e. from May 2010 to November 2010, the apparel industry has seen a sign of revival in the month of December 2010. The same is being perceived by the industry as the result of the recent intervention by the Government, whereby it put a 720-million-kg cap on exports of cotton yarn for the FY 2010-11 to facilitate the steady supply of cotton yarn to the troubled domestic apparel manufacturers who were suffering at the want of cotton yarn to meet their production commitments. The industry believes that the Government initiative has helped smoothen the upwardly moving cotton prices, yarn prices to some extent.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the apex body of apparel exporters in India, has recently compiled a data that reflects an increase in exports for the month of December 2010 by 40 per cent from the previous month viz. November 2010. For the first time in December 2010, apparel exports touched USD 1 billion mark. The data shows that in the month of November 2010, apparel exports were clocked at USD 7.10 million. For the three months ended on December 31, 2010, the apparel industry posted exports of USD 2,438 million, as against exports of USD 2,398 million for the corresponding year of FY 2009-10. 

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Cam Newton endorses Under Armour products

Under Armour, the Baltimore, MD-based leader in sports performance apparel, footwear and Accessory announced a multi-year partnership with 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, the dynamic leader of the Auburn Tigers' BCS National Championship season.

The 2010 AP Player of the Year, who engineered one of the most prolific college football seasons of all-time, will be featured in a national advertising and in-store campaign in 2011. Additionally, Newton will showcase the latest innovations from Under Armour at this week's NFL Scouting Combine.
Newton's on-field NFL Scouting Combine uniform will include the Under Armour Coreshort, delivering stability for the core muscle groups for more speed, power and precision. He also will debut Under Armour's latest football "Game Day Armour" collection, featuring the new Under Armour Combine Bolt graphic treatment – a cutting-edge design specifically engineered for elite athletes participating in Combine testing – and Under Armour E39, a compression shirt fitted with electronic touchpoints that track biometric signals.
"Cam Newton is an incredible talent and a proven champion whose skills are unique and exciting," said Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President, Sports Marketing, Under Armour. "He electrified the college football world this past season, and his commitment to training and preparation, along with his hunger to succeed at the next level, make him a perfect fit for the Under Armour family."
Newton led the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 season, culminating with the BCS National Championship. He became just the third player in major college football history to pass for 20 touchdowns and rush for 20 touchdowns in a season and the first quarterback in SEC history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. Newton's 51 total touchdowns in 2010 rank second on the NCAA's all-time single-season touchdown list.

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LF USA to create Keds apparel collections

Iconic American brand, Keds, announced an exclusive licensing agreement with LF USA, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-headquartered multinational Li & Fung Limited, to develop a line of Keds branded apparel for women and men to be sold in retail stores across the U.S, Apparel retails Stores USA. and its territories beginning next year.

In 1916, Keds created an American Classic Original: a shoe with a soft rubber sole so comfortable and quiet you could "sneak" up on your boyfriend or girlfriend. This original sneaker, called "the Champion," has remained a style icon for almost 100 years. Relevant now as it has been for generations prior, Keds has a contemporary new position -- timeless American style and the art of what's possible. Today, a new generation is discovering and enjoying the Keds brand, which is inspiring a collective spirit of new American style, youthful optimism, collaboration, contribution and togetherness.

"Keds has been a part of this country's wardrobe for nearly 100 years, representing so much more than a sneaker. Keds represents an American style philosophy of simplicity, accessibility and fashion that lends itself really well to being a full lifestyle Apparel  brand," said Kristin Kohler Burrows, Keds brand president. "We are very excited to partner with the Regatta team at LF USA, a group with an amazing reputation and extensive expertise in designing, Apparel sourcing and creating apparel lines for today's consumer. We are thrilled to work with this team to bring the art of what's possible with Keds to the world of sportswear." 

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Evolution of jcpenney brand with new, modern logo

In a move symbolizing jcpenney's transformation to become America's favorite shopping destination for discovering great styles at compelling prices, J. C. Penney Company Inc celebrated the evolution of its enduring brand with the unveiling of a new, modern logo.

Endorsed by thousands of consumers through extensive research, the fresh, bold design is the most meaningful update to the Company's logo in 40 years. It signifies the Company's great progress in creating a more exciting and relevant shopping experience. At the same time, it honors the Company's iconic roots as an affordable shopping destination that is relied on by the more than half of America's families that shop jcpenney each year.
"We've made significant progress transforming our Company over the last several years by infusing great style into our assortments, delivering world-class customer service, and introducing new and innovative retail technologies that have made jcpenney a retail leader in the digital age," said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer for jcpenney. "Our new logo reflects the modern retailer we've become while continuing to honor our rich legacy."
The jcpenney logo puts greater visual emphasis on a new, lowercase "jcp" by positioning it slightly off-centered in a red box while still featuring the Company's signature red color and Helvetica font. The logo was designed to evoke a sense of movement and discovery as the letters appear to break out of the box, symbolizing an emergence into an exciting, new future.
The Company sought a new logo after launching a series of successful growth initiatives that are positioning jcpenney as a style authority through compelling merchandise offerings and brand partnerships, such as Sephora inside jcpenney, European fast-fashion brand MNG by Mango, Call It Spring by The Aldo Group, as well as the exclusive launch of Liz Claiborne and Claiborne apparel and home merchandise.
With the growing popularity of mobile devices and social networking, jcpenney has also enhanced its relevance to an ever-changing consumer by leveraging new and innovative digital technologies to make more meaningful connections with customers both in stores and online at jcp.com. Enhancements such as new in-store Findmore(R) fixtures, mobile applications, a new Facebook shopping site, and, most recently, the innovative in-store and online experience to support the launch of Modern Bride, are positioning jcpenney for growth.

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Ecolab uses breathable garment material to make Stackhouse

Ecolab Inc introduced the new Stackhouse Disposable Helmet System, a unique, fully disposable product that offers a clean, sterile helmet for medical staff performing surgical procedures.

Invented by an orthopedic surgeon, the disposable helmet system is made with a breathable viral barrier tri-laminate material. It offers effective barrier protection and eliminates the cleaning and equipment maintenance associated with reusable helmet systems.
“Surgeons and staff need barrier protection that is comfortable, breathable and easy-to-wear,” said Paul Chaffin, Healthcare vice president and general manager for Ecolab Healthcare North America. “The Stackhouse Disposable Helmet System allows , Medical textiles surgeons and staff to focus on the task at hand, while helping to protect their health and safety.”
Surgical helmets, Surgical Gowns, Surgical Hosiery are primarily used during orthopedic procedures to help protect the surgical team from fluids and debris. In addition, helmets are used in open surgical procedures during which airborne contaminants and potential infections for health care associates are a significant concern.

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New DURAFORM 22 mil to meet global demands of jeans industry

Neenah Paper Technical Textile Products DURAFORM Brand, the globally preferred choice for durable washable saturated papers for jean labels, introduces three new colors of an enhanced 22 mil (0.56 mm) jeans label. The new colors, tan, black and white, represent the best-selling jean label colors. The new products feature improved printability, superior wash durability, improved dry-tear strength, Oekotech Textiles Standard 100 Certification, Forest Stewardship Council Certified Fiber, no added formaldehyde, non-magnetic colorants, and reduced paper odor.

The new DURAFORM 22 mil enhancements deliver crisper printing though offset, flexo, screen and hot stamp methods, and improved tear resistance during sheeting, die-cutting, perforation and hole-punching processes. The new enhanced DURAFORM Labels now have several environmental and safety certifications and enhancements so purchasers can look and feel good about wearing DURAFORM Brand Labels.
“Our enhancements to the DURAFORM Brand have positioned these new 22 mil products to meet the global demands of jeans manufacturers, fashion designers, label printers, and people wearing jeans all over the world,” explains Charlie Myers, marketing manager, washable tags at Neenah Paper.

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HK Fashion Extravaganza showcased world-class designs

Top international fashion talent were on hand for Asia’s largest Fashion Event, the HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, and the HKTDC World Boutique, Hong Kong, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The fairs took place during 17-20 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As premiere events of the fashion industry, the two fairs were supported by fashion designers, Protective Clothing, Fashion brand, garment , and industry associations, including the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, Hong Kong Fur Federation, Pakistan Mens Knitwear,Knitwear Innovation and Design Society, Council of Fashion Designers,Tokyo and the Taiwan Textile Federation etc. "tokyoeye", a project that aims to support the overseas expansion of Japanese fashion brands, also exhibited at the fairs.
The two fairs in total showcased the designs of around 2,000 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, and attracted 34,468 buyers to source at the fairs.
The fairs were jam packed with over 30 exciting events, which included fashion shows and industry seminars. Among them, the highlight was the glittering Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, which featured four internationally renowned Fashion designers.
The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2011 (YDC), another highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, showcased the designs of young aspiring stars in fashion. The heavily weighed judging panel was led by Chief Judge Vincent Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee.

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Art to Wear– steppin’ out in style

 
Stronger together! The Première Vision Pluriel shows again reaffirm the strength of their unique ensemble.

For the edition that just closed (8-10 February 2011), attendance climbed by 6.5% compared to the February 2010 session, with 55,792 visits by fashion professionals from over 100 countries. This remarkable vitality was driven by the dynamism of each individual show, with all six events (Expofil, Première Vision, Indigo, Le Cuir à Paris, ModAmont, Zoom by Fatex) registering increases. The rise in numbers was accompanied by a very positive business climate at all the shows.
Beyond the enthusiastic reception for the season's new creations and innovations, discussion in the aisles and stands focussed on the soaring prices of raw materials and supplies. This is an issue of uncertainty and often concern for fashion sector businesses, and will surely play a major role in the markets in the coming months.
An excellent ambiance prevailed at the Indigo Fashion edition, which continued to see visitor increases and sustained business activity. Some 13,572 visits were registered in February 2011, a rise of 9% over the corresponding 2010 edition. The accumulated result of the 3 days is greater than that of the 4-day edition in February 2010, and shows a particularly high visitor-to- exhibitor ratio for the sector, a cause for cheer among the 156 exhibitors at the show. When compared with last September, the first 3-day session, the increase was equally notable (+ 20%). While the American editions of Indigo saw a recovery in the market for textile patterns as of the January 2010 edition of Direction by Indigo, this Paris session confirms the return of the international Technical Textile market to practically pre-crisis levels.

Read more about Blue skies over Indigo @ Fibre2fashion

Tronox Incorporated emerges from Chapter 11

Tronox Incorporated announced that it has successfully emerged from its Chapter 11 proceedings.

"Our emergence from bankruptcy and our new capital structure is a significant accomplishment and makes Tronox a much stronger company for the benefit of our stakeholders, including our customers, vendors, employees, joint venture partner and shareholders," said Dennis L. Wanlass, Chief Executive Officer of Tronox.
"We have successfully restructured our balance sheet while maintaining our business relationships and significantly improving our operating performance."
Having addressed its substantial legacy environmental and other liabilities through a comprehensive settlement, Tronox is now well-positioned to compete in the titanium dioxide and specialty Textile chemical industries.
Wanlass added: "We emerge today with a portfolio of world class titanium dioxide and mineral sands assets and our electrolytic business units strategically positioned to provide our customers around the globe with a reliable supply of high quality products and services. On behalf of the management team, I would like to thank the Tronox and Tiwest joint venture employees worldwide for their hard work and dedication throughout this process, and our customers and suppliers for their continued support."

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Fake WC fan cricket gear puts spoke in original sales

Fake fan cricket gear is expected to overtake sales of official cricket gear, during the six-week long World Cup (WC) jamboree to be held from February 19.

Two-thirds of the cricket paraphernalia like t-shirts, jerseys, cap etc. expected to be sold in the Indian market is anticipated to be fake
Kishore Biyani-led Future Group jobs is the official licensee for the World Cup fan gear in India and has placed orders for around 250,000 units with various knitting manufacturers in Ludhiana, a knitting hub in North India.
According to a knitter in Ludhiana, orders for the official cricket gear total to just 250,000 units, while the overall market is for over one million units, the rest accounted for by fakes.
The fake cricket gears will be sold at one-fourth the retail price charged by retailers selling the official licensee gear.

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Learn more about  Cashmere World 2010 platform for international cashmere trade

PREMIERE CLASSE: promising future for ‘Space’

Gloves are synonymous for a refined look and unique French know-how, which PREMIERE CLASSE has highlighted for two seasons along with the FRENCH GLOVE FEDERATION and CTC.
In September 2010, 6 French glove makers had been given carte blanche to create a model inspired by the season’s theme, Space. In January 2011, these six prestigious Maisons exhibited the new styling challenge executed by 18 teams featuring PREMIERE CLASSE jewel, shoes, eyewear, hat, belt and bag designers.
NEWS HORIZONS…

This new styling challenge, imagined as a shared experience, proved successful and sealed the alliance of expertise and originality, tradition and modernity. The 18 designers outdid one another in terms of imagination and boldness to create a sketch made to measure in the glove-making ateliers. Quite a feat that speaks for an exceptional legacy and also opens new horizons to Made in France gloves. To offer this project added visibility and promote the French savoir-faire abroad, this exhibition will travel with PREMIERE CLASSE. First stop scheduled in Montreal during the Fashion Week, February 7th to 10th 2011.
Some studies are also underway to sell some of the exhibited models in the near future.

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Spring forward with Bongo Babe Audrina Patridge

Bongo will be launching their spring 2011 ad campaign with MTV’s “The Hills” star and Bongo girl Audrina Patridge.

First made famous in the 1980’s by its body hugging jeans, Bongo has evolved into a leading lifestyle Apparel  junior brand with extensions into apparel, footwear and other related accessories and will available exclusively at Sears and Kmart stores across the nation.
Patridge commented, “I am thrilled for my second season as the Bongo girl! It has been a wonderful partnership and I really love the product. I wear the jeans and tops constantly and can’t wait for spring to wear the bikinis on the beach and all of the new dresses, shorts and sandals.”
The campaign was photographed at Siren Studios in Hollywood, CA by fashion photographer Tony Duran. Patridge will make special appearances on behalf of the brand this spring.
A recent contestant on Dancing with the Stars, Patridge will soon launch her own reality show on VH1. Past Bongo spokeswomen have included Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Kristin Cavallari and Rachel Bilson.

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Naznin Akter crowned winner of Abaya Design Award

UAE resident and Bangladeshi national Naznin Akter has been crowned the winner of the Abaya Design Award, sponsored by Persil Abaya Shampoo on the final day of The Bride Show Abu Dhabi.

The ten finalists’ designs were modeled down the catwalk in front of hundreds of supporters and a panel of judges comprising Abdul Sami Qahar, brand manager of Persil, Maryam Al Shaibani, Emirati fashion designer, Zahra Karmostaji, fashion designer and Soha Mikati from AnaZahra.
The judges’ scores were combined with votes made by the public on AnaZahra and their Facebook page and Naznin was joined by first and second runner up Alreem Alrashdi and Madiha Noreen on stage with their designs.
“This has been a dream come true and I’m so happy to go home the winner of this competition, especially given how beautiful all the designs are,” said Naznin backstage. “I’ve been studying fashion design for the last three years at Preston University in Dubai, but my biggest challenge was keeping the classic and elegant theme in mind and trying to imagine what the judges would expect from us.”
Naznin, who has lived in the UAE for the last 16 years, goes home with AED5,000 which she intends to put towards starting a professional career in fashion design.
More than 100 enquiries were made to enter the competition, sponsored for the first time by Persil Abaya Shampoo which is especially created to make sure black remains black and to care for the elegant Abaya, particularly when it is embellished with delicate material and crystals.
Entrants were asked to submit mood boards to express an elegant, classical Abaya design suitable to wear to a glamorous wedding, providing details of the style, materials and embellishments.
The awards, which were open to UAE residents only, have been designed to provide a platform for undiscovered talent in the emirates.

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Bride Show Abu Dhabi ends with roaring success

Four days of full on fashion with 19 runway shows featuring 570 wedding gowns, evening dresses, abayas and jalibayas worn by 10 professional models in front of thousands of brides-to-be and girls who just love glamour.

The tenth anniversary of The Bride Show Abu Dhabi has come to a close and marked as another roaring success.
The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, organised by IIR Middle East and sponsored by Corniche Hospital, was opened by its patron Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.    

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Pants to Poverty! poised to launch into the UK highstreet

Pants to Poverty, one of the UK’s fastest growing ethical fashion brands, will be making a debut at Pure Spirit later this month.

To celebrate the launch and to show their support for Fairtrade Fortnight (28th February – 13th March), Pants to Poverty have recruited over 150 students from Central St Martin’s to take to the streets of London on February 9th in their pants! The students will be strutting their stuff through the streets of London. The walk will start at 11am at Central St Martins and finish in Holborn at 1.30pm
The leading British Fairtrade and Organic underwear brand was established in 2005 as part of the Make Poverty History Campaign to develop a new business model for fashion. Made from Fairtrade and pesticide free cotton with 3% lycra to give stretch and keep shape, these pants are now sold in 25 countries around the world and are poised to launch into the UK highstreet.

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Colombo Fashion Week invites Kimaya Fashions’ Chairman

Kimaya has consistently emerged as the biggest buyer at the Indian Fashion weeks since inception in 2002. Having over 150 of the top Fashion designers from the country all under one roof, the brand continues to extend its repertoire of international labels in additional to Rohit Bal , Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Arora, JJ Valaya, Rocky S, Manish Malhotra, Anamika Khanna, Malini Ramani, Gauri Nainika, Ranna Gill, Rina Dhaka, Shantanu and Nikhil, Falguni Shane Peacock, Narendra Kumar, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Gaurav Gupta, Pinko, MaxMara, Versus, R.E.D Valentino, Trussardi, Miss Sixty, and Paulo Ferrari etc.

Being the only Indian buyer to be invited to international fashion weeks of London, Paris, Milan, Durban, Malaysia, Tokyo, Dubai, Sao paolo (brazil) Argentina, Karachi, Lahore, Hongkong, Colombo,etc., Chairman Pradeep and wife Neha Hirani of Kimaya Fashions Pvt. Ltd. continue to mark a flattering presence at almost all fashion weeks that they have been a part of. Thus, the duo represents the country as the most important buyers on the international circuit in addition to the domestic ones.
Pradeep Hirani, being the on the forefront of the fashion fraternity in India, has yet again been specially invited to Sri Lanka for the Colombo Fashion Week that commences from February 4th to 6th 2011.

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Topman jerseywear supports Fairtrade Fortnight

Topman launch a capsule collection in support of Fairtrade fortnight. As part of Fairtrade cotton’s 5 year anniversary, Topman have designed a nine piece jersey collection incorporating a full range of Men’s garments.

‘We are really pleased that Topman is supporting Fairtrade fortnight with their fashionable range of Menswear. It demonstrates some of the many innovative ways in which Fairtrade certified cotton can be used.’Victoria Waugh, Non Food Business Development Manager, The Fairtrade Foundation.
The collection itself consists of three pieces of long sleeve leisurewear including a grey marl sweat shirt with ribbed shoulder panel insert, a slim fitting navy and grey cut and sew fairisle cardigan and a grey marl hooded sweat with contrast button detail.
To compliment these options, there is also matching tracksuit bottoms available in light grey jersey with contrast knee patches and navy jacquard. The range is finished with two styles of t-shirt, a black geo print crew neck and a blue marl print option and accessorized with a navy and tan snood and grey marl jersey rucksack.

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Kirstie Kelly Signature will kick off touring trunk shows

Every woman with her unique style, size and smart financial sense can now have a couture-inspired wedding gown thanks to a first-ever union between renowned celebrity Fashion designer Kirstie Kelly and Costco. Kirstie Kelly Signature is kicking off a series of touring trunk shows at select Costco locations.

Complete with a comfortable changing room, lounge for family and friends and an expert bridal consultant, these special event salons offer brides a personalized experience. Each salon features a breadth of sizes from sizes 2 to 24 so that women are more likely to find their size and see immediately what they will look like on their big day. Due to the limited number of dress available, online appointments are strongly recommended.
The first set of trunk shows will be at the following stores:
• Folsom, Calif. -- February 10-13 (1800 Cavitt Court, Folsom 95630)
• Almaden, Calif. -- February 17-20 (5301 Almaden Expressway, San Jose 95118)
• Reno, Nev. -- February 24-27 (2200 Harvard Way, Reno 89502)

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Focus Nigeria designers’ exotic luxury creations at CFW

Focus Nigeria, a collective of top Nigerian fashion designers, will present their latest collections at Couture Fashion Week at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday February 20, 2011. The Berrys Couture, House of Farrah and Reedas labels will make their USA debut at the prestigious event, while House of Jola will be returning for the third time. The fashion show will be held in the iconic Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue, New York City.

The Focus Nigeria designers are all highly regarded and well-known in their native country. Advance promotion for the group's participation in the New York event has generated a media buzz in Nigeria. Joan Okorodudu, the organizer of the collective and a successful business woman and accomplished designer, is the driving force behind the project having worked with these designers and many more on important fashion projects in Nigeria.

Ms. Okorodudu's own fashion label, House of Jola, has participated in numerous fashion events including South Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria Fashion Week and Washington D.C. Fashion Week as well as Couture Fashion Week in New York. House of Jola is just one of the enterprises overseen by this dynamic entrepreneur.

Ms. Okorodudu has become an African fashion icon and has been interviewed by top international media such as Reuters, Associated Press and Der Spiegel, one of Europe's largest publications. She is the founder of Lagos Ageless Clinique as well as the popular TV show Nigeria's Next Supermodel which has launched the careers of many successful models.

Models from Ms. Okorodudu's highly successful Isis Modeling Agency (Lagos/Johannesburg) have graced top runways from Johannesburg to Paris, from Sanlam to NewHouse of Farrah Fashion Show at Couture Fashion Week New York York. Ms. Okorodudu is also the CEO of International Business Consortium Nigeria Ltd.

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DesignPlus Fashion Competition 2011 comes to fruitful close

Organized by the Troels H. Povlsen Care Apparel Centre under the aegis of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)’s Institute of Textile and Clothing, the "DesignPlus Fashion Competition 2011" has come to a fruitful close. A total of 22 participating teams showed their specially designed care apparel for the elderly or the disabled at the award presentation ceremony and mini-fashion show held last Saturday (29 January) at Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the university campus.

According to the organizer, the aim of the competition is to equip students of our community with the knowledge to show concern for the clothing needs of the elderly and disabled. In the course of this competition, PolyU students have teamed up with local students from other educational institutes / secondary schools to show their talents in fashion designer and their concern to the community as well.
This year, over 200 students took part in the competition. They came from more than 20 educational institutes / secondary schools, including PolyU and its affiliated Hong Kong Community College, Hong Kong Design Institute, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin), School of Continuing and Professional Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Australian International School Hong Kong (Secondary), CCC Rotary Secondary School, Diocesan Girls’ School, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Holy Family Canossian College, Lai King Catholic Secondary School, Lam Tai Fai College, Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section), Nam Wah Catholic Secondary School, Shau Kei Wan East Government School, South Island School, St. Paul’s Convent School, St. Rose of Lima’s College, St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, STFA Lee Shau Kee College, Tung Chung Catholic School.

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Jaeger & Vodafone to work on a one-off catwalk show

Jaeger and Vodafone UK to present Jaeger London's current spring summer 2011 collection in an exclusive catwalk show for Vodafone customers during the February 2011 London Fashion Week.

200 pairs of tickets to a one-off catwalk show featuring Jaeger London's current Spring/Summer 2011 collection will be available for Vodafone customers exclusively.
Iconic British brands Jaeger and Vodafone UK have joined forces to offer Vodafone customers unprecedented access to London Fashion Week. Vodafone UK has 200 pairs of tickets to the exclusive Jaeger London catwalk show featuring Jaeger London's current Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The show for Vodafone customers will take place on Sunday 20th February 2011 at Somerset House, London. Vodafone customers can sign-up at: vodafone.co.uk/vip
Belinda Earl, Jaeger's Group Chief Executive, comments: "We are delighted to offer Vodafone UK customers exclusive access to a special Jaeger London Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk show, as part of London Fashion Week. We are very proud of our current collection, which is in-store already, and hope that those Vodafone customers lucky enough to get tickets will thoroughly enjoy the experience."

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Given to join as buying director of John Lewis fashion

Susanne Given will be the new buying director of John Lewis fashion. She will take up her new role once she joins the department store chain on February 8. This was confirmed by John Lewis.

Given will fill the vacancy that has been created after Peter Ruis has been promoted as the buying and brand director from buying director of fashion in May, 2010. Once she joins John Lewis, she will be directly reporting to Peter Ruis.
According to Ruis, the appointment of Given is suggestive of the potential as well as aspirations in Textile fashion which is the company’s most rapidly growing area. She will be responsible for the development of the company’s premium brand strategy to increase its market share in the United Kingdom.

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Christopher Kane wins BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund

The British Fashion Council (BFC) announced that Christopher Kane is the winner of this year’s BFC / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The Award, which is now in its second year, comprises of £200,000 and access to director level mentors across the industry, was established to further enhance the reputation of London’s rising stars and assist in the development of their business.

The BFC will develop a bespoke mentoring programme tailored specifically to assist Christopher Kane in achieving his Textile business goals for the next twelve months with the aspiration that the network developed during this year will endure throughout his career as he makes the transition from a developing creative business into a global fashion brand.
Christopher Kane was selected for this award based on his business plan and presentation at interview to the judging panel. The presentation demonstrated both Christopher and Tammy Kane’s determination to meet an ambitious plan, through appointments and brand development opportunities.

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The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2011

Top international fashion talent were on hand for Asia’s largest Fashion Event, the HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, and the HKTDC World Boutique, Hong Kong, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The fairs took place during 17-20 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As premiere events of the fashion industry, the two fairs were supported by fashion designers, brands, garment suppliers, and industry associations, including the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, Hong Kong Fur Federation, Knitwear Innovation and Design Society, Council of Fashion Designers,Tokyo and the Taiwan Textile Federation etc. "tokyoeye", a project that aims to support the overseas expansion of Japanese fashion brands, also exhibited at the fairs.

The two fairs in total showcased the designs of around 2,000 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, and attracted 34,468 buyers to source at the fairs.

The fairs were jam packed with over 30 exciting events, which included fashion shows and industry seminars. Among them, the highlight was the glittering Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, which featured four internationally renowned Fashion designers.

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2011 (YDC), another highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, showcased the designs of young aspiring stars in fashion. The heavily weighed judging panel was led by Chief Judge Vincent Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee. 

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Top fashion industry executives to address MAGIC Seminar Series

As the largest fashion event featuring the biggest and best assortment of brands, MAGIC remains the most influential event in fashion. In addition to presenting more than 3000 exhibitors this year, MAGIC will once again host its semi-annual MAGIC Seminar Series, featuring complimentary educational events and presentations from some of the most respected names in the industry.

This year's all-star seminar lineup kicks off Sunday, February 13 with a keynote panel discussion featuring Li & Fung USA President Richard Darling on how to survive, prosper and profit even in the face of the current business environment.
Keynote speakers Peter McGrath, President, McGrath International and Senior VP of Cotton Inc.'s Global Supply Chain Mark Messura are addressing one of the most timely issues in the fashion industry – the U.S. cotton supply shortage and volatile pricing. The pair will take an in-depth look at changes in successful sourcing and provide insights about how to deal with the concern over cotton prices and availability.
Tackling other such critical issues as design piracy and counterfeiting and their collective impacts on fashion are EVP of American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Deborah Graves, Secretary and General Counsel of True Religion Apparel Inc. The industry leaders will discuss the U.S. Senate's consideration of the bill and will address both the pros and cons of the bill affecting fashion designs and protection regarding apparel and ornamentation.

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Andres Aquino's New York City inspired collection at CFW

Fashion designer Andres Aquino will present his latest collection at Couture Fashion Week on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in the iconic Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria on New York City's Park Avenue. In keeping with the Fashion designers signature dramatic flair, the show promises to be a stunning theatrical presentation combining a number of artistic components in blissful harmony.

Mr. Aquino is also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week.
Andres Aquino’s new collection is inspired by the sights and sounds of New York City - from the rumbling subways to the glitz of Broadway. The dynamic energy of the buzzing metropolis has long served as a driving force for countless creative minds, each responding to the inspiration in his or her own unique way.
Mr. Aquino also hears the creative call of the city that never sleeps. The fusion of cultures, music and people; the myriad sights, sounds and rhythms of street and subway music from congas to violins, from break dancers to accordionists, from the haunting tones of South American Indian flutes to the social commentary of rappers; from the man dancing merengue with a life size doll to the street preachers and the "Naked Cowboy"; from the screaming sirens of fire trucks to the blinding brilliance of Times Square - and so much more. It all serves as creative inspiration.

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Finalists for Let’s Design for ‘Naturally in Love’ announced

Celebrating their passion for cotton, Cotton Council International (CCI) with bollywood actor Celina Jaitly, fashion designers Masaba Gupta and Swapnil Shinde announced the finalists for the third edition of its fashion design contest – Let’s Design. The theme for this season is “Naturally in Love”.

The pan India contest kicked off on December 18 with the call for entries, which closed on January 18. From over 800 entries 90 were short listed for the regional rounds. Mumbai was represented with 147 entries amongst which the best designs were showcased. Urvashi Joneja was declared the winner of the Mumbai Regional Round.
For the regional rounds, the contestants were asked to bring their sketches to life in cotton. Each contestant’s design was modelled before the judges who also asked questions about the design and how it related to the theme and utilized cotton’s characteristics. The contestants must now anxiously wait for the completion of the other regional rounds before finding out if they made it into the “Reality House”
The 16 finalists will stay under one roof in a ‘Reality House’ and will be judged on their execution of various tasks given to them to test their skill, passion and creativity. The winner will be launched by India’s biggest fashion house Kimaya across all Kimaya stores in India and Dubai. The eliminations at the ‘Reality House’ will take place February 2 to 13 in Mumbai with the contest culminating in a star-studded fashion show on February 14 in Mumbai.

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Bride Show Abu Dhabi opens with dresses good enough to eat

As The Bride Show Abu Dhabi prepares to open its doors to the UAE capital’s fashionistas and brides-to-be (February 2 Wednesday) it has been revealed that this year some of the runway designs will literally be good enough to eat.

New exhibitor, ChoCo’a, will showcase its incredible Lady Gaga-esque edible outfits on the runway at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi. Models will storm the catwalk wearing a wedding cake hat, a chocolate dress, a Hermes Birkin handbag cake and a leather dress embellished with brightly coloured macaroons. One model will be covered in traditional henna designs stenciled in chocolate rather than conventional dye.

The fashion show is the latest creative craze that ChoCo’a, a family-owned manufacturer and retailer of unique chocolate products and confectionery, brings to the UAE market. The chocolate artisans unveiled earlier this week their Spring/Summer 2011 collection of chocolates which takes its inspiration from the fashion colour pallet reigning over the runways this year; citrus yellow, lime green and orange.

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