Nora Sahraoui creates XELA FASHION!

Fashion Designers Nora Sahraoui announced the launch of her brand, XELA Fashion! in Miami. Sahraoui, of Marseilles France, was in Miami for an exciting photo shoot of her latest styles and to launch her website.

From Morocco to France to Miami XELA Fashion! is inspired by the woman who is the star of the evening. The fashions are designed to accentuate her confidence and unique beauty with a fashion forward style. The garments are made of the finest hand-selected fabrics including hand made fabrics and silks which are often creatively embellished with sequins and crystals.
Born in Morocco and raised in southern France, Sahraoui created XELA FASHION! by taking classic French style and combining it with the striking colors of India. She also adds rhinestones representing the influence of Moroccan style.
Before launching her brand, Sahraoui worked for various well-known designers in Italy, London, Dubai, Italy and Paris. She also has a following of loyal clients in Switzerland, London, Dubai, New York and France from whom she designed couture dresses.
Sahraoui described her collection: “The XELA woman is feminine with a natural beauty. She is charismatic and people are drawn to her. She is outgoing and adventurous and not afraid to try something new. She is a leader in life or when she chooses the latest fashion trends....That is the woman for whom XELA Fashions! are designed.

Read more aboout Nora Sahraoui creates XELA FASHION! @ Fibre2fashion

Olivier Rousteing - new designer of Balmain

The house of Balmain is pleased to announce the appointment of Olivier Rousteing as its new Designer. Mr. Rousteing will supervise the design and development of the brand’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections.
Rousteing is currently in charge of the Women’s Wear design studio at Balmain, a position he has held since 2009. Before joining Balmain, Rousteing worked for five years at Roberto Cavalli, where he was promoted to the position of Designer for the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections.




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UniPant defines eastern conservatism with western freedom

Fashion Designers  Mascha Shumikina presents the debut of the UniPant Line, an original hybrid garment that dramatically blurs the line between the feminine skirt and the masculine trouser. A patented design inspired by the landscapes and poetry of the nomadic culture, it unites the essence of eastern conservatism with western freedom.

An innovative, hand-crafted design with a distinct silhouette of relaxed drape-constructed volume and body-conscious elements, the UniPant starts as trousers, runs down and unites to become a skirt. The unique structure and shape of the garment are more pronounced through the natural movements of the human body, gently unveiling and continually transforming with each step, evoking a sense of being simultaneously hidden and revealed.
Mascha Shumikina possesses the passion and vision of an artist always moving forward, with a maturity and delicate balance apparent in her designs. Through her lifelong research into the combination of design, fine arts, architecture and photography, she offers a multi-layered investigation into the nature of how we perceive the world through a network of visual, aural and linguistic signals. In all of her creative endeavors she finds the human body to be the most exciting, expressive medium to explore.

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Jacquelyn Wellington wins TAWFA Young Designer Award

The 2011 Australian Wool Fashion Awards hit the runway at the Sydney Royal Easter show followed by the presentation of prizes to the many successful entrants. The winners list included many past successful and experienced entrants to a number of young school and fashion college students and recent graduates.

Armidale's Duval High School student Breanna McFadyen took out first prize in the Secondary School Award with her one shouldered black Derby Day dress with an enormous white flower as the feature. Past entrant Pam and Sam Stolhand from Young and Susan Thompson from Port Macquarie all won several awards.
For Port Macquarie�s Mary Mackillop College year twelve student Tessa Simpson, her dream of attending fashion school have been realised, her Victorian Derby Day racewear resulted in her winning a three year half fee scholarship to attend North Sydney�s prestige Raffles College of Design & Commerce.
The big win was for Jacquelyn Wellington, who graduated from UTS in 2010. Jacquelyn took out the Young Designer Award with her Yetty collection of six garments and continued the win by taking out the 2011 Supreme Award. Sponsored by the wool marketing, research and development body, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the awards aims to raise awareness of wool to designers and consumers alike.
Based at Armidale on the fine wool growing New England Tablelands in NSW, the awards have evolved into one of Australia�s most enduring and challenging fashion competitions with hundreds of entries across many categories, including the new category this year Wool4Skool.
After initial judging of the many entries in Wool4Skool judges selected the two winning entries. Second prize went to Tempe High School students Michelle Xiang and Nancy He and the winner to Thao Nguyen, Caroline Chisholm Catholic College Victoria. In what was an enormous effort, this years judge Jonathan Ward had the two winning entries manufactured in just two weeks.
This year�s judges included Jonathan Ward, Executive Designer RM Williams, Emma Downey, Editor of The Land magazine, Karyn Westren , Marketing & Styling company Et cetera

 

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Vicunha´s fabrics in Brazil Fashion Designers

Known for its versatility, Vicunha Textil’s denim shaped up some awesome male looks at Brazil Fashion Designers, a contest in which fashion students create their very own collections and show them in a fashion show. The event took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was a huge success: all sits were taken and the crowd was looking forward to see what the next generation of designers is creating.

The 19-year-old fashion student Seika Yamada played with lots of colors, patterns and asymmetrical shapes in her collection, which was named “The Cell”. “Despite of the suffocation that affects the human body, there will always be freedom to create”, she says. Among Vicunha’s fabrics, Yamada used Bari –100% cotton twill and Haiti Plus – twill perfect for more elaborated articles; as well as Moore and Kidman.
Thiago Phelipe, who was also in the run for the big title, chose to use Bari, Lugano and Moore in his collection, “Outdoor Reliquary”. “Vicunha’s fabrics are amazing to work with, all very well-structured. I even chose not to apply any washes on them in order to keep the original colors and aspects”. His collection was very chic, with straight classic cuts combined to rounded modern details. As a result, the hype designer was placed in second out of ten and put his hands on a free license of the software Audaces Fashion Creare along with a couple thousand of dollars worth of credit.

Read More about Vicunha´s fabrics in Brazil Fashion Designers @ Fibre2fashion

Ethical Fashion Programme welcomes WTO DG

The government of Kenya, represented by the Kenya Export Promotion Council (EPC), presented the Ethical Fashion Programme (EFP) to WTO Director General - Mr. Lamy as the number one Kenyan project in terms of poverty reduction and empowerment of women.

As part of welcome ceremony for Mr. Lamy, the Ethical Fashion team organised a traditional Masaii warrior dance with a new community group from the Rift Valley. Mr. Lamy was also presented with samples of the products produced by marginalised communities for Vivienne Westwood, and other international fashion labels, as well as a map showcasing the network of community groups spread throughout East Africa.
Mr. Lamy expressed words of appreciation on the measurable and sustainable impact of the project saying, “This is a real model of capacity building carried out in the field.”
The EPC was established on August 19, 1992 through Legal Notice No. 4342, with the mandate of developing and promoting Kenya’s exports. In pursuit of its mandate, the EPC primary objective is to address bottlenecks facing exporters and producers of export goods and services in order to increase the performance level of the export sector.

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Tommy Hilfiger will be honored at PHILAU Fashion Show

Philadelphia University will present four accomplished innovators—Jose Maria Alapont, Mo Meidar '70, H'09, Dorothy Roberts and Tomio Taki—with the 2011 Leader of Innovation Medal at the Spirit of Innovation Gala on Saturday, April 30 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue.

Earlier that evening, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger will be honored with the 2011 Spirit of Design Award at Philadelphia University's Fashion Show, which will take place at 7 p.m. at the Academy of Music.
The Spirit of Innovation Gala and Philadelphia University Fashion Show are part of the Evening of Innovation festivities, which celebrate and honor outstanding leaders across a range of disciplines and the best of this year's student innovations and fashion designs.
At the Spirit of Innovation Gala, Philadelphia University will present the Leader of Innovation Medal to Jose Maria Alapont, president and CEO of Federal-Mogul Corp.; Mo Meidar '70, H'09, chairman and CEO of MAG IAS; Dorothy Roberts, chairman of The Echo Design Group, Inc.; and Tomio Taki, managing member of Takihyo LLC.

Read more about Tommy Hilfiger will be honored at PHILAU Fashion Show @ Fibre2fashion

Who will steal Fashion Crown at Scottish Fashion Awards!

Organiser's of Scotland's most high profile celebration of fashion and style have announced the shortlist for the event's 'Scottish Fashion Icon' award, which will be presented at the 6th annual Scottish Fashion Awards in association with Vogue.com.

In a poll conducted by the Scottish Fashion Awards, asked 500 15 - 35 yrs olds in key Scottish cities, who they felt where 'Scotland's most fashion conscious and stylish celebrities'. The survey asked a random sample of 15 - 35 yr olds to rate their top 3 Scottish celebrities from a list of 20 provided to them.
"This gives us a great mechanic to formulate the short list," said Tessa Hartmann, founder and Chairman of the awards. "It's just a bit of fun to add to the awards, as all our other categories are very serious and judged by an international fashion panel - hence their credibility. But this year, before we go live with the fashion icon on line voting, we wanted to find out who our nation really thought was stylish. Now it's over to Capital FM listeners and the people across Scotland to cast their vote!"
Paul Cooney, Managing Director of Capital FM, sponsors of the award category said: "The nominees for 2011 superbly represent the variety and contrast among Scottish style and talent - everything from sophisticated glamour to cutting edge trend setters. This category showcases everything that Scottish fashionistas have to offer and provides a platform for us to recognise individuality and personal style. It's great to see such a mixture of faces from the worlds of music, fashion, television and film."

Read More about Who will steal Fashion Crown at Scottish Fashion Awards! @ Fibre2fashion

Adidas & FC Bayern open outstanding chapter

 
 FC Bayern Munich and adidas, partners now for 50 years, have extended their partnership agreement until 2020. In addition, the new home jersey for the coming season was officially presented for the first time at the Allianz Arena.

“adidas and FC Bayern Munich are united by far more than just a partnership of many years as sponsor and supplier. Our partnership is a unique story of success to which we have added another outstanding chapter with the extension of our agreement,” commented Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of FC Bayern Munich AG.
“We are delighted that the long-standing partnership between FC Bayern Munich and adidas, which is characterized by mutual trust and respect, will continue for at least another eight years. Together, adidas and FC Bayern will continue to stand for success,” stated Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of FC Bayern München AG. “For me personally, the new home jersey that we are presenting is one of the finest FC Bayern has ever had. We are looking forward to playing in it!”
Sporting the club's motto “Mia san mia” (we are who we are), the home jersey embodies a special feeling of togetherness. The new outfit features numerous details, such as the “Mia san mia” logo which is incorporated in the collar in traditional lettering. The central design element is made up of integrated vertical stripes representing the “Munich Child”, the figure depicted on the official coat of arms of Munich. The matching shorts and socks are in dark red, with gold stripes and design accents lending the team's outfit a supremely elegant touch.

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Textiles Intelligence, UK enters into a Strategic Alliance with Fibre2Fashion, India

Robin Anson, Managing Director of Textiles Intelligence in the UK, and Dr PR Roy, Director of Fibre2Fashion in India, are proud to announce a strategic alliance between their organisations. The aim of the alliance is to provide the South Asian textile and apparel industry with research-based information to support their strategic planning. The alliance will take effect from April 2011.

Mr Anson and Dr Roy share the view that, with the current shift of the textile and clothing industry to Asia, it was logical for both organisations to join together in order to provide the necessary insight and strategy advice to assist the needs of emerging markets in South Asia. Dr Roy is excited to have Textiles Intelligence, a global knowledge leader in the field, as a partner of Fibre2Fashion.
Companies in South Asia will be able to gain access to research-based knowledge and information through two new printed publications, namely Textile and Apparel Outlook South Asia and Technical Textiles and Performance Apparel South Asia.

Read More about Textiles Intelligence, UK enters into a Strategic Alliance with Fibre2Fashion, India @ Fibre2fashion

MBFF promoting creative industries

It’s that time of year again: when Queensland’s fashionistas don the season’s must-haves and flock to the South East, where Brisbane’s South Bank is transformed into a glittering stretch of runways, discussions and stylish cocktail parties.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (MBFF) – Brisbane, hosted by South Bank, is back for 2011 and promises a stellar lineup of designers and a range of fashionable events to satisfy even the most sartorially starved crowds.
Running from Saturday 20 until Friday 26 August, MBFF 2011 will showcase Spring/Summer collections from more than 60 local, national and international designers.
This consumer-driven event will present an eclectic mix of fashion, from broad-appeal merchandise and swimwear to independent ready-to-wear designer labels, all of which are available in-store and ready to buy.
Now in its sixth year, the Festival makes fashion accessible to everyone, with nine group shows and an off-site swimwear/resort show. Guests can also enjoy a drink and a catch-up amid the buzz of pre- and post-show festivities in the Fashion Bar at the Cascade Court, QPAC.
If that’s not enough to get you salivating, the Festival will also host a series of fashionable high teas, an Australian Fashion Graduate of the Year competition, a “fashion after hours” discussion program and a gala closing event.

Read More about MBFF promoting creative industries @ Fibre2fashion

Tomorrow's top designers to display their talent on the runway

The inspired and inspiring designs of Fashion Institute of Technology - FIT's top graduating Fashion Design students will be unveiled at The Future of Fashion, FIT’s annual end-of-year runway show on Wednesday, May 4, at two shows, one at 4:30 pm and the second at 7:30 pm at FIT. This professionally produced event will present sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel, children’s wear, and accessories designed for fall 2011 by some of the world’s most talented young designers.

Ten major designers, including Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez, and Norma Kamali, are working with the students as mentors and critics by visiting classrooms throughout the spring semester to critique the students’ work and, ultimately, to select the most exceptional garment from each category for special citation.
Six fashion-media professionals will decide which garments are outstanding enough to make it to the runway. They are Nina Garcia (Marie Claire), Laura Brown (Harper’s Bazaar), Kate Betts (Time Inc.), Alana Kelen (VH1), Hal Rubenstein (InStyle), and Siafa Lewis (LXNY).
The young designers selected for the fashion show also will vie for cash awards from Cotton Incorporated, the lead sponsor of the fashion show. Students who use cotton in 95 percent of their outfits will be eligible to win $2,000 in each of five categories: sportswear, knitwear, intimate apparel, special occasion, and children’s wear.

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Unit Clothing releases Politically charged range - 420 Blitz

Unit Clothing is once again breaking ground, with the simultaneous world-wide release of its latest range, 420 Blitz, along with a sneak peak of the unique design process behind it.

Unit has released a video (attached), featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Founder and Creative Director Paul Everest at work in his purpose built Design Immersion Pod.
Including a modified dentist chair, sound system and oxygen tank – it's a design chair like no other.
"I'd always wanted to build the perfect design environment, a place where you can truly lose yourself in the design/creative process," says Everest.
The latest release by the Gold Coast based brand, known for its creative and thought-provoking designs, is politically charged and characteristically conceptual.
"Unit has a voice or a 'canvas' in its t-shirts and we often use art and/or humour to get a message across," says Everest.
The Addicted Tee is one of several concept tees in the 420 Blitz range.

Read More about Unit Clothing releases Politically charged range - 420 Blitz @ Fibre2fashion

Polish designer Agnieszka Kowalska wins Habitus Baltija

Young Polish designer Agnieszka Kowalska, a student of Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design won the Grand Prix of the 11th Competition for Young Fashion Designers “Habitus Baltija 2011 that took place at Kipsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga on April 9.

The Grand Prix winner received the Habitus Baltija Statuette and paid study opportunities worth EUR 12,000 at GED Fashion Institute in Milan, Italy. Agnieszka’s collection “Szalapot” got the highest evaluations in the competition category “Avant-garde Fashion”.
Another student of the Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design Karolina Gronicka won the laurels of the best designer in the category “Industrial Pret-a-porter” with her collection “Niente” and received the certificate for participation in the prestigious IX International Young Designers Competition “Russian Siluet” to be held in September 2011 in Moscow.
The student of the A.M. Shirokov Institute of Contemporary Knowledge Alexey Ivanov (Leor Gofman) from Belarus with his collection “Strangers in the Air” won in the competition category “Artistic Pret-a-porter” landing an opportunity to advertise on www.notjustalabel.com, a respected fashion portal frequented by such celebrities as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Fergie, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Paris Hilton and many others.
The winner of the School Competition – the Art Academy of Latvia – received the Habitus Baltija Statuette designed and sculpted in metal by Maris Šustinš and the certificate for participation for one student in the prestigious fashion design competition “Melnica Modi” in Belarus.
All in all, 9 educational institutions – the Art Academy of Latvia, the Riga Technical University, the Estonian Academy of Art, the Vilnius Academy of Art (Lithuania), the Telsiai Faculty of Art, Vilnius Academy of Art (Lithuania), the Novia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the Institute of Contemporary Knowledge named after A. M. Shirokov (Belarus), the Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design (Poland) and the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (Turkey) – competed for the title of the Best Fashion School.

Read More about Polish designer Agnieszka Kowalska wins Habitus Baltija @ Fibre2fashion

In full bloom Lindex fashion report styled by Rachel Zoe

Lindex encounters an explosion of different types of florals in this spring's and summer's fashion. In the rich patterns, we see all kinds of flowers - big and small alike - newly sprung, in full bloom or sometimes almost overly blooming.

Lindex is working together with star stylist Rachel Zoe, who styled the campaign collection containing plenty of flowers, primarily on dress, tunics and tops.
Rachel Zoe was recently named the most influential stylist in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter. To see how Rachel Zoe has worked with the collection and the garments she has chosen as her favourites.
The campaign collection which Rachel Zoe has styled is available at all Lindex stores.
Since starting up in Alings's, Sweden, in 1954, Lindex has become one of the leading fashion chains in Northern Europe. In recent years, Lindex has experienced rapid international expansion and sales development and now has over 400 stores in Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Russia, Central Europe, Bosnia Herzegovina and the Middle East.

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Emma Walters wins Triumph Inspiration Awards

Lingerie designed by a De Montfort University (DMU) student has won the UK final of the Triumph Inspiration Awards (TIA) and now goes on to the global final in Germany.

For the fourth consecutive year Triumph International, one of the world’s leading lingerie and shapewear brands, invited students from the UK’s top fashion and contour design schools, DMU in Leicester and London College of Fashion, to take part in this prestigious design contest.
Winning student Emma Walters, 21, from Leicester, said: “My garment, entitled ‘Liberation’ is actually two garments in one. The model walks on to the catwalk in a traditional style corset representing how Victorian women used to be constricted in every aspect of their life.
“The corset then opens from a heart locket shape to form the silhouette of an angel that commemorates women’s fight to overcome all their restrictions and achieve freedom and equality over the past 125 years. Underneath the corset a body piece is revealed that celebrates the modern woman of today,” said Emma, who is studying DMU’s fashion and contour course.
“The outer corset is made from plastic which I vacuum formed over a mannequin with lace, boning and cording. This gave an embossed effect; so a traditional corset was made; but out of plastic. I then spray painted the corset through a floral lace.

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Planet friendly textiles boost optimism

The derivation of the word “Sustainability”– in Latin, sustinere – translates into “holding up”. Recently, we’ve all had quite a bit trouble with “holding up” against the stream of economic problems, failings of institutional and financial structures and environmental threats. Nobody knows these better than the small business owner. Maintaining enthusiasm for owning a business, working with customers and contributing to the community seems to require sometimes Herculean strength.

One way to boost optimism is to look for ways to help and to serve. There’s some area where everyone can contribute, no matter how small or large, that creates magic for all.
Two small businesses owners, separated by hundreds of miles, decided independently to raise the awareness of the dangers of the conventional textile industry. After learning that the conventional cotton crop is one of the biggest consumers of cancer-producing insecticides and pesticides - polluting soil, waters, and damaging cotton workers’ health - Alina Bartell, the owner of Natural Clothing Company of Snohomish, WA decided to promote eco-friendly and skin-friendly clothing. Today, many of her clients are people whose skin sensitivity does not even let them wear the conventional textiles.
At the same time Dallas Fairbanks in Lake Tahoe, California has always been an avid supporter of environmental protection and a lover of nature. The desire to help both the earth and its people led her to establish her own store, Element Eco Wear, which also carries beautiful, environmentally safe organic clothing and over the time has developed a large clientele.
Both of these stores carry only Planet Friendly Textiles made with organic and Natural Fibers. Their clothing is fashionable and fun, but also eco-friendly and safe for the environment. All items are made from fibers like organic cotton, hemp—which does not require chemicals to grow—or organically grown bamboo. The owners have a strong purpose in helping their area and are involved in organizing this week’s Earth Day events in their communities.

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InsideOut breaks the rule

New Chicago based fashion designers, Shalini Sharma, launches her first collection of fine, 100% reversible, customized by color draped jersey dress for women that want style with comfort and no fuss InsideOut.

Founded in 2010, Shalini Sharma made her debut as a fashion designer with a line made in fine jersey in styles that balance comfort and beauty. All the pieces are 100% reversible. Custom color combinations are available to order. Feel safe with the staple little black dress on one side and be bold with a vibrant color on the reverse side.
"Two dresses in one" bring economy and versatility desired by today’s modern woman. It offers style with ease and comfort. The choice of fine jersey makes the garment comfortable to wear, and fluid fabric molds and flatters proportions of all body types.
InsideOut is practical, but at the same time, stylish. The vivid, solid colors and clean lines make the styles easy to accessorize and customize and make your own. It travels light, doesn’t wrinkle and washes in the machine at home, or in the sink away from home. The line is made right here locally in Chicago.
After a long career as a successful marketing analyst and a consultant, Shalini traded in her spreadsheets for fashion design with the launch of “InsideOut,” line of stylish reversible jersey dresses and separates. She believes that style does not mean sacrificing comfort and InsideOut reversible jersey dresses are flattering as well as comfortable.

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Re-launch of Gemma Kahngs’ eponymous clothing line

GSKYKA Studio Inc announced that fashion designers Gemma Kahng will be launching her 2011 collection in conjunction with her appearance on the Sundance Channel's new series "All on the Line" hosted by the Creative Director of Elle magazine and fashion guru Joe Zee.

The show will follow Mr. Zee and Ms. Kahng as they work on the re-launch of her eponymous clothing line, the Gemma Kahng Collection.
In a statement Ms. Kahng stated, "I am thrilled to re-launch my collections again and bring my designs to women across the world. I love art, romance and history and I think the Gemma Kahng Collection captures the essence of all these elements. I hope my collection reaches women who want classic looks with a unique edge. I'm very excited about my upcoming episode of 'All on the Line' and I would like to thank Joe Zee, Sundance and the fashion community for their support. I'm truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful advisors, colleagues and friends."

Read More about Re-launch of Gemma Kahngs’ eponymous clothing line @ Fibre2fashion

Littlewoods launches Coleen Rooney range

Littlewoods Europe has announced it will be stocking the new season range from Coleen Rooney.

The range was previously only available in the UK but Littlewoods Europe customers will now be able to choose from Coleen Rooney's range of clothes including women's coat, women's dress, women's shoes, bedding, curtain, perfume and cosmetics.
Coleen's newest range is inspired by the latest trends, and has been hugely popular in the UK already, receiving lots of press coverage and fashion features.
The new range will now be available to the 25 European countries that Littlewoods Europe delivers to including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
A spokesperson for Littlewoods Europe said: "Coleen is well known for her style and fashion credentials. With her glamorous take on the latest trends, her debut range has been a huge success in the UK and we are delighted to be able to offer the new collection to our customers in Europe. The range is right on trend and extremely wearable and we have no doubt it will be just as popular with our shoppers across Europe."

Read more about Littlewoods launches Coleen Rooney range @ Fibre2fashion

Mollie Bradford & Shayla Harris get full marks at Passion for Fashion

This year's Passion for Fashion Competition sponsored by The Art Institutes honored two high school seniors for their creative talent and commitment to the pursuit of a career in the fashion industry. The competition provides the opportunity for fashion-savvy teens throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico to compete for the chance to earn a full-tuition scholarship to study either Fashion Designer or Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management. A grand prize winner is selected for each category.

The grand prize winner in the Fashion Design category is Shayla Harris of San Antonio, Texas. Artfully combining the strength of leather with the delicacy of tulle, Shayla created a ball gown that exemplifies what every woman strives to be: confident and elegant. The gown was very well received by the judges, who recognized great talent in Harris' skillful mixing of opposites. Shayla earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institute of Dallas.
The grand prize winner in the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Fashion Retail Management category is Mollie Bradford of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mollie envisioned a boutique that put fashion on a socially conscious level, creating a space where charity, fashion, and the performing arts come together in the community. Her attention to professional detail and aesthetics set her concept above the rest. Mollie earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institute of Charlotte.

Read more about Mollie Bradford & Shayla Harris get full marks at Passion for Fashion @ Fibre2fashion

Jockey staycool line now for Canadian market

Jockey Canada Company wants people to wear cool underwear. Literally. Jockey is introducing the Jockey staycool line of undergarments to the Canadian market – innovative underwear for men and women that regulates skin temperature up to three degrees ferinheight, helping to keep bodies cool and comfortable all day long.

"What's great about staycool is that it feels so natural against your body; not too loose or too tight. It just fits, you go about your day and you're comfortable," said Tim Tebow, quarterback for the NFL's Denver Broncos and Jockey staycool spokesperson.
Jockey International staycool incorporates a patented Outlast technology treatment that uses phase change materials (PCMs) to absorb, store and release excess heat and maintain optimal external body temperature. Cotton fibre is treated with Outlast, creating an invisible microclimate of comfort between the skin and garment.
"Since the first pair of Jockey briefs hit the shelves in 1934, Jockey has been a leader in the innovation of comfortable and functional undergarments," said Theresa Walsh, Director of Merchandise, Jockey Canada Company. "Jockey staycool is the next level in undergarments."
Jockey is the first company to market both women's  underwear and men's underwear treated with Outlast technology to the North American market. The Outlast technology was originally developed for NASA to help balance temperature fluctuations in space and keep astronauts comfortable.

Read More about Jockey staycool line now for Canadian market @ Fibre2fashion

Doctor Specified Socks receives APMA seal

The American Podiatric Medical Association announced that it has awarded Doctor Specified Health and Lifestyle Socks, Lifestyle Apparel its coveted Seal of Acceptance to use on all of their current styles. The original six Doctor Specified styles have carried the seal for the last three years. When the line was expanded to include the new categories of Leisure, Comfort and Support the new styles were submitted and approved as well.

The American Podiatric Medical Association created the Seal Program more than 35 years ago. The APMA Seal of Acceptance is granted to footwear; insoles, hosiery, materials and equipment that allow for normal foot function and promote quality foot health. In order to be granted the Seal, stringent requirements must be met. 10 different industry evaluators scientifically evaluate every foot care product and not every product is granted the seal.

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Oscar de la Renta to present Charlotte's Collection

 
The Mint Museum Auxiliary is honored to host legendary style icon Oscar de la Renta as part of the organization's annual Room to Bloom fundraiser slated for April 27th – 29th, according to Hillary Cooper, president of the Mint Museum Auxiliary.

Mr. de la Renta will present his Fall 2011 collection as part of the "The Art of Style," an evening fashion show and special gala at the Mint Museum Uptown. In addition, Miles Redd, creative director of Oscar de la Renta Home and recently named to Elle Decor's Top 25 A-List Designers for 2010, will be the featured speaker at the annual Room to Bloom symposium.
According to Cooper, the special events promise to be some of the most distinctive and glamorous fashion experiences in Charlotte's history. "To have Oscar de la Renta come to Charlotte for this one-of-a-kind event at the Mint Museum is nothing short of fantastic," she said.

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Outlast used in Survival-One’s new helicopter passenger suit

Water is a dangerous place with unpredictable elements. But with some jobs and activities it is not possible to just stay away from it. To get to offshore installations there is no other choice than to fly over water. So if a risk can’t be avoided it is essential to take every precaution to minimize it. 

Survival-One Limited, recognized world leader in the design, manufacturer and service survival clothing and equipment, has recently launched a new helicopter passenger survival suit incorporating Outlast technology for better comfort.
“Survival-One manage a fleet of around 30,000 helicopter passenger survival suits for use by the offshore oil and gas industry”, explains Andy Wilson, Design & Development Manager at Survival-One Limited, Aberdeen/United Kingdom.
“We are experienced in providing survival solutions but we are always interested in innovation. We don’t want to look just for fulfilling specifications. We want to offer ultimate protection for workers without compromising human factors. Our latest development is the new 1000 Series suit which has now entered service, being worn over the North Sea. We are using Outlast materials to enable offshore workers to benefit from enhanced insulation that regulates the microclimate inside the suit to improve thermal comfort and reduce thermal stress.
The elevated thermal insulation worn to address the effects of long term immersion in water (typically less than 10°C) can cause heat stress to the wearer and utilizing Outlast® technology is one means of mitigating against this.”
“You can’t fight the sea, but by drawing on design knowledge, experience and the latest enabling technologies you can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of survival mechanism and protective equipment. We have achieved a real break-through with this next generation of survival suit. It delivers maximum protection without sacrificing comfort.”

Read More about Outlast used in Survival-One’s new helicopter passenger suit @ Fibre2fashion

Proposal to bestow ‘MS Dhoni’ with Khadi Ratna

The Jharkhand State Khadi and Cottage Industry Board, a profit-earning khadi board of India, has set forth a proposal to felicitate Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, with the honour of 'Khadi Ratna' for leading the country all the way to win the cricket world Cup, after 28 years.

Mr Jainandu, Chairman of the Board, while speaking to the media said that, by winning the much desired cup, the local boy has made the country and the state proud.
He said that, they would place this proposal before the Central Khadi Board, and if it consents to the same, the team India captain would be presented with the honour at a function in Ranchi.

Read More about Proposal to bestow ‘MS Dhoni’ with Khadi Ratna @ Fibre2fashion

New collection of quick drying travel sleepwear by Cool-jams

Cool-jams wicking sleepwear, already known for their top-rated wicking temperature-regulating sleepwear, has introduced a new collection of travel sleepwear made from a similar quick drying, lightweight wicking fabric.

"Cool jams Sleepwear is perfect for travel because it's quick drying, compact, lightweight and wrinkle resistant, which are all very important requirements of travel clothing," explains Cool-jams Founder Anita Mahaffey. "These pajamas are the perfect pajama to take on a trip because you can just rinse them in the sink in the morning, hang to dry and they are good to go by the evening. In fact, our Cool-jams dry three times faster than cotton pajamas, so wicking sleepwear makes perfect sense for travel."
The travel products industry has exploded over the past few years because the baby boomer population has begun to reach retirement age and so many of this age group have more time and money to travel. With over 75 million baby boomers in the US alone, Cool-jams will be kept busy designing and manufacturing wicking travel pajamas for the foreseeable future.

Read More about New collection of quick drying travel sleepwear by Cool-jams @ Fibre2fahion

Joelle Purifoy to debut first collection at NCSU

 
Joelle Purifoy is a sophomore at NC State University in the College of Textiles. She is competing in the 14th annual fashion expose sponsored by the University's African American Textile Society, called "Carolinas' Next Top Designer".

When North Carolina State University's African American Textile Society issued their annual challenge, to find among college student entrants, who will become the "Carolinas' Next Top Designer", 19 year old sophomore, Joelle Purifoy answered the call, by submitting 5 one-of-a-kind dress that she has designed for the competition. "I've named my debut collection, "The Devil's in the Details", because each dress has been designed with extensive intricate detailing--such as hand-beading, ruching and pleating", states Purifoy.
Joelle has always had a love of art. She states that she randomly became interested in fashion design back in middle school. "My interest developed over time, and fashion became my favorite art medium. I began sewing during my sophomore year at Riverside High School in Durham, and just kept taking all of the classes offered there. This past summer I took sewing classes at Haberman's Fabric Store in Royal Oak, Michigan, and learned more techniques."
The upcoming competition has led Joelle to harness the expertise of her sister, Gabrielle Purifoy who is a film student at UNC School of the Arts. "My sister Gabby has done my promotional videos for my fashion blog, and I'm hoping that she can assist me with lighting design at the show, and the mixing of the music for the show's production.

Read More about Joelle Purifoy to debut first collection at NCSU @ Fibre2fashion

Label 24 brings Neeta Lulla’s new collection

Neeta Lulla who has ruled the roost for over two decades has collaborated with Label 24 to showcase her stunning collection at their Dubai store. Neeta Lulla is a name to reckon with in the fashion industry and her fashionable and versatile designs will certainly have much to offer everyone at the fashion stock up of Label 24.

Label 24 is a leading store situated in Bur Dubai which houses the work of top notch 24 designers. The most stylish and trendy collection of Neeta Lulla and other designers is on offer by Label 24 which can also be accessed online .
Neeta Lulla is well renowned for her contemporary style of designing and revamping forgotten trends by adding her Midas touch. Another of such ethereal collections of hers can be availed at the Label 24 store in Dubai. A wide array of designer outfits ranging from classical to modern-day is on display in the store.
The trendy apparels are on sale in the Dubai fashion outlet of Label 24 at reasonable prices such that it caters to the budget of the general public. Expressing her views about the vision and the designer collection Label 24 is housing, Bavani Srinu, Marketing Manager of Label 24 commented as, “We focus on having the best designers and apparels with us. There can absolutely be no compromise on quality and the designs that we deliver. We take fashion really seriously here! Be it Neeta Lulla or any of our 24 designers, we have hand-picked them to bring the best for our customers.”

Read More about Label 24 brings Neeta Lulla’s new collection @ Fibre2fashion

Designer Neeta Lulla mulls opening 8-10 EBOs

Neeta Lulla the well-known Indian fashion designers plans to open 8-10 exclusive brand outlets (EBO’s) in the coming days.

Informing about her plans to fibre2fashion, she said, “We are planning to launch 8-10 EBO’s on a pan-India basis but these stores will not showcase the prêt line”.
Neeta Lulla has designed clothing for over 375 films and has won the Presidents award for three films; Lamhe, Devdas and Jodha Akbar.
Neeta took to the Indian fashion industry by storm nearly two decades back and has never looked back since then.
She has recently unveiled her latest spring/summer collection of cocktail wear tunics and light weight saris, with a focus on tunics and prêt.
Neeta currently has a flagship store along with an e-commerce portal and her line is also available in another 11 shop-in-shops across India.
Providing more details she said, “We feel that the market for Indian luxury designer garments is at a very nascent stage and could be termed as a sunrise industry”.

Read More about Designer Neeta Lulla mulls opening 8-10 EBOs @ Fibre2fashion

‘We will lose $200mn from Turkish safeguard duty’ – Dr Baig

“The government of Turkey will enforce protective safeguard, Protective Clothing,  measures on imports of Pakistani textiles, Denim Jeans Exporters Pakistan with effect from July 24, 2011”, said Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Advisor to Prime Minister on Textiles. 

“As per the decision, Turkey will impose an additional 18 percent customs duty on imports of denim fabrics from Pakistan, taking the total duty to 24.5 percent”, he said in a statement.

“This will result in a loss of around US $200 million to Pakistan textile exporters”, Dr Baig told fibre2fashion.
Meanwhile, Dr Baig urged Clothing textile exporters to ship as much fabric possible by July 24.
Continuing the discussion he said, “The decision to impose additional duties is mainly to safeguard the interests of Turkish domestic textile industry. Despite intense lobbying, we have not been able to revoke the order on Pakistani textile exports”.

Read More about ‘We will lose $200mn from Turkish safeguard duty’ – Dr Baig @ Fibre2fashion

Clothing accessory sector booms in Bangladesh

On the back of a boom in apparel & Knitwear Exporters Bangladesh, the garment  Clothing accessory industry too has followed in its footsteps and taken off and is flourishing like never before.

Clothing accessories like zipper, buttons, labels, elastic bands, collar stays, collar bones and cartons are as important an item, as the fabric itself, while manufacturing a garment.
From import dependency in the early 90s, today, the Bangladesh accessory industry has attained almost self-sufficiency in domestic production of various products needed to put together a garment.
However, the domestic accessories market is controlled by overseas companies operating in Bangladesh, as, garment makers prefer to buy accessories from them, rather than from the local accessory producers.
Shafiullah Chowdhury, an adviser to Bangladesh Corrugated Carton Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Association acknowledged by saying, “Yes right. The accessories sector contributes more than $2 billion and we expect it to double within the next three years.

Read More about Clothing accessory sector booms in Bangladesh @ Fibre2fashion

In-Clothes 3D Scanning for size selection & virtual fashion

Leveraging recently released low cost scanning devices for home use, Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation - [TC]² has combined that low cost power and availability with its Size Selection, Avatar Creation, Virtual Fashion, and Weight Loss Visualization technologies developed over the years for use with high-accuracy 3D full body scans. The result is an extremely high value-low cost solution for retail, at-home, and web-enabled smartphone applications.

There are already 10 million of these devices in homes now in the form of the Kinect device for the Microsoft Xbox 360. Microsoft has publicly announced that it will be formally supporting external applications of this type later this year. [TC]² intends to launch its applications as soon as the support is commercially available.
Due to [TC]²’s 20 year history in high end 3D body scanning, we are able to create human avatars with sufficient accuracy to support apparel size selection. [TC]²’s face-from-photo application enables the customer to make digital avatars that are not only correct dimensionally, but also represent a personal likeness.

Read More about In-Clothes 3D Scanning for size selection & virtual fashion @ Fibre2fashion