Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Teijin Aramid B.V., Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd.

TOKYO — April 24, 2019 — The Teijin Group announced today that its group companies Teijin Aramid B.V. and Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. will exhibit from May 14-17 at Techtextil 2019 in Frankfurt. The Teijin booth (hall 4.2, stand E09) will showcase advanced solutions contributing to enhanced quality of life.

Teijin Aramid, the leading manufacturer of premium aramid, will showcase its high-performance aramid fibers Twaron®, Technora® and Teijinconex® and its UHWMPE Endumax® at this leading international tradeshow for technical textiles and nonwovens. Teijin Aramid products play key roles in solutions where strength, safety, durability and low weight are required. Also, during the show, Teijin Aramid will share recent industry and market developments with visitors in applications for safety and life protection, such as heat- and flame-resistant workwear, and in the ballistic-protection, automotive, aerospace and other industrial fields.

Teijin Frontier, the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, will exhibit Nanofront®, the world’s first 700-nanometer (diameter) ultra-fine polyester fiber featuring superior fitting, slip resistance, heat shielding and filtering properties. It is used for diverse applications, including clothing, membranes and bug filters. High-performance four-axis textiles offering improved tear resistance and dimensional stability in all directions, a significant advantage compared to conventional two-axis textiles, will also be presented. Four-axis textiles are expected to meet special needs in a diverse range of fields, including general clothing, sportswear and work clothes for manufacturing and construction. The exhibit will additionally present nonwoven molding materials, which are made mainly with polyester staple fiber and offer cushiony, lightweight, sound-absorbent and breathable characteristics that are ideal for vehicle seats and sound-absorbing materials.

J.H. Ziegler GmbH, Teijin Frontier group’s automotive interior materials supplier, will showcase seating and acoustic materials at its booth (hall 3.1, stand B62).

Posted April 24, 2019

Source: The Teijin Group

INDA’S 2019 World Of Wipes Innovation Award® Finalists Highlight Biodegradable, Compostable Products And A New Product Category

CARY, N.C. — April 24, 2019 — Biodegradable disinfecting wipes, soft baby wipes made of 100-percent repurposed cotton blended fabric with earth friendly packaging, and a new product category to improve the skin appearance and texture of your posterior are the finalists for INDA’s 2019 World of Wipes Innovation Award®.

The winner will be selected by attendees at the World of Wipes International Conference,
 June 24-27, at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta. INDA expects 400 senior-level participants from every area of the wipes segment at this year’s event, repeating last year’s strong turnout. This year WOW conference sessions focus on Consumer Trade & Trends, Sustainable & Transparent Formulations, Infection Protection, Material Development in Wipes, Preservation Developments, and Sustainability Challenges in Plastics.

INDA announced the three companies vying for the prestigious award are: Danufil® QR by Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Earthly Wipes by Earthly, and BAWDY Butt Masks by BAWDY.Beauty.

Danufil® QR is a positively charged viscose fiber whereby quaternary ammonium compounds, known as quats do not bind to the cellulose. The fibers are made out of renewable cellulose, provide effective disinfection, can be processed with all nonwoven technologies, and are fully biodegradable. The manufacturer Kelheim Fibres GmbH states Danufil QR is the only product in the marketplace with permanent activation for up to 90 percent repellency of used quats.

Earthly Wipes are a custom, soft, dry premium baby wipe made of 100-percent repurposed cotton blended fabric with refill rolls designed for use in reusable cotton bags and delivered to customers in bulk with refill rolls. Refill rolls can be placed in tough paper tube canisters that are compostable and made up of 98-percent post-consumer recycled material, or smaller reusable cotton bags for soft-pack wipes, according to the manufacturer, Earthly.

BAWDY butt sheet masks are made of 100-percent natural, cruelty-free, plant-based ingredients designed to improve skin appearance and texture. Non-gender product versions include a plant-based hydrating and toning moisturizing mask, a marine algae firming/illuminating mask, a retexturing and detoxifying mask, and a citrus brightening/rejuvenating mask. BAWDY.Beauty states they are the inventor of the butt skin beauty category.

WOW Attendees Vote

The World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes the winning product that both expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication. Nominated products represent the entire nonwoven wipes value chain. Past innovation award winners have included Diamond Wipes International’s Hero Wipes™, Berrys’ Chicopee Microfiber, and Dude Products – Dude Wipes.

WOW attendees hold an important one-third of the vote in their hands. The award finalists will make their presentations on June 25 and INDA President Dave Rousse will announce the winner on June 27. The INDA Technical Advisory Board and the WOW Conference Planning Committee have equal one-third votes in addition to the attendees in determining the top product.

The WOW conference will be headlined by presentations on the hottest topics, with exclusive insights on market data, materials science, and sustainability by some of the biggest names in wipes. Lisa Morden, Vice President Safety and Sustainability, Kimberly Clark Corporation, will deliver a keynote presentation on Wiping Responsibly, on Wednesday, June 26.

A welcome reception on the 49th floor of The Commerce Club offering one of Atlanta’s most incredible views of the city, two days of tabletop exhibitions and a 1.5-day WIPES Academy short-course focused on wipes from converting to packaging are among the valuable educational and networking opportunities. For the full program, visit https://www.worldofwipes.org/

Posted April 24, 2019

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Suominen Renews Its Organization And Composition Of The Executive Team

HELSINKI — April 24, 2019 — Suominen’s board of directors has decided on the company’s new organization and composition of the Executive Team, effective July 1, 2019.

Suominen’s new business areas will be Americas and Europe. Suominen has no reportable segments. The business of Suominen continues to consist of one operating segment.

“The new organization enables us to be more efficient, focused and agile, and this is important when we are striving to improve our profitability. We are now reviewing the focus of our strategy and taking measures to improve our performance, and these changes will support us in this development work,” says Petri Helsky, president and CEO of Suominen.

New executive appointment and changes in Suominen’s Executive Team

Suominen has today appointed Toni Tamminen (D.Sc.Technology, M.Sc. Economics) as CFO and a member of the executive team. He joins Suominen from Metsä Tissue Corp., where he has worked as vice president, Group Controlling.

“Toni Tamminen has a strong background in finance and business controlling, in large international organizations in addition to his expertise in the field of strategy and M&A. I am sure he will bring valuable insight and financial knowledge to Suominen,” Helsky said.

As announced earlier, Suominen’s current CFO Tapio Engström will leave the company. His last day at Suominen will be May 3, 2019. Sirpa Koskinen, vice president, Group Controller will act as an interim CFO until July 30, 2019, when Tamminen will start.

Various changes have been made also to the responsibilities of the members of Suominen’s Executive Team.

Ernesto Levy has been appointed senior vice president, Americas business area, he is currently senior vice president, Convenience business area.

Markku Koivisto has been appointed interim senior vice president, Europe business area, he will continue also in his current role as CTO.

Lynda Kelly has been appointed senior vice president, Business Development, she is currently senior vice president, Care business area.

Larry Kinn, senior vice president, Operational Excellence, will retire in July 2019. Operational Excellence will be part of the Global Operations.

Composition of Suominen’s Executive Team as of July 1, 2019:

  • Petri Helsky, president and CEO;
  • Toni Tamminen, CFO (July 30, 2019 onwards);
  • Ernesto Levy, senior vice president, Americas business area;
  • Markku Koivisto, chief technology officer and interim senior vice president, Europe business area;
  • Lynda Kelly, senior vice president, Business Development;
  • Mimoun Saïm, senior vice president, Global Operations; and
  • Hannu Sivula, senior vice president, Human Resources

.All Executive team members report to Helsky.

“I am confident that these changes will help us in building a new foundation for Suominen’s development and future,” Helsky said.

“I want to thank Tapio for all his contribution to the company as CFO and as an interim president and CEO, and I wish him all the best in the future. I also want to thank Larry for his valuable expertise and experience which he has been sharing to Suominen, thanks to his long career in nonwovens,” Helsky continued.

At the same time, Suominen will discontinue the Corporate Leadership Team.

Posted April 24, 2019

Source: Suominen

Urban Outfitters Announces Personnel Changes

PHILADELPHIA — April 23, 2019 — Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN), a lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Anthropologie, BHLDN, Free People, Terrain and Urban Outfitters brands and the Food and Beverage division, today announced two changes in personnel at its Anthropologie brand.

First, Andrew Carnie, president, Home Garden and International at the Anthropologie Group will leave URBN to return to his home in the United Kingdom. Carnie will step down as of April 26, 2019. “We thank Andrew for six years of service to the company. Under his leadership, Home category sales doubled, the brand successfully launched a Home wholesale business and Anthropologie opened its first two stores in continental Europe,” said Richard A. Hayne, CEO and chairman of Urban Outfitters Inc.

At the same time, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Hillary Super, to global president of the Anthropologie Group. In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing the women’s apparel and accessories categories and the BHLDN bridal business, Super will assume oversight of the business segments previously reporting to Carnie. “Since joining Anthropologie two years ago, Hillary has made a strong impact on the brand. Under her leadership, sales of apparel and accessories have climbed to new heights. More recently, she and the Anthropologie team successfully planned and launched the new A Plus line of apparel. I believe Anthropologie continues to have amazing opportunities for growth and with Hillary as leader, I believe those opportunities will be realized,” finished Hayne.

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: Urban Outfitters Inc.

Burlington Stores Announces Leadership Succession Plan

BURLINGTON, N.J. — April 23, 2019 — Burlington Stores Inc., an off-price retailer of high-quality, branded apparel at everyday low prices, today announced a leadership succession plan to guide the company’s continued growth and success:

  • Thomas Kingsbury, chairman, president and CEO, will step down as CEO on or about September 16, 2019, after more than 10 years in that role. Kingsbury will continue to support the company as executive chairman of the board of directors during a transition period.
  • Michael O’Sullivan, formerly president and COO of Ross Stores Inc., will join the company on or about September 16, 2019 as CEO. O’Sullivan will also be appointed to the company’s board.
  • Jennifer Vecchio, chief merchandising officer, principal, has been appointed to the newly created role of president, chief merchandising officer, effective immediately. She will continue to be responsible for Merchandising and Planning, and will also oversee Marketing and Strategy.

“Given our tremendous progress and the strong foundation we have established, the Board and I believe now is the right time to transition to new leadership,” said Kingsbury. “Michael brings extensive experience and a proven record of success in the off-price retail business, and his team-oriented leadership style makes him a natural fit for our organization. We believe that Michael is uniquely qualified to lead Burlington in its next phase of growth.”

“Jennifer has outstanding merchandising and leadership skills, strong relationships with the vendor community and a deep understanding of our business model. She is an energetic and inspirational leader, and the Board and I believe she will continue to drive the company’s merchandising and marketing strategies as president and chief merchandising officer,” Kingsbury continued. “I am privileged to have served alongside an outstanding team during my time as CEO, and thank our board, leadership team and employees across the country for their dedication and commitment.”

O’Sullivan commented: “Under Tom’s leadership, Burlington has delivered outstanding operating results. Looking forward, I continue to see additional potential for comparable store sales growth, expansion of the store fleet, and improvement in operating margins.  I am honored to be appointed CEO of Burlington and look forward to working alongside the leadership team during such an exciting and promising time.”

John J. Mahoney, lead independent director and chair of the Compensation Committee, stated, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tom for his leadership and contributions to Burlington. The company’s stock price has increased more than 800% since the IPO in 2013. Tom’s outstanding leadership and unique insights are evident not only in these strong results but also in the incredible team and culture he has cultivated. Michael, Jennifer, Marc Katz and Fred Hand are talented, experienced executives, and we are confident they will build on Burlington Stores’ tremendous success.”

Updated Fiscal First Quarter 2019 Outlook

The company now expects Adjusted Earnings Per Share for the 13 weeks ending May 4, 2019, to be in the range of $1.21 to $1.25, within the previous guidance of $1.21 to $1.31. In addition, comparable store sales are now expected to increase in the range of 0% to 0.5%, within the previous guidance of 0% to 2%.

O’Sullivan has significant off-price retail experience, having served in executive positions at Ross Stores since 2003. For the last ten years, O’Sullivan was president and COO of Ross Stores, playing a leading role in developing and driving the core strategy of the business as well as managing major functional areas such as Stores, Loss Prevention, Supply Chain, Finance, IT, Human Resources, Merchandise Allocations, Merchant Support, and Marketing. Prior to joining Ross Stores, O’Sullivan was a Partner at Bain & Company, with a particular focus on business strategy and performance improvement within the retail industry.

Vecchio joined Burlington as executive vice president/chief merchandising officer in May 2015 after providing consulting services to the merchant group for the prior eighteen months. In January 2017, she was promoted to chief merchandising officer, Principal with responsibility for the Planning organization in addition to Merchandising. From 1997 to 2011, she held various positions in Merchandising at Ross Stores including executive vice president of Merchandising for Mens/Kids from 2009 to 2011. From 1988 to 1997, Vecchio held positions in the Merchandising organization of Macy’s.

Herbert Mines, an executive search firm, assisted the board of directors of Burlington Stores with its external search process.

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: Burlington Stores, Inc.

HP Reinvents Dye Sublimation Printing With The Launch Of HP Stitch

LAS VEGAS — April 23, 2019 — Today HP announced the new HP Stitch S series, a portfolio of digital textile printers that deliver fast, precise color-matching, alongside efficient, simplified processes. It is HP’s latest innovation designed to accelerate commercial digital print adoption.

Highlights:

  • Delivers the world’s fastest color-matching – in the printer, in the RIP (Raster Image Processor) and in the cloud1
  • Features Thermal Inkjet printhead technology to help reduce time and waste, and achieve repeatable, color consistency across customer fleets
  • Offers continuous high-quality prints with transfer paper and direct-to fabric features2
  • Prevents downtime with HP Proactive Services offering preventive support

“Décor and fashion application trends, on demand production and personalization are boosting digital print growth,” said Santi Morera, head of Graphics Solutions Business at HP. “The digitally printed textiles market is experiencing double-digit annual growth, forecast to reach $5.5 billion by 2023, according to Smithers Pira. We look forward to more digital print transformations being realized with the arrival of the new HP Stitch S series.”

The portfolio of printers couple HP Thermal Inkjet technology with industry-standard dyes for superior color durability. The first-ever built-in spectrophotometer enables Stitch’s fast and exact color-matching. The introduction includes three new printers from 64-inch to 126-inch wide: the HP Stitch S300 64-in Printer, the HP Stitch S500 64-in Printer, and the HP Stitch S1000 126-in Printer.

The HP Stitch S300 Printer holds the first user-replaceable printhead, resulting in reduced down-times and service costs. The HP Stitch S300 Printer was designed specifically for new-to-dye sublimation professionals, prototyping departments, and growing print providers.

“Our experience with HP Stitch S300 has been much easier and faster than other dye sub printers we’ve previously used,” said Teunis Roos, Color Concepts. “Most printers require manual action in terms of head maintenance and alignment, but the HP Stitch S300 is more proactive and automated when it comes to performance.”

HP Stitch S500 Printer enables predictable dye sublimation color and less media waste for production environments. With symmetrical 2xCMYK printhead configuration and Optical Media Advance Sensor, this 64-inch printer allows for saturated and reliable one pass mode for true top speed. The HP Stitch S500 Printer was designed specifically for high production sites.

Key HP Stitch S500 Printer features include:

  • Streamlined production
    • Big ink supplies, larger rolls, and HP’s Tension-Sensing Winder allow unattended operations—even overnight, complete with HP Services and cloud fleet management tools.
  • Color you can rely on with HP SmartColor tools
    • Confidently distribute jobs across your fleet with color consistency from printer to printer.
  • Cost savings
    • Help avoid reprints and media waste with 1200 native dpi printheads and HP Smart Nozzle Compensation system, saving up to 50 percent floor space with frontal media loading and a spindle-less system.3

New HP Dye Sublimation Paper

HP has also launched a set of new dye sublimation papers for the new HP Stitch S Printer series. These papers are designed and tested as a system with HP dye sublimation inks and the HP Stitch S Printer series to achieve excellent image quality and color consistency.

The HP Stitch S300 and S500 Printer series, as well as dye sublimation paper, are available now and will be showcased at ISA 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 24-26. Visit us at Booth 1935 and 1919 for a hands-on first look at the portfolio.

The 126-inch HP Stitch S1000 Printer can be seen at ISA 2019 under exclusive invitation and will make its debut at FESPA 2019 in May.

Pricing and availability

Information on country availability, pricing, and retail destinations vary region by region.4

End Notes:

1 Based on HP and third-party testing, comparing HP Stitch S Printers with other large-format dye sublimation printers on the market under $250,000 (USD) as of March 2019.  For details, please visit hp.com/go/stitchclaims.

2 Direct-to-fabric printing is intended for short runs only.

3 Compared to alternative 64-inch dye-sublimation based textile printers available as of January 2019.

4 Pricing and availability subject to change.

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: HP Inc.

Susan Gustafson Has Been Named CEO of Worth Collection LTD

NEW YORK CITY — April 23, 2019 — Susan Gustafson has been named CEO of Worth Collection LTD, effective immediately.

Worth Collection LTD, a direct-to-consumer women’s fashion apparel company operating the luxury brand “Worth New York” and the contemporary brand “W by Worth,” designs, supplies and distributes luxury and contemporary women’s apparel through an omnichannel approach via its stylist network, by-appointment showrooms, online, and retail outlets.

Gustafson joins Worth following a nationwide search, after the company’s 2018 recapitalization by an affiliate of private equity firm New Water Capital L.P.

Gustafson comes to Worth with an impressive resume of leadership throughout her entire career. Positions Gustafson has held include president of Ratner Companies which manages the Hair Cuttery, Salon Cielo, and Salon Plaza, senior vice president of marketing for The Pampered Chef, and Brand Development Strategist for Things Remembered.

While at Ratner Companies, Gustafson increased field satisfaction and engagement by 77% and improved the Client Net Promoter Score by 174% over the course of nine years.

Gustafson championed the company revitalization for Ratner Companies resulting in the remodel and refresh of all salons, operations, and service delivery. Another notable success is the restructuring of the Ratner Companies organization for improved effectiveness. Gustafson has strategized and restructured marketing to include brand strategy, CRM/database usage throughout all brands, utilization of customer insights, public relations, digital efforts, events, and customer experience.

With Gustafson’s long list of accomplishments and leadership roles, Worth Collection LTD is set to see a record-breaking year in 2019.

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: New Water Capital

NIKE Inc. Announces Dr. John C. Lechleiter’s Retirement From The NIKE Board Of Directors

BEAVERTON, Ore. — April 23, 2019 — NIKE Inc. today announced that Dr. John C. Lechleiter, a director of the company since 2009 and former chairman, president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Co., has decided to retire and will not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors of NIKE Inc. at the September 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Dr. Lechleiter’s decision to retire was due to scheduling conflicts with other boards on which he presently serves.

Dr. Lechleiter will continue to serve as a Nike Inc. director until the 2019 Annual Meeting. He will be succeeded by Michelle Peluso, a director since 2014, as chairperson of the Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability & Governance Committee of the Board.

“We’d like to thank John for his contributions as a valued and trusted advisor and steward since 2009. His insights as a business leader have been invaluable and we wish him well,” said Mark Parker, chairman, president and CEO, Nike. “We are also incredibly pleased that Michelle will succeed John as chairperson of the Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability & Governance Committee. Her passion, commitment and leadership in the key strategic areas overseen by the Committee will help us build upon Nike’s leadership position.”

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: Nike Inc.

New Design Pool Design On Demand Source Is Helping To Streamline Custom Designs

BOSTON — April 23, 2019 — Design Pool announced its design on demand service offerings. The new online business is the source for seamless patterns for print on demand for commercial and residential interiors. Consumers, interior designers and businesses that are looking to change up their space now have a new option when it comes to picking beautiful, seamless patterns and designs. Design Pool offers a variety of custom patterns for options in the residential, hospitality and healthcare markets.

Every day designs and styles are changing. Businesses and consumers want a custom look with quality, but don’t have the time or money and are frustrated with the lack of creative options. They also want speed, flexibility and creativity with print on demand solutions. Design Pool offers that and more.

Design Pool offers streamlined access to hundreds of custom designed patterns for print on demand technology, saving time for design firms and offering quality seamless, vector-based patterns.

CEO Kristen Dettoni is a leader in design and trends. With over 25 year’s experience her vision is to bring customization to a whole new level.

“We believe great design from experienced designers should be easily accessible,” says CEO Kristen Dettoni. “Options were limited in the commercial and residential space and our business model opens up a variety of possibilities. We really are here to support any business or individual in need of patterns and design services.”

Design Pool officially launched this month with hundreds of licensing, proprietary and design partnerships on patterns for multiple uses including upholstery, privacy screens, wallpaper, bedding, mugs, tabletop, curtains, rugs, and floor mats. Design Pool partners include Enviroleather, KwickScreen, VividBoard, Vistamatic, Gelpro, Interior Ink. Design Pool supports businesses and individuals in need of patterns as well as offers design services.

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: Design Pool

IBM, FIT Announce Collaboration To Help Build The Creative Fashion Workforce Of The Future

NEW YORK CITY — April 23, 2019 — The Fashion Institute of Technology’s (FIT) FIT/Infor Design and Technology Lab (DTech Lab) and IBM today announced a collaboration that will transform how the fashion industry operates, and will help build the creative fashion workforce of the future.

FIT will leverage IBM’s artificial intelligence (AI) for fashion capabilities — a suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed and trained for the fashion industry that leverage deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to help fashion companies improve customer experience, enhance their product design, development, and merchandising/planning activities, and augment merchandise performance analysis.

These APIs can be delivered individually, incorporated into existing applications, and/or be leveraged to develop new retail applications, such as trend identification or analysis, product design, development, and merchandising.

FIT’s initial experience with IBM AI for Fashion was in 2018 when Tommy Hilfiger teamed with IBM and the DTech Lab on “Reimagine Retail,” a project to show how AI can give a fashion brand a competitive edge with market insights, product design, personalization and supply chain optimization. The tools also equipped the next generation of retail leaders with new skills using AI in design.

“Reimagine Retail was a powerful example of what happens when fashion partners with a global tech leader to advance challenging innovations,” said Michael Ferraro, director of the FIT/Infor DTech Lab. “Embedding emerging technology into our lab where faculty and students are solving industry problems is the next step in our evolving relationship with IBM. We’re leveraging the fresh perspectives and new ideas of talented creative students in an agile research environment.”

Due to the success of Reimagine Retail, FIT and IBM are taking the collaboration further, to encompass:

  • DTech Lab: FIT will use IBM AI for Fashion capabilities within its DTech Lab, an innovation center that partners with industry to engage in innovative research that drives changes in the $2.5 trillion fashion industry. Through projects that combine coursework with professionally guided learning, the lab leverages the fresh perspectives and new ideas of talented, creative students. Here, FIT students from Fashion Design, Textile Development and Marketing, International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries, and Fashion Business Management will work directly with the APIs, developing new use cases and providing input on end user functionality and experience.
  • Partner Projects: IBM and FIT will work together to help leading fashion companies develop solutions to address challenges in product design and development, merchandising, planning and allocation, and customer sales and service. Because the DTech Lab can help to “de-risk” innovation for large brands by testing in a safe environment, it helps enable companies to explore new emerging areas that they’d like to develop into and gain direct experience. Working with IBM’s AI and related tools and technologies provides opportunities to explore projects that address specific brand challenge(s) in customer experience and engagement, supply chain, and/or enterprise operations.
  • Enhanced Curriculum: FIT faculty are currently exploring opportunities to integrate IBM’s AI tools into existing courses in Math, Science, Creative Technology and Design, Fashion Design, and Fashion Business Management, helping students throughout the college prepare to lead the workforce of the future. IBM will contribute to this coursework, and offer opportunities for students to engage directly with its industry and AI team.
  • Joint Research: FIT faculty and students will collaborate with IBM Research to solve key industry challenges in areas such as supply chain effectiveness, fashion sustainability, and the development of fashion ontologies. Specific examples may include identifying whether or not children’s products contain lead or other harmful materials, recognizing silhouettes in pattern and texture, or using AI tools to identify and develop new approaches to fabric combinations.

“FIT is an educational force that continues to innovate and ensure the future of the creative industries, including fashion,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT. “We are proud to partner with IBM. Together we can look forward to many breakthroughs in resolving the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

“After a successful IBM-FIT project for Tommy Hilfiger last year, formalizing our relationship with FIT is a natural next step to accelerate our development of AI solutions for the fashion industry,” said  Luq Niazi, IBM’s Global Consumer Industry managing director.

Since its inception in the summer of 2017 through the current spring 2019 semester, the DTech Lab has taken on 19 projects involving 76 students and 21 faculty. “I learned how interesting and rewarding it is to try new things,” said Amber Saca, an FIT Packaging Design student. “Working with the Lab gave me the confidence to design on a wide range of subjects that are outside of my comfort zone.”

Posted April 23, 2019

Source: Fashion Institute of Technology

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