American Silk Mills Covers Beauty, Legacy And Performance For Showtime Market

HIGH POINT, NC— May 14, 2019 — Depth of product and timeless design sets American Silk Mills apart from other textile brands and energizes its debut of three new collections at Showtime Market in High Point, N.C., June 2-5.  The collections showcase versatility, a wider range of price points, and distinguish themselves by being the first to benefit from the synergies between American Silk Mills and parent company Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited.

“For American Silk Mills, this Showtime Market brings forward beauty, innovation and performance, and each collection embodies one or more of these elements,” said Susan Hedgecock, Creative Director for American Silk Mills. “We’ve drawn inspiration from our pattern and fabric archives, which are among the most extensive in the world, to create collections with definitive points-of-view, ranging from the heritage and legacy of the company to comfortable, livable yet innovative fabrics.”

EnduroSilk™.  American Silk Mills combines the look and feel of silk with the endurance of performance in the inaugural collection of this innovative indoor/outdoor fabrics brand. Bleach cleanable, stain resistant, light fast, and durable in abrasion, the collection reinvents the idea of livable luxury.

Inspired by the classic and athletic beauty of the great American pastimes of sailing and equestrian sports, EnduroSilk™ celebrates vibrant color reminiscent of jockey silks and regatta flags in its Thoroughbred collection.  These sophisticated and graphic patterns transform and contemporize exterior or interior living spaces, sunrooms and sun porches with an enduring elegance.

Harkening back to the history and legacy of American Silk Mills, EnduroSilk™ also blends the refined look and feel of silk and linen into innovative designs reminiscent of the classic Italian palazzo, with patterns and colors designed to stand the test of time.  Faint fresco or patina finishes, ethereal stripes and clean, refined patterns combine with a sophisticated palette of tinted neutrals, including mother of pearl, silver leaf, alabaster, mercury glass and 14-carat, creating timeless luxury easily embraced by any interior.

Essentials.  Designed around a chameleon-like color palette showcasing a mélange of complex, comfortable colors, Essentials shape shifts into any context with ease.  Developed for everyday livability, this collection of 16 stocked fabrics work in heavy duty applications with high abrasion resistance and a nod towards social responsibility with a Prop65 compliant Nanotex® protective finish.   With touchable textures and a warm and cool neutral palette, Essentials offers endless possibilities.

Pattern Play.  American Silk Mills marries a diverse mix of yarns and textures to create signature graphics that are playful, intricate and colorful. Classic with a twist, the condensed collection of four contemporary patterns makes the most of an organic, saturated and livable color palette featuring colors such as indigo, ochre, sumac, tobacco, henna, aubergine and bloodroot.

“These collections are among the most diverse we’ve introduced because they embrace innovation and performance, yet are founded in the design heritage of American Silk Mills,” said David Corbin, chief executive officer for American Silk Mills. “We recognize that consumers desire beautiful, luxurious fabrics that are also casual and approachable. We want to create fabrics that speak to people’s aspirations yet fit within their daily lifestyle.”

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: American Silk Mills

Winners Of The Texprocess Innovation Awards 2019 Chosen

FRANKFURT, Germany — May 14, 2019 — At today’s official opening ceremony, four winners were presented with the Texprocess Innovation Award 2019 for new and further technological developments in the field of textile processing. All award-winning projects can be seen in a special exhibition at Texprocess until Friday, 17 May.

Award winners in the ‘New Technology’ category
In the ‘New Technology’ category, the jury was particularly impressed by the new M-TYPE DELTA sewing system made by Dürkopp Adler AG. The award-winning industrial-sewing concept can be integrated into a fully digitalised sewing production line for automotive interiors, home upholstery, leather goods and technical textiles. Using digital solutions to the maximum extent, the machine guides the operator and continuously augments its functions and ‘knowledge’.

The second award in the ‘New Technology’ category went to Vetron Typical Europe GmbH for the Vetron Viper, an ultra-lightweight sewing system made using carbon components. The system weighs a total of six kg, including yarn corps and drive motor, which means a smaller and more cost-effective industrial robot can be used in the sewing process. Thus, the solution is compact, flexible and easy to install and remove.

Award winners in the ‘New Process’ category

The award winners in the ‘New Process’ category include Assyst GmbH for a 3D innovation process. For the first time, the company is showing at Texprocess how a digital process innovation can revolutionize the textile value chain, from design to development and sales. Assyst has developed a virtual decision-making aid for everyone involved in the process, from designers in the creative phase, via product developers in the virtual fitting stage, to sales staff with a 3D in-store presentation. Moreover, the technology provides a completely new product experience for both B2B and B2C customers.

The second award in this category went to Lectra for its fashion-on-demand technology, the first end-to-end solution for personalizing fashions. The turnkey solution automates on-demand production so that companies can now process several individual orders at the same time, including individualized apparel. In other words, individualized products can be delivered just as fast as standard articles.

The jury of the 5th Texprocess Innovation Award:

  • Alexander Artschwager, German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf, Centre for Management Research (DITF-MR);
  • Claudia van Bonn, Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH;
  • Prof Ives-Simon Gloy, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V.;
  • Iris Schlomski, textile network;
  • Walter Wählt (Chairman of the jury), adidas AG; and
  • Prof Kerstin Zöll, Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Textile and Clothing Technology Faculty.

The Texprocess Innovation Award has been honouring outstanding achievements and new developments for processing textile and flexible materials since 2011. The winning products are selected on the basis of criteria such as innovativeness, choice of materials and ecological quality. The award-winning products can be seen at a special exhibition in Hall 4.0 throughout the fair.

 Posted May 14, 2019

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Winners Of The Techtextil Innovation Awards 2019

FRANKFURT, Germany — May 14, 2019 — During the opening ceremony of Techtextil, International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens, seven companies were presented with the renowned Techtextil Innovation Awards for textile products distinguished by a particularly high level of innovation. New this year, Techtextil honoured two award winners in the ‘Sustainability’ category. All award-winning projects will be on show in a special exhibition at Techtextil until Friday, May 17.

Two awards in the ‘Sustainability’ category for the first time

In the ‘Sustainability’ category, a Techtextil Innovation Award went to a working group comprising Comfil (Denmark), Chemosvit Fibrochem (Slovakia), the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT (Germany), the Technical University of Denmark and Centexbel (Belgium) for BIO4SELF, fully bio-based, self-reinforced polymer composites based on PLA fibres. These composites can be used in the fields of automobile manufacturing, the sports industry and medical technology. Moreover, they contribute to the sustainable development goals defined by the United Nations by promoting the transition to an inclusive green economy.

The second award in the sustainability category went to PICASSO, a joint venture of Portuguese project partners for the development of a coloration and functionalization process for garments based on natural extracts from residues and/or species of mushrooms and plants, as well as enzymes. The project partners are the Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials (CeNTI), the Tintex sustainable textiles company, spice and herb producer Ervital, biotech company Bioinvitro Biotecnologia and the CITEVE textile technology centre.

Award winners in the ‘New Technology’ category

The international jury was particularly impressed by two projects in the ‘New Technology’ category: Robert Bosch GmbH and H. Stoll AG were presented with the Techtextil Innovation Award for a knitted sensor glove. The seamless, 3D flat-knitted glove is made of sensor yarn and offers the wearer sensory and control functions on all fingers, e.g., for operating interfaces in man-machine interaction, for movement control in relation to augmented and virtual-reality applications or rehabilitation purposes in a medical setting. The glove provides the same level of wearing comfort as a conventional glove.

The second award in this category went to Germany’s Northwest Textile Research Centre for its ‘Textile Mining’ project, a functional textile that enables, for example, companies from the metal industry to recycle and recover noble metals, such as gold, platinum and palladium, from industrial waste water. Against the background of a growing shortage of raw materials, industrial waste water is, alongside electrical waste, an important source of noble metals and, therefore, ‘urban mining’, i.e., separating and recovering raw materials from existing resources in urban settings. Other project partners: Kayser Filtertech, Setex-Textilveredlung, Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie, Unimicron Germany and Wieland Edelmetalle (all from Germany).

Award winners in the ‘New Application’ category

In the ‘New Application’ category, the awards went to the German Institutes for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF) and Beira Interior University (DCTT) in Portugal. DITF have developed a space-saving inductive charging coil for hybrid and electric vehicles. Due to a lack of space under most vehicles, it has been very difficult to install inductive charging coils to permit linear scaling of the coil area and thus maintain the equal power density necessary for charging larger batteries. DITF use high-tech knitting technology to meet this challenge. Partnering DITF in this project is Robert Bosch GmbH.

The second award in this category went to the E-Caption 2.0 smart and safe coat developed by the Beira Interior University in Portugal. The coat is primarily designed to protect workers from excess radio-frequency signals while climbing antennas, the number of which is growing worldwide with the increasing spread of mobile telephony and the internet. Protection is given by a textile system that harvests energy and is connected to LEDs that indicate when the radiation level exceeds that recommended by the European Union. The project partner is the Aveiro Institute for Telecommunication.

Award winners in the ‘New Material’ category

In the ‘New Material’ category, the Techtextil Innovation Award 2019 went to Portugal’s Sedacor cork processing company for CORK-A-TEX, a new yarn made of cork. Previously, cork-based textiles for apparel or home textiles have been relatively stiff. The new cork yarn is a flexible product made of a natural material and thus offers additional design opportunities for the fashion industry and interior furnishing.

The jury:

  • Prof Fernando Carrillo Navarrete, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain;
  • Braz Costa, CITEVE, Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias Téxtil e do Vestuário, Portugal;
  • Johannes Diebel, Forschungskuratorium Textil e. V., Deutschland;
  • Sabine Gimpel, TITV Greiz Textilforschungsinstitut Thüringen-Vogtland e.V., Germany;
  • Dr Jan Laperre (Chairman of the jury), Centexbel, Belgium;
  • EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland;
  • Dr Thomas Stegmaier, ITV Institute for Textile and Process Technology Denkendorf, Germany;
  • Dr Hartmut Strese, VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Germany; and
  • Prof Henry Yi Li, Manchester University, UK.

This is the 15th time that the Techtextil Innovation Awards have been presented for new developments in the field of technical textiles and textile production. The winning products can be seen at a special exhibition in Hall 4.2 throughout the fair. The concurrent Texprocess, Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials, honoured new technological developments with the Texprocess Innovation Award for the fifth time.

Posted May 14, 2019

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Adhesives & Sealants Manufacturing Company Loba-Wakol Will Invest $6.6 Million In Anson County, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C.— May 9, 2019 — Loba-Wakol LLC, a supplier to the wood and resilient flooring industry, will expand its operations in North Carolina, establishing a new distribution and warehouse facility in Anson County and creating 24 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $6.6 million in Wadesboro.

“North Carolina offers an ideal location, skilled workforce, and strong transportation networks for international companies looking to expand their North American operations,” said Governor Cooper. “We’re proud to welcome this company and these new jobs to our state.”

Loba-Wakol is the North American subsidiary of two respected German manufacturing companies, Loba and Wakol. Both companies have been considered leading suppliers for adhesives and finishes for nearly 100 years, offering innovative solutions and systems for a range of industries. They manufacture a wide range of adhesives and coatings for the flooring industry and produce products for the upholstery industry, mattress industry, and the metal packaging industry as well. Loba and Wakol are part of the ARDEX Group of brands. ARDEX is one of the world’s market leaders in high-quality chemical building products. As a family-owned company, the company has maintained a sustainable growth course for nearly 70 years. Today, the ARDEX Group employs more than 3,000 people and is represented in over 100 countries on all continents. The Wadesboro facility will be established as a distribution and warehouse facility with room for future expansion.

“The cooperation with Anson County and the State of North Carolina provides us with an optimal opportunity to further expand our North American operations. The Loba-Wakol brand enjoys a distinguished reputation and stands for technical competence, premium products, and outstanding service,” said Ashley Carter, COO, for Loba-Wakol. “The extremely high level of commitment from the people involved mimics our core values and has convinced us that Anson County, North Carolina is the ideal partner for our organization.”

“Loba-Wakol’s decision today once again expands North Carolina’s international business presence,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Our favorable business climate and hard-working people continue to win our state many friends in the business world.”

N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. were instrumental in supporting the company’s decision to locate in the state.

The average annual wage of the new jobs announced today will be $43,750. The average wage in Anson County is currently $33,358.

A performance-based grant of $70,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Loba-Wakol’s move into Anson County. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“We’re very pleased that Loba-Wakol has chosen to expand in North Carolina and has selected our region for this new facility,” said N.C. Senator Tom McInnis. “We extend a warm welcome and look forward to working with the company as they get established and grow in Anson County.”

“Successful economic development projects require collaboration from many people and local organizations,” said N.C. Representative Mark Brody. “While we pause to celebrate today’s announcement, the work of these community partners will continue as we support Loba-Wakol in the days to come.”

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the EDPNC on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Anson County, the Town of Wadesboro, and the Anson County Economic Development Partnership.

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

Spatial And Continuous Composites Announce Strategic Partnership

BROOMFIELD, Colo.— May 7, 2019 — Spatial Corp., a provider of 3D software development toolkits for design, manufacturing, and engineering solutions, and a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, announces today its strategic partnership with Continuous Composites, a pioneer in the area of continuous-fiber 3D printing using a moldless, out-of-autoclave (OoA) composite manufacturing process. Continuous Composites is using Spatial’s SKDs in the development of this process.

Composite materials are far superior to metals from a strength-to-weight ratio; however, they are typically only found in high-end applications due to the cost of traditional composite manufacturing processes. Continuous Composites’ revolutionary continuous-fiber 3D printing (CF3D™) process uses an industrial robot to print with dry fibers, impregnated with resin in situ, removing the need for expensive molds and capital equipment such as autoclaves and ovens.

Continuous Composites’ CF3D process starts with high-performance continuous fibers such as aerospace-grade carbon fiber, glass fiber, or Kevlar. During the printing process, the fiber is impregnated with a rapid-curing thermoset resin inside the print head rather than using costly prepreg fibers (fiber material pre-impregnated with resin). An industrial robot controlled by Continuous Composites’ CF3D software creates the needed print head motion while the impregnated fiber is pulled through the print head. The wet fiber is then cured using a high-intensity energy source (e.g. UV, heat, etc.), instantaneously resulting in a true 3D composite part.

“Our CF3D process enables true 3D printing, moving beyond the traditional stacking of 2D layers to create the final product. As a result, we needed innovative software to drive our patented CF3D process,” said Tyler Alvarado, CEO of Continuous Composites. “Spatial’s CGM Core Modeler provides us not only with a powerful geometric modeling kernel for our software, but also access to quick and efficient geometric operations needed for generating the complex toolpaths needed for CF3D. In addition to the CGM Core Modeler, we are excited about the possibilities CGM Polyhedra brings to our workflow. The power of polygonal and B-rep modeling can now be combined to enable workflow innovation never before possible.”

This partnership also provides Continuous Composites access to 3D InterOp, the industry-leading 3D CAD data translation software development toolkit. Spatial’s 3D InterOp enables Continuous Composites to import 3D data in all the major 3D data exchange formats into their CF3D software.

“Continuous Composites receiving the JEC Innovation Award for 3D printing at JEC World 2019 is recognition of the disruptive nature of this groundbreaking technology in manufacturing,” said Omar-Pierre Soubra, Director of Marketing and Communications at Spatial Corp. “We are pleased to have our 3D modeling SDKs selected to power this revolutionary process.”

ACIS, 3DScript and SAT are registered trademarks and CGM is a trademark of Spatial Corp. CF3D is a trademark of Continuous Composites.

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: Spatial Corp.

Nylon 6 Manufacturer Advansix Announces Conclusion Of Hopewell Investigation

PARSIPPANY, N.J.— May 13, 2019 — AdvanSix announced today that the United States government has notified the Company that the criminal investigation regarding air emissions at the Hopewell, Virginia facility has concluded with no further action required.

“Health, safety and environmental performance has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority. We remain committed to a strong culture of operating compliance driven by our values of safety, accountability, integrity and respect,” said Erin Kane, president and CEO of AdvanSix.

AdvanSix

AdvanSix is a manufacturer of Nylon 6, a polymer resin which is a synthetic material used by our customers to produce engineered plastics, fibers, filaments and films that, in turn, are used in such end-products as automotive and electronic components, carpets, sports apparel, fishing nets and food and industrial packaging. As a result of our backward integration and the configuration of our manufacturing facilities, we also sell caprolactam, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, acetone and other intermediate chemicals, all of which are produced as part of our Nylon 6 integrated manufacturing chain.

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: AdvanSix

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories To Be Featured In Upcoming Documentary Series On Combating Terrorism

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — May 13, 2019 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of spider silk based fibers, announces today that its recombinant spider silk technology will be featured in a documentary focused on combating terrorism. The company opened the doors of its R&D headquarters, for the first time to the media, to host a French documentary film crew and provided them with access to the process of creating its incredible spider silk technologies.

Tougher and more flexible than competing materials, spider silk offers the promise of increased protection, comfort, and mobility in protective textile applications. In addition to this documentary, the company has been covered by numerous media outlets.

“Our team is incredibly proud of the work we do here and the impact that our Company is already making in these important markets,” said COO Jon Rice. “It was a pleasure to be able to share the results of our efforts and to showcase this amazing technology, along with its potential to disrupt the protective textile and related markets.”

The series is planned to air in the fall of 2019. Although the footage was shot at Kraig Labs’ R&D headquarters in Michigan, the company continues to focus its efforts on scaling up its production operations, through its subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles Ltd., in Asia. By utilizing the existing global silk infrastructure and Kraig Labs’ engineered silkworm technology, the company is set to meet cost and volume metrics, previously thought to be impossible, in the commercialization of spider silk for these lifesaving applications in protective textiles.

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

PVH Corp. Announces Forward Fashion — A New Level Of Ambition And Transparency For Sustainable Business

NEW YORK CITY — May 13, 2019 — PVH Corp. announces the evolution of its Corporate Responsibility (CR) strategy — Forward Fashion — a vision for the future that sets a new level of ambition and transparency; and reinforces its long-standing commitment to sustainable business. Coupled with today’s release of PVH’s 11th annual CR Report and launch of a dedicated digital hub, Forward Fashion outlines three focus areas that aim to reduce the company’s negative impacts to zero, increase positive impacts to 100 percent and improve over one million lives throughout its value chain. These areas include combatting climate change, addressing waste and hazardous chemicals, ensuring worker safety, and providing development programs to women.

The strategy creates a platform for each of PVH’s branded businesses — CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER and Heritage Brands — to further accelerate their consumer-and product-centric sustainability efforts.

“Corporate responsibility has always been fundamental to how we conduct business. Forward Fashion represents a renewed sense of urgency to use the collective power of PVH to achieve transformative change at scale,” said Emanuel Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH Corp. “The challenges and opportunities we face are bigger than PVH, but we are confident Forward Fashion will position us for success over the long-term, leading to more engaged associates, more loyal consumers and, ultimately, a more sustainable and responsible future for the fashion industry.”

Fifteen Priorities With Key Targets

Within the strategy’s three focus areas, 15 priorities have been selected based on where the company can make the greatest impact. For each priority, key targets have been set to ensure accountability, transparency and authenticity in how progress is tracked and reported.

Reduce negative impacts to zero

PVH’s ambition is for its products and business operations to generate zero waste, zero carbon emissions and zero hazardous chemicals, and for its products to be truly circular.

  • Priority: Eliminate Carbon Emissions – Protect the global climate by reducing energy use and powering its business through renewable sources;
  • Key Target: PVH offices, warehouses and stores will be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and the company will drive a 30% reduction in its supply chain emissions by 2030;
  • Priority: End Waste – Divert the waste PVH sends to landfill;
  • Key Target: All PVH offices, distribution centers and stores will achieve zero waste and eliminate single-use plastics by 2030;
  • Priority: Eliminate Hazardous Chemicals and Microfibers – Eliminate water pollution from wet processors;
  • Key Target: Water leaving wet processors will have zero hazardous chemicals and be filtered for harmful microfibers by 2025;
  • Priority: Innovate for Circularity – Foster and harness innovation to design and manufacture products that eliminate product waste; and
  • Key Target: Three of the company’s most commonly purchased products will be completely circular including the full traceability of key raw materials by 2025

Increase positive impacts to 100 percent

PVH’s ambition is for 100 percent of its products and packaging to be ethically and sustainably sourced, and for 100 percent of its suppliers to respect human rights and be good employers.

  • Priority: Source Ethically – Expand the application of PVH’s social and environmental standards to the manufacturing of all products and materials;
  • Key Target: 100 percent of PVH suppliers will meet or exceed all of its social and environmental standards by 2030;
  • Priority: Amplify Worker Voice – Improve working environments through worker engagement and representation;
  • Key Target: 100 percent of workers employed by key suppliers will have their voices heard through democratically elected representatives by 2025;
  • Priority: Promote Safe Workplaces – Ensure safe and healthy workplaces for all workers in the PVH supply chain;
  • Key Target: 100 percent of PVH suppliers will promote and maintain safe and healthy work environments by 2025;
  • Priority: Advance Living Wages – Create conditions for national living wage agreements through industry-wide collective bargaining linked to PVH purchasing practices;
  • Key Target: 100 percent of PVH’s key suppliers in two key production countries by 2025 and four by 2030 proactively support industry-wide collective bargaining to achieve living wages;
  • Priority: Recruit Ethically – Partner with suppliers to ensure ethical recruitment practices for migrant workers;
  • Key Target: 100 percent of migrant workers at PVH’s Level 1 and key Level 2 suppliers will not pay recruitment fees by 2025;
  • Priority: Regenerate Materials – Transition key product and packaging materials to sustainable alternatives, and support regenerative agriculture practices, while protecting animal welfare; and
  • Key Target: Sustainably source 100 percent of PVH’s cotton and viscose by 2025, and 100 percent of polyester by 2030.

Improve 1 million+ lives across the value chain

PVH’s ambition is for its business to improve the over 1 million lives across its value chain, focusing on education and opportunities for women and children, ensuring access to clean water for all, and continuing to champion inclusion and diversity so everyone can achieve their full potential.

  • Priority: Empower Women – Remove barriers to advancement and create pathways to opportunity and choice for women in the PVH supply chain;
  • Key Target: Professional and life skills development programs will be made available to 500,000 women across the PVH supply chain by 2030;
  • Priority: Foster Inclusion & Diversity – Create an inclusive environment where every individual is valued;
  • Key Target: Expand unconscious bias training to all 38,000+ PVH associates globally by 2023 and achieve gender parity in leadership positions by 2030;
  • Priority: Develop Talent – Develop a talented and skilled workforce that embodies PVH’s values and an entrepreneurial spirit, while empowering associates to design their future;
  • Key Target: Expand professional skills development and digital literacy programs through PVH University to reach all 38,000+ PVH associates globally by 2023;
  • Priority: Provide Access to Water – Ensure access to clean water for communities in PVH’s key basins through collaborative action;
  • Key Target: Establish five collective action projects in PVH’s most water-stressed sourcing communities by 2025;
  • Priority: Educate the Future – Support the needs of women and children around the world by creating safe spaces, improving access to education and enhancing quality of life; and
  • Key Target: Reach 135,000 individuals worldwide through early education and childcare services, teacher training, parenting resources and training, and youth employability training services by 2023.

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: PVH Corp.

Maisonette Launches First Children’s Clothing Collection, Maison Mini

NEW YORK CITY — May 13, 2019 — Maisonette, an online shopping destination for baby and children’s fashion and lifestyle, today announces the launch of their first children’s clothing collection, Maison Mini. The European inspired assortment was designed to go from playground to playdate to party and features 18 styles for girls and boys ages 2 to 8. Designed by Maisonette’s in-house team, led by Karolina Petersson, formerly of Celine, Maison Mini is the brand’s commitment to make every day more stylish with elevated, kid-friendly basics at an accessible price point.

“The Maison Mini collection is clean, classic and very European-but with an American sportiness,” said Karolina Petersson, design director at Maisonette. “Sylvana and Luisana have disrupted the children’s wear market and created a one-stop, simplified shopping destination for busy parents and it’s been a rewarding experience to pair my European design background with the lightheartedness of Maisonette to create their first collection of elevated pieces at an accessible price point.”

Delivering classic, but modern and easy styles, the Maison Mini collection allows kids to be kids, while keeping style in mind. The collection’s cotton-based fabric styles are presented in a neutral color palette with vibrant tones mixed in, as well as ginghams, classic stripes, and three exclusive prints by illustrator Emily Isabella. Created with versatility in mind, standout styles include the Millie Overall in Marigold Twill ($38), Gracie Woven Pocket Dress in Royal Gingham ($38), Mariella Romper in Dusty Blue Muslin ($46) and Ollie Short Sleeve Button Down in Abstract Shapes ($32). Overall pricing for the collection ranges from $16-$46.

“Two years ago, we saw an opportunity to create an inspiring shopping destination that not only delivers a curated selection of style-driven, unique products but makes shopping for your children simple and enjoyable,” said Sylvana Ward Durrett, cofounder & CEO of Maisonette. “Through this process, we’ve noticed our customers’ desire for European style and quality at an accessible price point, and by launching Maison Mini we are able to better serve these needs and deliver on inventory demand. We tapped Karolina to bring our vision to life and are so proud of our first collection and to bring this new offering to our customers.”

“As parents, much like our customer, we tend to divide our children’s clothing into two categories: everyday vs. formal occasion – separating the elevated pieces from pieces to play,” said Luisana Mendoza de Roccia, Cofounder & president of Maisonette. “With the launch of our collection, Maison Mini, we set out to fill the gap between fast-fashion and high-end styles. Inspired by those special items a close friend might bring you back from Stockholm or St. Tropez, this collection is easy enough for the park, yet chic enough for a party.”

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: Maisonette

Vionic Names Jerry Williamson Senior Vice President Global Sales; Angela Caltagirone Senior Vice President Digital And Brand Marketing

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — May 13, 2019 — Vionic is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerry Williamson in the role of senior vice president of global sales, and Angela Caltagirone as the new senior vice president of digital and brand marketing. Williamson will lead the Vionic domestic, international, home shopping, and medical teams and Caltagirone will lead the Vionic digital and marketing teams.

Williamson joins Vionic with an extensive background in footwear, most recently serving as the executive vice president of sales for Lucca Lane and Latigo Footwear/Footwear Unlimited. Prior, Williamson acted as the director of sales for UGG where he managed a $500 million women’s and kids business, spent 8 years at Clarks with the last 5 years as the vice president of sales, and began his career as a buyer with May Department Stores and Saks Fifth Avenue. Williamson is known in the industry for his outstanding people skills and has cultivated a strong relationship of respect among both consumers and sales reps in the footwear industry.

Caltagirone steps into her new Vionic role after an impressive career as a leader in the marketing space. She worked with Williams-Sonoma for more than 20 years where she led the digital transformation. As a strategist, she implemented vision to develop digital & multi-media marketing roadmaps to drive growth focused on brand positioning and creating a personalized customer experience for Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Mark & Graham. Recently Caltagirone worked with Belardi Wong as the executive vice president, Growth Strategies advising and subject matter expert for over 200 brand clients including footwear and apparel.

“Both Angela and Jerry will be tremendous assets to our business and will give us additional leadership and support in the coming years,” said Vionic President Connie X Rishwain, “Jerry and I had a great partnership at UGG and I am thrilled that we will work together again!”

Posted May 13, 2019

Source: Vionic

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