IZ Adaptive To Relaunch With Expanded Inclusive Fashion Collection

TORONTO — June 11, 2018 —  IZ Adaptive, the ready-to-wear apparel brand designed for adults with physical disabilities, today announced that it will relaunch in September 2018. IZ Adaptive first debuted in 2009 when Izzy Camilleri, one of Canada’s most celebrated fashion designers, made the shift from runway couture to accessible fashion for wheelchair users. Since closing doors to customers at the end of 2016, Camilleri has focused on refreshing the business model, which will have a broader product offering, more accessible price point, and new wholesale component — all contributing to an increased global reach. Leading online retailer, Zappos, will add IZ Adaptive to its portfolio of adaptive clothes and shoes this fall, making it one of the first to carry the brand. In the past 18-months, inclusive design has gained mainstream interest with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Target, Nike and Under Armour, recently introducing adaptive collections.

The new IZ Adaptive line will feature wardrobe basics for people with disabilities, both wheelchair users and those who are ambulatory. The 55-piece launch collection includes tees, denim and jackets across men’s, women’s and un-gender categories; pricing will range from $25 for a t-shirt to $425 for a men’s suit. Design elements like magnetic closures, pull tabs on zippers and pants, elastic waist bands and open back tops make getting dressed easier for everyone, while bringing more independence to people with disabilities. Approximately 60 percent of the IZ Adaptive collection is designed specifically for wheelchair users.

“I’m thrilled to be announcing a new IZ collection,” said Izzy Camilleri, CEO and Founder of IZ Adaptive. “We’ll be introducing the brand to a new group of people who will benefit from the adaptive features, while continuing to serve our original audience, which was exclusively wheelchair users. Strategic partnerships with retailers will support our mission to provide accessible fashion to as many people as possible on a global scale. Zappos is an industry leader and I’m excited to have them on board for our launch.”

#PerfectFit
Fueling Camilleri’s design strategy for the new IZ Adaptive line is the concept of a “perfect fit,” something unique yet relatable to everyone when it comes to clothing and to life. Since 2009, her team has worked closely with the disabled community to understand their fit needs, and the brand will release a series of video interviews throughout the summer — leading up to the fall launch — in which individuals speak to their idea of a perfect fit.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than one billion people in the world (15 percent of the population) live with some form of disability, of whom nearly 200 million experience considerable difficulties in functioning. In the years ahead, disability will be more prevalent given ageing populations and an increase in chronic health conditions; nearly everyone will have a temporary or permanent impairment at some point in life. By designing with disability in mind, Camilleri aims to make getting dressed easier for everyone, and to help empower people to feel their best through fashion.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Izzy Camilleri

Snowsound Debuts New Fiber And Panel Products

CHICAGO — June 8, 2018 —  Acoustic panel manufacturer Snowsound debuts new patented Snowsound-Fiber textiles, textile products and panels, providing designers more ways to meet the growing demand for acoustic comfort.

“Snowsound-Fiber sound-absorbing textiles optimize room acoustics and complement existing panel solutions. Available in 44 texture/color combinations, designers and architects have more choices. You really have to experience and touch these woven textiles to fully appreciate them,” explains Michael Dardashti, Snowsound executive vice president for North America. Sold in rolls, Snowsound-Fiber textiles can be used for window shades, curtains, partitions, draperies, upholstery, canopies and a myriad of other applications. Unlike most other textiles, they offer significant sound absorption properties due to completely unique technology.

Snowsound-Fiber textiles come in six different patented microscopic weave geometries, each offering a distinct tactile experience. Made from high-quality 100-percent polyester fiber, these textiles are all flammability tested, GREENGUARD Gold certified and 100-percent recyclable, producing durable, environmentally sustainable solutions. All have been tested for color fastness and abrasion. Five types can be washed — one of these even has bacteriostatic, fused, silver ions which are ideal for healthcare environments. Snowsound’s award-winning, custom Analysis Software now supports our fiber and panel products.

Si Sboccia™ is a large rose object designed by Moreno Ferrari to evoke emotions and be functional at the same time. This handmade, sound-absorbing, Snowsound-Fiber product is made of 100-percent Fiber 6 Velvet polyester with a central wood core. The combination of the fabric product design and air gap layers creates an effective sound absorbing solution. The wall mounted version is easily positioned and attached, while the ceiling version can be suspended with up to 150 inch steel cables that are equipped with metal ball bearings for 360 degree rotation.

Bemolle™ is a formed drapery design that holds its shape due to an underlying black epoxy powder-coated steel structure. This wall mounted Snowsound-Fiber product is made of 100-percent polyester with polyester thread stitching that is available in four designer colors. It contains air gap layers that effectively absorb sound.

Giotto™ is a sound-absorbing room fixture that uses Snowsound’s original patented technology. Its pure geometric form consists of a circular panel 47 inches in diameter and is available four colors. Whether wall or ceiling mounted, the result is an intriguing treatment that provides acoustic comfort. Sleek wall brackets and steel cable suspended mounting options are available.

The Flap Chain™ suspension system allows designers to construct unique patterns of ceiling-mounted Flap panels, using combinations of two different length interlocking suspended rods and up to 13 feet of aircraft cable.

Architects and interior designers prefer Snowsound for its unique features, ease of use, installation convenience, and application versatility.

Snowsound-Fiber Textiles, Si Sboccia, Bemolle, Giotto and Flap Chain are now available in a variety of designer colors.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: Snowsound USA

Ralph Lauren Adds Linda Findley Kozlowski To Board Of Directors

NEW YORK CITY — June 7, 2018 —  Ralph Lauren Corp. announced today that it has nominated Linda Findley Kozlowski to stand for election to the company’s Board of Directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in August 2018. The appointment will bring the number of directors on the company’s Board to 14, and reflects the company’s commitment to continue to expand and diversify its Board, following the nomination of Angela Ahrendts and recent election of Michael George in May.

“We continue to build on the strength of our Board with the addition of Linda,” said Mr. Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer. “Linda shares our passion for creativity and the consumer and brings deep experience from her work at some of the most sophisticated and innovative online retail platforms in the world. We look forward to benefiting from her perspective and expertise.”

Patrice Louvet, president and CEO, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Linda and know we will benefit greatly from her digital commerce, business development and marketing expertise as we continue to elevate our brand and deepen our connections with consumers around the world.”

Kozlowski brings 25 years of experience in operations, international marketing, business development, public relations, and customer service. She possesses a deep expertise in the ecommerce industry through her current role as COO of global marketplace Etsy Inc., and earlier tenure at Alibaba.com, where she led global marketing, business development, and customer service. Prior to joining Etsy in 2016, Kozlowski was the COO of Evernote, where she oversaw worldwide operations and led cross-functional teams in offices across seven countries. She has also held leadership positions in communications firms including Fleishman-Hillard, Text 100, and Schwartz Communications. She currently serves on the Board of Styleseat, Inc., an online platform for beauty and wellness professionals, and Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization focused on empowering women.

“I have always been inspired by the Ralph Lauren brand because it’s grounded in authentic heritage, enduring values and timeless style,” Kozlowski said. “I’m honored to join the Board as Ralph and Patrice continue to expand the brand’s connection with consumers globally.”

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: Ralph Lauren

Golden Gate Capital Announces Eddie Bauer And Pacific Sunwear To Become Portfolio Companies Of New Operating Company, PSEB Group

SAN FRANCISCO — June 7, 2018 —  Golden Gate Capital, a private equity investment firm, today announced that it has established a new operating company, PSEB Group. PSEB will be composed of two Golden Gate portfolio companies: Eddie Bauer LLC — an authentic outdoor brand offering performance outerwear, apparel, footwear, accessories and gear; and Pacific Sunwear of California LLC, a leading specialty retailer offering a cross-section of emerging brands and trending fashion through the lens of Los Angeles. In connection with the establishment of PSEB, Golden Gate will invest additional equity in PSEB to support its growth.

PSEB will have a retail footprint of more than 700 stores and is on track for approximately $1.5 billion in combined total sales in 2018, including $400 million in e-commerce sales. Both brands are performing well, as Eddie Bauer and PacSun grew same-store sales by 6.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively, in 2017, and year-to-date, same-store sales are up 6 percent at Eddie Bauer and are up 8 percent at PacSun.

Eddie Bauer and PacSun will continue to operate independent front ends, including unique brand identities, design, merchandising, marketing, e-commerce and retail operations, while benefiting from shared services and enhanced scale. Eddie Bauer and PacSun stores will continue to operate as usual and customers will experience no changes.

Josh Olshansky, managing director, Golden Gate Capital, commented: “Eddie Bauer and PacSun are powerful brands with differentiated, loyal customer bases. By creating PSEB and investing additional equity, we will accelerate the growth trajectories for both businesses, while preserving the autonomy and discrete cultures of each brand. Both brands have made great progress in the past 24 months and have generated strong performance. Bringing these two brands onto a shared platform will allow us to fuel this momentum and unlock their next stages of growth.”

Eddie Bauer CEO and President Mike Egeck will serve as CEO of PSEB, with oversight of both the Eddie Bauer and PacSun brands.

Egeck commented: “PacSun’s curation of youth culture and brands through the lens of the California lifestyle permeates its brand in the same way Eddie Bauer’s heritage of outdoor innovation underpins its nearly hundred-year history. And while customers and fans of Eddie Bauer and PacSun won’t see any change in their store or online experience as a result of the creation of PSEB, they too will benefit as the brands are powered by a larger and stronger platform. We look forward to the competitive advantages that a unified shared services platform will provide us, while we continue to invest in the two brands’ consumer connections and distinct identities.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018 and is subject to certain closing conditions.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: Golden Gate Capital

MechoSystems Chelsea 0250 Series Achieves Silver Level Material Health Certificate

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. — June 7, 2018 —  MechoSystems announced today that its Chelsea 0250 Series has achieved a Silver Level Material Health Certificate from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute based on a rigorous examination of the shadecloths materials against the material health requirements of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Product Standard.

Cradle to Cradle® Certified is an independent, third-party verified certification program that certifies products designed to protect human and environmental health. Certified products are evaluated in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Given greater prioritization of material health, the Institute created the Material Health Certificate. Using the same assessment methodology as the material health category of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, products can achieve a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Level Material Health Certificate.

A Silver Level Material Health Certificate is awarded to products that are Cradle to Cradle Banned List compliant, have a developed material health optimization strategy, and do not contain chemicals classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxicants.

MechoSystems Chelsea 0250 Series is the first blackout shadecloth to achieve a Material Health Certificate at any assessment level and the second window shade material to obtain a Cradle to Cradle Material Health score beyond Bronze.

Additionally, by receiving a Silver Level Material Health Certificate, MechoSystems Chelsea 0250 Series can contribute to the achievement of LEED v4 credit for Option 2 Material Ingredient Optimization in MR Building Product Disclosure and Optimization.

The Chelsea 0250 Series is a blackout shadecloth combining a polyester front and foam backing to form an opaque fabric. With 6 interior color options the fabric offers flexible options for interior finish combinations. The outward-facing graphite color is specially designed to complement exterior facades and architectural styles.

MechoSystems has been in the forefront of sustainable building practices since 1969. The company collaborates with architects, designers, and others in the design-build sector to design and manufacture products essential for providing the most comfortable, sustainable, energy-efficient buildings possible.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: MechoSystems

Growing Demand For Quality Control Of High-Tech Materials: Loepfe Successfully Participated At Techtextil North America

WETZIKON, Switzerland — June 8, 2018 —  The market for technical textiles is steadily growing since several years. Typical applications include the production of fabrics for airbags, tire cords, filtration materials, architectural fabrics, sailcloth, and many others. The quality requirements for many of these fields — especially for safety-critical applications — are very high. The challenge for weaving mills is the production with zero-defects. During the Techtextil show, which was been held in Atlanta at end of May, Loepfe experienced very strong demands for its yarn control solution WeftMaster FALCON-i.

“Today, technical textiles are included in nearly every aspect of human lives covering a variety of different needs,” said Luc Vanoverschelde, product manager, Loepfe. “Especially producers from the US are keen to find simple solutions, which contribute to high-quality end products. The reliable quality control of high-tech materials through the precise sensor technology of FALCON-i has satisfied many of our customer’s needs.”

In quality sensitive applications even smallest knots, fluff, filamentation, thick places and capillary breaks have to be eliminated before being interwoven into the fabric. To monitor such unwanted yarn faults on the running threads, the WeftMaster FALCON-i is installed before or after a weft feeder. The yarn control system ensures reliable control of latest high-tech materials such as carbon fibers, monofilaments, multi-filaments as well as spun yarns in any material composition. Even conductive yarns can be processed without any restriction. The sensor works reliably with colored yarns and measures unaffected by vibrations. Static electricity or electromagnetic fields have also no influence on the results, as the sensor housing is made from shielding material.

The sensitivity level of the FALCON-i can be set either manually or automatically. The thread to be monitored is guided through the optical measuring field by yarn guides placed before and after the sensor virtually contact-free. An output signal triggers the required action, as soon as a defect has been detected. The microprocessor-controlled sensor provides many options for connection to machine controls. Furthermore, the weft sensor function can be integrated into FALCON-i. This option allows elimination of a further yarn guiding contact before the fabric production.

Loepfe’s optical yarn defect sensor FALCON-i is not only complementing the various available knotless weaving concepts, but can also be used in many different processes down the textile production chain, wherever an individual yarn monitoring should ensure quality.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

DuPont Celebrates Official Opening Of Industrial Biosciences’ Global Business Headquarters In Wilmington, Del.

WILMINGTON, Del. — June 8, 2018 —  DuPont Industrial Biosciences (IB) officially opened the doors of its renovated global business headquarters today in Wilmington, Del. This new center of technological innovation, known as Building E353, is part of DuPont’s Experimental Station — the breeding ground for numerous paradigm-shifting technologies over the decades from nylon to DuPont™ Kevlar® to Lycra® to IB’s own renewably sourced Sorona®.

The researchers, business teams and cutting-edge laboratories at the new E353 facility will continue the tradition of innovation and scientific advancement on the historic Experimental Station site, while fostering the next wave of progress in industrial biosciences that results in better and more sustainable products and processes for customers across the globe.

“At this new facility, we have hundreds of people working toward a more sustainable future by innovating biobased solutions that are better, safer and more renewable. These technologies go into products that are used in everyday life,” said William Feehery, president of DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “The redesigned and upgraded laboratories and office spaces are incubators for some of DuPont’s most groundbreaking work.”

The revitalization of Building E353 is part of a more than $200 million investment in the Experimental Station campus, which began in 2016 and encompasses about 50 buildings, with over 2 million square feet of space. The E353 refurbishment focused on modernization, consolidation and advanced capabilities, including:

  • Advanced, high-throughput instrumentation, state-of-the-art bioinformatics and genomics capabilities to accelerate discovery and applications research.
  • Cutting-edge genome editing capabilities using CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) to accelerate microbial production host development.
  • Microbiological labs to evaluate tailored animal health solutions and to conduct microbiome science for probiotics product development.
  • Highly leveraged fermentation labs to advance “cell factory” end-to-end development and commercialization.
  • Leading-edge chemistry and bioprocess science and engineering capabilities to establish high-performance biomaterials platforms.

“This building and the state-of-the-art research performed by talented and diverse employees builds on DuPont’s legacy of discovery and innovation,” said Marc Doyle, COO of DowDuPont Specialty Products Division. “As we enter our next phase of growth, we are excited that the Specialty Products Division will carry the DuPont name and continue to call Delaware home. The new DuPont will be a premier innovation-driven leader delivering highly specialized products and solutions that transform industries and improve everyday life.”

“DuPont has a long history of scientific discovery in Delaware,” said Delaware Governor John Carney. “We’re proud to help announce the opening of the DuPont Industrial Biosciences Global Headquarters. The Experimental Station remains a vital hub for science and innovation, and we’re working together on campus to promote early-stage companies at the Delaware Innovation Space. The fact is Delaware remains a great place for companies of any size to put down roots, grow and create jobs. We look forward to our continued work together with DowDuPont.”

“DuPont continues to build its centuries-old legacy of researching and creating new products in Delaware,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “This facility will help keep and attract good-paying jobs here in the First State.”

“From stain-busting enzymes to next-generation biofuels, the products being developed inside the Industrial Biosciences building are exciting for DuPont, Delaware, and the world,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “This state-of-the-art facility represents DuPont’s commitment to Delaware, and with the brilliant men and women who work there every day, the possibilities are endless.”

“DuPont has once again chosen to expand its Delaware roots and tradition of scientific advancement with the official opening of the Industrial Biosciences global business headquarters in Wilmington. The company’s continued investment in the First State will provide hundreds of good paying jobs and drive economic activity throughout the region,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and cutting-edge laboratories, DuPont’s new facility will allow its scientists and researchers to continue their work on ground-breaking, sustainable and renewable products used in everyday life. I am looking forward to the next generation of life-changing, innovative solutions to come out of DuPont’s recently renovated and modernized headquarters.”

“We are collaborating with DuPont to win the future,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “We win the future when DuPont Industrial Biosciences chooses to construct its state-of-the-art headquarters right here in New Castle County. For generations to come, Delawareans will be developing innovative, life-saving products for the world at this site.”

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: DowDuPont

SANTEX RIMAR GROUP Shareholders Announce Top Management Change

TRISSINO, Italy — June 6, 2018 —  SANTEX RIMAR GROUP shareholders announce top management change and appoint Simone Rancan, former SMIT CEO, as new CEO of Santex Rimar Group ensuring continuity and a smooth transition after the leadership of Stefano Gallucci.

Simone Rancan started his career in Sperotto Rimar and afterwards managed important companies of the weaving and spinning sector. He joined Santex Rimar Group in 2016 as SMIT CEO.

Stefano Gallucci is nominated CEO of CenterVue, a manufacturer of highly automated medical systems for the diagnosis and management of ocular pathologies based in Italy and USA (www.centervue.com) controlled by Santex Rimar Group shareholders.

Ferdinando Businaro, Santex Rimar Group president, and all employees jointly thank Stefano Gallucci for the transformational development in his leadership years as group CEO and for his contribution in the Group remarkable growth.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: SANTEX RIMAR

Investing In The Textile And Clothing Factories Of The Future In Europe

BRUSSELS — June 8, 2018 —  The topic of this year’s EURATEX General Assembly, held in Brussels on June 7, was Investments in the Textile and Clothing factories of the future in Europe. The event attracted more than 120 attendees and offered an opportunity to gain interesting insights about a dynamic moment in which the sector is regaining a leading position in the EU industrial landscape. Indeed, over the last few years the Textile and Clothing Industry has invested over 50 billion euros in the European Union — a trend that is predicted to continue in the future.

Moderated by John Scrimshaw of the World Textile Information Network (WTiN), the conference opened with welcoming remarks from EURATEX president Klaus Huneke, who mentioned “the unprecedented wave of young innovative textile and fashion companies that are currently being created across Europe” and stressed that “not only young entrepeneurs innovate and take risks. In the last few years we have witnessed a strong return of business confidence across the entire European textile and clothing industry”.

Keynote speaker Irmfried Schwimann, Deputy Director-General of DG Grow, followed with an exhaustive overview of the financial instruments and funding opportunities available from the European Union.

The main discussion was divided in two panels, focused on investment trends in recent years and visions for the industry in the future, respectively.

CEOs and representatives from seven European companies presented their success stories and shared their first-hand experience in facing the challenges of the sector, from the need of skilled workforce, efforts in moving to sustainable processes and materials, and surpassing barrier regulations that can hinder exports.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: EURATEX

Tukatech Appoints Chris Walia As New COO

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — June 6, 2018 —  Fashion technology provider Tukatech has announced the appointment of Chris Walia to his current position as COO. Walia joined the company in 2017 as head of Global Operations.

“Chris’s leadership and organizational skills fit our company perfectly, right from the beginning,” said Ram Sareen, Founder of Tukatech. “He has built a team who our customers — brands, vendors, and designers, love to interact with.”

Walia will continue to oversee implementation of Tukatech’s suite of software solutions such as TUKAcad, TUKA3D, and SMARTmark for product development and manufacturing products such as plotters, automatic cutters, laser cutters, and fabric spreaders. Additionally, he will work closely with Sareen on the company’s overall strategy and operations of TUKAgroup, which consists of Tukatech, TUKAweb, and TUKAcenters.

Prior to Tukatech, Walia held senior level positions for prominent apparel and IT solution companies. Walia’s 15 years in various aspects of the garment industry make him a strong leader for bringing technology to Tukatech’s customers.

“One of the key reasons why I chose Tukatech was Ram Sareen. He’s an iconic figure and an innovator in our industry. He’s built a brand that is revolutionizing the next generation of fashionistas and I really wanted to be a part of his journey.”

Walia sees Sareen’s 48 years’ experience in the fashion industry as the strength of the Tukatech brand. “The brainpower that comes with it, the knowledge, the dominant brands and companies, manufacturers and vendors we work with — all of that is the foundation of our success,” says Walia.

Fashion companies are notoriously resistant to change, but Walia sees this as a challenge. “Technology is so amazing, yet so underutilized in the apparel industry,” says Walia. He explains why change is inevitable: “The end-consumers really run the show. Now businesses are challenged to meet the demand of shorter product lifecycle timelines from design to delivery.”

“Tukatech is poised to help companies make the necessary transition to tech,” says Walia. “We stay on the cutting edge with products such as TUKA3D, our Cloud Collaboration tool, and even more innovations on the horizon.”

Walia’s positive energy brings a fresh, youthful outlook. “One of our goals is to promote microfactories within the United States.” The trend in manufacturing is about going from product development to finished product in a fraction of the time it used to take, an undertaking that requires the help of seasoned veterans.

“Walia will be instrumental in growing our company as he coaches our customers to meet the demands of this brave new world of fashion,” says Sareen.

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: TUKATECH

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