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

Pasadena Laundry Recertified For Clean Green

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — June 8, 2018 —  California Linen Services of Pasadena, Calif., has been recertified Clean Green, reflecting the company’s dedication to standards for operational efficiency and sustainability. The certification quantifies linen, uniform and facility services’ environmentally friendly performance by confirming an operation launders within TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds; and verifies use of best management practices (BMPs) in line with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard.

California Linen Service’s customers can be assured their reusable healthcare textiles are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:

  • Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water;
  • Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse;
  • Using environmentally friendly detergents;
  • Removing solids and liquids from wastewater;
  • Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting;
  • Recycling programs;
  • Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel; and
  • Spill prevention plans.

California Linen Service earned the Clean Green certification initially in 2015. The designation is valid for three years at a time. TRSA inspects laundry facilities seeking certification and approves documentation of their water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.

Clean Green aligns with the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.

TRSA members prompted development of the standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.

“I applaud California Linen Services for their ongoing sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but the company is committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”

Posted June 8, 2018

Source: TRSA

Texworld USA & Apparel Sourcing USA Summer 2018 Seminar Series

NEW YORK CITY — June 7, 2018 —  Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA are pleased to announce the Summer 2018 speaker listing and educational series topics. This season, a multitude of relevant themes will be presented including discussions on preferred fibers, sourcing, the upcoming Fall and Winter trends outlook and a movie screening of RIVERBLUE.

“Lenzing Fibers continues to organize a compelling line-up of educational opportunities season after season. Attendees can look forward to topics that will keep them on the cusp of what is happening in our ever-evolving industry. Our seminars and Textile Talks are perfect for anyone no matter their level in the business,” explained Jennifer Bacon, show director.

This July, the Texworld Showcase will highlight trends for the Autumn/Winter 2019/20 season, curated by Texworld Art Directors, Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud. Gerin and Lamaud will also present vignettes to be displayed in the SPOTLIGHT area of Apparel Sourcing which will feature ‘The Art of Customization – Findings, Trims and Accessories’.

Jana Platina Phipps, a New York City-based expert known as the Trim Queen, will be featuring a trim activation. Known for her refined vision

and impressive list of clients in the world of fashion and home furnishings, Jana will also be conducting a hands-on passementerie workshop providing a brief history and how-to instructions for attendees.

Texworld USA Summer 2018 Seminar Series includes:

Riverblue Film Screening

Moderator: Tara St. James, Production Coordinator + Research Fellow – Pratt Institute – Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator

Following international river conservationist, Mark Angelo, RIVERBLUE, spans the globe to infiltrate one of the world’s most pollutive industries, fashion. Narrated by clean water supporter Jason Priestley, this groundbreaking documentary examines the destruction of our rivers, its effect on humanity, and solutions that inspire hope for a sustainable future.

Microplastics: The Hidden Problem With Polyester

Panelists: Arthur Friedman – Sourcing Journal, Malvina Hoxha – Lenzing Fibers, Kristen Kern – American Footwear & Apparel Foundation, Trish Martin – Okeo-Tex

This panel will examine the subject of microplastics, which has been linked to a number of plastic products. Recently, the subject of microfibers has come into the spotlight as research has shown discharge from washing synthetic fiber garments contributes to wastewater pollution. Legislation is pending in at least two states that would require companies to warn consumers that synthetic fiber garments shed microfibers when washed. The Hohenstein Institute has a study underway that applies technology and testing methods to microplastics in industrial laundry effluents.

Texworld USA Summer 2018 Textile Talk Series includes: Fashion Law

Moderator: Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Attorney – Ankhi-Krol Law

How To Create An E-Mail Marketing Plan To Turn Subscribers Into Customers

Moderator: Nicole Giordino, Founder – StartUp FASHION

Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, an attorney with a niche practice in Fashion Law, will present pertinent information on brand protection for textile companies and apparel brands through trademark, copyright, and contract laws.

Join StartUp FASHION for a discussion about what an email marketing plan looks like, how to determine what email content makes sense to send to your audience, and how to use your email marketing to create connection with your audience and convert to sales.

Texworld USA Summer 2018 Explore the Floor Series includes:

Introduction To Texworld USA + Apparel Sourcing USA

Moderator: Eileen Small, Texworld USA Industry Expert – Messe Frankfurt USA

An in-depth guided tour of how attendees can “dig deep” and maneuver between areas at Texworld USA & Apparel Sourcing USA.

Hidden Gems

Moderator: Jana Platina Phipps, Embellishment Expert- Trim Queen

Join Jana Phipps for a personal tour as she seeks out and uncovers the hidden gems of Texworld USA.

Ethical Apparel Sourcing

Moderator: Jessica Kelly, CEO & Founder – Thr3efold

Meet Jessica Kelly of Thr3efold for a guided tour of garment manufacturers as she highlights show exhibitors that are committed to ethical sourcing.

All Texworld USA Seminar Series sessions are complimentary for registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Stitch Fix Names Deirdre Findlay Chief Marketing Officer

SAN FRANCISCO — June 7, 2018 —  Stitch Fix Inc. announced today that Deirdre Findlay has joined the company as its chief marketing officer. In this role, Findlay will lead all marketing, creative, and communications initiatives for the company. Findlay most recently served as senior director of Global Hardware Marketing at Google, where she oversaw marketing for Google’s home hardware products, including Google Home, Chromecast, and Google Wifi. Findlay has nearly 20 years of experience leading cross-departmental teams, delivering strategic integrated marketing campaigns, and building brand strategy at organizations like Google and eBay, as well as for Whirlpool Brands, Allstate Insurance, MillerCoors, and Kaiser Permanente while serving as senior vice president at leading digital marketing agency Digitas.

“Deirdre is a strategic leader with a deep understanding of what drives consumer behavior and how to connect with clients in an authentic way,” said Katrina Lake, founder and CEO of Stitch Fix. “Her blend of vision, creativity, insight, and practical experience building personal and relatable brand experiences will be a major asset to the company as we focus on defining our brand and growing the business. We’re thrilled to have her join our team.”

Findlay joins a seasoned leadership team with diverse experience from companies such as Netflix, Lululemon, Salesforce, and Walmart.com.

“I’m excited to join the talented team at Stitch Fix and take the helm of a brand that sits at the intersection of fashion and technology,” said Findlay. “Stitch Fix’s unique mix of data science and human intelligence provides an amazing opportunity to drive discovery in a way nobody else can. I look forward to bringing the surprise and delight each client feels every time they receive a Fix at their front door to even more people.”

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Stitch Fix

College Of DuPage Robotics Competes In Prestigious NASA Competition

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — June 7, 2018 — The College of DuPage Robotics Team placed ninth in NASA’s ninth annual Robotic Mining Competition, beating out dozens of renowned four-year universities, including Colorado School of Mines, Illinois Institute of Technology, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Purdue, Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

COD was one of only two community colleges at the competition, held last month at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida

For COD Engineering and Technology Club President Josie Suter, the most valuable lessons were gained during the months spent preparing for the competition.

“The competition experience was amazing,” Suter said. “Everyone on the team went above and beyond to make sure we were ready for our mining runs. However, the competition was only the tip of the iceberg. Most of the work happened during the months leading up to the competition. I couldn’t be more proud of my team who worked endless hours to make sure that we delivered an outstanding robot and impressive supplemental projects.”

During the competition, students from more than 40 schools performed a variety of challenges, including the abrasive characteristics of the basaltic regolith simulant, the weight and size limitations of the mining robot, and the ability to tele-operate it from a remote Mission Control Center. Scoring was based on autonomy, communications, dust tolerance and projection, power requirements, vehicle mass and other factors. Robots were required to mine gravel simulating icy Mars regolith located beneath approximately 30 cm of simulated Mars surface regolith. A minimum of 1 kg of mined gravel was required to score mining points. In addition, teams were required to submit an in-depth systems engineering report and a written description of engineering-related outreach undertaken by students.

Weighing in at 68 kilograms, 12 kilograms under the competition’s 80-kilogram limit, the team’s robot featured a six-inch diameter auger for digging, a bin to carry and transport the payload and a conveyor belt mechanism to dump the payload into the receptacle at the competition.

Remote control was achieved through a repurposed Xbox gaming console controller connected to a laptop and a Raspberry Pi transmitter. Since teams were required to control the robot from a NASA mission control center out of sight of the competition area, the robot featured fore, aft and overhead video cameras to allow for navigation. The robot also featured rear-wheel drive and pivot steering.

Suter, who has just completed COD’s Engineering Pathways program and will be transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Engineering this fall,  credits the success of the team to the hard work and commitment of the team members in bringing a range of skills and expertise to the project.

“Our success in this competition is a direct result of the well-roundedness of our team,” she said. “In particular, I credit the unbelievable amount of effort, leadership, and technical experience of Peter Gutfeldt and Robert Beckwith. It was amazing how well they were able to handle our team throughout this project, which at other universities is often conducted by faculty as a senior design project. It’s truly amazing what those two were able to pull off as sophomores leading a team of sophomores and freshman.”

She said the competition provided a wealth of experience and benefits to the participants.

“By participating in this competition, we gained both technical and managerial experience,” Suter said. “The competition itself challenged our engineering skills with difficult problems to solve within specific constraints. Supplemental deliverables like the systems paper, outreach report and systems presentation pushed our team to organize our engineering process, develop our technical communication skills, and create lasting change in our community.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: College of DuPage

Cherokee Global Brands Announces Sale Of Flip Flop Shops To Bearpaw Holdings

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — June 7, 2018 — Cherokee Global Brands, a global brand marketing platform that manages a growing portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands, today announced the sale of Flip Flop Shops®, its franchise retail chain, to Bearpaw Holdings LLC for an undisclosed amount.

“We’re pleased with the transaction, which aligns with our strategy to focus on scaling our high-growth brands through global licensed partnerships,” commented Henry Stupp, CEO. “We’re confident that Bearpaw Holdings is positioned to realize the full potential of Flip Flop Shops.”

Cherokee Global Brands intends to use the sale proceeds to reduce its long-term debt.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Cherokee Global Brands

Natural Fiber Extravaganza Sponsored By Long Hollow Suri Alpacas/New Era Fiber Offers A Variety Of Seminars And Hands-On Workshops

NASHVILLE — June 7, 2018 — Since the United States first commercially imported alpacas in 1984, alpaca breeders have worked hard to produce offspring with the finest, softest, most lustrous fleece. Until recently the primary focus of the industry was on breeding to build a national herd of superior fleece producing livestock able to compete in the global market. The time has come to focus on the fleece!

The inaugural 2018 Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) Natural Fiber Extravaganza sponsored by Long Hollow Suri Alpacas/New Era Fiber takes place July 13-15 at the Wilson County Exposition Center in Lebanon, Tenn., and will feature a variety of workshops and seminars for seasoned alpaca producers, natural fiber enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about alpacas, their fleece and the many products made from alpaca fleece.

Seminars are led by experts in the topic of their discussion and include:

  • Agricultural Grant Funding;
  • Agricultural Resources a Livestock Farm;
  • Digital Marketing;
  • Essential Oils and Alpacas;
  • Fiber as a Business: What Do We Do With It?;
  • Generating Revenue Streams for Your Farm;
  • Is Agritourism Right for Me?;
  • Is There a Fiber Farm in Your Future?;
  • Livestock Chiropractic: Joint Relief;
  • Livestock Dental Diseases: Care and Prevention;
  • Marketing and Branding Your Livestock Business101;
  • Marketing Paca Poop;
  • Practical Marketing Tips for Your Farm;
  • Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Herd;
  • Understanding Orthopedic Livestock Diseases/Lameness; and
  • Where We Are and Where We Want To Go.

Hands-on workshops give participants the opportunity to work with natural fibers and create a variety of fiber arts. They include:

  • Beginning Spinning;
  • Blending Alpaca on the Drum Carder;
  • Characteristics of Fiber: Evaluating Your Fleece;
  • Crocheting 101;
  • Crocheting: Corner to Corner;
  • Designing and Knitting Irregular Triangular Shawls;
  • Drop Spindling;
  • Dyeing Yarn to Make a More Unique Product;
  • Five Things You Need to Know to Make the Best Yarn;
  • Intermediate Spinning;
  • Knitting Chemo Patient Hats;
  • Knitting with Different Yarn Weights;
  • No Fear Fleece Skirting;
  • Orchil Dyes from Lichens;
  • Sorting and Grading: What, Why and How;
  • The Distaff: Spindle Spinning with Comfort and Control;
  • Understanding Suri Fiber; and
  • Weaving: Rigid Heddle.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Alpaca Owners Association (AOA)

JCPenney Scores Big With Launch Of Fanatics Shops

PLANO, Texas — June 7, 2018 — JCPenney has partnered with Fanatics Inc., the global leader for officially licensed sports merchandise, to launch Fanatics shops designed to entice loyal sports fans to see and buy the latest and most popular team apparel right inside their local JCPenney store. Just in time for Father’s Day, customers can now find Fanatics shops exclusively in 325 JCPenney stores, featuring a curated selection of local collegiate and professional sports team merchandise for men, women and children, representing all major sports leagues. Building on the Company’s existing partnership with Fanatics for the retailer’s online Sports Fan Shop, JCPenney plans to introduce approximately 325 additional Fanatics destinations by the back-to-school season for a total of 650 shops.

“Fanatics offers fans the world’s largest collection of official sports brands, merchandise and apparel in the industry,” said James Starke, senior vice president and head of merchandising. “We’re delighted to combine their best-in-class assortment with a dynamic in-store experience that offers sports fans a one-stop destination for all their local team apparel needs. Combining a stunning specialty store environment with the unparalleled power of our online Sports Fan Shop provides JCPenney a unique competitive advantage, driving spend and frequency of visits to both stores and JCPenney.com.”

The approximately 650 square foot Fantatics shops feature modern fixtures, bold graphics and stylized mannequins showcasing t-shirts, sideline apparel, specialty jerseys and more from leading national brands such as Majestic®, Fanatics®, adidas®, New Era® and Nike®. Shoppers can also discover an expansive headwear wall and choose from a vast selection of fitted, flex, snapback and adjustable hats. The shops will be continually refreshed each sports season, giving fans an opportunity to stock up on their latest team gear, whether they are cheering on their favorite baseball team in the spring or football team in the fall.

Furthermore, 50 JCPenney stores in top sports markets offer a premium Fanatics shop experience. These flagship destinations boast approximately 1,300 square feet of space, elevating the shopping environment with 55-in. mounted flat-screen televisions projecting the Company’s latest marketing, back wall fan graphics, sports paraphernalia and an oversized headwear wall. These fully-immersive shops include interactive iPads, allowing displaced fans to connect to the retailer’s online Sports Fan Shop, where they can conveniently order Fanatics items online, from any sports team, with just a few easy taps. For fathers who appreciate the perfect blend of sports and movies, the premium Fanatics shops also offer MLB affinity apparel featuring Disney and Star Wars™ designs exclusive to JCPenney.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: J. C. Penney Company

tasc Performance Announces The Brand’s First-ever Partnerships In Professional Golf

NEW ORLEANS — June 7, 2018 — tasc Performance today announced its first partnerships in professional golf. The brand has partnered with two upcoming PGA TOUR events, THE NORTHERN TRUST and TOUR Championship.  To further deepen their connection to the game, tasc Performance has also signed three-time PGA TOUR winner Scott Stallings to serve as a brand ambassador.

tasc Performance’s PGA TOUR tournament partnerships will begin in August with the first event in the Playoffs, THE NORTHERN TRUST in Paramus, N.J.  tasc Performance brand will deliver a collection of innovative first-time and soon to be announced experiences and will outfit key constituents throughout the week.  Fans will also have access to their apparel through the tournament’s only on-course shopping boutique and in addition to the main merchandise areas. At the TOUR Championship in Atlanta, the brand will also have exclusive outpost with tasc Performance apparel available on-course and in merchandise areas.

As part of tasc Performance’s relationship with Stallings, he will have the brand’s logo on left chest of the golf shirt he wears during competitions, including this year’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Course. In addition to golf apparel, Scott will wear tasc Performance apparel on and off-course and in the gym. He will also take part in dedicated advertising and social media campaigns to promote the partnership, along with making various appearances on behalf of the brand.

tasc Performance retained global sports marketing agency Lagardère Sports, a leader in the golf industry, to develop and execute these new sponsor relationships.

“As part of our efforts to bring our performance-lifestyle apparel products to a wider audience, we think golf is an ideal showcase for our brand and products which transition perfectly from the gym to course and any lifestyle activity,” said Todd Andrews, president and co-founder of tasc Performance. “THE NORTHERN TRUST and TOUR Championship are top tier events that capture the attention of golf fans, and Scott is a perfect partner to represent our brand on and off the course.”

“We are thrilled to partner with tasc because everything it stands for is synonymous with this event value, peak performance and enjoyment. We are also excited to be working with tasc to roll out a collection of new fan experiences this year that will be memorable and fun,” said Julie Tyson, senior vice president, Championship Management, PGA TOUR

“I’m excited to partner with a great performance apparel brand like tasc Performance,” said Stallings. “They have a unique and innovative approach to creating high performance products for athletes in natural and sustainable ways that are great on and off the golf course.”

Since 2009, tasc has been an innovator in performance-lifestyle apparel by helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts perform naturally, without sacrificing style. tasc’s proprietary fabric blends are sustainable, chemical-free and derived from the highest quality natural sources including Bamboo, Merino Wool and Organic Cotton. tasc fabrics deliver a luxuriously soft feel paired with natural moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ sun protection, and natural odor resistance. Each piece is designed to meet the unique demands of your active lifestyle – from workouts to hangouts to office and travel. In 2018, tasc has also acquired a PGA Tour and USGA Apparel License which should help expand their footprint in the golf industry.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: tasc Performance

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