MUMBAI — May 24, 2016 — The Indian intimate wear industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI), will be heralding the wonderful times that lie ahead for the industry by organising the fifth edition of Galleria Intima August 5-6, 2016 in New Delhi. There are many indications that give credence to the prediction that tides are turning in favor of Indian intimate wear industry. A robust domestic market that has been growing at an annual rate of 15 to 20 per cent gives Indian brands a solid standing that they can build upon to start foraying into unchartered territories. At present, exports from India accounts for a mere four per cent of international trade in intimate wear. China, the long-standing indisputable behemoth of the global textile export market is growing weak around its knees. Top international brands like Victoria’s Secret, Fruit of the Loom, Aerie, Warnaco Group, La Senza, Hanesbrands, etc. that dominate the global market have been getting their products made in countries like China following a steep rise in manufacturing costs in Europe and USA. China for years has remained the largest supplier of intimate wear. However, slowdown in domestic economy and pressure from labourers has forced Chinese companies to increase their labour costs making their products less competitive in the international market. Chinese labour costs are nearly four times higher than India. International brands are looking for better options like India that also has the advantage of a young and inexpensive labour force. Continuous rise is the disposable income of the Indian middle class means that the domestic market for intimate wear will remain robust in the years to come. India also has abundant availability of raw materials. All these factors make India an ideal hub for global manufacturing. Along with Indian brands, international brands too could consider setting up their manufacturing units here and then sell to domestic as well as global markets. This is the crux of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Nations across the globe have been made to sit up and take notice of an assertive and resurgent India following the aggressive promotion of the brand India under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Keeping the spotlight on the ‘Make in India’ campaign, the fifth edition of ‘Galleria Intima’ will be held on 5th and 6th of August, 2016 at Crowne Plaza Hotel (Rohini) in New Delhi. The event will bring together major domestic and international players of the global intimate wear industry. Brand owners, manufacturers of intimate wear, designers, export houses, large format retailers, online retailers and buying houses from all over the world will stand under one roof where prowess of Indian firms as manufacturers and providers of raw materials will be showcased. Speaking about the positive impact of attending the event, Amit Mehta, General Manager, Shri Ginger Enterprises, leading manufacturer of knitted fabrics in India says, “The fair brings us face to face with our customers and after listening to their needs and demand we find ourselves compelled to deliver as per their expectations.” The event offers a platform where domestic and international buyers can observe the newest innovations, most spectacular designs and products that are the result of thorough research and development process. Hans-Peter Grosch, Head of Vendor Management and Procurement at Triumph International, found himself quite impressed by what the event can offer, “During my maiden visit to ‘Galleria Intima’ I was quite impressed to find potential vendors of laces, elastics, knitted

fabrics and different forms of accessories,” he said. The event’s dedicated website offers online registration with barcode automation of badges to the visitors – an innovative functionality used only by a select number of exhibitions in India. During last year’s event 65 per cent of visitors were pre-registered. The current edition promises to bring in more product innovations from new and past exhibitors with 75 per cent of space already filled since the announcement of the show. One would be able to source everything from fibre to packaging all under one roof with focus being on OEM / ODM and Machinery suppliers. So far the show has received exhibitor participation from countries such as Italy, Turkey, China, Germany, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc. apart from India and anticipates a visitor footfall of over 2000 with over 1000 Intimate Wear Brands and Labels from India alone.

IAAI, an organization committed to shore up India’s share in the global intimate wear export market from 4 per cent to 10 per cent by 2025, was founded on 30th May, 2010. The organization is guided by the vision to acquire for India a leader’s position in the global intimate wear market that the country truly deserves by persistently working towards the promotion and development of the industry. Speaking about India’s untapped potential, Yusuf Dohadwala CEO of IAAI, says, “For a long time, India’s position has been of a sleeping giant in the global intimate wear market. It seems now that this Giant is about wake up to unleash its true potential. With our Prime Minister’s focus on Make in India, we are sure that the next five to ten years will be the golden years for the Indian Intimate Wear Industry.”

The fifth edition of ‘Galleria Intima’ will help lighten up the path that leads to the fulfilment of this vision. The event will be attended by more than 2,000 visitors from India and abroad. Over 1,000 brands from India alone are expected to visit the event. It will be a stupendous occasion where red carpet will be rolled out for international brands to set up their shops and manufacturing units in India and to find suitable Indian collaborators for the process.

Posted May 27, 2016

Source:  Intimate Apparel Association of India (IAAI) 

ATLANTA — May 26, 2016 — Lectra is pleased to announce the winners of the Lectra/JCPenney (JCP) Fashion Design Contest, held recently at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.

Lectra and JCPenney organized the contest to support FIT in its mission to prepare its design students for careers in the fashion industry by giving them a chance to work on real-world projects and providing exposure for their designs. Fashion design students chose from one of JCPenney’s exclusive, private brands, including Worthington®, St. John’s Bay®, Stylus®, and Decree®, and created a collection using Lectra’s Kaledo® textile and fashion design solution, based on the brand’s positioning and its customer profile.

“A key element of our success at JCPenney is tied to the choices we provide our customers through our exclusive private brands. Each brand tells a story, and we rely on our textile design teams to make sure each story is distinct and will resonate with the target consumer. We are impressed with how well the students in the competition understood this,” says Nathan Laffin, JCPenney Vice President, Brand Trend Design, Womens. “We are always on the lookout for young designers who can bring something new to the table and this competition has been a perfect opportunity for us to discover some up-and-coming talent. It is also a huge plus that FIT students are trained in Kaledo, as we use the Lectra suite of products to create prints that keep customers loyal to our brands.”

Cagla Ertan took first place in the competition, winning an eight-month internship at JCPenney’s SOHO design studio starting in September, along with a complimentary Kaledo license. Ertan created original designs, prints, and color palettes for Decree, JCPenney’s brand for juniors with a sophisticated point of view. The judges felt that Cagla’s collection best embodied the brand’s DNA.

Second-place winner, Kevin Tung, and third-place winner, Cemile Simsek, were also awarded Kaledo licenses. Tung and Simsek’s collections both showcased strong original styles and prints.

“In this competitive industry, it is an advantage to have experience using industry tools that simplify the creative process and bring ideas to life quickly and easily,” says Gerard Dellova, FIT Adjunct Assistant Professor and contest coordinator. “Our goal is to provide our students with skills that make them more marketable when it comes to finding a design job. This experience has given them a taste of what it’s like to come up with new styles in an actual retail design setting.”

FIT and Lectra have been partnering together for more than 25 years; both believe in the importance of educational initiatives that put students in direct contact with real-world businesses.

“Lectra is committed to the development and training of future fashion professionals, and the company has actively supported education over the years by providing schools with its technologies and expertise,” says Jason Adams, President, Lectra North America, “This competition is an important example of the partnership that exists between the company and its education and industry partners, such as FIT and JCPenney.”

Posted May 26, 2016

Source: Lectra

HONG KONG — May 2016 — Nearly 700 exhibitors are set to participate in the 2016 edition of Intertextile Pavilion at the Shenzhen International Trade Fair for Apparel Fabrics and Accessories from July 7-9. This year, a debut Fine Japan zone is joining the returning Taiwan and Korea pavilions as suppliers from these markets look to capture the abundant opportunities in the South China industry. Exhibitors at the fair will showcase a wide range of high-quality fabrics for ladieswear, casual wear, lingerie & swimwear and suiting, the latest silk & silk-like, jacquard, print, wool & wool-like, cotton, functional, man-made, spun, denim and knitting fabrics, as well as accessories, lace & embroidery, leathers & furs, yarns & fibres and design & testing products and services in halls 6, 7 and 9 of the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center.

The brand new Fine Japan zone will be formed by a number of top Japanese suppliers. When asked about the reasons for joining Intertextile Pavilion Shenzhen, Mr Bulong Xu, of Uni Textil Inc, a 2015 exhibitor as well, explained: “Many of our target companies attend the fair, so it’s necessary for us to be a part of this.” He continued by sharing his thoughts about the South China market: “The fast growing South China apparel industry has demand for high-quality products, so the markets in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other nearby cities are indispensable for us.” First time exhibitor TOKO SHOJI Co Ltd agreed, with its Manager Mr Masao Ban commenting: “There are so many famous ladieswear brands located in this region who demand good quality fabrics; therefore, it’s important for us to participate in the fair to seek long-term business partners.” TOKO SHOJI will bring various styles of thick wool-blended fabrics as well as soft and hard textured lightweight jersey to the fair.

Also from Japan, SunWell Solutions Co Ltd has exhibited in the fair since 2011. Its Sales Manager Mr Hiroshi Kawabata said: “Since the South China market is always pursuing new materials and fashion styles, there is so much potential to be found. As a result, it’s a must for us to be here to promote our collections and cutting-edge fashion culture.”

50% larger Taiwan Pavilion to present cutting-edge products

In addition to the new Fine Japan zone, the returning Taiwan Pavilion expands 50% in scale this year to cater to growing interest in the South China textile market. The pavilion organiser, Taiwan Textile Federation’s (TTF) Market Development Department Project Manager Ms Jane Fang, introduced the pavilion highlights. “The Taiwan exhibitors will present a series of high-end products from raw materials to fabrics, such as yarns for special fabric use; self-manufactured, -developed and -designed high-end jacquard fabrics; lace, print and knitted fabrics; computer embroidered items; fashionable jersey; high-end Tencel cotton, Tencel linen weaving and pure linen plain weave; and denim fabrics.”

Ms Fang also revealed that some exhibitors will feature functional fabrics, for which the Taiwan textile industry is world renowned. “Functional fabrics have long been the strength of Taiwan. In recent years, our advancing technologies and products have received a surge of praise at all kinds of international textile trade fairs,” Ms Feng outlined. “In particular, moisture absorbing, antibacterial and temperature-regulating fabrics have highly impressed buyers. We believe our products can add extra value to Chinese buyers as well as upgrade their brands’ image.”

Intertextile Pavilion Shenzhen is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; the China Textile Information Centre; and the Shenzhen Garment Industry Association.

Posted May 25, 2016

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd

NEW YORK CITY — May 25, 2016 — Simparel Inc. reports notably strong market response to its Simparel® SFC real-time Shop Floor Control and Incentive Payroll Management solutions following the recent Texprocess Americas 2016 trade show. With SFC implementations already underway at Garan, Grand Forest and other companies, the provider of integrated end-to-end business solutions expects to quickly add to its list of SFC adopters.

“With the addition of our integrated SFC solutions, we attracted our largest crowds ever at [Texprocess],” explained President Roberto Mangual. “While many companies tell us that they have had interest in SFC for years, most cite the time and cost of implementation along with the traditional dependence on proprietary hardware as key reasons for not adopting it. We have changed all of that by reinventing the age-old concept of SFC with modern wireless and off the shelf tablet technologies. We also added measurable benefits for manufacturers and their supply chain partners by integrating SFC with enterprise and supply chain technologies. While the technology is impressive, the game-changer comes from putting real-time visibility and control within the reach of many more companies than ever before.”

In addition to exhibiting in the Supply Chain USA pavilion at Texprocess, Simparel was also invited to display its wireless tablet-based shop floor solution among other advanced and leading-edge technologies in the Cool Zone pavilion. The company leveraged these venues to demonstrate how Simparel SFC tracks and provides real-time feedback on all production activities immediately as they occur in the factory.

Posted May 25, 2016

Source: Simparel

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— May 19, 2016 — HanesBrands announced today that it is committing funding for three additional years to Glasswing International that will result in an additional $1 million public-private partnership to provide critical youth services in El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

The partnership among Hanes, Glasswing and the U.S. Agency for International Developmentwill directly result in the building and operating of a high school in San Juan Opico, El Salvador, that will allow area youth to continue their education past the sixth grade. Glasswing will also expand its youth services to the Dominican Republic.

The new high school for the Centro Escolar Las Flores community is critically needed because students cannot attend school past the sixth grade because of the danger and community conflicts associated with the nearest existing high school.

For the past six years, Hanes and USAID have supported Glasswing with more than $800,000in funding to support Glassswing’s innovative community programs in El Salvador and Honduras providing youth with life-changing access to academically-enriching and safe afterschool activities at no cost. On a weekly basis, more than 300 Hanes employees donate their time to support the programs.

“Glasswing is an organization that smartly leverages existing resources to make a significant impact in the communities it serves and where we operate,” said Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll. “Glasswing has been a fantastic partner in our efforts to build communities and improve the lives of our employees. We are looking forward to expanding this very powerful community improvement model to the Dominican Republic.”

Noll will formally announce Hanes’ additional three-year investment of $525,000 to support Glasswing International programs and the new school today at the annual Glasswing Gala in New York where the company will be honored. USAID will match the company’s three-year investment for a total amount of more than $1 million for Glasswing International.

Glasswing has helped improve the lives of more than 600,000 youth by renovating and equipping more than 550 schools to provide afterschool clubs that provide mentors and keep children safe and engaged after normal school hours. Glasswing also works with existing public health institutions to improve services to mothers and children.

As a result of Glasswing programs, 86 percent of participating youth improve their school grades, 85 percent experience increased self-esteem and 92 percent experience strengthened family and interpersonal relationships.

Hanes was one of the first corporations to support Glasswing, an organization that has designed a cross-sector approach to forge partnerships with international and local governments, corporations, nonprofits and civil society. It has grown from three employees to a team of more than 250 employees across the world in the last eight years.

Glasswing has directed more than $25 million to education, health and community empowerment programs with less than 5 percent going to overhead costs. Its projects are designed to strengthen communities’ existing resources when possible, such as public schools, hospitals, and health clinics. With a mission to empower individuals in developing countries to address the root causes of poverty and violence, Glasswing reinforces the role of volunteers as an accessible way of making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in the region.

The partnership has played a role in the improvement of Latin American communities in which its Hanes employees live and work. The Las Flores school is located one of the world’s most volatile regions where violence and emigration have overwhelmed the population. Students are currently unable to continue beyond an elementary education because higher-level schools are located in an unsafe territory due to community disputes.

Hanes, Glasswing, the municipality, the Ministry of Education and parent groups will work together to build the new school, which will help students’ complete education through the ninth grade, the standard basic education in El Salvador. In preparation of the new school, Glasswing, Hanes and volunteers have been working for years with Las Flores school community by offering after-school programs, academic enrichment, competitions, and workshops with parents and teachers.

“Hanes is driven by a firm belief that doing the right thing is the basis for a successful business,” said Chris Fox, Hanes’ vice president for corporate social responsibility. “Through our Hanes for Good philosophy, we support corporate social responsibility through our ethical code, workplace practices, environmental responsibility and community outreach. We are grateful to partner with such visionary organizations as Glasswing and USAID to support the youth and future of Central America and the Caribbean.”

Hanes and Glasswing pioneered an award-winning education initiative which began with three public schools in El Salvador in 2010, and now includes nine public schools in Honduras. The program is expanding to the Dominican Republic next year. On a weekly basis, nearly 300 volunteers donate their time to this education program providing supervised activities during after school hours to help develop critical life skills.

“Hanes has been a crucial partner for us to develop our community schools model where the whole community, including parents, teachers, students, local governments and corporations, work in partnership to generate community pride, as well as safer and healthier schools where youths can thrive,” said Ken Baker, chief executive officer, Glasswing International. “The hundreds of Hanes employees who volunteer weekly in the schools are an inspiration to us and an example for other global businesses to follow.”

Posted May 24, 2016

Source: HanesBrands