Sympatex Expands Sales Team With Experienced Industry Experts

Eric Brendel (left) and Leandra Reisner

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — February 6, 2024 — Sympatex, the innovative membrane specialist, announced the expansion of its sales team. Eric Brendel and Leandra Reisner are joining the company and will contribute their extensive expertise and passion for sustainable innovations with immediate effect.

With Leandra Reisner, Sympatex has gained a young expert in the field of sustainable textile innovations.

The trained textile and clothing technician most recently worked as a sales representative at Weichert Agencies GmbH. At Weichert, Leandra was largely responsible for building up the US market, as well as for trade fairs and suppliers.

“What fascinates me about Sympatex is that the entire company lives the topic of sustainability and implements everything technically possible to achieve the goal of a circular economy as quickly as possible. At the same time, there are people working at Sympatex who inspire me with their energy. It’s great to work with people like that,” Reisner said, Business Development manager, Sympatex.

“I am delighted to be representing Sympatex from now on and to be working together to drive forward a circular economy for our industry. I would like to invite everyone who knows me from my previous work to continue to shape the future together. If you are curious, let me know! I look forward to hearing from you and sharing my exciting new journey with you,” adds Reisner.

With more than 26 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Brendel brings an impressive track record in marketing and sales of technically demanding materials. His in-depth knowledge of the industry and proven ability to build strong customer relationships will make a valuable contribution to further strengthening Sympatex’s position in the market.

“When you’ve been in the industry for a long time, sustainability is a huge topic. I want to be actively involved in the area of sustainability and saving the world, so I’m really looking forward to my future with Sympatex. Sympatex’s motto, Re>close the loop, also applies to me: I studied textile technology because I wanted to do things better. Now I can kick-start the whole thing in a meaningful way with Sympatex, with the right materials, said Brendel, Business Development manager, Sympatex.

“I am delighted to have Leandra and Eric join our sales team. Their expertise, passion and commitment are not only an asset, but a real milestone for the success of Sympatex. Together we will use 2024 for real change,” said Kim Scholze CSMO Sympatex.

Shared goals for sustainable innovation: Eric Brendel and Leandra Reisner will focus on further strengthening Sympatex’s position as a leading provider of recyclable functional materials. Their joining the sales team underlines Sympatex’s commitment to continuous innovation and providing sustainable solutions to customers worldwide.

Posted: February 6, 2024

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

Joe & Bella: Revolutionizing Adaptive Fashion From Chicago With Heart And Style

CHICAGO — February 5, 2024 —  Joe & Bella, a Chicago-based adaptive-apparel brand, is transforming the landscape of fashion for older adults. Born from one family’s caregiving journey, the brand stands as a testament to compassion, resilience, and innovation.

A Personal Journey Inspires a Brand with Purpose

CareZips® Women’s Adaptive Pants

The story of Joe & Bella began in 2012 when the Zollo family moved their matriarch into an assisted-living community. There, they met Joe and Bella, two widowed Holocaust survivors, whose friendship and humor greatly impacted the family during a challenging transition. This encounter laid the foundation for Joe & Bella, an award-winning adaptive-apparel brand named in honor of this inspirational couple.

“Joe and Bella showed us the beauty and strength of aging gracefully. Our brand is a celebration of life and every moment that counts,” shared Jimmy Zollo, cofounder and CEO of Joe & Bella.

“Both Bella and my mother were fashionistas,” said Peter Zollo, cofounder of Joe & Bella. “We tried to get both of them to wear adaptive clothes which make dressing easier, but they rejected everything we bought for them as deemed ‘too cheap,’ ‘ugly,’ or both. We strongly believe that just because dressing can become painful and stressful shouldn’t mean that someone is now relegated to wearing clothes they never would’ve previously considered. They should be able to wear clothes that look and feel like them.”

Innovative Adaptive Fashion for the Modern Senior

Founded in 2020, Joe & Bella disrupted the adaptive apparel space, innovating by merging functionality with timeless fashion. Initially selling other companies’ clothing, the brand has evolved to exclusively offer its own innovative products, including the award-winning CareZips® pants and the sold-out Everyday Magnetic Button-Down for Men.

Cara Sumpton, Lead Designer at Joe & Bella who was also on the Lululemon launch team, explains, “Our mission is to restore dignity and independence, crafting pieces that are not only innovatively functional but also beautifully stylish, allowing seniors to maintain their personal style.”

Addressing the Needs of an Aging Population

With a rapidly aging population, the demand for smart, adaptive clothing is increasing. Joe & Bella’s products cater to a variety of physical conditions, offering easier dressing solutions for individuals with tremors, arthritis, visual impairments, and those recovering from surgery. “Joe & Bella’s designs significantly reduce the physical strain on caregivers and enhance the independence of older adults,” explained Jennifer Pasternak, Executive Director of the Northbrook Inn Memory-Care Community near Chicago.

Commitment to Excellence

“Joe & Bella is committed to quality, choosing soft cotton blends, stretchable materials, and breathable fabrics,” Sumpton said. “This clear focus ensures comfort, durability, and style, catering to the unique needs of the elderly, especially those with cognitive and mobility changes.”

“Our goal is to provide premium materials and beautiful fashion that bring comfort and confidence to our customers,” said Jimmy Zollo. “We involve senior-living and caregiver groups in our design process, ensuring we meet real-world needs.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Range of Senior Fashion

Joe & Bella is set to introduce several new products in the coming months, including a men’s quarter-zip sweater, a women’s cardigan and nightgown, and a relaxed-fit version of their hugely successful Everyday Magnetic Button-Down for Men, expanding their range of stylish, easy-to-wear clothing for seniors.

“We’re designing more than simply clothes. Joe & Bella is about healthy, joyful aging and empowerment,” added Sumpton. “We want our customers to feel proud and comfortable in what they wear, reflecting their identity and zest for life.”

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Joe & Bella

SPANX Appoints Cricket Whitton As CEO And Names Veteran Brand Transformation Leader Jeanne Jackson As Executive Chair

Caroline (Cricket) Whitton

ATLANTA — February 5, 2024 — SPANX LLC, a global lifestyle brand and creator of shapewear, announced its next generation of leadership. The board of directors has appointed Caroline “Cricket” Whitton to CEO and Jeanne Jackson as executive chair.

Whitton most recently served as SPANX’s president and chief growth officer, leading all revenue and growth efforts globally, and has been the driving force behind the brand’s significant digital transformation since joining the company in 2017. Prior to Spanx she drove digital growth at retail brands including Wayfair and Design Within Reach. Whitton will partner with Jackson and SPANX’s all-female Board to execute ambitious growth plans.

“I am so happy to announce Cricket as the CEO of SPANX. Her deep commitment to our brand gives me a lot of confidence in the continued success of our business,” said Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX. “I am also thrilled to welcome Jeanne Jackson to the SPANX family. Her unparalleled industry experience will be invaluable as we enter this next phase of growth and innovation. Cricket and Jeanne make a powerful team and I’m looking forward to working closely with them both in their new roles.”

“I am honored to continue leading the incredible team at SPANX in this new capacity during this critical growth moment in the company’s journey,” Whitton said. “I’m energized by the opportunity to partner even more closely with Sara, our visionary founder, and to collaborate with Jeanne.”

Jackson brings decades of executive leadership experience at leading apparel, retail, and lifestyle brands. She has held C-level roles and Senior Leadership at NIKE Inc., Walmart.com, The Gap Inc., Victoria Secret, The Walt Disney Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue Inc. She is also a highly seasoned corporate director, currently serving on the boards of Moncler S.p.A., Monster Beverage and Delta Airlines. Jackson has been recognized for her leadership in transforming iconic brands’ product and go-to-market strategies. She has been named one of Business Week’s Top 25 Managers of the Year, Vanity Fair’s America’s Most Influential Women and Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business.

“I have long admired the evolution and thoughtful expansion of the SPANX business. It has grown beyond its roots as a category-creator in shapewear and is increasingly recognized as a performance apparel business that cannot be defined by a single category,” Jackson said. “The best is yet to come for SPANX, and I look forward to working with Cricket, Sara and the Board to drive the brand to the next level.”

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: SPANX, LLC

Zac Posen Named Executive Vice President, Creative Director Of Gap Inc. And Chief Creative Officer Of Old Navy

Zac Posen Named executive vice president, creative director of Gap Inc. and chief creative officer of Old Navy Photo: Mario Sorrenti

SAN FRANCISCO — February 5, 2024 — Gap Inc. today announced the appointment of American fashion designer, Zac Posen, to executive vice president, creative director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, based in San Francisco.

Posen is an award-winning creator and entrepreneur, celebrated for his technical excellence and body positive designs. Over 25 years, his extensive career has included red-carpet couture, ready to wear, accessories, costume design and more.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Zac Posen, one of America’s most celebrated designers, at the onset of an exciting new chapter for Gap Inc. His technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands,” said Richard Dickson, president and CEO of Gap Inc.

As chief creative officer of Old Navy, Posen’s immediate focus will be leading design, merchandising and marketing for the second largest apparel brand in the United States, and Gap Inc.’s largest brand. Posen will work hand-in-hand with Haio Barbeito, Old Navy’s president and CEO, reporting directly to him.

“Given our scale and sizeable customer reach, Old Navy provides a tremendous canvas for Zac’s talent and creativity,” Barbeito said. “And his leadership will add a new dimension to Old Navy as we reassert the brand with renewed authority in fit, quality and style for the family.”

“Gap Inc. and its brands have shaped American fashion and pop culture for decades and there’s so much potential at Old Navy. I’m eager to join Gap Inc. now as brand reinvigoration kicks up across the portfolio, rooted in great product, experiences, and a new culture of creativity,” Posen said.

As creative director of Gap Inc., Posen will serve as a cultural curator and creative partner to Dickson, joining the company’s executive leadership team. Posen’s appointment follows those of Eric Chan to chief business and strategy officer and Amy Thompson to chief people officer, as Gap Inc. bolsters the company’s leadership team with best-in-class talent to support its efforts, redefining Gap Inc. for a new era through continued operational and financial rigor, brand reinvigoration and greater cultural relevance.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Gap Inc.  

Schumacher Opens Showroom And Boutique In Charlotte

NEW YORK CITY — February 5, 2024 — Schumacher, the venerable American design house, announces the opening of its first showroom and boutique in Charlotte, N.C., in May 2024. It will include a traditional to-the-trade showroom experience exclusively for interior designers as well as a separate luxury shop for designers and design aficionados alike to source smaller items.

The shop will be located at 301 East Blvd. in Charlotte’s South End. Schumacher tapped Charlotte’s own Barrie Benson to design the interior. The 3,500-square-foot loft-like space will channel Benson’s signature style with compelling juxtapositions of old and new and a tantalizing color palette. It will feature a luxurious terrazzo floor, custom oak cabinetry, antique mirrored walls, and Schumacher’s fabrics and wallpapers throughout.

The boutique will sell antiques, unique home accessories, and gifts including pillows, throws, rugs, baskets, coffee table books, photography, art, tabletop items, and handmade ceramics. Monthly educational and inspirational events will be held to bring together Charlotte-area design lovers along with fun activities including flower-arranging classes, trunk shows, book signings, and workshops for interior designers.

The to-the-trade side will be set up as a design lab with two big open tables, offering designers plenty of space to scheme and shop the 7,000+ fabrics, wallpapers, trims, and rugs.

Schumacher chose Charlotte for its rapidly growing art and design community, recognizing it as an important new hub for interior designers and like-minded individuals with an interest in entertaining, living in beautiful spaces, and self-expression.

“It was a natural choice to have Barrie Benson design our new space in Charlotte, a city I have come to know and love,” said Dara Caponigro, Schumacher’s creative director. “I have known Barrie for more than 20 years, meeting her when I was an editor at domino (she was one of our cover girls!). Barrie’s sensibility, with its sophisticated twist on tradition, has always spoken to me. Plus, she is one of our collaborators at Schumacher: She and Chandra Johnson of SOCO Gallery have brought so many interesting artist collaborations to Schumacher under their Peg Norriss brand, all of which have been successes. I look forward to unveiling our new space and welcoming Charlotte’s cultivated community into our new home.”

Timur Yumusaklar, CEO of Schumacher’s parent company, F. Schumacher & Co., said: “Charlotte is filled with such incredible design talent. We feel it’s our job to bring those talents closer to the growing audience of design lovers and to educate people on just how much interior designers can improve their lives. At Schumacher, we believe that good design can have an immensely positive impact on our emotional well-being and that it can allow us to be better selves — calmer, more centered, happier, more energized.”

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Schumacher

Anthropologie Announces Expanded Collaboration With Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ Denim Recycling Program

PHILADELPHIA — February 5, 2024 — Anthropologie, the global lifestyle brand, announced today their collaboration with Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program: an initiative at the forefront of denim recycling. Beginning today, Anthropologie customers are invited to bring in their pre-loved denim to any of the brand’s 200+ US retail locations. Through the collaboration, the old denim will be recycled into insulating material used in various applications of Cotton Incorporated’s consumer sustainability program.

Anthropologie Announces Expanded Collaboration with Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ Denim Recycling Program

Anthropologie’s A Greater Good platform outlines the brands priority of being a force for good in better service to our planet, its people, and their products, and details their journey to becoming more environmentally responsible and socially conscious. Through conservation initiatives, partnering with a diverse array of non-profit partners, and working to ensure the products they sell are ethically sourced, the brand hopes to incite meaningful change.

“At Anthropologie, we are committed to creating a more sustainable future and being mindful of our environmental impact on the planet across our business operations,” states Elizabeth Preis, Anthropologie Group’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “We are thrilled to be growing our participation with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green program and to bring our incredibly loyal community along to join in our sustainability efforts. I am confident that through this relationship, we will grow Anthropologie’s denim circularity initiative, support in waste-reduction, and reduce our overall environmental impact.”

“We are thrilled that cotton circularity and the Blue Jeans Go Green program is a part of Anthropologie’s continued sustainability journey” said Andrea Samber, director of consumer marketing, brand partnerships for Cotton Incorporated. “Anthropologie’s commitment to drive action via a circular model aligns with Cotton’s core values and efforts in protecting our planet so that it can flourish by keeping denim waste out of landfills.”

This will be the third consecutive year Anthropologie will be taking part in the Blue Jeans Go Green program and has evolved denim recycling to be implemented as a year-round, always on initiative. Customers of Anthropologie will be invited to recycle any type of denim apparel item as long as it’s made of 90 percent cotton or greater, anytime throughout the year. Additionally, to show their continued commitment, Anthropologie has set the goal of diverting 10 tons of denim by the end of 2025.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Anthropologie

Vitamin A Debuts New Swimwear Collection Made With Certified Sustainable Material From Hyosung And Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing

SEOUL, South Korea — February 5, 2024 — Vitamin A, a California-based swimwear brand that combines feminine design with sustainable innovation, is the first company to launch a swimwear collection made with a new 100% recycled fabric developed by Hyosung and Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing. The new sustainable swimwear collection called ReLux launched January 29, 2024.

Hyosung and Hung Yen introduced their successful sustainable textile innovation — a swimwear fabric made from an 80/20 blend of Hyosung GRS-certified regen Ocean 100 percent post-consumer nylon made from discarded fishing nets, and RCS-certified 100 percent recycled regen Spandex — during Interfilière Paris last summer.

According to an independent 3rd party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the manufacture of 1 kg regen Ocean nylon reduces CO2 emissions by 73 percent and water consumption by 98 percent as compared to production of 1 kilogram of conventional nylon.

“We wanted to support the development of this new material and we thought that the Vitamin A customer would be most likely to understand why it was important,” said Mark Sunderland, vice president of product innovation at Swim USA, parent company of Vitamin A. “Our customers want to know that their swimwear is not harming the planet — and with our ReLux line, we’re offering them a product that actively improves the health of our oceans.”

Founded in 2000 by California native Amahlia Stevens, all Vitamin A bikinis and bodysuits are designed and produced locally in California from plant-based and recycled materials. As a proud member of 1 percent for the Planet, the company gives back to organizations who work to protect the oceans.

“Vitamin A has ranked among the top five sustainable swimwear brands for the past three years,” said Claudia Anselmi, Hung Yen General Director. “Given its commitment to sustainable production and the protection of our oceans, we are glad Vitamin A has attentively selected our fabric — N850 FishTale — that is entirely focused on marine preservation for its new ReLux collection.”

“Vitamin A exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and style, demonstrating that eco-friendly fashion can effortlessly inspire and enable positive environmental choices among consumers” said Laura Nilo, Hyosung US marketing manager – West Coast Lead.  “It’s an ideal brand for commercializing our 100 percent recycled fabric for swimwear, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration with regards to sustainable textile solutions.”

More information about the new Vitamin A ReLux collection of bikinis and one-piece swimsuits can be found online https://www.vitaminaswim.com/pages/relux

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Hyosung

 

 

Nominations Open For 2024 AATCC Awards

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — February 5, 2024 — AATCC presents several prestigious awards each year, along with thousands of dollars in honoraria. Some awards were established to recognize outstanding achievers in the textile sciences, whose discoveries influenced the world. Others recognize AATCC members for service to the Association that has strengthened and promoted its purpose and mission to the world.

Nominate a deserving colleague, mentor, or protégé to acknowledge hard work and innovation. Nominations for all awards are due March 31, 2024. Selected recipients will be recognized at the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit October 6 – 8,2024. Awards include complimentary registration for the Summit, and several include cash prizes.

Olney Medal

Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievements in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of major importance to textile science. Recognize achievement in textile science with a nomination for the Olney Medal. https://www.aatcc.org/olney/

Chapin Award

The Chapin Award was established in 1958 in honor of Harold C. Chapin, professor of chemistry at Lowell Textile School, who served as national secretary of AATCC for nearly 25 years. Senior members who have dedicated 20 or more years of continuous service to the Association are eligible for nomination. The award is presented as a beautifully illustrated scroll. Nominate a dedicated colleague today. https://www.aatcc.org/chapin/

AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award

The award recognizes up to two senior members, with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee. Celebrate a committee member’s effort with a nomination for the TCR Service Award. https://www.aatcc.org/tcr/

AATCC Future Leaders Award

This award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences. Nominees must be members of AATCC, 39 years of age or younger, and exhibit leadership skills. Encourage young professionals by nominating them for the AATCC Future Leaders Award. https://www.aatcc.org/leaders/

AATCC Education Award

This award was created to recognize those members who have contributed extensively to the educational activities of AATCC. https://www.aatcc.org/educationaward/

AATCC Faculty Advisor Award

This award recognizes and promotes the work of AATCC student chapter faculty advisors who actively work to ensure their AATCC student chapters are active and growing. Nominate an AATCC student chapter advisor for the important work of leading emerging textile professionals. https://www.aatcc.org/facultyaward/

AATCC Millson Award

Henry E. Millson was a renowned inventor and head of dye research for American Cyanamid. He provided an award endowment in 1979, and the Association named the award in his honor. The Millson Award for Invention recognizes inventions in the textile field. This award was created to recognize those members who have contributed extensively to the educational activities of AATCC. https://www.aatcc.org/educationaward/

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: AATCC

Tajima Software Solutions And Coloreel: Innovative Personalization Software Unveiled At Salon C!Print In Lyon

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — February 5, 2024 — Tajima Software Solutions and Coloreel will launch a software that will be a significant advancement for personalization of embroidery designs. Designed to cater to both in-store and online shopping experiences, the new software Pulse ID allows users to customize their embroidery. It offers the flexibility to edit text, add effects, and colors.

This collaboration marks a full integration of the Coloreel technology with Pulse ID and Tajima’s embroidery machines. The result is a seamless and efficient solution, ideal for in-store embroidery services or for enhancing the offerings of online shops.

Pulse ID

At the Salon C!Print expo in Lyon Februray 6-8, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience this solution firsthand. Tajima Europe’s booth, numbered 2P20, will feature a demonstration where visitors can personalize caps with their choice of flag and name.

“This is a major step forward in automated personalization. Not only for us, but for the embroidery industry. It shows what kind of technological advancement you can make when you collaborate with other players in our industry.This software will be a huge leap forward in the way we work with personalized embroidery, both in physical stores and for e-commerce and other online marketplaces”, says Mattias Nordin, senior vice president, Product Management at Coloreel.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: Coloreel

INDA, The Association Of The Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Announces Advocacy And Fly-In Summit

CARY, NC  — February 5, 2024 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, will join the ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association to host the 2024 Clean Advocacy Summit, April 10-11, in Washington, D.C. This advocacy and fly-in summit will offer participants the “inside scoop” on the key public policy issues facing their business and industry, including labor and supply chain challenges, cleaning product regulations, promoting healthy workplaces, ending period poverty, and more.

“INDA is delighted to be partnering with ISSA to co-host the annual Clean Advocacy Summit,” stated Wes Fisher, director of Government Affairs at INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, “As an association representing the manufacturers of many cleaning products, such as wipes, and many other personal care products, we look forwarding to leveraging our partnership with ISSA to make this the most successful cleaning and nonwovens industry fly-in event to date.”

The summit will include networking opportunities and scheduled meetings with members of Congress and their staff to discuss key policies and legislation pertaining to the nonwovens industry. Attendees will have the chance to advocate for their businesses to support innovation, growth, and sustainability within the industry, while also highlighting their contributions to economic development and job creation.

The registration fee for INDA members and non-members is $250. To register for the event, visit https://www.inda.org/2024-issa-clean-advocacy-summit/.

Posted: February 5, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry,

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