Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel Inaugurates State-Of-The-Art Thermal Insulation Factory In Vietnam

WEINHEIM, Germany — July 23, 2024 —  Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) is proud to announce the production opening of its state-of-the-art thermal insulation factory located in Long Thanh District, Vietnam. This facility specializes in the production of comfortemp®, Freudenberg’s renowned high-performance thermal insulation material, designed to elevate fashion and sportswear apparel.

Some of Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel´s Vietnam team members with top management during the inauguration. Back row from left to right: Masahiro Nakano, VP of Finance and Controlling, Global Sourcing and Digitalization Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, Jonathan Oh, SVP Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel, John McNabb, CTO Freudenberg Performance Materials

“With the opening of our first production site in Vietnam we are set to meet the thriving demand in the Southeast Asian and South Asian garment manufacturing industries, reinforcing both our presence in and commitment to the region,” stated John McNabb, chief technology officer at Freudenberg Performance Materials. “By localizing the production of our thermal insulation materials in Vietnam, we are not only reducing lead times for our customers but also streamlining the supply chain, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value for customers.” The Vietnamese facility is equipped to produce sustainable thermal insulations, providing customers with options that align with their sustainable garment production initiatives and goals.

This additional new factory extends Freudenberg Apparel’s thermal insulation production across key Asian markets, including the Chinese mainland and South Korea. It also significantly strengthens Freudenberg Apparel’s global production capabilities and supply network. This expansion will bolster the company’s competitive edge in Asia and reaffirms its ongoing dedication to innovation and evolution within the apparel industry.

Posted: July 23, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Functional Fabric Fair Shatters Attendance Records For New York Summer Edition

NORWALK, Conn.— July 22, 2024 — Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, successfully closed its summer edition in New York City shattering previous attendance records with an increased attendance of 18 percent —  from attending companies like Calvin Klein, HOKA, L.L. Bean, NOBULL, Peter Millar, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and many others. Apparel CEOs, designers, sourcing and material managers, product development executives from large brands, retailers and independent companies reported how this has become the pinnacle event for performance and sustainable sourcing based on the highly vetted 140-plus sustainable-certified suppliers, showcasing the newest high-performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories for the 2025/2026 seasons.

As a highly coveted event for the apparel industry, the packed and energetic show floor featured cutting-edge innovations, hands-on demonstrations, interactive exhibits that showcased the latest advancements in sustainable textiles as well as education, networking, and business sourcing opportunities unlike any other textile trade event.

“As a functional, innovation-driven show, we offer an exciting, productive experience with a curated lineup of the top vendors, an easy-to-navigate floor plan, vetted sourcing opportunities through Trend Forum displays, engaging activations, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and inform,” states Steve McCullough, event director of Functional Fabric Fair. “We were thrilled to welcome so many returning high-caliber sourcing buyers and professionals as well as first-time attendees in the performance industry. The packed booths and bustling aisles and positive reports from our vendors made the event a remarkable success.”

Exhibitor Alejandra Diaz of Hemp Fortex, added, “Functional Fabric Fair is beneficial because it’s where we can meet with our existing customers and new customers. If I had to describe Functional Fabric Fair in three words it would be intense, exciting and innovative!”

In addition to the show floor sourcing, Functional Fabric Fair’s summer edition featured the following notable activations:

Design Lab (LIVE)

New to the show, the Design Lab (LIVE) was a real-life design and construction demonstration featuring Kelly Dempsey, a sustainable fashion designer celebrated for her innovative approach a to upcycling secondhand materials and past contestant on “Project Runway”.

During day one of the show, the Design Lab (LIVE) was an area where Kelly constructed a stylish performance kimono style jacket in real time using materials from exhibitors with attendees watching and engaging with her as the creative process unfolded. The functional fabrics and accessory products were donated by Cocona 37.5, FLYTEC, Lenzing Fibers and Prym Fashion. The final garment was on display for a silent auction that took place during the drirelease sponsored Happy Hour on Tuesday, July 16 between 5-6 pm. Proceeds from the auction were donated to the charity FABSCRAP.

Trend Forum

An attendee favorite attraction, the Trend Forum, featured displays highlighting 12 key categories including: Baselayer, Midlayer, 2 Layer, 2.5 & 3 Layer, Lightweight & Downproof, Softshell & Outer Midlayer, Shirts, Pants & Tights, Focus Topic, Accessories & Trims, and Function Meets Fashion and New York Exclusive – which specifically focused on a New York fashion-focused audience. Attendees could source an exclusive selection of 100-percent sustainable fabrics from carefully curated samples by a panel of experts from esteemed universities, leading apparel brands, procurement teams, and fabric technologists representing diverse facets of the industry. Once attendees scanned the QR codes on the swatches they could arrange to have a free sample sent to their business.

“This is the leading trade show for all sustainable functional fabrics, everything you see here is the most advanced technology in the fabric, textile, material and manufacturing world – here is where you see the future,” said attendee Isabelle Levine of Forest and Thread.

Expert Talks

The informative Expert Talks Program featured more than 10 sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders, addressing seasonal trends in colors and materials, technical aspects of performance wear fabrics, sustainability and business development. Sessions also explored ethical sourcing, environmental impact, regulations and future industry forecasts, providing valuable knowledge and actionable insights for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the apparel and functional fabric industries.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: RX (Reed Exhibitions)

Heat Healer + Celliant Partner To Launch ‘Wearable Wellness’ Luxury Athleisure Line

LOS ANGELES — July 22, 2024 — CELLIANT has announced a collaboration with Heat Healer,  an Australia-based luxury wellness brand, infusing infrared (IR) performance and recovery benefits into their latest athleisure line. The collaboration will feature three new products, an Activated Lymphatic Onesie, Air Socks, and the Infrared Sauna Suit, all featuring CELLIANT technology.

Heat Healer: Luxury Wellness Brand

Heat Healer was founded in 2019 by Lauren Dovey and created by her passion and journey with the benefits of sauna use, from detoxing and burning calories, to relief from aches and pains, and improved sleep and mental health. Known for its portable infrared sauna blanket, Heat Healer is beloved by international wellness celebrities and fitness experts including Kim Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Travis Barker, and Nina Agdal. Heat Healer is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and U.K. markets, providing thousands of customers with unrivaled luxury wellness in the comfort of their own space.

By partnering with CELLIANT, Heat Healer is introducing new, advanced features and functionalities into its products to enhance athletic performance, support faster recovery and improve overall sleep quality.

Heat Healer And Celliant: Enhancing The Wellness World

Heat Healer’s focus for this line is not just on recovery but on pre-“recovery” — to aid in wellness before recovery is needed. CELLIANT is proven to not only speed up recovery, but also assist in temporarily increasing local circulation, promoting restful sleep, and enhancing comfort, making these items the right choice for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.

According to Seth Casden, CEO of Hologenix, “As part of our dedication to improving health and wellness, nothing excites us more than partners such as Heat Healer’s new products and categories. We are thrilled to help them bring these exciting concepts to fruition.”

Athleisure Line: The Celliant-Powered Heat Healer ‘Wearable Wellness’ Collection

The three latest products in this collection all share the benefits of CELLIANT, coupled with Heat Healer’s own proprietary wellness features such as Antigravity Technology, certified compression and nano-pattern pressure massage. The Activated Lymphatic Onesie offers light compression on your skin, stimulating lymphatic flow towards your lymph nodes. Moreover, the Air Socks combat leg fatigue and swelling, supporting mobility and circulation during flights or long days on your feet.

Completing the initial collection is the patent-pending Infrared Sauna Suit, a unisex set that includes a jacket, pants, and a second jacket option that is cropped. When fastened, the jacket utilizes a non-permeable layer that blocks out water and helps increase core body temperature and accelerate sweat production. When unfastened, the benefits of the garments are activated by CELLIANT, which temporarily increases local circulation and cellular oxygenation, enhancing muscle performance and rejuvenating the body. 

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: Hologenix, LLC

Culp Names Mary Beth Hunsberger As President Of Culp Upholstery Fabrics

HIGH POINT, N.C. — July 22, 2024 — Culp, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, CULP) today announced that its board of directors has named Mary Beth Hunsberger as president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics, effective July 27, 2024, following the planned succession of retiring division president, Boyd Chumbley. Hunsberger joined CULP in January 2024 as the executive vice president of the division and has worked closely with Chumbley over the past six months.

Hunsberger brings more than two decades of expertise in the home furnishings industry to her new position. She joined CULP from DEDON Inc., where she served as controller and then president of North and South America from 2016 through 2023, and concurrently served as the COO of North and South America for Gloster Furniture during 2023. Earlier in her career, Hunsberger also spent 13 years with Tempur + Sealy International Inc. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University and received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hunsberger will report to Culp Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer Iv Culp. Chumbley will remain involved with the upholstery fabrics division in an advisory role to strategically support the company.

Commenting on the announcement, Culp said: “We are very pleased to announce this transition for the executive leadership of Culp Upholstery Fabrics, which is consistent with our strategic plan for the division. I am highly confident that Mary Beth is the right leader to succeed Boyd Chumbley and build on his legacy of steady, consistent leadership. Mary Beth’s broad experience and knowledge of the home furnishings industry, together with her financial and operational experience and vision for the division, will help us continue to build upon the strong foundation of success created under Boyd. The transition has gone extremely well, and we are confident in our company’s future, both near term and long term. We also celebrate Boyd for his exemplary service, loyalty, and leadership over these many years, and we are pleased that we will benefit from his experience as a strategic advisor.”

Chumbley added: “I am delighted that Mary Beth will be the next president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics. She is a terrific fit for our current and future plans, with a focused commitment to our customers, employees, suppliers, and shareholders. I am immensely grateful for my many years at CULP and the valued relationships I have built along the way. I am excited for Mary Beth and the entire upholstery fabrics team as they work to enhance CUF’s strong competitive position as a leading provider of residential and commercial upholstery fabrics and window treatment products.”

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: Culp, Inc.

SHEIN Hosts Second Campus Ambassador Retreat In Los Angeles For More Than 150 U.S. Participants

LOS ANGELES — July 22, 2024 — SHEIN, a global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, hosted its second annual Campus Retreat in Los Angeles on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. The event commenced with a Friday evening reception at the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles, welcoming more than 150 of the nation’s top SHEIN campus ambassadors.

SHEIN Campus Ambassadors gather to take group photo at the Summer House.

On Saturday morning, the retreat continued at the SHEIN Summer House with fun-filled activations including a clothing suite featuring brands such as GLOWMODE, evoluSHEIN and an exclusive sneak peek at SHEIN’s latest clothing brand, WESTFADE, now sold on SHEIN. Activities included a yoga session, a permanent jewelry station, a SHEIN Studio offering full-glam makeovers and more.

Ambassadors also participated in SHEIN’s circular fashion movement, the SHEIN Exchange program. Participants brought in gently used clothing to exchange for pre-loved items from peers in order to extend the life of the items as long as possible. The initiative served as an opportunity to continue to inspire the SHEIN community to give their pre-owned clothes a new life while promoting the environmental benefits of swapping clothing over buying new.

Saturday evening, the students gathered at One Hotel in Los Angeles for the SHEIN Campus Gala, where top ambassadors were honored with awards in categories including Most Influential, Above & Beyond, Best State Chapter, Most Creative and Ambassador of the Year.

The SHEIN Campus Ambassador Program has more than 50,000 participants from across the United States. The program supports its fashion-loving community by organizing various live and virtual events featuring engaging discussions about the fashion industry, career mentoring and networking opportunities that can open doors to future professional connections. Ambassadors also receive benefits, including commissions and rewards, special giveaways, access to internship opportunities and mentorship programs.

To become a SHEIN Campus Ambassador, applicants must be at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in a university or college in the United States and authorized to work in the United States.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: SHEIN Distribution Company

Piana Technology’s Newly Expanded Solar Power System Reduces Its Energy Consumption By 70 Percent

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — July 22, 2024 —  Piana Technology, a 442-year-old Italian-made textile company known for its innovations in the fiber and nonwovens markets, has recently activated an expanded solar panel system at its Nonwovens facility in Cartersville, Ga. This upgrade marks another significant milestone for the company, enhancing its sustainability efforts and local energy contributions.

Piana Technology’s newly expanded solar power system reduces its energy consumption by 70% while also contributing to the local energy supply

The new expanded photovoltaic (PV) system has been operational since Saturday, July 13, 2024. With this upgrade, Piana Technology’s grid electricity consumption is now offset by up to 70 percent. Any solar overproduction is fed back into the city’s grid, contributing to the local energy supply. The expanded system adds an extra 622,600 kWh per year to the facility’s production capability, resulting in a total of 1,244,800 kWh of solar energy produced annually. This will enable the company to avoid an additional 460 tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 125 acres of trees.

Piana Technology collaborated with Southern View Energy, a local solar electrical design and installation company, to bring this project to fruition. Their careful design and construction of this project was a huge boon towards the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Andrea Piana, CEO of Piana Technology, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “The installation of our expanded solar panel system underscores our enduring commitment to sustainability and innovation. This project not only advances our environmental goals but also strengthens our relationship with our community by contributing to local energy production.”

Silvia Galasso, executive vice president of Piana Sleep, commented: “This initiative is vital for Piana Sleep’s sustainability vision. Our V/Smart nonwoven fiber, produced at this facility, comprises about 50 percent of our products. Using renewable energy in our production process is in line with our dedication to creating environmentally responsible and high-quality products.”

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: Piana Technology

Suzano Starts Operation Of The World’s Largest Pulp Production Line

SÃO PAULO — July 22, 2024 — Suzano has announced the successful operational startup of its new single pulp production line in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. This marks the completion of one of Brazil’s largest ever private investment projects.

This state-of-the-art facility will have an annual production capacity of 2.55 million metric tons of eucalyptus pulp, increasing Suzano’s production capacity by more than 20 percent to 13.5 million metric tons a year. The project is the result of a total investment of R$ 22.2 billion (U.S.$4.3 billion), of which R$ 15.9 billion (U.S.$3.1 billion) was allocated for the construction of the plant and R$ 6.3 billion (U.S.$1.2 billion) was earmarked for initiatives such as the formation of the planting base and the pulp outbound logistics. Suzano also has the capacity to produce 1.5 million metric tons of paper per year, including sanitary paper, printing and writing and packaging lines, among other products that use pulp as raw material.

“The successful completion of the Cerrado Project reflects the dedication and execution capability of each person involved in this grand and transformative project. It also attests to the culture of excellence that permeates the entire organization, masterfully led by Walter Schalka during his 11-year tenure here,” said Beto Abreu, newly-named CEO of Suzano. “His vision and ambition have proven key in delivering a world-class mill within the planned budget. Crucially, this is also a project which has, at every stage, adhered to Suzano’s core focus on supporting sustainability and having a positive impact on local communities”, he added.

In line with Suzano’s ESG Commitments to Renewing Life, the site has been purpose-built to meet global demand for sustainably produced eucalyptus-based products. The mill will use renewable biomass to produce, on average, 180 MW of surplus green power a month. This energy, which will be directed toward the mill’s local suppliers as well as the national grid, is enough to power a city of up to 2 million inhabitants. The proximity of the mill to Suzano’s eucalyptus farms means emissions and time from logging transportation will be significantly reduced. The structural distance from forest-to-mill is only 65 kilometers on average compared to Suzano’s structural average supply radius of 150 km. The plant will also be self-sufficient in the production of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.

This is the largest investment in Suzano’s 100-year history and has a series of operational and socio-environmental advances. “The new plant will lay the foundations for future growth opportunities, such as the development of innovative new products from renewable raw material, and strengthen Suzano’s irreplicable business model,” said Walter Schalka, who recently stepped down as CEO of Suzano after an 11-year journey in charge of the company.

The completed project will also have a major impact on both the local community and wider regional economy. Having created as many as 10,000 jobs during the construction phase, the operational mill will now provide 3,000 full-time jobs at the mill and the surrounding forestry and logistic operations.

In tandem with this, Suzano is making significant investments into improving local infrastructure and broadening access to quality education and healthcare. The company delivered more than R$300 million in construction and equipment in the municipality, in building new housing units and a new medical center and in voluntary social initiatives focused on sustainable development, income generation and reduction of poverty indicators in the region. These investments were distributed in seven axes of action: education, income generation, rights protection, infrastructure, health, relationship with communities and work.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: Suzano

Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection: PERFECT BALANCE By Biella Yarn — Yarns For Flat Knitting

NUREMBERG, Germany,  — July 22, 2024 — This season, Biella Yarn’s flat knitting collection captures the essence of nature’s textures and colors, offering a perfect balance for slowing down and reconnecting in our fast-paced world. Drawing inspiration from the subtle patterns found in nature, such as soft waves in sand and organic markings on stone, the collection presents tone-on-tone color mixtures that emanate a sense of calm, minimalism and harmony.

The collection features classic yarns like Victoria Nm 2/30 (100-percent Merino Wool Extrafine) and Brisbane Nm 2/60 (100-percent Merino Wool Superfine), as well as elegant Merino/Silk blends such as Katherine Nm 2/48 (75-percent Merino Wool Extrafine/25-percent Silk). This season, our core collection expands to include luxurious fine bouclé yarns like Fluffy Nm 14000 (81-percent Merino Wool Extrafine/19-percent Polyamide) and blends that combine the natural softness of wool with the elasticity of PBT, including Beacon Nm 2/44 (95.5-percent Merino Wool Extrafine/4.5-percent PBT), Barrier Nm 2/54 (94-percent Merino Wool Superfine/6-percent PBT), and Wave Nm 2/76 (92-percent Merino Wool Superfine/8-percent PBT).

The renowned stock service for Victoria Nm 2/30 and Brisbane Nm 2/60 has been enhanced with a palette of warm, tonal shades, wellness-inspired pastels, and contemporary classics in rich browns, deep reds, and vibrant yellows. The new color card for Jawalan Nm 2/28 (100-percent Wool, untreated) adds to this with an array of mélange and solid colors. These new colors are also available in our digital color cards, reflecting our commitment to the growing importance of digital solutions in fashion product development.

Inspired by this season’s theme, our partner MRC Knitwear Research Lab has crafted garments featuring plush jacquards, varied textures, and uneven surfaces by combining contrasting yarn textures with special stitches. The designs include fine weight inlay jacquards and chunky stitch mixes in bulky wools. Double-faced fabrics blend fine Merino Wool/Silk (Katherine Nm 2/48) with Extrafine Merino Wool bouclé (Fluffy Nm 14000), creating relief textures in smooth, compact fabrics. For men’s jackets, inlay techniques add subtle textures using fine bouclés mixed with 100-percent Merino Wool bases (Victoria Nm 2/30), and 3-dimensional stitches employ bulky Merino Wool blends (Baltoro Pro GRS Nm 2/28, 70-percent Merino Wool Extrafine/30-percent Polyester GRS High Bulk). Bi-color ribs achieve extra texture by mixing clean wools (Victoria Nm 2/30) with fine bouclés (Fluffy Nm 14000), suitable for men’s sweaters and scarves on 7gg or simple dresses on 14 gg. Special stitches create uneven 3D textures for women’s wear, by plying Victoria Nm 2/30 in subtle marls, mixing three colors to produce loop jacquards with front and reverse jersey. For menswear, Sogno Nm 2/3000 (100-percent Merino Wool Fine) on 3g creates extra chunky relief patterns in patchwork stitches.

In collaboration with KNITWEAR LAB, the Dutch Design and Development Centre renowned for their knitting expertise, we have furthered our digitalization efforts by creating a digital twin of the garment we are showcasing at Pitti Filati. This Virtual Knitting project aims to explore, demonstrate, and inspire the future of knitwear through digital innovation.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: Suedwolle Group

Successful Sale Of The New MAX GLASS ECO Composite Machine From KARL MAYER

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — July 22, 2024 — With the MAX GLASS ECO, the KARL MAYER Technical Textiles Business Unit offers a reliable production machine for the extremely economical manufacture of standard reinforcement textiles made from glass fibers, in particular non-crimp fabrics for the wind power industry. The economical newcomer can be adapted to the requirements of different application areas thanks to various optional functions and combines short amortization times with highest efficiency. At a maximum speed of 1,800 min-1, it produces up to 410 m/h at a working width of 101 inches. This performance is very well received on the composite market. Since the launch of the MAX GLASS ECO at JEC World in March this year, several purchase agreements have already been signed.

Rymatex: The sales team from KARL MAYER and its regional representative talking to Zbigniew Mendelowski, owner and managing director of Rymatex, and his sales manager Robert Szalajko about the MAX GLASS ECO

Some machines are going to India, and a larger number has been ordered by Chinese customers. Even the demonstration models in the KARL MAYER GROUP customer centers in Changzhou and Chemnitz have already been sold. However, the MAX GLASS ECO at KARL MAYER Technische Textilien in Saxony can still be used for processing trials and performance tests until September.

There is also great interest in Eastern Europe. At Techtextil 2024 in Frankfurt, for example, the new composite machine was a topic of numerous meetings with Ralf Schramm, sales manager at KARL MAYER Technische Textilien for this region. “I held many orientation discussions about the machine’s performance. But there were also customers with specific purchase requests, including the Polish manufacturer of high-quality, professional solutions for the composites industry, Rymatex,” said the sales professional.

Beth Dufresne from Owens Corning’s glass reinforcements business sums up what convinces customers of the MAX GLASS ECO: ” KARL MAYER has combined many proven solutions from its multiaxial machine line and thus the advantages of these in the MAX GLASS ECO.” A statement from an expert! Owens Corning is one of the very first customers of KARL MAYER in the multiaxial sector. Mrs. Beth Dufresne has been working with the machines of this innovative partner to the composites industry for many years. KARL MAYER introduced her to the MAX GLASS ECO via presentation and video material, and she was particularly impressed by its best-of-all concept.

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

AATCC Announces Concept 2 Consumer  (C2C) Student Design Competition Award Winners

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — July 22, 2024 — Every year, students from all over the world participate in AATCC’s Concept 2 Consumer (C2C) Student Design competition. This competition is a poster competition that allows students the opportunity to showcase their creative design and problem-solving skills in textile/apparel design. The 2024 theme, “Vibrant Vacation — Colorful Resort Wear,” asked students to design a colorful resort wear apparel line that includes the use of sustainable fibers, dyes, or printing technology. Students had to research color trends and define the target market, keeping in mind color, quality, and sustainability. As part of AATCC’s mission to empower a more innovative, informed, and sustainable future, students were also asked to include two to three AATCC Test Methods that would help verify their product sustainability claims.

First Place

This year’s first-place winner is Jessica Singleton. She is pursuing a PhD in Textile Technology at North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) Wilson College of Textiles. Singleton’s winning entry, titled Kinfolk, is a resort capsule menswear collection driven by technology and designed to ignite inspiration and foster cultural interconnectedness. She focused on eco-friendly digital and sublimation printing for the collection, as well as comfort and convenience—tailoring the collection to fit diverse body shapes and sizes.

Singleton says that she “learned more about color standards and how to incorporate them into my own brand.” She used AATCC Test Methods TM111, Test Method for Weather Resistance of Textiles: Exposure to Daylight and Weather; TM106, AATCC TM106 Test Method for Colorfastness to Water: Sea; and TM125, Colorfastness to Perspiration and Light to validate her product line’s quality and sustainability.

For winning first place, Singleton was awarded US$1,000 from AATCC, a US$500 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Second Place

This year’s second-place winner is Lianna DeLuna, pursuing a degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing at Texas Tech University. Her ski resort apparel line for young women, A Bright Chill, is inspired by the patterns and colors of the Arctic, from the shapes of ice crystals to the colors of the Aurora Borealis. The sustainability focus of this line focuses on the use of recycled polyester and faux fur.

“This competition pushed me to expand my knowledge about sustainable practices and has inspired me to implement them in my future design projects,” says DeLuna. “In the future, I hope to start my own brand that challenges me to think sustainably with the textiles and patterns I use.”

The AATCC test methods she used included TM111, Weather Resistance of Textiles: Exposure to Daylight and Weather; TM16.1, Colorfastness to Light: Outdoor; and TM22, Water Repellency: Spray Test—validating the kinds of performance these products will have to embody as ski resort apparel.

For second place, DeLuna was awarded        US$750 from AATCC, a US$250 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Third Place

This year’s third-place winner is Samantha “Sammie” Neno. She is pursuing a degree in Apparel Design at Auburn University. Her young women’s resort wear collection, entitled Colores Del Sol, is centered around ethical labor, Pima cotton, and traditional natural Peruvian dyes.

Neno says that the competition “was a wonderful experience that not only helped me learn digital design, but also gave me the opportunity to research topics from chemistry to ethical labor. This allowed me to grow confident in my skills as a designer, which will help me as I continue my time at Auburn and discern my career goals.”

She used AATCC TM16.1, Colorfastness to Light: Outdoor; TM106 Colorfastness to Water: Sea; and TM162 Colorfastness to Water: Chlorinated Pool to test the fastness of the natural dyes on her resort wear line.

Neno’s third-place prizes include US$200 from AATCC, a US$125 Spoonflower Gift Certificate, a Datacolor ColorReader, and one year of free AATCC Student Membership.

Developers, Judges, and Sponsors

AATCC would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the following developers, judges, and sponsors. Without their expertise and assistance, the competition would not have been possible.

Developers

  • Sandra Johnson, Color Solutions International
  • Kerry King, North Carolina State University
  • Muditha Senanayake, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Judges

  • Lisa Beck, Datacolor
  • Craig Crawford, CrawfordIT and Differently Enabled
  • Connie Huffa, Fabdesigns Inc.
  • Julie Katzenberger, QA Management
  • Lauren Koury, Carolina Hosiery
  • Kristie Rhodes, Cotton Incorporated
  • Anita Whitlow, Jeffries Socks
  • Carrie Yates, Cotton Incorporated

Sponsors

Posted: July 22, 2024

Source: AATCC

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