Colombiamoda Returns To Miami With New Ideas For Business, Relationships And Style

By Dr. Virgilio L. González, Textiles Panamericanos Correspondent

After the success achieved last year, Colombiamoda returns to Miami, making Swim Week 2025 part of its internationalization strategy. The objective is to present Colombian Fashion Week as a platform, connecting the region’s fashion ecosystem through experiences of relationship, business and lifestyle.

May 29- 31, 2025, in a curated space named Casa Colombiamoda, buyers and other visitors will be able to connect with 20 Colombia-based brands. This event consolidates the country’s presence in the highly competitive U.S. market with an offer based on a differentiated DNA, global mindset global and sustainable designs. The event, organized by Inexmoda, reinforces the international positioning of Colombian fashion manufacturing, and is a platform for designers and brands to connect with strategic buyers, in order to expand a global position.

The United States, Colombia’s main trading partner, continues to see great market opportunities for Colombian brands. According to Inexmoda´s Fashion Observatory, during 2024, Colombia exported more than $223 million in textiles and apparel to the United States with 333 tariff items to 1,009 customers. This represented 31 percent of Colombian textile exports. Moreover, in 2024, fashion and textile imports reached a total value of approximately $107 billion. This represents an increase of 2.66 percent compared to $104.93 billion registered in 2023.

“Our Fashion System crosses borders to show the world its creative power, its vibrant identity and its capacity to create effective networking through its brands,” said Manuela Cómez, head of Internationalization, Inexmoda. “With the Opening of Colombiamoda Miami, we restate our commitment of boosting the Colombian designers and brands on international markets, connecting them with new business opportunities and highlighting their differential value characterizing our industry. When talent meets opportunities, the outcome is transformation.”

Sebastian Diez (left), executive president of the Colombia-based Inexmoda at the 2024 event in Miami.

Miami: The “Bridge” Of Colombian Design Worldwide

Miami has become a strategic location for fashion because of its geographical advantages between Latin America and key markets including New York, Paris and Milan. With its vibrant ecosystem of buyers and consumers, the city offers an ideal platform for Colombian brands seeking international recognition and expansion.

Statistics platform Statistica estimated that Florida clothing and accessory brands generated income of $25 billion in 2024. In addition, Business Insurance USA determined that sales of resort apparel increased 25 percent last year, reflecting a growing preference of styles related to the climate and lifestyle in Florida.

Colombiamoda – Colombian Fashion Week – chose Miami for the second time as an international destination to highlight the capabilities of the national Fashion System, reaffirming the rise of Colombian design in markets where fashion brands show special leadership. Its presence in Swim Week responds to the growth of the national industry, where a seal unites sustainability and innovation, in order to offer unique products in the global market.

Opening Colombiamoda: The Showcase Of Colombian Design In Miami

In this edition, 20 Colombian brands will make their debut at Casa Colombiamoda. Among the brands are: Anthias, Antoine Atelier, Bamboleira ,Bless HS, Cambil, Celestino, Clea, Gracies, Infinita Es Infinita, Matilda, Mayorga, Mia Mulatta, Plisse, Relicario, Simona, Tinta Latina and Toscano.

In addition, brands such as GoRigoGo and Action Black, will participate representing the connection between fashion and sports, cultural and entertainment experiences.

It is worth mentioning that Fedex is supporting three participating brands, reaffirming its commitment to the internationalization of Colombian talent and its ability to conquer global consumers.

The opening show will be led by Colombian designer Andrés Otálora, and the Bless brand will have a leading role in the runway program. Both brands will highlight identity and sophistication of Colombian design in the Opening of Colombiamoda in Miami.

With the initiatives and the leadership of Inexmoda, the show has become not only a commercial event but an ecosystem strategic system for business, training and expansion. As part of this vision, in 2024, 300 Colombia-based brands went through​ specialized training with Inquire Studios, which is focused on export strategies and international marketing. The brands participating in the Showroom of the Opening of Colombiamoda Miami will also receive the training, which reinforces Inexmoda’s commitment to exhibiting brands.

With this second edition in Miami, Colombiamoda – Colombian Fashion Week – is growing as an expansion platform for Colombian design. More than a fair, it is a bridge to internationalization, where brands of Colombia with their authenticity and unique seal, can affirm their role in the global fashion industry.

For more information, please visit colombiamoda.com/en/colombiamoda-international.

May 13, 2025

Polartec Alpha Celebrates 13 Years Of Game-Changing Active Insulation

SPARTANBURG, S.C.  — May 12, 2025  — Polartec®, a Milliken™ & Company brand renowned for pioneering sustainable and innovative textile solutions, honors the evolution of Polartec® Alpha™, a unique collection of active insulation fabrics that have revolutionized thermal regulation. The new Alpha Rewind campaign retraces the material’s remarkable journey, from when it was first commissioned to ensure dynamic warmth in start-stop conditions to becoming one of the most influential fabrics in outdoor and sports apparel design. Celebrating the material that has redefined performance with its quick-drying, durable, ultralight, and multifunctional properties, this campaign invites the world to rediscover the original active insulation that rewrote the rules.

From the very beginning Polartec Alpha was engineered to handle extreme environments, rigorous activities, and rapid shifts in temperature. The result was a fabric unlike anything before it. Polartec Alpha has since transformed the way the world thinks about warmth, breathability, and lightweight comfort. Since its debut thirteen years ago and the launch of what the world now knows as “active insulation”, Polartec Alpha remains an undeniable benchmark for advanced thermal regulation technology.

Contrary to traditional insulation, which is prone to trapping heat and humidity, Polartec Alpha delivers dynamic temperature regulation, keeping heat in when you need it and letting it out when you don’t. Its lofted fibers and mesh core create an ultra-breathable structure that actively resists moisture, dries rapidly, and delivers warmth without the weight. Available in a wide range of versions and varieties, Polartec Alpha offers the perfect balance of performance, versatility and aesthetic appeal for highly technical outdoor gear and moisture-wicking midlayers for cutting-edge streetwear and technical fashion.

The incredible adaptability of Polartec Alpha makes it a favorite among mountaineers, hikers, trail runners, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. First, it comes in multiple weights, allowing you to select the appropriate insulation level for each specific need. It also comes in different configurations — with or without a backing fabric and with or without the addition of natural wool. In this latter case, the fabric composition combines the thermoregulation and comfort of wool with the insulative performance of the synthetic fibers. As a result, Polartec Alpha can be used to add an insulative layer to jackets, midlayers, and hybrid garments, or it can be worn as a single layer within soft, next-to-skin apparel.

Key Polartec Alpha Features:

  • Thermodynamic performance: Active heat regulation for changing conditions and unpredictable environments
  • High Breathability: Moisture resistant and fast drying to keep up with high output activities
  • Fully Compressible: Soft to the touch and made to layer comfortably with other fabrics
  • Lightweight Construction: Optimal warmth-to-weight ratio that packs down small when needed

Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president at Milliken & Company and business manager at Polartec, emphasized, “For more than a decade, Polartec Alpha has exceeded every expectation, revolutionizing the concept of insulation by providing consistent warmth without overheating, even during high-intensity activities. In addition to redefining what’s possible in outdoor, military, and fashion applications, Polartec Alpha proves that true thermodynamic comfort comes from a fabric’s ability to breathe, adapt, and move with you.”

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Polartec®, a Milliken & Company brand

Culp Completes Sale Of Canada Manufacturing Facility

HIGH POINT, N.C.  — May 12, 2025  — Culp Inc., a provider of fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture, today announced the completion of the sale of its mattress fabric manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada. The transaction occurred in the first week of the company’s new fiscal year and marks the completion of the restructuring plan announced approximately one year ago.

The purchase price for the facility was CA$8.6 million (USD$6.2 million), with CA$2.0 million (USD$1.4 million) received at closing and the balance to be paid with interest over the course of six to 12 months. The company currently expects to realize approximately $3.0 to $3.5 million in cash proceeds net of all taxes and commissions, which it intends to use to reduce outstanding debt and enhance financial flexibility.

Iv Culp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Culp, Inc.

Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp Inc., commented: “I’d like to thank our team for their efficiency in executing on our restructuring plan. Our ability to reshape the cost structure of our mattress fabric business and complete the final step of selling our facility in Canada within a year is a testament to their focus and dedication. We were pleased to monetize the facility in what ultimately proved to be a softer local industrial market than originally anticipated that was made more challenging by some rezoning and utility service issues impacting the property. Exiting the facility also allows us to avoid monthly carrying costs in the six figures for insurance, maintenance and the like going forward, and the cash proceeds from the sale further strengthen our balance sheet and liquidity as we enter our new fiscal year.”

Culp continued: “I’d also like to thank all of our former associates and the community in Quebec for their contributions to the long run of success we enjoyed there. Consolidating our Canada operations into our U.S. platform was a difficult decision, but we never hesitate to make changes when in the best interests of our customers and shareholders. Our new streamlined operating model, along with an expanded U.S. manufacturing capacity and nearshore and offshore options in Haiti/Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Turkey and China, offers customers a uniquely flexible and cost-effective supply chain to bring their products to market in the current trade environment.”

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Culp, Inc.

Ascend Begins Production Of High-Purity Acrylonitrile

HOUSTON — May 12, 2025  — Ascend Performance Materials announced today the production of high-purity acrylonitrile at its Chocolate Bayou plant in Alvin, Texas, after the installation and commissioning of new purification equipment.

“We’re excited to provide our high-purity acrylonitrile into new end-markets and support technologies that drive innovation and sustainability,” said Alex Mihut, vice president of performance chemicals at Ascend. “This advancement not only strengthens our product portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to delivering essential materials that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.”

Acrylonitrile is used to make a variety of polymers and synthetic rubbers. High-purity acrylonitrile has applications in aerospace, renewable energy technologies and healthcare. Ascend’s equipment was funded in part through a contract with the U.S. government to ensure the supply of vital raw materials for the domestic production of nitrile rubber gloves.

“This is a significant milestone in this site’s 63-year history,” said Scott Van Wagener, senior site director of the Chocolate Bayou plant. “We continue to invest in technologies that grow our site and support our customers’ growth.”

Besides high-purity acrylonitrile, Ascend will further expand capabilities in Chocolate Bayou to include acetonitrile production. Acetonitrile is primarily used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

National Retail Federation (NRF): Statement On U.S.-China Tariffs Agreement 

WASHINGTON — May 12, 2025  — The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that it will reduce tariffs on imports from China for 90 days to continue trade negotiations.

“We applaud the U.S. and China for agreeing to a 90-day pause on the 125 percent reciprocal and retaliatory tariffs. We are encouraged by these constructive negotiations, which provide for a significant de-escalation in the current trade relationship.

“This temporary pause is a critical first step to provide some short-term relief for retailers and other businesses that are in the midst of ordering merchandise for the winter holiday season. And over the long term, this lays the foundation for substantial progress in achieving truly fair and balanced trade relationships with both China and our other trade partners around the world.

“We urge the administration and our Chinese trade partners to continue discussions to address the ongoing issues, work to remove the remaining national security tariffs, and provide long-term stability between the two largest global economies.”

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Crowley’s Copán Expands Shipping Capabilities For U.S., Central America And Caribbean

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  — May 12, 2025  — Copán, the second vessel in Crowley’s Avance Class fleet of LNG-powered container ships, has begun its inaugural commercial operations from the Port of Jacksonville, Fla., (JAXPORT), further expanding the company’s capacity and enhancing speed of ocean shipping for the Caribbean Basin.

Named for one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization in Honduras, Copán was specifically designed to quickly and frequently deliver cargo while using lower emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) for fuel.

These capabilities make the Avance Class vessels — pronounced in Spanish “ah-bahn-seh” with the English meaning of advance — uniquely suited to quickly transport perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals, as well as retail products, apparel, breakbulk cargo between the U.S., Central America and the Dominican Republic. The 1,400-TEU (20-foot equivalent units) ships can serve diverse container sizes for dry cargo and feature capacity for 300 refrigerated containers in their weekly port calls.

“Copán and its sister ships continue our investments to innovate our frequent and fast ocean carrier capabilities to meeting the critical needs of customer in the U.S., Central America and the Dominican Republic,” said Brett Bennett, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Logistics. “These vessels build on Crowley’s decades-long commitment for diverse and robust supply chain solutions in the Caribbean Basin while advancing LNG as a solution in the maritime industry’s ongoing energy transition.”

With its name, Copán and its sister ships embody Central America’s rich cultural heritage while reflecting the beauty and significance of this extraordinary part of the world. Not far from the border with Guatemala, Copán is a former citadel with public squares that reveal its three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th Century.

Crowley initiated service of the first ship in its Avance Class, Quetzal, in April, and two more ships are expected to initiate service this year under charter with Eastern Pacific Shipping.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Crowley

 

Lectra Continues Global Expansion Of Valia Fashion To New Key Markets

ATLANTA  — April 30, 2025  — Lectra — a provider of technology solutions for accelerating the transition to Industry 4.0 for players in fashion, automotive, and furniture — today announced the expansion of its Valia Fashion platform to new key markets across the globe, including: Mexico, Brazil and South America.

This expansion is a significant step in the company’s journey to accelerate the global fashion industry’s transition to Industry 4.0. Valia Fashion, Lectra’s intelligent cloud-based solution that connects the whole cutting room to automate and streamline each stage of apparel production was first launched in the United States, Canada and Europe in October 2024 and has demonstrated strong, early successes.

“We’re dedicated to helping our customers remain competitive and agile in the market and meet the latest technological demands of fashion industry,” said Lenny Marano, president of the Americas at Lectra. “Valia Fashion is a revolutionary solution that empowers fashion brands and manufacturers to connect, automate and streamline every step of apparel production. Since our initial launch, we’ve seen a great response from our customers who are using this technology to further reduce operational costs across their businesses. We are excited to continue expanding Valia Fashion’s global footprint to even more fashion enterprises.”

Valia Fashion centralizes global orders and streamlines production, offering real-time visibility for faster decision-making and optimized operations. By connecting to all equipment in the cutting room, apparel manufacturers can seamlessly integrate the solution into existing workflows and digitize their production cycle.

Chicago Protective Apparel Taps Lectra’s Valia Fashion for Made to Order Digital Manufacturing

On the heels of Valia Fashion’s global expansion, Chicago Protective Apparel — a division of Mechanix Wear that offers a wide range of high hazard personal protective apparel for various industries including heavy manufacturing, foundry, electrical/utilities — will now be using Valia Fashion to scale current production and accelerate the company’s growth. Valia Fashion will enable Chicago Protective Apparel to centralize orders and distribute production across its different manufacturing sites, reduce waste, automate processes, and provide greater visibility on fabric consumption.

“This integration marks a shift from fragmented legacy systems to a smarter, more connected production model,” said Keith Christiansen, president and general manager at Chicago Protective Apparel. “Lectra’s Valia Fashion minimizes our reliance on manual processes by creating a scalable digital infrastructure that gives us real-time visibility into open orders, scheduling, fabric utilization and production performance — transforming how we make decisions, drive measurable efficiency to optimize resources, improve service levels, and more strategically plan for future growth.”

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Lectra

Apparel And Footwear Industry Responds To U.S.-China De-Escalation Deal On Tariffs

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — May 12, 2025  — The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds to today’s Joint Statement on U.S.-China Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, proclaiming a 90-day pause with U.S. tariffs reduced to 30 percent and China tariffs reduced to 10 percent beginning May 14.

“The 90-day pause is welcome and may temporarily help unstick the effective trade embargo that has been in place with respect to U.S./China trade since April 9. Sadly, the residual 30 percent tariff, stacked on top of the existing Section 301 and ‘most favored nation’ (MFN) tariffs, will still make for an expensive back to school and holiday season for most Americans. If freight rates spike due to the tariff-induced shipping disruptions — which will take months to unwind — we could see costs and prices creep up even further. What’s needed now is a long-term deal — not just with China but with all our trading partners — so we can predictably make long term trade, investment, and sourcing decisions,” said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar.

Today’s news follows weeks of advocacy by AAFA and others urging de-escalation and deals and explaining how the current tariff policy does not support more U.S. manufacturing in our industry or the 3.5 million U.S. workers the industry currently employs. Access additional AAFA statements on tariffs over the past several months.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Swissmem Textile Machinery Industry Sector Elects President And Board

ZURICH, Switzerland  — May 12, 2025  — The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is the representative body for Switzerland’s providers of textile equipment, systems and services. Its general assembly on May 8 elected experienced industry leaders as president and board members.

Davide Maccabruni

The association’s new president is Davide Maccabruni, CEO of Uster Technologies AG. His role is to lead the board in defining strategies and key focus areas.

Assessing the challenges facing the industry, Maccabruni states: “The Swiss textile machinery industry still holds unique strengths that can secure its success well into the future. To achieve this, however, we must focus on aligning our capabilities, working together, and supporting one another.”

The board of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association (left to right): Ralph von Arx, Andreas Conzelmann, Davide Maccabruni, Cornelia Buchwalder (Secretary General), André Imhof, Beat Meienberger, Martin Zürcher

A new member of the association board has also been elected. He is Martin Zürcher (Heberlein Technology AG), who joins Beat Meienberger (Benninger AG), André Imhof (Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG), Andreas Conzelmann (Jakob Müller AG) and Ralph von Arx (Retech AG), the latter taking on the role of vice-president.

Maccabruni succeeds Ernesto Maurer, the association’s president for the past 10 years. Maurer has been an active board member since 2011, becoming president in 2015. During his service, he has made a significant contribution to strengthening the innovative power and international visibility of the Swiss textile machinery industry.

The Swiss Textile Machinery sector was founded in 1940 and is the longest-established industry sector within Swissmem. It currently has 42 affiliated companies, including manufacturers of machines and components, and service providers, for the textile industry. The association supports its members in fostering innovation initiatives and education. A major focus is on joint market access campaigns, through a successful program of international symposia. Recent events have been held in Mexico and the United States, and another is planned for Morocco later this year.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: The Swiss Textile Machinery Association (SWISSMEM)

Universal Fiber Systems Appoints Jonathan Craig As Chief Executive Officer

BRISTOL, Va. — May 9, 2025  — Universal Fiber Systems℠ LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Craig as CEO, effective May 5, 2025. Craig brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in the polymers industry, with a proven record of driving growth, innovation and operational excellence.

Jonathan Craig

“The Universal Fiber Systems team and Board of Directors are excited to welcome Jonathan Craig as our new CEO,” said Marc Ammen, outgoing CEO and executive board chair. “Jonathan’s extensive expertise in fiber technologies and global business strategy, shaped by key leadership roles within our supply chain ecosystem, makes him an excellent choice to lead UFS into its next chapter.”

Craig succeeds Ammen, who is retiring after more than 15 years as CEO and 25 years with Universal Fiber Systems. Under Ammen’s leadership, UFS achieved significant growth, establishing global manufacturing sites and completing key acquisitions, including Sapona Yarns and Fiber Innovation Technologies. Ammen will continue to serve as executive chair of the Board of Directors.

Craig joins Universal Fiber Systems from Ascend Performance Materials, where he most recently served as vice president of Polymers and Fibers. During his tenure, he was instrumental in delivering significant profit growth by driving operational efficiency, customer-focused innovation, and industry-leading sustainability initiatives. He led the transformation of a specialty chemicals division and previously held senior roles in supply chain and finance at Ascend. Earlier in his career, Craig also held leadership positions at Bigler LP and Biogen Idec.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for UFS, as the company expands its global footprint and now serves twenty-seven end markets through targeted investments and strategic acquisitions.

“I’m honored to join Universal Fiber Systems and lead such a talented and dedicated team,” Craig said. “UFS has a strong history of innovation and serving diverse customer needs. I’m excited to build on that legacy and work closely with our teams and customers to create meaningful solutions for the future. This opportunity is not just a professional milestone but also a meaningful transition for my family. I’m grateful for the support of my wife Elizabeth and our four children as we begin this next chapter together.”

Posted: May 12, 2025

Source: Universal Fiber Systems℠ LLC

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