Meet Kephi, The New Sustainable Brand Redefining Luxury Basics

LONDON — December 6, 2020 — With fashion as one of the most polluting industries in the world, now more than ever, consumers and brands place great emphasis on how products are manufactured, where they are sourced from and the sustainable qualities of its materials.

It is estimated that 85 percent of all textiles end up in landfills while washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic and toxic chemicals into the ocean. Not to mention water and energy consumption, human cost and a myriad of other issues.

This growing sense of uneasiness around the way the fashion industry was set up was largely what motivated the launch of fashion label Kephi. Its founders not only saw the need to address the absence of transparency, ethics and respect for the environment but also wanted to create deeply meaningful apparel that reminds the world that “we all have an active role in our collective future.”

Kephi believes in the transforming power of clothing and how it can change a person’s mindset. This is why adopting a new approach to conscious dressing can positively influence the way people feel, their well-being and cause a profound and lasting impact in every aspect of a person’s life.

For this reason, the brand develops every garment taking into account its environmental impact by using sustainably sourced materials such as recycled fabrics and organic cottons. In addition, Kephi ensures responsible manufacturing is conducted and carefully considers ethical factors like wages and safe working conditions for the people who make the pieces.

Kephi focuses on meticulously constructed wardrobe essentials, like tracksuits, t-shirts, hand-dyed denim and sharply cut blazers in a neutral colour palette which renders both menswear and womenswear collections with an effortlessly cool style that have a timeless and luxurious appeal.

But more than just creating sustainable clothing, Kephi wants to emphasise on their bigger mission to generate and promote a positive mindset which ultimately leads to great constructive changes. It’s no wonder its founders were inspired by the Greek word ‘kefi’ — which usually refers to joy, passion and happiness — to name their brand.

But this encouraging spirit that underlines the brand not only present as an abstract concept: positive and inspiring messages are literally embroidered and printed on the clothing, adding to Kephi’s thinking outside of the box when it comes to design and originality.

Indeed, Kephi aims to be a voice for those who are brave, those who are not afraid to show their passion for life and dare to work hard to achieve goals.

The founders want each and every piece be more than a great item of clothing that lasts, they want it to serve as a tool to empower people who want to create meaning and drive positive action in their own life and the lives of others.

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: Kephi

Neiman Marcus Group Expands Board Of Directors With Appointment Of Paul Brown

DALLAS — December 7, 2020 — Neiman Marcus Holding Co., Inc. today announced the appointment of Paul Brown to serve as non-executive chair of its board of directors, effective December 7, 2020. Brown currently serves as cofounder and CEO of Inspire Brands, one of the larger restaurant companies in the United States. Brown’s numerous leadership roles span 20 years at Inspire, Hilton, Expedia, McKinsey and Company, and Boston Consulting Group and make him uniquely qualified in guiding transformative initiatives, leading successful customer loyalty programs, and driving e-Commerce and digital platforms.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Brown to our board of directors. He has deep expertise in brand management and consumer loyalty strategies. His track record of leading transformation and innovation for consumer-driven companies will deliver incredible value for Neiman Marcus Group as we build on our strong foundation and accelerate our strategy to become the preeminent luxury customer platform. Paul’s diverse perspectives support our company’s continued passion for creating magic for our customers, delivering value to our brand partners, and evolving the luxury retail experience,” stated Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO, Neiman Marcus Group.

In 2018, Brown cofounded Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company currently generating more than $14 billion in annual sales whose portfolio includes more than 11,000 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In, Rusty Taco, and Jimmy John’s locations worldwide. On October 30, 2020, Inspire announced it was acquiring Dunkin’ Brands in a transaction that is expected to close this month.

“I am honored to join as chair of the Neiman Marcus Group board of directors,” said Brown. “Neiman Marcus Group brands are poised for a strong future, and I’m excited to join the Board at this important moment in time as the company sets its sights on being the preeminent luxury customer platform. I’m looking forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help realize this vision.”

Brown is currently a member of the board of directors of H&R Block Inc. and FOCUS Brands Inc., and actively supports his community serving on several non-profit boards, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Georgia Tech Foundation.

Brown is the seventh member of the Company’s recently constituted diverse and majority female Board of Directors, which includes:

  • Pauline Brown, who most recently served as the chairman of North America for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and, earlier in her career, held senior executive roles at The Carlyle Group and Estee Lauder Companies;
  • Pamela Edwards, who will be CFO of CitiTrends in January, a national apparel, accessories, and home trends retailer; and most recently served as CFO of the Mast Global and Victoria’s Secret divisions of L Brands, the multi-brand specialty retailer;
  • Kris Miller, who most recently served as the chief strategy officer for eBay, the global e-commerce marketplace; former partner & director at Bain & Co., working with retailers on digital strategy and transformation;
  • Meka Millstone-Shroff led the growth of buybuy BABY from 2007-2018 to become the top omni-channel retailer for infant and toddler items and currently serves as a strategic operating advisor and board member to a variety of companies;
  • Geoffroy van Raemdonck, who has been CEO of Neiman Marcus Group since February 2018; and has driven NMG’s strategic transformation to a relationship-based innovative and digital-first leading integrated luxury retailer; and
  • Scott D. Vogel, who is the managing member at Vogel Partners LLC, a private investment and advisory firm; after serving as managing director at Davidson Kempner Capital Management and at MFP Investors.

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: Neiman Marcus Holding Company, Inc.

Iconic Designers And Top Brands Lead The Texworld And Apparel Sourcing NYC Winter 2021 Seminar Series

NEW YORK CITY — December 7, 2020 — Texworld and Apparel Sourcing New York City, the largest sourcing event on the east coast, announced their speaker line-up for the winter 2021 edition. In light of the ongoing health crisis and following the successful premier of a virtual tradeshow this past July, these New York City-based textile events will move forward with an all-digital presentation for both the tradeshow and educational component, opening January 12-14.

For more than 10 years, Texworld and Apparel Sourcing NYC has gathered the textile sourcing community for an exhilarating three-day event encompassing valuable business networking, material innovation from diverse global manufacturers, and market insights by some of the industry’s key thought leaders.

“As we continue to move through these difficult times, we are elated at the high caliber of speakers and brands supporting our events. It is confirmation of our position in the industry and our commitment to bringing quality programming to the textile sourcing community,” stated Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion and Apparel, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “Today’s marketplace requires a new approach and we are pleased that Texworld and Apparel Sourcing New York City have proven to be agile in meeting the needs of our customers by keeping them informed. We look forward to developing more opportunities to stimulate the flow of information and keep businesses connected.”

This edition’s programming includes the ever-popular Textile Talks and industry favorite, Lenzing seminar series. The sessions will feature a range of expert speakers and panelists leading open discussions and case studies to provide greater insight and knowledge exchange on topics from the latest in trends and technology to challenges within sustainability and climate.

A Conversation with designer Tracy Reese on Homecoming, Sustainability and Manufacturing Locally

Tara St James of Study NY and Re:Source speaks with designer, Tracy Reese on her move back to Detroit, creating her sustainable collection, Hope for Flowers and developing a manufacturing base locally.

Farm to Fashion: How Regenerative Agriculture will reshape the Supply Chain

Moderated by the National Science Foundation, this Textile Talk covers on-farm regenerative practices that brands can support and farmers can adopt. Regenerative agriculture and the multiple benefits it delivers can be part of the solution to meeting brand sustainability targets and addressing environmental goals leading to climate change.

Journey to Fair Trade and Sustainability

An informative and inspirational discussion to understand how Madewell partners with Fair Trade USA to set sustainability goals and more.

Addressing Climate Change From the Start

Within the Great Reset, companies are making commitments and facing hard decisions about how to meet their goals in a constantly changing landscape.  The industry needs a holistic approach to ensure that climate action happens at the beginning of the supply chain while connected to other environmental concerns of water, biodiversity, consumption and more.  Panelists from The Gap, Lenzing and Textile Exchange will be led by Fashion Takes Action as they delve into the tools needed to address this issue.

Sourcing Small Minimums

The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving now.  However, one of the biggest hurdles that many new and small designers face is sourcing for small minimums. The ability to source in smaller minimums is imperative to emerging brands who are not scaling to the masses.  Discover how to bridge the gap between the small minimums hurdle and these emerging or specialized brands.

Registration for the Winter 2021 edition is open.

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

Gerber Technology Helps Gabel Basket Brigade Donate 1,000 Meals To Families In Need

TOLLAND, Conn. — December 4, 2020 — For the last 20 years, the Gabel Basket Brigade has been putting together Thanksgiving Baskets for families in need with food donations from the community. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has had to rely on monetary donations to provide local charities with the food needed for their recipients. Gerber Technology and their employees donated cash to help the Gabel Basket Brigade donate 1,000 Thanksgiving meals for families in need.

“During these difficult times, it’s important for us to do our part to help those in need,” said Mohit Uberoi, CEO of Gerber Technology. “We are proud to do our part to help families get the essentials they need to have a happy and joyful holiday season. Thank you to the Gabel Basket Brigade for their tremendous efforts to help the community.”

Since its founding 20 years ago, the Gabel Basket Brigade has built over 7,500 baskets and fed over 48,000 people. Gerber Technology matched each employee donation.

“We wanted to thank Gerber again for your generous donation in support of the 2020 Gabel Basket Brigade,” said Cory and Donna Gabel, founders of the Gabel Basket Brigade. “With their support and contribution, the Gabel Basket Brigade was able to reach 1,200 families this year. This includes seniors, veterans, boys and girls clubs, women’s shelters, food pantries, churches and other Connecticut families in need.”

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Affix Labs, Waste2Wear And Logonet Join Forces And Donate Eco-Friendly, Insect Repellent ‘Uniforms Of The Future’ To Jane Goodall Institute On Its 60th Anniversary

HELSINKI — December 7, 2020 — Environmentally friendly and insect repellent — these are the two key features of a high-tech new uniform developed in a partnership between pioneering textile innovators Affix Labs, with its Repeltec technology, Waste2Wear and Logonet. The uniform has been designed to commemorate 60 years of ground-breaking research by the legendary primatologist Jane Goodall and the hard work carried out by the scientists and rangers at the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in Gombe, Tanzania.

2020 has highlighted the delicate balance between people, animals and our planet and the true dedication and commitment of the rangers was never more apparent than during the COVID-19 lockdown in the region. The rangers, who protect the endangered chimpanzees in Gombe, continued to work through the daunting challenges caused by the pandemic to ensure that all the animals were adequately protected.

People and the natural world are intrinsically linked and we need to respect that relationship now, more than ever. Affix Labs, Waste2Wear and Logonet share this philosophy and produced and donated these new uniforms to the Jane Goodall Institute to aid their incredible work. The uniforms use Waste2Wear’s soft and durable recycled polyester cotton fabric, made from recycled plastic bottles, incorporate Repeltec, that binds an environmentally friendly yet highly durable ingredient to textiles making them actively insect repellent without killing the insects, and were designed by Logonet a leader in the field of uniform design.

They are not only practical but have a positive impact on the environment and the wearer. Eco-friendly, Repeltec protects wearers from the diseases spread by biting insects twice over by reducing insect landings and disorienting them so they cannot bite. It is designed to replace the widely used, but hazardous, permethrin, with the added advantage of also creating a halo effect around the garment. Using Waste2Wear’s polyester textile saves considerable natural resource requirements compared to the manufacture of traditional textiles and prevents plastics ending up in landfill.

Founder of Waste2Wear, Monique Maissan, has always been passionate about creating high quality products that help to preserve our planet, saying: “It is a privilege to donate these uniforms and t-shirts to the Jane Goodall Institute in recognition of the truly valuable work they do to protect chimpanzees, other animals and our planet.”

In an environmental study, the production of these uniforms saved 2,484 PET bottles from ending up in landfill; 2,347 liters of water which would take one person 2 years to consume, 188kg of CO2 which would take 8 years for one tree to absorb, and 2,527Mj of energy which is enough to fuel a light bulb for 2 years.

Using this innovative fabric, Finnish company, Logonet designed the comfortable and easy to wear uniforms for the rangers using their extensive knowledge of the functional ergonomics of Tropical Workwear. Each garment has been treated with eco-friendly ‘Repeltec’, created by Affix Labs, which is a non-toxic insect repellent safe to use on skin. Repeltec itself does not kill insects, instead it inhibits them from landing by creating a halo effect on the clothing in which it is embedded. These uniforms are the ideal marriage of three companies and one amazing organisation. Each, in their own way, is ground-breaking in their field and believe in doing good for our planet.

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: AFFIX Labs

Advanced Monforts Thermex Dyeing Range Is The Key For Turkish Textile Printing Company Hamle Strategy Of Continuous Investment

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany— December 7, 2020 — “Investment in new technology and capacity expansions are very important to us, in order to stay ahead in terms of sustainable, high quality production,” said general manager Gürkan Uzuner. “We carefully assess the benefits of each advanced new technology in order to thrive in a sector that is constantly changing.

“The Zara Group is a major European customer for us, along with well-known Turkish brands such as LCW and De-Facto, and it’s no accident that Çorlu, due to its proximity to Istanbul and the ease of supplying to Europe, has become the epicentre of Turkish textile production. The quality of textiles coming from the region is now very well proven.”

Integration

Hamle’s plant in Çorlu already houses a Monforts ten-chamber Montex tenter and two Monforts sanforizing ranges on which the company carries out an extensive range of finishing processes.

The new Thermex range further integrates a number of processes on technology all from a single supplier.

The Thermex universal hotflue for continuous dyeing, condensing and thermosoling achieves unrivaled reliability even at maximum fabric speeds, for exceptional cost-effectiveness when dyeing both large and small batches of woven fabrics.

The new range installed for Hamle benefits from the Econtrol® process* for reactive dyestuffs.

This is quick and economical one-pass pad-dry and wash off process, with drying in the hot flue at 120-130°C and controlled humidity (25 to 30 percent by volume) to obtain fixation in 2-3 minutes.

Econtrol ensures excellent reproducibility of all colours, improved dye penetration on difficult fabrics and no risk of the browning of cotton or other cellulose fibres due to the low fixation temperature.

As such, it is the ideal process for fast change technology and operational savings.

“The new Thermex range has some very advanced automation features which ensure our machine operators have full control over the entire system,” Uzuner concluded. “As the Monforts representative in Turkey, Neotek has been our solution partner in the installation and commissioning and has been with us every step of the way.”

* Econtrol® is a registered mark of DyStar Colours Distribution GmbH, Germany.

Posted December 7, 2020

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

TRSA Holds Interactive Summit For Marketing & Sales Professionals

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — December 4, 2020 — TRSA recently hosted its annual Marketing & Sales Summit for executives in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. This year’s event, held exclusively online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw more than 100 marketing and sales professionals attend the two-day program.

David Avrin, president, The Visibility Coach, kicked off the summit on November 17 with a keynote address titled, How Being Remarkably Accommodating Creates Customer Experiences that Beat the Competition. Avrin discussed the importance of engaging prospects and creating memorable customer experiences so that your company and brand stands out in today’s competitive business environment. He also discussed how companies must adapt to changes brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Following his presentation, Avrin took questions in an interactive session with audience members.

The first day of the summit wrapped up with an overview of TRSA’s Restaurant and Consumer Hygiene Safety Awareness Campaign presented by Charles Crowell of Milliken and Ben Fox of Alsco, before ending with facilitated breakout sessions for conference attendees to network and share valuable information.

The second and final day of the conference featured a rundown of the top videos from TRSA’s Marketing and Sales Video Contest, and the inside story on how they were created. The four videos highlighted included:

  • CITY Clean and Simple, Oelwein, Iowa;
  • Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, Seattle;
  • Magic Laundry Services, Montebello, Calif.;
  • Roscoe Co., Chicago.

Marketing & Sales Summit attendees voted on the videos, with the winner of the contest — Roscoe Co. — revealed at the TRSA Virtual Marketing & Sales Summit networking after-party that was held following the Summit’s final presentation, a panel discussion featuring international marketing and sales professionals from both operator members and supplier partner companies. Panelists included Ryan Flaherty, Aramark; Ben Fox, Alsco; Dave Katz, UniFirst; Mark Rue, Johnsons Apparelmaster; and Darryl Williams, Landau. The panel was moderated by Andy Feldman, COMPEL. Click to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL2Iskc4hYE to view Roscoe’s winning video.

The Summit’s highly interactive agenda featured breakout discussions and collaboration of current issues unique to the linen, uniform and facility services industry, as provided by Summit attendees upon registration. Copies of Avrin’s book, Why Customers Leave – and How to Win Them Back, were awarded to ten Summit attendees during the icebreaking portions of the event.

Special thanks to VF Workwear for sponsoring TRSA’s Virtual Marketing & Sales Summit. Presentations from the Virtual Marketing & Sales Summit will be available for attendees to access online.

Posted December 4, 2020

Source: TRSA

Georgia-Based FiberVisions Invests $48 Million In Expanding Covington Operations

ATLANTA, Ga. — November 24, 2020 — Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Georgia-based FiberVisions, a subsidiary of Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. and a major employer in Covington for more than 50 years, will invest $48 million in expanding its polyolefin fiber manufacturing operations in Newton County. This expansion, which comes in response to a sharp increase in demand for hygiene products made with bicomponent fibers such as face masks and baby wipes, will create 21 additional jobs.

“Since the 1960s, FiberVisions has been creating jobs and opportunities for hardworking Georgians in Covington, Duluth, Athens and the surrounding regions,” said Governor Kemp. “I congratulate FiberVisions and Indorama Ventures on their 50-year success in the Peach State, and I thank them for continuing to invest in their home state.”

FiberVisions is the world’s leading supplier of bicomponent fibers and an international producer of polyolefin staple fibers for nonwoven applications. In addition to face masks and baby wipes, the company’s products are used in diapers and many other everyday hygiene products. Headquartered in Duluth, Ga., the company also maintains operations in Athens, in addition to Covington. FiberVisions employs roughly 350 Georgians across the state.

“We are very appreciative of the support we have received from Newton County and the State of Georgia for this third phase of our capacity expansion plans in Covington,” said CEO of FiberVisions Tom Zaiser. “As a pillar of the Covington community for many decades, we are pleased to welcome 21 new employees into the FiberVisions and Indorama Ventures family, and we are making plans for additional capacity expansions in the near future.”

Installation of this world-class bicomponent fiber line is expected to be complete by the first half of 2021. Once renovations are complete, FiberVisions will be hiring for positions in advanced manufacturing.

“The Newton County Industrial Development Authority is honored, and extremely excited for the expansion of the Covington FiberVisions facility. Installing a $48 million asset into a 50-year-old building just doesn’t happen every day. Not only is it a historic milestone for Indorama Ventures, but also for the local Covington FiberVisions team. It reinforces our belief and trust in the fact that the IDA’s economic development vision and workforce development strategies are paying off,” said Executive Director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority David Bernd. “Here’s to another 50 years of the FiberVisions family being a vital and close partner in the region!”

Senior Regional Project Manager Kristen Miller represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with the Newton County Industrial Development Authority.

“Seeing a company with a long-term history in the state like FiberVisions continue to expand and invest in their Georgia operations is yet another example of our relationship approach to doing business, which is delivering jobs and opportunities to Georgians,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I thank FiberVisions for their commitment to Georgia as well as our partners at the local level who have helped foster our decades-long foundational relationship with FiberVisions.”

Posted December 4, 2020

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor

Contract Office Furniture Company, Skutchi Designs, Inc. Expanding Operations In Horry County S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — November 24, 2020 — Skutchi Designs Inc., a national contract office furniture company, today announced plans to expand operations in Horry County. The more than $3.5 million investment will create 41 new jobs.

Founded in 2005, Skutchi Designs manufactures various workplace products including office cubicles, interior glass office walls, office desks, conference room furniture and more.

Relocating to Ascott Valley Park in Conway, Skutchi Designs’s expansion will include a newly constructed 85,000-square-foot facility. The facility will allow the company to increase business and supply more customers.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2022. Individuals interested in joining the SKutchi Designs team should visit SC Works for updates on future job opportunities.

“Horry County has made it easy to operate our business and proven that it wants us as part of the community,” said Skutchi Designs CEO Jamie Ferraro. “We look forward to growing our company and much more success in Horry County. It is a great place to live, work and play.”

“It’s always a great day when we can celebrate the expansion of one of our South Carolina companies,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Skutchi Designs Inc.’s decision to expand its Palmetto State operations is a win for the company and for our entire state, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these 41 new jobs will have in Horry County.”

“While we work each day to bring new companies to South Carolina, it is always exciting to see one of our existing businesses expand,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “We celebrate Skutchi Designs Inc.’s investment in Horry County and the 41 new jobs the company will create.”

“Skutchi Designs Inc. represents success in Horry County! Having an existing company expand its operations in our county proves that we have a friendly business environment, great workforce, wonderful community and successful businesses,” said Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner. “We are honored and proud to have Skutchi Designs, Inc. expand and celebrate their success. Thank you for being a valued manufacturer in our county.”

“We celebrate the expansion of Skutchi Designs Inc. today and every day in Horry County. Skutchi Designs Inc. utilizes our workforce and diversifies our economy, which is what the MBREDC strives for,” said Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation Chairman Fred Richardson. “On behalf of the entire MBREDC board, staff and partners, I would like to congratulate Skutchi Designs, Inc. on their expansion, past success and future success.”

Posted December 4, 2020

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

N.C. Governor Cooper Visits Gilero, Medical Device Manufacturer That Pivoted To Producing PPE

RALEIGH, N.C. — December 3, 2020 — Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Gilero, a medical device manufacturer in Morrisville and Pittsboro that began making personal protective equipment when COVID-19 reached the United States. Gilero began by making face shields and has expanded their efforts to constructing negative pressure environments for hospital beds and packaging nasal swabs. Governor Cooper toured Gilero and learned about the production of these supplies.

“We are glad so many companies like Gilero answered our call to begin making personal protective equipment when the pandemic hit,” said Governor Cooper. “These supplies help us slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe.”

Since the start of the pandemic, the state has distributed over 19 million face coverings, 12 million procedure masks, one million face shields and other PPE supplies. The state partnered with companies like Gilero to distribute PPE across the state. Gilero has produced over 800,000 face shields for the State and others.

“When the pandemic hit, we felt it was our moral and civic duty to help in some way. We expedited the design and manufacturing of the face shield. We’re grateful to Governor Cooper and the Departments of Emergency Management and Health and Human Services for the opportunity to help protect the front line workers of North Carolina who risk so much each day to battle this virus,” said Chief Executive Officer of Gilero Ted Mosler. “We continue developing products to protect these workers, and now, to improve the rapid detection of the virus because our work force wants to use their skills and capabilities to make a difference.”

To allow for proper distancing and safety protocols, coverage of this event was pooled in coordination with the North Carolina Press Association.

Posted December 4, 2020

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

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