PORTLAND, Ore. — February 12, 2024 — In a move to advance technologies, material innovations and lay the foundation for a sustainable human presence on the Moon, heat insulation technology used in outdoor apparel will be implemented on a lunar lander in a first-of-its-kind partnership between Columbia Sportswear, a global innovator in outdoor, active and lifestyle products, and Intuitive Machines, a space exploration company focused on pioneering the commercial landscape of the Moon.

Omni-Heat Infinity, a propriety heat-reflective technology developed by Columbia Sportswear, is set to go to space with the upcoming launch of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander. In laboratory simulations leading up to this launch, Intuitive Machines’ researchers determined that the gold metallic foil of Columbia’s innovative Omni-Heat Infinity fabric will provide benefits toward insulating the lunar lander against the harsh temperatures of space, which can vary between -250° and 250° Fahrenheit.

Following a multi-year scientific partnership first announced in 2021, and a shared commitment to innovation and exploration, Columbia is proud to put its Omni-Heat Infinity technology to the ultimate test in new frontiers as a scientific partner.

“As an apparel company developing outdoor products for all seasons and all activities, it’s imperative that we test our technologies in the most extreme conditions and find ways to innovate beyond our customers’ current needs,” said Dr. Haskell Beckham, Vice President of Innovation at Columbia Sportswear. “Taking key learnings from this partnership, we’ll be able to create new products that will help people enjoy more of the outdoors – regardless of conditions – and ultimately unlock the outdoors for everyone here on Earth.”

Selected by NASA to deliver scientific payloads to the surface of the Moon with its Nova-C lunar lander, Intuitive Machines is hoping to mark the United States’ first return to the lunar surface in 50 years. The liftoff of the IM-1 lunar mission is targeted for a multi-day launch window that opens no earlier than February 14, 2024 and the mission will be streamed live on NASA TV and https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-1.

“Columbia is focused on developing and testing new technologies in challenging environments and our ongoing partnership with Intuitive Machines has the potential to drive even more innovation for our brand. As we look forward, we have an opportunity to set new standards – for ourselves and for the industry,” said Joe Boyle, Brand President of Columbia Sportswear.

IM-1 will be Intuitive Machine’s first of three scheduled lunar landings as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (“CLPS”) initiative, a key part of NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration efforts. The science and technology payloads sent to the Moon’s surface as part of CLPS will lay the foundation for a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface and the commercial development of the Moon.

“Creating and defining the lunar economy requires innovation beyond the industry norm,” said Steve Altemus, President and CEO of Intuitive Machines. “By integrating Columbia’s Omni-Heat Infinity technology into our IM-1 lunar mission, we believe we’re trailblazing a path for near-term Earth solutions and the next generation of commercial space exploration that will open access to the Moon for the progress of humanity.”

To celebrate this historic moment, Columbia is taking over the exterior of Sphere in Las Vegas on February 19 to highlight the important role that Omni-Heat Infinity technology is playing throughout this important mission.

Posted: February 12, 2024

Source: Columbia Sportswear Company

“Future of knitting” is the premier event in the textile sector, bringing together professionals, experts, and thought leaders from around the world. This year’s conference promises to be the most dynamic and engaging yet, with a focus on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the knitting industry.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

– Gain insights from renowned keynote speakers who are shaping the future of the knitting industry.

– Participate in interactive panel discussions featuring industry leaders, sharing their expertise and best practices.

– Network with like-minded professionals, establishing valuable connections and fostering collaboration.

– Explore cutting-edge products and services showcased by leading companies in the industry.

“We are thrilled to host Future of Knitting and bring together the brightest minds in the knitting industry,” said Hitesh Kumar Sharma-President (North America) at IFKT “This year’s conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration, driving the knitwear’s /textile forward.”

The conference agenda will cover a wide range of topics on global innovation in knitting sector.

Registration for Future of Knitting is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to visit our conference website at www.ifktnam.ca to secure their spot. The conference offers various registration options.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations seeking to gain exposure and showcase their products and services to a global audience of industry professionals. For sponsorship inquiries, please send your enquiries at Email: hktola@yahoo.com

Posted: February 11, 2024

Source: Hitesh Kumar Sharma — President – IFKT (North America)

For decades, the group’s leading B2B event brands have served the fashion industry as vital meeting grounds for essential discovery servicing global retailers and brands. MMGNET, the group will now deliver an expanded product and service offering, including a steady stream of rich and inspirational content and resources as well as more opportunities for the wider industry to connect and innovate throughout the year, alongside a suite of enhanced digital marketing opportunities.

“This is more than a rebranding or launch of a new parent brand; this is about addressing how we serve our audience and the industry moving forward, as an evolution of our business. We’re focused on doing what we do incredibly well, but better than ever – connecting our customers through our live events – while also enhancing support year-round, both on and offline”, says Kelly Helfman, President, MMGNET Group. “We are fashion’s go-to- partner for live discovery and commerce, now with MMGNET we can also be the industry’s resource for industry connection, insights, business resources, and inspiration.”

The group’s new parent brand, MMGNET, will connect the industry and communities across its existing premier B2B fashion event brands with exclusive content programs and providing research-driven market insights, seasonal trend forecasting, distinct curation and unique business resources designed to empower tangible actions and results. MMGNET will also provide new opportunities for more live connection touchpoints throughout the fashion calendar, new digital marketing opportunities that expand reach and awareness, and a platform to innovate, pilot, and test new formats and products that support current and future industry and customer needs.

The new MMGNET created based on extensive market research and customer feedback gathered over the last 2 years, which highlighted new needs driven by the challenges created by on-going market shifts, continued supply chain challenges, on-going disruption brought on by direct-to-consumer channels, and continuously evolving consumer preferences and demands. Among these, the need for more always-on market insights and trends focused content and resources, more curation and direction, and additional commerce and connection opportunities and community building throughout the year.

“This next chapter is about empowering our customers and the industry in new and expanded ways that drive mutual benefit, growth, and progress” said Teodora Nicolae, Vice President of Marketing, MMGNET Group. “MMGNET now exists to address the industry’s new needs, and to exist as a synergistic ecosystem that drives more valuable connections across our communities and provides more opportunity than ever for them to interact and engage, to create, to innovate, to discover, and to learn and share knowledge in new ways and new formats.”

MMGNET’s ecosystem of hero brands, communities and cohorts, products, and services will build around four key focus areas: connection and opportunity, actionable industry and market insights, inspiration and trend forecasting, and profitable responsibility. At the core of MMGNET’s mission is helping the industry further tap into the limitless potential for partnerships, growth, innovation, and knowledge-sharing possible when more touchpoints are created and the right connections are made, both on and offline. MMGNET’s “fashion-wide” platform will allow for more connections across existing audiences and communities than ever, as well as the ability to create and nurture new communities across the industry.

Investments in new and dynamic opportunities to gather fashion communities and the wider industry in and outside of the traditional market cycle will support this mission, including global meetups and community events during key moments in the fashion calendar, new format pilots including conference and content-driven live events, and new programs and initiatives around curation and matchmaking across MAGIC, PROJECT, COTERIE, and SOURCING at MAGIC industry events.

The second pillar, actionable industry insights, will drive MMGNET’s expansion and investment in market research and data-driven reports designed to identify and present larger shifts in the global fashion landscape, macro and micro market trends, fluctuations in consumer behavior, and more. Core to the expanded and growing insights program lies the goal of contextualizing data and insights to help professionals and fashion businesses of all sizes utilize findings to more strategically inform their short- and long-term decisions. Presented in multiple formats – both online and offline – reports will unpack and analyze salient findings, offering broad perspectives as well as tailored storylines for the various industry markets and communities.

The third pillar will focus on driving inspiration and providing trend insights, direction, and further curation year- round and across multiple formats. MMGNET will continue to deliver a robust program of seasonal trend forecasting across market segments and categories, while also expanding beyond traditional definitions of “trend” content to supply relevant industry trend forecasts and reporting across fashion technology, real-:me social media consumer trends, sustainability, marketing and branding, and more.

Finally, profitable responsibility is an important value-focused pillar highlighting MMGNET’s commitment to helping the industry and all fashion stakeholders carve a path to a more conscious and responsible future. This will encompass sustainability, environmental stewardship, social empowerment and DE&I initiatives. Plans for expanding the Verified Sustainable program across hero brand communities and events, as well as the IMFC Incubator which supports minority owned fashion brands, are in the works.

MMGNET will serve the entire fashion industry as a go-to-resource and as a connection point both in and outside of the traditional fashion calendar, online and offline. More initiatives across MMGNET’s live event, trend and insights content programs, and responsibility-focused initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Source: MMGNET Group — a subsidiary of Informa Markets

ENHANCED CLASSIC

Loudly quiet luxury.

Luxury tries to dress in simplicity but cannot hide from the discerning eye: classic gold, black, beige and dark brown colors, geometric and sinuous shapes that eschew static betray its nature, pure elegance. Elegantly basic or metalized tapes in gold and with glossy black enamels, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) body and puller finishes, the patented TRA-IN stainless steel button with Coeurdor’s light gold finish, and customized branding, ELOXAL chain with aluminum teeth colored in gray and gold: revisited and enhanced visions of the classic, on the heels of the Quiet Luxury trend. The gleam of metal is counterbalanced by the simplicity of wool yarn, GRS-certified recycled polyester and GOTS-certified organic cotton, for a final effect of utter class.

FACED MARBLE

Face modern elegance.

Marble and multifaceting are the main characters in the second trend of strong geometric inspiration: triangles, rhombuses and trapezoids create elegant and modern surfaces in which simple colors predominate on the theme of wood and marble. Materic effect is recreated on tapes with marble and black polished effect inserts, matte black PVD padlocks and buttons with hard blue stone inserts, mélange velvet and satin tapes, and geometric facets shape an algid and ethereal elegance.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Source: Oerlikon Riri

Gildo Zegna, Chairman and CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, said: “Luxury footwear and leather goods are flagships of Italian manufacturing. While we are creating a true center of excellence focused on these important aspects of the Italian luxury industry by opening this new facility, the center will be more than just a production facility.

It will play an important role as a training ground for a new generation of artisans, ensuring the ongoing viability of these important skills and working to preserve the uniqueness of Made in Italy. Parma is the ideal location for this project, building on the region’s long history of craftsmanship and expanding our presence there.”

The Group is developing this cutting-edge center for excellence to meet the growing needs of its brands, focusing mainly on men’s footwear and leather goods and further supporting the growth of ZEGNA’s Triple StitchTM. The facility will also act as an important research and development (R&D) center, further strengthening the Group’s personalization offer as it seeks to meet clients’ growing demands. The new facility is expected to be completed by December 2026 and to employ over 300 people at full capacity in 2027.

As approved by local organizations, the 12,500 square meter facility will be constructed on a 10-hectare plot of land in the northern Emilian Apennines, located 10 km from the center of Parma. The architectural and landscape design of the new complex, developed by the internationally renowned Milan-based architecture and interior design studio ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, prioritizes the site’s unique environmental and natural features. In the ethos of designing an “oasis” as a tool for protecting and developing ecosystems, manufacturing and nature will coexist thanks to the innovative and sustainable architecture. Emphasizing a “design for tomorrow” philosophy, the facility will integrate large indoor and outdoor multifunctional spaces into the natural landscape and will be constructed with longevity and resilience at its core.

Posted: February 8, 2024

Source: Ermenegildo Zegna Group

Solutions on display at Lineapelle will reflect the company’s full capabilities – presenting a mix of recent innovations and established solutions that carefully balance performance, durability, comfort, styling, and sustainability. Specific emphasis will be placed on solutions for sports and safety shoes and elegance footwear, plus the lifestyle industry.

At the show, Coats Footwear team will introduce a product that’s been given a sustainable makeover: 4orest. Taking natural materials from the forest floor to footwear, this line of cellulose materials stands out for its sustainability credentials. Made with an average of between 45%-55% recycled content and over 80%-85% biodegradability, 4orest stands apart as one of the best performing eco-friendly options available to footwear manufacturers. Ideal for insoles in women’s shoes and beyond, 4orest ensures durability, strength, and reliability. Crafted from premium FSC certified virgin fibers, this innovative material is meticulously engineered to maintain dimensional stability – achieving more than 300 Kpa in the taped Mullen test for delaminating compared to virgin products that have a comparable 2mm gauge.

The team will also promote recent innovations including Cyclea – a new high performance reinforcement material that utilizes leather left over from manufacturing processes. This innovative circular loop technology is designed to help brands hit zero waste targets – with up to 100% recycled content achievable using leather left over from production and by recycling polymers.

Other well-known products under the spotlight will include:

• Rhenoprint Multizone: A next generation process for manufacturing lightweight shoe counters and other reinforcement solutions, Rhenoprint Multizone can be used to meet the most diverse customer specific designs – with zero waste.
• ecoVerde: A range of 100% recycled premium polyester core spun sewing threads. Precisely engineered, these threads can be used to create durable, attractive seams across a wide range of recycled fabrics and materials.

Bryan Whitfield, Global Head of Sales – Brands at Coats Footwear, said: “Every year, more than a billion pairs of shoes are made that incorporate our threads and / or structural components. Our collaboration with leading footwear manufacturers is unparalleled in the industry, with brands calling upon our technical knowledge to help them improve their latest designs as well as their productivity through sustainable innovations. We look forward to Lineapelle 2024 and to sharing our expertise and insights with customers at this prestigious event.”

From heel counters to toe puffs, and everything in between, Coats Footwear offers more than 450 different products that encompass every aspect of shoe assembly.

Visit Coats Footwear at Lineapelle from 20-22 February at Fiera Milano RHO at Hall 24, Stands C7-C9 and D8-10. Alternatively, email: Communications.Footwear@coats.com for more information about Coats Footwear and its product portfolio or visit: https://www.coats.com/en/industries/footwear

Posted: February 7, 2024

Source: Coats Footwear

ATLANTA — January 30, 2024 — Lynsey Jones was recently named executive director of the Atlanta-based Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN). Jones is only the third person and second woman in 43 years to become executive director of AAPN.

AAPN is a network of sourcing and supply chain managers and executives in the apparel industry.

After graduating from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles with a B.S. and M.S. in textiles,  Jones worked for Abercrombie & Fitch in Sourcing. Her next job took her to VF. Corp. where she held multiple positions over 10 years including director of VF Sourcing in Latin America, and director of Responsible Sourcing. Most recently, Jones was vice president of Global Sourcing Strategy & Transformation, Carters Inc.

“Few have walked her walk,” said Mike Todaro, AAPN emeritus. “Degrees in textiles. Incredible career progression. C-Suite promotions. Tons of high powered presentations. Thousands of sourcing and business decisions. Two stints overseas, Panama and Hong Kong. In short, Lynsey knows YOUR story, what you do, what you know, what you bring from your link to the chain within the AAPN. She was built to take on and lead the AAPN as her next career progression.

“As Kurt Cavano told Sue and me many years ago, we’re not in the apparel business, we’re in the people business,” Todaro added. “The truth is neither Sue nor I had that much ground level experience in either. Well, Lynsey has. That’s why she’s here.”

“I am so thrilled to be taking on this role and truly humbled that Sue and Mike would trust me with their life’s work,” Jones said. “This opportunity gives me a chance to do what I’ve always wanted — use my experience and connections to give back to an industry and a region I love so very much while doing it with people that I have known my entire career. Its like working with my family, and AAPN feels like home to me”

Posted February 6, 2024

Source: Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

At Knix, the mission has always been to empower individuals and make them feel comfortable in their own skin. Recognizing the challenges faced by teens, they are determined to address a significant issue – the impact of periods on swimming activities. In a recent Knix consumer survey, 51% of teens stated that they miss out on swimming because of their menstrual cycle, leading to body anxiety and a lack of confidence. Knix and Kt by Knix believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the water without any worries.

Knix’s patented and groundbreaking Leakproof swimwear is designed to alleviate the stress associated with swimming while menstruating. This innovative Leakproof Swim technology ensures maximum protection, absorbing about 1.5 – 3.4 teaspoons of liquid which is the equivalent of about 1 – 3 regular tampons, providing standalone protection on lighter period days or backup protection on heavier days. Leakproof swimwear helps give you the confidence to dive into the water without worrying about embarrassing mishaps.

Be prepared to discover an extensive range of stylish swimsuits, available in new colors and prints. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, the collection offers something for everyone and launches in stores and online on February 6th.

Posted: February 6, 2024

Source: Knix

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

A Personal Journey Inspires a Brand with Purpose

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