From beading to brocade, capsule collections to collaborative debuts, ‘The Week In Fabric’ gives back the must-know textiles and fashion information for the week just gone. It’s your official guide to womenswear, menswear, sportswear and interiors news.
Africa’s textile and apparel exports to the United States could quadruple to $4bn over the next ten years through an extended duty-free trade treaty. The trade program known as the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), currently before American lawmakers, provides eligible sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to the world’s top apparel market, giving Africa a competitive edge over suppliers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. [REUTERS]
Italian men’s wear maestro Ermenegildo Zegna has released campaign images for its Fall/Winter 2015-16 collection. Designed by Stefano Pilati, the suits, outerwear and knitwear range pays homage to sustainability. Pilati explores the concept of an “Eco-leader” in the collection, which features fabrics chosen for their recyclability, including Harris tweed, Zegna wool and Century cashmere. Actor Benn Northover fronts the campaign. [HUNGER TV]
Club Monaco has tapped the Jean Shop for its latest Maker & Muse series. Designer Eric Goldstein will bring his locally-produced, raw selvedge denim to the Ralph Lauren-owned label this summer. Behind-the-scenes footage of Jean Shop’s design and manufacturing process will launch on Club Monaco social media platforms, showcasing hand distressing and the old school ways of crafting denim by hand. [CLUB MONACO]
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London Collections: Men will launch this Friday with a plethora of international press and buyers expected to witness the best of British men’s wear over 32 runways and 33 presentations over four days. Topman will commence the Spring/Summer 2016 schedule followed by newcomer Craig Green. House of Holland will debut its first men’s wear line, and fashion big names Alexander McQueen, Aquascutum, Belstaff, Burberry Prorsum, Coach, Dunhill, Jimmy Choo, Joseph, Margaret Howell, Paul Smith and Tom Ford – are all returning. [LCM]
Adidas is working with the German government, academics and robotics firms to develop robotic factory workers in a bid to bring manufacturing back to high-wage countries like Germany, as well as speeding up delivery and slashing freight costs. Adidas wants to produce a custom-made running shoe from scratch in a store in Berlin by next year, using a stitching machine and a foamer to make the sole. It will see a shift from Asia-based sweat shops and increased skilled labor in Western countries. [REUTERS]
Esprit has revealed it is extending its first line of vegan sneakers, following an overwhelmingly positive consumer response. The news shows how vegan fashion is slowly becoming more mainstream, says PETA. Led by anti-leather industry pioneers such as Stella McCartney, the trend for sustainable and ethical garments is now more present in all areas of the industry. [AFP]
The G7 leaders, who just met in Bavaria, have pledged to promote labor rights, decent working conditions and environmental protection in global supply chains. Representatives from the US, Japan, Canada, EU, UK, Italy, Germany and France, all want to focus on a better application of internationally recognized labor, social and environmental standards, principles and commitments, and said they want to build on the good practices learned from the Rana Plaza aftermath. [FASHION MAG]
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