#Textile chemistry

2021-04-01

2021 Ultrasuede® x Labelhoood Innovation Award Winner chosen

Toray Industries, Inc., and Labelhood today announced the selection of Jacques Wei as the winner of the 2021 Ultrasuede® x Labelhood Innovation Award. He is the founder of his namesake women’s fashion brand. The award was in recognition of the highly accomplished and forward-thinking approach in Mr. Wei’s design, which combines classic elements with simple, contemporary silhouettes. His ethos is in keeping with Toray’s commitment to the ongoing evolution of the Ultrasuede brand.

JACQUES WEI will unveil its Fall/Winter 2021 collection incorporating Ultrasuede on April 10 at a Labelhood event during Shanghai Fashion Week.

In its third year, this award is in collaboration with Labelhood, a fashion incubator for young independent designers in China. The two created this award program in keeping with their complementary visions. Toray’s is to foster social prosperity and a better future for generations to come. Labelhood’s is to invigorate the Chinese fashion scene.

Toray brought out Ultrasuede in 1970. Over the years, applications for this stylish, high-performance material have extended from fashion to encompass everything from automotive, aircraft, and other interiors to accessories for mobile devices.

Toray looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Wei in expanding the potential of the Ultrasuede brand in China’s vibrant fashion scene. Toray looks to continue driving the evolution of this beautiful material.

About the award recipient

Jacques Wei brought out his women’s label in 2019. Its inspiration is the enduring influence of traditional French fashion brands. He has garnered acclaim for combining classic elements and contemporary silhouettes in his designs. His off-the-rack apparel employs the precise and meticulous tailoring and other intricate techniques of haute couture and menswear and features glamorous and delicate materials in clean, simple lines that accentuate urban feminine chic.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

RUDOLF is pioneering the future of technical textiles by developing innovative, functional solutions

At Techtextil 2026, RUDOLF presents its latest innovations for textile auxiliaries, textile care and construction chemicals. Based in Geretsried, Bavaria, the company draws on more than 100 years of experience and continues to position itself as a global technology partner focused on quality, innovation and sustainability.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.