#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2023-03-23

Registration for the 38th World Fashion Convention now open!

IAF and SPESA are proud to announce that the registration for the 38th World Fashion Convention to be held October 22-25 in Philadelphia is now open. We are hosting this 2023 edition of our annual Convention together with our US member association SPESA, the Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas and with the support of AAFA, the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

After Conventions in Dhaka, Antwerp, Lahore, Istanbul, Maastricht, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro, this is the first time in two decades that an IAF Conventions will again be held in North America. This edition in Philadelphia will, uniquely, bring together the full global supply chain, including US, Canadian and European brands, (Latin) American, European, African and Asian manufacturers as well as solution and technology providers, educators and policy makers. We expect to receive about 300 delegates, from over 20 countries.

The Convention will be a mix of educational and social activities, including a 1.5 day conference, an off-site festive dinner, a business matchmaking activity and the IAF Golf Tournament. The theme and the activities of this year’s Convention are fully built around the presence of the full supply chain, bringing together brands, retailers and their suppliers. “Industry in Transition: Building stronger, smarter and more sustainable supply chains” is our theme and on all topics our speakers will represent the different components of the supply chain, showing how transition requires collaboration across this chain. We have added a business matchmaking day, allowing retailers and brands to conveniently speak on one day to a global selection of potential suppliers.

IAF and SPESA are really looking forward to host a truly global and supply chain wide gathering of our industry in the beautiful Bellevue hotel in Philadelphia. You can register at the convention website where you can also find more information about the tentative program, the theme, sponsor packages, the convention venue and the official convention hotel. We hope to meet you there!

Please visit the convention website:

http://www.conventionphiladelphia.com

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.