38th World Fashion Convention | Speaker & Sponsor News (October 18)
News Compilation
Later this month, SPESA and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) will jointly host the 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia, PA (October 22-25, 2023). This event is bringing together an impressive line-up of speakers and sponsors from companies across the globe. We’ve compiled recent news updates from some of those participating organizations.
Visit www.ConventionPhiladelphia.com to learn more.
AI Project Aims To Add Value to Fashion Brands While Boosting Supplier Profits
Just Style | October 17, 2023
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and International Apparel Federation (IAF) have partnered on an AI-based innovation that claims to deliver full supply chain profitability and added value to both fashion brands and manufacturers. The joint study applies learnings from the car and electronics industries to show how material suppliers and fashion manufacturers can create "smart flexibility" by postponing production commitments closer to actual demand and unlocking capital from unneeded inventory and excess production.
IAF, SPESA World Fashion Convention to explore regional sourcing solutions
Just Style | October 13, 2023
Just Style's Laura Husband offers an overview of what you can expect on the first day of the 38th World Fashion Convention: In addition to a morning networking event, the event will kick off with a fireside chat with GK Foundation Chairman and Forbes Author, Yusuf, Amdani. The U.S. Department of Commerce will offer an industry update, and live panel discussions will range from what’s new in Made-in-America manufacturing to everything you need to know when manufacturing in emerging markets such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America. Plus, there will be a market update on Türkiye as a key sourcing destination by analysis company McKinsey & Company. Learn more about the 38th World Fashion Convention here.
Release of GOTS Due Diligence Handbook Marks Sustainable Milestone for Textile Industry
Press Release | October 5, 2023
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), in cooperation with the Hague-based UpRights Foundation, recently announced the launch of the GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities. "The GOTS Due Diligence Handbook marks a significant progression following the incorporation of Due Diligence Criteria in the latest GOTS 7.0 version. It is a testament to GOTS's commitment to supporting Certified Entities in their journey towards required responsible business practices. The Handbook underscores GOTS's dedication to promoting human rights, social justice and environmental integrity".
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a sponsor for the upcoming World Fashion Convention.
‘We Can’t Act Green if We’re in the Red’: Why Suppliers Need a Seat at the Table
Sourcing Journal | October 3, 2023
The buyer-supplier partnership is a bit like a marriage, says Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director at the Fair Wear Foundation. If you’re not in regular communication, small misunderstandings can quickly blow out of proportion, creating larger issues that risk capsizing the entire relationship.
Mr. Kohnstamm will be speaking more on this topic at the upcoming World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia.
Inditex and the International Apparel Federation Sign Framework Agreement
Press Release | October 2, 2023
Multinational clothing company Inditex and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have signed a framework agreement to drive significant transformation in the global garment industry through clear objectives and concrete lines of action to support the adoption of more sustainable practices and technologies. Additional industry coverage is available here. IAF has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to advance a shared vision for equitable and sustainable global supply chains for the apparel industry.
SPESA and IAF are partnering to bring the 38th World Fashion Convention to the U.S. later this month. During the event, a speaker from Inditex will share insights from the company’s journey toward supply chain transparency and accountability.
Türkiye Textile Exporters Hone In on Sustainability, Nearshoring Potential
Just Style | September 22, 2023
With the global fashion industry focused on speed-to-market and sustainability, Türkiye’s textile exporters are presented with some great opportunities for growth, according to Just Style. Türkiye is in a unique position as a textile producer given it has the ability to source fibers from within the country itself, spin them into fabrics, and supply the country’s mammoth apparel production base for export.
Attendees at the upcoming World Fashion Convention will have a chance to learn more about Türkiye’s sewn products industry from the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association.
Prince William's Earthshot Prize Announces Finalists for 2023 Awards
CBS News | September 19, 2023
This week, Prince William is in New York City for Climate Week, the climate summit that coincides with the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, he announced 15 finalists for the 2023 Earthshot Prize. One of those finalists is a company called Circ that recently created a solution to enable the recycling of polycotton fabrics, which make up half of all textile waste. Additional information on Circ’s polycotton fabrics recycling solutions can be found here.
Circ’s Chief Commercialization Officer, Julie Wiloughby, PhD, will be taking the stage at the 38th World Fashion Convention, joining the Climate Action and Circularity panel.
Apparel Impact Institute Announces (Aii) First Grant Recipients from its Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP) to Promote Decarbonization in the Fashion Industry
Press Release | September 19, 2023
Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) announced this week its first deployment of grants from its Climate Solutions Portfolio (CSP). This registry of proven carbon reduction solutions for the fashion industry is based on effectiveness, reach, scale, and cost, and represents the first deployed capital from Aii's catalytic Fashion Climate Fund. Grantees include Precision Development, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Made2Flow, BluWin and PwC. These grants are funded by philanthropic contributions from the Fashion Climate Fund's lead partners including H&M Foundation, H&M Group, Lululemon, The PVH Foundation, Target and the Schmidt Family Foundation. Additional coverage on Aii’s announcement can be found here and here.
Bryant LaPres, Senior Director of Industry Engagement at Aii will join Dr. Wiloughby from Circ as another panelist for the Climate Action and Circularity discussion.
Rieter Incorporates Traceability in Fiber Preparation Using Haelixa Technology
Indian Textile Magazine | September 19, 2023
Rieter has signed a contract with Haelixa, an award-winning spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), to integrate traceability technology into its spinning process. A spraying system distributes unique DNA markers during mixing to ensure that every fiber is physically marked. With this, the presence of the original fibers during manufacturing can be verified later on through testing. Earlier this month, Haelixa announced that it had secured funding from the Zurich Silk Association (ZISG) to support its mission of DNA marker technology for complete supply chain transparency. Additional coverage can be found here.
Haelixa will be joining the 38th World Fashion Convention as a bronze sponsor for the event.
A&E Unveils New Sustainable Thread Products Awarded With Gold Level C2C Certified™ Material Health Certificates
Press Release | September 19, 2023
Global thread maker, American & Efird (A&E) continued its advancement of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship this week with the release of two sustainable cotton thread products, each earning a Gold Level C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™. “We are pleased to continue to offer sustainable sewing thread solutions to our customers,” said Chris Alt, A&E President. “We are focused on meeting the current and future demands of our customers with new innovations, while doing right by the environment and the communities in which we operate.”
A&E will be joining the 38th World Fashion Convention as a bronze sponsor for the event.
IAF Launches Export Support Tool for Fashion Companies
Just Style | September 19, 2023
The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has recently launched the 'Gateway to Europe' platform to provide what it calls a comprehensive export support solution for fashion companies to navigate the European market successfully. ‘Gateway to Europe’ is a full-service solution covering marketing and sales; logistics and fulfillment; customs and VAT; financial organization and compliance and regulations. IAF points out that the platform is uniquely positioned to work within the context of its industry association members from all over the world.
IAF is hosting the 38th World Fashion Convention jointly with SPESA.
BGMEA Urges Responsible Business Practices, Outlines Green 2030 Targets
Just Style | September 19, 2023
We’ve seen the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in the news a couple of times this month. This week, BGMEA president, Faruque Hassan spoke at an event in Dhaka where he underscored the importance of addressing human rights and environmental concerns within the interconnected global economy of today. Earlier this month, BGMEA Vice President and Managing Director of Bitopi Group, Miran Ali spoke with Apparel Resources about multiple issues and developments impacting the industry such as buyers’ changing sourcing strategy, Bangladesh’s export performance, the growing focus on non-traditional markets, and more.
Miran Ali will share additional industry insight when he participates as a speaker on the Creating More Effective, Productive, and Resilient Supply Chains panel.
Lectra Takes Furniture on Demand to Mexico
Sourcing Journal | September 15, 2023
SPESA member Lectra announced this week that it will expand its Furniture on Demand solution to Mexico, making it available to producers south of the border. The cloud-based Furniture on Demand system connects to cutting room floor machinery to streamline production, reduce repetitive daily tasks, integrate orders and optimize costs. “Furniture On Demand is an answer to the economic complexities currently faced by the industry that also improves speed, quality, and traceability in the entirety of the manufacturing process,” said Leonard Marano, President of the Americas at Lectra and SPESA Board member.
Lectra will be joining the 38th World Fashion Convention as a bronze sponsor for the event.
Under the Skin of Central America’s Fashion Sourcing Success
Just Style | September 13, 2023
Patricia Figueroa, Central America–Dominican Republic Apparel and Textile Council (CECATEC-RD)’s executive director, says new investments and an integrated, traceable supply chain are key to the regional apparel sector's recovery following the pandemic and cost of living crisis that is pressuring trade.
A representative from CECATEC-RD will be speaking on manufacturing in Central America during the upcoming 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia.
Global Entrepreneur Shares Insights on Transforming Developing Economies
Press Release | September 12, 2023
Yusuf Amdani, one of the keynote speakers for the 38th World Fashion Convention, recently announced the launch of his new book World of Opportunity: Bringing Sustainable Business to Fragile Economies. Published by Forbes Books, Amdani guides his readers on how business can help shore up fragile economies. His programs have directly reduced migration levels while his nonprofit foundation addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. "It is my desire that we collectively paint a new landscape for the coming generations," said Amdani. "My hope is that, after reading this book, you'll see the world as a place you can touch and change. You'll grasp how doing business in developing countries can be an all-around win."
Yusuf Amdani will be joining the 38th World Fashion Convention as a keynote speaker.
TradeBeyond Acquires Pivot88’s Traceability SaaS
Sourcing Journal | September 12, 2023
Last week it was announced that Pivot88 has been acquired by TradeBeyond, a platform that helps brands and retailers manage product development, sourcing and logistics. Pivot88’s platform gives users a 360-degree view of a product’s lifecycle, from farm to store, providing retailers with the supply chain data needed to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with labor and sustainability regulations and trade laws. Founder Stephanie Boivin said the deal would underscore the synergies between the two organizations. Boivin, who will transition into a leadership role at TradeBeyond, added that the acquisition will allow the firm “to offer an even more efficient and cost-effective way for global brands and retailers to improve their product quality, manage their supply chain partners, and reduce supply chain risks.”
Pivot88 will be joining the 38th World Fashion Convention as a gold sponsor for the event.
The Vogue Business 100 Innovators: Sustainability Thought Leaders
Vogue Business | September 11, 2023
Vogue Business recently announced its list of 2023 sustainability innovators, which include founders, activists, organizers, and designers all working toward a common goal: to bring fashion’s footprint within the realm of planetary boundaries, minimizing waste and spent resources. Included in the list is Lewis Perkins. President of Aii. Last year, Aii launched the $250 million Fashion Climate Fund to finance initiatives, from renewable energy to next-gen materials, that will help decarbonise the supply chain.
As noted earlier, Perkins’ colleague, Bryant LaPres will join as a speaker on the Climate Action and Circularity panel.
Vivobarefoot, Circ Partner for Circular Footwear
Just Style | September 6, 2023
Footwear manufacturer Vivobarefoot and textile-to-textile recycling company Circ have entered into a partnership to develop circular solutions and will be designing footwear uppers that can be recycled or upcycled. The two companies will collaboratively design and develop footwear uppers made entirely of a single material (polyester) that can be chemically recycled and reused in the production of new footwear without the need to add any virgin materials.
As noted previously, Circ’s Chief Commercialization Officer, Julie Wiloughby, PhD, will join as a speaker on the Climate Action and Circularity panel.
The Puma x Lemlem Collab Offers A Vibrant Twist On Athleisure Staples
Refinery 29 | August 25, 2023
Last month, Puma announced an athleisure collaboration with Lemlem. The sportswear giant and the clothing and swimwear label founded by Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede released apparel and footwear that features a new version of the NITRO shoe, a lightweight athletic trainer with a chunky sole, as well as sports bras, leggings and outerwear, all in the geometric and abstract prints that Lemlem has come to be known for.
Jessica Ramey, CEO, Mercantilia Consulting and Production Manager at Lemlem will join the 38th World Fashion Convention as a speaker on the Manufacturing in Emerging Markets panel.