Famed designer Angela Missoni inaugurates IFFTI event

 An affinity for beautiful forms and a passion to nurture has led the doyenne of Italian fashion Angela Missoni to India to share the Missoni story and secrets of her success with aspiring designers and students seeking to make their mark in the fashion and design industry.

The co-owner and creative director of Missoni S.p.A. which is renowned the world over for its inimitable Italian flair, Angela Missoni is the Chief Guest of the 14th meeting of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) which is hosted by Pearl Academy of Fashion in Jaipur from March 17-21, 2012.

While Missoni has yet to establish retail presence in India, the bold and distinct designs the house of Missoni is renowned for is constantly present on the red carpet and other significant events across India. Angela Missoni’s presence at the conference has given a tremendous boost to the students and faculty of Pearl Academy of Fashion, as her spirit to share and nurture has been the source of inspiration to scores of fashion designers in Europe and beyond.

Angela Missoni, who is returning to India after a hiatus of 20 years, is fascinated with the pace of growth and sophistication of the design sector, and feels that India is poised to make its mark on the global fashion map.

“I am always very impressed when I see the potential of a creative talent and I like to support it by sharing my experience with young aspiring designers all over the world,” she said.

 

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DyStar Denim & RedElec start sustainable Indigo dyeing

DyStar and RedElec are pleased to announce a significant development collaboration which focuses on sustainable Indigo dyeing for the denim industry.

Increasing global awareness of environmental issues created by the textile supply chain is propelling Fashion Brands, Retailers and their Industry partners to look for sustainable solutions for their businesses. 

To help address those pressing needs, the DyStar Denim teams in Germany and RedElec Technologie in Switzerland have decided to join forces to develop electrochemical dyeing of Indigo, a sustainable solution that will eliminate harmful substances in dyeing and waste water. The team will use its patented products, DyStar Indigo Vat 40% Solution and RedElec’s electrochemical technologies, throughout the development process. 

“As a leader in ecology & environment in the textile industry and technology leader for Indigo, our customers expect us to develop new products and processes that help reduces their environmental impact,” said Thorsten Hüls, Marketing Manager Denim in Ludwigshafen. “The cooperation with RedElec is a big step forward to help improve the environmental profile of Indigo dyeing,” added Günther Widler, Technology Manager Denim.

With the collaboration, RedElec is given opportunities to explore and further develop its new and promising electrochemical technologies for clean processes. “In the near future, electrochemical processing will become the new and essential technology to limit the negative impacts of industrial activities”, said Dr. Crettenand, Director of RedElec. 

The initiative further affirms DyStar’s sustainability and econfidence commitments to the textile industry – to offer sustainable solutions through environmentally & ecologically friendly products, process and services – a “sure-to-win” strategy which will also help its customers stay ahead of competitors. 

DyStar, with a heritage of over 100 years of both product and application innovation, was founded in 1995 as a coloration specialist for the textile and leather industries. Since then, the company has transformed itself into a solution provider, offering customers a complete range of colorants, auxiliaries and services. 

 

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Mr Mukherjee hikes duty on branded garments

Excise duty on branded ready-made garments has been hiked from 10 percent to 12 percent. However, abatement of 55 percent from the retail sale price has been enhanced to 70 percent, the Finance Minister said today. 

As a result, the incidence of duty as a percentage of the retail sale price will come down from 4.5 percent to 3.6 percent.

In many of the budgetary announcements made for the textile sector, the Finance Minister has exempted imports of automatic shuttle-less looms from payment of basic customs duty. 

He also spoke about allowing up to 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail trade, which has now been put in abeyance. Efforts are on to arrive at a broad based consensus in consultation with state governments, he said. 

Mr Pranab Mukherjee has also exempted payment of customs duty on imports of aramid yarn and fabric used for the manufacture of bullet proof helmets.

Basic customs duty of 5 percent would be levied on imports of new automatic silk reeling and other specified textile machinery. Second-hand machinery would now attract basic duty of 7.5 percent. 

A powerloom mega cluster will be set up in Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra at a cost of Rs 70 crore. Additionally, Weavers’ Service Centres will be set up in Mizoram, Nagaland and Jharkhand for providing technical support to poor handloom weavers. 

Mr Mukherjee also announced setting up of handloom clusters in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand in addition to the four mega handloom clusters already in operation. 

The Finance Minister has also proposed to provide assistance in setting up of dormitories for women workers in five mega clusters relating to handloom, powerloom and leather sectors.

He has allocated Rs 500 crore to start a pilot scheme in the Twelfth Five-Year-Plan for promotion and application of geo-textiles in the North-East region. 

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LONDON show ROOMS LA hits ACE Gallery

 

The British Fashion Council’s (BFC) international showcasing initiative LONDON show ROOMS returns to Los Angeles with many of London’s brightest stars in March. This initiative aims to develop the profile and business opportunities for these fashion designers in international markets. Garment buyers, stylists and press will have the opportunity to meet designers and view the collections in a unique environment.

London has an unparalleled reputation for nurturing the world’s most innovative, diverse and creative talents. The showroom will showcase a selection of BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlisted designers and Fashion Forward alumni including two of this year’s recipients, Louise Gray and Mary Katrantzou. 

LONDON show ROOMS LA Participating Designers: 
E.Tautz; Jonathan Saunders; Louise Gray; Marios Schwab; Mary Katrantzou; Nicholas Kirkwood; Peter Pilotto; Richard Nicoll Roksanda Ilincic; Todd Lynn 

Ones To Watch featuring: 
David Koma; Holly Fulton; J.W. Anderson; Michael van der Ham 

A project aimed at boosting British designer exports, LONDON show ROOMS has grown to include showrooms for women and menswear collections in Paris, New York, Hong Kong and LA with plans for expansion into mainland China later in the year. 

The second LONDON show ROOMS LA will take place from March 13-15 at ACE Gallery,Los Angeles. The showroom is a fully subsidized space for designers to showcase their collections with the support of international marketing, media and sales advisers providing a unique opportunity to secure new export business.

Caroline Rush, CEO of the BFC said: “Following an overwhelming response last October, we’re delighted to be returning to LA. The participating designers and the standout collections that they showcased on the London catwalk last month will be available to view during one-to-one appointments."

"We aim to further develop their profile on the west coast through media coverage and build their relationships with press, stylists and retailers.”

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Cocktail’s bold style for lovely summer

SIDEFAME LTD’s Cocktail hosts its Spring/Summer 2012 Press Presentation at the St. Francis Street Store, Wan Chai. The venue was decorated with a theme of nature and a wooden horse was placed in the centre to place guests in a fairy tale and think of Cocktail girls who love to imagine and fantasize in their own world.

The highlighted brands are Ijiit and forte_forte with very fine craftsmanship which brings a sense of French chic. Colorful Kron by Kronkron is at good at textures and colours to express their creativity to fills up your lovely summer. 

TOT believes in variation and multiplicity with garments offers possibilities and stimulations. Inspired by Sportswear, Johanna Ho applies jerseys and fabrics to add a modern twist to the soft and feminine shapes.

Marimekko and Daydream Nation are Cocktail’s best sellers that cannot be missed. Spice up your life with the floral prints, playful and passionate designs! “Theres no place like home” is one of our favorite sayings of La casita de Wendy, an exclusive brand at the store, is going to make you feel as comfortable as if you were at home.

With nature, sunshine & summer breeze as setting, all collections with bold styles and strong characters are showcased which bring out the liveliness and fun loving spirit of a COCKTAIL girl.

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