Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is poised to return to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from 26 to 28 February 2026. Building on its second edition’s nearly 13% exhibitor growth, next year’s show floor will expand by 20%, from 15,000 to 18,000 sqm and cover the full area of Halls A and B. This includes new dedicated zones for apparel, fashion accessories, and textile chemicals and dyes, with the strategic growth underscoring Vietnam’s emergence as a vertically and horizontally integrated textile powerhouse.

Despite recent business challenges, the global industry still considers Vietnam a strategic, long-term market. The country’s signing of 17 new generation free trade agreements (FTAs) has further fuelled market and export diversification, positioning VIATT as a pivotal platform for varied industry players to capitalise on Vietnam's dynamic business landscape and foster international collaboration.

VIATT 2026 will further solidify its position as Southeast Asia’s premier sourcing event by introducing specialised trend forums, sustainable textile showcases, and designer fashion shows. A key highlight will be the return of the Econogy Hub, dedicated to eco-friendly materials, sustainable production, and certification. Aligning with Vietnam’s goal of establishing a closed-loop textile economy by 2050, the platform spotlights innovations such as organic fibres, recycled synthetics, and low-impact dyeing technologies.

Complementing its sustainability initiatives, the fair will continue the development of its Innovation & Digital Solution Zone. This zone features cutting-edge technologies that optimise design, production, and supply chain management – from AI-driven prototyping to automation systems. These solutions empower Vietnam’s textile sector to upgrade operations and harness new market opportunities.

Driven by economic growth, adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and supportive government policies, the global technical textiles market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching over USD 390 billion by 2032[4]. Key segments include Clothtech (clothing), Indutech (industrial), Mobiltech (automotive), Medtech (medical textiles), Protech (protective wear), and smart textiles with moisture-wicking or UV-protection properties, many of which have been exhibited at the fair. Set to extend its technical scope, VIATT 2026 will introduce a dedicated Textile Chemicals & Dyes Zone, featuring additives for chemical recycling, fibre production, finishing & coating, pre-treatment, and weaving & knitting preparation; chemical dyes and pigments; and more.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

ASOS, the go-to destination for fashion-loving 20-somethings, is proud to announce the arrival of Good American – the trailblazing global womenswear brand co-founded by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede, with a clear vision: to redefine fashion with styles that empower women. At Good American, clothing is more than just something to wear – it’s an expression of identity and confidence, designed to make everyone feel their best.

Founded in 2016, Good American is committed to creating fashion that can be relied on. From day one, they’ve redefined industry standards, setting a new benchmark with fully inclusive sizing in every collection.

Speaking about the launch, Emma Grede, Co-founder and CEO of Good American, says: ‘We’re incredibly excited to bring Good American to ASOS, a platform with a global reach and such a strong presence in the UK. As a London native myself, it’s especially meaningful to be able to share our brand with customers here and around the world. This partnership is an exciting step forward in our mission to make confident, impactful style and high-quality denim available to more women everywhere.’

Available from today, the summer collection on ASOS will feature a curated edit of Good American’s iconic denim and elevated everyday essentials, all made to work for every kind of body. The pieces reflect the brand’s signature blend of fashion-forward design and all-day comfort, underscoring its mission to make everyone feel like the best version of themselves.

Together, ASOS and Good American are setting a new standard for what it means to dress with confidence, proving that inclusive fashion isn’t a trend, it’s the future.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

A new study, led by Warren Jasper, professor at the US' Wilson College of Textiles has demonstrated how machine learning can help reduce waste in textile manufacturing by improving the accuracy of colour prediction during the dyeing process.

Fabrics are typically dyed while wet, but their colours often change as they dry. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to determine the final appearance of the material during production. The issue is further complicated by the fact that colour changes from wet to dry are non-linear and vary across different shades, making it impossible to generalise data from one colour to another, according to the paper co-authored by Samuel Jasper.

“The fabric is dyed while wet, but the target shade is when its dry and wearable. That means that, if you have an error in coloration, you aren’t going to know until the fabric is dry. While you wait for that drying to happen, more fabric is being dyed the entire time. That leads to a lot of waste, because you just can’t catch the error until late in the process,” said Warren Jasper.

To address this, Jasper developed five machine learning models, including a neural network specifically designed to handle the non-linear relationship between wet and dry colour states. The models were trained on visual data from 763 fabric samples dyed in various colours. Jasper noted that each dyeing process took several hours, making data collection a time-intensive task.

By enabling more accurate predictions of final fabric colour, the neural network could help manufacturers avoid costly dyeing mistakes and reduce material waste. Jasper expressed hope that similar machine learning tools would be adopted more widely across the textile sector to support efficiency and sustainability.

“We’re a bit behind the curve in textiles. The industry has started to move more toward machine learning models, but it’s been very slow. These types of models can offer powerful tools in cutting down on waste and improving productivity in continuous dyeing, which accounts for over 60 per cent of dyed fabrics,” stated Warren.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Google has introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered shopping experience called AI Mode, designed to simplify and personalise every step of the online shopping journey. The new features combine Google’s advanced Gemini model with its Shopping Graph to create a smarter, more intuitive way for users to browse, choose and buy products online.

With over 50 billion product listings from global retailers to small local shops, the Shopping Graph offers users a comprehensive and up-to-date selection, refreshed every hour with more than 2 billion updates.

If the search is refined further—such as looking for something suitable for rainy weather in Portland—AI Mode runs simultaneous searches to understand the ideal materials and features, then updates the product panel with relevant waterproof options.

The update includes a virtual try-on feature using personal photos. Google’s try-on tool has already helped shoppers visualise clothes on a range of model body types. Now, it takes a step further by letting users upload their own full-length photos to see how clothing items might look on them.

This experience is powered by a custom image generation model tailored for fashion, which accurately renders the way different fabrics fold, stretch and drape on various body shapes and poses. The result is a realistic try-on experience that helps shoppers confidently explore new styles.

This new virtual try-on feature is currently rolling out in Search Labs in the US and supports billions of apparel listings including shirts, pants, skirts and dresses. When browsing these items, users will see a ‘try it on’ icon on product listings. Once selected, the tool quickly renders the outfit onto the user’s uploaded image, making it easy to preview styles, save looks or even share them with friends for a second opinion.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

The Australian Fashion Council has officially banned the use of fur, wild-animal skins, and wild feathers from Australian Fashion Week (AFW) catwalks. Effective immediately, the new policy ensures that the 2025 edition of AFW will be entirely free from wildlife exploitation.

The policy is developed in collaboration with Collective Fashion Justice and World Animal Protection. With this policy, crocodiles, foxes, and exotic birds will be protected, ensuring they are no longer used in fashion displays at this event.

This decision reflects the growing public demand for ethical and sustainable fashion. It is a victory driven by thousands of compassionate Australians who believe fashion should never come at the cost of animal lives, according to World Animal Protection. 
This move builds on similar wildlife-free commitments achieved at Melbourne Fashion Week, Melbourne Fashion Festival, and international runways in Berlin and Copenhagen.

“This latest announcement is a reminder that the fashion industry can be a positive force or wildlife, and change the lives of crocodiles, ostriches, minks and more. We are seeing a domino effect of fashion events around Australia and the world rejecting exotic skins, feathers and fur. With this new wildlife friendly policy, Australian Fashion Week have joined the growing list of runways that are embracing innovative alternatives to cruelty,” said Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns at World Animal Protection Australia.

Animal rights organisations, including PETA, have long campaigned for this change.

This autumn, the zone will offer designers and studios from across the globe unparalleled access to apparel manufacturers and emerging brands eager to source innovative prints.