Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

A Cornell research group led by Juan Hinestroza, the Rebecca Q Morgan ’60 professor of fibre science and apparel design in the College of Human Ecology (CHE), has developed the low-temperature technique for synthesis of superhydrophobic, or waterproof, coatings. This new technique could create waterproof coatings for clothes out of discarded textiles – far safer for humans and the environment than current coatings, which are typically made with harsh chemicals and carcinogens.

This research is an extension of work published in 2023 demonstrating that old clothing could be chemically broken down to reuse polyester compounds to create MOF particles with potential applications in fire resistance, anti-bacterial properties, or wrinkle resistance. The new work is taking this proof of concept and applying it in a direct way, as per the studt

The researchers exposed discarded fabrics to an alkaline depolymerisation process to produce disodium terephthalate, a known linker for synthesis of UiO-66, a popular MOF. They conducted experiments using different amounts of ethanol, and found that with a small amount of ethanol, UiO-66 assembled on top of a polyester and spandex substrate, exhibited superhydrophobic behaviour.

“We must find alternatives to fluorinated finishes, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’” Uyar said. “This study demonstrates how we can achieve functional finishes, including water-repellent and self-cleaning properties, by upcycling textile waste instead of relying on ‘forever chemicals.’”

This research utilised the Cornell Center for Materials Research Shared Facilities, which are supported by the National Science Foundation. Other support came from the Fulbright US student Programme, which is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Korean-American Educational Commission.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Spring’s doubling of international visitor numbers was followed by another strong rise at the recent Autumn Edition, with overseas participants at both declaring the fair back in business. Following that success, the organisers have announced that the next Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition will take place from 11 – 13 March 2025. Highlights at the upcoming Spring Edition include the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum for Spring / Summer 2026, the return of Econogy Hub and the Digital Solutions Zone, as well as an expansive fringe programme that will amplify the themes apparent across the fairground.

Returning to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the upcoming show will focus on several pillars: fashionable fabrics and accessories, functional fashion, sustainability, digital transformation, as well as industry trends and design. 
The fair’s Digital Solutions Zone is also set to return, with offerings ranging from design systems and software to AI-powered fabric search, AI pattern generation, and 3D visualisation tools. Other key zones will include Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Digital Printing Zone, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design.

Key features and figures pointing to fair’s global importance. The Spring and Autumn Editions in 2024 both welcomed increases in overseas participation – strong indications of the fair’s and industry’s resilience post-pandemic. Participants along the value chain welcomed the change as a return to business-as-usual for the trade fair, with many signalling their intent to join the Spring Edition in 2025.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Following its CorpCore-themed Fall/Winter 2023 runway show—which reimagined tailoring with modern iterations of classic suiting and on-duty dressing staples—for Spring/Summer 2025, BOSS unveiled a collection that broke with the conventional parameters of corporate attire. Staged at the Palazzo del Senato in Milan and presented under the theme “Out of Office,” the runway looks deconstructed a more formal dress code to create a clocked-out approach to an elevated 24/7 lifestyle—allowing for broader self-expression and a more balanced outlook on life.

The courtyard of the palazzo was transformed into a verdant oasis of calm: an aesthetically soothing landscape of gentle reliefs in a city defined by its hustle and bustle. Models walked along an organic, winding runway through the botanical scenery, further evoking a contrast between traditional corporate dress structures and the concept of 5-9 escapism.

The collection reflects the overall ethos derived from this removal of structure, while inviting a sophisticated sense of off-the-clock decompression. This is seen—for the first time ever on the BOSS runway—in the inclusion of sporty style elements and accessories, such as drawstring cinching mechanisms, yoga mats, and tennis racket bags, as well as selected pieces that draw inspiration from sleepwear, such as pajamas and dressing gowns.

Trouser hems were raised above the ankle across womenswear looks, while other standout elements such as blazers, skirts, dresses, and trench coats offer the wearer increased freedom of movement through wrapped construction and elegant draping. Tailoring darts were added to traditionally casual cuts such as bomber jackets to create voluminous sleeves, and paired with drawstring-embellished tops and hoodies. A backless, wrapped tunic dress stood out with its draped frontal pleating and a neckline skimming the lower back. Luxe fabrics ranged from wool to silk and leather. Accessories featured a more laid-back approach that broke with traditional formal styles, in the form of pashminas and collapsed hobo bags, while most shoes featured gently rounded toes—in contrast to the strong points and squared-off shapes of earlier collections.

In addition to the three-button suits, menswear saw more casual shirting silhouettes, such as single-pocket styles with concealed button plackets and drawstring hems, paired with tailored trousers with lengths extending just beyond the knee. Evening-ready pieces include deconstructed tailored coats and jackets in silk with shawl lapels and piping finishes. Footwear includes low-profile sneakers or leather slides with a slipper look and feel—both crafted in Italian leather. For finishing touches, in addition to pashminas and flat caps, men’s accessories saw the removal of traditionally structural confines, such that pieces were collapsed, as seen in the form of slouchy briefcases, document holders, and sports-inspired bags.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

As frequent visitors of the ITMF and IAF annual conferences have come to expect, industry experts will share the cutting edge of the developments that currently define the textile-apparel industrial complex. The unique collaboration of the textile industry federation ITMF and the apparel industry federation IAF allows the organizers to give a full supply chain picture. At a time when collaboration across the entire chain is indispensable to meet the many challenges, this is a great asset.

The apparel and textile industries are rapidly becoming more regulated, heightening the pressure to create real and significant environmental and social improvements. In a unique, global regulation session, representatives of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the China National Textile & Apparel Council (CNTAC), the European Textile & Apparel Industry Federation (EURATEX), and the Japan Textile Federation (JTF), will explain the shape that regulation will take in their countries and regions in the coming years.  

These topics and several more about fibers, digitalization, AI, etc. will be discussed in the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a country with a rapidly growing textile and apparel industry, attracting interests from across the world. This convention will be a unique industrial gathering of leaders from across the entire textile and apparel supply chain, from all parts of the world.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Burberry has launched 'Made in the UK', a new series championing Burberry's commitment to supporting British manufacturing. 'Made in the UK', a celebration of British craftsmanship, begins with a focus on Burberry's iconic Heritage Trench and Car Coats - made in Castleford, West Yorkshire.

The Heritage collection comprises four signature fits – the Chelsea, Kensington, and Waterloo trench coat plus the Camden car coat. Made in Castleford, where Burberry has operated a dedicated manufacturing site for more than 50 years, every element of the designs requires the skill and expertise of specialist craftspeople. The intricate stitching on the collar takes up to a year for each specialist to master – with more than 180 stitches creating a fluid curve that allows the collar to sit perfectly on the neck.

The cotton gabardine used to make the Heritage Trench and Car Coats is woven at the Burberry mill in Keighley, as is the iconic Burberry Check cotton that has lined coats since the 1920s. A revolutionary fabric, gabardine was invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879 – its shower-resistant, lightweight, and breathable properties developed to offer greater freedom when exploring the outdoors in inclement weather, Burberry said in a press release.

The collection is part of the ‘Trench for Tomorrow’ initiative, which ensures that Heritage Trench and Car Coats are made with lower-impact materials and can be worn for as long as possible through the help of ReBurberry Services.