Stepping into H2 2012, the economic situation in the EU further deteriorated. The European Commission announced July’s CPI at -20.3 for EU, lower than June’s -19.7, and -21.6 for the Eurozone, down from June’s -19.8. In the meantime, the unemployment rate continued to increase. In June, the unemployment rate of EU-27 hit 10.4 percent, while that of the Eurozone arrived at 11.2 percent, both up 0.1 percentage points from May. In July, China’s textile and apparel export to EU amounted to $5.5

Cotton yarn markets recovered a bit in Asia, though trading sentiment was sporadic and thinner than the pre-holiday condition in China. Some mills that were in short positions raised prices, while a few ones cut offers. Supported by cost, most spinning mills were ready to lift offers despite limited orders. 32s yarn and 40s yarn made from a high proportion of high quality cotton held stable amid healthy trading sentiment. Polyester spun yarn prices were flat this week in Asia although they fol

Cotton futures in New York were pushed down by US government report terming the bleakest crop in decades. Traders saw little to support prices with a record surplus expected in the marketing year to end-July 2013 and US producers preparing to sell their crops ahead of the harvest. On the ICE, December futures contract dropped 0.2% week on week. The Cotlook A index was also down US cents 1.45 while the China Cotton Index gained 12 yuan a ton. In Pakistan, cotton markets witnessed increase in li

Following the success of the special edition ‘India Exclusive’ bags over the last three years, Gucci is pleased to announce the launch of a luxurious evening bag for India. An elegant rectangular clutch in a deep copper Anaconda skin, the bag sports a leather tassel detail with a zippered pull, while the light gold hardware and hanging Horsebit expresses understated brand iconicity. Made with exceptional Gucci craftsmanship, this bespoke bag is the perfect accessory for the upcoming weddin

Clothes, shoes, bags and belts will get a new lease on life, through reuse, as thousands of residents in the Newtown Township and Newtown Borough begin a pilot curbside textile-recycling program. All of this easy-greenness is due to an innovative new agreement between industry leaders Community Recycling, locally based textile recycler, and George Leck and Son Inc., also DBA Leck Waste Services, a family owned and operated waste hauling company. About 3,000 households will have the ability to

Karl Lagerfeld headed to London to launch the Chanel Little Black Jacket Exhibit, and subjected himself to an interview with London’s Chanel 4 news. Instead of chit-chatting about tweed coats, the journalist decided to ask the Kaiser if he feels a sense of responsibility to design clothing for healthier looking models. Karl’s answer is a definitive no. “I’m sorry to say it’s a subject that I consider on the bar of ridiculous for several reasons. The story with anorexic girls–nobody works with

American singer songwriter Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, has become the first celebrity to don an ensemble from the recently unveiled Saint Laurent Paris’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, designed by the French brand’s creative director Hedi Slimane. The pop singer was initially seen in a 1970s inspired rock chick outfit, a combination of a sequinned jacket and a flowing black skirt. The 26-year-old singer also sported another look from the same collection

Karen Millen has made its debut in the Chinese market with the opening of its first store in Beijing. Located at the Parkview Green Mall in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, the store is divided into distinct apparel, footwear, and accessories areas, allowing customers to "build their complete look" with the Autumn Winter 2012 collections. A second store is planned in Shanghai next year, along with a local language transactional website. Karen Millen MD Gemma Metheringham is confident t

Luxury fashion label Burberry has seen underlying total sales jump eight per cent in its first quarter to ?883 million as it seeks to recover from a disappointing performance earlier in the year, it has been announced. In its trading update for the first half, the group reported that like-for-like sales grew three per cent as underlying retail revenue climbed 10 per cent to ?577 million, although trading in the UK and China slowed over the quarter. Despite a “modest improvement” across its