Romek Gelard Gello
Rebekah Wing
Lauren Peacher
Faustine Lara
Martine Falk Andersen
In a joint letter to their respective governments dated October 26, 2010, textile groups employing more than one million workers urged the governments of the European Union, Mexico, Turkey and United States to take action against India if it continues to restrict the export of cotton.
The groups cited an illegal pattern of export restraints on cotton that the Indian government has imposed since April. The Indian restraints have contributed to an enormous increase in the price of cotton for non-Indian textile producers around the globe. Since India began restricting the export of cotton in April, the price of cotton has increased by nearly 100 percent, from 62 cents per lb to $1.20 per lb. According to the Wall Street Journal, cotton prices have hit all time highs in recent weeks.
The Indian action has come as world supply of cotton has tightened amid increasing demand and disappointing cotton crops in several large producing countries. As the second largest exporter of cotton, India is enjoying one of its largest cotton crops in history but has dramatically restricted its exports over the last six months.
Mr. Hacoit Benot, the president of Eurocoton, stated, India's anti-trade actions on cotton have caused turmoil in world markets. Under these circumstances, competition is seriously distorted. As a result, our European textile customers are faced with difficult options. They are forced either to pay prohibitive prices for their cotton and suffer increased competition on processed products imported into the EU at lower price, or they must reduce their own costs by relocating their production facilities and jobs outside of Europe, or they must simply close their doors.
Mr. David Garcia, the president of CANAINTEX stated, The Indian government has clearly broken WTO rules and must be held to account. Textile producers in Mexico should not be forced to pay ruinous prices for cotton because India is illegally subsidizing its domestic industry through its export bans and restrictions.??
Mr. Halit Narin, president of the Turkish Textile Employers Association (TTEA) joined with ITKIB Presidents Ismail Gulle and Hikmet Tanriverdi, and stated, We are very concerned that the recovery in the Turkish textile sector will be cut short by the Indian actions which have caused the price of cotton to skyrocket. While the Indian government has pledged repeatedly that its actions are short term, they have continued to interrupt supply to export markets for over six months.
Mr. Cass Johnson, president of the National Council of the Textile Organizations (NCTO), stated, For the first time in history, U.S. mills are worried about running out of cotton because India's actions have constricted the worldwide supply and have caused panic buying. Large state-owned Chinese textile producers are now paying any price to secure cotton. These actions imperiling what had been a robust recovery for U.S. textile mills.
The groups noted in the letter that their mills face the prospect of extremely high prices for cotton or having no supply of cotton at all. They noted that either way, our mills cannot survive such a scenario for an extended length of time, and urged their respective governments to send the strongest message to India that it must not restrict or delay export of its cotton to world markets.
Textile organizations in the United States, European Union (EU), Mexico and Turkey have sent a joint letter to their respective governments urging immediate action to halt cotton trade restrictions by the government of India. The organizations include the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), European Federation of Cotton and Allied Textiles Industries (Eurocoton), Cmara Nacional de la Industria Textil (CANAINTEX), Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporter Associations (ITKIB) and Turkish Textile Employers Association (TTEA).
Together, the organizations represent more than 1 million textile workers, whose jobs could be threatened by what the groups contend are discriminatory and illegal actions by India -- the world's second-largest cotton exporter -- to restrict or ban cotton exports in an effort to protect its domestic textile industry. The groups note that the actions, imposed in April 2010, have caused global cotton prices to surge from 62 cents per pound to $1.20 per pound, while India has guaranteed low prices for cotton consumed by its own textile mills. They further note that resulting price inequities are skewing competition in favor of not only Indian textile and apparel producers -- which are able to offer their products at subsidized prices -- but also Chinese state-owned textile mills -- which are purchasing the remaining global supply at the high prices demanded while also enjoying government subsidies that allow "enormous price flexibility."
"For the first time in history, U.S. mills are worried about running out of cotton because India's actions have constricted the worldwide supply and have caused panic buying," said NCTO President Cass Johnson. "Large state-owned Chinese textile producers are now paying any price to secure cotton. These actions are imperiling what had been a robust recovery for U.S. textile mills."
Hacoit Benoit, president of Eurocoton, stated: "India's anti-trade actions on cotton have caused turmoil in world markets. Under these circumstances, competition is seriously distorted. As a result, our European textile customers are faced with difficult options. They are forced either ... to pay prohibitive prices for their cotton and suffer increased competition on processed products imported into the EU at lower price, or they must reduce their own costs by relocating their production facilities and jobs outside of Europe, or they must simply close their doors."
The letter states: "If the current scenario of India curtailing and delaying export of its cotton crop continues to play out, European, Mexican, U.S. and Turkish textile mills will face the prospect of prolonged high prices for cotton or having no supply of cotton at all. Either way, our mills cannot survive such a scenario for an extended period of time." It further asks "that our governments immediately send the strongest message to India that it must not restrict or delay export of its cotton to world markets and must abide by international trade rules."
Zazzle, the world's leading platform for quality custom products, announced a new collaboration with iconic American company Levi Strauss & Co. The collaboration will initially center on Zazzle's participation in the community-based Levi's Photo Workshop in New York City, taking place October 8 through December 18, 2010.
Zazzle is supporting the Levi's brand with onsite customization technology, helping local New York City artists, photographers, and enthusiasts manifest their ideas instantly, as both apparel and fine art paper prints at the Levi's Workshop.
The Levi's Photo Workshop is the company's second community-based venue for collaboration and creative production. The facilities at the New York Workshop feature a professional-grade photography studio and vintage camera rental. From master classes to exhibitions, screenings, panels, and special events, the Levi's brand has invited leaders from a variety of cultural fields, non-profit organizations, artists, and the general public to share these valuable resources.
Zazzle, online home to more than 30 billion unique consumer-designed products, is an innovative platform for all artists, brands, and creative product designers to express their creativity. During the event, Zazzle will enable professional photographers -- as well as consumers who happen to be in the neighborhood -- to use the Zazzle platform to print unique t-shirts and create fine art prints "on the fly." Additionally, Zazzle will have a mobile storefront at the Levi's Workshop with a variety of Zazzle products offered for sale, with all proceeds donated to charities.
"Zazzle is proud to help facilitate the Levi's brand's vision of offering creative resources to the arts community, and looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with photography juggernauts Hamburger Eyes and Naomi Harris through our support of the Levi's Photo Workshop in New York City," said Andy Howell, Zazzle brand director and founder of Artsprojekt, a division of Zazzle.
"The Levi's brand has created incredibly relevant and eclectic programs for the Workshop, and following the success of their San Francisco Print Workshop, we anticipate an exciting and action-packed couple of months."
Howell continued, "Through Zazzle's participation in the Levi's Photo Workshop, artists and fans will be able to experience firsthand how Zazzle technology helps pinnacle brands create true immediacy in today's marketplace through co-creation. Photographers can shoot around Brooklyn, Manhattan, or even in Levi's state-of-the-art studios. Then, using Zazzle technology, they can create prints and other products right in the Levi's Photo Workshop. I invite all our Artsprojekt and Zazzle artists and photographers to come out and experience the Levi's Photo Workshop firsthand."
"The Levi's Workshops are all about providing people with tools to collaborate and create. The physical venue, the knowledgeable staff, the community of likeminded pioneers, and of course the actual equipment and services are all offered as part of our ongoing effort to encourage people to come in and get their hands dirty," said Joshua Katz, head of Collaborations, Partnerships & Creative Concepts for the Levi's brand.
"The integration of Zazzle into the Levi's Photo Workshop in New York has helped us introduce an incredible set of resources for our collaborators and visitors. With the Zazzle printing technology, as well as the print-on-demand store powered by Zazzle on workshops.levi.com, people are empowered to make beautiful images a part of their life.
British model Naomi Campbell (C) smiles next to Italian designers Domenico Dolce (R) and Stefano Gabbana during a party marking the 25th anniversary of her career in downtown Shanghai October 28, 2010.
Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry has recently announced its high-profile partnership with The Recording Academy — known for the world-renowned GRAMMY Awards — and is now launching a special edition GRAMMY watch and jewelry collection, a unique fusion of fashion and music, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.
The cutting-edge look of the pieces draws its inspiration from the passion that music evokes. Gucci's first-ever digital timepiece, the I - GUCCI, is an eye-catching option for fans of cosmopolitan watches. It offers the ultimate in versatility. With a flick, the broad watch face changes from a two-time zone dial in large digits to a streamlined version that features two discreet digital hands revealing local time.
Its large, double-layout digital display features a special tag celebrating the GRAMMY partnership. The yellow PVD stainless-steel case is complemented by a wide, black or white rubber strap that sports both the GRAMMY and Gucci logos. Again emphasizing the partnership, the case back features the GRAMMY Awards special edition label. Precious versions of the I - GUCCI are also available with sparkling diamonds outlining the watch face giving an added touch of glamour.
The special GRAMMY edition collection also includes sterling silver jewelry interpreting the iconic Gucci dog tag necklace in four variations, with black or white enamel finishing also available with diamonds. The famous gramophone — the symbol of the GRAMMYs since its inception — is etched on the dog tag on a yellow 18kt gold globe. A subtly engraved Gucci logo completes the overall design. This exclusive collection will appeal to music lovers wishing to distinguish their fashion and style credentials.
Fashion-conscious music fans can also enjoy direct access to GRAMMY news and updates thanks to a new section on guccitimepieces.com dedicated to the Gucci-GRAMMY partnership. Rich in content, visitors can learn more about the music preservation program, discover GRAMMY history in the "GRAMMYs Through Time" gallery or immerse themselves in the world of the GRAMMYs with a direct link to GRAMMY.com. Regular visitors to the Gucci Timepieces website can take advantage of exclusive Gucci-GRAMMY downloads, due to be released in the coming months.
Once again, Scarlett Johansson, one of the most internationally-famous models, will feature in the new MANGO winter campaign. This is the third time the actress has launched the firm’s new designs since she became the face of the brand last year.
A typical London residence was the setting chosen by MANGO for the photo shoot, in which the actress once again posed before the camera of Mario Sorrenti. The prestigious photographer, who has collaborated with MANGO since Scarlett became the face of the brand, succeeding in immortalising the more elegant and romantic side of the actress. Jane How was responsible for the styling, while Lucía Pieroni and Oribe, respectively, were responsible for make-up and hair styling.
In this new collection, MANGO takes a fresh look at the timeless classics of British country style: trench coats, double-breasted jackets and tailored coats, without forgetting, in knitwear, the basics and thicker garments with a handmade look.
The carefree combination of these traditional garments is evocative of the late 70s. Tweed, corduroy and leather, together with sheer silks and touches of gold, create a contrast between the masculine and the feminine, giving new meaning to the classics.
The silhouette of the new 70s autumn trend in which the garment volumes have been revised are maintained: waists are emphasized and skirts and dresses are extended as far as the knee, while the high bell-bottom trousers remain. These garments are combined with shirts with strap details, jerseys with braid and aran fantasy details, tricot capes, oversized cardigans and the double-sided coat, one of the key garments introduced this campaign.
The new collection is dominated by neutral colours in all tones, from the lightest tones to chocolate, combined with touches of pumpkin, navy blue or blood red. Another palette exists, made up of dark grey vigoré, black and touches of toasted and gold.
MANGO is Spain’s second largest exporter of women’s fashion. Its concept is based on an alliance between a quality product, in accordance with the latest fashion trends, and an affordable price. The brand image is reinforced by its company-owned stores, which represent the calling card for the brand and create a dynamic atmosphere in accordance with the personality of its customers
Miss World 2010 Alexandria Mills (C) from the United States, 1st Runner-up Emma Wareus (L) from Botswana and 2nd Runner-up Adriana Vasini (R) from Venezuela pose for a group photo during the final round of the 60th Miss World Beauty Pageant in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The 60th Miss World Beauty Pageant was concluded on Saturday.
An eighteen-year-old U.S. woman named Alexandria Mills was crowned Miss World in south China's tropical island province of Hainan on Saturday.
Second place went to Emma Wareus of Botswana, and Adriana Vasini of Venezuela came third. Tang Xiao of China also was among the final five.
Mills from Louisville, Kentucky, had recently graduated from high school, according to a biography on the contest's website.
Women from more than 100 countries participated in the contest, organizers said.
This is the 60th Miss World Competition.
Models present creations of Dorian Ho 2011 S/S collection in Beijing during China International Fashion Week. This show is named " Travel in Time". Designer Dorian Ho is good at decorating classical styles with ellegant colors, various crystals and beads to display the beauty of feminie.
Moreover, this show is sponsored by famous domestic watch brand Rossini. It is learned that Rossini will launch its fashion wrist watch collection for women next year.
The design exhibition is jointly hosted by China National Garment Association (CNGA) and China Textile Information Center (CTIC), undertaken by Beijing Fashion Expo Co., Ltd., and supported by Kaiser.
The event involves in fashion design, architecture design, art design and photographic art, invites about 100 designers, artists, and cameramen, and also welcomes new designers from Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University, China Central Academy of Fine Arts and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, a real gathering of creative design force.
Coach Inc, the US-based handbag and accessories retailer, plans to open 25 stores in China during its current fiscal year, which ends in June 2011.
The company is stepping up efforts to expand its outreach in the country considered to be the fastest-growing luxury goods market in the world.
New York-based Coach, which owns 665 stores worldwide, now operates 41 outlets in China. During the past fiscal year, it has opened 15 stores in the market.
"China is our biggest opportunity as our brand takes hold and the market continues to develop rapidly," said Lew Frankfort, chairman of Coach Inc, adding that the company has started developing a multi-channel distribution model in China including a flagship store, retail outlets, and shop-in-shop. He said the company is also expecting to accelerate new store openings.
A new Coach's retail store will be opened in Dalian, Liaoning province, on Friday.
As an accessible luxury brand, Coach sells products at a relatively low price - about half that of some European brands such as Louis Vuitton (LV), Gucci and Prada. In China, Coach's handbags are mostly priced close to 5,000 yuan ($752) while LV and Prada are around 10,000 yuan.
"China is growing at a faster pace than expected and we will reach our sales target of $250 million in the market by June 2012, a year ahead of the planned time frame," said Victor Luis, president of Coach's international retail branch.
Earlier this month, the US brand announced its international growth strategy, focused on Asian markets, which includes establishing a new international retail organization with three major Asian hubs including the Chinese and Japanese markets.
"Coach is now well positioned to drive our directly-operated international retail businesses, while continuing to accelerate the development of the global market and growth through our partnerships around the world," Frankfort said.
Coach acquired its domestic retail businesses in April 2009 from its former distributor, ImagineX Group, a Hong Kong-based brand management and distribution company in the luxury market.
The company said the direct operation provides greater control over the brand in China, enabling it to raise brand awareness and grow its market share with domestic consumers.
According to Coach, the global luxury market for handbags and accessories is about $24 billion and China comprises roughly 10 percent at present.
"We estimate that by 2013, the global luxury market for handbags and accessories will be about $29 billion, and China's share will grow to 20 percent from the current 10 percent," Frankfort said.
A survey by the US consultancy Bain & Co released this month showed China remains the fastest-growing market for luxury goods, with sales expected to rise 30 percent this year. Global sales are predicted to grow 10 percent.
While Coach is exploring the Chinese market, it still sees potential in Europe. The (London) Financial Times reported that the retailer plans to open up to 15 outlets in the United Kingdom over the next three years.
In France, it opened its first shop, inside a Printemps store in Paris, in June.
Bain said sales in Europe - where luxury brands account for around 75 percent of the global market - will rise 6 percent this year, fuelled by customers from emerging markets like China.
