#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2021-04-29

2021 Taiwan fashion Design Award inviting new talents to the stage of Taipei Fashion Week

Taiwan Fashion Design Award (TFDA), a major annual event in Asia’s fashion industry, is now open for registration to worldwide new generation fashion designers. In the 35 years of history, TFDA has drawn over 14,000 participants and 90,000 works into the contest of top fashion design, including contestants coming from the art and fashion academy of USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Macau, etc.

2021 Taiwan Fashion Design Award Inviting New Talents to the Stage of Taipei Fashion Week

TFDA has been served the purpose of discovering new talents in fashion design over the past 34 years. Through the promotion of this contest and the cooperation between industry and design academia, the foundation of the textile and fashion industry has been enforced, and therefore, TFDA has the mission to lead designers to make the further refinement of the industry through the newly discovered design ideas and perspectives.

For the inspiration in the theme of design, the 4 keywords to note are CREATIVITY, PERFORMANCE, FUNCTION, and SUSTAINABILITY. CREATIVITY is to communicate with people in aesthetic methods. PERFORMANCE is to utilize High-tech, high-value-added textile materials to enhance comfort experience. FUNCTION is to create innovative and practical apparel, making our life better. Furthermore, the competition expects designers to focus on "SUSTAINABILITY" in terms of environmental friendliness and extending the life of materials and garments, in line with the global concern of green fashion issues.

Through this competition, contestants of TFDA from different places are encouraged to explore more possibilities in design, to enhance their skills by observing and learning from other talents. Also, they are noticed by the industry and media and extend their global vision. Hsieh, Yi-Ting, the designer who won the First Prize of 2020 TFDA, is currently studying at Fu Jen Catholic University for a Master's Degree in Fashion & Textiles. She said, "Being recognized on the stage of TFDA not only granted me the media attention and coverage, but also the opportunities to work with stylists, photographers, make-up artists, and celebrities. My design capability gained more and more recognition, which is a great encouragement for me to keep up with more excellent work."

The Finalist Designer Tang, Tsung-Chien is studying in Institut Français de la Mode of France. He mentioned, "After the competition, I received many work opportunities such as Merryson, Karomax, Sinta, Junmay Label, T-sa Tailor Shop, and Maluda Awi the Taiwanese Austronesian Craftman. I’m planning to develop my own brand in Taiwan and France."

The Chinese designer Hou, Qinglin, who currently studying at Berlin University of the Arts, stated, "I’ve been benefited a lot from my finalist fashion show during the TFDA, for example, I used my reward to have an internship at D’heygere of Paris. Getting in the finalist of TFDA is a milestone of my life and also the stepping stone of future career."

TFDA is sponsored by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan and is organized by Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF). This year, with strong sponsorship from industry, including Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd. and Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, etc. to contribute the prize reward. The Preliminary round is estimated to be held in July, only 12 of the elite finalists will be chosen to enter the final round to claim the total prize of US$ 35,000. In addition, TFDA is also supported by the Ministry of Culture, and the best works will be exhibited on the international stage of Taipei Fashion Week, and will also be presented live worldwide.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.