#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2021-12-02

The Capsule Collection: Introducing the 100 Mile Jacket

The 2021 edition of the Campaign for Wool Capsule Collection at Canadian retailer Holt Renfrew featured exciting new pieces by local designers LINE, SMYTHE and ça va de soi. The Campaign for Wool was launched by HRH The Prince of Wales, as part of his global effort to promote the natural, sustainable benefits of wool. International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) puts the spotlight on one of the collection’s featured designs for 2021: SMYTHE’s 100 Mile Jacket.

The Campaign for Wool Capsule Collection

Wool month takes place every October throughout Canada, and features special events and collaborations with clothing designers, wool producers and retailers, aimed at showcasing the benefits of wool and advancing the aims of the Campaign for Wool. The 2021 edition featured a collaboration between retailer Holt Renfrew and three Canadian designers, each of which launched brand new creations made entirely from locally sourced wool.

“We look forward to Wool Month each year because it presents an opportunity to share the virtues of Canadian wool in a way that is fun and engaging”, says Matthew J. Rowe, CEO of the Campaign for Wool Canada. “This year, we’ve secured some exceptional partners who we think will turn some heads and get people excited about our favourite fibre.” Among these partners was Toronto-based fashion house SMYTHE, who launched their latest creation, the 100 Mile Jacket.

SMYTHE’s 100 Mile Jacket

Part of the 2021 Campaign for Wool Capsule Collection, the 100 Mile Jacket takes its name from the fact that it is produced from single-flock, Canadian wool that is spun, dyed, woven, combed, and sewn at mills and workshops within 100 miles of Toronto. It is conceived as a celebration of both Canadian design and artisanal talent and showcases the potential for Canadian wool.

SMYTHE’s contribution to the Capsule Collection also includes a blazer made using fabric from renowned UK mill Abraham Moon, another global partner of the Campaign for Wool. LINE and ça va de soi also made quite an impact with their additions to the collection: knitwear made with fully traceable Responsible Wool Standard yarns from the former, and a luxurious soft throw from the latter.

Alexandra Weston, Holt Renfrew’s Divisional Vice President, says of the Campaign and the collection: “Our commitment towards sustainability in retail is one we take very seriously. The collection showcases both the incredible natural characteristics of Canadian wool, and the wealth of design talent in this country. We are immensely proud to be able to curate a collection that we can stand behind as sustainably sourced, environmentally responsible, and beautiful.”

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Texhibition Istanbul signals stability and global connectivity

From 4 to 6 March 2026, Texhibition Istanbul once again brought together the international textile industry at the Istanbul Expo Center. Organized by İTKİB Fuarcılık A.Ş. in cooperation with the Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (İTHİB), the fair confirmed its role as one of the most important international sourcing platforms for fabrics and textile innovation. With 500+ exhibitors across 5 halls on 42,850 sqm, the trade fair attracted 19,325 visitors. Among them, 5.565 international visitors represented Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America, and other regions, underlining the show’s expanding global reach.

Val:ue Milan unveiled – a curated boutique business hub for high-end apparel textiles

Messe Frankfurt continues to expand its international textile network with the announcement of Val:ue Milan. Moving beyond the traditional trade fair model, Val:ue Milan debuts as a prestigious, boutique-style business hub exclusively dedicated to elected fabrics and accessories for apparel. Taking place from February 3 to 5, 2027, at The Mall in Porta Nuova, the event breaks away from conventional formats through a strictly curated environment designed for strategic networking. By bridging the gap between high-end international manufacturers and top-tier segment buyers, Val:ue Milan further strengthens the Group’s global portfolio with a unique, high-impact concept built around a refined and carefully selected offering.

ECCO introduces first shoe featuring innovative protein-based fibre

ECCO, in partnership with Spinnova, announces the launch of the limited edition ECCO BIOM® 720, a first-of-its-kind shoe utilising an often overlooked leather by-product, transformed into a protein-based fibre. The fibres are produced using patented technology that advances material innovation while reducing waste and supporting full resource use across the leather and textile industry.

The LYCRA Company strengthens sustainability leadership, appoints Alistair Williamson as VP of Product Sustainability

The LYCRA Company has appointed longtime executive Alistair Williamson as vice president of product sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable solutions for apparel and personal care products. In this role, he will guide the company’s next chapter of sustainability strategy and oversee all initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact across products, operations, and innovation platforms.