#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2016-05-24

Farotex launches their new range of 24-karat luxury fabrics

For millennia the magic of gold has been simply bewitching. In the hands of the some of the world's greatest craftsmen, this precious metal has been crafted into exquisite and stunningly beautiful jewelry items that embody the essence of wealth and power for the privileged few who could afford such luxury.

Ancient items made of gold, which date back 7000 years or more, belonged to some of the most famous and powerful cultures that ever existed. The gold of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Troy, as well as the gold of the Incas and the Scythians, epitomized the eternal desire to own this precious metal, which has now become one of the most valuable investment commodities to have ever been traded around the world.

The history of using gold for decorating textiles and clothing also dates back to ancient times. Making gold thread or creating clothing items laced with gold decoration has always been extremely difficult and expensive, meaning the precious metal has not been widely used in the production of fabrics or textiles – until now!

Recent advancements in technology have radically changed the possibilities for applying metals, including gold, to textiles without changing the original properties or integrity of the materials, thus allowing a range of fabrics and textiles to literally be 'made of' precious metals for the first time in history.

And so the eternal marriage of gold and those fascinated with wearing it begins a new era.

London based company Farotex announces the introduction and availability of the highest grade 24K gold fabric and leather that will change the way the industry offers luxury to its clients. The technology used ensures that the application of the gold will not wear off, flake or fade and items produced can be washed and cleaned as normal non-metalized materials.

Key uses for Farotex products include 24K gold clothing, furniture coverings, furnishings and interior luxury décor. The production methods developed by Farotex are as exclusive as their clients and the products themselves.

The company is pioneering a new "Golden Era" and defining new standards of luxury with their highly prestigious product range and now have their eyes firmly set on the expansion into several new countries and regions.

Farotex is headquartered in the UK. The company has developed a unique technology that enables the deposit of almost any metal or alloy onto the surface of natural and synthetic fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, artificial leather and polymer films on an industrial scale. For more information, please visit www.farotex.com

Pic: A scraf made of a 24K gold fabric

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.