Industry Insights & Opinion
EPSON DESIGN AWARDS 2024: A CREATIVE CELEBRATION OF INCLUSIVITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
“The 2024 Epson Design Awards honoured outstanding creativity, unity, and progressive thinking in fashion design across the Benelux region. With inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, designers from various backgrounds converged to showcase their talents and ingenuity in a celebration of artistry and innovation. In collaboration with LABELEDBY., the competition, once again, served as a strategic platform for emerging designers to amplify their voices and push the boundaries of conventional design.”
PATTERN AND PRINT MARKET SHIFTS AND THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOURS/TRENDS ON THE FUTURE OF PRINT WITH KRISTINE GO OF PATTERN CURATOR
Recently, we had the privilege of collaborating with Kristine Go, founder of Pattern Curator - a Print forecasting and design service concept based in New Jersey, USA - giving us a fascinating glimpse into the future. Kristine Go's trend forecasting presents profound implications for the market, emphasizing the need for industries to attune themselves to the evolving consumer psyche. The ongoing dance between creativity and commerce is thus becoming more intricate, requiring a delicate balance to achieve commercial success without compromising on creative integrity or societal values.
THE DIGITALISATION OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY: TECHTEXTIL / TEXPROCESS 2024 REVIEW
“This global gathering not only highlighted the expanse of R&D and technical advancements being made within the textile industry but also emphasised the importance of sustainable development. Keynote speeches and panels focused on the challenges of achieving environmental sustainability while maintaining productivity and profitability, sparking debates and discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and academic community” Debbie McKeegan, CEO - Texintel
PARIS SPRING / SUMMER 2024: EPSON AND DESIGNER YUIMA NAKAZATO DEBUT A POWERFUL COUTURE COLLECTION THAT SIGNPOSTS THE FUTURE OF FASHION
“Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato remained focused on innovative, environmental sourcing and sustainability for his latest couture Spring/Summer 2024 fashion collection. For the third year, Epson and the talented Nakazato fashion house have collaborated to foster the use of environmentally friendly solutions in the fashion industry, through the use of advanced technologies, leveraging Epson printing technologies alongside Epson’s innovative Dry Fibre Technology.”
WHAT MAKES A FACTORY SMART? - WE EXPLORE THE TOPIC AT PERSONALISE MAKE WEAR - WITH INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS
“The smart factory offers a manufacturing platform that encompasses digital technologies, print automation, and seamless workflows for on-demand production and direct customer delivery. Each element of smart production technology whether RIP software, digital print manufacturers, automation systems, or workflow management collectively crafts a seamless smart factory that operates using “one language” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
BREAKING THROUGH THE NOISE: 5 INSIDER TIPS FOR STAND-OUT TEXTILE PRINT IN A SATURATED DESIGN MARKET
“In a saturated market, standing out with original print designs may seem like a daunting task. But by knowing your brand inside and out, finding your unique voice, embracing innovation and experimentation, staying true to your vision, and connecting with your audience, you can break through the noise and make a lasting impact with your designs. Be bold, trust your instincts and let your creativity soar!” Cheryl O’Meara PRINT PATTERN ARCHIVE
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS AT FESPA AMSTERDAM 2024 - PIONEERING ECO-CONSCIOUS PRINT SOLUTIONS
“Print businesses must address the requirements of an increasingly eco-aware consumer base and Fespa - Amsterdam didn’t disappoint as a destination for print innovation and ground-breaking industry insight. The convergence of sustainability with cutting-edge technology illustrates the industry's forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the future of print is not just innovative but also responsible.“.
NAVIGATING THE SHIFT: INDUSTRY 5.0 AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY'S RENAISSANCE - LUI IAROCHESKI SHARES HIS INSIGHTS
“As we enter this new industrial revolution, it's crucial to explore how Industry 5.0 is set to transform the fashion industry, reshaping everything from design and production processes to consumer engagement and sustainability practices. This article delves into the heart of Industry 5.0, tracing its roots from previous industrial revolutions to its current incarnation, and examines its transformative impact on the fashion world.
POWERING PRINTED MANUFACTURING USING WORKFLOW AUTOMATION - PRINT LOGISTIC AND ON-DEMAND PRODUCTION INNOVATION
“One of the most compelling advantages of Print Logistics’ business model is the unparalleled design flexibility it offers. Clients can effortlessly update or customize their designs, adapting swiftly to shifting consumer preferences and market trends without the burden of leftover stock. Additionally, this model substantially shortens the time-to-market, freeing businesses from the constraints of minimum order quantities and enabling rapid delivery of orders.” Print Logistic
CREATIVE COLLABORATION AND INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS FROM LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2024
“London Design Week 2024, held at the iconic Chelsea Harbour, is a staple in the design calendar for all creatives and professionals involved within the interior industry. Filled with innovative, fresh ideas for textiles, wallcoverings, lighting and flooring, furniture and beyond - Chelsea, never fails to inspire and to showcase and highlight the innovative creativity of the UK’s Interior furnishings industry - and their growing demand for environmental best practice”.
CASE STUDY: SMART TEXTILE TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE BIO-MATERIALS REWIRE AND REMAP THE INTERIOR DECOR SILK ROAD
“As we progress towards more sustainable practices, Thomas urges industry players to make informed decisions—learn about what they buy, understand customer preferences, and choose sustainable materials and partners. He envisions a future where the industry is dotted with digital manufacturing hubs, leading to significant environmental benefits across multiple textile market sectors.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
NEW FIBRE AND MATERIALS INFLUENCING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE PRINTED SPORTSWEAR
“The landscape of sportswear is changing dramatically as the decade progresses. With a heightened focus on sustainability, manufacturers have turned their attention to the use of recycled and new fibre materials to influence production.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
DRIVING PERSONALISATION USING DPC FOR PRINTED APPAREL: A CASE STUDY WITH LUI IAROCHESKI
“Pioneering in 3D digital product creation, Iarocheski developed a unique production model based on digital technology. Designs were created in 3D, with the physical product only produced once the digital version was sold. This innovative approach not only addressed the problematic stock issue but also significantly reduced in-house waste.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
THE IMPACT OF THE DIRECT TO FILM PRINTING PROCESS FOR SPORTSWEAR AND PRODUCT PERSONALISATION
“DTF is set to not only sustain its position as a viable keystone in textile customisation but also evolve into an even more versatile, sustainable, and user-friendly technology, shaping the future landscape of the garment decoration industry.” Debbie McKeegan - FESPA Textile Ambassador
NEXT STOP CHELSEA - LONDON DESIGN WEEK FOR EPSON TEXTILE CHALLENGE AWARD WINNER AND GREEN GRAD - BECKY BRENTNALL
“Green Grads has sponsorship from a clutch of innovatory British brands. “And we are especially grateful to Claire German and Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour who are our generous headline sponsor, additionally welcoming us for the second time running into their prestigious space,”says Barbara Chandler, founder/curator of Green Grads.
PRINTED & EMBELLISHMENT: PRINT LOGISTIC ARE UNLEASHING THE POWER OF COLOREEL EMBROIDERY TECHNOLOGY
“Print Logistic proudly unveils Coloreel, a cutting-edge technology that is reshaping textile decoration. This innovative embroidery solution unleashes a spectrum of vibrant colors, breaking free from the constraints of traditional embroidery’s limited thread palette. Coloreel’s on-demand thread coloring system opens the door to an infinite array of colors, empowering Print Logistic to meet bespoke customer requests with unprecedented precision.” Print Logistic
HOW PRINFAB BUILT A COMMUNITY BASED BRAND IN THE COMPETITIVE WORLD OF CUSTOM TEXTILE PRINTING
“Oliver Mustoe-Playfair explained further “Prinfab had grown from a single printer to a fleet covering thousands of square feet. In 2021, we recognised the need transition to larger industrial printers and became the first company in the world to put an Epson ML-8000 into production” - Oliver Mustoe-Playfair of Prinfab
TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION: MEMBERS OF THE EU VOTE IN FAVOUR OF IMPLEMENTING NEW RULES ON TEXTILE WASTE
“Textile waste in the EU has increased considerably due to 'fast fashion' trends. The emphasis on frequent, lower-priced collections encourages consumers to buy more, creating a surge in waste. Even more concerning, a study by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) found in 2019 alone, textile waste, including clothing, footwear, and home and technical textiles, amassed to 12.6 million tonnes. This equates to a staggering 12kg per person, per year”.
FESPA TO SHOWCASE SMART SPORTS APPAREL, PRODUCT PERSONALISATION AND SEAMLESS CUSTOMISATION
“FESPA - Personalise, Make Wear - will showcase a digital workflow that integrates and highlights the technologies that are redefining the benchmarks of apparel manufacture. Partners include: Antigro Product Designer, Kornit Digital, MS Group, Caldera, Epson, InkCups, Pattern Room, Klieverik, Coldenhove, Tajima, Coloreel, AVA, Greentex, Dekken and Stahls.“
DIVING INTO DIGITAL FABRIC: THE SEAMLESS MERGE OF AR AND FASHION - GUEST POST FROM B&C COLLECTION
“Ever pondered the twist and turns in the labyrinth of fashion technology? Let's shine a spotlight on the showstopper of the hour - Augmented Reality (AR). It’s like stepping into a wardrobe that leads to another dimension, but instead of Narnia, it could be the future of fashion and merchandising we're stepping into.” Timo Breuser - B&C Collection