Apparel Buzz

Bridging the gap between what is sustainable and what is sexy, the global fashion and apparel industry has much to do in promoting what is sustainable to a consumer base that is all for design, fashion, flair, and creativity.

The key to success in the South Asian apparel industry is collaboration on both a company and regional basis, with changing consumer demands requiring the supply chain to be ever more fast and flexible, industry insiders told the South Asian Apparel Leadership Forum on Saturday.

Driving consumer awareness and engagement in sustainable fashion will be a key driver in moving the industry forward, speakers at Sri Lanka Design Festival’s Sustainable Fashion Symposium said.

Sustainability is an ever-evolving concept and even Brandix, whose pioneering eco-factory opened in 2008, needs to work to retain its cutting edge as others nip at its heels.

Sri Lankan clothing producer Timex is expanding its own brands in Asia and Europe as part of plans to move into higher margin areas to offset rising costs in its domestic manufacturing operations.

Clothing brands can improve their speed to market and sustainabilty through the development of shipping hubs near their sourcing markets, delegates at the Sri Lanka Design Festival were told today (16 November).

Sri Lanka is cementing its position at the vanguard of sustainable and ethical fashion production because "it's the right thing to do, and something we wanted to do," according to Nikhil Hirdaramani, director at one of the country's leading manufacturers.

Suppliers may need to undergo only one audit a year on their sustainability and environmental credentials if an eco-index initiative by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) takes off.

SLDF goes ‘locally global’ this year, incorporating fashion, design and rural empowerment
By Cheranka Mendis

Promoting Sri Lanka’s design and creative industry as a ‘locally global’ one, the Sri Lanka Design Festival is back hosting its fourth edition tomorrow (15 September) at the scenic Mount Lavinia Hotel.

For the second consecutive year Coats is sponsoring the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF).This year Coat’s Global Sales Director Stephen Forte will speak at the SLDF’s South Asian Apparel Leadership Forum.