India : Planning Commission member raises plight of silk weavers - Textile News India

According to a member of the Planning Commission, which is an apex body of the Government of India and formulates the five year plans, there is a need to waive off or reduce customs duty on imports of silk yarn from China. Ms Syeda Hameed who was on a two day visit to Varanasi, which is famous for its silk industry, was particularly appalled, where she met the poor silk weavers. According to her the duty on Chinese silk fabric is higher than Chinese silk yarn. She sternly said that the Banarasi silk industry was dependent on Chinese silk rather than silk yarn from Karnataka and promised to raise the issue with the Planning Commission as well as the government of India. She also promised to bring to light the loop holes in the schemes launched by the Central Government for the development of handloom and handicraft, since these loopholes prevented these weavers from being benefited from the various schemes.

USA : Bergio Signs LOI to buy Italian Mario Panelli - Fashion News USA

Bergio International, Inc. announces that it has entered into a deal to acquire famous Italian designer Mario Panelli. Mario Panelli reported $1.5 million in inventory, $1.4 million insales for 2008, with moderate earnings. Bergio will acquire the Company for a liquidated inventory cost of $1,250,000 in cash. "Bergio is very excited to sign a Letter of Intent to acquire famous Italian designer Mario Panelli. Mario Panelli has been in business for over 40 years and is known internationally for his designs. This acquisition will give Bergio exposure into the international markets," stated Berge Abajian, CEO of Bergio International, Inc.Bergio is entering into its 20th year of operations withboutique, upscale jewelry stores. It currently sells its jewelry to approximately 150 independent jewelry retailers across the United States.

UK : Stick-it-on can transform clothing into wearable light show - Technology News UK

Anokimobi Ltd, the UK product design firm has just launched their Stick-it-on Flashing Panels; a range of flashing, animating panels that can be easily fixed onto any item of clothing or apparel such as t-shirts, jackets and bags. Nine funky panel designs have been created which, once attached, can transform clothing into a wearable light show; a fun, stand-out product which appeals particularly to the youth and clubbing markets. Anokimobi’s off-the-shelf flashing panel designs include animated DJs, dancers, aliens and robots some of which are sound reactive and will flash in time to music. They also offer a quick turnaround, bespoke design service for companies who want high visibility branding on promotional clothing and apparel. Flashing panels, while not a new product, are usually sold pre-fixed to an item of clothing, forcing the retailer to stock every panel design on every size of t-shirt or jacket. Anokimobi is the first company to offer Flashing Panels as a stand alone product. T-shirt and clothing retailers now have the option to buy panels that their customers can stick on themselves thus reducing the need to carry large amounts of stock. The Stick-it-on Flashing Panel wholesales for around half the price of a panel already attached to a t-shirt. Retailers can also benefit from higher profit margins as panels are shipped without the need to attach them first to bulky clothing thus reducing transport costs. Easy to attach and long lastingEasily applied in less than a minute, the Stick-it-on Flashing Panel takes 3 x AAA batteries and will flash for between 8-14 hours depending on design. Panels are lightweight and paper thin as they are based on Electro Luminescent technology; the energy efficient and versatile light source which is also used for Anokimobi’s groundbreaking solar powered advertising signage. Tom Tranter, Director of Anokimobi Ltd explains, “We have worked with Electro Luminescence technology for 5 years and have successfully launched EL Solar Signage. We felt that there was a place for a completely different fun and youth orientated product; an EL product which would offer versatility to both the retailer and to big brands who want an affordable way to reach the savvy youth market. We have also had a lot of interest from the safety, hi-visibility clothing market and are looking to develop a separate panel range for these clients too.”

India : Flaunt your style quotient with DKNY’s A/W watches - Fashion News India

Stylish, elegant and classy - DKNY’s Autumn-Winter 09 time pieces ooze an international style hard to resist! Color, shine and glitter dominate the DKNY watch collection for women. The modern essentials offer styles suitable for all occasions. And for those really special evenings take you pick from timepieces which are modern and have an element of glitz, Matte metallics play with logo inspiration in glitz, crystals and high tech mesh with sleek lines. Also featured in this collection are watches with vivid hues in crocodile and shimmering patent leather, flank oversized cases recalling a men’s watch, but with feminine allure. Essential looks speak in traditional city style while plated mother-of-pearl shouts modern reinvention. DKNY for men are distinct with strong shapes and details for the season. Masculine lines and functional details meet bold colored dials surrounded by stainless steel. While the black and red blend for a dynamic sporty look with chronograph feature the fine leather in aged neutral tones lends for a sophisticated feel. The contemporary mood and dark color palette is what is ‘IN’ this season.

USA : David Osbon to promote Ashburn FR protective apparel products - Apparel News USA

Ashburn Hill Corp. welcomes David Osbon, global director, technical sales and marketing, to a newly created position that fits within AHC’s industrial protective apparel strategy. In this role, David will further promote AHC’s line of next-generation flame-resistant protective apparel products – which are made with its patented TECGEN fiber – to the industrial market. He will also develop and execute marketing plans to increase brand recognition among industrial manufacturers who seek garments that focus on thermal management and meet and exceed regulatory and compliance standards. David brings ten years of new-business and market-development experience in protective fabrics to his new position. As product technical manager for UniFirst Corporation’s Flame Resistant division, David introduced new flame-resistant technology and educated end-users in the appropriate application of FR fabrics. Prior to UniFirst, David focused on new product developments for the Military and Protective Fabrics division at Milliken and Company. David has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the safety industry as a seven-year active participant with American Society for Testing and Materials . David currently serves on the AS F18 and AS F23 technical committees that are responsible for developing the test protocols for all flame-resistant fabrics and garments. David was recently selected chairman of a new task force with AS to lead the development of a new AS standard to deal with combustible dust-related issues. “David is a valuable addition to our team,” said Jon Heard, President and CEO of AHC. “His strong industry background with flame-resistant protective fabrics will help AHC quickly penetrate the industrial protective apparel market.” Ashburn Hill Corp., based in Greenville, South Carolina, with manufacturing in Angleton, Texas, is dedicated to bringing innovative protective apparel solutions to the industrial and firefighter markets. With their patented TECGEN fiber, AHC has developed the next generation of flame-resistant garments, including products such as TECGEN XTREME coveralls. Through their unwavering commitment to ‘Advance the Science of Safety,’ the company is developing products that increase industrial and firefighter workers’ comfort and meet and exceed regulatory compliance standards.

Europe : EU-South Korea together with a new Framework Agreement - General News Europe

EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and Korean Trade Minister Kim Jong-hoon have initialled a free trade agreement(FTA) that is the most important ever negotiated between the European Union and a third country.

The deal, estimated to be worth up to EUR 19 billion in new trade for EU exporters, will remove virtually all tariffs between the two economies, as well as many non-tariff barriers.The agreement will create new market access in services and investment. The deal also makes major advances in areas such as intellectual property, procurement, competition policy and trade and sustainable development. The FTA signals an important upgrade of the EU-South Korea relationship, together with a new Framework Agreement.

Speaking following the initialling in Brussels, Commissioner Ashton said: " This is the first 21 st Century free trade agreement for the EU, creating deep economic ties with another developed economy. It will create new market opportunities for European companies in services, manufacturing and agriculture. This agreement is particularly important in the current economic climate, helping to fight the economic downturn and create new jobs."

One of the key benefits of the deal for the European Union is the quick elimination of EUR 1.6 billion of duties for exporters to Korea. The agreement also tackles key non-tariff barriers including regulations and standards in industries of European interest, like automotive, pharmaceutical and consumer electronics. Services sectors such as telecommunications, environmental, legal, financial and shipping are expected to see some of the greatest benefits, with substantial commitments from Korea to liberalise these sectors.

The initialling of the FTA signifies the closing of negotiations with a stable legal text, which the European Commission will formally present to EU Member States in early 2010. Following signature of the agreement by the EU Presidency and the Commission, the FTA will be presented to be approved by the European Parliament. Entry into force of the agreement would then be expected in the second half of 2010.

EU-Korea goods trade was worth around EUR 65 billion in 2008. The EU currently runs a deficit with Korea in goods trade, although trends suggest that the Korean market offers significant growth potential. For instance, EU car sales to Korea went up by a total of 78% in unit sales (39% in value) between 2005 and 2008. For products like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, industrial machinery, shoes, medical equipment, non-ferrous metals, iron and steel, leather and fur, wood, ceramics, and glass, the EU enjoys a solid trade surplus. Similarly, for agricultural products Korea is one of the more valuable export markets globally for EU farmers, with annual sales of over EUR 1 billion. On services, the EU has a surplus with Korea of EUR 3.3 billion, with exports of EUR 7.2 billion in 2007 and imports of EUR 3.9 billion.

Bangladesh : BIFT to be turned around into full-fledged university - Textile News Bangladesh

The Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, Mr Faruk Khan, announced that, the government is trying to turn the BGMEA Institute of Fashion and Technology (BIFT) into a full-fledged university for diversification of RMG products in the present competitive global market.

He advised the BIFT to look for a suitable place to set up the proposed university. Mr Faruk Khan called the RMG industry as one of the most important sectors, considering that it contributed 80 percent to the total export volume from the country.

He added by saying that, so far it has created four million jobs directly or indirectly, mostly women and this job creation of over four million for women is a shinning example of their empowerment.

A large number of rural people mostly women, who once upon a time were not able to earn their livelihood, are now leading a decent life, contributing to the incomes of their families, he said.

USA : The Twilight Saga: New Moon – killing collection - Fashion News USA

Starting today, the BP. department at Nordstrom stores will begin to sell its exclusive fashion collection in partnership with Summit Entertainment, Awake, Inc. and N.E.C.A. inspired by the highly-anticipated November 20 release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the second movie in Summit's Twilight film saga. Also starting today, while supplies last, select Nordstrom stores will offer customers advanced movie screening passes as gifts with purchase. The retailer is also holding an online sweepstakes for tickets to the movie's November 16 Los Angeles premiere, and will host in-store styling events in November.

Advanced Movie Screening Tickets Gift with Purchase
Beginning today, Nordstrom will give fans the opportunity to receive one movie pass to an advanced screening of The Twilight Saga: New Moon on the evening of November 19 when they purchase $50 or more in BP. merchandise at select Nordstrom stores. Participating stores include those within and surrounding the following markets: Atlanta; Baltimore; Boca Raton, Fla.; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Los Angeles; Miami; Orange County, Calif.; Paramus, N. J.; Portland, Ore.; Sacramento; Salt Lake City; San Diego; San Francisco; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Online Movie Premiere Sweepstakes
Customers can enter an online sweepstakes at newmoon through November 2 to win two tickets to The Twilight Saga: New Moon movie premiere on November 16 in Los Angeles. The winner will be notified on or about November 5 and will receive roundtrip airfare for two, two-night hotel accommodations, car transportation, premiere get-ready styling party hosted by the BP. team at Nordstrom at The Grove (includes swag bag), and two tickets to the movie premiere.

Twilight Takeover Styling Events
Nordstrom stores will host Twilight Takeover Parties in the BP. department on November 14 and 15 (depending on the participating store) where fans can work with stylists to create looks from the exclusive collection.

Created by Awake, Inc. for Nordstrom, The Twilight Saga: New Moon fashion-focused apparel collection includes T-shirts, tanks, hoodies, dresses and jackets that reflect the mood and spirit of the film. The collection of silver and gold-plated fashion jewelry created by N.E.C.A. for Nordstrom includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings and key chains.

The Twilight film saga stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Wash. to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together...even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story Twilight, the first film in the saga, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the filmfranchise, The Twilight Saga: New Moon starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, will be released November 20, 2009. The third film in the franchise, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is due in theaters on June 30, 2010.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 180 stores located in 28 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 112 full-line stores, 65 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Nordstrom also serves customers through its online presence at www.nordstrom.com and through its catalogs. Nordstrom, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.