Amid a tense and uncertain climate mainly created by President Trump’s actions and promises to turn global trade on its head, sourcing and textile executives are trying to formulate a strategy amid the chaos.
From European fabric firms looking to maintain and grow their business in the important American market to U.S. mills and brands seeing opportunity for a strengthening of their revival movement, executives showed strong resolve at the latest editions of two vital trade shows in New York.
Mixed in with the Trump threats and actions on international trade agreements and relationships are the Instant Fashion phenomenon and the continued desire and move toward greater sustainability in the supply chain.
Guglielmo Olearo, exhibitions director for Première Vision International, said, “The fashion world is questioning itself. The way people are consuming fashion is different, so the way to create fashion is changing.”
He said there is a “generalness, a seasonless” approach that came about over the Instant Fashion movement, that is practical and can lead to some smart strategies such as more local manufacturing, but “it does create confusion.”
Olearo said the problem that’s pervasive, whether economies are holding their own or struggling, is consumption.
“Price is a very sensitive point versus the real value
Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Read More…