Denimandjeans | Global Trends, News and Reports | Worldwide

Author: Sandeep Agarwal

  • China Apparel Market–Brands, Sales , More…

    An interesting report by Li and Fung brings out some of the important aspects of the Chinese apparel market and shows how it is growing rapidly making it an important destination for the brands worldwide.  Here are some excerpts from the report….

    Total Apparel Market size in 2010 : 587.1 Billion Yuan(about $92 billion)  . The growth in the market over last few years is given below :
    china apparel market growth

    Spending :

      • Urban households on average spent 1,444.3 yuan on clothing, accounting for 10.7% of their total annual expenditure in 2010; while rural households spent 263.4 yuan, which was 6.8% of the total annual expenditure on clothing in the same year.

    Consumers aged 26-35 spend more on clothing compared with other agegroups. Boston Consulting Group’s survey results show that urban residents aged 31-35 spent the most on clothing, followed by consumers aged 26-30.

    Distribution Channels :

    • Department stores and specialty stores are major distribution channels for branded apparel in China. Meanwhile, wholesale markets and hypermarkets are popular retailing channels for lower-priced apparel; many of which are with poor brand recognition or unbranded.

    Top Apparel Companies

    Top apparel companies by sales are :
    top apparel companies china denim

    How are foreign brands expanding in China :

    Established players accelerate their expansion in China
    − Zara planned to expand to 42 cities in China in 2011.
    − Uniqlo targets to open 100 stores in China each year starting from 2011.
    − H&M expects China to be one of largest expansion markets in 2011.

    Some apparel enterprises see Hong Kong as the springboard for China’s entry
    − FOREVER 21 planned to open flagship stores in the prime locations of Hong Kong in 2011; Abercrombie & Fitch’s sub-brand “Hollister” opened its first Asian flagship store in Hong Kong in August 2011.

    Recent Developments

    Some enterprises, especially luxury companies, prefer to retain full control over the ownership of Chinese operations from franchisors or distributors. − Bestseller, which owns ONLY, VERO MODA, Jack & Jones, etc., retained control of shops in Xi’an and Jinan; it also opened more direct-owned stores. − Burberry bought 50 of its Chinese franchised stores in a deal worth 70 million pounds .

    Online Retailing

    Online retailing is getting very important in China and accounted for about 3% of total apparel sales in 2010. This is a good number and expected to increase further . Apparel continues to be the most favoured product category for online purchase.

    Market Shares

    The market shares of top 10 brands in different sub sectors are given in the bar graph below. It is interesting to see that many sectors have a huge share of the market dominated by top players.

    market share apparel companies

    Share of different products

    Share of different products in Apparel , China

    Top Brands in Denim Wear

    market share denim companies china

    Share in Jackets space :

    market share denim companies china jacket

    The Chinese market will get more important as the buying capacity of buyers increases there.
    Chinese market is already larger than the US market  when it comes to denim fabric consumption and it is expected that over the years it shall maintain its growth and shall continue to be the  leading country in denim space.

     

     

  • Listing Denim Fabric Buyers In Chile

    subscriber chileWe are listing in this subscribers report some buyers of denim fabrics who purchased denim fabrics from different countries around the world. Also mentioned are the companies from where they bought the fabrics and indicative prices for some products that they bought. The contents are :

    a)buyers of denim fabrics from Chile with their contact details.
    b)Names of denim mills from where they buy denim fabrics.
    c)Some details of the products and prices that they bought in 2011.

    [private_special]

    DENIM TRADE TELAS S.A
    Camino Punta Mocha, 4699-B
    Santiago , Chile
    Ph: 56-2-7844330
    Contact Person : Federico Saieg
    Email : federicosaieg@denimtrade.cl

    This is one of the largest importers for denim fabrics and is importing denim from different mills around the world including :
    Linyi Ayotai Textile, China
    Soorty Denim, Pakistan
    Gap Guneydogu , Turkey
    Changzhou Oasis , China
    Siddiquesons, Pakistan
    Rajwani Denim Mills , Pakistan etc.
    Here are some of the sample shipments they bought :

    From Description Price CIF
    Linyi Aotai, No. 98, Yongxing St., Hengyuan Economic Development Area, Linyi Dezhou, Shandong, China 25150-1500 Ph:+86-534-4329025 SS8001C, Blue Black Fabric with 4% spandex $3.06
    Linyi Aotai , China SS6096 DARK B/B Fabric with 1% spandex $3.14

    DISTRIB.Y COMERCIALIZ.TEXTIL LTd.

    This company buys denim fabric from various countries including from Vicunha : Brazil, Parras : Mexico , GFM Tellas , Mexico etc
    Here are details of some fabric bought by this company and their details :

    From Quality Price
    Paraguay M-Pillar F $3.73
    Paraguay Not specified $2.09

    INDUSTRIA TEXTIL TALINAY S.A
    Avenida Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva 5399
    Conchalí – Santiago ,Chile
    (56) – (2) – 7301000
    (56-2) 7301090

    Is a manufacturer of jeans and buys denim fabrics from Vicunha: Brazil, Ningbo Textiles: China, Parras : Mexico . Some sample purchases by this buyer

    From Description Price
    Parras , Mexico Denim fabric 1% spandex, $3.41

    EUROFASHION LTDA
    Av 11 de septiembre ,
    Santiago
    CHILE
    Phone: +56 2 334186
    Fax:+56 2 7386233
    Website:http://www.cencosud.cl

    From Description Price
    Vicunha 98% cotton , 2% poly denim %5.50

    [/private_special]

  • Denim Search Trends- 2012

    Is it possible to find out about what consumers are looking for and from where when it comes to any product category if we sift through the searches occuring on Google ?

    The answer is ‘Yes” !!

    Google is has become the default repository of the likings  and desires of mankind . It is so easy for Google to tell , say – which city in the world is aspiring for a particular product or service or even fantasy or which country in the world has a higher % of mathematics orientation and similar  unlimited other parameters.

    Lets see whats happening on the denim scene. 

    We did some comparisons for searches. We took four search terms :

    • Soft Jeans
    • Color Jeans
    • Coated Jeans
    • Stretch Denim

    The trends compared these all four searches to find their Relative importance. It means that how these terms were searched relative to each other in the last 12 months. Lets see the result

    color jeans, denim , soft jeans

    The results are interesting. The ‘Color Jeans’ is a strong trend if we compare these searches. Stretch denim is of course always as it is becoming a default fabric for many styles and other popular searches are soft jeans and Coated Jeans.

    But which are the top countries from where people are  looking for these kind of jeans the most  ? Lets see

    Color Jeans

    color jeans

    Soft Jeans

    image

    Coated Jeans
    image

    So we can see that for Color Jeans  USA , Brazil and Canada are the markets where consumers are looking keenly for these products.  Similarly for Soft Jeans and Coated Jeans there are UK and US at top places.
    So does it mean that if a retailer is selling ‘Color Jeans’ in US Brazil or Canada and which has stretch and is quite soft , will it do well ? 
    Well depending on many other factors like pricing and positioning, it can be generally said – YES this would be a good biz !

    Is it also possible to find out , say , which color of jeans could be most popular ?
    It looks like RED COLOR is among the search terms getting most popular .

    red color jeans

    And if you wish to see live data on the chart , see below :

    Note: Check out the interesting video from Stylesight regarding the first launch of from Levi’s first ever NYFW runway show providing a peek at the F/W 12 collection and interviews with Jonathan Cheung, Levi’s VP Global Men’s Merchandising and others..

  • Naked And Famous: Two More Interesting Jeans For S/S ’12

    Naked and Famous – the denim brand from Canada  brings  out some cool denim products – mainly raw. We had mentioned some great looking silk denim from them a short while ago.  Here are a couple of more interesting ones .

    Red Weft Selvedge Hemp Denim

    : The weft is colored red and the selvedge denim gives a great red hue on fading – almost giving a violet tinge..The colored wefts have been in the market for some time, but the color combination and contrast on this jeans looks great.

    colored weft selvedge denim

    Naked and Famous Red Selvedge Denim

    Naked and Famous Red Selvedge Denim1

    Hemp Denim

    Another one , though not very new , is the hemp denim and the brown color of hemp gives  a great character to the denim .  With about 30% natural beige weft hemp and green colored hemp selvedge,

    Selvedge Hemp Denim From Naked And Famous

    hemp denim

    hemp denim 1
    Sponsored Link:

    image

  • Denim Colors: The Next Big Fashion Trend? – Part 2

    This is the second part of guest article by Harry Mercer. The first one can be seen here..

    color denim As mentioned in the first part, producing colors on denim machinery, especially Indigo dyeing equipment has usually resulted in failure to achieve denim colors that are without variation. Sulfur dyeing on Indigo machinery typically results in 10 or more different shades per dye lot, which is true of sulfur bottoming, sulfur topping and sulfur blacks. Other colors are even more sensitive to chemical and machine conditions.

    The options for overcoming these problems and experiencing success in the market are:
    1) To invest in yarn dyeing machinery with an additional set of drying cylinders and a steamer which permits precise dyeing control for all cotton dyes or
    2) Establish a research effort internally in which the actual conditions of the Indigo machine are duplicated in the laboratory so that dyeing formulations and methods can accurately predict results on the yarn during production.

    The options for producing denim colors as far as dyes are concerned are:

    Sulfur dyes: These are low–cost and can be applied on Indigo machinery, fabric dyeing machinery, jiggers, pad-batch and garment dyeing machinery with properly designed methods. Sulfurs are highly versatile in application methods including space dyeing, printing, spray dyeing etc. Sulfurs have an appearance that is more natural than reactives or directs, having a softer appearance and allowing versatile wash down effects in laundering.

    Vat dyes: These are are more costly, but they result in bright, highly colorfast shades. There are a few vat dyes that can be mixed with Indigo for casting, however pure vat colors are best applied on denim with specially-designed rope ranges, like the Spectrum, with an additional set of drying cylinders, steamer and small pad boxes for dye-pad, dry, chem-pad, steam methods.

    Direct dyes: These are currently being applied in garment dyeing of jeans in light colors for the higher fashion market. Direct dyes can also be used for tinting denim fabrics by adding to finishing formulas.

    Reactives: These are very expensive to use. They are often used in garment dyeing, because they do not require an understanding of dye chemistry. There have been attempts to apply on indigo machinery, but control of dyeing is nearly impossible because of the large dye boxes on most indigo equipment, much of the dye being hydrolyzed before it can penetrate the cotton. Again, as with vat dyes, reactives should be applied in a small box, then dried, chem-padded and steamed. The only practical alternative for most denim companies is to apply reactives in sizing with special procedures.

    Affinity Factors: Key to controlling sulfur dyeing

    Sulfurs are a type of vat dye like Indigo, both of which present control problems on Indigo machinery. Vat dyes like sulfurs are known as “substantive dyes” which means that they are absorbed by cotton at a faster rate than water. How much faster a substantive dye is absorbed by water is known as the “Affinity Factor”.

    The affinity factor changes depending on the chemical nature of the sulfur dye, the concentration of each dye and the temperature of dyeing. For example, a sulfur black applied in continuous dyeing at a temperature of 90C and a concentration of 180 g/L will have an affinity factor of 2, which is very low. This means that the dye is absorbed twice as fast as water, so in order to maintain a concentration of 180 g/L in the box for a gravity feed, the concentration in the feeding tank should be about 360 g/L. If you were to use 30 g/L for a sulfur bottom at 90 C, the affinity factor would be perhaps 20. This means that at 90C, the dye is absorbed about 20 times faster than water, which makes dyeing control impossible and is why sulfur bottoms are usually inconsistent and light. Sulfur bottoms are a form of sulfur color and in order to establish dyeing control of any color, the affinity factor must be reduced by using lower temperatures. It is well-known that a 10C increase in temperature results in a doubling of reaction rates, so the solution is to dye at the lowest temperature possible. Commonly-used reducing agents like sodium sulphide and dextrose require temperatures around 90 C, therefore these should be replaced by reducers that allow dyeing at no more than 60C for any sulfur color other than black.

    There is also a widespread problem with the quality of sulfur dyes in the market. Liquid sulfur dyes often have a pH of 14, which results in variation even with blacks as well as poor washfastness, poor rubbing- fastness and large amounts of dye waste during wash cycles. Sulfur dyeing is best at pH 11. Also for continuous dyeing, the reduction potential is critical for consistency and color-fastness. The higher the reduction potential of the dye and of the dye application, the better the results. Sulfur liquids with the highest reduction potential, around -750 mV offer the best continuous dyeing control, while dyeing at very low millivolts (-585) as with sodium sulphide result in very poor quality dyeings.

    A note by Harry Mercer:
    I have been involved in producing successful denim colors for the fashion markets for over 20 years. Until recently, activity in this area has been limited because of technical difficulties in applying colors on denim equipment, however interest in denim colors has become explosive recently. I have collected many of the denim colors available internationally and can refer garment producers to the leading fabric suppliers. I also have evaluated the dye and chemical suppliers with the best products and technical service for yarn, fabric and garment dyeing that I will be happy to refer interested parties to.

     

    This is a guest post by Harry Mercer. Mr. Mercer has 30 years experience in the denim business including 3 prominent U.S. denim companies.He is an expert colorist for measurement and color matching as well as textile testing and is considered to be a leading authority  for denim dyeing, finishing and fashion denim development.

    Sponsored Link:
    Color Denim Collection Spring/ Summer 2013

  • G- Star Opens Largest Store In HK With A Vertical Catwalk!

    G-Star RAW flagship Store Opening on 21 February 2012 in Leighton Road in Hong Kong.
    On 21st Feb     G-Star RAW officially opened its global flagship store in Hong Kong in the iconic Times Square area in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. G-Star, known for its innovative and cutting edge style in the world of denim, hosted an eclectic night of performance, art, music and fashion . The most awe inspiring was the Vertical Catwalk from the top of the building by the models/stuntmen.

    The second Hong Kong store is G-Star’s largest store in the world, accounting for 7,319 square feet of denim innovation. G-Star has expanded rapidly over the last few years, opening stores in the world’s biggest metropolitan capitals from Tokyo to New York to Sydney to Los Angeles. In December 2011 G-Star celebrated the opening of its 300th store at Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. Currently G-Star has over 6,000 points of sales in 70 countries.
    G-Star RAW flagship Store Opening on 21 February 2012 in Leighton Road in Hong Kong. Photo by Victor Fraile / illume Visuals for G-Star.

    For the Hong Kong store G-Star presented an opening ceremony highlighting G-Star’s core philosophy around unexpected combinations. The official opening ceremony commenced with stunt men and women running down the façade of the building also featured a traditional Chinese lion dance, a champagne crusher (handled by American Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and Chinese singer and actor Aaron Kwok) and a denim curtain revealing a tableaux vivant. In store the guests experienced an acoustic performance of the American singer, songwriter and record producer Skylar Grey and G-Star’s Pop-up show, transforming a collection presentation into real live interaction.
    G-Star RAW flagship Store Opening on 21 February 2012 in Leighton Road in Hong Kong.

    At the Hong Kong store opening G-Star also presented the travelling gallery Raw Art Series. For Raw Art Series denim is taken to another level in terms of craftsmanship by re-contextualizing denim as collectable art objects. RAW Art Series will be exhibited in the Hong Kong store for four weeks, starting February 21st 2012.

    Here is a video from the show

    G-Star Largest Store Opening : HK

  • Sri Lanka: Listing 6 Buyers Of Denim Fabrics

    Here is a list of some buyers of denim fabrics from Sri Lanka who are buying denim from various places around the world.
    These are some large exporters of garments from Sri Lanka who source fabrics from multiple sources. We are providing in this report :

    a)Contact addresses of these 6 denim fabric buyers.
    b)Who are the some of the buyers they supply denim garments to. Some details on these buyers – wherever warranted.
    c)Which denim mills they have been buying their denim fabrics from , recently and their addresses .
    This report is available to our paid subscribers. See other titles in the Subscriber Reports section

    [private_special]

    1. Orit Apparels

    image_thumb7_thumb

    Orit Apparel : Is one of the important companies using denim fabrics for apparel manufacturing and export. It is an important vendor for companies like Levi’s and manufactures various kinds of denim apparel particularly denim jeans for men .
    It also supplies to Hybrid Promotions LLC – a diversified apparel company servicing all tiers and trade channels of distribution.
    image_thumb15_thumb

    Sourcing of Denim Fabrics by Orit

    Orit is getting fabrics from a number of mills around the world. In the end of 2011, it has been sourcing fabrics from a few companies . We are mentioning some here. – mainly from China.

    1.ZIBO LANYAN GROUP CO LTD #161, DONGMENLU ZHOUCUN ,, ZIBO SHANDONG CHINA : A denim company from China.
    2. XINGTAI H & J TEXTILES CO LTD YINGHUA STREET,, DEVELOPMENT ZONE,XINGTAI CITY,, HEBEI,CHINA. : A denim company from China.
    3.BLACK PEONY (HK) LTD, ROOM 1605-1606 ENTERPRISE ESQUARE,, TWO 3 SHEUNG YUET ROAD,, KOWLOON HONG KONG.
    4. US Denim Mills ,3 KM DEFENCE RAIWIND ROAD,, LAHORE 53700,, PAKISTAN

    2.Brandix Apparel

    image_thumb23_thumb

    Brandix is another very large apparel group from Sri Lanka with over 25000 workers. It is a very large exporter to USA and works with a number of important brands. For Denim it has been dealing with , among others , retailers like Gap , Land’s End etc.
    In the end of 2011 it has been buying denim from Arvind Mills from India mainly and some quantities from other places.

    3.G.C.LANKA CLOTHING PVT LTD.
    #.06, ARAMAYA ROAD,, DEMATAGODA,, COLOMBO 9. Tel 94-11-2677256/ Fax-94-11- 2677151

    This company has been recently buying fabrics from Nien Hsing textiles from Taiwan

    image_thumb32_thumb

    4. Hirdaramani Group

    image_thumb41_thumb

    Hirdaramani group is one of another famous apparel groups from Sri Lanka. The group is manufacturing a number of different apparel and denim garments are just one of them. Though denim is not , comparatively, very large for them , but still they do decent quantities in denim.
    They are supplying denim garments to Philip Van Huesen (US) , Hybrid Promotions and Orvis Co. – among others.
    Orvis Co. is a mail order company and supplies men`s and women`s clothing, furniture, gifts, and fishing gear and equipment in the United States.
    Hirdaramani buys denim from a number of companies around the world – specially from India. Recently , they have been buying from :

    a) BLACK PEONY (HK) LTD, ROOM 1605-1606 ENTERPRISE ESQUARE,, TWO 3 SHEUNG YUET ROAD,, KOWLOON HONG KONG,
    b)WEIFANG LANTIAN TEXTILE CO.LTD. JIA 31 FUSHOU EAST ST,, SHANGDONG,, CHINA
    c)LNJ Denim , India : Bhilwara Tower, A –12 , Sector 1 , Noida, Ph : 91-120- 43900000
    d)Raymond UCO : RAYMOND UCO DENIM (P) LTD, NEW HIND HOUSE,, N.M.MARG BALLARD ESTATE FORT,, MUMBAI, India :
    e)INDIGO TEXTILE (PVT) LTD,, NACLASS 306 DEH JOREJI,, BIN QASIM TOWN KARACHI,, PAKISTAN

    5)Miami Export (P) Ltd

    #52,, SIR MARCUS FERNANDO MW,, COLOMBO 07 Tel –94-11- 796900/+94117796900 Fax- +94117796816

    This exporting company has been denim fabrics recently from :
    a)KG DENIM LIMITED 2 STAR EXPORT HOUSE,, JADAYAMPALAYAM,, METTUPALAYAM,INDIA

    b)KASSIM TEXTILES (P) LTD PLOT 62, 65 KM,, MAIN NAT"L HIGH,LANDHI,, KARACHI, PAKISTAN

    6)Orient Garment Ltd.

    image_thumb50_thumb

    Orient Garments has a garment manufacturing capacity of about 10,000 garments per day and is a supplier to different divisions of Polo Ralph Lauren in US , among other buyers.

    It has been buying denim fabrics recently from :
    a)SOORTY ENTERPRISES PVT LTD. H.O. 2-A, S.M.C.H.S. OFF, SHAJUSH E, FAISAL, KARACHI 74000, PAKISTAN
    b)KG FABRICS LTD SOWRIPALAYM COIMBATORE,, INDIA
    c)KASSIM TEXTILES (P) LTD PLOT 62, 65 KM,, MAIN NAT"L HIGH,LANDHI,, KARACHI, PAKISTAN

    [/private_special]

  • Color Denim Splash By Uniqlo–Spring/Summer 2012

    Uniqlo Jeans - Color Denim

    It seems that most of the  denim brands  have decided to paint the world with rainbow colors. With almost every brand worth the name coming with colors this season, Uniqlo from Japan was not to be left behind.UNIQLO announces a new line of Color Skinny Fit Ankle Jeans for spring/summer 2012 . Available in eight of this season’s trendiest colors, the jeans are ankle fit .

    SpriUniqlo Jeans - Color Denimng/summer 2012 is all about color, with pastel colors dominating the runways of fashion shows around the world. Starting with the Color Parka, UNIQLO has rolled out a range of new lines offering women all of ages colorful new options for their wardrobes this season. The range is available in 8 colors. The eight colors included in this new line were selected after a meticulous testing process to ensure they complement a wide range of hair colors and skin tones. Similar to the color schemes used in cosmetics, the line features natural hues that can match any look and style.

    Uniqlo Jeans - Color Denim
    The skinny fit design and just-above-ankle length beautifully accentuate the line of the leg and offer a slimmer look. The length of the UNIQLO Color Skinny Fit Ankle Jeans is slightly shorter than conventional jeans, a design feature that makes it easier for women to create a balanced, color-coordinated look that flatters rather than overpowers.
    This spring, UNIQLO plans to offer new lines of T-shirts, cardigans, scarves, belts and accessories designed to perfectly compliment colored pants.
    To celebrate this focus on color, UNIQLO has launched a new TV and online campaign calling on women of all ages to “lead colorful lives!”  Here is the video …

    lead colorful lives–Uniqlo

    About Uniqlo :
    Working with over 100 factories throughout Asia, UNIQLO is distinctive in that it combines the quality and craftsmanship that is synonymous with Japanese culture with the ability to manufacture in high volume, thereby offering consumers affordable everyday products with exceptional attention to every detail.

    Image credits: Telegraph.co.uk, Japantoday.com etc

  • Interview With Ebru Karakoc :Orta Anadolu

    Orta Anadolu is one of the well known premium denim millOrta Anadolu and has been serving the denim industry for over 25 years.  I spoke to Ebru Karakoc – Marketing Director and Burak Baykaldi on the latest products and innvoation from Orta.

    Could you tell us something about the history of Orta Anadolu..

    Orta started manufacturing fabrics 55 years ago and during the early 80s the owners decided to focus on denim production only. The vision was not just to produce denim fabrics but to work with the best brand names in the industry. Soon Orta Anadolu became a preferred manufacturer to worldwide recognised jeanswear brand names. Levis appointed Orta Anadolu as a 01 fabric manufacturer confirming the quality of the vintage denim production capability and as the market evolved Orta Anadolu proactively started offering fabrics and services for the sportswear brands as well as the fashion brands.

    Today the production capacity reaches 60 million meters with the 2 vertical plants in Kayseri Turkey and Manama Bahrain. The company headquarters is in Istanbul and through the global sales and marketing operation Orta Anadolu serves brands and manufacturers in Europe, USA, Colombia, Australia, Bangladesh, Japan, North Africa and Turkey. The focus remains on strong partnership understanding with the customers who are valued as the main asset of the company. The production infrastructure is updated according to the needs of the market. Denimservices within the Kayseri premises provides garment making/finishing possibilities to evaluate the newly developed fabrics promptly with a capacity to produce 25,000 garments to present the line. Orta Blu is the sustainibility division of Orta Anadolu established in 2011 and follows and shares social missions and promotes a sustainable life style.

    Orta is among the most reputed denim mill around the world. What makes it tick ??

    Orta focuses on long-term relations with its customers rather then operating on transaction bases. The expert consultants and the management team aim to provide proactive solutions for its global customers. The Orta staff turnover is very low both in white and blue collar teams and this enables the company to specialise in manufacturing skills as well as customer relations. Product development and constant innovation for the jeanswear market as well as the fashion market are key driving factors for the sucess of the company. Orta team makes it happen.

    c)You come out with innovative products at regular intervals. Can you tell us something about the latest ones..

    Slow Fit Stretch Denim Fabric - Orta

    Slowfit concept is one of the latests innovations. Where we use combination of methods to achieve soft but high performance jeans. Combinations of different fiber like tencel , cupro, viscose etc. for softness and combination of PES, PA, Elastane for higher performances.

    Consumers will be much more happy with super soft high performance fabrics.

    HD = high definition denim. We have a concept of fabrics where customers can easily get surface abrasion after scraping. We offer this concept especially for waterless garment finishes. Most of the customers having problem to get a nice natural look after waterless finishes on garments. This technology creates easy clean abrasion after scraping and washing. Compared to normal fabrics you clearly see and HD look.

    The Alchemy finished products from Orta has some great supersoft capabilities – I had reviewed this earlier.. Can you throw some more light on this special finish. How long does it last in home laundries ?

    Alchemy finish will stand home laundry washes all the lifecycle of the fabric. Alchemy gives a permanent softness. When we compare alchemy and nonalchemy fabrics ; we see that the touch difference of nonalchemy fabrics after home laundry washes is much more than alchemy fabrics. Means alchemy fabrics will stay soft even after homelaundry washes.

    e)I am sure you deal with most of the reputed denim brands. Could you name some of the reputed customers..

    Levis, Lee, Wrangler Diesel, DSquared, Replay, Guess, Armani, Miss Sixty, Energie, Meltin Pot, Fornarina, Sisley, Benetton, Met Jeans, J Brand, GAP, J Crew, Banana Republic, Paige, Mother Jeans, Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, Current Elliot, Hudson, G-Star, Denham, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Scotch&Soda, Paul Smith, Burberry , Uniqlo, Tennis etc.

    Orta Anadolu is known for its social missions. What is the philosophy behind it ?

    Orta Blu Social Missions
    Orta Anadolu has always made donations however in 2011 it decided that it should share its experiences and build sustainable communities globally if it wanted to give back to the world that we all share. Thus Orta Blu was establised both as an on-line and off-line platform. Orta’s main business is making and selling fabrics however the expertise behind the production as well as the global philosopical vision enables it to promote models of sustainable communities which can use its core product and create value-added approaches. In its first social mission Orta Anadolu has teamed up with UNICEF in Italy and Beirut and has created a production unit to support a project based on turn-back to school for girls in a rural village in Akkar. The project enabled 80 girls to go back to school, 15 women to learn how to make garments and 1000 uniforms were distributed to the school children in need.
    Orta is not simply making and selling fabrics but creating sustainable projects around the world.

    What do you think about the Asian markets – particularly India, China etc ? Do you see these markets developing well over the next few years ?

    Orta is looking at the Asian markets and is building strategies to serve the jeanswear garment manufacturers which serve global markets as well as the growing local retail brands needs in these regions. Orta expects major growth in Chinese as well as Indian markets. The global luxury brands are moving in Asian markets since 5 years and as the buying power of consumers in these markets increase the demand for advanced fabrics will grow. The e-commerce in China is expected to grow to 60 billion usd in 5 years and this will invigorate the growth of the fashion industry.

    Here are some product images and videos from the company

    Video: This is a back stage action at Orta Anadolu “Slow-Fit” stretch denim shoot with Sumo Wrestlers..!

    The Power of Slow Fit Stretch !

    I Core Indigo Painted Denim

    Alchemy Fabric Video :

    Alchemy : Turns Denim into Gold

    Herring Bone - I Core Denim

    Color Denim 2013 Summer - Orta

    Color Denim 2013 Summer - Orta

    _MG_7551

    Contact Ebru / Burak  Here

  • US Denim Imports Fall 14.7 %Cent In 2011

    Denim imports downThe last year had not been a great year for the US denim market. The retail sales were not so great and for the first time since 2007, the imports of denim apparel fell by a large number – 14% over those in 2010.

    First lets see how were the imports of denim apparel into US were faring in the last 5 years from 2006 to 2010. As we can see below, the imports only fell in 2007 and thereafter there has been a steady increase in the quantities of imported products. However, the average price did fell in 2009 and 2010.

    US Denim Apparel Imports 2011

    Now, for 2011

    Total quantity : 521 million pieces
    Value : $4,344 million
    Average Price per piece :     $8.33

    The average prices for the imports rose significantly in 2011 due to average increase in prices of cotton and other fibers. The increase in price was actually huge – about +16.5%

    The countries which lost out the most during 2011 were the following :

    Country 2010 (million pcs) 2011 % Change
    China 192 151 -21.6%
    Bangladesh 82 66 -20%
    Egypt 28 23 -18%
    Pakistan 22 18 -17.5%
    Cambodia 25 21 -16%

    Among the gainers  or the countries not much affected were
    Mexico and Nicaragua  and some other countries like Lesotho , Guatemala etc.

    Country 2010 (million pcs) 2011 (million pcs) % change
    Mexico 132 127 -3%
    Nicaragua 19 24 +19%

    The statistics give an indication that the concept of near sourcing is catching on with the buyers in US. The effect of the rising costs in China is particularly being felt and though the options of shifting bases to countries in Asia like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam etc remains, the buyers also want to put more eggs in the South American markets !!

  • US Denim Imports Under Special Programmes

    US has a number of special programmes which provide duty free and other benefits to regions for exporting of various textile and apparel items into US. These programmes are many – eg AGOA Act , Andean Act, CBTPA Act,DR- Cafta Act , NAFTA and other special arrangements that US has with countries like Israel, Jordan etc. How are these special regions performing in comparison to each other when it comes to exporting denim apparel to US in 2010 and 2011 . And how are individual countries within these pacts performing . It is also interesting to see that some countries which are covered under special import programmes are also making shipments to US which are not covered under these programmes – which means that they are doing these shipments outside the programmes and without any duty benefits – just to increase the share of their market in US.

    Exports of Denim Apparel to US Under Special Programmes : 2010 -2011

    Programme Name

    Country

    2010 (Value in ‘000 USD)

    2011 (Value in’000 ‘ USD)

    Percentage Change

    AGOA (excluding GSP)

    Lesotho

    88,353

    110,800

    25.40%
     

    Kenya

    31,206

    31,091

    -0.40%
     

    Mauritius

    25,183

    18,061

    -28.30%
     

    Swaziland

    9,699

    13,643

    40.70%
     

    South Africa

    1

    0

    -39.90%
     

    Madagascar

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Botswana

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Tanzania

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Ghana

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Malawi

    0

    0

    N/A

    .

    Uganda

    258

    0

    -100.00%

    Subtotal – AGOA (excluding GSP)

    		  

    154,700

    173,596

    12.20%

    Andean Act (ATPA)

    Colombia

    69,609

    9,457

    -86.40%

    .

    Bolivia

    0

    0

    N/A

    .

    Ecuador

    10

    0

    -100.00%

    .

    Peru

    713

    0

    -100.00%

    Subtotal – Andean Act (ATPA)

    		  

    70,333

    9,457

    -86.60%

    Australia- U.S.

    Australia

    5

    18

    296.30%

    Bahrain-U.S.

    Bahrain

    2,793

    1,832

    -34.40%

    CBTPA

    Dominican Rep

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Nicaragua

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Jamaica

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    El Salvador

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Haiti

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Costa Rica

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Guyana

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Guatemala

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Honduras

    0

    0

    N/A
     

    Belize

    0

    0

    N/A

    Subtotal – CBTPA

    		  

    0

    0

    %

    Chile- U.S.

    Chile

    4,090

    1

    -100.00%

    DR-CAFTA

    Nicaragua

    55,321

    105,906

    91.40%
     

    Guatemala

    62,718

    70,275

    12.00%
     

    Dominican Rep

    12,207

    13,714

    12.40%
     

    Honduras

    8,387

    1,484

    -82.30%
     

    El Salvador

    13

    2

    -83.70%

    Subtotal – DR-CAFTA

    		  

    138,645

    191,382

    38.00%

    Israel- U.S.

    Israel

    2

    1

    -62.60%

    Jordan-U.S.

    Jordan

    49,094

    54,111

    10.20%

    Morocco- U.S.

    Morocco

    5,446

    873

    -84.00%

    NAFTA

    Mexico

    986,151

    1,082,761

    9.80%

    .

    Canada

    9,372

    2,893

    -69.10%

    Subtotal – NAFTA

    		  

    995,524

    1,085,654

    9.10%

    Without Programme

    China

    1,346,199

    1,226,658

    -8.90%
     

    Bangladesh

    404,314

    405,960

    0.40%
     

    Cambodia

    178,083

    173,006

    -2.90%
     

    Vietnam

    150,975

    157,542

    4.40%
     

    Pakistan

    132,141

    138,555

    4.90%
     

    Indonesia

    62,185

    72,956

    17.30%
     

    Sri Lanka

    67,260

    59,661

    -11.30%
     

    Italy

    46,649

    42,696

    -8.50%
     

    Nicaragua

    37,770

    42,257

    11.90%
     

    India

    42,405

    41,110

    -3.10%
     

    Philippines

    45,121

    31,706

    -29.70%
     

    Colombia

    3,090

    30,158

    876.00%
     

    Mexico

    30,459

    29,540

    -3.00%
     

    Tunisia

    15,551

    19,939

    28.20%
     

    Haiti

    16,576

    17,634

    6.40%

    Subtotal – Without program

    		 

    2,578,779

    2,489,379

    -3.50%
             

    Oman-U.S.

    Oman

    2

    67

    2913.50%

    Peru-U.S.

    Peru

    862

    1,362

    58.00%

    Singapore- U.S.

    Singapore

    0

    0

    N/A

    W. Bank, Gaza & Qualifying Ind Zones

    Egypt

    187,805

    190,141

    1.20%
     

    Jordan

    291

    76

    -73.80%
     

    Gaza Strip

    0

    0

    N/A

    Subtotal W. Bank, Gaza & Qualifying Ind Zones

    		  

    188,096

    190,217

    1.10%

    Subtotal

    		 

    4,188,370

    4,197,950

    0.20%

    All Other:

    		  

    55,824

    44,247

    -20.70%

    Total

    		  

    4,244,193

    4,242,196

    0.00%

    Under Special Programmes   39.24% 41.32%  
    Without Any Programme   60.76% 58.68%  

    As we can see from the table above, there is almost no change when we see the value of the imports to USA including the special programmes. The exports under special programmes has risen by a few % points whereas those without any programmes have gone down . The shipments under various special programmes is about 40% and without these programmes is about 60% .

    Let’s see the values in terms of quantities

    Export of denim apparel quantities from various special regions to USA

    Programme Name

    Country

    2010 (million pcs)

    2011 (million pcs)

    Percentage Change

    AGOA (excluding GSP)

    Lesotho

    15.6

    15.8

    1.30%
     

    Kenya

    6.4

    4.9

    -23.40%
     

    Mauritius

    2.5

    1.6

    -34.00%
     

    Swaziland

    2.0

    2.3

    15.70%
     

    South Africa

    0.0

    0.0

    -70.00%
     

    Madagascar

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Botswana

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Tanzania

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Ghana

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Malawi

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Uganda

    0.1

    0.0

    -100.00%

    Sub-Total AGOA 26.60 24.70 -7.17%

    Andean Act (ATPA)

    Colombia

    6.5

    0.8

    -88.00%
     

    Bolivia

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A
     

    Ecuador

    0.0

    0.0

    -100.00%
     

    Peru

    0.1

    0.0

    -100.00%
    Sub- Total Andean 6.6 0.8 -88%

    Australia- US

    Australia

    0.0

    0.0

    		  

    Bahrain-US

    Bahrain

    0.6

    0.2

    -60.60%

    Chile- US

    Chile

    0.5

    0.0

    -100.00%

    DR-CAFTA

    Nicaragua

    9.5

    14.9

    56.50%
     

    Guatemala

    4.7

    4.9

    4.50%
     

    Dominican Rep

    1.3

    1.2

    -3.70%
     

    Honduras

    1.8

    0.4

    -76.80%
     

    El Salvador

    0.0

    0.0

    -73.10%
    Sub Total DR-CAFTA 17.40 21.55 23.86

    Israel- US

    Israel

    0.0

    0.0

    -66.70%

    Jordan-US

    Jordan

    6.8

    6.4

    -5.70%

    Morocco- US

    Morocco

    0.3

    0.0

    -82.40%

    NAFTA

    Mexico

    128.5

    124.8

    -2.90%
     

    Canada

    0.3

    0.1

    -65.90%

    Sub-Total NAFTA 131.3 124.9 -5%

    No program

    China

    192.2

    150.6

    -21.60%
     

    Bangladesh

    82.3

    65.8

    -20.00%
     

    Cambodia

    24.5

    20.5

    -16.20%
     

    Vietnam

    22.4

    19.5

    -12.70%
     

    Pakistan

    21.6

    17.8

    -17.60%
     

    Indonesia

    9.8

    9.6

    -2.70%
     

    Sri Lanka

    9.4

    7.0

    -24.80%
     

    Italy

    1.7

    1.5

    -11.90%
     

    Nicaragua

    9.8

    9.2

    -6.60%
     

    India

    5.8

    4.7

    -18.40%
     

    Philippines

    5.3

    3.6

    -33.10%
     

    Colombia

    0.2

    2.5

    1053.00%
     

    Mexico

    3.1

    2.6

    -15.10%
     

    Tunisia

    0.5

    0.6

    13.70%
     

    Haiti

    2.2

    1.8

    -21.50%
    Sub Total : No Programme

    390.77

    		 317.24 -18.82%

    All Other:

    12.1

    3.5

    -43.30%

    Oman-US

    Oman

    0.0

    0.0

    Peru-US

    Peru

    0.1

    0.1

    Singapore- US

    Singapore

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A

    W Bank, Gaza & Qualifying Ind Zones

    Egypt

    27.4

    22.4

    -18.40%
     

    Jordan

    0.1

    0.0

    -43.00%
     

    Gaza Strip

    0.0

    0.0

    N/A

    Subtotal W Bank, Gaza & Qualifying Ind Zones

    		  

    27.5

    22.4

    -22.76%

    Total Quantity (in Million pcs)

    		  

    611.95

    521.84

    -14.72%
    % Under special Programmes 36.15% 39.23%
    % Without Programmes 63.85% 60.79%  

    In terms of quantity , we can see that the shipments under special programmes have increased by about 3% at the expense of non-programmes countries. The total shpments of denim apparel to US has however fallen by about 14% in 2011 as compared to 2010. This is substantial and tells the situation of the US market.
    Some regions like Colombia, Mexico and Nicaragua are worth noting because these regions are making shipments under both special programmes and without. The shipments made without the programmes indicates that the countries can buy fabrics from anywhere and ship to US – thus indicating a market for fabrics from areas outside the special regions.

  • Levi’s Fall/Winter 2012 Denim Looks

    On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, , The Levi’s® brand launched its first ever global collection during New York Fashion Week at SoHo’s landmark Mercer 82 event space. During the event – a hybrid between custom-made vignettes featuring pinnacle products from the line and a runway show – the Levi’s® brand showcased the key looks from its Fall/Winter 2012 collection.
    Here is a nice video from Stylesight – leading online trend forecaster- who took an interview with Jonathan Cheung, Levi’s VP Global Men’s Merchandising; Jill Guenza, Levi’s Women’s Global Senior Design Director, and Miles Johnson, Levi’s XX Design Director.

    “Levi’s® has always been about embracing the energy and events of our time. Today, fashion is more democratic and accessible than ever, making New York Fashion Week the perfect moment in time for the Levi’s® brand to launch our first global collection,” said Len Peltier, Global Vice President of Creative Direction.

    The Levi’s® Fall/Winter 2012 collection is based on a more refined and tailored look, for both men and women. The designs were inspired by the idea of craftsmanship, honesty and authenticity – honoring tradition while defying convention, redefining the norm and re-crafting and re-creating iconic Levi’s® styles.

    Fall/Winter 2012 Denim Collection

    Steeped in the authenticity and craftsmanship that the brand is known for, the collection is built around classic and refined styles with sharp clean aesthetics, which have been tailored to perfection.

    The key trend for men this season is the tapered look, for a great flattering fit that sits just below the waist, is slouchy on the top and has a slim tailored leg. The colors of indigo seem to have gotten lighter, brighter and shinier  . The stitching threads were normally non-contrasting and going along the same shades as the denim or even white. So the focus is “Formal and Crafted Wear” taking their denim collection  away from the distressed looks and washes that we have been seeing for years. Also could be seen bike messenger length pants ,

    For women, the key look for the season is the Bootcut Skinny, which the Levi’s® brand claims to have completely reinvented. As per Levi’s , this look is

    “..no longer your mother’s bootcut denim, this season will see the launch of this new take on a classic – a sexy, modern skinny fit making you forever think differently about the bootcut.”

     

    Levis.Fall2012 Denim Jeans Collection For Women

    Levis.Fall2012 Denim Jeans Collection For WomenLevis.Fall2012.4Levis.Fall2012 Denim Jeans Collection For MenMaria Menounos, Brad Goreski

    Here is a video from the runway ….

    Here is a description of some key from  the show(denim and others) :

    1. repurposed tailored sack coat
    indigo-striped highway trucker shirt jacket
    cinch back pantaloon…………….
    2. tailored chambray workshirt
    melton wool military jacket
    508™ sta-prest™ khaki short…………..
    3. bonded parka in rifle green-safari
    1950s khaki twill sports coat…………….
    513â„¢ sta-prestâ„¢ slim in harvest pumpkin
    4.electric blue plaid flannel workshirt
    oversized engineered blue and yellow striped tee
    repurposed vintage performance trucker jacket
    511™ sta-prest™ cropped skinny in olive…………
    5. made & crafted wide leg chino
    made & crafted custom type 2 suede trucker jacket….
    6. hooded commuter trucker jacket in olive twill
    engineered striped cardigan with contrast buttons
    commuter workshirt……………………………..
    508â„¢ commuter cropped taper in charcoal
    7. commuter workshirt in white
    heather grey sweatshirt
    511™ sta-prest™ cropped pant…………
    8.coated indigo tencel low-slung dungaree
    crisp white french cuff button down…………..
    9. coated indigo tencel pleated tap short
    crisp white french cuff button down……………
    10. coated minimal zip front trucker jacket in jet black
    coated cotton workshirt………………………..
    505® commuter straight cropped in carolina blue
    11.coated indigo tencel pleated prairie skirt
    crisp white french cuff button down…………
    12. heather grey heritage tshirt
    sta-prestâ„¢ trucker in braveheart twill
    japanese indigo checked plaid jacket.
    511â„¢ sta-prestâ„¢ skinny electric blue pant
    striped yellow and blue d ring belt
    13. natural canvas trucker shirt
    engineered 3-pocket work vest
    engineered type 2 trucker jacket
    cinch back engineered carpenter pants….
    14.tuxedo shirt in indigo tencel
    re-crafted tailored flare…………………
    15. red & blue color-blocked ripstop vest
    red & blue color-blocked hooded track jacket
    black fishtail parka jacket……………….
    508â„¢ sta-prestâ„¢ taper in khaki
    16. levis® curve id skinny bootcut     with customized
    tencel godets.    coated indigo tencel dress shirt
    cropped single button rinsed denim blazer……….
    17. oversized workwear jumper with asymmetrical pockets………………………..
    18. commuter workshirt in black poplin
    black bomber in melton wool & canvas
    extreme drop taper pant…………………
    19. diamond stitched indigo bomber
    dip-dyed indigo dress shirt.511â„¢ skinny raw denim pant
    black belt………………………….
    20. gypsy print legging crisp white french button down
    21. coated indigo tencel a-line duster skirt
    wool herringbone blazer crisp white french cuff button down
    22. lvc 1920s sunset henley in dark grey melee
    lvc 1930s twill britches
    lvc 1915 striped suspenders
    lvc 1912 blanket wool mackinaw coat
    23. lvc 1950s shorthorn checked flannel shirt
    lvc 1920s chinos
    24. lvc 1918 women’s all-in-one freedomalls
    25.lvc 1920s wool sack coat
    lvc 1920s wool buckle back trousers
    lvc 1950s shorthorn blanket striped flannel shirt
    26. lvc 1960s 519 sta-prestâ„¢, burnt henna 812 corduroys
    lvc 1930s button-neck sportswear sweater
    lvc black and red woven leather belt
    27. made & crafted yellow blanket lined sack coat
    made & crafted striped print trucker jacket
    lvc 1920s corduroy trousers
    28. made & crafted ochre drill cotton linen chino
    made & crafted cotton linen, bright blue, shawlcollared sack coat made & crafted wool herringbone checked workshirt
    29. made & crafted tailored indigo sack coat…………..
    made & crafted indigo flannel sailor trousers
    made & crafted short shirt in golden yellow and mazarine blue
    30. made & crafted wool checked trucker shirt
    made & crafted rigid sack coat
    made & crafted striped wool type 2 vest
    made & crafted cinch back carpenter pants
    31. made & crafted type 1 indigo wool jacket with striped weft made & crafted hi-rise cropped five pocket wool pants
    32. made & crafted aztec lambswool v-neck
    made & crafted suede type 2 jacket customized us military jacket lvc 1920s teal chino
    33. u.s. navy shirt (vintage)
    508â„¢ sta-prestâ„¢ short in harvest gold
    34. trucker shirt jacket in japanese indigo blue and white hemp vest .505® bedford cord
    35. french awning striped hemp jacket double-faced engineered workshirt cropped selvedge carpenter jeans with leather -backed hammer loop
    36. selvedge wool denim slim jeans diamond stitched herringbone sack coat diamond stitched wool waistcoat
    grandfather tailored shirt 37. clean rigid button down with articulated pockets clean rigid high-waisted a-line skirt
    38. soft-constructed two-button blazer modern chambray workshirt  562â„¢ loose creased with tailored cuff
    39.520â„¢ overall in japanese selvedge twill, charcoal grey ,japanese selvedge twill two-button snap front tailored blazer,japanese selvedge twill tailored shirt with hidden placket

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    Reproducible Effects in Finishing of Denim