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Tag: corona

  • Ace Gold Green – A Blossom Of Covid-19

    Ace Gold Green – A Blossom Of Covid-19

    




    When the going gets tough – the tough get going ! 
    Adriano Goldschmied and Ace Rivington founder, Beau Lawrence, have come together during the lockdown to discuss the business model of the future. Inspired from the need for simplicity and durable products they decided to launch a brand built around an iconic item, with earth friendly materials and with the mission to inspire future designers and brands on how to build something with little money.  
    




    




    Ace Gold GreenTM is introducing their first product, TYPE ONE TEE, on Kickstarter in early June 2020. Both coming from strong backgrounds in the jean world, they couldn’t steer away from their heritage of indigo by adding a signature true indigo binding at the neckline that will fade down with every wash and wear. The t-shirt is also built with a blend of natural fibers and finished with RECYCROM™ dyestuffs created from 100% recycled textile materials supplied by Officina +39.  For updates, follow the brand launch by signing up at their website: AceGoldGreen.com 
    




    




    What makes Ace Gold GreenTM TYPE ONE TEE unique:
    




    • THE PROJECT THAT IS COMPLETELY DESIGNED REMOTELY DURING THE LOCKDOWN
    • ACE GOLD GREENTM REDEFINES THE NEW MARKET TO NOT OVERDESIGN
    • WE’RE BRINGING TO THE MARKET A RELEVANT SIMPLE T-SHIRT
    • THE T-SHIRT IS MADE WITH THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FIBERS; A BLEND OF HEMP AND TENCEL™
    • THIS ONE IS THE FIRST T-SHIRT THAT IS 100% COTTON FREE
    • HEMP IS ONE OF THE MOST ANTIBACTERIAL FIBER FOUND IN NATURE
    • TENCEL™ IS THE LEADING SUSTAINABLE FIBER
    • TOTALLY RECYCLABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE
    • PERFECT BASIC FIT THAT IS GENDERLESS
    • MADE IN LA RESPECTING PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT
    • WE DYE IN LA USING ONLY RECYCROM™ COLORS OF OFFICINA+ 39 MADE OUT OF RECYCLED COLORS
    • LOWEST CO2 IMPACT
    • CATERING TO THE NEW ERA OF DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
    




    


    




    ABOUT ADRIANO GOLDSCHMIED: 
    




    Recognized as “The Godfather of Denim” Goldschmied is known well throughout the apparel industry for innovation and creativity of the many brands and businesses he has helped to launch throughout his career.  In the early 1980s his business incubator, Genius Group, founded Diesel, Replay, A Gold E and many others.  Settling in the States in 2000, Goldschmied lead the industry creating many of the most recognizable brands we know today, including AG Adriano Goldschmied and Goldsign. In addition to his current design and branding work at Genious Group LLC, he and his partner, Vincenzo Marrocco, also oversees denim and knit supply business through “House of Gold”.  HouseOfGold.la
    




    ABOUT BEAU LAWRENCE:
    




    Beau Lawrence, Founder and President of Ace Rivington, has over 20 years of experience working in design and development of men’s jeanswear. The former Director of Men’s Denim at Guess Jeans, and VP of Design and Merchandising at Neff Headwear, Lawrence ventured out on his own to launch Ace Rivington in November of 2013. Ace Rivington is a men’s and women’s premium denim brand based in Santa Barbara, California.  Launched on Kickstarter in 2013 with an iconic sweatshirt, the company has expanded to include a full collection of denim lifestyle products and operates its own retail store and wholesale business.AceRivington.com
    




    ACE GOLD GREENTM PRESS CONTACT: tephy@acegoldgreen.com
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Tonello Launches SANICARE For Garment Disinfection At Stores
    
			
    Tonello Launches SANICARE For Garment Disinfection At Stores
    
			
    

    


    Alice Tonello In an exclusive discussion with Mr Sandeep 
    




    Tonell Srl , one of the most innovative technological solution providers in the denim industry, has come up with an interesting and innovative equipment to help stores , factories and other players post garment production process to combat infection problem in clothing during these covid times. The machine is a kind of OZONE CHAMBER named as SANICARE which comes in different sizes and shapes according to the usage. In a video interview with Sandeep Agarwal , Alice Tonello explains the concept of the new innovation and does a practical display of the same. Check out the full video here .
    




    Especially for the clothing stores, this could be really helpful as it improves the shopping experience of the consumer, said Alice Tonello
    




    Alice Tonello mentions that according to an external lab test report, The Ozone Chamber claims to kill the pathogens and the bacteria from 93%  to 100% . However so far as the Corona Virus is concerned , the machine is not yet tested on the same as the Italian govt does not allow currently to make these tests on corona virus. However, Alice is confident that it should be able to work on the same and they will do the testing once govt. allows them to do so. 
    




    




     
    




    Alice Tonello while demonstrating Sanicare with Denimsandjeans.com
    




    SANICARE  is available in three different sizes – Small(S), Medium(M) and Large(L) and it offers two options – One is Garment Sanctification and the other is Room Sanctification. 

    So in case a user would like to sanitize their store, the same can be done by opening the doors of this machine for sometime (depends on size of the room ) and the room will be sanitized with the ozone process from the machine. It is important to understand that the sanitization process of the room should be performed when there are no consumers in the store and preferably during night hours. 
    




    




    So far as the garment disinfection is concerned, the machine showcased by Tonello during the demonstration can accommodate 7-10  garments , with some shoes and bags inside the disinfection chamber and it will take few minutes to disinfect them all . 
    




    Once the user puts the garments inside, the door needs to be closed and the option of Garment Sanctification needs to be selected. On selection ,  blue light inside the chamber confirms the initiation of process and normally the machine takes about 20 minutes to sanitize all the products inside the chamber. 
    




    Machine during the disinfection process 
    




    SANICARE is available not only for the stores but also for the factories. The users can order the machine according to the usage size i.e, Small, Medium and Large. 
    




    This is quite interesting and I congratulate you for creating such innovative products . I think we need more of such innovations at this critical time – Sandeep Agarwal , Founder Denimsandjeans.com
    




    




    Alice Tonello can be contacted on her email a.tonello@tonello.com . Besides , Tonello is now on our Digital Sourcing Platform – DE BRANDS, you can now connect with the company at the app . To download , visit : 
    




    IOS Link -https://lnkd.in/gBRexsX
    Android Link – https://lnkd.in/g2bT6C9
    Buyer registration link – https://lnkd.in/gNdAj3v
    




    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Denim Post Covid – Views Of Top Denim Personalities
    
			
    Denim Post Covid – Views Of Top Denim Personalities
    
			
    

    In these times of crisis , we are all badly effected and most business is in a turmoil. This includes our fashion and apparel industry which is in throes of a huge disaster as global markets are shut down, retailers are closing their stores affecting the entire supply chain . The future is very uncertain and we really need to make sense of the current situation and understand in some way how it may unfold in the future . Keeping this need in mind, we started our series of talks with some global denim personalities around the world to understand their analysis of today and tomorrow . The views shared have been very insightful and give us an understanding how we may need to plan and repurpose ourselves and our business.  Sharing herewith comments and quotes from the experts . 
    




    Adriano Goldschmied
    




    Next year for sure we’re gonna be down in our business at least by 50%.  It will have a terrible impact on the organizations of all supply chains globally.  It will hit dramatically in countries where textile is a big part of their economic sector. 
    




    




     All the digital shopping is going to be booming but they are going to reconsider shopping in a more responsible way. They will buy less and buy better.  Transparency will be more evident and help the consumer make better choices with the information provided. 
    




    The rule was that we come to the market with new products every six months. We need to change our method of work and to be more open-minded. There is no obligation to make 40+ piece collections.  We should bring new products to the market when it is interesting for the market. This way will be much more simple. 
    




    The reaction to the new normality will be different in Asia (especially China) & in emerging countries.  People are at home for a long period of time and they are anxious and probably the reaction for them is to go shopping again.  It will probably be a shopping party. On the other side, in America & Europe, consumers will reconsider their way of shopping. 
    




    When we come out of this pandemic, we will have a new face of our business.
    




    Complete Talk – Video 
    




    Enrique Silla
    




    




    I anticipate that 50 % of the brands and retailers will disappear. This is our calculations. I anticipate that 50 % of the manufacturers will disappear and we will face a very strong very strong consolidation
    




    Consumers will not buy again a product that has been manufactured by taking care of our rivers , our see and our planet.
    




    Europe is 10 % online, China is 20 % , but after this China will be 40-50 % online.We need to sell online and we need to completely change our operational models. 
    




    We anticipate that some countries will be winners like Turkey , Mexico , Portugal.
    




    We already launched a program on demand manufacturing . We really believed that COVER-19 had accelerated that.
    




    Video
    




    Alberto Candiani 
    




    




    I find this entire season thing a bullshit thing. I mean look at the seasons they don’t really make sense. Sometimes we look at the crazy product cycles for the same product or similar products.
    




    If It’s a pair of jeans just make sure it’s relevant enough to look in a way it was supposed to be. I think while we go forward we have to look at more relevant changes, the whole new cycle again for something which is not relevant so maybe this break again.
    




    More special finishings which will not necessarily alter characteristics of the jeans. We’re looking at finishings, they’re transparent so on paper they’re are not really interfering with the aesthetics  of denim unless you want them to , unless you want to create something special something which looks different from usual denim 
    




    We are now talking about basic core products which are of high quality, which keep on going for a couple of seasons and so I mean this is a complete change in that way.In fact you know it has been started probably something back but still it will continue further and it will be accelerated for.
    




     The reaction to the new normality will be different in Asia (especially China) & in emerging countries.  People are at home for a long period of time and they are anxious and probably the reaction for them is to go shopping again.  It will probably be a shopping party. On the other side, in America & Europe, consumers will reconsider their way of shopping. 
    




    When we come out from this pandemic, we will have a new face of our business.

    Video
    




    Stefano Aldighieri
    




    




    There’s no easy solution, but what is going to be interesting to see is how committed they will still be to the whole sustainability and ethical principles,  all these companies. Because one thing is to say that you are committed to doing everything socially right, and ethically right, and environmentally right when things go relatively well, but when you’re into an emergency like this you tend to forget those things.
    




    You know some time back all brands were racing to see who was the most sustainable company out there up to a few weeks ago?  I want to see how many of those are really, really serious about it, and how many will not stick to those principles because being sustainable means also taking care of your partners in the supply chain, and I know it’s a really really difficult thing to do because at some point you have to decide what you’re going to cut, what are you going to sacrifice, and unfortunately it is human nature to take care of the ones that are closer to you than the ones who are far away.
    




    Complete Talk
    




    Video
    




    Sedef Uncu Aki
    




    




    There is a term called REVENGE SHOPPING – which all the countries might see especially countries like China. But in Europe, they are focusing on understanding the situation. 90 % of the stores are open in China but total spending has been decreased by 50 %. Therefore people are not starting to shop right away. What we have seen so far from the previous world crisis is that consumers take 1-2 years before they actually regain their interest in shopping.
    




    There is a term called REVENGE SHOPPING – which all the countries might see especially countries like China. But in Europe, they are focusing on understanding the situation. 90 % of the stores are open in China but total spending has been decreased by 50 %. Therefore people are not starting to shop right away. What we have seen so far from the previous world crisis is that consumers take 1-2 years before they actually regain their interest in shopping.
    




    Durability, Built for life, and sustainable, circular design. We are focused on developing eco net-positive, high-quality fabrics. We are engineering for durability and long-lasting comfort and performance, optimizing our usage of recycled cotton, both pre and post-consumer, and creating revolutionary new levels of water- repellency, self-cleaning, anti-bacterial, thermoregulating products.

    Complete Talk | Video  
    




    Albert Tjandra
    




    By all means, logistics and distribution will definitely change. The supplier needs to be closer to the consumer in this way. All kinds leading to near sourcing will imply sooner or later.
    




    




    People who have been in digitalization will keep doing so, and others will start to follow, I had even seen these in our local market which Indonesia just had few digital market-place to go ​e-​comm for textile and apparels, but their rating and sale numbers are spiking up during this situation. 
    




    The Millenials and Z Gen are the most active visitors for these. And yes, we all know they are roller spenders but somehow they are less dropping attention to identify what the brands are. These are the generation that doesn’t care about names and brand tags. 
    




    In terms of quantity may also be simply changed, they will not aim for more, instead, they will be very particular on what they want to buy, They will buy in better quality and make better choices.
    




    Complete Talk  |  Video Link 
    




    Lucia Rosin
    




    




    This huge cancellation really creates a big problem for the workers. Some brands, retailers, need to cancel because they have no orders/garments in the shop. So, for the future, some brands have already started focusing on basic products, well-done products. 
    




    Focus more on long-lasting products, non-seasonal products because we have SS currently, we need to be ready for winters but some companies are closed. So, we need to create a collection with no season according to my view.
    




    Complete Talk  |  Video  
    




    Michelle Bracha
    




    So maybe instead of a 20 piece collection, a denim collection, we focus on those five things we don’t need to do the other 15 because the five things and things that are going to sell. So much of these products get made and they get marked down, sold off and end up in landfills. Therefore, we have to create less.
    




    Seasons – I think for the most part yes there will still be some seasonal things like sleeveless tops and five-ounce jeans. Those kinds of things. They will still remain but they’ll be one or two. They won’t be an entire collection and I think that’s the main point.
    




    




    I think out of necessity PPE denim may become a category for the short term. I don’t know that it will stick around forever as much as we wear it every day but we will be able to flip back into it. 
    




    Category of indigo knits that were starting to explode. Everybody’s just waiting until they can figure out how to do it more efficiently so that’ll probably grow. 
    




    But others may change their way of shopping.  By all means, logistics and distribution will definitely change. The supplier needs to be closer to the consumer in this way. All kinds leading to near sourcing will imply sooner or later.
    




    On some possibility stage, along with consumer demand changes, denim will be provided as a safety protection product somehow. 
    




    We had been enjoying the privilege of having premium denim for better margin, for just appearance and feel.  Now they will ask what premium can give them a better and healthier life enhancement?
    




    There might be a temporary advantage for the factories that are close to the markets, so for the US, I think there will be Mexican factories. For Europe, you’re going to probably see Turkey.
    




    Complete Talk   |  Video 
    




    Alice Tonello
    




    




    It is the right time to think about the volume that we are producing, to think about the quality, to think about how sustainability has been used inappropriately. I think some deeper thought process is required when we go back to normality.
    




    I don’t know if it will be a priority for the consumer when we will return back to normality to buy a pair of jeans but I believe that they will take care much more about a lot of things including water, chemicals, and other resources exploited to make a pair of jeans. 
    




    I feel retailers will be more comfortable having very short runs and they don’t want to wait for long lead time, items in production which are to be delivered in five to four months and to be in stores in six months. So probably they would like to have shorter bets – for two months or three months. 
    




    Consumers now have a break in their spending and they will get more time to think about what they are doing. This may lead them to re-evaluate what is the value of spending money on goods. So my view is that we must value high quality, more durable, sustainable products. I think this pandemic will go down in history as a great global reset in the system and the consumers really start thinking about these values.

    Complete Talk |  Video 
    




    Neeraj Sachdeva 
    




    




     I think one thing that is gonna make a huge comeback is the brick-and-mortar store. I think all of us will rush back to engage with humanity as you said to actually touch t feel because of the product and I think currently three weeks in I’m a bit dizzy and I’m a bit digital afflicted and I will be okay not to see my computer screen for hours and hours and hours then because that’s all I do ten hours a day now. 
    




    So I think this season analogy has been abandoned as the collections are coming after every alternate month, I guess. So I do not think that there is anything new about it. I guess we should ask retailers not to produce in such heavy quantities. 
    




    Complete Talk 
    




    Video
    




    Vasco Pizzaro
    




    




    I think the measurement mechanics of sustainability needs to be expanded a little bit. Especially in how you measure it because I think it’s that the standards can be deceitful now today because I know that there are a lot of people that have their companies based on ZHDC or other parameters.
    




    The producer and manufacturer need to be more united, irrespective of the competition. I often wonder about how it could be, if we the producers and the manufacturers and the laundry houses and all the little guys unite themselves.
    




    Instead of seasons, you see more through with presentation and instead of being colder, this winter season or fall or spring or summer, you kinda see a flow and you see variances that you couldn’t see in another place. I think the frequency with which we have been launching our collections have already made it seasonless.

    I believe that if you stay and if you have the ability to endure this time it can be very beneficial for you in the future.
    




    Complete Talk  |Video 
    




    Dilek Erik
    




    




    These days, we’ve been living three major social changes. One of them is Women Empowerments or Gender Equality, Unisex fashion let say and it changed fashion. The second thing is Sustainability which is being talked about quite a few times and the third thing is Technology. Whenever we talk about technology, we think about computers or laptops or the internet. We’re not using technology in fashion yet, only a few companies and that too in very limited ways.  This is going to change.
    




    We need to develop smart habits and smart fashion. Whoever develops smart fashion and connects it with the right technology and finishing will last for a long time. Smart fabrics, which were developed by Levis in a partnership with Google, and these kinds of innovations will be required in the coming years. So this is the future and creates more and more demand. 
    




    I think so, also there will be a paradigm change in the presentation of the products and also in the ways exhibitions have been happening right now. The concept of online sourcing has already been introduced and much more will come into the picture very soon. We are now doing video shoots of our products and involving more and more digital solutions.

    We always say less is more and good, but we do not practice as all the brands push people to buy more and more by offering discounts, so we need to be a little more honest. We talk about sustainability but if we sell like this, I do not think this is a sustainable practice. We should focus more on quality and long-lasting products but I don’t think this is happening very soon, it will take time. 

    Complete Talk |Video
    




    Tricia Carey 
    




    




    We have this terrible way of promotion all the time​, you need to have 60% off in order to sell apparel because customers are just trained that way​.​ I wish that the US retailers operated more like some of the European retailers and with sales twice a year and that’s it. Start fresh in some ways​.​
    




    W​e will have this time to re-evaluate and look for clothing which will become more of protection.  Now we look at how we can protect ourselves against getting this virus. Whether that’s masks or other apparel. Also now we look at how our apparel protects us and keeps us safe. This is also a mindset change.
    




    S​o I think we will be back to basics. That’s​ happening. People will be​ ​again looking for comfort. They will be looking for fabrics that can protect​ ​them, whether it’s antimicrobial or antibacterial finishes. So I think​ ​there will be some changes. I also think knits will increase. 
    




    There’s a comment here about a season less also being long-lasting and this goes back to consumption changes.
    




    I would add to that performance. Regional or near sourcing definitely.  Sustainability Environmental and social concerns
    




     A lot of things are going to be virtual and digitalization of most of the process is going to happen now. 

    Complete Talk |Video
    




    Katsu Manabe
    




    




    We need to decide to change how to communicate. We have to use digital ways to communicate with people. The export can be made smoother because we can contact online and can support afterward also. Secondly, we need to focus on production, because after this many people would have lost their job and it is very difficult. 
    




    




    Complete Talk  | Video
    




    From the above talk some key words emerge  :
    




    Seasonless –  Near Shoring – Sustainabiity with humanity – Quality Over Quantity – New Categories (Health & Welness, Loungewear , Homewear etc)- On Demand Production – Digitalized Presentations and Developments  etc
    




    All these point to a changed face of business which is likely to be much smaller and more agile  and highly consolidated once it comes back on its feet . 
    




    We will come out with the second part of our talks in another article with many other experts sharing their views . Do keep tuned.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    COVID Times – A Talk with Albert Tjandra
    
			
    COVID Times – A Talk with Albert Tjandra
    
			
    

    Continuing our series of #Covidtimes – How are you coping, Sandeep Agarwal speaks to Albert Tjandra – Director of Grandtex Indonesia about the current crisis to get an Indonesian perspective and how Grandtex as a denim mill is evolving itself during these tough times. Albert shares his candid views on all questions during the Instagram live talk 
    




    Sandeep
    Hi Albert, How are you? How’s Indonesia is doing?
    




    Albert
    Hi Sandeep, How are you? We are good so far, trying our best to stay healthy and doing what is so literally called “homework” for now.

    Technically we are late/short on disclosing the fact and details at the beginning, where people all over are wondering if this 4th largest populations country really not least affected by the virus. 
    We have started applying the Big Scale of Social/Physical Distancing Policy, where numerous rules set to bound the mobilization without saying not allowed. Certain numbers and distance set for public transport mode. 

    Keeping pushing people to stay home with new law penalties and enforcement. Limit the official works/ office in related only for supply chain and health assessment ,only F&B retails, small grocery store/market, basic needs shop, drugstore, bank and energy, electrical, communication, hospital and medicare allowed to be operated in certain hours. The rest are closed.
    




    Sandeep
    How Indonesian Industry is responding to the crisis?
    




    Albert
    The pandemic shuttered factories in late March. Companies in all regions of Indonesian facing huge layoffs,  labor termination, and closing. The travel industry is the most affected by the current. Retailers are on the same path followed. 

    We do have 2 different markets for Indonesian textile and garments. Both are contributing to the biggest percentage of Gross Domestic Product for the Indonesian Industry. Its a big population and big market indeed for Indonesian, the fact that we do have one major season, which is Eid  in the next 40days.
    




    Locals are supposed to start distributing the goods to retail for new clothes. Garments are on final seasons to complete the productions and begin with logistics.

    Then this issue comes up so suddenly and heavily spread out.  Stores closed, the factory closed, delay payment and soured cash flow. People will not be spending on clothes, which usually a major category for locals during the festival. 
    




    They are going home to the village, being unemployed, where its kind disrupting the government plan of encouraging social distancing since the beginning. 
    




    Export has suffered significant numbers of cancellations and postponements of orders. Indonesia is currently exporting 14 Billion USD to world textile and garment, US is major 5B$,  Japan 2B$ and EU 1,5B with the rest of the regions. The impact on current crisis is massive. We are seeing lots of factories closed. Goods  abandoned unshipped and not knowing payments will be honored. 

    The Government is working on all measures that will be incorporated as a stimulus package for almost US$ 1Billion , aimed at easing rules for export -imports as supply chains continue to be disrupted by the virus spread. They are also working to relax the income tax and import duty to boost production. But this is truly beyond the safety net. The uncertainty about the duration of the crisis weighs heavily on the industry.

    Sandeep
    How are you coping personally and professionally?
    




    Albert
    I think as many people globally ,I share the same experience to continue contributing to the industry by working from home. That should be not be an issue for most of the Indonesian business level, The system and digital world really put us through this tough situation with tremendous help and effort. 

    Our office team located in the central city of Jakarta had been doing social distancing as early protocol months ago and stayed domestically home for the last 10-14 days for now. The main goal for everyone here today is to stay healthy. Holding on digital technology to have the meeting virtually, we were able to engage everyone simultaneously and try to be even more efficient. 

    While some part of us from the production unit at the factory is still running, with very tight scrutiny following government protocol , we do have a thousand workers in the facility who currently put on hold partially for the day in and day home policy to maintain the social distancing.
    




    Sandeep
    How is your company / industry operation affected and how you are reinventing yourself?
    




    Albert
    Coming in the month of April, there are no other mills (denim) running production in our region . Safety and health will always be a priority, so by the next 2weeks, perhaps we will declare shut down, as an extension of the Muslim holiday, which will be very long indeed. 

    Coronavirus lockdowns aren’t the only thing affecting our industry’s ability to pay our workers. Most of us will say the main problem is unreasonable demands from big clients. We’ve also experienced demands for cancellations for goods that are ready or are work in progress, or discounts for outstanding payments and for goods in transit. 

    They are also asking for 30 to 120-day extensions on previously agreed payment terms. Some brands are showing a true sense of partnership and a high level of ethics in trying to ensure at least enough cash flow to pay workers.
    




    Sandeep
    Any CSR initiatives during the current times in relation to coronavirus by your company?
    




    Albert
    Yes. Once the operations taking a slow pace, what we can assure to our nearby environment, by distributing more supplies and water needed for the villages around the facility. We are employing more unemployed workers to maximize our operations.

    We are producing fabric masks optimizing our capacity. We are not doing this because there is a demand, but because it’s the right thing to do.
    




    Sandeep
    How do you think the fashion world is going to change after things come under control? 
    




    Albert
    Well, I guess it will definitely come from Retail and Consumer point of view, who will drive back the whole industry. 

    They had waited too long at home and some are eager to put all effort and excitement to go on the shopping floor again especially for the medium to long-run prospect. We do have a certain society here from medium core buying power, who just simply dying to go browse over fashions and step in retail stores once this pandemic issues over.
     
    But others may change their way of shopping.  By all means, logistics and distribution will definitely change. The supplier needs to be closer to the consumer in this way. All kind leading to near sourcing will imply sooner or later.

    People who had been in digitalization will keep remain doing so, and others will start to follow, I had even seen these in our local market which Indonesia is just had few digital market-place to go e-comm for textile and apparels, but their rating and sale numbers are spiking up during this situation. 

    The Millenials and Z Gen are being the most active visitor for these. And yes, we all know they are roller spender but somehow they are less dropping attention to identify what the brands are. These are the generation that doesn’t care about names and brand tags. 

    These are the direct buyers for the direct user, they may have brand loyalty but always open for new evolution immediately. 
    In terms of quantity may also be simply changed, they will not aim for more, instead, they will be very particular on what they want to buy, They will buy in better quality and making better choices.

    So yes, definitely we will see a lot of changes in the fashion world as soon as all these are over and lifted. We just do hope every player in the chain industry, from manufacturer to retailer will have and provide the right products that consumer wants.
    




    Sandeep
    Do you see  possibilities of creating Personal Protection Denim (PPD)?
    




    Albert
    At the current stage, more units are pivoting their production to manufacture such products as medical masks and gowns, including Grandtex – this also leads the reason why we still allowed to operate during the time. 

    However, I think we have to be reasonable and responsible for what we produce. There will be a limitation on cotton woven to get into the medical parameter which has a concern with human healthiness and safety. 
    On some possibility stage, comes along with consumer demand changes, denim will be provided as a safety protection product somehow. 

    We had produced highly constructed denim fabrics with special anti-burn finished and water repellent applications for some Mining/Tobacco company uniforms. We are now applying antivirus/anti-bacteria with water repellent finish on our woven denim tops range for blue medical uniform 1st layer before their actual spunbond protection unit. These are more into general performance fabrics. 

    But when it comes to denim as daily fit casual wear with protection applications, I think these will take some part of consumer mindset consideration in coming. 
    




    




    Sandeep
    Do you see Denim becoming more technical?
    




    Albert
    Indeed it will. Like we discussed earlier, people are eager to know what’s inside the materials. Before they want to know what’s inside the garment, now whats inside the materials, what kind of cotton, how friendly the dyestuff and washed chemicals are that we use. 

    When it comes to performance instead of appearance, details on the property will be transparently projected. Then suddenly buying denims not only for the look and fit but also how it constructed will be more appreciated. That’s the shifting of premium denim. 
    




    Sandeep
    Do you expect Consumer behavior changes post Covid to be different in different regions?
    




    Albert
    The consumer will evolve with the situation differently. Some regions will have earlier store opening will lead consumer closer to the store floor, while others may have enjoyed exploring the digital platform to source products . Again subject to different regions’ situations indeed.

    For sure, Slow fashion will play major role impressions, More transparent and committed to sustainable production will be needed. Ready where people can find out the impact of the brands they want to buy just as easily as they can see the price or size
    




    Sandeep
    Two key changes in the basic character of denim as an apparel product Post Corona.

    Albert
    Well, denim not again will be as structured as simple as it was. Two changes will be:

    1. Denim as basic casual wear means People will wear basic denim for better life performance simple jeans.
    2. Denim as basic casual fabric means, whatever current interest simplicity that reflects the originality of denim fabric plus includes green processed within. 
    




    Sandeep
    How do you think consumer  will evolve in his preferences  after going through this crisis  
    




    Albert
    One thing for sure, consumers becoming more alert on the information, craving for the content and property over physical appearance. They will start looking at what’s inside. What kind of materials the manufacture use. What will be the hygienic performance that the brand pushes for after these issues happened globally?

    Some may still keep brand loyalty but mostly they will be more realistic in making a purchase. There will be more on anti-bacteria/ anti-virus/ less odor breathable denim jeans compare to fashion nice-looking novelties fit. 

    We had been enjoying the privilege of having premium denim for better margin, for just appearance and feel.  Now they will ask what premium can give them on better and healthier life enhancement?
    




    Sandeep
    Sustainability – Your thoughts considering the existing situation? 
    




    Albert
    The definition of sustainable fashion has changed over the years, and yet global fashion still searches platform aims to bring some clarity. Sustainable fashion defines as protecting the future of our planet and the people through design, how we create and wear our clothes, by carefully managing resource use to reduce waste and climate impacts, protecting the welfare of the human being, and the assurance of the safety and fair treatment of workers all the way down the supply chain.

    People start talking in advance on Biodegradable jeans, which are a stretch of jeans made from renewable resources and free from plastics and micro-plastics. This is really sustainable product-driven.
    




    Sandeep
    and how it will change?
    




    Albert
    Denim remains one of the most-wanted sustainable products. In a world where resources are diminishing and landfills are overflowing with discarded garments, it’s our duty to look for renewable resources 
    So yes Sustainability will go on as it remain as the soul of the apparel industry. But will the Recycle and Reuse garments gain more consciousness after the global pandemic? Are people start asking questions on the should we still pursue on pre-owned” and “secondhand fashion, that will need further clarification. 
    




    Sandeep
    What do you think are the main positives from the current situation
    




    Albert
    Perhaps when no one can control the virus or even the economic fallout but we can control how we react to the crisis. I am very positive about our prospects for the future—surfing through the crisis in the short-to-medium term and in the long-term recovery. I believe if we are flexible and efficient enough, we will be well-positioned, to get through these difficulties.

    We are looking for ways to drive efficiency and speed to market and reduce waste while improving the company’s operations through and beyond the pandemic. I had seen a lot of chances to reshape and get slim light for the company, people will look at products in more different aspects, asking the different ways of sourcing. 

    Thus the crisis gives us an opportunity to not just renew the business, but to reset it for the future. Garment manufacturing has been diversifying away from China for around ten years due to China’s high costs. We will just have to play out our strengths, go as efficiently as we can. 
    




     Sandeep
    Thanks, Albert. Pleasure talking to you and see you soon. Stay Safe and Please take care. 
    




    Albert
    Thank you so much for the time Sandeep, as hoping we will keep in touch and share what’s happening in the industry,  Wish you all the best and stay safe.
    




    Note: We will be continuing these series of daily talks – with normal timings being 10.30 am NY time / 3.30 pm UK time and 8.00 pm India time at our Instagram handle. Do follow to be notified. 
    




    Video link of the talk
    




    


    





    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    COVID TIMES -A Talk With Michelle Branch
    
			
    COVID TIMES -A Talk With Michelle Branch
    
			
    Michelle Branch from Markt &Twigs is a well known denim consultant from US . Sandeep Agarwal spoke to her recently to find out her views on the prevailing crisis and its impact on her work as well as the fashion and denim industry. She shares her candid views on the situation and her analysis of the same.
    

    Sandeep
    
    Hello Michelle, How are you? I welcome to you and first of all I hope that everyone in your family and friends ,everybody’s fine , healthy and safe.
    

    Michelle
    
    We have had a couple of family members who caught the virus.They are recovering though, they are on the opposite side of it now and I have some family members who are medical professionals so we pray for them every day but so far so good everybody is alive and on the mend if not already healthy.
    

    Sandeep
    
I really hope so and pray for everybody. How situation in New York ? How’s everybody is really coping with the current situation?
    

    Michelle
    
It clearly is crazy for everybody. It’s unprecedented and I think initially it was a shock and now people are kind of settling into their social distancing routines because honestly this is the only way that we can eradicate it .So, yeah here in New York and New Jersey have been hit pretty hard. My small town of Jersey City which is right outside of Manhattan even though it’s in another state, I just read somewhere that we have more cases thancases in 23 states. Not combined but more than 23 individual states.
    

    Sandeep
    
This really clearly is a very unprecedented situation and and it calls for unprecedented responses from all of us . As denim consultant and as a person who is interacting with so many players in the supply chain from the retailer’s to the mills , what is your professional response to this?
    

    Michelle
    
First of all, everything is shut down right now so personally as a creative person I try and make sure I do something creative every single day – A for my own Sanity and B to be prepared for when this situation ends which it will. I think the important thing to  look at for all of us particularly in the denim community where we’re very tight and we’re very huggy and touchy with the product, It is something that there are times when I personally find it easier to make presentations when I have garments in my hands. It’s like a security blanket and I think those things are going to change. I mean even the lexicon is gonna change .You know – shake on it – to do a deal, that’s not gonna happen anymore ! . Those words will probably go away as and we move towards a digital way of communicating and is sad as it is for me because connection is the thing that I love most aside from the actual product . Connection is the thing I love the most about our industry .We’re gonna have to find other ways to connect and it’s gonna be interesting but the good part about this to me is that it came at a time where all of us recognized that we had a problem and it’s giving us an opportunity to hit the reset button that we would have never been able to do in such a quick period  of time. Slowly we were moving there but now I think this is forcing everyone.There’s a saying that the universe wants you to know something and they whisper in your ear .If you don’t listen , it’ll tap you on your shoulders and if you don’t listen to that it’ll hit you in the head and that’s what’s happened to us. So, I think it’s really an opportunity for all of us to look at how we do things. We don’t need to travel nearly as much as we do but it’s become part of our way of doing business that will clearly change and there’ll be and are already technological ways to develop the product without actually having to touch it all the time .So, those are ways I think that it’s gonna change and that’s good for us.
    

    Sandeep
    
Yeah, I think it’s good for us and we need to really push the Reset button. What do you think will become of sustainability ? Because we already been moving in that direction. Will the definition of Sustainability change in some way ? Because we have been talking about various definitions of Sustainablility which are confusing. So post CORONA , is our definition of sustainability going to change?
    

    Michelle 
    
Of course it will change. It will be enhanced,it’ll be bigger because the things that this virus will force us to do – for example less traveling – you know that uses less resources already. I think that this is going to kickstart us into having to behave sustainably whether we want to or not. It’s just the way it’s going to be but , for example , I just read somewhere where – if anybody  is listening from Jeanologia hey you guys thumbs up – they developed the G2 to figure out ways of bleaching the product more sustainably. But now because of this virus that has evolved into a way to sanitize medical equipment. So I feel like the things that we’ve already been doing will just be ramped up a little bit and maybe we have to look at things from all different angles. Everybody that I know will still pursue creating products more responsibly.We also need to create less of them I think.
    

    Sandeep
    
We are talking about reduced quantities, maybe a huge reduction.
    

    Michelle
    
Yeah, it’s gonna be painful and for sure but it’s the right thing to do. I think that we have to kind of look at it that way -for example – we have models , seasonal models that we’ve used for decades but now we have the ability to speak directly to the consumer and get information directly from the consumer. So maybe instead of a 20 piece collection ,a denim collection, fabric collection for example – I’m talking about  a denim collection – we know that the consumer insights come from Instagram or from whatever comes out of this that they like these five things the most. So we focus on those five things we don’t need to do the other 15 because the five things and things that are going to sell. So much of these products get made and they get marked down , sold off end up in landfills. Therefore, we have to create less.
    

    Sandeep
    
So we are cutting the seasons and we are cutting the number of products, the collections that we are making and we are saying we should be sure that we are doing it in a much greater speed then we were doing before.We were probably doing it before also but now we need to speed it up much faster and probably seasons are going to become kind of redundant in terms of the impact the way people used to prepare for two or more seasons and all of what we have done in the past well.
    

    Michelle
    
I think for the most part yes there will still be some seasonal things like sleeveless tops and five ounce jeans those kinds of things.They will still remain but they they’ll be one or two . They won’t be an entire collection and I think that’s the main point .
    

    Sandeep
    
So if you would try to quantify for the moment – let’s say for currently we are making 70 to 80% products as per  seasons. Probably we might come down to 20-30%,  20% or something like that?
    

    Michelle
    
It would definitely be less.I don’t know the exact percentage and I don’t think that there’ll be a cut-off. I think it’ll be something that quickly and gradually will happen.
    

    Sandeep
    
One more thing which comes to my mind is that this disease is not really going away so soon. Even if you are coming out of it, after two months we are back to work ,still this is going to remain until the time we have a really effective vaccine against it. When everyone is vaccinated and safe but that rule might take let’s say one and a half to two years. So till that time we need personal protective apparel . What do you think about this so we are actually probably creating new fashion category?
    

    Michelle
    
I think maybe for the short term . I think a couple of things here and there are some fashionable ones like there was a company in China which had each of their employees create their own individual ones and they had like their faces but with a smile because when you wear a mask you can’t see the smiles and so everybody digitally printed their smile on top of the mask and it’s cute and it’s fun . For sure will need it for the short term but I think what is happening or what will happen probably is that this is a wake up call to make us aware that a pandemic is possible.I don’t know that we will wear masks forever I think out of necessity it’s going to become a category for the short term. I don’t know that it will stick around forever in as much as we wear it every day but we will be able to flip back into it . Like people will find ways of becoming flexible in case it happens again to flip back into it just like the G2 machines .That machine will go back to bleaching denim and then if this happens again – God forbid – we know that it’s able to be switched quickly to sanitize equipment . So I think it’ll be more about flexibility. I don’t imagine jeans factories converting  to making masks for the long haul – I just I hope that doesn’t have to happen.
    

    Sandeep
    
But you know if you see countries like Japan, 10 years back they had this problem of SARS and that you see Masks have become a reality in their life.
    

    Michelle
    
Yes, not every body wears that but yes you see it there for sure.
    

    Sandeep
    
I think twenty percent people are wearing them once out there .So they have learned how the people in this part of the world uses masks.What I see is on the internet right now that even expensive masks are coming up even I saw yesterday $60 mask which was quite interesting to see. So that is probably something which might happen – this crisis may trigger a new fashion accessory.
    

    Michelle
    
I think for sure in the short term and short term meaning a couple of years like you said until there is a vaccine that they know for sure will work.
    

    Sandeep
    
It might also be an oxygen supply to the supply right now . Now the second thing is what do you feel about the category of home wear? Because many people are now working from home and it may also become a sort of regular practice for many people over the next few months or worse -years. Does that also pick the category of new products ?
    

    Michelle
    
I think that it was or even before this it was already I wear jeans at home but that’s just me but I think before this there was a category of indigo knits that was starting to explode. Everybody’s just waiting until they can figure out how to do it more efficiently so that’ll probably grow. I see that category growing but I don’t see it replacing denim because that’s more of an emotional purchase – jeans are still comfortable.
    

    If you’re talking about the comfort aspect of it there knits would be the biggest but there are obviously there are fibers that create a bunch of comfort , stretch comfort .That’s the thing about this pandemic is that all of the things that we’ve been doing along the way more slowly focusing on comfort stretch that exploded several years ago. Tencel ,for example, on the market now creating comfort everywhere and it’s exploded into denim in the last few years. Those things have already been happening slowly but surely plugging along. Now everything gets kicked into high gear just like sustainability everything is getting kicked into high gear out of necessity.
    

    Sandeep
    
How the supply chain is going to survive ? What we are hearing is so many orders canceled ,so many stores closed, so many factories lose workers out of work .What do you think what will happen to the supply chain and how they the people, the workers will survive ?
    

    Michelle
    
I think it’s gonna be hit really hard .The saving grace in some countries will be that from an employment perspective –not an inventory perspective – but there’ll be some help from governments but not every government is going to do that .Those countries where the government’s help will kind of ease the way a little bit and in terms of inventories I mean people need to honor their orders that’s the bottom line.They need to honor their orders even if they ship it longer-term .I mean if you think about the supply chain there is a top of the food chain and a bottom of the food chain. I think that the folks at the top of the food chain are that have to honor their orders so that when we do recover there are places to produce things. They can wipe folks out if they cancel completely – they need to come together and maybe you know take some sort of reduction but not cancel the whole thing.There was a million ways that they can handle this but they need to honor the orders that’s my personal opinion.
    

    Sandeep
    
It’s a moral responsibility and it is also part of the sustainability talks that we have been doing for so many years and know it’s the time to really walk the talks.
    

    Michelle
    
Yeah the people are part of this.To that point I think the consumers we are all in this together right not just a supply chain, not just the retailers and brands but the consumer is also a part of this. They’re gonna recognize those companies that act responsibly now and that act from a place of humanity and they will  remember that too . So it behooves everybody.
    

    Sandeep
    
What we have been hearing from different thoughts going around the world is actually many of the retailers, many of the factories the factories who don’t have so much cash flow they may not survive and at the end of the day we’ll have retailers who are very strong surviving and we have the factory so very strong who were surviving and also the mills. So I mean will that be actually a more balanced situation where we actually are in a production situation right now? If we talk about till now what has happened is actually an overproduction.We are producing and over selling and over buying , so maybe after this rebalancing ,we are actually looking at the new balance being created between the supply chain.
    

    Michelle
    
I think that there is a rebalancing that needs to happen for sure is  that is probably the point of this whole thing but I don’t know that if these smaller producers without the cash flows need to go away . Instead of that it would be great if they can be absorbed into the larger ones that are nearby . There needs to be some sort of balance and it has to include the least of us.It has to , otherwise this whole thing was just a big waste of time. If this pandemic doesn’t show us that we need to care for the folks who have less and figure out a way to absorb them maybe into these larger businesses or convert them to other like maybe cotton growers get converted into food sources But there needs to be a way to make sure that the least of us is protected.
    

    Sandeep
    
In China you know after this disease have been sort of controlled now, what we can see in China the consumers coming back to shop .They are actually quite happy to shop because they’ve been confined to their homes,  they’re going out there to eat and visit places and  shopping a quite a bit. So do you think this is a similar response we might have in Western world when, let’s say after three months, everything is okay and you see people rushing to shop and go. Of course they will be meeting friends and family and all those things but do you think you see them shopping?
    

    Michelle
    
Well I think it depends on what part of the world you’re talking about because I feel like in the US and in Europe there’ll be an aspect of people that just have cabin fever and they need to go out . So restaurants probably will see an uptick but in terms of shopping I think that people in the West are kind of reevaluating what’s important.Do I really need 20 pairs of black boots? I mean so people will start shopping again but they’ll be more mindful about about how they shop. I think China has probably a socially a different perspective  about shopping and I think that in the West we will probably think a little bit more about what we buy. We will still buy but we’ll think a little bit more about we do.
    

    Sandeep
    
What are the biggest positives you see coming  from this situation?
    

    Michelle
    
I think the biggest thing -and this is gonna sound weird – because we’re all so part but I feel like the biggest thing is that everybody is connecting more.First of all we have more time to connect. There are people in the industry that I speak to all the time   but now I have time to reach out to those people in the industry that I never speak . Like you -we never talk -you know we we talk once or twice a year maybe you know so I think that’s kind of a positive thing that people are reaching out to each other that’s one thing . The other thing is that it forces us to become a little bit more ingenious about an intentional thinking when this is over how do we move forward and  people are coming up with ways to to use technology . For example,  to help us when we can’t get on a plane and fly 15 hours to get to where we need to be to review a sample.So  I think that it’s using ingenuity and having the time to really sit down and think about those things we never have the time before because we’re moving too fast.
    

    Sandeep
    
In terms of digital usage how easy or difficult you are finding work digitally?  Or how fast you are adapting to this digital communication and do you think let’s say if we have to continue this for a long period of time does it work out ?
    

    Michelle
    
Well for my business because most of my clients are in other parts of the world, I work that way anyway. I only really had one major client in New York that I could actually get on the train and go visit but most of mine are all around the world anyway . So I’ve always worked this way I mean but I still got on a plane and and have to go places but maybe they’ll even be less of it but we found ways digitally to to review things.
    

    Sandeep 
    
I just want you to know if you want to say anything else to so many friends of ours who  are watching you.
    

    Michelle
    
Yes I miss you guys. Well I I do miss my denim community. We are a tight-knit group and we will get through this together. Thank you so much and stay safe . Namaste!
    

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Adriano Goldschmied Speaks About Covid 19 Impact On Apparel Industry
    
			
    Adriano Goldschmied Speaks About Covid 19 Impact On Apparel Industry
    
			
    When the times are tough , we need to look up to people with vision , people who have shown us the path in the past and who will show the light to us for the future. In our industry , perhaps the most prominent personality on this pedestal is Adriano Goldschmied – The Godfather Of Denim . He needs no introduction for any one of us and it is upto leaders like these that we seek answers and inspiration from , during the unprecedented times that all of us are going through. It was indeed a pleasure and honor for me that he agreed to share his views on current situations and future indications for our industry. I spoke to him on the various aspects of the coronavirus crisis (at our Instagram ) and its possible impact on us and how we need to adjust ourselves and find solutions . He shared his erudite views backed by decades of experience in his very humane and humble way. The immediate future looks tough but we need to be resilient and adjust ourselves in innovative ways – is his fundamental message.
    

    Sandeep:
    First of all I want you to thank you for joining this discussion it’s such a pleasure and honor for me.
    

    Adriano:
    It is an amazing opportunity- thank you very much .We are experiencing first hand what it means to be digital . It is a good exercise because it looks like this will be our future.
    

    Sandeep:
    Absolutely, I agree with you.So how’s everything in LA ? Is it getting better than before?
    

    Adriano:
    The situation in LA is very similar to other parts of America, but better than New York . Let’s say, every business is closed and only essential facilities are open. People might need to stay home long time, which is not a good thing.  Basically, we are suggested to stay at home, but free spirited Americans are still going around. In Italy, for instance, is different because they can pose heavy fines if you disobey a state/federal mandate.  We hope Americans who love freedom & independence understand the importance of staying home and can contribute to everyone’s safety.
    

    Sandeep:
    Absolutely, because it’s for everybody and it’s totally unexpected and we all are actually trying to find a way out what to do .We have to find a way out of this situation. First of all , I really hope that all your friends and relatives and family , everybody is okay and healthy.
    

    Adriano:s
    Everybody is fine including my staff.  Let’s say, I really care about my team. They are the biggest value of the company.  I ordered them to stay home even before the California government ordered people to stay home.  We are working remotely from home, but all our mills in China are reopened and operating at 100%.  Our business is already very digital.  That is why we can adapt easily to the new situation.  But we do miss the touch & feel portion of our business.  This is a big moment of responsibility for us all. It is in the hands of every single person to help and to try to arrive to a good conclusion.
    

    Sandeep:
    So what do you think of the situation ? how it’s really going to affect all of us because we are seeing massive issues going on,  the stores are closing down , bankruptcies are coming , the supply chain is getting totally disrupted. What is really going to happen in fashion industry and denim industry in particular ?
    

    Adriano:
    My feeling is that we do not realize the magnitude of this disaster.  Everyone is very uncomfortable.  All the stores are closed, all the companies are closed.  We are doing our best to do our work remotely at home, but I don’t think we realize the real consequences of this situation in our business.  The reality is that we don’t have a complete vision on the impact on our business.  The work has turned more towards a digital platform.  This is very difficult for my generation. Personally for me, I am used to having physical contact with the people, with my team.  Working digitally is something we are all forced to learn today to maintain business.  I think this is a positive thing. What we have done in the past by physical contact can be done digitally & remotely today saving a lot of time. We will continue to work this way even after we get back to normal.  The current mood right now is very emotional and the only button that we have in front of us is the panic button.  Instead, we need to be ready to press the restart button.  This will require us to have a better vision of how the situation is revolving. The consequences of the coronavirus will change the way we make business decisions.  This situation is going to have long lasting effects and we have to think to take on a bigger moral responsibility.
    

    I believe this will forcibly push our industry in a positive way towards sustainability & circular fashion.  It will also push the consumers to buy products that are more durable, more valued, in a more responsible way.  The consumers will indicate to the mills and manufacturers to go towards this direction. Next year for sure we’re gonna be down in our business at least by 50%.  It will have a terrible impact in the organizations of all supply chains globally.  It will hit dramatically in countries where textile is a big part of their economic sector. 
    

    I don’t want to be negative, but the denim business has been changing the social life in a lot of countries.  Particular in developing countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan & many others.  So my mind is going to the millions and millions of people that rely on manufacturing jobs not just as work, but also their livelihood.  They don’t have other options and their governments have limited means to assist them.  When we overcome the coronavirus and go back to normal, we will have to adjust to a new “normal.”  It will not be like switching a light on.  The industry has to find a formula to understand the new reality and reinvent the way we work. Even though it is difficult for all, for countries like America, it will be easier to be able to help people.  Unfortunately the poor will be the ones who will pay the biggest price.
    

    Sandeep:
    It is a really very tough situation and I don’t know if you are not able to think about solutions , it is really very difficult for us to really think about solutions.There seem to be no way out but in terms of consumption patterns by the consumers what changes do you think will happen in terms and the end of the consumer? What would they look forward after these crisis?
    

    Adriano:
    It’s clear we face difficulties, but I’m positive that life will go on.  Everyday we will have a new morning.  The reaction to the new normality will be different in Asia (especially China) & in emerging countries.  People are at home for a long period of time and they are anxious and probably the reaction for them is to go shopping again.  It will probably be a shopping party.  On the other side, in America & Europe, consumers will reconsider their way of shopping. 
    

    The consumers are more mature and not afraid to change the approach that they have to shop.  All the digital shopping is going to be booming but they are going to reconsider shopping in a more responsible way. They will buy less and buy better.  Transparency will be more evident and help the consumer make better choices with the information provided. This is the direction that we have been pushing for for years and years.
    

    Sandeep:
    Do you think fast fashion will move out? Is Fast fashion is going to finish ?
    

    Adriano:
    We have different reactions from different parts of the world.  One way is that fashion will be more important.  Fashion has an important role because it is creating an emotion for the buyer.  Fashion is stimulating this approach that the consumer is thinking that they cannot live without the new fashion.  Consumers of fashion are interested in new products, fits & washes all the time.  In my opinion, the market will change. 
    

    The rule was that we come to the market with new products every six months. We need to change our method of work and to be more open minded. There is no obligation to make 40+ piece collections.  We should bring new products to the market when it is interesting for the market. This way will be much more simple. 
    

    We need a more digital approach that is available anywhere, all the time.  The other way is that the consumer is going into more basic, simple & clean products.  Basics is not all about price.  As transparency is more available, they will choose products with more value and durability.  Our consumers are ready for a lot of different price points.  The price will reflect the real value of the product. 
    

    I am one of the original leaders of premium denim.  I remember when we could take a mediocre quality denim and put a hefty price like $300 dollars and call it “premium.”  That is fake premium.  It was taking advantage of the emotion of the consumer and not providing a real premium product.  Now consumers have information and choices to select better quality products.  Recycling and reuse of garments is taking a lot of attention.  When we come out from this pandemic, we will have a new face of our business.
    

    Sandeep:
    Well as we see the reports, we understand that this situation in some way will continue for at least one year or one and a half years till the time we have really have a vaccine.So do you think with so many people working from home will also affect the kind of clothes the people will be buying ?
    

    Adriano:
    I think there are a lot of things that can be done digitally. For instance, I am a partner with MYR , a digital platform to design & develop remotely.  With this technology, you can control the development and production digitally and remotely. 
    

    This is a very important step to reduce cost and is much more sustainable.  On another level, the trade shows will play a different role as we work with at digital platform.  This will save us time & money.  Think about design, with a digital platform we will be able to have a closer relationship with the vendors. 
    

    This will also enable us to have a closer connection with the market for a faster exchange of ideas.  We don’t know how this will work, but for sure it will be the new way, our new normality.  The current situation is like a tsunami.  Only the good & strong will survive.  The panorama of the mills will be reshaped by acquisitions with companies that understand the need to switch to a more digital platform.
    

    Sandeep:
    I really want to thank you for your wonderful views and people are really happy to watch you speak and understand from you what’s happening around.So I really thank you for everything that you know.
    

    Adriano:
    Thank you very much. I wish to our people and all the humanity to be healthy and that this will pass soon.  We need to be ready for big changes and find a way to make our business better.  I hope the industry will think in a much more moral way and think about all the affected people to guarantee a better life and not just about the profits.  Thank you very much and good luck.
    



    


    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    COVID 19 Emerges As The Biggest Threat To BANGLADESH
    
			
    COVID 19 Emerges As The Biggest Threat To BANGLADESH
    
			
    

    Bangladesh, the 2nd largest garment exporter in the world and one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, seemed to be in a very serious problem due to Covid 19 which caused lockdowns in the USA and Europe.
    




    The government has sanctioned a bailout package of Tk 50 billion($600 million) for the RMG sector to ensure the timely payment of wages to the workers, however, an industry which earns $34 billion annually, contributes more than 13% in the country’s GDP and also employs over four millions of workers, have its own apprehensions regarding its survival in the long run. 
    




    Last week, Ms. Rubana Huq, BGMEA president, confirmed that due to the lockdown in the USA and Europe, orders of 864.17 million pcs valued at $3bn have been canceled which added panic to over 1000 garment factories which were exposed to this loss. The majority of canceling orders are from C&A, Inditex, Primark, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Walmart, and Target.
    




    


    Ms. Rubana Haq Urging Brands not to cancel the orders
    




    Amid all such hustle and bustle, H&M came to the rescue and assured its garment suppliers of taking shipment of goods that have already been manufactured, however, the brand has categorically stated that they are not going to place any new orders and also going to review the potential changes on recently placed orders as the COVID-19 outbreak impacted their business supply chain.
    




    During March 21-25, a survey was conducted by the Center for Global Workers’ Rights and the Worker Rights Consortium, a Washington, D.C.-based labor rights organization, findings of which are very worrying. 
    




    Credit: Getty Images
    





    The Survey included approx 200 large suppliers that mainly manufacture garments for EU brands and retailers and employ over 750 workers.
    




    The finding suggested that nearly all buyers refused to contribute to wages for those workers, and more than 70% of those furloughed were sent home without pay. Of the workers who were fired, less than 20% were given severance pay.
    




    The 1st case of Covid 19 was reported on March 8 and as of now the country has reported only 49 confirmed cases and 5 deaths, the government has asked people to stay at their homes and practice social distancing, however considering the population density of Bangladesh, social distancing will not be easy. 
    




    Credit: Witness Image
    




    Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and is packed into 147629 square kilometers and it accommodates approx. 164 million people out of which 21 million lives in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.  
    




    “In other countries, people can isolate. Our people don’t have that possibility. Workers live in houses that are a 10 x 10 room where 5 or 6 people live. If one person gets infected in a community, everyone will be infected.” said Kalpona Akter, Executive Director, Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity
    




    In current times , even the most developed countries are finding it difficult to handle the COVID situation. Every country has its own challenges and so Bangladesh has its own. The govt . seems to be taking all measures to control the disease and resultant damage.  The brands and retailers need to extend their help to this country as well other important garment exporting countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc which have been seamlessly delivering to the brands over decades.  We all need to stand in solidarity to fight this battle collectively. 
    




    Read all the latest industry updates on Covid19 at https://www.denimsandjeans.com/recovery/corona-denim-fashion-industry-updates