China Textile Magazine

  As the U.S. economy looks towards recovery, consumers continue to feel the effects of the recession, job losses, and last year's decline in net worth. According to Cotton Incorporated's Lifestyle Monitor™ survey, 83% of U.S. consumers are "very" or "somewhat" concerned about a future reduction in household income. Although consumers' optimism about the economy has risen from this time last year, their optimism about their personal financial situation has remained flat. Likewise, the Consumer Confidence Index is up from last year, but remains well below its 2007 level. As consumers embark on holiday gift shopping, continuing economic concerns are expected to restrain their purchases -- the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that holiday sales will decline 1.0% from 2008. However, the expected decrease is much less severe than last year's 3.4% drop in holiday sales and well under the forecast 3.0% decrease in total retail sales for 2009.

 "National Textile Industry Cluster Development Seminar" convened on September 1st 2009, held by China National Textile and Apparel Council, 23 cities and towns were awarded as China's Textile Industry Cluster Trial District. By far, China's textile industrial clusters have grown to 164, which indicate a quick and formidable development. These textile industrial clusters have a great impact on the districts' economy and even the whole national textile industry's development. On the occasion of this, let's have a total view of the background, history, development and new trend of the textile industry cluster in China.

    As we are approaching to the end of this torrential year of 2009, heads of state and government and negotiators from 193 countries concluded the Copenhagen Conference with a last-minute, three page framework document for a new global climate change deal (the "Copenhagen Accord"). Hailed by some as a foundation for further progress, and derided or rejected by others as 'greenwash' (sounds good but really is not) and an outright negotiating failure, the Copenhagen Accord sets out a first basic agreement on key elements of the global climate change framework for the years to come. Negotiations towards a more detailed legally binding agreement and pressure towards a more ambitious outcome will continue throughout 2010 and possibly beyond. The parties agreed a review of the Accord and its implementation would be completed by 2015.

Experiencing the last annual conference of ITMF in Mauritius, we attended this spectacle pageant this year in Shanghai. Based on the features of current situation in textile industry, ITMF this time chanted the slogan that "the construction adaptation of global textile industry in the context of new technology revolution. " What is meant is the global textile industry, nowadays, has been not only undergoing the updating of high-new technology, but facing various challenges about resources and environment, and the way to improve the traditional modules of production. Thus, it is inevitable for any country to have to encounter how to survive mutually, even if, maybe, achieve the win-win situation in the gloom of financial crisis. For the purpose of restoring the textile industry, the organizer, ITMF, was looking forward to deeply discussing the related issues, enforcing the mutual understanding, and promoting the cooperation over the 3-day meeting in the pearl of eastern China.

NIFF, Ningbo International Fashion Fair, as one of the most important events of Ningbo International Fashion Festival, has been held successfully 12 times, which has made great contributions to development of fashion and brands in Ningbo. Mentioning the accomplishment, brands should be brought into spotlight. Viewing Youngor and Firs as successful business model, a great many of garment enterprises in Ningbo joined the procession of establishing self-brands. During NIFF most enterprises invited some stars and franchisers to the fashion fair, gave them a chance to get to know garment industry in Ningbo. By this way, confidence of Ningbo's enterprises and their brands' affect has been highly enhanced. According to statistics, Ningbo apparel industry has created 16 Chinese famous brands, 15 Chinese famous products, and a brilliant complexion of different brands competing in the market has formed.

Nearly experiencing 15 days, the 106^th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully, with increasing international buyers and considerable turnovers significantly. 

Held in the Shanghai Exhibition Center, a historic building at the heart of the city, the 5th session of Shanghai Mode Lingerie fulfilled its vocation more than ever before, from Oct. 19th to 20th.

Based on its abundant costume culture foundation and overwhelming superiority in garment industry, Ningbo International Fashion Festival has been held successively 12 times since 1997. In the past 12 years, as one of the most important civil festivals and celebrations in garment industry, it has become typical of harmonious combination between industry and culture, with high reputation both at home and abroad. Ningbo International Fashion Festival functions as a vital platform of economic and technological communication and cooperation in garment industry to fully display fashionable and vigorous Ningbo and perfectly show the civilized image of Ningbo as a modern international part and its amazing achievements since the reform and opening-up policy.

Dominic Johnson-Hill has never been one to follow rules. At an age most teenagers enter college and start on the path to adulthood, Johnson-Hill left his native Britain to travel the world. For three years he moved from place to place until a trip to Qingdao led him to Beijing. Since then, he has settled down in a traditional Beijing courtyard home, called a siheyuan, with his wife and three daughters. In 2006, he opened Plastered 8--Chuangketie--in Nanluoguxiang. Specializing in t-shirts emblazoned with images representative of Beijing, Plastered 8 is poised to become an international brand capable of giving the world a glimpse into the heart of Chinese culture.