In Europe more than elsewhere, French exports of garments (knitted and woven) dropped last year. And if the Russian demand collapses, China appears increasingly like a new Eldorado.

According to figures supplied by customs, France has exported some 6.7 billion euros of clothing in 2009. A 9% decrease compared to 2008. The first three buyers are indeed gray setting: Spain with -8% (902 million), Italy and -4% (897 million) and Belgium especially with -13% (741 million). Only Germany, fourth in the standings, seems to contradict this general decrease with 2% to 428 million euros, ahead of the United Kingdom with 428 million euros  and -17%. Overall, European demand for French apparel has declined by 7% in one year to stabilize at 4.8 billion euros.

Fifth client of France ahead the United Kingdom, the Asian region and China in particular seems a promising market for French textile companies. "The Chinese are interested in our know-how, they are enthusiastic" admits Laurence Walter, Zyga Brand Manager.

Source: Fashion Mag - 25/02/2010

Twenty-one students of the "Istituto Marangoni Paris" are in national competition for the global final of the "Triumph Inspiration Award 2010" to be held in London. Nearly 30 countries, including 60 design schools are still participating in this great compeition.

Eleven students of the "Istituto Marangoni Paris", one of the most prestigious international design schools, have just been selected to participate in the France finals of "Triumph Inspiration Award" (TIA) 2010 to be held Thursday, May 27, 2010 at "Espace Tapis Rouge", Paris.

The young designers were invited to create a dress lingerie (support bra and panties) or a body on the theme "Shape Sensation". Students of "Fashion Design" field presented their work to a jury consisting of Vincent Lappartient, Fashion Photographer, Geraldine Mazin, Manager of the Lingerie center "Galeries Lafayette Haussmann", Claudine Hesse, assistant managing editor of "Madame Figaro", Florence Beaufre, Fashion chief-editor "Gala" magazine, Philippe Fort, in charge of Fashion and Design in the City of Paris, Federica Capranico, Director of the Istituto Marangoni Paris and Stephanie Lherbier, Marketing Manager of Triumph France. This team will be strengthened in late May by Chalencon Isabelle (France 2 Tv), Geraldine Dormoy (Blog Café Mode) and Annie Ziliani (Strategy & Innovation Director, Peclers firm).

A major innovation this year, the partnership established with "Galeries Lafayette" (Paris and Province) which will be exhibited the creations of these young talents. Animations and exhibitions will be organized under this competition. Note also the rise on the media plan with, among others, partnerships press "Madame Figaro", Gala, Voici, "Intima France".

In addition to an official coverage in "Intima France" magazine, the winner will be automatically selected for the global final will be held in London next September. The prize for the winner of the global final in London will be one hand € 15,000, but above all the confidence to see it fashion design manufactured and sold in some outlets Triumph in the world.

Source: communiqué de presse "Triumph International" - 22/02/2010

The GIH Company, in partnership with the Midi Pyrenees region (France), is currently considering whether to open a workshop for professionals who need timely prototyping or small volume production.

To evaluate the usefulness of this approach, a survey was conducted among all professionals in the region, operating in the clothing industry or who need special textiles (medical, aviation ...).

To participate in this survey, a questionnaire (10 questions) is available here

Source : GIH (groupement des Industries de l'Habillement) -  24/02/2010

The industrial park project "NassijMed" seems on track. Launched in 2009, it is a industrial park dedicated to textile and clothing operators located in TangerMed port (morocco). The specifications of the project has been approved and is expected to proceed shortly to launch a tender for the studies. A first tender launched in 2009 had proved unsuccessful, no firm specializes had existed, according to Kamal Mazari, president of the Amith* North who intervened at the last Board of Directors of the Amith held in Tangier last weekend.

Moroccan textile companies export oriented should enjoy this port infrastructure. This industrial zone will in effect make the Moroccan offer more attractive on sub-contracting, but also co-contracting.

Moreover, the Amith regional headquarters project seems to have evolved. The idea, launched at the last Board of Directors, held in Tangiers in 2009, had been validated. Now we turn to an even more ambitious idea: building an international exhibition center that would host events organized by Amith in the region and serve as a permanent showroom for the textile industry.

* AMITH :Moroccan Association of Textile and Apparel Industries.

Source : L'economiste - 03/03/2010

The Egyptian  clothing manufacturer "El Nasr Clothing & Textile Co." (Kabo) recorded a net loss of LE 2.6 million (473 800 dollars) during the second half of 2009.

To recall, the company achieved a net profit of LE 12.1 million during the same period of 2008.

Kabo produces underwear and clothing for men, women and children. It exports about 40% of its production to Europe, the United States, Canada and Arab countries.

Source: Which Africa - 26/02/2010

Cap Digital, in partnership with R3iLab (French Fashion Institute), offers a support program to promote ICT development in the textile and related industries. This program will help enterprises to develop several textiles objects and fashion accessories using new technologies and put them on the market with a marketing and adapted communication

Industrial and SMEs, if the fashion market interests you, send us your project ideas, skills and expertise. Cap Digital and R3iLab will propose you the appropriate partnerships, matchmaking support and project monitoring. A selection of the best project ideas will take place mid-March.

To send your proposals (1 page) or request additional information, contact jonathan.bartoli [at] capdigital.com 01 40 41 74 97.

Source: Digital Cap