After months of protests by black-clad demonstrators demanding democracy in Hong Kong, China has come up with a new countermeasure—banning the export of black clothes from the mainland to the territory. The South China Morning Post reports that customs officials in mainland China have ordered courier firms not to send black clothes, and many other items used by protesters, across the border.
Low-paid workers producing clothes for Lululemon in Bangladesh say they endured physical abuse and regular humiliation from their managers, according to an investigation by the Guardian. One worker said she was violently slapped for leaving work early on a day when she was sick. Others described managers calling female workers “sluts” or “prostitutes,” as well as instances of physical abuse. A male worker said men at the factory were beaten and mistreated too.
The Lenzing Group entered the age of digital traceability, showing its blockchain technology at the Première Vision show here.
The leader in specialty fibers made from renewable material wood will use the technology to support its Tencel branded fiber business, ensuring transparency and traceability for brands and consumers of its fibers in finished products. Lenzing is partnering with Hong Kong-based TextileGenesis on the project.
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) today announced it is granting more than $380,000 to the second class of LS&Co. Collaboratory fellows who are working to create a more sustainable apparel industry. The funding will go toward new approaches and innovations in the apparel supply chain that address issues related to climate change.
Lisa Batitto, 54, says she has virtually stopped buying clothes ever since she started renting them.
The New Jersey-based museum publicist spends $277 a month on three subscriptions, including one from New York & Company, a women’s mid-price clothing chain with hundreds of U.S. stores.
This is less than what she previously spent, she said. “I still have clothes in my closet from when I was buying, but I can’t tell you the last time I bought anything,” she said.
Speculation about future technologies is a staple of internet discussion but the clothes of the future are seldom included. When I interviewed science-fiction author Neal Stephenson recently, he opined that clothing was “pretty highly evolved" already and was unlikely to get any better. I am more optimistic.
Researchers from the University of Minho in Portugal have modified cotton fabric to release a lemony citronella aroma upon contact with sweat, benefitting those exposed to hot summer weather or intense physical activities.
In recent years, scientists have developed smart fabrics that react to stimuli such as light, temperature or mechanical stress and respond in certain ways, such as by changing colour or conducting an electrical signal. Furthermore, researchers have also explored different methods to release fragrances from fabrics.
I recently spent two years living in Chicago. As a British person adapting to life in America, I faced various struggles: terrible public transport, the complex rules of baseball, the virtual non-existence of meringues. But none were as all-consuming as the daily struggle to remain at a comfortable temperature. My days were spent either piling on jumpers and thermals, or reluctantly dressing in the lightest materials I could find. Chicago in the winter is so cold that any day above zero degrees is considered balmy.
In recent years, there's been an increase in light-up dresses on the red carpet. The Met Gala, in all its dramatic glory, has provided the ideal space to showcase such designs, with Katy Perry, Claire Danes and this year, Zendaya, all choosing tech-heavy gowns to fit each year's theme. But it turns out, smart clothes – as they're being called – could actually be used for a purpose far more useful than simply looking impressive on the Met steps.
The springtime opening of Hudson Yards was a study in things new and shiny. But inside the Neiman Marcus store there, a rack of vintage clothes stood out among a sea of box-fresh Balenciaga sneakers, straight from the runway Loewe handbags and floors of buffed marble and steel.
