With more than two decades of experience in footwear and manufacturing, Santhana most recently worked at Bata as the Global Head of Quality in Singapore. Prior to that, Santhana spent seven years at Adidas where he served in director roles overseeing quality footwear and manufacturing excellence in footwear.

“In addition to his vast expertise in the footwear industry, Raj holds two engineering degrees and he will be critical to driving operational excellence programs for our global team of 3,200 people at OrthoLite’s owned manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite.

Additional personnel moves include the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming, leading OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team. SK’s team is committed to advancing OrthoLite’s market leadership as the first and most trusted name in comfort, performance and less impactful footwear foams. In his new role, SK leads the strategic direction for OrthoLite PU material development with a focus on sustainable innovations in footwear and will continue to report to Bevan, COO at OrthoLite. SK is also based in Singapore and regularly travels to OrthoLite’s manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil

Since 1997, OrthoLite continues to drive innovation and continual improvement to build excellence in foam footwear products and materials consistently, at scale and with on-time delivery to more than 550 footwear brand partners.

OrthoLite has built a rock-solid reputation for innovation, reliability, capacity and is known for its collaborative approach in development with the world’s best footwear brands to create custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. OrthoLite insoles are the key interface between how a shoe is designed to perform and the discerning consumer, and its products can be found in more than 600 million pairs of footwear a year.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: OrthoLite

The decision by the FLA board follows a rigorous, multi-year review of BELLA+CANVAS’ business systems for compliance with international labor standards designed to protect workers in its global supply chains. BELLA+CANVAS sources from eight self-operated facilities and two contract facilities across three countries.

“From the time they joined FLA, BELLA+CANVAS has been in the vanguard of responsible purchasing practices, with company leadership taking an active role in decisions that have an impact on workers,” said FLA President and CEO Jeff Vockrodt. “We welcome BELLA+CANVAS to the ranks of Fair Labor Accredited members and congratulate them on this significant achievement.”

“In my 25 years in the apparel industry, I have found it widely recognized that FLA is the penultimate North Star regarding fair labor policies, sustainability in manufacturing, and ethical business practices,” said BELLA+CANVAS President Norm Hullinger. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has earned Fair Labor Accreditation and look forward to working closely with the FLA team to create a path of continuous improvement for BELLA+CANVAS.”

Since becoming an FLA member in 2019, BELLA+CANVAS has continuously improved its social compliance program and kept pace with the changes to FLA standards enacted over the intervening years. The accreditation report details FLA’s evaluation of BELLA+CANVAS’ social compliance program through September 2024.

Highlights of BELLA+CANVAS’ Fair Labor Accreditation include:

• Company-wide commitment: BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to ethical and sustainable business extends throughout the company, beginning with the company’s co-founders and owners, who remain involved with the key production decisions that impact workers’ lives. Company leadership is actively involved in upholding workplace standards for factory workers, receiving frequent updates from the compliance team and supporting their efforts. A cross-functional leadership team collaborates to ensure that both contract and owned production remains in line with BELLA+CANVAS’ commitment to responsible purchasing.
• Factory monitoring: BELLA+CANVAS has developed an extensive assessor manual and audit tool that are fully aligned with FLA’s expectations for high-quality factory assessments. BELLA+CANVAS works with a qualified audit service provider and has provided extensive training to assessors on gathering and verifying information at the factory level, including using highly effective worker interviews to gain insight into factory conditions. BELLA+CANVAS’ auditing procedures, assessor manual, and audit tool are all aligned to ensure that assessments meet the company’s needs without reducing the quality of the audits or placing undue burden on assessors and factories.
• Supplier relationships: With social compliance staff located close to key production centers in Central America, BELLA+CANVAS provides oversight and support to both contract and owned factories. Compliance staff pay frequent visits to factories to provide training, follow up on the remediation of audit findings, and understand factory management’s perspectives on compliance topics. BELLA+CANVAS’ sourcing and production leaders also emphasize in-person factory visits as a crucial element of the supplier relationship, and the company maintains stable and mutually beneficial brand-factory relationships that advance the principles of responsible sourcing.

Fair Labor Accreditation helps investors and consumers make informed choices by showing that a company is actively fulfilling the highest standards in labor rights.

It is the only comprehensive program of its kind that is based on international standards and frameworks such as the International Labour Organization, UN Guiding Principles, the OECD, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Fair Labor Accredited companies are evaluated on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate continuous improvement in addressing working conditions and protecting workers’ rights. To see a list of Fair Labor Accredited companies and to learn more, please visit www.fairlabor.org.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: The Fair Labor Association (FLA)

Gianluca Tanzi commented: “Me and Giorgio Marcarino are thrilled to have the opportunity to revitalize the brands acquired. Our extensive experience and deep knowledge of the product and textile world will be crucial for advancing Chargeurs PCC’s development strategy, which includes the expansion of our portfolio, historically dedicated to inner components and interlinings, with the offering of the best fabrics aimed at the shirting sector. The combination of Swiss and French know-how will allow us to further expand our expertise and implement increasingly innovative solutions. ”

Giorgio Marcarino added: “The new shirting division fits perfectly into the business and growth strategy of Chargeurs PCC, which has always distinguished itself in the textile-clothing industry by offering cutting-edge products of the highest quality. Today we have a unique opportunity to engage in cross-selling with our interlinings, offering the company an additional incentive to boost performance while offering our customers an even more comprehensive and customised service.”

The fabrics produced by the Swiss heritage brands Alumo and Eugster & Huber represent the cream of the high-end shirting industry. Chargeurs PCC aims to maximise the potential of these brands, restoring their deserved leadership in luxury shirting. As for Brennet, the company has initiated a major repositioning plan focused on enhancing performance and innovation. The approach aims to meet the rising demand of contemporary consumers for high quality shirting fabrics.

Gianluca Tanzi is a highly experienced global executive who has designed and executed successful retail, wholesale and e-commerce strategies for textile, fashion and accessories companies in Europe and the US. He has held various executive positions within prestigious fashion groups. Since 2021 he has been Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies and Chairman of Chargeurs Luxury Fibers.

Giorgio Marcarino boasts decades of expertise in the high-end textile sector, where he held responsible positions in the sales, operations and marketing areas of the most important Italian textile groups. He joined Chargeurs PCC Fashion Technologies in 2022 as General Manager EMEA, and since 2023 he has held the position of Chief Commercial Officer.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Source: Chargeurs PCC

X-Bionic combines expertise with passion to deliver products that enhance performance and comfort, and led by industry veteran Kris Kuster, formerly of Nitro Snowboard and Mammut Sports Group, who heads up the company as North American president and co-owner while the North American office occupies the iconic space at Battery 621 in Denver, a hub for high performance outdoor brands.

Overseeing the sales distribution and based out of the stunning X-Bionic showroom at Battery 621 is the experienced Global Sales Guys team, led by Marty Carrigan and Dave Rosenberger who have built and represented premium European brands in the United States and Canada for more than 30 years. With the guidance of Carrigan and Rosenberger’s team, X-Bionic is working to establish itself in key and specialty retailers including general sport emphasizing run and snow.

Another key hire is former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympian Heidi Voelker, who has been named head of Key Partnerships, and comes from previous positions including Ambassador of Skiing at Deer Valley Resort for almost three decades, and as Western Region Manager with US Ski Team. X-Bionic inked a deal with the Park City Ski and Snowboard Team as the first official North American ski-industry partner to be representing X-Bionic, focusing on award-winning engineered socks and base-layers for product positioning.

“Entering the North American market enables us to connect with a community that shares our commitment to innovation, passion and quality,” said Kuster. “Our mission is to empower athletes of all levels with top-tier performance wear, and we’re thrilled to bring our X-Bionic vision to life in the US and the Americas as a whole. With top professionals and passionate sports enthusiasts themselves on our team, we ensure our brand offers best in class customer service, omni-channel experience focusing on Specialty Retail, to truly understand and  elevates the athletic experience.”

The FW24 product line includes snowsports and winter running apparel and gear crafted with moisture-wicking fabrics, ergonomic designs, and durable materials that withstand the rigors of intense workouts. Each piece has been meticulously crafted for an unrivaled experience in thermoregulation and with partial compression for flexibility, breathability, and support, ensuring that athletes can focus on achieving their best.

These collections are refined into Discover, Perform and Expert levels of performance for the socks collection, award-winning base layer systems such as Energy Accumulator, Symbio Merino, and InventFX, as well as recovery and premium sportswear line; X-Ential.
X-Bionic products can be found at x-bionic.com and at select retailers.

Posted October 22, 2024

Source: X-Bionic

This year, Pacsun introduced a new range of limited-edition styles as part of its F1 US Grand Prix Collection, featuring designs for men, women, and kids. Fans were able to shop these pieces at Pacsun’s trackside booth, which served as a hub for attendees to discover the brand’s latest offerings.

In addition to exclusive merchandise, fans were treated to a photo moment and tote bag. Allowing consumers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Pacsun and Formula 1®, creating unforgettable moments that extended the race-day energy beyond the track.

Pacsun’s continued involvement with Formula 1 reinforces its role as a key player at the intersection of motorsport culture and contemporary fashion, offering fans unique, stylish ways to express their passion for the sport.

The 2024 F1 US Grand Prix Collection is available now at Pacsun.com, in Pacsun stores nationwide.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Source: Pacsun

Immediately following Completion, the total share capital of the JV Company shall be HK$200 million, of which the LN Co, Founder Co, HongShan Venture and HongShan Motivaton shall contribute HK$58,000,000, HK$52,000,000, HK$62,728,000 and HK$27,272,000 in cash respectively, accounting for 29%, 26%, 31.36% and 13.64% of the total share capital of the JV Company respectively.

The Group has been adopting the core strategy of “Single Brand, Multiple Categories, and Diversified Channels” to leverage its competitive advantages in the industry, and has achieved impressive results in the highly competitive Mainland China market. Having said that, the development of overseas markets, especially in the Belt and Road regions, is also part of the Group’s long-term development strategy. At the same time, the Group is aware of the uncertainties in the overseas markets. The business models in the overseas market also differ substantially from the models in the Mainland China market. The Group has considered that expanding into international markets requires collaboration with a partner which possesses extensive multinational resources. This requires the establishment of a new framework with an independent team, rich in overseas resources and experience, to take responsibilities of developing the international business operations with clear business and financial objectives.

HongShan has accumulated extensive investment experience since its establishment in 2005. It has a strong team of professional investors with deep industry insights and cross-border investment networks that may provide resources and services to portfolio companies, deploy key resources to enterprises that engage in transnational businesses during their development stage, and provide them with services such as business empowerment, talent development, digitalisation support and media management.

The formation of the JV Company leverages on the appeal of the Company’s founder, Mr. Li, to provide leadership in the positioning and direction of the Li Ning Brand’s development in the Territory. Moreover, the Company and Mr. Li together will hold 55% of the JV Shares, enabling the Company to effectively safeguard the reputation of the Li Ning Brand and to maintain sufficient influence over the JV Group. On the other hand, by bringing in HongShan, the JV Group may enjoy HongShan’s transnational resources and business experience which are expected to help the JV Group to accelerate its development effectively. In this joint venture, LN Co has the option to acquire all the JV Shares from HongShan Co in the future (subject to compliance with the relevant Listing Rules requirements), so as to realize the Company’s control over the JV Company.

The JV Parties can complement each other’s strengths and leverage on their respective reputations, brands, channels, talents and other resources in this joint venture, in order to empower the JV Group to be competitive and flexible in its business operations, and be more effective in risk management of the markets in the Territory. In the short term, the Company will prioritize its operations in Mainland China market to further increase the market share of its core business and to enhance the competitiveness of its brands in the key business segments.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Source: Li Ning Company Limited

Conceived to nurture emerging talent and to consolidate top menswear/genderless designers in an easy-to-view venue, NYMD features 10-12 designers collectively. Each participating designer presents in an individual studio space designed to highlight the label’s identity and inspiration. Taking place simultaneously over two-hour periods, 10-12 brands will present for the entire day, five designers in the morning session, and five in the late afternoon. The format of showcasing all presentations at the same time creates ease-of-flow for media, buyers, influencers, and VIPs, allowing them to move through studios and spend time with designers.

NYMD draws a diverse and influential large audience, including fashion industry insiders, buyers, stylists and editors. Designers who are selected to participate in the event will receive extensive media coverage, a chance to meet and showcase their work to potential buyers, and an opportunity to network with industry professionals. NYMD covers the cost of 85% of presentation costs for each chosen designer.

The New York Men’s Day committee for this season include stylist Memsor Kamarake, Editor-in-Chief of Complex Media Aria Hughes, Editor-in-Chief of Grazia USA Joseph Errico, and Nordstrom’s Men’s Fashion and Editorial Director Jian DeLeon.

To apply for New York Men’s Day, interested designers can visit our website www.newyorkmensday.com and fill out an application form. Applications will be accepted starting Monday October 21st through Friday, November 15, 2024.

Posted: October 21, 2024

Source: New York Men’s Day (NYMD)

Created to deliver the ultimate essentials for all-day warmth and comfort, the Workwear Collection blends heavy-duty designs with key safety elements for full weather and temperature protection. The designs incorporate approved outerwear for a variety of industries to ensure workers are meeting the highest standards of visibility requirements while providing the functionality, durability, and flexibility needed to transition throughout the day. The collection includes:

• Men’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
• Scranton Men’s Insulated Heated Bomber Vest
• Wayne Men’s Heated Pullover
• Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket
• Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket
• Women’s Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants
• Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Vest
• Cheyenne Women’s 5-Zone Heated Canvas Jacket

The Workwear Collection features a variety of jackets and vests, and introduces ororo’s new line of heated pants, designed for those who demand both durability and comfort. The Bristol Utility Fleece Lined Pants for men and women feature over seven functional pockets and weather-resistant fabric making it perfect for working outdoors. ororo also launched its first ANSI Type R Class 3 Compliant Flagstaff Men’s Heated High-Visibility Jacket featuring an upgraded 4-zone heating, waterproof protection, and 3M’s high-reflective tape to stay visible, dry, and warm in tough conditions. Among the designs is the world’s first jacket with dual control and dual source heating system — Missoula SureWarm® Men’s Heated Jacket — that works to control six different heating zones and extend working hours with two lightweight batteries.

“Job sites can be extremely harsh during the colder months of the year. We understand the importance of having key essentials to wear during the most difficult conditions. This collection of durable pieces is designed for all-day warmth and also features fashionable staples that can take you from work to happy hour. We want to continue offering all the best in heated apparel across your profession and life moments,” said CEO and Co-Founder of ororo Mark H.

Like all ororo products, the collection features the brand’s carbon fiber technology and strategically placed heating zones to bring unmatched warmth with the ability to offer up to 22 hours of warmth. All apparel from the Workwear Collection features at least three heating levels adjustable with the click of a button to keep you comfortable no matter the weather or temperature.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: ORORO Heated Apparel

Sedlbauer joins Baffin after a successful tenure as lead designer at Cougar Shoes. With extensive experience in footwear design and a strong understanding of materials and consumer preferences, Sedlbauer is set to elevate Baffin’s already robust product line. His role will be pivotal in refining the brand’s design philosophy and ensuring that Baffin remains at the forefront of technical advancements and market trends.

Sedlbauer’s appointment is especially significant, as it marks a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the history of Baffin. In 1959, the founder of Baffin’s first manufacturing operation, Peter Hubner, honed his experience in shoemaking working with Sedlbauer’s grandfather, Walter Sedlbauer, at Susan Shoes, the company that would later introduce the Cougar brand. This collaboration established a tradition of craftsmanship and innovation that continues to shape the industry today. Sedlbauer’s connection to this heritage underscores Baffin’s ongoing commitment to quality and tradition.

“Welcoming Austin to our team is not just a strategic move; his historical ties reinforce our legacy,” said Mark Hubner, senior vice president at Baffin. “The experience and innovative vision he brings will lend a fresh perspective to our product offerings, strengthening our market position. We are excited to see how his leadership will drive technical advancements and elevate our design aesthetics as we look to the future.”

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Baffin, a true leader in the cold climate footwear industry,” Sedlbauer said. “It’s an honor to be part of a team that is deeply committed to innovation and quality. I look forward to collaborating with such talented individuals to create exceptional products that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. Together, I believe we can take Baffin’s legacy to new heights.”

Sedlbauer will join the Baffin team immediately and will report out of the Stoney Creek headquarters.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: Baffin Ltd.

Spinnova collaborates with ASK Scandinavia, a Helsinki-based premium brand that creates timeless and design-driven bags, to create a limited-edition work tote bag inspired by Nordic design. The bag design will integrate ASK Scandinavia’s minimalist style while ensuring the bag meets the highest standards of durability and usability, making it a staple for daily use.

The bag combines three sustainable innovators: Spinnova’s pioneering technology and textile fibers, ASK Scandinavia’s versatile Nordic design, and Natural Indigo Finland’s innovative coffee waste-based dyes. Each contributor supports the comprehensive approach to product sustainability.

Spinnova’s fibers have 74-percent fewer CO2 emissions and 98-percent less water usage than conventional cotton*. ASK Scandinavia’s timeless designs and quality materials ensure the longevity of the product lifecycle. Natural Indigo Finland’s dyes are extracted from waste coffee grounds, which do not contain as many toxins as synthetic dyes. The dyeing time is shorter, and the same batch of dyes can be utilized multiple times.

“We are honored to collaborate with pioneers like Spinnova and Natural Indigo Finland, whose innovations are setting new standards in fashion. At ASK Scandinavia, we are committed to lowering the industry’s environmental impact by integrating next-gen materials that replace conventional, non-renewable resources. By combining Spinnova’s revolutionary fibre technology with natural dyes made from coffee waste, we’re demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to responsible design. This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about proving how impactful partnerships can actively drive the shift toward a lower-impact fashion industry,” says Anette Cantagallo, director of Design and Sustainability at ASK Scandinavia.

“We are excited about collaborating with a timeless Nordic brand to launch a product in a new application category: handbags. Using natural dyes to create the bag’s color highlights the comprehensive sustainability approach considered during the design phase. We set out to explore the versatility of Spinnova’s fiber in different applications and dyeing methods, and are very satisfied with the result,” commented Shahriare Mahmood, chief product and sustainability officer at Spinnova.

A limited edition of the tote bags will be available for pre-order at the end of 2024 and in ASK Scandinavia’s online store in 2025. The bag design will be revealed at the product’s launch.

*Figures are based on projected, third-party emission calculation (2022) for the joint venture Woodspin’s factory in Jyväskylä, Finland. The figures include raw material supply, transportation of raw materials, and manufacturing of the product (cradle-to-gate). The ecoinvent dataset 3.9.1 has been used for the global average emissions of conventional cotton.

Posted: October 18, 2024

Source: SPINNOVA PLC