The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2024-2025 term:

• Josue Solano, BBC International – chair;
• Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corp. – vice chair;
• Katherine Gold, Goldbug Inc. – treasurer;
• Joe Preston, New Balance Athletics, Inc. – secretary; and
• Ted Dagnese, lululemon athletica – past chair.

The following individuals were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors:

Newly elected:

• Peter Charles, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Tapestry Inc.;
• Sarah Clarke, Chief Supply Chain Officer, American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; and
• Sarah Hurzeler, COO, Dorfman Milano.

Re-elected:

• Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren Corp.;
• Ted Dagnese, lululemon athletica;
• Bill Ells, Vibram USA;
• Katherine Gold, Goldbug Inc.;
• Rick Horwitch, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services;
• Sid Howard, Amann Group;
• David Miller, Minnetonka Moccasin Company Inc.;
• Allison Murphy, TTI Global Resources;
• Josue Solano, BBC International; and
• Deborah Weinswig, Coresight Research Inc.

The new AAFA Board of Directors also includes two Board member posts that were appointed on March 6:

• Shawn Curran, chief supply chain officer, Under Armour Inc.; and
• Sarah McMullin, vice president, Owned Brand Product Operations Apparel and Accessories, Target Corp.

“I’m repeatedly remined of the value of the AAFA Membership through everyday challenges and the breadth of support provided as we empower our employees and industry partners. I look forward to shaping the next year of aspirations as we continue to convert new hurdles into opportunities for continuous improvement,” shared Josue Solano, AAFA chair and CEO of BBC International.

“Josue is a leader in every sense of the word, and I have no doubt he will continue to help recruit and retain new inspirational leaders onto the board and membership at large,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Ted Dagnese’s leadership over the last term has been integral, and we are thrilled that he is able to remain at the officer table as past chair.”

As the 2024 AAFA Executive Summit concluded on March 7, AAFA was touched by the response to delivering the Lifetime Achievement Award to Thomas G Travis, Founder and Counsel to Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A who received a standing ovation. The recognition was for his unparalleled contributions to the association and the industry, with specific accolades for his counsel on trade and customs programs that have benefitted millions of people including consumers, retailers, brands, and workers worldwide.

Posted: March 8, 2024

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

WASHINGTON — December 7, 2023 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) announces inspiring honorees for its 2024 American Image Awards this spring in NYC. Celebrating excellence and influence across the fashion landscape, this prestigious event spotlights visionaries who have embodied Innovation, Stewardship, Leadership, and Global Impact.

A distinguished group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions across the fashion industry and in communities around the world, the 2024 honorees include:

Lizanne Kindler, executive chair & CEO, KnitWell Group, as Person of the Year; Carhartt, Inc. as Company of the Year; Wes Gordon, creative director, Carolina Herrera, as Designer of the Year; Pamela Coke-Hamilton, executive director, International Trade Centre, as Global Vanguard; Global Fashion Agenda, accepted by CEO, Federica Marchionni, as Eco-Steward of the Year; and Allan Ellinger, senior managing partner, MMG Advisors, as Trailblazer.

The gala — taking place at Gotham Hall in New York City on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 — will feature return emcee Segun Oduolowu, Boston Globe Today TV show host. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation will be the event’s longstanding charitable beneficiary.

Steve Lamar, president and CEO, AAFA reflected: “This year’s American Image Awards honorees have shepherded significant advancements throughout our industry — transforming the business through innovation and stewardship while accelerating traceability, transparency, and technology across their U.S. and global operations. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and ambitions.”

“Entering our 8th consecutive year as AAFA’s beneficiary partner, the CFDA and its Foundation are incredibly proud that with AAFA’s support we are able to foster critical initiatives bettering the American fashion industry at large,” said Steven Kolb, CEO, CFDA. “We thank AAFA for their continued focus and partnership of the CFDA Foundation, which is so crucial to our initiatives around health, safety, diversity, inclusion, and progress.”

Posted: December 10, 2023

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

The bill requires the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to establish and enforce rules to respond to breaches of contracts and address excessive and unjust detention and demurrage fees. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved its bi-partisan version of the bill in December 2021.

“The shipping crisis has seen excessive costs passed onto American companies by international carriers looking to take advantage of the situation,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “The Ocean Shipping Reform Act meets a dire need for increased enforcement by the Federal Maritime Commission, and the apparel and footwear industry strongly encourages the Senate to pass this bill quickly so that President Biden can sign it into law and end these predatory practices.

“Inflationary price increases for apparel and footwear are truly unprecedented, after 20-plus years of deflation in the apparel and footwear market. This is a direct result of unnecessary tariffs and the worsening shipping crisis. These price tags reflect a mix of record-setting shipping rates, unprecedented shipping delays, tariffs on imports, and unfair and excessive shipping fees faced by companies who are working to keep Americans affordably dressed.  

“Thank you to Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Thune (R-SD), Baldwin (D-WI), Hoeven (R-ND), Stabenow (D-MI), Marshall (R-KS), Peters (D-MI), Moran (R-KS), Blumenthal (D-CT), Young (R-IN), Kelly (D-AZ), Blackburn (R-TN), Booker (D-NJ), and Ernst (R-IA) for their leadership on this matter.”
 
AAFA has been a regular advocate for increased enforcement by the FMC, particularly regarding unjust detention and demurrage fees. This includes many calls for action in letters to President Biden in response to the current shipping crisis.

On February 3, AAFA sent a letter to House Leaders urging them to vote “YES” on adding the House-passed H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA 21), to the America COMPETES Act. Late on February 3, the House overwhelmingly approved, by a vote of 367-59, adding OSRA 21 to the America COMPETES Act, which the House is expected to pass on February 4.

Posted: February 4, 2022

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Please see the letter below:

December 16, 2021

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

SUBJECT: Clothing & Textiles Manufacturing Defense Industrial Base

Dear Mr. President:

The undersigned organizations, representing U.S. manufacturers and workers, request your urgent assistance to avert an immediate, dire, and existential threat to the U.S. Clothing & Textile (C&T) Manufacturing Defense Industrial Base that is essential to U.S. military preparedness.

The C&T base enables military readiness, making sure the American warfighters have access to the latest mission critical textiles, apparel, and equipage to protect our nation. On foreign battlefields, at domestic bases, and in communities across our great country, the men and women who wear our uniform do so proudly, partly because of the symbol of enduring democracy it represents and partly because 100% of these items are manufactured in the United States under the Berry Amendment. On average, the Department of Defense (DOD) procures nearly $2 billion worth of military textiles, helmets, armor, footwear and clothing annually, through the purchase of over 8,000 different textile-related items. Beyond supporting our nation’s readiness, these procurements also keep dozens of U.S. factories, employing tens of thousands of U.S. workers in the textile, apparel, and footwear industries, in business.

For 80 years, Congress has recognized that an effective national defense requires robust domestic capacity for textiles and clothing. The Berry Amendment ensures that these vital industries are called out for different and enhanced procurement procedures relative to other government procurement. Although the Berry Amendment protects the C&T base from offshore competition, it cannot insulate the base from contracting practices, unpredictable Department of Defense (DoD) demand, and pandemic-driven increases in material and labor costs that have made it unsustainable to produce clothing, ballistic protection, and equipage for the U.S. military.

Many companies are now operating on Firm Fixed Price contracts that were awarded before the current COVID economic and health crises were realized. Fixed price contracts make it impossible for companies to react to changing business conditions – such as those that have whipsawed our industry over the past two years. Labor, health care, freight, energy, and materials costs have all increased by double digits – suddenly and unexpectedly – over the past 18 months and show no sign of abatement. Many manufacturers are unable to offer competitive wages, further exacerbating acute labor shortages. These higher costs without any economic price adjustment mechanisms mean companies are often forced to perform on contracts at a financial loss (simply to retain business and keep the workers employed in the hopes that a future contract will make up for current losses). Even if they can eke out a slim profit, these companies rarely have enough to reinvest in their business for training or equipment. Many companies with long track records of supporting the warfighter have already left the industrial base.

Now, in this time of extraordinary and unprecedented threat, we need your immediate help to make sure the Department of Defense has the authority and the funding so that Berry-compliant C&T contracts in distress can be adjusted to give U.S. companies and their workers the wherewithal to survive.

Without urgent action, many of these companies will be forced to exit the business or close outright, leading to factory closures, layoffs, and drastic economic dislocation in the communities they support. Not only would such a calamity harm military preparedness, but it would undermine our ability to stand up domestic PPE capabilities as many of these companies are also engaged in the production of life saving masks and gowns and the materials from which they are domestically produced.

Simply put, we cannot build back better, or even survive, without swift, targeted direction from you to DoD and DLA.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

• AFL-CIO
• American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)
• American Sheep Industry
• 
Georgia Association of Manufacturers
• Hand Tools Institute
• 
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
• Narrow Fabrics Institute
• 
National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
• 
North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD)
• Parachute Industry Association (PIA)
• SEAMS
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
• 
Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)
• South Carolina Textile Council
• 
U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute
• United States Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA)
• 
United Steel Workers
• 
Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC)
• 
Workers United

Posted December 16, 2021

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

“The proliferation of counterfeit products on some of our most trusted online marketplaces hampers American business and puts American consumers in harm’s way,” said Christina Mitropoulos, Director, Brand Protection & Manufacturing Initiatives at the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “We are glad to see Congress prioritize the protection of American intellectual property with this bipartisan bill, and look forward to working with members of the House Judiciary committee to improve the language of the bill ahead of its vote on the floor.”

AAFA has advocated for widespread action to prevent the sale of counterfeit products. In addition to supporting the SHOP SAFE Act, AAFA has come out in support of the INFORM Consumers Act, which would increase transparency when shopping online. AAFA has also submitted recommendations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding secondary trademark infringement liability through ecommerce. Further, a recent report by AAFA highlights that the problem of counterfeit sales has expanded from third-party marketplaces to include mainstream social media platforms.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

We are concerned by the report published today by the New York Times indicating that certain medical gown awardees who received multi-million dollar contracts may not have the capabilities and proficiencies to manufacture U.S.-made, Berry-compliant products to support the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs of the Strategic National Stockpile.  While we have a strong historic working relationship with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a relationship we value as an industry, this report raises serious questions about the vetting procedures and purchase criteria utilized by DLA in this process.

With this in mind, we respectfully request that the administration move forward and conduct a full and transparent independent review. Specifically, we have requested the following:

• Request onsite verification for all awardees and verification of their production chains to help ensure integrity in the process. This verification will help ensure that this essential PPE needed by front-line workers is using 100-percent American materials and workmanship, one of the critical requirements that was established by DLA as it awarded these for these products.
• Request DLA test the gowns independently to ensure compliance with required performance standards and other specifications and to ensure the health and safety of our front-line workers who will rely upon these items years from now.
• Review the utility of the “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” criteria associated with these awards and urge the government to move forward with a purchase mechanism for “Best Value” that ensures quality products are procured at competitive pricing.

It is important to state that we are aware that some of the awardees are very legitimate and capable suppliers. We want to ensure all verified legitimate producers are allowed to move their production forward for these essential PPE items. These companies and their workforce should not be hindered in this process. For those who are not compliant, we request the government take the necessary appropriate action and give compliant and capable producers an opportunity to supply these critically needed items.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the entire U.S. industry, from fiber to apparel producers, has played an enormous role in helping address America’s PPE crisis, retooling production lines overnight.  The work of our industry has been noted at the highest levels of government and our domestic supply chain is extremely proud to provide this critical service to the nation. We have jointly been calling on the administration to fully maximize U.S. manufacturing assets to put our industry to work making quality, compliant PPE. We are strong supporters of the Berry Amendment and were very pleased that DLA expressed an intention to maximize the industrial base with this purchase. We also are very aware that there are winners and losers in any competitive bid process.

However, when DLA announced the awards in mid-September, our industry associations immediately raised cautionary flags, as to the domestic manufacturing capacity, technical proficiency and capabilities of certain awardees and their overall compliance. The Berry Amendment, a cornerstone of our defense industrial base, requires the use of complying fiber, yarn, fabric, and assembly be performed in the United States.  Further magnifying that concern, DLA stated it had awarded over 83 million gowns to the “domestic industrial base.” However, with the exception of a few awardees there were questions that were raised about the places of performance (location for product final assembly), whether the materials being utilized are Berry compliant, and whether the gowns meet the technical specifications. Certain places of performance appeared to lack the workforce necessary for these larger orders or the equipment or space required.  This is why an immediate and independent review is required.

Many of these strong concerns were raised directly with DLA in a multi-association letter on September 18, 2020.  Given our strong working relationship with the DLA over several decades, we felt it was important to reach out to them directly with our concerns. The response we received from DLA is that the government simply requires awardees to self-certify domestic production and Berry compliance.  Self-certification of such sizable awards to non-traditional suppliers appears to be a serious flaw in the process that must be re-examined.

The domestic supply chain, representing nearly 600,000 American workers, wants nothing more than to be a resource for the federal government. We can help the U.S. government better understand production chains and manufacturing capabilities.  We stand absolutely ready, willing, and able to manufacture the products the U.S. government needs for the Strategic National Stockpile and at the same time put our idle capacity and workforce to work.  We are strong supporters of onshoring the domestic production chain and believe the federal government is a critical partner in that effort.

We ask the U.S. government to immediately address this matter and take necessary actions regarding any non-compliant awardees. Simultaneously, we urge the administration to move forward with legitimate, compliant, and capable awardees — these companies and their workforce should not be punished, they should be maximized.  It is critical that the Strategic National Stockpile is replenished immediately, and we stand ready to be part of that solution. Our American health care workers deserve no less.

Posted October 7, 2020

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

The AAFA American Image Awards honorees included Person of the Year, Isaac Ash, President and CEO of United Legwear & Apparel Co.; Retailer of the Year, American Eagle Outfitters; Company of the Year, Birkenstock; Designer of the Year, Eileen Fisher; Media Brand of the Year, WWD; and Fashion Collaboration of the Year, Disney Princess X Ruthie Davis.

“It is no secret that our industry has been navigating profound change in the way we sell and bring product to market. Our honorees have not only welcomed these changes, but have thrived,” said Rick Helfenbein, AAFA president and CEO. “The American Image Awards is about celebrating the future of fashion. This year’s honorees exemplify where the industry is heading, and it was a privilege to showcase their success.”

“We thank the AAFA and all those who attended the American Image Awards for the support to the CFDA Foundation. Through the Foundation, we are able to devote funds towards important causes and initiatives, such as HIV/AIDS, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, disaster relief, domestic manufacturing, and education and professional development,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA.

Jay Schottenstein received an enthusiastic reception upon accepting his award for Retailer of the Year. Schottenstein spoke about the age of Amazon and Millennials and the company’s secret to success — happy customers, great quality and exciting product, and motivated, positive employees. Guests were treated to a fun and engaging video from Ruthie Davis X Disney which noted the launch of a new princess collection for Aladdin featuring highlights of this empowering collaboration. Guests listened attentively as honorees Ruthie Davis, designer, and Heather Sanchez, Senior Licensing Manager for Consumer Products, spoke about the successful partnership. Eileen Fisher accepted the Designer of the Year award. Known for her commitment to social issues and timeless designs, Fisher engaged audiences with her inspiring journey through the fashion industry, as well as her latest inspiring projects. Legendary for both his business acumen and generosity, Isaac Ash was presented with the Person of the Year Award. Ash received a resounding response and spoke about his deep-rooted philosophy in giving back to those in need as an everyday occurrence. During his electrifying speech, Ash committed to donating 500,000 pairs of socks to Delivering Good. The Media Brand of the Year award was presented to Paul Jowdy, Chief Business Officer and Publisher of WWD & Fairchild Live, and James Fallon, the WWD Editorial Director. David Kahan, CEO of Birkenstock Americas, accepted the Company of the Year Award. Kahan spoke about the brand’s heritage, its fashion collaborations, and the company’s vision for the future.

The red carpet buzzed with stars, fashion executives, and designers in celebration of the night’s honorees. Designers and Creative Directors included Peter Som (Fashion Designer), Naeem Khan (Fashion Designer), Nick Graham (Fashion Designer), Brandon Maxwell (Fashion Designer, Judge of Project Runway), Stacey Bendet (CEO, Alice and Olivia), Sara Eisen (Squawk on the Street, Co-Anchor and Closing Bell, Co-Anchor, CNBC), among others. Victor Luis (CEO of Tapestry), Josh Schulman (CEO of Coach), and President of Tapestry, Todd Kahn, represented the heavy-hitting business contingency. Celebrity highlights included the stunning Katherine McNamara, actor from “Happyland;” Holly Taylor, actor from “The Americans” and TV Personality Lala Anthony.

“On behalf of AAFA’s Board of Directors, let me congratulate this amazing group for their inspirational work and contributions to our industry,” said Gary F. Simmons, chairman of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “AAFA is delighted to showcase the success of the industry and to support its future growth through our collaboration with the CFDA Foundation.”

Posted April 16, 2019

Source: AAFA American Image Awards

“Our North American apparel and footwear value chain is an integral component of the future of our industry,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “USMCA provides the stability and predictability that we need for our companies to invest in the region as we grow our footprint. Today, more than 200,000 American jobs in our industry are supported by NAFTA. We are calling on Congress to approve the USMCA this year and for the Administration to quickly and seamlessly implement it.”

“To meet the needs of today’s retail environment, apparel and footwear companies need to have a diverse supply chain that can meet consumer expectations,” said Tom Glaser, vice president, VF Corp. and president, Supply Chain and AAFA Chairman. “The North American region is a key part of this matrix, and the USMCA will be an important part of its future.”

AAFA has long supported the USMCA negotiations, calling for the resulting agreement to be trilateral with Mexico and Canada, to not harm to the industry’s supply chains, and to be seamlessly implemented. As part of its support for USMCA, AAFA is an active member of the USMCA coalition.

Posted March 5, 2019

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

“The AAFA American Image Awards celebrate those that epitomize leadership and innovation in the apparel and footwear industry,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO, AAFA. “This is an opportunity to honor the finest individuals and organizations throughout the entire supply chain, including designers, manufacturers, and trendsetters.”

Person of the Year is awarded to Manny Chirico, chairman and CEO of PVH Corp. Manny has been with PVH for more than 20 years, serving as CEO since 2006 and Chairman since 2007. Under Manny’s leadership, PVH has become one of the largest apparel companies in the world, including renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and more.

Company of the Year is awarded to Camuto Group. Founded by Vince Camuto, Camuto Group is a global business with more than 5,400 distribution points in more than 70 countries. As a leader in the design, development, and distribution of women’s fashion footwear, the company provides both wholesale and licensed products in the space. The award will be accepted by the company’s CEO Alex Del Cielo.

Retailer of the Year is awarded to Fred Segal. The eponymous retailer was founded more than 50 years ago in West Hollywood to provide form-fitting, fashion-forward clothing. Catering to Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, Fred Segal is known for opening the first jeans-only store. Today, the retailer manages stores in Japan and Los Angeles. The award will be accepted by Fred Segal CEO Allison Samek and President John Frierson.

Designer of the Year is awarded to Joseph Altuzarra. Born and raised in Paris, Joseph launched his namesake brand in 2008 to provide luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, creating a modern wardrobe for women to feel confident and sexy in their everyday lives.

For the second year, AAFA has partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation to serve as the gala’s beneficiary. The CFDA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that raises funds for charity and industry activities.

“We are honored to once again be the beneficiary of the American Image Awards,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “The money raised will help fund our business development and philanthropic programs. We are grateful to Paula Zusi, Rick Helfenbein and the entire team at the American Apparel & Footwear Association for the continued support.”

The AAFA American Image Awards is owned and operated by AAFA. Starting in 1977, the awards honor those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievements in all sectors of the apparel and footwear industry, including education, design, manufacturing, and retail.

Posted December 11, 2017

Source: the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — July 9, 2015 — American & Efird (A&E) — a manufacturer and distributor of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread, and technical textiles — today announced the release of its 2014-2015 Sustainability Report. The report details A&E’s achievements in the areas of safety, environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

“Practicing sustainability and corporate social responsibility is the right thing to do,” said John Eapen, Vice President Environmental, Health & Safety/Sustainability at A&E. “It is vital that corporations are committed to these initiatives, not only for their own success and survival, but for the success and survival of future generations.”

A&E continues to abide by its pledge to create a better world through responsible corporate actions, environmentally protective efforts, and numerous contributions to the communities in which it operates.

A&E uses critical data to examine closely its engineering protocols, equipment specifications, and emerging technology, for the purpose of upgrading systems and continuing its trend in greenhouse gas emission reduction. A&E was one of the first thread manufacturers to maintain a global standard of measurement.

A&E adheres to the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) standards. The AAFA’s Restricted Substances List (RSL) provides guidelines for chemicals and substances, which are restricted or banned in the production of home, textile, apparel and footwear products. This list is updated biannually and reflects international chemical and substance restrictions.

To create its 2014-2015 Sustainability Report, A&E evaluated all of the global yarn spinning and dyeing and finishing facilities in which the company has ownership. Categories measured in the report include global carbon footprint, water conservation, energy conservation, and recycling and waste reduction. Highlights include:   
 
Global Carbon Footprint*

• A&E achieved a two percent reduction of its global carbon footprint since 2006, while still growing as a worldwide business.
• 48 million kilograms of greenhouse gas has been avoided since 2006.

Water Conservation

• 34 percent reduction in global water consumption since 2006.
• 1.1 million kilograms of thread produced, using recycled water from the industry’s first zero liquid discharge system in the Perundurai, India dyehouse.

 
Energy Conservation

• 106 million kilowatt hours of energy saved since 2006, contributing to a 7% reduction of global energy use.
• 100% of the power used in Gutach, Germany by Güterman is certified to come from hydroelectric power.

Sustainable Packing, Recycling & Waste Reduction

• Zero waste to landfill achieved in the United States, joining Sri Lanka in achieving this global goal of all A&E operations.

 
For a copy of the full 2012-2013 Sustainability Report, please visit www.amefird.com.

Posted July 14, 2015

Source: A&E
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