Global economic growth to reach 3.2% while textile and clothing consumption contracting in European countries

Global economic growth to reach 3.2% in 2016 according to recent reports released by the established trade fair organisers at Premiere Vision Paris, which is due to open its doors to some 50,000 global visitors between 13-15 September.   

The organisers said the show's unique creative offer, affirmed, high-end and selective positioning, respond more than ever to the needs of global creative fashion professionals looking to stand out in a context of instability and heightened competition.  This reflects a continuity with prior editions, which saw synergies and transversality strengthened between the show's many activity sectors and know-hows.

Overviw and Outlook on the world's economy 

While in 2015, global economic growth slowed to 3.1% when compared to the 3.4% seen in 2014, global growth is expected to reach +3.2% in 2016.

Growth in emerging countries is slowing (+4.1% forecast for 2016). Some countries, such as Brazil and Russia, are going through a serious crisis. The US economy should grow by 2.4% in 2016, stronger than that of the Eurozone (only +1,5 %).

Europe

As for Europe and the UK in particular, while it is too early to assess the true impact of the so-called Brexit (after a referendum on June 23rd 2016 in which a majority vote in the UK voted to leave the EU), it seems at this stage that the political consequences may be even more important than the economic ones.  This remains to be seen pending ongoing discussions, negotiations and developments.

Europe appears fragile and a contagion effect, following the British referendum, would be harmful to European unity.  In the short term, the immediate impact has been a decline in the exchange rate of the pound which will undoubtedly weigh on the competitiveness of European exports.
The UK accounted for 5% of France's textile exports in 2015.

Focus on France

After having stagnated in 2014 (+ 0.2%), French GDP increased by 1.1% in 2015 and similar growth is forecast for 2016 (+1.1%).  Investment growth should in particular benefit
from a positive trend.

Textile and clothing consumption

The global panorama of textile-clothing consumption appears particularly contrasted.

While the US is growing, consumption is still declining in several European countries.
In the US, for the first four months of 2016, clothing consumption in specialised stores grew by 1.9% in terms of value.

The 28-country European Union remains the leading world market for clothing, representing
312 billion euros in 2014, and of that 94% is in the former EU of 15. In total, the five major Western European countries (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain) accounted for 73% of this spending.

In Germany, for the first five months of 2016, consumption remained stable over 2015. Italy, which had seen a decline of 2% in 2015, is seeing a somewhat improved situation, as textile clothing consumption declined by just 1.6% in the first quarter of 2016. Spain continues to enjoy a positive trend in its consumption (+ 2.4% in the first four months of 2016).

In France, textile-clothing consumption declined by 1.6% in value during the January-May 2016 period, compared to the same 2015 period. In a very tense social climate (in France), which was not favourable to business activity, the distribution of spring collections were also penalized by particularly unfavourable weather this year.

Premiere Vision Paris September fair set to welcome international visitors despite global uncertainties

In a continuingly complex world, where world markets face multiple challenges and threats to destabilize societal, security, globalisation and economic developments, the global fashion industry's continuous survival depends on the creative force forging their collective strengths.  And one of the key events for the world of fashion and textile for such a purpose is the bi-annual gathering of the industry's greats at the Premiere Vision Paris international show.

At the fair's next edition due to take place 13 to 15 September at Parc des'Expositions in Villepinte, north Paris, Première Vision Paris will seek to further promote and coordinate the complementary offer of its six shows within one homogenous event with the organisers pledging that exceptional security measures will be put in place to ensure exhibitors and visitors "the most optimal and secure working and visit conditions."
  

Premiere Vision Paris is a global event designed for international fashion professionals.  Organisers promises the forthcoming September event to be  a dynamic edition rich in inspirations and innovative collections for autumn winter 2017-18.

One of the main highlights of the September edition is the announcement of the 8th PV AWARDS. Six trophies will be awarded for creativity in textiles and leather material developments.

On show at Premiere Vision Paris in September will be some 1,900 exhibitors representing some of the industry's best covering various sectors of the industry, including textiles, yarns, garment accessories, pattern designs, leather materials and finished garments.  The show's unique creative offer, and affirmed, high-end and selective positioning, respond more than ever to the needs of global creative fashion professionals looking to stand out in a context of instability and heightened competition.

Click HERE to read full report.
All photos by Lucia Carpio (C) My Fashion Connect Global.

Eone Timepieces inspired by an Paralympic Champion to help the blind tell time.

I am so looking forward to the 2016 Summer Paralympics soon to kick off in Rio de Janeiro on September 7th.  And here's a unique timepiece that was inspired and named after a 2012 London Paralympic champion.

The Bradley × KBT - Eone's signature timepiece.
The leather strap in KBT orange represents the sunset over Mount Kilimanjaro.The watch features a triangular marker for twelve, elongated line segments for three, six, and nine, and shorter line segments for the other markers. Two magnetized ball bearings travel around the watch face in separate, recessed tracks: one track around the center of the watch face's surface for the minute, and one track around the outside edge of the watch face for the hour. 

Called the Bradley, this sleek handsome watch is not only good to look at; it is designed for those who can see and those who can't.  It is created by Eone where great products are made to promote access and independence for everyone, including those with different abilities.

The Bradley × KBT was created to help blind children in East Africa read, write, and learn. 

The Bradley is named after former US Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder, who lost his sight from an IED explosion in Afghanistan while serving as a bomb defuser. Determined to continue his active lifestyle, Brad won two gold medals and a silver in swimming at the 2012 Paralympic Games, exactly one year after the explosion. As an inspiring Paraolympian champion, Brad is today Eone's spokesperson.

Pronounced as the letter 'e' and the number 'one,' Eone is short for everyone, reflecting the company's mandate to serve people with a spectrum of abilities.

The Bradley Element timepiece comes in stainless steel and ceramics.
It features raised, beveled hour markets.  Two magnetized ball bearings travel around the watch face in separate recessed tracks: one track around the centre of the watch face's suface for the minute, and another track around the outside edge of the watch face for the hour.

The Bradley timepieces allow people to both touch and see the time using two steel ball bearings and tactile markers. What's more, Eone has teamed up with the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust (KBT) and thus a special edition of the Bradley timepiece called the Bradley × KBT was created to help blind children in East Africa read, write, and learn by either repairing a Brailler device or providing a year's worth of Braille paper.  This association with KBT means blind children will be able to gain increased access to education, creativity, independence and opportunities, by supporting their education.

The Bradley Mesh in silver stainless steel. 

The main aim of the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust is to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired children in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Ethiopia through projects that improve their literacy.

The primary component of this mission is to ensure that every blind child has a Brailler to enable them to read and write. KBT helps distribute and maintain Braillers across East Africa, providing training and resources to help blind children get the education they need for employment, independence and social mobility.

So long Rio for now! Hello Tokyo!

So the 31st Olympics Games at Rio de Janeiro is officially over.  If you're suffering from a post Rio/Olympics withdrawal syndrome, I don't blame you.  It has been a fantastic two-weeks of high tension, triumphs, sweat and tears.  Here's a graceful reminder of the beautiful Christ the Redeemer overlooking a serene Rio from British Bedford-based artist Tabitha Mary.

Inspired by old railway posters, Tabitha Mary captures landmarks of cities, seascapes and places of interest in the UK and around the world, near and far.

In less than three weeks, the 2016 Paralympics will begin in Rio and the world's "superhumans" will surface to showcase their immense talent and  amazing strengths and power.  Let's hope the organisers will be able to get it all together, once more.

In four years' time, the next Summer Olympics will take place in Tokyo.  And here's one of another serene scene - the Mount Fuji or Fujiyama - Japan's highest mountain park, also by Tabitha Mary.  Her prints are now available on her website as digital prints and signed Giclee prints both with an option of framing.

A kaleidoscopic of rich patterns and digital designs from Melo Designs

UK-based Melo Designs was set up by Brazilian-born artist Luiz Melo and interiors stylist Chris Kane who have a combined design experience of more than 24 years, producing an array of luxury lifestyle and interiors products for both global and niche businesses.

Silk scarf measuring 135 cm x 24 cm in  original Melo artwork, rich in colour and detail. Made in the UK

Luxurious feather filled, our poly velvet cushions,
  50 cm x 50 cm.
Made to order in the UK.  

While Luis have had work sold in London, France and North America and had been inspired by a child experience to create one-off pieces by painting directly onto glassware and ceramics, the two recognised there was more to be done to expand the scope of their unique talent.  Following many months of research, hardwork and creativity, the duo set up Melodesigns.

Distinctive, detailed with a hint of mystery. 

Melo Designs offer a variety of lifestyle products for the home and to wear. Rich in colour, the product range includes silk scarves, cushions, lamp shades, wallcoverings and mugs. The image of each product begins life as a hand-painted design, then shaped and embellished to create a colourful, kaleidoscopic world of pattern and movement, often resulting in a distinctive kaleidoscopic effect.

Statement hand rolled lampshade  40 cm x 26 cm from Melo Desgns.
Made in the UK using fine cotton and cool metallic inlays. 

The duo also offer bespoke services.   All products are designed and manufactured in the UK.

Skeleton Designs - refined spookiness!

Thanks to designer labels like Alexander McQueen and mega artists such as Damian Hirst, skull and skeleton-themed designs continue to be a hot trend not just for jewellery but for home products too.

And Suck UK has this quirky bird skull for ssafe-keeping jewellery, coins, trinkets and knick-knacks. Made of plastic polyresin, this desk tidy is both functional and eye-catching. The "jaws" can be closed up to hide the valuables. The gold-tipped beak adds a touch of class to this quirky design.

Bird-themed twist is ideal for anyone who enjoys a bit of spooky style! 

Also available from Red Candy is this skeleton hand design to safely keep your valuables - a perfect gift for both male or female.

What's great is that each finger can be repositioned independently so you can manipulate the digits to suit your needs.

It comes with a handy (no pun intended) wooden dish at the bottom.

The Etsy Awards UK and Ireland 2016 announces its winning line up.

Making things with our hands with the valuable time we have -  a trend that had sprung up since the financial crash of 2008 - has turned out to be what many modern consumers want to do today.

That's why it is understandable that Sincerely Louise - which designs DIY knitting kits that allow customers to create gigantic faux taxidermy trophy heads for their homes - has won the People's Choice Award, one of the winners in this year's Etsy Awards UK and Ireland.

Louise Walker, author of `Faux Taxidermy Knits`, designs every element herself and hand prints and packs each kit.  and believes that enabling people to be creative is a driving force behind her business'.  She also runs workshops for different knitting projects of all levels.  Louise's prize for winning the top award is £10,000 plus a chance to stock at John Lewis, one of the UK's favourite retailers.

Going through Sincerely Louise's website, I found this particular knitting kit for a faux fox scarf particularly enticing.  As a beginner in knitting, I may order it and give it a try.  It could be great for those rainy days spent indoors.

Etsy is a marketplace where millions of people around the world connect, both online and offline, to make, sell and buy unique goods. Founded in 2005 in New York, the Etsy community includes the creative entrepreneurs who sell on their platform, particularly appealing to thoughtful consumers looking to buy unique goods from their stable of retailers and manufacturers who partner with Etsy sellers to help them grow their businesses.

The 2016 Etsy Awards winners were handpicked from thousands of entries, and are a series of design awards created to celebrate and support local Etsy makers and designers throughout the UK and Ireland.

The expert panel of industry judges this year included Anna Rigby, John Lewis; Patricia Van den Akker, The Design Trust; Pip McCormac, Red Magazine and Erica Davies, The Edited. The People’s Choice Award winner, receiving the top prize of £10,000, was voted for by the public from the pool of 60 finalists.

Here's is the line up of the rest of the top prizes.
Home & Living Award

Gold winner: Estampe and Co, Prize £2,500
A collaboration of two artist-designers their patterns are based on endangered species and tribes native to the Amazonian region and are designed to inspire eco-friendliness and habitat conservation. They are printed using non-toxic inks on non-woven paper from certified forests. Their range also features an innovative ‘peel and stick’ wallpaper option. 5% from each sale is donated to an organisation which promotes the sustainable use of resources.
Silver winner: Factory Twenty One
Bronze winner: Naive Noir Furniture

Fashion & Accessories Award
Gold winner: Pluck’d Designs, Prize £2,500
East Londoner Saffie Pluck has developed her own reflective yarn using local mills and suppliers. She designs and hand knits accessories and clothing for urban cyclists and runners. The products look normal during the day and seamlessly transform to highly functional, reflective pieces at night. Pluck’d Designs’ ethos is focused on creating everyday slow fashion, with quality being a top priority, ensuring that her products will last season in, season out.
Silver winner: R Palmer Jewellery
Bronze winner: Katie Brown Designs

Kids & Baby Award
Gold winner: Button and Blue, Prize £2,500
Amy is a Brighton based mum of two who started her Etsy shop to facilitate flexible working hours around raising her children. Knitting was her hobby which she transformed into a business. She knits with natural fibres and her designs are minimal and classic with a pop of fun. She hopes to get Button and Blue products into stores and would like to see a local network of parent run businesses.
Silver winner: The Fox in the Attic
Bronze winner: Sian Zeng

Retail Star Award
Gold winner: Yvonne Ellen, Prize £2,500
Yvonne Ellen homeware is a unique range of tableware designed to add charm and intrigue to the home. Yvonne combines a passion for beautiful fine bone china with a love of quirky, decorative illustration in her ranges. Every piece is designed and made in Britain. She handmakes the majority of her collection, with a selection of pieces made in one of the original pottery factories in Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
Silver winner: L'Etabli London
Bronze winner: Papio Press

Etsy New Talent Award
Gold winner: FeatherOak, Prize £2,500
Alexandra is 19 years old from rural Northumberland. She gathers many of her resources locally, including crystals, bone, sea glass and coal. Months of research and planning went into opening her Etsy shop, she sold sheep skulls online to raise the funds to buy a professional camera and taught herself photography. Alex hopes to expand her jewellery production into working with precious metals such as silver and gold and would love to travel around Britain to gather more natural treasures for her work.
Silver winner: Laura Slater Print
Bronze winner: Rowenna Mason Weaving

For more info on the winners, click HERE.