Textile Fair: Première Vision Montréal Debuts on April 22 and 23 2025

Première Vision Montréal image

Come April 22 and 23, Première Vision is making its much-anticipated Canadian debut in Montréal, bringing together a cross-section of the global fashion industry. Over the course of two days, more than 100 exhibitors will transform the Grand Quai into a dynamic hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity, supported by an engaging new program of 24 conferences spotlighting the sector’s most pressing issues.

This inaugural Montréal edition, held with the support of mmode, marks Première Vision’s first Canadian event and its second in North America — a region of growing strategic importance for the textile and leather industries. It offers a fresh commercial alternative for professionals seeking to expand into new markets.

Florence Rousson, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of Première Vision and Managing Director of The Creative Pole at GL events, shared:

“This new event in Montréal underscores our ambition to offer a truly global platform for the textile industry. In an unpredictable global climate, the market must reestablish its bearings and reinforce its position. PV Montréal gives industry players two days to explore a market full of unique and promising opportunities.”

Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante added:

“As a UNESCO City of Design and a thriving creative hub in North America, Montréal is proud of its flourishing fashion sector. Amid global economic uncertainty, Première Vision Montréal is a powerful expression of our creative identity, while also offering meaningful prospects for business growth and market diversification. I strongly encourage Montréal-based brands and fashion professionals to attend and connect with global leaders and talents in the industry.”

Mathieu St-Arnaud Lavoie, Managing Director of mmode, emphasized the industry’s importance:

“Canada is a key player in the global textile scene, contributing CAD 7.9 billion in added value to Québec’s GDP and employing 77,500 people directly in the fashion and apparel sector.”

This first edition at the Grand Quai will gather over 100 exhibitors, affirming the significance of the event for international buyers and positioning it alongside the world’s leading textile industry gatherings. Canada leads participation with 20% of exhibitors, followed by South Korea, Portugal, China, France, Turkey, the U.S., Italy, and Spain.

Six key sectors will be featured: designs, fabrics, manufacturing, leather/furs, accessories, and smart creation — representing the full scope of the fashion supply chain. Attendees will discover a vast range of materials and know-how, from traditional craftsmanship to cutting-edge innovation.

To support attendees in sourcing and trend-spotting, Première Vision Montréal will feature an exclusive fashion information space highlighting key colors and trends for Spring-Summer 2026.

A festive kickoff cocktail will also bring together participants for an evening of networking and community building alongside industry leaders and key stakeholders.

For the first time in a Première Vision event, a special series titled "One Day, One Chef, One Designer: Celebrating Creativity" will explore the intersections of fashion and the broader creative industries. These sessions will spark dialogue on the creative process and offer fresh insights into how creativity flows across disciplines.

Day one will feature Debbie Zakaib (Executive Director, La Table Ronde), Ifigenia Hill (Design Director, Lamarque), and Patrice Demers (Pastry Chef, Sabayon). On day two, Catherine Lecuyer (Corporate Public Relations Manager, Aldo Group), Markantoine Lynch-Boisvert (Creative Director, MRKNTN), and Dario Bivona (Author and Pastry Chef) will take the stage.

Première Vision Montréal promises to be a vibrant and inspiring celebration of fashion, innovation, and cross-cultural creativity — a must-attend for professionals eager to connect, discover, and grow in this evolving global market.  For the full programme of events, click HERE.

Osaka World Expo: Joseph Walsh unveils Magnus Rinn at Ireland Pavilion

The Osaka World Expo 2025 (13 April – 13 October) has opened, and one of the highlights showcased is a sculpture by Irish artist Joseph Walsh who has unveiled Magnus Rinn, his first large-scale outdoor sculpture, at the Ireland Pavilion. This landmark work marks a major milestone for Joseph Walsh Studio.

Crafted in bronze and high-performance oak, Magnus Rinn is a circular form gilded in gold, symbolizing the relationship between humanity and nature, and the passage of time. The textures of the materials—wood grain and hand-formed bronze—subtly emerge through the gilding, reflecting Walsh’s signature craftsmanship and innovative approach.

Commissioned by the Government of Ireland, the project is part of a wider cultural initiative led by Joseph Walsh Studio and the Making In Cultural Programme, strengthening creative ties between Ireland and Japan. This includes RINN/輪, a three-part curatorial project exhibited across Japan before uniting at the Glucksman in Cork this summer.

Since founding his studio in 1999, Walsh has championed the value of making across disciplines, fostering international collaborations and elevating Irish design on the global stage.

Joseph Walsh is known for his expressive use of material and form, creating everything from monumental sculptures to unique commissions and collectible design pieces. Since founding Joseph Walsh Studio in 1999 in rural County Cork, Ireland, he has built a practice where art, craft, and innovation come together. Working primarily in wood—alongside materials like stone and bronze—his work reflects a deep, intuitive connection to making and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design.

Iconic Event: London Victoria & Albert Museum's Dazzling Cartier Exhibition Showcases Royal Jewels, Celebrity Icons, and Unseen Treasures

Just opened at London's iconic V&A Museum is a breathtaking new exhibition, offering a once-in-a-generation look at the splendour of Cartier.  This is the UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to Cartier jewels and watches, exploring how the Maison became an unparalleled force in the jewellery and watch world. 

Among the standout pieces are Queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Diamond brooch, set with a rare 23.6-carat pink diamond; the Scroll Tiara, worn at the Queen’s coronation and later by Rihanna on the cover of W Magazine; Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from the Monaco Princely Palace Collection; a sinuous snake necklace worn by Mexican film star María Félix; and the iconic Crash wristwatch, designed by Cartier London in 1967.

This retrospective exhibition titled simply Cartier is a must-see treasure trove for lovers of design, history, and timeless glamour. The exhibition runs until November 16.  

With over 350 objects on display, this exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of jewels, watches, historic gemstones, and archival drawings, including loans from His Majesty The King, the Royal Collection, major museums, and private collections worldwide.

Designed by British architect and artist Asif Khan MBE, the exhibition is conceived as a “dreamscape where art and science converge,” with Cartier’s creations suspended in light, sound, and time.   

Visitors will journey through Cartier’s evolution from the turn of the 20th century—when the founder’s grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques transformed a Parisian family business into a globally recognised house of design and craftsmanship—to its enduring status as a cultural icon adored by royalty, aristocrats, and stars of cinema, music, and fashion.

The exhibition unfolds across three main sections, tracing the rise of Cartier’s distinctive style, its pioneering innovations in design and watchmaking, and its lasting image as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.” A special focus is given to the history of Cartier London, culminating in a stunning finale of tiaras.

Exhibition curators Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan, said: “Cartier is one of the most famous jewellery houses in the world. This exhibition will explore how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier, together with their father Alfred, adopted a strategy of original design, exceptional craftmanship and international expansion that transformed the Parisian family jeweller into a household name. 

"With its world-class jewellery collection, the V&A is the perfect stage to celebrate the pioneering achievements of Cartier and its transformative ability to remain at the centre of culture and creativity for more than a century. We are excited to be able to share with visitors some of Cartier’s most famous creations as well as revealing previously unseen objects and archive material that further enriches our understanding of a jewellery house that continues to influence the way we adorn ourselves today.”

All images courtesy of Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Graduate Fashion Week 2025: Debenhams Group named as headline partner

The Graduate Fashion Foundation has named Debenhams Group as the headline partner for Graduate Fashion Week 2025, the premier showcase of BA graduate fashion talent.  It will take place from Friday, 13 June to Monday, 16 June at The Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London.

Now in its 34th year, the event will feature a packed schedule including 15 runway shows hosted in the Debenhams 500-seat catwalk hall, along with more than 20 live industry talks in the 150-seat GFW Live! Talk space.

As headline partner, Debenhams will take centre stage on opening night with a dedicated commercial runway show. This show will spotlight 20 graduate collections handpicked by the Debenhams Group team for their standout appeal and commercial potential.

One designer will be selected from this showcase to receive the prestigious “Catwalk to Collection” Award, which includes a 12-month contract with Debenhams Group and the opportunity to design a full collection for sale on Debenhams.com.

Throughout the event, Debenhams will also be present with an industry stand, offering CV and portfolio workshops, while actively scouting new talent to join the wider group and its in-house labels.

Debenhams is a digital fashion and lifestyle retailer now owned by the Boohoo Group.

The annual Graduate Fashion Week is deemed the world’s largest and most influential platform for emerging BA fashion talent, gathering work from over 95 leading UK and international universities and colleges, spanning 26 fashion disciplines and showcasing the future of the industry in motion.

With more than 30,000 attendees, the event features 26 catwalk shows, curated exhibition spaces, and a lineup of talks, workshops, and masterclasses led by some of fashion’s most established names. It’s showcase as well as a launchpad for over 5,000 graduates each year, offering a first glimpse at the ideas, aesthetics, and voices that will define the next era of design. It’s a magnet for recruiters, editors, and global industry insiders who come in search of fresh perspectives and undiscovered brilliance. For many graduates, it marks the beginning of a career—not just in fashion, but at the cutting edge of creativity.

Ethical Fashion News: Safia Minney Launches Indilisi: Championing Slow Fashion, Artisan Craft, and Regenerative Cotton

Safia Minney MBE, a trailblazer in sustainable and ethical fashion, launches Indilisi — a new fashion brand where sustainability meets artistry.

Indilisi - Artist Jacket

The brand debuts with a timeless collection made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, handcrafted at a Fair Trade project in rural Bangladesh in collaboration with changemakers and leading names in the industry.

Indilisi champions slow fashion as part of a Just Transition for the textile and fashion sectors. Supported by advocates such as Brett and Scott Staniland, Shayla Sakora, Caryn Franklin, Kate Osborne, and Fair Trade groups in Bangladesh and India, the brand places people and planet at the heart of its design and business ethos.

Indilisi - Artist Jacket and Platzo Trousers, worn by Caryn Franklin

Rooted in craftsmanship and social impact, the collection is designed for longevity, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the hands that make our clothes.

Each garment is handwoven, hand-embroidered, and hand-tailored in partnership with Swallows, a Fair Trade-guaranteed social enterprise in Bangladesh. Swallows supports rural women artisans through fair wages, education, health initiatives, and women's rights programmes.

Indilisi - Daisy Dress

“Our artisans are highly skilled in traditional techniques, from handweaving to embroidery. Each piece reflects their craftsmanship and care,” says Santo Haque, Handicrafts Manager at Swallows.

The collection is available for pre-order in the UK from 9th April, with shipping beginning 30th April at indilisi.com.

Indilisi - Men's Boxy Jackets and Scott Trousers

Beyond clothing, Indilisi also provides access to premium surplus fabrics. 

Designers, makers, and brands can purchase high-quality, GOTS and Fairtrade-certified organic cotton surplus fabrics by the metre at indilisi.com/collections/fabric. These traceable fabrics originate from the pioneering Chetna Organic project in India, where farming practices are organic and regenerative, and fabric production runs on 70% renewable energy.

Safia Minney, Founder of Indilisi, People Tree, Fashion Declares, and author of Regenerative Fashion, shares her vision:

“Indilisi brings us back to the roots — celebrating women, heritage textiles, and organic farming. Regenerative Fashion Futures research shows we must promote crafts, support organic agriculture, and uphold Fair Trade for a Just Transition. Sometimes, the simplest answers — reducing raw material use, extending product life, and ensuring livelihoods — are the most powerful. Indilisi is a bold step toward post-growth fashion, centering slow design and sustainable materials like organic and regenerative cotton.”

Brett and Scott Staniland echo this sentiment:

“Indilisi is more than just another fashion brand. It supports artisanal communities, honours craftsmanship, and offers a real solution — a place where people can buy traceable surplus fabric and step away from the cycle of constant newness.”

Fashion Event News: British Fashion Council Cancels June 2025 London Fashion Week to Refocus on Menswear in Paris

At a time when the global garment industry is facing unprecedented challenges, the British Fashion Council (BFC) has officially cancelled the June 2025 edition of London Fashion Week (LFW), a move that reflects the month’s long-standing struggle to draw attention compared to the flagship fashion weeks held during the main international seasons. 

Instead, the BFC is said to shift its focus to London Show Rooms Paris, a platform dedicated to showcasing UK-based brands. Running from 26 June to 1 July, the event will spotlight menswear as its central theme.

Launched in 2012 as London Collections: Men, the June event once thrived as a dedicated platform for menswear, later rebranding as London Fashion Week Men’s. However, as the industry shifted toward co-ed presentations and designers opted for February or September slots—or even other cities—the appeal of the June showcase began to wane. The pandemic also took a toll, with participation remaining solid through 2022 before seeing a marked decline in 2023.

A BFC spokesperson has commented that the BFC is taking a digital-first approach, working with buyers and media partners and use their own platforms to spotlight the evolving narrative of British menswear. By scaling back to more targeted programmes in London and Paris, the Council's aim is to lay strong foundations to amplify the message of British menswear businesses. 

"We acknowledge the challenges the sector faces globally and remain committed to supporting our designers as they navigate the changing fashion landscape,” said the BFC spokesman.

Interestingly London Show Rooms Paris, which had been paused since mid-2023 before returning last September, will now take place four times a year. This gives designers affiliated with the BFC Foundation consistent opportunities to connect with international media and generate commercial momentum outside of traditional show formats.

By pivoting to the Paris-based showroom format, the BFC hopes to offer UK menswear designers a compelling international stage at a time when many peer labels are presenting collections globally. Paris, as a key hub for menswear, is expected to provide a more receptive and commercially viable environment.

Sportswear Launch: New Golfwear brand - HLINC - designed to withstand the harsh weather on Ireland’s links courses and beyond

 Wearing the right gear in any sport boosts confidence and enhances performance.

HLINC Golf

A new brand just launched, HLINC Golf, is introducing a premium line of golf apparel engineered to withstand the challenging weather of Ireland’s iconic links courses and beyond.

eVent Fabrics, a global leader in waterproof, breathable, and windproof fabric laminates, is supplying its plant-based eVent BIO laminate to HLINC Golf for its high-performance waterproof golfwear.

HLINC Golf's range of technical apparel includes jackets, trousers, vests, and hats. Inspired by the rugged beauty of links courses in Ireland and Scotland, HLINC is designed to deliver best-in-class performance and protection.

“eVent BIO Waterproof provided the perfect blend of breathability, quiet performance, and exceptional stretch—key attributes for golfers of all levels,” said Ian Forrester, Founder of HLINC. “With a 33% increase in breathability and a PFAS-free construction, BIO not only enhances performance but is also a more sustainable choice.”

HLINC Golf

“HLINC is an ideal partner for eVent,” said Chad Kelly, President of eVent Fabrics. “Their commitment to developing top-tier, PFAS-free products aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to see this brand flourish.”

This partnership grants HLINC exclusive use of eVent BIO Waterproof laminate technology in the UK and Ireland for two years, reinforcing its position as a leader in performance-driven golf apparel.

HLINC products are available at 19 premier links courses across Ireland and Scotland, as well as online at hlincgolf.com.

As part of eVent Fabrics’ ongoing innovation, the BIO waterproof laminate is being rebranded as stormST, and we pundits will expect to see this new name across HLINC Golf and other eVent partner products in the future.

Background Information:

Founded in 1999, eVent Fabrics revolutionized the industry with the first air-permeable, fully waterproof membrane. Today, the company continues to push the boundaries of high-performance textiles with sustainability at its core. Renowned for its breathable waterproof solutions, eVent remains a trusted partner for leading brands, setting the standard for durable, weather-resistant apparel in outerwear, footwear, and accessories.

HLINC (pronounced "LINK") derives its name from the Old English term meaning sloped or rising ground—akin to the undulating landscapes of classic links golf. The HLINC team comprises seasoned professionals with experience in sports, golf, retail, and marketing, having worked with renowned brands such as The North Face, Ping, Under Armour, and Oakley.