INSIDE THE APPEAL INDUSTRY

Following the launch of Cone’s U.S. Hemp collection, the hemp-processing pioneer BastCore and Cone Denim have announced an expanding cooperation. Cone stated in a release that the alliance was “developing” and that it was “continually opening new chances for collaboration between like-minded organisations, giving additional sustainable-denim alternatives to clients while boosting our support of American agriculture.” At its offices in Montgomery, Alabama, BastCore has developed patent-pending technology that creates clean hemp fibre. At the WorldFestival 2022 Startup Awards, it was just chosen as one of the Top 50 Startup Finalists. According to Cone President Steve Maggard, “With a common objective of pushing new sustainability standards, our cooperation with BastCore is providing exciting opportunities that promote U.S. agriculture and its utilisation of best-in-class processes and ethically produced products.

B2B fashion wholesale marketplace FashionGo held its fifth annual online trade show, FashionGo Week Online, in July with a focus on combating inflation and a possible looming recession. FashionGo.net bills itself as the No. 1 B2B fashion wholesale e-commerce marketplace, connecting the fashion industry to buy and sell the latest trends on a one-stop platform. Founded in 2002, it boasts 1,400 sellers and 740,000 buyers, provides powerful tech tools, insightful data and best-in-class service to empower the industry to shop smarter and grow faster. At its recent edition, FashionGo Week Online saw a volume of buyers who were more cautious but with brands positively offering a wide diversity of products, 0 percent commissions and a user-friendly platform.

Huue, a leader in environmentally friendly bio-based dyes and the recipient of TIME magazine’s Best Invention of 2021 award, has raised $14 million to introduce the first clean indigo dye in the world. According to Michelle Zhu, CEO and co-founder of Huue, “the world can’t wait for sustainable solutions, and customers are starting to hold their favourite brands accountable to utilising eco-friendly materials.” “We’ve found a method to harness the beauty of life to provide clean colour solutions without damaging the environment or using hazardous chemicals.” The second-largest cause of water pollution in the world is textile dyeing, and for the past century, indigo dye has been produced using harsh chemicals like cyanide and formaldehyde. Huue’s enzymatically created dye closely resembles the way that natural colours are created.

After two years of postponed nuptials, people are tying the knot again as evidenced by the success of the International Market Center’s three recent shows—Atlanta Apparel, VOW Bridal & Formal Atlanta and World of Prom & Social Occasion—held Aug. 1–6 at the AmericasMart in Atlanta. “The bridal and social-occasion industries are booming right now,” said Caron Stover, IMC senior vice president of apparel. “Business is back and better than ever, with Atlanta Apparel offering buyers a one-stop-shop across categories like bridal, prom, accessories, children’s, resort and, of course, general apparel.” Steady attendance from the combined apparel, bridal and social-occasion markets drew retailers from nearly all 50 states as well as 26 international countries.

The Dallas Men’s Show is coming off the biggest show in its history as buyers from coast to coast descended upon the Lone Star State. Held July 30–Aug. 1 at the Dallas Market Center, organizers say the show broke records for the number of brands participating—750, to be precise—and the number of new buyers. Retail decision-makers from 30 states visited the show, and more than 10 percent of buyers were first-time attendees. “We appreciate the support of so many retailers who visited our expanded show,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of the DMC. “The 2022 Men’s Show truly set a new standard in Dallas and elevated the quality and diversity of products available here. We have tremendous momentum going into 2023.”

Emerald Holding, owner and organizer of NY NOW, the wholesale retail market, has announced the acquisition of Bulletin Inc., a wholesale marketplace connecting 3,000 independent brands with over 26,000 retailers. All Bulletin employees will join Emerald as part of the acquisition, including co-founders Alana Branston and Ali Kriegsman. The acquisition will elevate the experience for wholesale buyers to discover a broader array of innovative brands and makers through a fusion of in-person and e-commerce offerings. The merger will also infuse the iconic NY NOW Gift and Home Show with Bulletin’s entrepreneurial spirit, industry expertise and extensive customer base of brands and retailers, as well as help small businesses fuel innovation and design and provide buyers with year-round inspiration and discovery.