USA : Lustr Fashion Application launches with Nolcha - Fashion News USA

In celebration of its beta launch, Lustr is teaming up with Independent Retail Week: New York to bring its users and shoppersunprecedented access to fabulous boutiques. Under the terms of the partnership, participating Independent Retail Week: New York stores, special promotions, and events willbe listed in Lustr and searchable via GPS through the application's clean, easy-to-use interface. The partnership reinforces and expands the companies' shared audience of upscale NYC shoppers and retailers. It also offers a new tool for shoppers who have an iPhone and want to search for stores by geographic location, product categories, brands carried, and merchandise price points. "We are delighted to be launching Lustr as part of this exciting event," says Gary Ragusa, CEO of GRGMobile Solutions, Inc."Nolchashares GRG's mission of expanding retailers' marketing reach and effectiveness through best practices in marketing services and technology. We chose to work with Nolcha because of its strong reputation in the fashion industry and its special relationships with independent retailers that are consistent with the Lustr brand." Independent Retail Week NYC is a week-long initiative-from Nov.14through Nov. 20 this year-that drives business and increases revenue for small retail businesses in fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Nolcha, the platform behind Independent Retail Week: New York, is a leading operator of educational, event and business-to-business services devoted to independent fashion entrepreneurs and related retail businesses."Nolcha is excited to introduce a cutting-edge technology for shoppers to enjoy a customized experience with local fashion boutiques during the holiday season," says Kerry Bannigan, CEO ofNolcha. "As always, Nolcha is looking for creative ways to increase business for fashion entrepreneurs; GRG is our first mobile partner and we look forward to their future support of independent retailers on our initiatives."The "Ultimate Lustrous Goodie Bag" Sweepstakes offering a prize worth over $1500 will encourage Lustr users and Independent Retail Week: New York shoppers to engage the features of the application while visiting stores during the event. Shoppers are encouraged to download the application from the iTunes AppStore and use Lustr to develop a mobilized itinerary that meets their IRW shopping needs.

USA : Interactive site teaches visitors about the Life of a T-shirt - Apparel News USA

Anvil Knitwear, Inc. announced the launch of TrackMyT.com, a groundbreaking, interactive Web site that chronicles and brings to life the complete journey and environmental impact of a t-shirt, from cotton-seed to consumer. The site, which specifically tracks t-shirts for youth ages two to 12, allows users to explore cotton farms, a gin and spinners, as well as Anvil's textile mill, cut and sew plants, and distribution facility -- all by inputting a unique tracking number printed on their very own shirt.With a highly dynamic experiential approach, the Web site is designed to appeal to kids and adults alike. It features surprise pop-up messages and graphics, alongside lesson plans for teachers that focus on the environmental, historical and social aspects of manufacturing, buying and owning a t-shirt.The idea for TrackMyT.com began as a response to the federal government's recent Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which this year required manufacturers of children's products to provide labels allowing consumers to trace the product's history. Anvil made a commitment to go beyond the letter of law."Our goal in creating this site was not only to comply with industry requirements, but to turn it into an educational experience and teach about our footprint and ecological impact," said Anthony Corsano, Chief Executive Officer of Anvil, a leader in the sustainable apparel industry and the sixth-largest organic program in the world. "TrackMyT.com teaches kids, parents and educators how to be more environmentally responsible."In keeping with Anvil's commitment to being an environmentally and socially responsible company, the site explores the differences between organic and conventional cotton farming, and calculates the carbon footprint of each step in the manufacturing process. Because many consumers are unaware that an average of 60 percent of a shirt's carbon contribution comes from a lifetime of washing and wearing, the site identifies ways the user can minimize his or her carbon footprint as a t-shirt owner.To create the site, Anvil partnered with the Webby-award winning AgencyNet, a digital advertising and marketing agency that specializes in developing emotionally engaging digital brand experiences and communication strategies."It's hard to put into words just how proud I am of TrackMyT.com. I really believe this is one of our finest moments," Corsano said. "And it's one more way Anvil demonstrates that we not only understand and care about the future, but that we are committed to being responsible and good citizens of this world."

India : Need to improve khadi designs with market trends, Shri Dinesh Rai - Textile News India

The Meeting of the National Khadi and Village Industries Board with representatives of Khadi Institutions and KVIC members was held recently. The Meeting was addressed by Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. The Minister in his address emphasized the need to work together hand in hand for helping the artisans. He stressed upon the need for greater involvement of new generation in khadi activities.He advised that the payment of rebate should be expedited by KVIC and State Governments. The Minister highlighted the need for stimulating the sale of khadi through renovation of bhandars and bhavans and use of mobile vans for publicity. He also advised KVIC to explore the possibility for increased supply of KVI itemsto Government departments. He urged upon all concerned to be in readiness to implement the khadi reforms programme and emphasisedupon the need for proper dissemination of the contours of newly proposed MDA that would also replace the rebate on sale by 31st March, 2010. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, MSME Shri Dinesh Rai urged upon the institutions to be in readiness to implement the khadi reform programme proposed to be financed by ADB. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the scheme PMEGP and also mentioned that the working capital needs of the khadi institutions is being looked into by a committee constituted for the purpose. He stressed upon the need to improve the designs of links of london in keeping with market trends and tapping Government supply opportunities and increase the efficiency in production and sale of KVI products which should eventually translate into increased income for artisans. Chairperson, KVIC, Sushri Kumud Joshi mentioned that the khadi institutions should utilise the available resources to improve their infrastructure and increase production and sale. She mentioned that the decision to provide Rs.2/- per hank towards wages has been implemented with effect from 2nd October, 2009.She stressed upon the need to bring young people to the management of khadi institutions to make it more dynamic. She thanked the Ministry for introducing a number of new schemes recently and also helping in the enhancement of budget allocationof KVIC. The representatives of Khadi Institutions spoke at length about problems being faced by them such as shortage of working capital,pending rebate claims especially with State Governments, need for enhanced bank finances and waiver of pending loans. They appreciated the new schemes of the Ministry that would help them in further developing KVI activities. They also made a number of suggestions for further consolidating the progress made in KVI sector. The meeting was attended by 26 representatives of Khadi Institutions, 8 KVIC members, 4 artisans, besides senior officials of Ministry and KVIC.