just-style authors and correspondents

Biography

Leonie Barrie joined just-style as managing editor 14 years ago, and during that time has been instrumental in steering the site's editorial content and direction. Under her leadership, just-style has raised its profile internationally, and today boasts a team of contributors around the world who provide a unique blend of up-to-the-minute news, research and analysis on the apparel and footwear industry and its supply chain.

An experienced business journalist with a background in fashion and textiles, Leonie has written extensively about global sourcing and production, technology, emerging markets, as well as retail, brand and marketing strategies. She has also interviewed industry leaders across the globe. As managing editor Leonie has travelled around the world to gain first-hand experience of the industry in various countries, and continues to deliver keynote speeches, chair roundtable and panel sessions at conferences, and write about the international apparel industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces. 

Columns by Leonie Barrie

Viewpoint

just-style editor Leonie Barrie shares her thoughts on some of the top stories in the news.

Articles by Leonie Barrie

Apparel and textile production rises in key regions 22 June 2017

World apparel production growth fell short of the world manufacturing average in the first quarter of 2017, although gains have been seen in both developing and industrialised economies, new research shows.

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US reviews AGOA eligibility for three African countries 20 June 2017

The United States has launched a review of the eligibility of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda to continue to receive benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after a petition was filed against their decision to phase out imports of used clothing.

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The world’s 10 worst countries for workers 20 June 2017

An annual survey of violations of human and trade union rights ranks key apparel-producing nations including Bangladesh, Egypt, Guatemala and Turkey among the ten worst countries in the world for working people.

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Report shows shifts in US apparel imports from China 20 June 2017

Imports of men’s and boys’ manmade fibre knit shirts and women's and girls’ knit shirts and blouses from China into the US saw the biggest growth in volume across all clothing categories between 2010 and 2016, according to a new report.

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New facility to speed US fibre and fabric innovations 19 June 2017

A new centre tasked with developing US-made high-tech fabrics is officially opening its national headquarters today (19 June) in Cambridge, Massachusetts as well as unveiling the first two advanced fabric products – a "programmable" backpack and a technology that harnesses the potential of new LED-based lighting systems – to be commercialised from the centre’s work.

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Alibaba eyes overseas shoppers with new Tmall World 19 June 2017

Chinese online retail giant Alibaba is expanding its global reach with a new service called service that will let consumers in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan shop its platforms.

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Canada apparel sourcing show plans expanded return 16 June 2017

The new Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada show is returning for a second event in August, with organisers promising an expanded size and a new smart apparel showcase.

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US warns East African countries to comply with AGOA 16 June 2017

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has urged sub-Saharan African countries to comply with the eligibility requirements for AGOA (the African Growth and Opportunity Act) in what is thought to be a veiled warning to Kenya and other members of the East African Community.

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Australian Government mulls Modern Slavery Act 15 June 2017

The Australian Government is holding an inquiry later this month to look at whether the country should adopt national legislation to combat modern slavery in global supply chains.

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Strong garment sector supports Bangladesh's credit profile 15 June 2017

Bangladesh’s ‘Ba3 stable’ sovereign credit profile is supported by robust economic growth underpinned by garment exports, a new report says, but adds that the country's low competitiveness hampers the ability of its economy to absorb shocks.