just-style authors and correspondents

Biography

Leonie Barrie joined just-style as managing editor 17 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

Amazon private label push to shake up sportswear? 17 October 2017

Reports that Amazon is teaming up with some of the world’s biggest athletic apparel suppliers ahead of a move into sportswear have sent stocks tumbling and raised concerns over new supply and pricing pressures in the sector.

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Uzbekistan finally recalls some workers from cotton harvest 16 October 2017

A decision by the Uzbek government to recall university students and some health and education workers from forced labour the country's cotton fields is being seen as a positive step – but calls remain for the complete end of government-orchestrated forced labour in Uzbekistan.

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Stahl steps up on sustainable leather solutions 16 October 2017

Leather chemicals and coatings company Stahl has opened a new Application Lab in Arzignano in Italy, and has joined forces with New Zealand’s Lowe Corporation which will use the company’s EasyWhite Tan tanning system.

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Survey aims to identify apparel industry skill gaps 13 October 2017

What is thought to be the first ever in-depth skills study conducted specifically for the apparel industry has been launched in a bid to identify changes in skills and training throughout the entire supply chain.

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New sew-free seam solution for intimates fabrics 12 October 2017

A new adhesive for heat-sensitive intimates fabrics has been developed by Bemis Associates, the manufacturer of thermoplastic adhesives, films, and coatings.

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3D body processing standard project gets go-ahead 12 October 2017

An industry group set up to advance the 3D scanning, modelling and visualisation technology being used in virtual and in-store retail shopping has approved a project to develop a standard for 3D body processing.

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Is cotton conquering its chemical addiction? 11 October 2017

A number of high profile initiatives have been launched to tackle pesticide use in cotton farming – but a new investigation suggests the decline has not been as substantial as some believe.

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Peak season deadlines put a strain on ethical compliance 10 October 2017

Even though China remains the powerhouse for consumer product manufacturing, new data on factory inspections, audits and lab testing confirms regional hubs are emerging across the globe as brands and retailers diversify their sourcing geography and adapt to changing macroeconomic trends.

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Talon patents stretch shirt collar innovation 10 October 2017

US zipper and trim supplier Talon International has been granted a US patent for an innovation that allows dress shirt collars to stretch for improved wearer comfort.

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Second US Smart Fabrics Summit in the pipeline 9 October 2017

The US Department of Commerce and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (AFAI) are to co-host their second Smart Fabrics Summit in the US next spring, building on a sellout event two years ago.