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

Korea to defend free trade pact in upcoming US meeting 21 August 2017

The US and Korea are to meet in Seoul tomorrow (22 August) to discuss the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) – with the US expected to propose making "amendments" to the existing pact.

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New solution for ‘smart’ NFC apparel hang-tags 21 August 2017

An integrated solution for ‘smart’ NFC (near field communication) apparel hang-tags that provide brands with a new way to engage directly with shoppers and customers through a smartphone has just been launched.

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Millennials drive change in HanesBrands intimate apparel 18 August 2017

Apparel giant HanesBrands is changing how it meets the needs of full-figure/plus-size consumers with the launch of new lingerie lines under its Maidenform and Playtex brands "for women who love their curves."

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US partners on Ghana apparel manufacturing project 18 August 2017

Nearly 2,000 new garment-making jobs are set to be created in Ghana thanks to an initiative with clothing manufacturer Dignity DTRT Limited and supported by the US-government.

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Cotton made in Africa used in 50m textile items last year 18 August 2017

The Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) initiative says growing demand for its sustainable cotton saw around 50 million CmiA labelled textiles put onto the market in 2016 – helping lift license revenues by 70% year-on-year.

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Busana expands to build business with leading brands – Interview 17 August 2017

For a business that even its chairman Maniwanen Marimutu admits is "low profile," Busana Apparel Group has high ambitions. Here he tells just-style how Indonesia's largest woven apparel exporter is on a drive to expand its domestic capacity, has set up its first factory in Ethiopia, is exploring opportunities in Vietnam, and eyeing new products as it builds the business to lead in each of its categories.

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Vaude to extend environmental project all material suppliers 17 August 2017

A two-year project organised by German outdoor clothing company Vaude to educate key suppliers in Asia on environmental management and resource efficiency has led to savings of around EUR50,000 (US$58,000) per year for participating factories.

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US-based Trybus Group to open garment factory in Ethiopia 16 August 2017

US-based men’s wear producer Trybus Group is expanding its supply chain into Ethiopia, becoming the latest company to set up a new factory in the country.

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Vietnam minimum wage set to increase 6.5% in 2018 15 August 2017

Vietnam's minimum wage is expected to rise by 6.5% next year – but the increase will be the lowest in 11 years.

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Union keeps up garment wage demands in Lesotho 15 August 2017

More than 100 workers, organisers and shop stewards have taken part in a union-organised rally in Lesotho as part of an ongoing campaign for better wages in the country's garment and textile sector.