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

Cone Mills to close White Oak denim facility 20 October 2017

The US is to lose its last selvedge denim mill, after International Textile Group (ITG) announced plans to cease operations at the Cone Denim White Oak facility in Greensboro, North Carolina.

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Clothing bucks UK September retail sales decline 20 October 2017

Rising prices helped sales at UK clothing and footwear stores edge up in September, making this one of the few categories to buck an overall decline in total retail sales value and volume since August.

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Full-price fashion sales help drive UK market growth 20 October 2017

British fashion sales have returned to growth – albeit marginally – after 14 months, as shoppers appear to be more willing to buy items at full price.

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Preferred fibres and materials uptake continues to rise 20 October 2017

The uptake of preferred fibres rising in all categories, with global fashion business C&A the world’s number one fashion retailer in the use of organic cotton and preferred man-made cellulosics, according to a new report.

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Adidas, Patagonia, Outerknown receive FLA accreditation 20 October 2017

Social compliance programmes developed by Adidas, Patagonia and Outerknown to uphold fair labour standards in their supply chains have been accredited by the Fair Labor Association (FLA).

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Everything But Water invests in omnichannel tool 20 October 2017

Everything But Water, the largest specialty swimwear and resortwear retailer in the US, has invested in a new software solution to help give a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.

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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.