Top stories on just-style in October were dominated by coverage from the 34th World Fashion Convention in Maastricht where speakers addressed the theme ‘Building a Smart Future Fashion’. Meanwhile, Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, takes a close look at what NAFTA 2.0 means for apparel sourcing, and Sara Bermúdez, head of product safety management and environmental sustainability at Esprit tells just-style why the Hong-Kong listed firm is rethinking every step of the fashion lifecycle.

1. New NAFTA 2.0 – The devil is in the detail

The new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) – also dubbed NAFTA 2.0 – has finally been agreed, but what does it mean for apparel sourcing? Here Dr Sheng Lu, associate professor at the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies at the University of Delaware, takes a close look at the new apparel-specific rules of origin

2. Cambodia hit with EU trade sanctions, Myanmar may follow

The European Commission has launched a procedure to withdraw Cambodia’s access to the duty-free Everything But Arms (EBA) preferential trade programme, and is considering the same for Myanmar over human rights violations in both countries.

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Hong-Kong listed Esprit is currently rethinking every step of the fashion lifecycle with a view to “inclusive circularity” that respects the use of both material and human resources. Sara Bermúdez Couto, head of product safety management and environmental sustainability, explains.

4. How technology is helping to build supply chain trust

New tools and technologies are helping the apparel industry to build smarter, transparent – and more trusted – supply chains. Executives from Hugo Boss and Mango were among speakers at last week’s IAF World Fashion Convention sharing their experiences.

5. VF Corp leveraging supply chain to counter trade war?

US apparel giant VF Corp has moved to quell concerns the trade war between the US and China could be worrisome for its business.

6. What ‘see now, buy now’ means for the supply chain

A phenomenon is exciting and confusing the fashion world in equal measures: ‘See now, buy now’ (SNBN). But is it a mould-breaking departure for the industry or a bit of marketing publicity? And what does it mean for the supply chain?

7. Nimble new players building a smart future for fashion

The convergence of disruptive new technologies, easy access to cheap capital, and changing consumer attitudes are shaking up an already-broken retail model, according to speakers at last week’s IAF World Fashion Convention. But rising Phoenix-like from the ashes are nimble new players building a smart future for fashion.

8. China’s factories about to pay a lot more in payroll taxes

For years Chinese factories failed to enroll workers onto the country’s social insurance scheme. But things could be about to change. From January next year responsibility for collecting payroll taxes will pass from the local social security bureau to local tax authorities, who have the capability and corporate tax data to ensure much better levels of compliance.

9. VF Corp’s journey to becoming a ‘purpose-led’ company

“We get so focused on making money that we sometimes overlook the value of collaboration and the spirit of making the world a better place and for the future of our fashion industry,” Scott Deitz, vice president of public affairs at US apparel giant VF Corp, told delegates at the recent IAF World Fashion Convention.

10. Calzedonia opens US$15m plant in Ethiopia?

Italian hosiery manufacturer Calzedonia has officially opened its ITACA Textile factory at the Mekelle Industrial Park in Ethiopia.