Fashion
AATCC announces 2025 award recipients
AATCC honors 2025 award recipients for the AATCC Future Leaders Award, the J. William Weaver Paper of the Year Award, and the AATCC Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award. These awards were presented on November 11, 2025, at the AATCC Fall Committee Meetings. This year, the Fall Committee Meetings were held November 11-13, 2025, at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, NC, USA.
AATCC has honoured recipients of the 2025 Future Leaders Award, J William Weaver Paper of the Year Award, and the TCR Service Award at its Fall Committee Meetings in Raleigh, NC.
Four young professionals were recognised as Future Leaders, six authors won for research on low-pressure dyeing sustainability, and two members received TCR Service Awards for technical contributions.
Future Leaders Award
The AATCC Future Leaders Award recognizes promising young professionals in the fields of textiles, apparel, and related material sciences, provides acknowledgment and recognition to enhance their careers, engages these young professionals in the work of the Association, and brings their insights and needs to the forefront. Award recipients represent the various AATCC Interest Groups.
Award Recipients
Xiuzhu Fei, senior product development engineer at Microban International Inc., leads sustainable antimicrobial product development and has launched two next-generation products. She holds multiple patents, including one that earned a 2025 Silver Edison Innovation Award, and has advanced degrees in textile chemistry and fiber science from NC State. An active AATCC member since 2016, Fei contributes to research committees, conference steering groups, and speaks at industry summits.
Karen Haberland, senior project officer at ECRI Institute, leads investigations on PPE and vaccine administration technologies and has directed grant-funded studies on isolation gown protectiveness. She has developed technical specifications for global procurement programs, published research, and holds a patent for a medical device curvature system. Haberland earned degrees in mechanical engineering from Lehigh and Rowan Universities and studied engineering research at the National University of Ireland Galway. Since joining AATCC in 2021, she has served as secretary of RA75 and chairs a subcommittee on water resistance test methods.
Kaitlin Sigmon is an analytical lab technician at the Manufacturing Solutions Center, specializing in testing apparel, PPE, and upholstery materials since 2018. She actively promotes domestic manufacturing and quality standards and serves on multiple ASTM committees, including textiles and PPE. Sigmon earned her BS in Biology from Western Carolina University and completed the ASTM Emerging Professionals Program in 2025. As an AATCC member since 2022, she serves as secretary for RA23 and RA109 and participates in RA31 Antimicrobial Activity.
Monet Freeman is lead physical testing specialist at Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center, where she oversees lab operations and conducts standardized testing on fibers, yarns, and fabrics. She also provides customer consultations and previously coordinated customized textile training and helped launch the Textile Academy. Freeman brings extensive industry experience from companies like World Elastic Corporation, Kate Spade, and Madewell, and is a member of ASTM and ISO 9001:2015. She earned her BS in Textile Technology: Medical Textiles from NC State in 2014.J.W. Weaver Paper of the Year Award
J.W. Weaver Paper of the Year Award
The AATCC Publications Committee presents the J. William Weaver Paper of the Year Award to the author or authors of the best peer reviewed paper published in the AATCC journal each year. The best paper is selected from among those published in the AATCC Journal of Research during the preceding calendar year. All authors of the winning paper are recognized. The award includes a framed certificate signed by the AATCC president and the Publications Committee chair.
About the Authors
Xiaoxiao Qiu, Shuaitong Liang, Wenqing Cheng, Hongjuan Zhang, Liujun Pei, and Jiping Wang are the recipients of the J. William Weaver Paper of the Year Award for their paper, “The Environmental Impact of Low-Pressure Anhydrous Dyeing Technology for Polyester: Carbon Footprint Quantification and Evaluation” published in the November/December 2024 issue of AATCC Journal of Research.
Xiaoxiao Qiu earned a bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in 2022 and earned a master’s degree from Shanghai University of Engineering Science in 2025. In 2022, Qiu received a Provincial Government Scholarship, and received a Graduate Academic Scholarship in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Shuaitong Liang is an associate professor and Department Associate Dean for the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, School of Textiles and Fashion. Since 2019, Liang has worked at the Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Clean Production of Textile Chemistry. Liang received a bachelor’s degree from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (2010), a master’s degree from Shanghai University of Engineering Science (2014), and a doctoral degree from Donghua University (2018). Liang also studied at the University of California, Davis, as a visiting scholar from 2016 to 2017. Liang has several recently published research papers in relevant journals, including AATCC Journal of Research.
Wenqing Cheng works at Zhejiang Green Universe Textile Technology Co. Cheng received a bachelor’s degree from Qingdao University (2012), a Master of Engineering from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (2015), and a doctoral degree from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (2021). In 2023, Cheng served as the Deputy Director of Research and Development in the Research and Development department of Zhejiang Lvyu Textile Technology Co., Ltd. Cheng has papers published in several journals.
Hongjuan Zhang is an associate professor at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. She received a bachelor’s degree from Zhongyuan University of Technology (2012), and a master’s (2015) and a PhD (2019) from Donghua University.
Liujun Pei works as an associate professor at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. In 2011, Pei received his bachelor’s degree from Zhongyuan University of Technology, and degree (2014) and a doctoral degree (2017) from Zhejiang Sci-Tech University. In 2021, Pei received the Wang Shanyuan’s Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. Pei has several published works in various journals.
Jiping Wang is a professor at Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Wang earned a bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang Sci-tech University (1982), a master’s degree from Donghua University (1985), and a PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington (1994). Wang joined AATCC in 1995, and is an active member, holding leadership positions and participating in several research committees. Since 2015, he has served as Chair of C7 Publications Committee, on the AATCC Board of Directors, and the AATCC Foundation Board of Directors. Wang has also served as the AATCC Global Membership Representative in China for the past 10 years.
Technical Committee on Research (TCR) Service Award
The Technical Committee on Research Service Award was established in 2008 to recognize those members who have contributed greatly to the AATCC organization in a technical capacity. Individual members of the Association with at least five years of continuous membership in AATCC, who have contributed outstanding technical service to the Association through activity in a research committee, are eligible. The Award consists of a plaque and an honorarium.
Award Recipients
Alan Buttenhoff joined AATCC in 2003. He serves as the chair of RA57 Floor Covering Test Methods research committee and is active in RA50 Lightfastness and Weathering Test Methods research committee. He served as a member of the AATCC Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012. Since joining AATCC, Buttenhoff has established several work groups that improved the stain reference scale manufacturing process, developed a new vinyl for the vinyl staining test method, and improved documentation and detection limits of the TM189-2017e Test Method for Fluorine Content of Carpet Fibers. He is an active member of the Technical Committee on Research and is a voting member of the Materials Interest Group.
Miranda Klaas joined AATCC in 2019. Since 2019, Klaas has served as chair of RA59 Fibrous Test Materials research committee and has served as secretary of RA60 Colorfastness to Washing Test Methods research committee. Klaas has attended several conferences, including the Textile Testing Training Conference, and is a part of various committees. She is a member of the Technical Committee on Research, the Materials Interest Group, and serves as the social media content creator for the Delaware Valley Section.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
They predict that the labour market will keep weakening, but also anticipate a boost to the economy from a significant cooling of inflation and further rate cuts from the Bank of England (BoE).
Goldman Sachs Research expects ‘another mixed year’ for the UK economy, which is expected to grow at 1.4 per cent in 2026—up from around 1 per cent in 2025.
It expects the unemployment rate to rise to 5.3 per cent by March, and then stabilising.
Consumption is expected to grow at 1.3 per cent in 2026 versus 0.7 per cent in 2025.
The fiscal position looks less vulnerable than some other European nations.
The UK labour market weakened significantly in 2025 as slow economic growth and the increase in national insurance contributions weighed on employment. A recent rise in layoffs points to ‘further labour market softening ahead’, according to Moberly and Stehn.
Goldman Sachs Research expects the unemployment rate to rise to 5.3 per cent by March. But as growth picks up towards potential, it sees the unemployment rate stabilising for the remainder of this year, the report says.
Given rising slack in the job market, lower headline inflation, and a smaller increase in the national living wage, the company’s economists expect wage growth to normalise this year. Private sector regular pay growth slowed to 3.8 per cent from around 6 per cent over the last 12 months, and the team forecasts further cooling to 3.1 per cent by the end of 2026.
Consumer spending in the UK is low, and the household savings rate is elevated. “Real disposable income growth is likely to remain weak in coming quarters given wage growth moderation, elevated mortgage rates, and a larger fiscal drag on household incomes,” Moberly and Stehn write.
The team’s models suggest that the savings rate will likely decline this year as interest rates fall and consumption catches up with recent increases in real inflation-adjusted incomes.
Consumption is expected to grow at 1.3 per cent in 2026 versus 0.7 per cent last year.
The team anticipates further progress on inflation in the coming months given unwinding base effects. Goldman Sachs Research projects headline inflation to decelerate to 2.1 per cent in the second quarter this year.
The fiscal trajectory, political risk, and efforts to boost economic growth are likely to be key areas of focus this year, according to the company.
“Our analysis suggests that the UK’s fiscal position looks less vulnerable than some other European countries, notably France,” Moberly and Stehn add.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Alongside his appointment at GU, Risso, who helmed the UNIQLO and Marni collection in 2022, will develop a new collaboration line with UNIQLO, set to launch in 2026.
Further details on both initiatives will be announced at a later date.
Fast Retailing has appointed Francesco Risso as creative director of GU to strengthen the brand’s global presence.
Risso will lead GU’s creative direction, with his debut collection set for fall/winter 2026.
He will also develop a new collaboration line with Uniqlo launching in 2026, following his earlier Uniqlo and Marni project.
Italian-born designer Francesco Risso studied fashion in Florence, New York, and London. He spent a decade at Prada, developing a rigorous approach to narrative and craft while gaining extensive design experience. From 2016 to 2025 he served as Creative Director at Marni, shaping a boldly original vision for the house inspired by music, art, and cultural exploration. A passionate educator, Risso has held guest positions at the world’s top art and design schools.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
By
Bloomberg
Published
January 16, 2026
At first glance, Saks looked like exactly the kind of mess hedge funds love. Just months after the company borrowed $2.2 billion to finance its takeover of rival Neiman Marcus, the newly formed luxury retail powerhouse was already running short on cash. Creditors spooked by the pace of the slide rushed for the exits, offering the bonds for less than 40 cents on the dollar.
Bargain hunting hedge funds gleefully took the debt off their hands. This was, after all, a marquee name with valuable brands, prime real estate, big-name backers, and a business that executives said just needed a bit more time to steady itself. Firms including Pentwater Capital Management and Bracebridge Capital jumped in, chasing the promise of eye-popping returns.
Much is still to be determined in the wake of Saks’ bankruptcy this week, including any recovery for its creditors. Yet in the meantime, the episode is shaping up to be a painful lesson in the dangers of trying to catch a falling knife. The bonds that distressed-debt shops snapped up on the cheap are now being bid at less than 1 cent, according to broker runs. The hundreds of millions in extra financing they provided, which sits higher in the repayment pecking order, isn’t faring much better, changing hands around 10 cents.
Through Saks’ Chapter 11 filing, a clearer picture has emerged of a company that quickly veered off plan. Targets were missed, savings failed to materialise, cash drained at a rapid clip, and fixes meant to stop the bleeding never did. Bonds with roughly $486 million of face value held by Pentwater are now quoted at pennies on the dollar, as are about $257 million held by Bracebridge.
“This was a ticking time bomb, and the fuse was lit the day the merger was consummated,” said Mark Cohen, the former director of retail studies at Columbia Business School. “I’ve never seen anything go bad this fast; I don’t know that anyone has.”
A representative for Saks declined to comment beyond the company’s bankruptcy filing. Pentwater and Bracebridge declined to comment. Even after the staggering declines, Saks’ biggest creditors aren’t ready to throw in the towel.
In its bankruptcy filing, the company said it had secured roughly $1.75 billion in post-petition financing, including $1.5 billion from a group of senior secured bondholders betting a second act could yet salvage the retailer- and their own fortunes, possibly by converting battered debt positions into significant equity stakes.
Some will also collect fees for helping arrange the financing. What’s more, the structure of the post-bankruptcy financing Saks has lined up could allow certain debtholders to realise better returns on the company’s outstanding bonds than where they’re currently trading, some investors suggested.
Pentwater and Bracebridge are among those putting up more money, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Whether it’s enough to turn around a company that burned through more cash than it generated last year remains to be seen. Perennially late payments have “damaged trust” with Saks’ suppliers, the retailer said in bankruptcy documents, and while new management is working to repair those relationships, some vendors may decide to take their business elsewhere.
The company is also facing stiff objections from unsecured creditors, including Amazon.com Inc., that are seeking to block access to the new financing package. The tech giant, which previously acquired a $475 million preferred equity stake in the luxury retailer, recently called its investment in Saks “presumptively worthless.” Other equity holders including Rhone Capital and Insight Partners also suffered significant losses, separate people familiar with the situation said.
Representatives for Amazon and Insight Partners didn’t respond to requests for comment. Rhone Capital declined to comment.
Some investors who opted not to participate in the latest debtor-in-possession financing were concerned that the rescue could echo other recent misfires. They pointed to First Brands Group, the bankrupt auto-parts supplier whose lenders put up more than $1 billion post bankruptcy, only to watch their super-senior bonds crater in value as the company burned through the cash and signalled it would need even more money.
With rescue financing, “you get a lot of structuring fees, an above-market interest rate, liens on the best collateral, an equity cushion below you, with the added upside that you’re in control as the restructuring process plays out,” said Rishi Goel, the global head of distressed debt at Aegon Asset Management.
“But it’s got to be structured correctly. The equity value below you has to be real,” Goel said. “If you’re misled, or the business is worth less than you thought or becomes worse than you thought, the value can dry up quickly.”
For now, Saks has said that stores under all its brands are open. A number of creditors say they are confident that new management, led by former Neiman Marcus Chief Executive Officer Geoffroy van Raemdonck, can steer the company through bankruptcy and, once it emerges, make its portfolio of luxury department stores profitable.
Not everyone is convinced. “The rationale for putting these two businesses together made no sense form the get go, and it’s hard to believe that these deep-pocketed masters of the universe fell for it,” Cohen said.
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