Artistic Milliners, a global leader in denim innovation, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles. The new multi-national company will operate under the historic Cone Denim name. Artistic Milliners’ Pakistan operations and business will continue to operate independently. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Cone Denim will offer fully vertical, end-to-end solutions – ranging from premium denim fabric to expertly finished garments. “We are committed to bringing the full breadth of our expertise to help unlock Cone’s competitive strengths. Cone Denim will preserve its unique identity while continuing to drive its own business strategy. Our goal is to collaborate closely with the Cone Denim team, building on the legacy and achievements of more than 130 years,” said Murtaza Ahmed and Omer Ahmed of Artistic Milliners in a joint statement.

Artistic Milliners has acquired a majority stake in Cone Denim from Elevate Textiles, forming a new multinational under the Cone Denim name.
Cone will run mills in Mexico, China, and the US, plus Artistic’s facilities in Mexico and LA.
Led by Cone president Steve Maggard, the entity will offer end-to-end denim solutions, global reach, and expansion plans, including into North Africa.

The new entity will operate a global platform spanning both hemispheres and will be comprised of a combination of selected assets from each organization. Cone Denim will now operate its existing mills in Parras and Yecapixtla, Mexico and its facility in Jiaxing, China; as well as Artistic Milliners’ recently inaugurated garment facility in Parras, Mexico; and its Star Fades International (SFI) laundry and development center in Los Angeles.

The Ahmeds continued: “Cone Denim’s distinctive position as the iconic American manufacturer joins Artistic Milliners’ global portfolio, creating an international organization that leverages our collective infrastructure and expertise to offer customers unparalleled service and flexibility. Our multinational manufacturing locations will offer speed, scale and surety of supply.”

Cone Denim will continue to operate as a standalone portfolio company under Artistic Milliners. Steve Maggard, President of Cone Denim, will lead the new entity, reporting to the Board of Directors, which includes Omer Ahmed, Murtaza Ahmed, and Jeffrey P. Pritchett alongside to-be-determined directors.

Pritchett, CEO and member of the Board of Directors, Elevate Textiles added, “We are excited to unite two global denim leaders with shared values furthering the Cone Denim name and legacy. Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners both possess long-standing textile heritage and are recognized worldwide for their commitment to innovation, traceability, and sustainability. They are both well respected, responsible, and ethical manufacturers. As the new Cone Denim, we are able to better leverage synergies across our brands, operations, and global footprint including the return of Cone Denim production capabilities in the US and expansion into new global regions.”

Cone Denim and Artistic Milliners customers will continue to interact with their existing product and sales representatives and can anticipate the same high standard of service, delivery, and quality to be upheld.

“We remain committed to providing enhanced fabric variety, design innovation, and comprehensive garment services to our customers — this includes our planned expansion into North Africa,” Maggard added.

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)

The region’s much-anticipated exhibition for sourcing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions across the entire textile and garment value chain will open next month on 28 October.

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 will run from October 28-31 at Singapore Expo, showcasing innovations across 19 textile product sectors with 800+ exhibitors from 30 countries.
Supported by 80+ industry associations, delegations from Asia and Africa will attend to explore automation, digitalisation, and efficiency solutions.
Early bird badge registration closes September 28.

ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 has already seen strong interest from textile and garment industry professionals in the region since visitor registration was launched in March. Held from 28 to 31 October 2025 at the Singapore Expo, the exhibition will gather technology providers and key stakeholders from the entire textile and garment value chain.

To-date, the Singapore edition has drawn the support of over 80 textile and garment industry organisations. Among them are All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Asosiasi Pertekstilan Indonesia (API), Association of Iran’s Textile Industries (AITI), Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), International Trade Centre (ITC), Malaysian Knitting Manufacturers Association (MKMA) and Sri Lankan Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA). Many of the associations are organising visiting delegations.

Mr. Kamran Arshad, Chairman of APTMA sees the 2025 edition as a good opportunity for their association members to explore the latest innovations that can help boost their business competitiveness.

He enthused, “Our members look forward to attending ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025 as the gains they make in automation, digitalisation and resource efficiency will translate into higher productivity, lower costs and stronger compliance with global buyers. As such, we have promoted the exhibition to our members and response has been encouraging as Singapore is more accessible to us.”

Joseph Ikpe, National President of the Garments and Footwear Factory Owners Association of Nigeria (GAFFOAN) also sees great value for his members to attend the exhibition. He said, “This exhibition is a key opportunity for us to see advanced machinery and make the right investment decisions. It is timely as the Bank of Industry Fashion Fund offers loans for equipment purchases at favourable rates.”

He added, “We are sending a delegation as we hope to keep abreast of trending technologies and find solutions that will make our industry more efficient and competitive. With Africa gaining attention as a sourcing destination, now is the time to invest in technology that matches our ambitions.”

The much-anticipated textile machinery showcase features 19 product sectors encompassing the entire textile manufacturing value chain. Buyers will be able to source technologies and products from over 800 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions.

Early bird visitor badge registration will close on 28 September, according to the organiser, ITMA Services. Project Director Ms Sylvia Phua advised, “Visitors planning to attend the exhibition have a few days left to secure their badges at 50% off regular rates. Those who require a visa can submit their application supported by our invitation letter to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or through its authorised visa agent.

“Participants will find that Singapore offers exceptional value for industry professionals beyond business: a short stay can be both productive and cost-effective. Visitors can enjoy the island’s exciting tourist hotspots and renowned food scene — from affordable hawker fare to Michelin-starred dining — making their visit a delightful cultural experience for every budget.”

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)

​The special art of hosting a soirée, arguably a dying social skill, was the key to a swish and stylish collection by Lorenzo Serafini for the house of Alberta Ferretti this season.

Using whisper-light fabrics – chiffon, floaty silk and crochet – Serafini offered up a fresh vision of evening elegance. Created in a great palette of ecru, foam green, Aegean blue and coral pink, the summer shades were in marked contrast to a Milan Tuesday of heavy clouds and intermittent showers.
 
Staged with grace inside a neo-classical Milanese palazzo with marble floors and frescoes of peacocks and pheasants, an ideal location for a refined supper. Throughout there was a sense of sensual confidence, imparted by some great combinations. Flared chiffon pants with meter-long scarf tops; flowing tents dresses that billowed out when walking;  halter necks held with metallic silver collars. Or splendid deep George gowns, and some super color-blocked Moorish dresses.
 

Many dresses and skirts trimmed with fabric beads and baubles, on a cast many of whom wore posh hippie fringed moccasins. 

“I was imagining the most perfectly dressed host for today. Spending comfortable quality time in an intimate scenario. A private world, not over exposed on social media,” explained a smiling Serafini. Standing before a mood board that included images of Sofia Coppola, Stella Tennant and Tina Chow.
 
“Tina was one of the highest hostess. Nothing nostalgic. I wanted a homage to these free spirits.  I wish we had more of them nowadays,” he stressed.
 

This week Alberta Ferretti also opened of the new flagship store in Milan, in Via Spiga 26, in the heart of the Quadrilatero Della Moda. Spread over two levels, the new boutique is developed around architectural elements that convey the atmosphere of a wardrobe-living room, where the use of a resin, specially made by a Milanese artisan for the walls and floor, creates an “infinite” effect.
 
A precious table in Canaletto walnut and brass with curved lines evokes the world of jewelry. Walnut bookcases are designed to showcase bags and accessories, and day-bed seats featuring an ivory bouclé fabric upholstery, define a relaxing and immersive journey into the brand.