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)
Ind-Ra expects sector revenues to grow around 9 per cent year on year (YoY) in FY26 and 10.5 per cent YoY in FY27 following uneven and subdued growth through FY24 and early FY25; the growth in FY25 was 8 per cent YoY.
Ind-Ra expects India’s apparel retail sector revenues to grow around 9 per cent YoY in FY26 and 10.5 per cent YoY in FY27 following uneven and subdued growth through FY24 and early FY25.
Premium, branded and ethnic players are expected to see steadier, high single-digit growth trends.
Ind-Ra feels value retailers will outperform other segments within apparel, with robust revenue growth.
Ind-Ra feels value retailers will outperform other segments within apparel, with robust revenue growth through healthy same store sales growth and rapid store additions, albeit at a lower profitability.
Healthy growth in operating profit coupled with strong inventory turns is expected to result in value retailers demonstrating stronger-than-industry return indicators and credit metrics.
Premium, branded and ethnic players are expected to see steadier, high single-digit growth trends as consumer confidence rebuilds with a better spread out wedding calendar than in FY26 and early signs of normalisation seen in the first nine months of FY26.
Listed apparel retail players from Ind-Ra’s sample set reported revenue growth of around 10 per cent YoY in these nine months as the government’s consumption push through lower taxation and mild inflation resulted in higher disposable income and improved affordability.
The operating profit margins also improved to 15.6 per cent in the nine months compared to 15.2 per cent in FY25 due to various cost optimisation measures adopted by companies.
Organised retailers are pivoting from aggressive expansion to productivity-led growth. After elevated store additions in FY24-FY25, Indian apparel retailers are moderating store roll-outs, sharpening site selection, right-sizing formats and targeting faster ramp-ups of recent openings, with omni-channel execution and scalable franchise models enhancing reach and capital efficiency, Ins-Ra said in a press note.
It expects store additions to ease to nearly 7 per cent YoY in FY26 and 6 per cent YoY in FY27, even as retail area continues to rise by 9 per cent YoY in FY26 and by 9.5 per cent YoY in FY27, reflecting larger average store sizes and assortments designed to lift footfalls, average transaction values and sales per square foot.
Value and luxury segments are set to lead sector performance. Value formats benefit from GST rationalisation at lower price points, improved affordability, and rising private-label penetration, while luxury gains from a widening affluent base and deeper global-brand access.
Fast fashion continues to capture Gen-Z-led, content-driven demand. Casual and athleisure remain ahead of ethnic-casual and formal wear, in line with comfort- and lifestyle-led dressing trends.
Ind-Ra expects profitability to improve gradually as cost optimisation, better sourcing/mix, disciplined advertising and marketing promotions, and operating leverage offset residual pressures from expansion and fixed costs.
The working capital cycle for value retailers is likely to improve YoY in FY27, due to higher inventory turns and improved store level operating metrics.
Overall, as the consumption upturn broadens and retailers prioritise productivity over pace, Ind-Ra expects a stable, sustainable improvement in revenues and operating metrics for organised apparel retailers over FY26–FY27.
The luxury segment is also expected to benefit from an increase in target customer segment through widening affluent base and deeper global-brand access.
Mid-premium and several incumbent retailers witnessed slower growth in FY25, due to entry price mix-shifts and loss of market share to value retailers. This, coupled with investments in store format revamps, has stressed their margin profiles. Profitability pressures and a dip in inventory turns have slightly weakened credit metrics for segment players.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
He was addressing the Canada-India Forum in Mumbai. He is on a four-day visit to India.
“This is an enormous opportunity for both our countries.. but it is one that is about to move to the next level. We should aim much higher, and we are aiming much higher, and to be more strategic in our partnership. And that’s why, immediately after my election last year, our government set out to renew our relationship with India,” he was cited as saying by Indian media outlets.
PM Mark Carney during the Canada-India Forum in Mumbai said Canada is negotiating a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with India to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.
It is expected to be signed by 2026 end.
Canada could also be India’s strategic partner in critical minerals and metals for the latter’s manufacturing, clean tech and nuclear industries, he noted.
As the visit’s focus is on core areas where both sides can work together to create more sovereignty, choice and prosperity, food and energy are the natural first choices, given Canada’s position as a food and energy superpower, Carney said.
It also extends to nuclear co-operation, from being the most reliable long-term supplier of uranium to building large-scale and small modular reactors, he said.
“We could also be India’s strategic partner in critical minerals and metals for your manufacturing, for your clean tech, and for your nuclear industries. And in the other respect, India can help us to double our grid with clean power by 2040,” he added.
India’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economy aligns well with Canada’s mission to develop and commercialise those technologies to deepen its defence innovation, Carney asserted.
In a separate set of agreements, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar also exchanged several memoranda of understanding covering critical mineral cooperation, promotion of renewable energy use and cultural cooperation.
After India, Carney is scheduled to continue his tour with stops in Australia and Japan, according to the official itinerary released by his government.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
This year’s gala theme, Threads of Impact, underscores the shared vision of FIT and Gap Inc. and recognizes Dickson’s legacy of brand reinvigoration, highlighting his career-long dedication to treating creativity as both a cultural force and a business imperative.
The Fashion Institute of Technology will honour Richard Dickson, president and CEO of Gap Inc., at its Annual Gala on April 14, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City.
Celebrating his brand transformation leadership at Gap Inc. and Mattel, the event supports the FIT Foundation, which awarded over $3 million in scholarships in 2025.
“Gap Inc. is a house of iconic American brands guided by our purpose — to bridge gaps to create a better world. That includes bridging the opportunity gap. FIT embodies that same spirit, bringing education and industry together to unlock talent and expand what’s possible. We’re committed to opening doors, investing in emerging creatives, and building meaningful pathways into this industry for the next generation,” said Richard Dickson, President and CEO, Gap Inc. “I’m truly honored by this recognition and proud to champion the students and future leaders who will shape what’s next in design and fashion.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate Richard Dickson at FIT’s Annual Gala, in recognition of his remarkable achievements and leadership,” said FIT President Jason S. Schupbach. “Richard’s commitment to empowering the next generation reflects the heart of our mission—and inspires the entire FIT community. We are grateful for his generous support, as his work affirms what FIT has always shown: that when industry and education work as one, they are the catalyst for real-world change that shifts our culture.”
Dickson was appointed president and CEO of Gap Inc. in July 2023 and leads the company’s portfolio of iconic American brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Before stepping into this role, he was the president and chief operating officer of Mattel, where he was a lead architect in a global corporate transformation that reinvigorated Mattel’s storied brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, re-enforcing Mattel as a key industry leader and cultural cornerstone. He also served as executive producer of the Barbie movie. While at Mattel, Dickson was appointed to the Gap Inc. Board of Directors in November 2022.
Under his leadership, Gap Inc. is progressing into one of the most celebrated companies in fashion, where purpose and profit are aligned to matter, creating positive impacts for people and the planet. Throughout his career, Dickson has been a committed champion of this belief, earning recognition including The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award and the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose Force for Good Award.
The FIT Annual Gala, attended by distinguished guests and alumni from the fashion and creative industries, benefits the FIT Foundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of FIT students. In addition to facilitating programs and developing new initiatives, the Foundation provided scholarships totaling more than $3 million in 2025.
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)
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