According to the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Trade, category-wise, exports of knitted and crocheted garments (HS **) fell *.* per cent to $*.*** billion, while woven apparel and accessories (HS **) dropped *.* per cent to $*.*** billion, indicating sharper weakness in structured and formalwear segments. Knits continue to account for the larger share, but even this relatively resilient segment is now losing momentum.

March data signalled a sharper deterioration in momentum. Knitted apparel exports dipped **.* per cent year on year to $***.** million, while non-knitted exports declined **.* per cent to $***.** million. Combined shipments under HS ** and HS ** fell **.** per cent to $*.*** billion during the month, pointing to weakening order flows towards the end of the quarter.

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrated 50 years of the AAFA American Image Awards last evening in New York City at the historic Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan. The gala honored fashion leaders from across the industry and was emceed by Emmy-winning journalist, Alina Cho. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Foundation is the event’s longstanding charitable beneficiary.

The 2026 American Image Awards celebrated honorees including Fabletics as Company of the Year, accepted by Adam Goldenberg, Co-Founder and CEO; Zac Posen as Designer of the Year; Timberland as Fashion Maverick, accepted by Nina Flood, Global Brand President; Avery Dennison as Global Innovator, accepted by Bill Toney, Vice President, Advanced Technology, Solutions Group; Trailblazer co-recipients  Josue Solano, CEO of BBC International and Seth Campbell, Corporate President of BBC International; AFIRM Group was honored as Eco-Steward of the Year, accepted by Nathaniel Sponsler, Director; and the Icon Award was presented to Ruben Toledo.

AAFA’s 50th American Image Awards highlighted a future-focused industry shaped by innovation, sustainability and collaboration.
Leaders stressed regulatory readiness, AI-driven transformation and evolving partnerships.
Honourees reflected resilience and creativity, signalling a more accountable, diverse and globally connected fashion landscape.

Throughout the program, speakers and honorees alike emphasized community, incredible change over the decades, and a bright outlook for the future of the industry, ever-more global, more diverse, and more accountable. Emcee Alina Cho set that tone at the outset, stating, “Tonight’s honorees represent the very best of what this industry can be; designers, executives, visionaries, and strategists, who honor the craft while having the courage to evolve it.”

Momentum built with Nathaniel Sponsler, Director of the AFIRM Group, the Eco-Steward of the Year honoree, underscoring the importance of continued leadership in addressing evolving environmental challenges. “Chemicals will always be a sensitive issue for apparel and footwear,” he said. “We must demonstrate leadership and stay ahead of these issues as they continue to get more attention from regulators and the public. In many ways it feels like our work is only beginning.”

AAFA’s Chair Joe Preston, President and CEO, New Balance Athletics, Inc. introduced BBC International CEO Josue Solano and Corporate President Seth Campbell accepting the evening’s dual Trailblazer honors for their work pioneering dynamic partnerships in the footwear sector. Solano reflected on the company’s proactive approach during recent global uncertainty, noting, “At BBC, we believe there is a time to play offense and there is a time to play defense. You would think that in the past five years where the world seems to be upside down, BBC would have taken the position to play defense.” He continued, “but, it has been quite the opposite.” This mindset, he explained, helped define a “new North Star” for the company.

Reinforcing a future forward perspective, Campbell highlighted the opportunity that lies ahead. “As we look ahead, we know the path isn’t set — and that’s what makes it really exciting. We’ll continue to build, to evolve, to work hard and to create new tracks for BBC, just as those before us did.”

AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar then introduced Rosie Rios, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and Chair of the America250 initiative, who thanked AAFA for its partnership and spoke to the scale of the national milestone ahead. “At America250, we have a simple goal: to engage all 350 million Americans for the 250th – a goal we call 350 for 250.”

Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA, the event’s charitable beneficiary, brought to the stage actress Katie Holmes, who joined the evening to present the Designer of the Year honor to Zac Posen. In his remarks, Posen reflected on his creative journey and the partnerships that have shaped his work, while also looking ahead to continued innovation in American fashion. In his closing comments, he said, “What a gift it is to be on this journey with all of you, to continue to extend that invitation, far and wide, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in American fashion.”

A defining and emotional moment of the evening came as legendary artist Ruben Toledo accepted the Icon Award for his role in designing the award statuette presented to each honoree for more than a decade. Created alongside his late wife, fashion designer Isabel Toledo, the statuette remains a lasting symbol of their shared creative vision. In accepting the honor, Toledo made clear the recognition was for them both. “So, to stand here tonight, receiving this… is overwhelming. Because this was never mine. It was ours.” He continued, “And I carry her [Isabel] with me… in every line, every shape, every idea that still finds its way into the world.”

Innovation and technology remained central themes as Bill Toney, Vice President, Advanced Technology, Solutions Group, accepted the Global Innovator honor on behalf of Avery Dennison. Looking ahead to the role of connected products and data, Toney stated, “What started as a simple label now connects the physical and digital — at scale, delivering the ground truth data that will optimize AI in the future. And the most exciting part is, we’re only at the beginning of what’s possible.” He added, “This progress isn’t ours alone. It’s been shared by the companies in this room.”

Bracken Darrell, CEO of VF Corp., next introduced Timberland as the Fashion Maverick honoree. Accepting the award, Global Brand President Nina Flood spoke to the importance of balancing heritage with innovation, reinforcing the evening’s overarching theme. “For us, being a maverick isn’t about standing apart for the sake of it. It’s about standing for something—standing tall in our heritage, rooted in our values, and consistently shaping what comes next.”

The final award of the evening was presented to Fabletics, recipient of the Company of the Year honor. Adam Goldenberg, Co-Founder, President and COO, accepted on behalf of the company, highlighting its continued focus on customer-driven innovation. “From day one, we set out to build not just a great product, but a different kind of business. A membership model built around personalization and value, with the customer at the center of every decision,” said Goldenberg. “A little over a decade later, it’s incredible to see how far that idea has come.”

The evening underscored a clear and consistent message: while the American Image Awards marked a milestone 50th year, the industry it celebrates remains firmly focused on the future — driven by innovation, responsibility, and a shared commitment to continued evolution.

“It’s remarkable to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the American Image Awards and 250 years of American history. What unites us all is our shared thread of excellence in American fashion,” said Steve Lamar, President and CEO of AAFA. “Tonight, we honor iconic brands that have defined that excellence for generations, alongside new voices and innovations that are shaping the future of our industry. As we reflect on these milestones, one thing remains constant: change. What we do best is meet it head-on, rising to the challenge and continuing to innovate.”  

“I’m truly inspired by passionate leaders across our industry whom we celebrate tonight at the American Image Awards” said Joe Preston, chair of AAFA and New Balance President and CEO. “Our industry continues to thrive due to the creative talents of so many across footwear and apparel companies.”

“We are once again proud to celebrate the American Image Awards alongside the American Apparel & Footwear Association, and its exceptional honorees,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President, CFDA. “Our longstanding partnership with AAFA provides the CFDA Foundation an opportunity to support the vital work of advancing the fashion industry from local manufacturing and business grants to scholarships.”

As guests arrived, the red carpet buzzed with energy, drawing fashion executives, designers, influencers, and other notable figures together in anticipation of the evening’s celebration.

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 (MS)

Gap and Victoria Beckham announce a new multi-season partnership, debuting with a Spring collection that sees Gap classics reimagined through Victoria’s unique design lens. Built on the foundations of a modern wardrobe, the collection refines staple pieces with balanced proportions, sharp structure and thoughtful details – designed to inspire confidence while bringing a sense of sophisticated ease to Gap’s iconic essentials.

“To me, Gap is an all-American icon — a brand that has always created timeless pieces for everybody’s wardrobe, with a sharp attention to detail,” said Victoria Beckham. “Bringing my design perspective to those everyday essentials and working with a team that shares that same commitment to craftsmanship and execution has made this collaboration incredibly special.”

Gap partners with Victoria Beckham for a 38-piece spring collection reworking denim, khaki, tees, button-ups, and outerwear with modern tailoring and refined details.
Featuring Arc Jeans, trench coats, bombers, and fleece sets, it launches April 24 globally at $34–$328, with an ’80s–’90s inspired campaign, early access events, and pop-up activations.

The 38-piece collection is anchored in Gap and Victoria Beckham’s shared focus on refined wardrobe building blocks — denim, khaki, tees, button-up, and fleeces — grounded in simplicity, versatility, and precision. The assortment moves from utilitarian-inspired pieces in khaki and green — including skirts, jackets, and pants — to an iconic heavyweight fleece logo set. Denim leads, featuring the Arc Jean, alongside classic straight and capri silhouettes designed to pair with matching denim jackets and shirting.

Additional pieces include a crisp white button-up, structured outerwear, including a trench and bomber, and classic crewneck organic cotton tees. Elevated fabrications and refined construction run throughout, with Victoria Beckham’s VB signature in red stitching appearing as a subtle design detail. The collection will be available in adult sizing XXS–XXL.

“Every collaboration we pursue is rooted in storytelling,” said Mark Breitbard, President and CEO of Gap. “We wanted to work with Victoria Beckham given her iconic influence in the fashion world and the opportunity to reinterpret our iconic pieces through her unique design lens. This partnership feels truly authentic — and that’s where the magic happens. It has allowed us to create pieces we hope our customers feel they have to have.”

The collection will debut with a campaign that draws inspiration from Gap’s archive, referencing defining denim moments and silhouettes from the late ’80s and early ’90s, reworked with a precise, modern point of view. The campaign – shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, directed by Troy Tyler, with creative direction by Isaac Lock and styling by fashion image consultant Alastair McKimm – features models Mica Argañaraz and Lina Zhang. Still photography is paired with social-first documentary-style videos that capture Victoria Beckham speaking candidly about her inspirations, her early connection to Gap, and her approach to the collection.

The?Gap × Victoria Beckham?collection launches April 24 at 9 a.m. ET 6 a.m. PT on Gap.com and select Gap stores globally, with retail pricing from?$34 to $328. The collection will be available across several global markets, including North America, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.

The campaign will roll out globally across out-of-home placements including a billboard in New York’s Times Square alongside digital, in-store, social, earned, and owned channels. Gap will also host launch events and retail activations internationally. Gap Encore members will receive exclusive early access to preview and shop the collection at a pop-up event in New York City on April 23. Cardmembers will also enjoy early access to shop the collection online and in the app that same day.

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)