Fashion
JAAF hails UK origin rule reforms for Sri Lankan apparel exports
The reforms will allow Sri Lankan manufacturers to source up to 100 per cent of inputs for garments from any country worldwide while continuing to enjoy tariff-free access to the UK market. This represents a significant upgrade to existing trade arrangements, reducing restrictions on processing and aligning Sri Lanka’s apparel sector with the same rules available countries enjoying ‘Comprehensive Preferences’ under the DCTS.
Sri Lanka’s Joint Apparel Association Forum hailed the UK’s plan to liberalise rules of origin under the DCTS from 2026, allowing garment makers to source 100 per cent of inputs globally while retaining tariff-free UK access.
The move boosts competitiveness, jobs, and exports, with officials noting stronger trade ties and benefits for brands, consumers, and Sri Lanka’s economy.
The UK remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important export destinations for apparel. The simplified rules will enable manufacturers to compete more effectively in global markets, diversify sourcing strategies, and maintain consistent access to UK buyers. The changes will also support Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted, value-added supplier within global fashion supply chains, JAAF said in a release.
“This reform is a timely recognition of Sri Lanka’s role as a resilient and responsible sourcing destination. By removing restrictions on input sourcing, the UK has levelled the playing field for our manufacturers, giving them the flexibility to deliver greater value to global brands and UK consumers alike. We see this as an opportunity to expand trade, strengthen industry competitiveness, and secure more jobs and livelihoods across Sri Lanka’s apparel sector,” JAAF secretary general Yohan Lawrence, said welcoming the announcement.
JAAF acknowledged the constructive engagement between the UK High Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Sri Lankan apparel industry in advocating for this change. The new rules are expected to boost exports, improve efficiency, and strengthen the long-standing trade partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka.
The apparel industry is Sri Lanka’s largest export earner, directly employing over 350,000 people and supporting the livelihoods of more than a million across its value chain. Liberalised trade arrangements such as this ensure the sector continues to drive the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth.
“We are pleased to confirm further details of the reforms to the DCTS. I know from my discussions with the JAAF, Sri Lankan manufacturers and UK brands that the changes are likely to have a significant positive impact on garment sector in Sri Lanka, while helping lower prices on the UK high street,” said British high commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, as quoted by local media.
“The upcoming changes to the DCTS will further strengthen Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK. This is a particular success story for Sri Lanka’s garment industry where the proposed changes will mean that more of Sri Lanka’s garment exports to the UK could qualify for zero tariffs. The Council for Business with Britain is very supportive of these changes and looks forward to continuing our work with businesses to promote trade between the UK and Sri Lanka,” Mark Surgenor, president of the council for business with Britain, added.
The Developing Countries Trading Scheme provides preferential trading arrangements for 65 developing countries. Sri Lanka currently enjoys Enhanced Preference status, offering tariff reductions across multiple product categories.
In addition to the garment-specific reforms, the UK announced in June the creation of a new Asia Regional Cumulation Group of 18 countries that Sri Lanka can source from for other eligible products. Inputs sourced from within this group will be treated as originating in Sri Lanka, supporting greater value addition and wider access to preferential tariffs, according to local media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Published
January 15, 2026
Designer Soshi Otsuki won himself a huge ovation at the key gala show of Pitti Uomo on Thursday after presenting a brilliant collection that celebrated classic western tailoring, even as it subverted its codes.
A tour de force of draping, cutting, and silhouette, this fall 2026 collection from his brand Soshiotsuki was definitely a major fashion statement.
In a moment of volume in menswear, Otsuki opened the action with a perfectly judged trio of to-die-for double-breasted suits with peak lapels in crepe and fine wool in various shades of grey- cement, mud, or dove.
He cut his jackets to end well below the hip and his trousers were something else. Made with a half-dozen front pleats, they were elephantine but never outrageous. Otsuki is such a great natural tailor, the exaggeration merely added to the elegance.
Soshi is no slouch when it comes to leather either. From his copper-hued leather rock god suit to his cocoon style leather bomber jacket. And, just when you thought he was playing a little too safe, he sent out some fab jeans, so degraded they almost looked moth-eaten. Tokyo street style meets sartorial Italian.
Playing on couture techniques, the designer also whipped up several bias-cut green corduroy blazers and suits marrying Japanese eccentricity and British aplomb.
The show was the latest Italian/Japanese marriage at this edition of Pitti that began with a Sebiro Sanpo tailoring association Japanese suit march inside the Fortezza da Basso, the giant fortress where the salon is staged. Remarkably, Otsuki has never actually studied suiting formally, but he somehow understands it instinctively.
The soundtrack, culled from composer Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack to Takeshi Kitano’s 2000 gangster movie Brother, featured a beautifully yearning saxophone solo. It would have felt just right for one of Douglas Sirk’s 1950s melodramas starring Rock Hudson. One almost expected Rock to take the final passage.
Presented inside the beautiful Refetterio Santa Maria della Novella, a looming Gothic refectory at the back of the legendary Renaissance Basilica, this was a bravura display.
Altogether, a bases loaded, home run, smash hit collection. One could say it felt like a star is born moment in menswear, except that Soshi Otsuki was already acclaimed. He is the latest winner of the LVMH Prize.
Talk about backing up winning an award with a great fashion statement.
Copyright © 2026 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Published
January 15, 2026
Luxury skincare brand Genaura has promoted Nicola Young to managing director, moving up from chief marketing officer following the brand’s product launch to market in September.
Young’s promotion is underscored by “an impressive career”, which has included senior positions at Carlton Screen Advertising, marketing director at Jazz FM and Magic 105.4FM, and group director of Marketing at radio conglomerate Global Player.
Most notably, her beauty industry involvement included director of Media UK at Estée Lauder Co.
Young said the launch of Genaura “has the potential to revolutionise the beauty and wellness sector… my experience in this field has helped drive the marketing vision so far, and I look forward to progressing even further”.
She added: “Looking to… the growth of Genaura, I am excited to scale and innovate whilst remaining authentic to the scientific background of the product, planning global recognition of this revolutionary ingredient exclusive to Genaura.”
Available in the UK currently, the business has “aspirations for 2026 and beyond… extending skincare products within the range.”
Genaura claims to be a “world first in skincare”, with its Genaura Levagen + Smart Face serum “boasting a powerhouse formula alongside patented technology… creating an ‘age-proofing’ approach to the skin and supporting the skin’s natural barrier function”.
Copyright © 2026 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
One of India’s leading integrated home textile manufacturers, is strengthening its presence in Europe as it showcases its latest collections at Heimtextil 2026, the world’s largest trade fair for home and contract textiles, being held in Messe’ Frankfurt from January 13–16, 2026. The participation underlines Trident’s focus on expanding its European footprint amid improving trade prospects driven by proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs between India, the UK and the European Union)
Trident is strengthening its European presence by showcasing its TG ‘Visible Invisible’ collection at Heimtextil 2026, highlighting sustainability, AI and design-led innovation.
Backed by proposed India-UK-EU FTAs and new Directors in Germany and France, the company is deepening ties with European retailers and gaining strong buyer interest.
At Heimtextil, Trident is presenting its TG collection, built around the theme “Visible Invisible”, which brings together contemporary design, sustainability and innovation. The showcase highlights how everyday home textiles are shaped by thoughtful design choices, responsible sourcing and advanced manufacturing, aligned with the evolving expectations of European consumers. This year at Heimtextil – sustainability and AI in Home Textile would be in focus.
Commenting on the company’s European strategy, Abhishek Gupta CEO Strategy & Marketing Trident Group, said, “Europe is a strategic market for our home textiles business. With favourable trade developments on the horizon, we are investing in local leadership and showcasing collections that reflect European preferences for sustainability, quality and design. Our participation at Heimtextil reinforces our commitment to long-term growth in the region.” He furthered “Europe continues to be a key market for Trident, supported by mature retail ecosystems, growing demand for sustainable products and increasing diversification of sourcing. The global home textiles market is estimated at USD 136–140 billion, with steady growth expected over the coming years. Against this backdrop, Trident is positioning itself to deepen partnerships with European retailers and scale its business responsibly”.
To support this expansion, Trident has strengthened its local presence with the appointing of dedicated Directors for Germany and France, enabling closer engagement with customers, faster response times and stronger on-ground relationships across key markets.
Trident’s Heimtextil showcase draws inspiration from Indian aesthetics and modern global trends, translating emotions such as comfort, joy and strength into bath and bed linen collections. The TG range features responsibly sourced cotton, performance-led finishes and contemporary colour palettes, and has received encouraging interest from buyers across Germany, France, the UK and other European markets during the fair
With favourable trade tailwinds, a strong design-led offering at Heimtextil, and enhanced European leadership, Trident is well placed to accelerate its growth journey in the European home textiles market.
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)
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