Fashion
Picanol to exhibit at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025
Picanol’s next-generation of OmniPlus-i Connect weaving machine will take the stage for the first time
At ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025, Picanol will showcase its next-gen OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine, setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency and performance.
Visitors can explore four weaving machines, including rapier models, and experience PicConnect, Picanol’s digital platform integrating AI tools for optimized weaving and mill management.
At ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, Picanol is looking forward to unveiling the next-generation OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine, which sets a new benchmark in airjet weaving technology. This latest evolution of this trusted platform demonstrates how Picanol continues to deliver innovative, performance-driven solutions that meet the evolving challenges of modern weaving mills.
“We’re incredibly excited to be showcasing our latest developments at ITMA ASIA + CITME,” explains Johan Verstraete, Vice President Weaving Machines. “A key highlight is the new OmniPlus-i Connect, which integrates groundbreaking innovations across all four of our design principles. One standout feature, EcoBoost, enables energy savings of up to 1.5 kW per weaving machine. This is a true game-changer for mills that are aiming to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. This is not just evolution – it’s setting a new benchmark.”
Whether you’re focused on airjet or rapier weaving, or you’re looking to accelerate your digital transformation, Picanol’s wide range of solutions are designed to help you stay ahead. Visitors will also get a first look at AI-powered applications within the PicConnect platform, which is Picanol’s centralized digital ecosystem that integrates all digital tools and services in one intuitive interface.
What you can expect to see at the Picanol booth:
- Four weaving machines on display:
· 2 OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machines (new version)
· 1 Supermax rapier weaving machine
· 1 Ultimax rapier weaving machine
- Live demonstrations of PicConnect’s unique functionalities
- Expert insights from the Picanol Sales and Service teams
One Ultimax rapier weaving machine with Jacquard will also be featured at the booth of Vandewiele: Hall 2 booth C301.
Visit ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, from October 28-31, 2025, at Singapore Expo, where Picanol will be located in Hall 2 at Booth C204.
Details of the Picanol weaving machines that will be on display at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025:
1. Ultimax-4-R 360 Coating
The ultimate weaving machine for coating weavers, offering highest possible production speeds, top fabric quality and ease of operation.
Warp: Pes 990 den
Density: 18 ends/inch Drawing in width: 137.8 inch
Weft: Pes 990 den
Density: 18 picks/inch
Highlighted features: • BlueTouch display • Gripper stroke measurement • on-loom Picascope • Free Flight with raceboard (VB)• Smart signal lights • Laserstop
Standard: • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Gripper stroke measurement • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled
Monitor package: • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens • Gripper tape monitoring
Optimization package: • Power monitoring • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation • on-loom Picascope
2. Supermax-12-J 380 Saree
The Supermax offers you the perfect solution for weaving top-quality jacquard fabrics, up to 380 cm.
Warp: Pes 50 den
Density: 190 ends/inch Drawing in width: 151.6 inch
Weft: Pes 150 den
Density: 48 picks/inch
Highlighted features: • Free Flight with raceboard (VB) • Mechanical weft cutter • BlueTouch display • Smart signal lights • Climate monitoring • SUMO drive concept
Standard: • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • PicConnect enabled
3. OmniPlus-i Connect-2-P 190 Poplin
A proof how a lighter fabric segment can benefit from the OmniPlus-i Connect platform. Digitization, maximum flexibility, very energy efficient and still running the highest speed.
Warp: Cv Ne 30/1
Density: 62 ends/inch Drawing in width: 67 inch
Weft: Cv Ne 30/1
Density: 56 picks/inch
Highlighted features: • EcoBoost • AirStream • EcoWeft• WeavePilot • o-Leno • Blue22 EasySet prewinders
Standard: • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • AirStream • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled
Monitor package: • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use
Smart savings package: • Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter • Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)
Automation package: • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO) • AutoSpeed • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation
4. OmniPlus-i Connect-4-D-340 Sheeting
A clear example of a high-end sheeting style. Thanks to the unique Air Tucking-In maximum width flexibility is guaranteed. With the OmniPlus-i Connect, the industrial speeds are lifted to an even higher level.
Warp: Co Ne 60/1
Density: 183 ends/inch
Drawing in width: 118.5 inch
Weft: Co Ne 40/1
Density: 104 picks/inch (double pick)
Highlighted features: • SmartShed Pro • AirStream • Electronic Selvedge System (ELSY Pro)
• Air Tucking-In (ATI) • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • BlueTouch display
Standard: • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • AirStream • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled
Monitor package: • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use
Smart savings package: • Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter • Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)
Automation package: • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO)
• AutoSpeed • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation
5. Ultimax-8-J 190 Fashion (Vandewiele – Hall 2 booth C301)
Designed to combine ultimate performance and high-quality output. Ready for the sustainability requirements of tomorrow and with a maximum level of digitization
Warp: Pes 68 f24 den
Density: 130 ends/inch Drawing in width: 74.1 inch
Weft: Pes 135 den
Density: 152 picks/inch
6. PicConnect corner
PicConnect is Picanol’s digital platform, offering a wide range of features, from industrial IoT to service-related applications to optimize your machines and manage your weave room.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion
Interjeans portfolio continues to expand with heritage brand Belstaff
Published
January 16, 2026
New addition at Interjeans: following last year’s arrival of German athletic-luxury brand Bogner, the San Marino-based company in Rovereta, founded in 1992 by Andrea Belletti, is expanding its brand portfolio and has outlined its growth plans to FashionNetwork.com.
“Last November we signed a distribution agreement for the Italian market with Belstaff: a storied brand with motorcycling roots, founded in England in 1924, which I am sure will be a must-have once again. For 2026 we expect encouraging results, driven in particular by this addition,” said Belletti.
“As for Interjeans, we are not considering any company-owned stores beyond the one in Riccione,” the manager continued. “We remain true to our roots, focusing on distribution, but we would like to develop a shop-in-shop format with key customers that would allow us greater control over the product assortment, layout and communication. We are currently present with Lyle & Scott and Superdry in Rinascente and Coin, via concessions, but we would like to extend this format to include Belstaff as well,” Belletti continued.
Interjeans, which closed 2025 with turnover of €39 million, distributes in Italy the brands G-Star Raw, Lyle & Scott, Dr Denim, Karl Lagerfeld (three lines), Bogner, O’Neill, the Greek womenswear brand BSB, and Superdry.
Julian Dunkerton, CEO of the British clothing brand he founded in 2003 in Cheltenham—a label that blends American preppy-vintage style with English elegance—presented the new Superdry collection. It stands out for its clean lines, perfect balance and refined functionality.
Speaking to FashionNetwork.com, the entrepreneur revealed he is very pleased with the results achieved after a major reorganisation.
Dunkerton described it as a “massive shake-up” that has returned the company to profit.
“We have worked hard on the collections and distribution, reviewed the structure, and delisted from the stock market. Today, I feel we are on the right path: there is consistency and a clear awareness of who we are. Our presence at Pitti is fundamental; it is the most important international event in the industry and for us it truly represents the place to be. Next year, I would like to double the size of our space and bring our womenswear offer to Florence as well, which now accounts for 50 per cent of the total. In addition, we plan to open 24 Superdry stores in 2026 with a completely revamped store format that emphasises our British heritage and offers a lighter, brighter, higher-quality aesthetic. We will operate through both franchise agreements and direct management, predominantly in the UK,” concluded the Superdry founder.
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Copyright © 2026 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Fashion
At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli pushes the boundaries between sport and tailoring
Published
January 16, 2026
Pierpaolo Piccioli seems intent on exploring how far the relationship between sport and tailoring can be pushed. On Thursday, the French fashion house unveiled and launched for sale, on its website and in its boutiques, a collaboration with the NBA, the U.S. basketball league. At the same time, ahead of the Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, it presented its lookbook for Autumn 2026.
“I believe that sport is one of the most powerful ways of expressing values such as excellence, integrity and respect. On a pitch or court, people from different backgrounds, cultures and abilities come together under the same rules and with the same goals,” said the creative director of the Kering group house, in a press release.
“This shared space creates a heightened sense of connection and focus, reminding us of the discipline, commitment and intensity that define sport at its highest level.”
For the NBA line, that commitment is expressed through key sportswear pieces reinterpreted in materials such as leather, satin, cotton poplin and Japanese denim, and, in addition to black, in the NBA’s historic colours: red, blue and white. The brand adopts sporting codes by marking T-shirts and coach jackets with the number 10, a nod to the address of its headquarters on Avenue George V in Paris, or with a stylised “B” on the back or over the heart.
But sport permeates the Balenciaga universe well beyond this. The brand’s Autumn 2026 proposal, captured in the streets and métro of Paris by photographer Robin Galiegue, explores the potential of imposing tailored pieces, echoing the house’s past designs, such as cashmere capes and neo-gazar coats, which the creative director is working to revive.

Today, Piccioli goes further and pairs them with techwear pieces. Heavy wool coats and oversized leather jackets are worn over a shorts-and-leggings duo crafted from Probody fabric, which offers moisture-wicking, breathability and antibacterial properties. In the age of wellbeing, this trend runs through most of the looks in the Autumn 2026 collection.
The designer has not forgotten the importance of accessories, either. While these creations are designed for training or yoga, they are also accompanied by a new bag model, the 7, patinated crystal jewellery and exceptional shoes from a collaboration with Manolo Blahnik.
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Copyright © 2026 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.
Fashion
Xreal files patent suit against rival smart glasses maker Viture
By
Bloomberg
Published
January 15, 2026
Xreal Inc., a Chinese pioneer in smart glasses, is suing Viture Inc. for patent infringement in the US, arguing its rival has unfairly capitalized on Xreal’s extensive research and investment in the segment.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in eastern Texas, accuses San Francisco-founded Viture of unlawfully incorporating Xreal’s patented inventions into smart glasses such as the Luma Pro, Luma Ultra, and a high-end pair called The Beast.
Both Xreal and Viture manufacture augmented reality, or AR, glasses that plug into devices like smartphones and laptops, offering viewers a large virtual display for watching movies or handling productivity tasks. Technical specifications like display resolution and field of view- the size of the augmented world you can see at any given time- are often very similar between the two brands.
Their US legal battle comes ahead of what is expected to be a pivotal moment for the segment, with Apple Inc. expected to make its category debut as soon as this year, Bloomberg has reported.
Xreal holds over 800 patent and patent applications worldwide, including dozens in the US and Europe, it said in a statement Thursday announcing the lawsuit. “By comparison, Viture owns approximately or fewer than 70 patent and patent applications globally, with none in the United States or Europe,” it added.
“The lawsuit is not merely about enforcing a single patent,” Xreal said in the statement. “It is about stopping a pattern of intellectual property infringement that undermines the integrity of innovation and endangers continued technological development in this industry.”
Xreal holds more global market share than Viture in the AR eyewear category, according to research firm IDC. But both companies lag far behind Meta Platforms Inc., which has come the closest to mainstream success with its Ray-Ban line of smart glasses.
At the CES technology trade show earlier this month, Xreal unveiled a new entry-level pair of glasses and a co-branded set of glasses developed with Taiwan’s Asustek Computer Inc. It also announced that it’s extending a partnership with Alphabet Inc.’s Google.
Xreal said in the statement that these and other collaborators are “owed confidence that their co-developed products will not also be threatened by infringers attempting to benefit from infringement or undermined by unauthorized usage of IP.”
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