INVISTA, owner of the Lycra, Thermolite, and Coolmax brands, and an industry leader and innovation driver in the legwear segment, has hosted the 5th edition of Lycra Fiber Moves conference recently, in Lake Como, Italy. INVISTA is a leading, integrated producer of chemical intermediates, polymers, and fibres, headquartered in the US. Held every two years, this exclusive, invitation-only event attracts around 200 representatives from leading knitters, coverers, distributors, brands, retailers and trade media excited to learn about new market insights and trends, as well as INVISTA’s latest innovations for socks and hosiery, the company said in a statement.
Lycra Fiber Moves is a not-to-be-missed seminar where global legwear industry insiders gather for networking, inspiration, and ideas. INVISTA representatives introduced three new hosiery innovations designed to meet consumer needs, add value to any collection, and create new opportunities for business growth.
Lycra Fusion True to you technology is a patent-pending innovation allowing the creation of transparent 3D hosiery that delivers a natural-looking lustre or shine to the legs. The innovation is a combination of a new Lycra Fusion yarn with new knitting construction, therefore combining the ‘no ladder/ no run’ benefits to the premium fit and uniformity of a 3D construction, all in a natural shine sheer hose.
Thermolite Fir technology is a spun dyed black fibre embedded with special ceramic pigments that absorbs the wearer’s infrared radiation and reflects it back to them as heat energy. This improves the body’s heat retention and keeps legs warmer, longer. Knitted with Lycra Black technology, it fulfills consumers’ expectation for true black leggings that won’t fade or wash out after wearing or washing.
Lycra Made to Fit You technology, originally created for knee-highs, is being expanded to offer the same benefits to stay-ups (thigh-highs). The key to delivering enhanced comfort and fit is the top band’s construction, which is engineered to fit a variety of thigh shapes. The hosiery stays in place all day without roll over and dig in, so the wearer experiences a “second skin” effect that will appeal to new consumers and revitalise the category.
The Lycra Fiber Moves conference opened with an exploration of Financial Macro Trends by author and columnist Alan Friedman, followed by a look at Consumer Mega Trends for Millennials by Euromonitor’s Alison Angus. Professor Ada Ferri discussed ‘Garments for Cold Climates’, Anna Borkowicz of Wtin examined ‘Digitalisation in Apparel’, and Euromonitor’s Miles Agbanrin explored ‘The Millennial Consumer and How They Shape Retail’. Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam presented the ‘2019/2020 Fashion Trends for hosiery and socks that are powered by Lycra fibre and Thermolite technology innovations’.
It also hosted the highly anticipated fashion show that brought forecasted 2019/2020 legwear trends to life and showcased the latest INVISTA innovations for hosiery and socks. During the evening’s festivities, key Lycra fibre customers were honoured for their contributions to the legwear industry and their loyalty to the Lycra brand. This year’s award winners are Patrizia Giangrossi, Owner of Pierre Mantoux, and Cathleen Moxham and Antonio Iandolo of Hanes Brands.
