#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-03-12

Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® wins the iF Design Award 2026

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereinafter “YKK”) is proud to announce that its Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® has been awarded the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, an award that recognizes excellence in design and quality, organized by iF Design Foundation.

Established in 1954 in Germany, the iF Design Award is one of the world’s most prestigious international design awards. For the 2026 awards, more than 10,000 entries were submitted from 68 countries and regions, and a rigorous evaluation was conducted by a jury of 129 design experts.

The Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® enable damaged VISLON® zippers to be repaired by attaching die‑cast replacement elements with a dedicated tool when individual elements come off the zipper tape. By introducing these elements together with dedicated tools, brands’ repair centers can perform repairs more efficiently, significantly reducing repair time by allowing only the damaged element to be replaced rather than removing and replacing the entire zipper. The product received particularly high evaluations in the Sustainability and Idea categories, leading to this award.

Further information about the Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® can be found on the official ifdesign.com website under “Winners & iF Ranking” and in the “YKK DIGITAL SHOWROOM”.

Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® © 2026 YKK

YKK subsidiary Golden Hill Tower Limited marks 25 years of operations in Myanmar

Golden Hill Tower Limited, a subsidiary of YKK Corporation, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a ceremony in Myanmar on September 21, 2026. The event brought together approximately 230 guests, including senior executives from the YKK Group, to commemorate the company's development since the launch of its serviced apartment business in November 2000.

YKK launches no. 3 size of QuickFree® click-TRAK® magnetic zipper globally

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has begun the global rollout of the No. 3 size of its QuickFree® click-TRAK® Magnetic zipper, expanding availability beyond China for the first time. While maintaining the same functionality and ease of operation, the No. 3 size is approximately 60% the size of the No. 5 size *1. This enables applications in lightweight garments, sportswear, hooded apparel, and other similar uses.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

MarediModa highlights transparency and traceability with InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S.

The InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S. exhibition at MarediModa 2026 in Cannes focused on transparency, traceability and the measurable values behind fashion products. Its Decalogue of Values aims to make environmental, social and production-related information more accessible throughout the textile supply chain.

Vietnam’s market evolution creates new sourcing opportunities at VIATT 2027

As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return 24 – 26 February 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.

Textiles Recycling Expo USA 2027 opens registration and expands with manufacturing exhibition

The second edition of Textiles Recycling Expo USA will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a debut that attracted more than 1,800 visitors and 95 exhibitors, the event will expand its exhibition and conference programme and will be held alongside the new Textiles Manufacturing Expo.

White House reduces production planning time by up to 80% with Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan

Indian garment manufacturer White House has reduced its production planning cycle by 60–80% following the implementation of Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan software. The integrated planning solution provides greater visibility across production, capacity and material requirements while supporting faster decision-making and improved delivery performance.