1.

Shoeller Textiles, the leading manufacturer of functional fabrics, presents new

fashionably styled lifestyle fabrics with the botanical Tencel fibre that is said to offer
silkiness and soft feel, flowing drape and the unique clothing comfort. Outstanding moisture
absorption combined with optimum skin sensory properties guarantee a feeling of
wellbeing, the manufacturer reports. With great level of softness, the new bi-elastic
schoeller-shape qualities are offered in classic plain colours, denim-inspired or organically-
structured fantasy prints. Tencel is a performance fibre of botanical origin, as it is made
from wood. The production of the fibres is environment friendly and accomplished within a
closed cycle. Produced by Lenzing, Tencel fibre technology is said to offer alternative to
materials like cotton, silk and linen in terms of its performance characteristics, such as
absorbency, softness and cool feel.

2. The Woolmark Company presents the latest fabric innovations in Merino Wool made from
100% Australian Merino wool, it is designed to deliver a unique high-performance machine-
washable fabric, which is resistant to wind and rain. Using the latest technology, the wool is
spun into yarn before being woven into Merino. “Research and development have always
been an integral part of The Woolmark Company's operations,” said Rob Langtry, The
Woolmark Company Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. “MerinoPerform WP represents
a significant development in the sports and outdoor sector, creating a fabric ideal for outer-
wear apparel. The fabric super-contracts during the dyeing and finishing process which
creates a highly compact fabric with enhanced water and wind resistance.” In addition,
lightweight knitted Merino wool fabrics for Spring/Summer and indoor use will also be on
display. The Woolmark Company is working to spread the message that wool is also a fibre
for warmer climates and indoor activity. Trans-seasonal and high performance “Wool is a
trans-seasonal, high-performance fibre and the natural choice for sports and outdoor wear,”
explained Mr Langtry. “Next-to-skin Merino wool apparel provides a high level of comfort,
suitable for those seeking a sense of wellbeing in a broad range of leisure and sporting
activities and wool’s natural properties such as moisture management and odour resistance
make it a fibre of choice for athletes.”

3. Italy's Argar Technology, which specialises in research and development of protective

knitted fabrics, has developed Tes-firESD-HV, a new range of protective knitted fabrics
featuring intrinsic flame retardant, antistatic, arc flash protection functional specification,
now with the addition of High Visibility property.The company has also joined the voluntary
system TF-Traceability & Fashion, obtaining the Certificate of Conformity for its protective
knitted fabrics for technical and safety workwear, in several production lines and
certifications. The system allows consumers to choose and purchase a product safely,
knowing exactly how it has been made, find out about the origin of raw materials and the
localization of the production steps, as stated on the label.

4. A British firm called Intelligent Textiles, has recently presented its latest invention - a
military uniform made of electrically conductive fabric that can transmit data and electricity
It should be noted that the fabric does not contain any wires - it is actually a conductive
yarn. This means that even if the fabric is cut in several places it will still continue
functioning properly. The first step in using the fabric involved the integration of the
conductive yarn into a military vest, shirt, backpack, helmet and gloves. The idea behind the
invention is that any soldier will have the possibility to carry and recharge a single battery
pack with the latter being used to charge all electronics a soldier carries without any extra
cables.The invention has already been tested, and additional trials in the field are expected
to take place later this year. The yarn will most likely be deployed by 2014 or 2015.The
resulting products are said to manage the often-divergent demands of many environments,
which could be hot or cold, wet or dry, more reliably – for superior comfort and durability.

5. Spanish fashion designer Manel Torres is the man behind the world’s first spray-on
clothing, which is applied directly on the body and can be washed and worn again just like
your regular clothes. The sprayable fabric envisioned by Manel Torres consists of short
fibers mixed with a solvent, which allows them to be applied from a can or a high-pressure
spray gun. The spray also contains polymers that bind the fibers together forming a
wearable material. Its texture can vary depending on the type of fibers used (wool, acrylic,
linen, etc.). Some of you may be put off by the fact that the fabric is very cold when sprayed
on the body, but the fact that it hardens almost instantly forming a brand new t-shirt of a pair
of pants, makes it all bearable. Another thing many people have been wondering ever since
the designer showcased his spray-on clothing is weather it works for hairy people. During a
presentation for TEDx Talks, he assured everyone that hair doesn’t stick to his wonder
material.

6. Textile has always been one of the indispensables of our lives. The concept of design
was always there.Then technology was invovled and eventually came the mass producton.
With the inclusion of synthetic raw materilas to the textile world, vision of design expanded
beyond dreams and now Fiber Optics are intruduced to us. With Fiber Optics, engineers
and designers have come up with quite creative ideas of modifying our daily lives by
integrating it into a woven fabric. It’s doubtlessly fascinating that, usage of this facility
revealed the possibility of telemedicine, which suggests; monitoring and treatment of
humans those in post-operative recovery, geriatric patients, mentally ill patients, children
susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome and individuals prone to allergic reactions,
and these are just a few forseen examples. Army, Police Departments and Fire
Departmens will also be capable of monitoring their staff during a healthcare situation.
Another major concequence of this new invention is of course its commercial side. Wouldn’t
it be great if you possessed an armchair that glows at night and you could change its color
within seconds, or a table cloth, a cushion, a curtain, a panel, a rug or even an umbrella
with the same qualifications? Maybe you would like to wear garments or use a backpack of
that kind on which you can display constantly changing colors and images. And these,
brings to mind the fact that, advertisement and entertainment sectors will also be one of the
most to benefit from this innovation.