Textiles in Fashion and Function

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

— Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer

ashion and function are the future of textiles. While people love a great outfit for a special event, their daily go-to prioritizes comfort first, then fashion. This mindset is taking precedence in designer clothing decisions – function is truly the new black. Reasons include the work-fromhome and work-from-anywhere boom, an emphasis on sustainable and ethical fashion, and an increased focus on prioritizing physical and mental health. These are making way for trends in athleisure wear, relaxed fits, loungewear, and more. But don’t get me wrong, we all still want to look good, and we also want our living spaces to reflect our fashion sense, too.

FIn this issue, we see the yin/yang of fashion and function play out in the universe, quite literally. Adrian Wilson explores the brave new world where astronauts wear Prada on page 16. As space programs gain mainstream support, industries like fashion are following suit. Recently, a group of prominent women in the U.S. toured space in a commercial flight, yet captured more attention for their sleek blue astro-wear. Their suits didn’t require life support functions, allowing fashion sense to take the lead.

Now, in a historic collaboration, the design team at Prada have entered the spacesuit fashion show, taking a leading role in outfitting astronauts with functional, fashionable, and advanced high-tech fabrics featuring their signature designer details. Astronauts will be ready for prime time television as much as they are prepared to ‘boldly go into new worlds.’

Also in this issue, Geoff Fisher explores how the fashion vs. function mentality is redefining automobile interiors, on page 20. The future of car design is less about driving and more about living. As automation advances, drivers will have time to relax, read, or browse devises in a personal space designed to enjoy. Interiors are being outfitted with luxurious textiles, distinctive seat designs, and high-end materials with refined finishes. Durability is blending with fashion to create very cool environments.

Tackling a growing problem, Sanjay Wahal, PhD shares research on “The Transformative Potential of Gene-Edited LowLignin Trees,” on page 24. The pulp and paper sector is a significant contributor to global industrial greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the energy- and chemicallyintensive process of lignin removal during pulping. The large-scale adoption of lowlignin trees could substantially reduce the carbon footprint of pulping operations.

Adrian Wilson also shares his review of the Kingpins Show on page 31, highlighting how jeans are evolving with innovation, such as graphic printing on denim and advanced recycling techniques. Sustainability remains top of mind for the supply chain, from eco-friendly dyeing processes to denim recovery for recycling.

Keep an eye on the emerging hubs of Africa (p. 34) and India (p. 12) as both regions are trending up with fascinating innovations in textiles and nonwowens.

End of year industry events are bursting with ideas. AT Expo, ITMA Asia + CITME, and OUTLOOK are establishing that they are must-attend for any company elevating their business. (See previews on p. 52.)

Until next time! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at csmith@inda.org with ideas, an article pitch, or thoughts on this issue!

Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFJ

2025-26 BUYER’S GUIDE NOW UPDATED ON PAGE 55! https://www.fiberjournal.com/ buyers-guide/

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.fiberjournal.com/ subscription/