Vol II - Edition II (March 2006)

Central America is changing... We need to stay updated with what is going on in this region to be able to adapt and respond to the market as needed.
We will try our best to provide relevant information. If you have a particular topic that you would like us to search and publish for you, please send us an email: tonymedina@threadandtrim.com

If an apparel company in El Salvador imports fabric from Honduras or Guatemala— which haven’t officially joined CAFTA but are still CBTPA members— that apparel from El Salvador does not have duty-free status when entering the United States. If El Salvador were still a member of CBTPA, that apparel would enter the United States without paying any tariffs.

With U.S. textile duties averaging around 16 percent, that is a big dent in clothing companies’ profit margins. Last year, El Salvador exported nearly $2 billion in goods to the United States, nearly all of which was clothing. “This is crazy,” said Jonathan Fee, a customs attorney in Washington, D.C., who deals with many textile issues. “Everyone wanted a seamless transition between CBTPA and CAFTA, and they’re not getting it.”

Read more...

[TC]² Announces 2006 Summer Internship Program

[TC]² Announces 2006 Summer Internship Program

February 15, 2006

[TC]²’s highly acclaimed student internship study program for rising seniors in apparel and textile management programs at U.S. universities is being re-established this year.  Commencing May 30th, the eight week program will include seminars and hands-on training in various subjects including lean manufacturing concepts, sourcing, pattern development and grading, merchandising, product costing, seams and stitches classifications, and much more. The main focus areas will include Supply Chain Strategies, Product Development, and Business Planning.

Eighty interns participated in similar programs from 1989 to 2000, and many of these individuals are still active in the industry in various capacities. The selected students for 2006 will receive paid travel to Cary, NC, housing, and a stipend during the course of the eight-week internship.  Final selection will be made by the AAFA Human Resources Leadership Council.  Deadline for application submission is March 15th.  To obtain an application, contact Karen Davis at 919.380.2177, or use this form.

Reality TV is driving fashion

Industry thriving on publicity, adding mass market appeal

BRIDGET BYRNE
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - Reality television is turning the fashion world inside out, reshaping it for mass market appeal.

These days, fashion programming covers everything from ordinary folks buying pants that fit, to models, makeup artists and designers revealing backstage secrets, and experts advising how to dress like a star on a secretary's budget.

"It's voracious, the appetite of the public. What was once just a small industry that got a little bit of press has grown up. I do think in part that has to do with reality television," says Stacy London, co-host of TLC's popular makeover series, "What Not to Wear."

"I feel like TV itself is responsible for the sophistication of the mass merchandise out there," says designer Isaac Mizrahi, host of Style's "Isaac" talk show and E!'s "Live from the Red Carpet."

Meanwhile, scripted TV is affecting fashion less than it did back in the days of "Dynasty" or "Miami Vice" because the shows are produced weeks, even months before they air. Today's ever-changing styles can easily overtake that lag, with excess exposure almost making them `out' before they are truly `in.'

Besides, most people probably don't want to dress like a "CSI" lab worker or a Boston lawyer. "Sex and the City," where trendy New Yorkers mixed-and-matched designer chic with off-the-rack funk, was probably the last scripted show to have fashion clout. Read the rest of the article

NEW products at Scovill

Duramark™ Washer Style Burrs

Available in both round and irregular shapes.

Wide size range:  Ligne sizes 15, 18, 24, 27, 32

Attached with:  1902 Tubular Rivet, 8697 (copper 5067 Rivet)

Base Metal:  Brass             

Finish: All standard finishes

Manufacturing location Clarkesville: 15L regular round washer, logo can be stamped on both sides §18L, 24L, 27L, 32L TBRJ style, round, raised center, stamped on one side only. 

Manufacturing location China/Sourced: Other shapes and sizes available upon development.

Attachment methods:  Manual, Semi-automatic and automatic machines.

Attaching machines:  Automatic feed unit available for 15L washer burr and all TBRJ style except 32L

Attaching limitations:  Please refer to pinch chart issued by QC

Pricing:   Please check with Angela Savage for pricing

Modified Nipple Burr  

Characteristics:

Bulb is cylinder shaped instead of coned shaped on our traditional 783 burr

Bulb hole entrance on burr is large

Rim on bottom of flange is shorter than 783

Ligne size: 15

Manufactured in Shajing

Attached with:  5067 rivet onl

Maximum foundation limit: .140”

Minimum foundation limit: .050”

Basic pinch: .180”

Overall setting pinch: .295”

Base Metal:  Brass

Finish: All standard finishes

Attachment methods:  Manual, Semi-automatic and automatic machines.

Automatic machine: 7057-6U-15 SA with die # 66256

Attaching Limitations: Please refer to pinch chart issued by QC

Modified Socket

Klikit Ring Sockets provide a smoother, more consistent snap action than segmented sockets.  Repeated snaps have a minimal affect on snap action as opposed to segmented sockets that significantly weaken after the first few snaps. 

Klikit sockets are more durable than traditional segmented sockets.  The protected ring is not as exposed to elements that can affect snap quality.

Klikit unique design allows for a greater range of applications and foundations - up to 20% thicker than segmented sockets.

Klikit capped prong and socket combination exceed the CPSC and European standards by 25%.

Klkit is produced by Scovill in our own factory to exacting standards.

Klikit offers a complete line of standard snap products which are available in a Nickel Free finish.

Potential customers:

High-end garment brand owners, retailer and manufacturers.

Producers interested in offering top quality snap fasteners on their garments.

Niche manufacturers such as boutique and design shops