Textile Insight

M ay you live in interesting times" is a Chinese curse that first came to my attention years ago while experiencing a particularly topsy-turvy stretch of life. e ancient adage has stayed with me ever since, during ups and downs, becoming front and center in 2020. This concept of "interesting times" aligns with today's textile business. In this issue of Textile Insight execs offer reflections, resolutions and realities about the state of the industry in 2023. For the most part, members of our textile community are encouraged by what the year will bring, although fully aware of challenges, both big and small, that exist. Indeed, company leaders are finding reason for optimism this season, which is rather extraordinary considering the upheaval Covid le in its wake. But then again, the textile industry has survived surges of turbulence throughout its long history and has learned how to live, and even thrive, in interesting times. Trend strategist Tsveti Enlow features as our Trendsetter in this issue of the magazine. Her insights and inspirations are informative and thoughtful. For example, she believes that the future of apparel will link the mind with the body to provide solutions for a more mindful approach to performance. Turn to page 26 for our Q&A with Tsveti. We get more perspective on textile developments in our Strategies story on page 32. Writer Debra Cobb recaps a Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA) conference where execs shared observations about the year ahead including a handful of top players who offered thoughts on the future of the trade. Two stories that do a great job targeting current industry challenges are a debut marketing column, called e Edge, and our Technology feature that explores the PFAS problem. You'll find these timely stories on pages 12 and 34 respectively. I began this column with a curse, so I'll end with something fortuitous. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, according to the Chinese zodiac. The rabbit is considered a gentle animal that thinks before acting. e Year of the Rabbit represents peaceful and patient energy, although instabilities in the year may result. Interesting! n An Old Adage for Modern Times The Year of the Rabbit represents peaceful and patient energy, although instabilities in the year may result. TEXTILE TALK / EMILY WALZER 4 • Textile Insight ~ Winter 2023 textileinsight.com Working alongside global manufacturers, we're designing, developing, and delivering the most sustainable textile innovations to build better performance apparel. Collaborating with mills. Revitalizing the outdoors.

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