Global vibes

Retailers unite
UNITED KINGDOM: Big name retailers John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Next are among those who have offered a commitment to reduce the environmental impact of the sector. As part of the agreement, the retailers have pledged to reduce the direct environmental impact of their businesses by cutting emissions from buildings and vehicles, cutting water use and reducing waste sent to landfill. They have also agreed to help customers and staff reduce their environmental impact by offering energy efficient products and helping to reduce packaging.

Target's eco moves
UNITED STATES: International retail group Target has announced it will introduce its first line of eco-friendly apparel this northern hemisphere summer across the US. The 60-piece line, which uses 100 per cent certified organic cotton and other natural fibres, was commissioned from designer Rogan Gregory, and will first appear in Barney's stores in New York and Los Angeles before appearing nationwide at Target outlets. Sweatshirts and swimsuits in the Target collection will be priced from $US15 ($A16) to $US45 ($48).

Canadian boycott?
CANADA: Canadian apparel manufacturers have urged consumers to boycott Team Canada Olympic apparel after it was discovered the bulk of the clothing produced for members of Team Canada will be manufactured in China. When contacted by media, the company awarded the production and distribution contract, HBC, said that 80 per cent of all its manufacturing activities have been exported to China. In 2006, a similar controversy broke out during the preparation of Italy's Torino Games.

Brazil and US join
BRAZIL: Textile and apparel executives from Brazil and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding which aims to increase partnerships between their two industries following a meeting in Washington. The agreement, which came during a one-day summit 'Textiles and Clothing: US-Brazil Dialogue on the Challenges of Globalisation', also looked at the need to integrate trade relationships throughout the hemisphere and around the world. The summit followed a session of the US-Brazil CEO Forum on April 28, which aimed to strengthen bilateral economic and commercial relations.

Mango collaboration
SPAIN: International fashion brand Mango has announced plans to team with English actress Elizabeth Hurley on a capsule collection. The former model has designed a limited edition swimwear range for the chain available in selected stores across the globe from yesterday (May 15). The 'Elizabeth Hurley for MNG' collection includes swimsuits, bikinis and kaftans and a small range of accessories such as bags, sunglasses, sandals and costume jewellery. The move follows news US brand The Gap has enlisted five designers - including Philip Lim and LA menswear team Band of Outsiders - on a new collaboration which will see the designers take a white shirt and re-invent it.