CLASS, the Milan-based international eco-smart resource platform, has begun the third edition of its World CLASS Tour, presenting the latest trends and promoting partners’ smart textiles to selected brands and retailers.
The tour is supported by the Italian Trade Commission, which will provide spaces in New York, Madrid, Paris and London for presentations and meetings. In Copenhagen, CLASS has partnered with the Danish Fashion Institute for its venue and networking opportunities.
The tour ends a three-day kickoff in Milan on Thursday, them moves on to Madrid Sept. 23 and 24, followed by Copenhagen on Sept. 28 and 29, London from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, New York on Oct. 6 and 7, Paris on Oct. 9 and ends in Dubai on Nov. 1 to 4.
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The Dubai entry is new this year and came about as Giusy Bettoni, founder and chief executive officer of CLASS — which stands for Creativity, Lifestyle And Sustainable Synergy — was appointed ecological textile advisor to the board of the Arab Fashion Council, a nonprofit organization that represents 22 Arab countries that aim to promote and disseminate creatively about the fashion industry of the Arab world.
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In addition, CLASS has launched CLASS Education, meant to share knowledge, introduce ideas and present smart eco-solutions to fashion professionals and motivate them to transform their current business models.
CLASS Education will offer customized short and long-term programs centered in Milan that specialize in design synergy, innovative textile research and strategic communication. The programs will focus on a new generation of textile technologies and training that include on-site textile supply chain assessment, hands-on material analysis, luxury fashion tours and interactive eco-fashion workshops. Using a design-centered approach, the programs integrate responsibility as part of a progressive business model that generates a sustainable preference in today’s changing marketplace.
CLASS Education is the brainchild of Bettoni and James Mendolia, assistant professor of fashion marketing at The New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York.
Bettoni said Mendolia’s “extensive background in curriculum development and sustainable practices provides a superb opportunity for us to design CLASS Education programs that encourage fashion professionals to make smart choices and integrate sustainability into their organizations.”
In January, using the Milan Headquarters as a base, CLASS Education will offer its first program, “Innovative Textile Solutions: Eco-Fashion Workshop,” for fashion designers, merchandisers, product developers, sourcing specialists and textile technicians.