Latest news with #TheCloset
Khaleej Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Meet the Emirati founders of the UAE marketplace for secondhand luxury goods
From a single Louis Vuitton bag to a thriving resale dynasty, Emirati couple Hadir Soliman and Jamal AlObeidli, founders of The Closet, have spent 15 years influencing how consumers in the region perceive luxury. Their business started not from a boardroom, but from a place of frustration. Hadir, the company's visionary founder, was attempting to sell her own Louis Vuitton bag in an online marketplace. 'I quickly became overwhelmed by the number of inquiries I received: questions about the item's measurements, authenticity, purchase details, and more,' she told KT LUXE. The hassle of answering repetitive questions made her realise there was a significant gap in the market for a professional, hassle-free consignment service. And so, The Closet was born to buy and sell authentic luxury products. While she didn't have a traditional fashion background, Hadir was armed with something equally powerful: an entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family of business owners. Her professional experience in heavy industry and large-scale organisations provided a strong foundation in operations and management, skills that have proved invaluable. Her husband and co-founder, Jamal AlObeidli, has a similar background, having gained critical insights into logistics and international export from the world's leading aluminium manufacturers. This combined with his early exposure to retail in his father's hotel-based stores created a formidable partnership. Shifting mindsets When The Closet launched in 2010, the cultural landscape was vastly different. 'In the early days, the concept of consignment was not widely accepted,' Hadir explains. 'Many people were hesitant to sell their pre-owned luxury items because they felt it might reflect financial need.' Similarly, buying secondhand goods carried a stigma in a culture where newness was highly valued. Today, that perception has changed. 'There has been a remarkable shift, especially with the rise of younger, more conscious consumers who are deeply aware of sustainability,' Hadir notes. Social media has also played a key role, making consumers more informed and open to preloved luxury as a smart and stylish choice. The question has evolved from, 'Will anyone really buy my used bag?' to a celebration of circular fashion. Sustainability is the very heart of The Closet's business model. By extending the lifecycle of meticulously crafted luxury goods, the company actively reduces the demand for new production and preserves valuable resources. 'Unlike fast fashion, luxury fashion is built to last,' Hadir says. 'By giving these products a second (or even third) life, we're helping to reduce fashion waste and promote more conscious consumption.' Built on trust What sets The Closet apart in an increasingly crowded market? 'The business was born out of personal experience,' Hadir says. 'Every decision is guided by the question: 'What would we expect as customers?'' As a family-run business free from external investors, it remains agile and deeply connected to its clientele. Transparency is a core value, with clear and fair policies. This customer-centric approach is evident in the company's services: flexible 'Buy Now, Pay Later' options, VAT refunds for tourists, free delivery and returns, and the 'White Glove Service', which offers complimentary home pickups for consignors. However, the most significant differentiator is the brand's lifetime authenticity warranty. 'The fear of buying a counterfeit product is one of the biggest barriers [that keeps] customers [away],' says Hadir. To eliminate this concern, The Closet has established a robust, multi-layered authentication process. Every item is first checked by two independent in-house authenticators. This is followed by a final check using advanced artificial intelligence authentication technology, a system approved and recognised by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. 'If even the slightest doubt exists, we immediately reject the item,' she says. To deter counterfeit submissions, a penalty of up to Dh5,000 is slapped on sellers if the product is a confirmed fake. This expertise is cultivated in-house. The team has built an extensive internal library of counterfeit case studies, and potential authenticators undergo a rigorous three-year training journey before taking on the role. The future is posh Looking ahead, The Closet continues to innovate. At the start of 2025, it introduced 'The Luxe Society', a curated platform dedicated exclusively to brand-new, hard-to-find luxury pieces. This new venture caters to discerning clients seeking unworn investment items, while still benefiting from The Closet's trusted reputation. The strategy is clear: expand both The Closet and The Luxe Society locally and regionally, while continuously elevating the customer experience. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Hadir's advice is direct: 'Build your business on a real need, not just a trend. Trust is everything. Be honest. Be transparent.' She adds, 'Also, know that this industry is much more than just fashion. You need to understand logistics, operations, tech, and customer psychology. It's not all glamorous, but it's deeply rewarding.'
Fibre2Fashion
03-06-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Intertextile & Yarn Expo Shenzhen to promote green, innovative tech
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen, held concurrently with PH Value and BIRD Fashion Fair, will be a focal point for innovative fashion across the fashion spectrum at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian). From 11 – 13 June, in Halls 1 and 9, numerous global exhibitors will showcase a multitude of trendy upstream and downstream products, offering visitors a comprehensive sourcing experience. Spotlighting technological advancement and eco-friendliness, the fairs' fringe programme will feature insightful seminars and forums led by industry experts, aiming to facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of transformative technologies and practices. Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen, to be held from June 11â€'13, 2025, will spotlight innovation, sustainability, and technology with global exhibitors, new zones like Fashion Gallery and The Closet, and 30+ seminars. Highlights include digital fashion, AI trends, and eco-solutions, with Yarn Expo focusing on sustainable yarns. Prior to their opening, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, emphasised the importance of these shows: 'Intertextile Shenzhen and Yarn Expo Shenzhen represent significant opportunities for companies to embrace the shift towards sustainability and innovation within the apparel textile sector. These events are designed to boost collaboration among industry players, enabling participants to effectively navigate the evolving market landscape. With a rich lineup of exhibitors and an engaging fringe programme, we aim to inspire actionable change and promote forward-thinking solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.' Key features of the fair include the debut of two new zones: Fashion Gallery and The Closet. Fashion Gallery will present an extensive selection of ladieswear, casual wear, functional wear & sportswear, lingerie, and original fabrics and designs, as well as technology-infused textile solutions. AiDLab and Nano and Advanced Materials Institute have also confirmed their participation in this dedicated space. Under Fashion Gallery, the Closet will offer fashion designers and garment manufacturers a unique platform to present their cutting-edge creations, nurturing creativity and innovation. The booths will feature the Sustainable Fashion and Apparel Association (SFAA) with a focus on green fashion and sustainable materials, the Hong Kong Fur Federation (HKFF) showcasing award-winning sustainable fur designs, and Mint Studio highlighting young designers. Design, technology and sustainability: key discussions at Intertextile Shenzhen At Textile Dialogue (Hall 1) and Talking Point (Hall 9), 15 seminars, forums, and panel discussions will take place, featuring 30+ seminar sessions designed to keep visitors up to date with the latest insights and innovations. A particular highlight is the Intertextile Forum, themed 'Supply Chain Restructuring: Digital Intelligence-Driven Resilient Breakthrough', which will bring together global industry leaders to explore how the textile sector can adapt to current economic challenges amid changes in global trade rules and US tariff policies. Additionally, the fringe programme will cover four important themes: Design and Trends, Technology and Solutions, Market Information & Business Strategies and Econogy Talks. Highlighted events include: Textiles Forecast S/S 2026 (Design and Trends) – this presentation by WGSN will explore macro trends and consumer insights to predict the key textile trends for this season. – this presentation by WGSN will explore macro trends and consumer insights to predict the key textile trends for this season. Reimagining Fashion Through AI, Identity and Immersive Commerce – From Avatar to Aisle – How Digital Fashion, 3D Assets, and AI Tools are Shaping the Next Generation of Retail – LIVVIUM will explore how digital fashion is evolving, powering innovation across design, retail, and consumer engagement. – LIVVIUM will explore how digital fashion is evolving, powering innovation across design, retail, and consumer engagement. 2025 International Textile Industry Digital Application Trend Forum will focus on the impact of digitalisation, sustainable practices through Artificial Intelligence (AI), advancements in fabric defect detection, and future trends in intelligent software integration within the textile industry. will focus on the impact of digitalisation, sustainable practices through Artificial Intelligence (AI), advancements in fabric defect detection, and future trends in intelligent software integration within the textile industry. Sustainable Textile Products and Solutions (Econogy Talks) – Intertek Group will introduce global sustainable textile strategies and the Ecodesign Directive, focusing on strategies within the European Union and relevant industry solutions. In addition, cities from across China have organised domestic pavilions that will display the various applications of their suppliers' textile products. These include Changshu, Fujian, Huzhou, Shaoxing and Shengze. Yarn Expo Shenzhen's exhibitors set to highlight sustainability and functionality Taking place concurrently in Hall 1, Yarn Expo Shenzhen will present downstream industry players the opportunity to penetrate the South China and wider Asia-Pacific markets. Products on show will emphasise eco-friendly and innovative yarn and fibre options, including cashmere yarn, chemical fibre, cotton yarn, fancy yarn and wool yarn. Key exhibitors include: Consinee Group Co Ltd – the company specialises in cashmere, recognised for its fine, soft fibres and good warm retention. With an average micron count of 15.2μm to 15.8μm, its cashmere is among the most precious materials in the market. Consinee has established itself as a global leader, supplying more than 15% of the world's cashmere yarn. – the company specialises in cashmere, recognised for its fine, soft fibres and good warm retention. With an average micron count of 15.2μm to 15.8μm, its cashmere is among the most precious materials in the market. Consinee has established itself as a global leader, supplying more than 15% of the world's cashmere yarn. Perino by Woolyarns (New Zealand) – a premium yarn brand known for its innovative blends, particularly its sustainably sourced New Zealand Brushtail Possum fibre combined with luxurious cashmere or merino. Perino represents engineered luxury, offering yarns that are lighter and more exquisite than natural fibres alone. Beyond the broad exhibits, Yarn Expo Shenzhen's nearly 20 product presentations and seminars will provide valuable opportunities for industry players to learn about the latest developments and trends in an ever-changing global market, with numerous exhibitors focused on maximising their marketing platforms. In addition, the show will once again welcome the New Fibre New World – Textile Materials Innovation Forum and the Tongkun – China Fibre Fashion Trends Display Zone. Across both shows, exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, including China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and more, will showcase the full spectrum of fibres and yarns, fabrics, garments, and accessories covering ladieswear, casualwear, denim, suiting and shirting, functional wear and sportswear, as well as swimwear and lingerie. Overseas exhibitors will primarily be concentrated in Hall 1's International Zone. The 2025 editions will take place alongside the quality knitwear on display at PH Value and at BIRD fashion fair. In order to enhance efficiency and reduce queuing onsite, visitors to the platform are advised to pre-register for their badge in advance. Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center. Yarn Expo Shenzhen is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; China Cotton Textile Association; and China Chemical Fibers Association. Both shows will be held from 11 – 13 June 2025. Upcoming show: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn 2 – 4 September 2025, Shanghai Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fibre2Fashion
13-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Intertextile Shenzhen 2025 to feature new innovation zones
One of South China's leading industry events – Intertextile Shenzhen – is preparing to showcase the latest global fashion trends and innovations from 11 – 13 June at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Halls 1 & 9). Featuring a lineup of exhibitors from China, Asia-Pacific, and beyond, the fair will unveil a diverse tapestry of fabrics and accessories suited for ladieswear, casualwear, denim, suiting, shirting, functional wear, sportswear, swimwear, and lingerie. The fair's newest zones, The Closet and Fashion Gallery, alongside prevailing product zones and the Japan and Korea Pavilions, promise to open up expansive opportunities for exhibitors seeking to make their mark in the region's thriving market. Intertextile Shenzhen returns from June 11â€'13, 2025 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, showcasing global trends in fabrics and accessories. New zones â€' The Closet and Fashion Gallery â€' will spotlight sustainable design, AI innovation, and emerging talent. The Japan and Korea Pavilions will also highlight regional textile strengths. To allow industry players to capture opportunities in South China's fashion scene, two new zones will debut at Intertextile Shenzhen 2025: The Closet and Fashion Gallery. The Closet: nurturing creativity and innovation This dedicated space will offer fashion designers and garment manufacturers a unique platform to present their cutting-edge creations. By providing emerging designers with the resources, support, and visibility they need to thrive, The Closet aims to foster creativity and drive innovation within the fashion industry. Featured associations include: Sustainable Fashion and Apparel Association (SFAA) – this non-profit organisation champions sustainability in Hong Kong's fashion sector, promoting eco-friendly materials and production processes. SFAA will display innovative designs that utilise recycled materials, reduce waste, and enhance the industry's overall environmental impact. Mint Studio – as a fashion networking platform developed by the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the company will showcase garments from five young Hong Kong designers at the fair. It aims to connect emerging talents with creative leaders and global consumers, while empowering them through industry collaborations and media outreach. Additionally, Hong Kong Fur Federation (HKFF) will promote sustainable and ethical fur designs, emphasising the material's potential as a renewable and biodegradable resource. Fashion Gallery: a comprehensive showcase of apparel and textile innovation Meanwhile, Fashion Gallery will highlight an extensive selection of ladieswear, casual wear, functional wear & sportswear, lingerie, and original fabrics and designs. In keeping with fashion's innovative spirit, the zone will also incorporate technology-infused textile solutions. Key exhibitors include: AiDLab – empowers fashion designers with AI-driven tools like AiDA, generating original designs from mood boards and sketches in seconds. WiseEye, their AI textile inspection technology, automates defect detection, ensuring quality and efficiency. Both innovations bring agility and precision to the fashion and textile industries. Nano and Advanced Materials Institute – highlighting its sustainable dye, NAMI offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional dyes. Developed through biosynthesis and genetic engineering, this innovation allows for unique colour hues and direct dyeing of textile yarn during the dye's biosynthesis. Pavilion exhibitors set to demonstrate regional strengths The fair has established itself as a valuable platform for various Asian suppliers to access the South China market. This year, the Japan Pavilion and Korea Pavilion will provide domestic and international buyers with a vast selection of high-quality textiles. Japan Pavilion: featuring a range of ladieswear fabrics, including cotton, functional materials, lace and embroidery, wool, printing / digital printing, jacquard, linen, and more. Korea Pavilion: showcasing a variety of apparel fabrics primarily for ladieswear, casual wear, sportswear, and functional wear, including trendy man-made fabrics, polyester, jacquard, mixed woven fabrics, lace and embroidery, and functional textiles. Intertextile Shenzhen is an exceptional platform for unveiling new trends, innovative models, and dynamic driving forces shaping the industry. By showcasing pioneering case studies and comprehensive solutions for industry advancement, the show enables stakeholders to discover and adopt successful new models and technologies through engaging displays, seminars, and themed forums. Held concurrently with Yarn Expo Shenzhen, BIRD Fashion Fair and PH Value, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center. Upcoming show: Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn 2 – 4 September 2025, Shanghai Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
