Another One Bites the Dust - Poly Woes

How crazy is this?

Although Nygard, a Winnipeg-based clothing manufacturer, makes about $1-billion dollars in annual sales, just opened a massive distribution centre in Toronto and outputs a staggering 60,000 pairs of polyester pants a week, it still has to close a large factory and lay off about 250 workers.

All because of an international polyester shortage. Since it's used in everything from apparel to home textiles to car tires and credit cards, polyester (or the chemical used to make it) has been in such great demand that the world, minus China, can't keep up.

Polyester is the most popular synthetic fiber and is used more often than any natural fiber. Although strong, durable and easy to care for, poly is made up of petroleum; acids and alcohol. It is not just a textile - It's made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic drink bottles. Many drink bottles are recycled by being reheated and turned into polyester fibers. Completely chemical.

Western Glove Works' jeans, another Winnipeg manufacturing plant is also scheduled to close this month. These last few closings represent the loss of close to 500 jobs on top of the 3,000 the industry has lost in Manitoba since the beginning of this decade.

Do not fear though, poly is definitely here to stay: Asian countries, in an attempt to maintain their own massive supplies, have been focused on this issue for a decade and have made it a priority to increase polyester manufacturing. Nothing new - just another major noose on Canada's fashion industry.

Annie Thompson Closing

Sale Sale Sale!
674 Queen Street West

Iconic fashion designer and artist Annie Thompson is closing her Queen Street West storefront after almost 20 years on the block.

Although she just came through one of her most successful financial years, she tell the National Post, "I want to get off the treadmill of always making stuff for the store. I've become this production animal, and from a creative standpoint, I don't feel that I've had enough integrity in what I'm making," she says. "I want to be free and creative and see where the wind blows me."

Annie Thompson is best known for her artsy, sculptural and textured creations: stylish yet practical clothing for women and unique home decor. Although her boutique closes by the end of March, she is looking forward to working on several Canadian and international solo and collaborative arts and fashion events including a gig at the Toronto Art Expo and Toronto Alternative Fashion Week installation.

See more art www.anniethompson.ca