Eastman Naia was an official innovation partner at Challenge the Fabric 2025, which took place in Milan, Italy, from May 13-14, bringing together leaders from fashion, textiles and forestry to accelerate circular solutions and spotlight man-made cellulosic fibres.

A key highlight of the event was the CTF Award, a global competition pairing emerging designers with material innovators to co-create visionary garments.

As part of the programme, Naia collaborated with designer Oscar Ouyang and Italian mill Lady V to create a garment using a custom textile made from 50% RWS-certified virgin wool and 50% GRS-certified recycled wool blended with Naia Renew fiber.

Prato-based textile company Lady V has introduced Naia into its apparel with the new blended fabric.

“The fabric is finished using traditional wooden barrels, ensuring a soft, luxurious ‘lambswool’ texture without over- felting,” said Cristiano Vieri from Lady V. “This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to creative, sustainable innovation in fashion.”

 “It has been a pleasure working with the Eastman Naia fabric,” added Oscar Ouyang. “The versatility and sustainability of this fabric is truly impressive. The combination of cutting-edge and traditional techniques behind the production of the fabric inspired me to create this shepherd’s look.”

Naia Renew is Eastman’s cellulosic fibre made from 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% GRS-certified recycled waste, enabled by molecular recycling.

“Challenge the Fabric is a unique event where we have real, action and collaboration-based conversations,” said Claudia de Witte, marketing and sustainability director at Eastman. “We are proud to have participated in the design competition and even prouder to see Oscar, his design, and how he showcased the versatility of our Naia Renew staple fibre. Such partnerships are the key to scaling sustainable solutions.”

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