Charles Ross
Charles Ross is a textile specialist based at the Royal College of Art in London; he has taught Performance Sportswear Design to the next generation of Outdoor Industry designers for over two decades. His mantra is “Sustainability through Longevity.”
OpinionCorporate social responsibility - could this be a way to reduce staff fluctuation?
There has been a culture change towards employment in my lifetime: no longer are workers expecting jobs for life. The change has already happened but is sparking something greater with those affected. My graduating students realize they need work skills and know that a period of attachment with a brand ...
OpinionAccessories at Performance Days: It is the little things that make the difference
In terms of ingredient sourcing, the brand names associated with a product can tell a lot about it. If a jacket is made from Gore-Tex, you know that it is using some of the best materials (which usually means the item has a higher price point). The same association is ...
ArticlePerformance Days: Why to turn up to “The Future of Polyester: Beyond the Bottle”?
The ingredient sourcing show Performance Days returns to Messe Munich on March 20-21, but is it worth attending? The easy answer is YES! Hopefully, this article by our expert Charles Ross will enlighten you as well.
OpinionDesign: This Industry’s most underused superpower?
In the run-up to the Performance Days in Munich, our author Charles Ross is wondering whether we might be overlooking the most obvious solution to our problems…
OpinionThe circular economy: How well are outdoor brands actually doing it?
The buzzword of the corporate social responsibility teams has now been part of the diction for a decade – but how have brands fared with circularity? Has the word become as meaningless as sustainability has (which means all things to all people)?
OpinionRecap: The British Snowsports trade show Slide/OTS Winter
Telford hosted the British Snowsports trade show Slide/OTS Winter again, but this time with MCS (who provide the back-office services for the Outdoor Industries Association) in the organizer role. Imagine a smaller version of ISPO – but with the snow, brands included and a lower price for being there.
OpinionThe Rise of the Intelligent User: Are brands keeping up?
Our columnist Charles Ross looks back on the past year and takes a closer look at the new generation of consumers, with whom he can relate as a former gear nerd himself, but whose modern consumer universe looks a little different than it used to.
OpinionIngredient sourcing shows: The future of trade shows or just nerd nirvana?
Is there a future for trade shows? Our event aficionado Charles Ross thinks so, if they make one big change. And one show is leading by example.
OpinionFrom Evolution to Revolution – Performance Days 2023
Performance Day’s Functional Fabric Curator Alexa Dehmel and “fabric nerd” Charles Ross present a picture diary and summary of October’s event.
OpinionOpinion: A recap of EOS 2023 in Berlin
The European Outdoor Summit, the annual gathering of the Outdoor Industry, is the closest thing offered to expand the thinking of the trade – and it does a pretty good job of it. Anyone looking for inspiration from within the market will be in the vicious circle of trying to ...
ArticleExpert talks, Footwear and more at Performance Days
With one week to go before Performance Days, Charles Ross shares some last minute insights into what to expect.
ArticlePerformance Days 2023: Still asking the big questions around fabrics
Charles Ross gives us a sneak peek into the next edition of Performance Days, Performance Forum and how both reflect the industry’s biggest issues.
OpinionProduct design in the outdoor industry – where to start
Charles Ross’ resume of more than 25 years blends work with outdoor brands, teaching roles on fashion and sportswear design courses at various universities, and his own love of all-things performance fabric related. He is therefore the ideal person to answer the question: How can we improve the future of ...
OpinionTrade shows: “Sometimes the value cannot be beaten”
After OTS in the UK, Charles Ross still sees value in trade shows. The best bring leadership, collaboration and are moving with the Industry.
OpinionWhat makes the perfect industry award jury?
A long-standing member of many award committees in the outdoor industry world, Charles Ross explains what makes a good industry award jury
ArticleStepping up to the plate: How the outdoor industry is taking responsibility seriously
Our functional fabric expert Charles Ross is convinced that even though incoming legislation like the EU Green Deal and Prop 65 and the forthcoming New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act in the U.S. are forcing many changes in how the Outdoor Industry conducts business, there is also a ...
OpinionEarth Day: For hippies, greenwashing, or a real opportunity for brands?
With many brands marking the occasion, will Earth Day become just another gimmick? Our expert shares how brands can meaningfully take part.
ArticleThe British gather at two outdoor events ahead of sales season
The Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) had its annual meet-up in Tamworth, U.K., last week, following its AGM in Sheffield last October. Andrew Denton, the CEO of OIA, brought the event back to its spring timing, meaning it took place just days before the National Outdoor Expo opened at the nearby ...
ArticlePerformance Days enjoys big league status
The major European ingredient sourcing show for the sports industry, Performance Days, has been constantly growing since it started 15 years ago. Just before the Covid-related lockdowns, it transferred to its new venue, Messe Munich, to meet the demand for an even larger exhibition area. This season’s Functional Fabric Fair ...
ArticleWhat can we expect at the next Performance Days?
Our fabric expert Charles Ross discusses the main trends and issues likely to affect the content of the next Performance Days in Munich.
