Insights from the Field: Paul King on Unity, Collaboration, and Innovation Within the Industry

BCAG sat down with Board Member and KenDor Textiles President Paul King to discuss his experiences at two major industry events: Première Vision Montréal and the Debrand Basecamp Summit.

At these gatherings, industry professionals and associations from across the country came together to address the current state and innovations in apparel and gear.

We spoke with Paul to hear what stood out, what BC-based companies can take away, and how the Canadian apparel industry is showing signs of unity amid the ongoing tariff situation.

Première Vision Montréal

Paul describes Première Vision Montréal as a “fantastic fabric and trim show,” featuring mills and suppliers from Europe, Korea, India, China, and Canada. The event is well-curated, showcasing Canadian fabric and trim companies alongside Quebec garment factories.

While Paul was busy working the show, a few sessions stood out:

  • PV Colour Trends: A captivating journey where colours, textures, and trends redefine the aesthetics of tomorrow.

  • Artsthread Presentation: Alex Brownless, co-founder of Artsthread, introduced their platform, helping fashion students protect and showcase their designs. Paul plans to connect Alex with BCAG to involve B.C. schools.

  • Emerging Tech and AI: This talk, presented in part by Julie Evans from Sustalytics, explored how AI can streamline workflows and enhance creativity.

Paul also participated in a well-received panel alongside Bob Kirke (Canadian Apparel Federation) and Mathieu St-Arnaud (mmode), emphasizing a “Canada Strong” ethos and the power of collaboration: “Working together, we go further!”

Canadian Industry Collaboration

Another highlight of PV Montréal was a meeting organized by mmode between Canadian fashion and textile associations, where Paul represented BCAG alongside The Canadian Craft Association, The Conseil des Métiers d’Art (Quebec Craft Council), Canadian Textile Industry Association, CAF, the Fur Council of Canada, and mmode.

“We discussed a combined lobby group to the Federal government to protect our existing interests within CUSMA.” Paul explains.

The preliminary meetings between the Canadian delegation and their U.S. cohorts showed intent on both sides to protect the industry within CUSMA/USMCA. Paul also noted Bob Kirke has strong links with his opposites in the U.S. and Mexico, and it’s felt that this area will hopefully remain untouched.

Debrand Basecamp Summit

The Debrand Basecamp Summit brought together major brands, charities, second-hand retailers, recyclers, municipal leaders, and many others. The goal was to accelerate collaboration and spark collective action toward a truly circular textile economy in North America

Paul noted the impressive diversity of participants and the spirit of collaboration that emerged during small group brainstorming sessions, which generated a wide range of ideas.

The Debrand report on the summit included seven common themes:

  • The importance of pre-competition

  • Misaligned incentives and economic viability

  • C-suite and consumer buy-in gaps

  • Underdeveloped infrastructures

  • Material access and feedstock limitations

  • Stakeholder collaboration for effective policy

  • Transparency fatigue and greenwashing risks

Paul emphasized that collaboration across all levels and collective action stood out as approaches BC apparel and gear businesses could adopt to further circularity and sustainability.

Download the full Debrand Basecamp Summit Report here: Insights Summary Report 2025

Key Takeaways for BC Companies

While tariffs dominated much of the conversation at the events, Paul noted growing advances around circularity and sustainability innovation. With a Liberal federal government remaining in place, he expects continued movement on a plastics registry and PFAS legislation through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

He emphasized the need for stronger national coordination:

“The bottom line is removing borders between our associations and working groups across the country. One unified voice to our government… the more we unite as a cross-Canadian industry, the healthier we will all be.”

Paul sees associations like BCAG as a crucial link between companies and policy:

“We must keep sharing knowledge with members and the broader industry.”

One idea discussed at the shows: a BCAG-led group booth at Première Vision or other international events to raise the profile of BC brands and encourage cross-border collaboration.

As for opportunities for BC companies to collaborate more effectively with other Canadian or international players based on his experiences, Paul says yes. Hopefully, starting with the presence of B.C. companies at future events. BCAG looks forward to helping make this happen through our network. 

What’s Next

Paul outlined a few areas where BC companies can focus their attention:

  • Next-level manufacturing: Embrace automation and robotics, following the lead of companies like B.C. based Six Seasons.

  • New markets: Look beyond the U.S. and explore European opportunities.

  • Trade missions: Leverage federal trade missions through partners like CAF and mmode.

  • Stay plugged in: Stay on top of emerging trends by attending events like: 

BCAG is dedicated to keeping BC apparel and gear businesses informed, representing our unique perspective, and building a stronger, united community through our participation at events like these. Your involvement helps amplify our impact and ensures BC’s industry continues to evolve and lead with purpose.