The local fashion industry is expected to endure at least two years set back where access to textile is concerned, the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council, has said.

“It is a big problem worldwide, compounded by the lockdown in Shanghai, China,” council president, Mike Towler, said.

He was responding to concerns by visiting seasoned fashionista, and Sydney-sider, Sandhya Nand.

The regional runway model, publicist and multi-media specialist with roots in Fiji, owns and operates Sydney-based public relations and Communications Company.

Her other interests include music and travel.

“Textile shortage is a huge problem,” she said.

“Designers get forced to use the same material for their separate collections.

“It is not good to recognise material on new collections that have been used by designers a few years ago.

“I am talking pre pre-pandemic.”

But the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council said it was not aware of pre pre-COVID-19 fabric shortages, only post COVID shortages.

“They could be referring to a specific shortage here in Fiji,” Mr Towler said.

“Our industry is experienced in raw material acquisition.

“We have a better pipeline than fashion houses have.”

However, experienced operators with reliable supply chains would not suffer as much, Mr Towler said.

“There is a worldwide shortage of raw material caused by COVID-19, and supply and shipping delays,” he said.

“It will take another one to two years before it will return to normal.”