From: ASAP
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition for Fall/Winter 2004-2005 held at the Javits Center, October 14-16, received rave reviews from both suppliers and buyers. “It has been the best trade show our company has attended,” reported Arvin Pairami, President, Shannon Fabrics Inc. from Los Angeles. Chris Cho, Senior Marketing Manager, Popular Textile Corp., based in Los Angeles, said of his second time at this exhibition, “This show was our best show for the year.” The overall consensus of the 325 exhibitors of textiles, trim, leather/suede and new design technology was that this bi-annual exhibition was a resounding success.
“Attendance was up a significant 23% from the last fall show in October 2002,” said Amy Bonomi, Show Director, the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition. “But most importantly, brisk buying by attendees indicates there should be a strong Fall/Winter 2004/05 fashion season.”
Mike Dolina, Sales Manager, Fabricut, a leading distributor of highly decorative fabrics and trimmings from Tulsa, OK, described the show as “super fantastic.” Dolina said, “The president of our company went through our paperwork when we returned home and was impressed with the number of people we saw and the orders written.” Susan Shavin, Vice President of ZBSL Designs, Miami-based manufacturers of metallic and crystal heat transfer motifs, reported, “I was very happy with the consistent traffic in my booth and the quality of the potential customers.” Faina Golub, Vice President, Leather, Suede, Skins, Inc., a leading leather supplier in New York City, echoed, “This has been a great show. We met with many quality buyers.”
“Phenomenal” was the word Phillip DeLeon used to describe the results his company Alexander Henry, the Burbank, CA-based fashion-forward print house, had at the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition. “People ordered more production—to make sure it was part of their line—as opposed to just sampling yardage.” It also helped that Alexander Henry had one of the most irresistible booths on the show floor; attendees were drawn to the red, white and black striped walls decorated with some of the company’s eye-popping graphic prints turned into mobiles and also framed like artwork—all in the same three colors.
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition traditionally attracts the who’s who of the fashion world. Top executives from recognizable brands such as Anthropologie, Banana Republic Calvin Klein, Capezio, Ellen Tracy, Jones Apparel Group, Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne, Nine West, Oscar de la Renta, St. John Knits, Tommy Hilfiger and Wathne, to name just a few, were in attendance.
"The show had a great range of textiles. We picked some sexy stripes and plaids,” reported Sloane Macedo, trim development, Sean John. “The exhibitors were very helpful and took the time to discuss and teach us about the scope of their ranges, which was very informative.” Lee Cooperwheat for designer Daryl K, said, “It was good to see Exotic Silks and I met with Woolrich Inc. which was exciting, especially since they are quite local.” Catherine Doyle, buyer, Liz Lange Maternity, related, “We were able to find fabrics for both our collection and our Target license.”
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition always has a number of country-specific pavilions, which remains a big draw of the show, especially for those buyers who have cut back on overseas travel. At this Fall/Winter edition these included pavilions for Turkey, India, Taiwan, Korea, China and The Japan Silk & Rayon Weavers’ Association (Shizuoka) joined Japan Creation to create a special Japan Zone. And since more than fifty percent of the exhibitors at the International Fashion Exhibition are based in the United States, there was also an expanded Domestic Pavilion and special pavilion for members of the Textile Distributors Association (TDA), which endorsed this show.
To make it easier for attendees to find exhibitors, show organizers added extra signage in bright colors to clearly delineate the sections. Blair Boyer of Natori, commented, “I liked the way it was sectioned off by country; it was easier to find people I’ve dealt with in the past and made it that much more of a positive experience.” Gloria Schofner, Fabric coordinator, Donna Karan Intimates/DKNY Underwear, added, “Great layout—USA, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey sections were clearly marked and easy to view. This was a good opportunity to find new sources and fabrics.” Chris Cho of Popular Textile Corp., said, “It gave clients a quick view of different regions of the world at the show. Color grouping also enhanced the appearance and distinction of the show.”
The Designer Summit Seminar Series, featured the renowned American Trend & Color Committee, always a much-anticipated show tradition, which presented their top picks for the season in Risk: The Fall/Winter 2004/05 Forecast and exclusively offered their color cards for purchase to show attendees. Dazzling trend displays brought to life AT& CC’s compelling colors by utilizing exhibitor fabrics and trim, combined with the mannequins dressed in on-trend exhibitor fabrics, not only added visual interest to the show floor but drew attendees to represented booths. It’s not surprising that Meredith Burns, owner/designer of her eponymous company had this to say about the show: “I found the show to be quite directional and inspirational.”
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition’s next show will take place in March 2004.
For information on exhibiting or attending the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition, please call 917.326.6237 or visit us online at www.fabricshow.com
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition is produced by Advanstar Communications, Inc., a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. For more information, visit www.fabricshow.com. In addition to the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition, Advanstar produces Industry (212) and I-TexStyle on the East Coast and fabric@MAGIC as part of the MAGIC Marketplace. For more information on Advanstar Communications, Inc., visit www.advanstar.com.
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition is also an affiliate of MAGIC International, which is a subsidiary of Advanstar Communications. MAGIC International is the world’s largest and most widely recognized organizer of trade shows for the apparel industry. For more information, visit www.magiconline.com.
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