From: ASAP
Feedback from exhibitors and attendees from the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition was overwhelmingly positive. The most recent edition, which took place March 8-10, 2004 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, was described by buyers as a “one-stop shopping” for directional textiles, trim, leather/suede, new design technology and color/trend services. Exhibitors reported strong sales and were extremely impressed by the high caliber of buyers.
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition traditionally attracts the who’s who of the fashion world. Top executives from recognizable brands such as Banana Republic, BCBG, Bloomingdale’s, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Federated Merchandising Group, Gap, Kenneth Cole, Nicole Miller, Nine West, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sean John, Searle and Tommy Hilfiger attended this edition.
“The show was a good resource for trimmings, buttons and handles,” said Stacey Pettus, Product Manager, Handbags and Leather Accessories, Anne Taylor Loft. Sleepwear Designer Flora Nikrooz, added, “I was very happy with the show’s trims; very interesting things by so many resources from all over the world.” For Yoko Ikegami, Associate Designer, Cole Haan Women’s Division at GIII Apparel, who attended the show for the first time, the show was a triumphant success. “I have been in search of heavy silk fabric for outerwear — and it’s hard to find the better quality fabric — but I was able to find it at the show!”
Exhibitors were equally enthusiastic by attendee traffic. “ I’ve never worked a show in which I was meeting with potential customers from the moment the show opened right up until its scheduled end,” reported Ian Garley, Director, G. H. Leathers Ltd. from the United Kingdom. “We had more customers committed to buying our product,” said Martha Beltran, Head Designer, Sequins International. “We find this show is an important venue in which to present our line to the textile industry.” Steve Greenberg, Managing Director, Pointcarre U.S.A., said, “The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition always provides us with qualified leads. The companies we met with are knowledgeable about the CAD market and they are ready to buy software. They are looking to stay ahead of their competition.”
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition proved once again to be the resource for products that fuse innovative technology with style. Longstanding exhibitor, Adrian Litman of Alan Litman, from Nottingham, England, who called this
show, “my best in three years,” introduced Maché, an innovative nonwoven nylon sheer offered in fashion-forward colors and patterns that sparked the imaginations of garment, accessory and home furnishing manufacturers in attendance at the show.
Also creating a buzz was newcomer, Xian-Ning Seafood, a Thailand-based food company, that gives new meaning to recycling by tanning leftover Jerada fish skins, which resemble larger-scale snakeskin and take dye beautifully. Accessory companies and designers were snapping up the skins for everything from belts to handbags, decorative boxes and picture frames.
Another first-timer, Izu Africa showed uniquely patterned cowhides from Zulu-bred Nguni cattle – never before seen on our shores. Supplier Etienne Maritz reported that the skins were purchased by a wide range of attendees, including an interior designer who plans to cover tables and upholster chairs for W hotels; Ann Klein accessories for watch straps and lipstick cases; and a stylist for the NBA, who plans to have coats made for players. “The possibilities are endless,” added Maritz.
Steve Paquette, District Sales Manager, Jewelry/Components, Swarovski, reported, “We were very busy and we had a really great response to our new products.” One new item in particular that generated tremendous interest was the Xilion stone, an improved hot fix stone, which has more light refraction, stronger adhesion and a lower temperature application.
Prints in bright colors with white grounds were going strong at KBC of America Inc. “They are looks that are newer, fresher, happier,” said Christopher Frost for KBC of America Inc. Also providing good cheer was the launch of the company’s new stock line for immediate delivery with no minimum.
The linen flowers, fancy floral trims and tapes in tropical colors from Stephanoise Mediac, an accessory company based in France also brightened the mood of buyers who ordered them for clothing, hair accessories and handbags for spring/summer 2005.
The International Fashion Fabric Exhibition’s next show will take place October 5-7, 2004 at The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. For more information on exhibiting or attending the show, please call 917.326.6237.
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.
ASAP Fashion News Fast - Fashion news for the apparel industry
and consumers to learn more about the clothing business.