Linda Laderman
Co-founder and organiser Textile Forum
What kinds of luxury fabrics have a growing demand among buyers at Textile Forum?
We attract many different types of fabric buyers from emerging designers to those who buy for theatres and opera house, brands, retailers, established designer and couture houses. The one common theme is that the fabrics have to be available with a small minimum order option and there has to be continuity; buyers can order a swatch, then a sample length and then the bulk order. One area that has probably been extended since Textile Forum began in 2002 is the growth in printed fabrics.
What new innovations and trends in terms of fabrics, yarns, and blends can be expected from the upcoming Textile Forum?
Watch out for fabrics with an artisan feel, sustainable fabrics and fabric with stretch. For bridalwear, soft pinks will be competing with more traditional ivory shades.
How many brands are participating and how many exhibitors are expected? What is the difference in numbers compared to last time?
We will have close to 100 collections available, about a 5 per cent increase on March. In addition to fabric suppliers, we will also have suppliers of buttons, zips, linings, labels, sewing machines, and two garment manufacturers.
Which geographies do the exhibitors come from?
Our exhibitors are mainly from the United Kingdom and Continental Europe as well as some top end companies from Japan and India.
Do you plan to organise events outside the United Kingdom? What are your future expansion plans?
We do not have any plans in the immediate future to expand overseas. As far as expansion of Textile Forum in London is concerned, we will continue to grow organically and search for even more luxurious fabrics from the top suppliers throughout the world. We celebrate our 15th anniversary in 2017 – a testament that the niche offer of the show works, as a large percentage of our exhibitors have been showing with us for more than 10 years.
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
