Designers showing upbeat mood: Textile Forum, UKFT

The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is one of the organisers of Textile Forum.

“Exhibitors are also reporting that alongside this optimistic air, designers are showing increased signs of loyalty and want to work even more closely with their fabric suppliers,” said Amy Packham, event director, Textile Forum. “This means the latter are not just developing the core products for which they have become well-known but sourcing additional qualities to broaden their appeal, which in turn is making the market even more competitive and exciting.”

Pongees is offering more fancy fabrics by taking on the UK agency for Portuguese supplier Sanmartin, whose collection complements its extensive plain fabric range. At Bennett Silks there are new silk/linen suiting qualities and Bernstein & Banleys has a dozen fresh designs in its printed lining collection to meet the demand for fun.

Storrs London, a first-time exhibitor, has colour at the heart of its printed superfine cotton lawns, influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement. There’s lots of colour, too, at Chrisanne Clover, whose high-performance fabrics are available in a vast palette.

In addition to exhibitors of fabric, buttons, trimmings and labels, there are specialist garment and accessory manufacturers in the UKFT supported zone. These include Intimate Apparel Samples (technical design and development atelier for lingerie, swimwear, and athleisure); MAES (high-end  dresses, evening gowns, soft separates and bridal wear, including corsetry; woven fabrics - silks, satins, chiffons, velvet, embroidery, organza and print placement); Plus Samples (high-end men’s and women’s soft tailoring and separates; lightweight silk and jersey fabrics); Ruth Glen (bespoke design and make of leather handbags and accessories); Sew It In London (bespoke and rtw garments for men, women and children); and Unlimited Fashion (CMT service for wide range of clothing for high-end brands and designers).

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (PC)