Fabrics & Furnishings - Summer 2017 Issue by Fabrics & Furnishings International

F at S ree co how pie tim s e

Volume 27, Number 3

Summer 2017

The Global Home & Contract Sourcing Newspaper

Driven By Z-Wovens USA Success, Zhongwang Launches Z-Wovens Europe Under Direction of Guy Parmentier Designs by European Marc Geysen jacquard woven in Zhongwang Hangzhou mill Sipco News Network

PRES, Belgium — Z-Wovens Europe, a subsidiary of Zhongwang Holding Group of Hangzhou China has established itself in Europe under the direction of Guy Parmentier, a wellknown export specialist and consultant based in Europe. Parmentier under his Eutex Agency, was an important advisor to many other mills over the years

in Europe and Turkey. He says this is his first opportunity to work with a serious China based mill. “My son Justin is going to handle more and more the remaining agencies at Eutex as I am really committed to make this great Z-Wovens venture

Dotterer’s Designs Drive Brentwood’s Rapid Growth

a real success.” “Z-Wovens Europe will be handled through our company in

Spain – with an office in Altea, Spain. We also will utilize the Eutex office in Ieper Belgium,” Parmentier says. “Later on, we have the idea to open a Z-Wovens office and showroom.” Zhongwang is one of the larger upholstery mills in China with sales in

excess of $25 million under the ownership and leadership of principal Yang Lin Shan. In 2006, Yang adopted the finishing and weaving techniques of Quaker Fabrics in a Hangzhou finishing plant when the two companies were working together in a joint venture. Zhongwang prospered and started a US division in 2010 and established Z-Wovens E u r o p e (continued on Page 27) PAGE

Marc Geysen, Rena Yang, Jennifer Yang, Guy Parmentier

Letter From Proposte 14 PAGE

PAGE

Robert Allen and Duralee Fabrics Finally Merge

Pottery Barn Picks Milliken

PAGE

Katherine Dotterer, Brentwood Design Director

Lee Silberman, CEO

Marta Benson, President, Pottery Barn

w w w. F a b r i c s A n d F u r n i s h i n g s . c o m

F FI NE W S

Summer 2017

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Contents Table of Contents F&FI Summer 2017 | Vol. 27, No. 3

Departments

Pivot Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Photo Galleries

Sunbury Makes Move to Larger Chelsea Space .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Birdhouses

Gebruder Munzert’s Energy Independence Drives Philosophy Behind the New

Letter From Proposte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Carleton House, Dogwood Fabrics Merge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Walker Greenbank Adds Clarke & Clarke To Its Fabric Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Daiichi Kasei Company Buys Ultrafabrics LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

TSG Finishing Targets Contract Fabric Finishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Firehouse Party

Design Archive Opens UK Showroom; Arranges Distribution Worldwide . . . . . . . 25

High Performance Drives Culp Upholstery Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 La-Z-Boy Buys 10 Million Yards Annually; I-Clean Becomes A Factor. . . . . . . . . . . 28 Covington Off to Fast 2017 Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 John Lowe Joins F&FI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Rockland’s Kresel Builds Birdhouses, Sells Blackout!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Milliken Makes Late Performance Fabrics Entry With ‘Breathe™’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Valdese Buys Circa 1801 Plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Tony Attard Also Chairman of Alusid, Architectural Glass Recycler. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Financial Firm Buys Carnegie Major Stake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dicitex Furnishings Teams Up With Bollywood Star Hrithik Roshan. . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Crypton® Companies Acquired By Berkley Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Kathy Dotterer Styles Up Brentwood Textiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Mayo Furniture’s Patrick Mayo Sings His Praise About Brentwood . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Craftmaster’s Henson Says Brentwood Price Points Are Modest for the Look. . . . 33 Robert Allen and Duralee Fabrics Finally Merge .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Contract/HospitalityNews Printer, Editeur, Converter Panaz Becomes Major Global Contract Player Driven Hard by 30 Year Vet

26 26

Walking the Trail of A Design Smorgasbord

Tony Attard

Eric Lazarus Joins Aperture Contract, Samelson’s New Roller Shade Division

31 31

Tapistel Rebrands As Home Link Mexico; Opens Two More Showrooms .. . . . . . . 35

Calera Buys Carnegie Major Stake

Brazil’s Orlean Plants Its Flag in USA; More Outlets Scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tony Attard Also Chairman of Alusid

Donghia Taps Witmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Design

Geysels Says MoOD, Indigo Are Almost Sold Out .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Calendar

Advertiser Index

EDITORIAL & PUBLISHING EDITORIAL & PUBLISHING

The Global Home & Contract Sourcing Newspaper

Published by:

520 West Avenue, Suite 701, Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA Website: www.fabricsandfurnishings.com Telephone 001.917.251.9922 | ISSN: 1523-7303 Publisher & Editor | Eric S. Schneider Art Director | Roxanne Clapp, RoxC LLC Corporate Secretary | Gail Goldman, PhD. CORPORATE CONSULTANTS Printing | Interprint Web Printing Distribution | APC Web Design | Artisian Designs E.U. Legal Counsel | Herman Nayaert

EDITOR & PUBLISHER USA & EUROPEAN COMMUNITY Eric Schneider Tel: 001.917.251.9922 E-Mail: eric@sipco.net

ART DIRECTOR Roxanne Clapp Tel: 001.813.991.1860 E-Mail: rox@sipco.net

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SIPCO NEWS NETWORK India | S. Vishwanath Belgium | Jan Hoffman

U.K. | Jennifer Castoldi USA/HIGH POINT | John Lowe

Fabrics & Furnishings International is shipped via air mail to 82 countries.

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Subscriptions to Fabrics & Furnishings International are US$125 prepaid for four issues. Mail or fax orders (US Dollar, Check or International Postal Money Order for payment ONLY) to Sipco Publications, Inc. 520 West Avenue, Suite 701, Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA. Subscribe online at fandfi.com/subscribe Subscriptions in India Get & Gain Centre is the official subscription agent for Fabrics & Furnishings International in India. The price of a subscription in India is $200.00. Please contact Get & Gain Centre, 301, Sagar Shopping Centre, 3rd Floor, Opposite Bombay Bazaar Store. 76, J.P. Rd., Andheri (W) Mumbai – 400 058. INDIA Tel. 091-222677/23. 2677 6023 Contact: Vasant Jain mobile. 09820720189 or Manoj Jain. 09664198254. Email: info@getdesignbooks.com/vasant14feb1967@gmail.com

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Summer 2017

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Gebruder Munzert’s Energy Independence Drives Philosophy Behind the New Pivot Collection Shown at Proposte Sipco News Network

AILA-MARLESREUTH, Germany — Gebruder Munzert, a 91-year-old jacquard weaving mill here is reaping benefits from its early attention to environmentally sound production. “Our new “Pivot” product line officially launched at Proposte 2017. combines color with an incredible soft hand by utilizing only traditional finishing techniques such as water, applied mechanics and temperature. This creates added value for our customers since the highly durable line is also 100 % recyclable,” says Bernd Kout, CEO. “The collection will be marketed in an unexpected way – an experience for all senses” Kout remarks. “The fabrics are aesthetic, intelligent and valuable. These attributes are supported by independent lab tests but all focuses on the pure-

ness of the fabric, construction and finishing.” “Launching a new Pivot collection under that aspect only seems logical and consequential to us, given our proclivity to become as sustainable as possible” Kout says. The idea is to produce clean textiles for a clean home and environment. The Pivot Collection is largely the result of energy self sufficiency at Munzert starting in 2013. Considerable power savings have been achieved so far according to Klaus Munzert, Managing Director. The changeover from conventional lighting to LED lighting and a further investment into its own photovoltaics site followed. “We generate over 90.000 kWh of solar energy per year, which we mainly use for the powering of our jacquard looms. The warmth that is generated by our weaving machines is even used in a recuperative heat

Gebrüder Munzert’s solar panel ‘farm’ on top of its factory

exchanger to fuel my private home” Munzert says. “ S i n c e January, 2017 our remaining energy needs are covered solely by waterpower which will help us to save about 545.000 kg carbon dioxide” In addition, the company also arranged for structural alteration works that will allow it to remodel tits heating system to run with environmen- Bernd Kout (right) & Klaus Munzert tally friendly natural gas instead of convention- produced in Marlesreuth, Gebr. al fuel oil. According to Munzert, Munzert is proud to say that the this change is imminent. “Climate major part of their goods are free change, availability of resourc- from Azo-dyes as well as formaldees and globalization are only part hyde and other pollutants. These of the challenges facing fabric goods are accredited according to manufacturers today,” he says. Oeko-Tex Standard 100. “An effective engagement in “Environmental awareness also becomes manifested in the increas- sustainability can not only provoke ing demands of the customers. The social and economic innovation; if abstinence of harmful substances understood in its entirety, it can is vital in the growing interest for also cause substantial progress to products made in environmentally reinvent products and enter into new markets”, says Bernd Kout, friendly production.” F&FI With their products solely CEO.

Sunbury Makes Move to Larger Chelsea Space Sipco News Network

EW YORK—Sunbury Textiles Mills, a jacquard weaver based in Sunbury, PA., has moved to a larger office and design studio here from 10,000 square feet in SoHo to

12,500 square feet in the Chelsea area on 25th Street. At the same time, Sunbury has created a new corporate brand under the

Residential Design: Jennifer Hendren, VP of Design; Alex Henschel, Senior Designer; Alison Bierman, Design Manager; Grainne Coogan Mahony, Design Director of Jobber; Michelle Werling, Design Director of Furniture; William Storm, Designer; Regina Furtek, Senior Designer

Letter From Proposte by Eric Schneider

OMO, Italy — You’re either the best at what you do or you’re the least expensive. Everything in between is questionable. This is true in every industry but it is especially true in decorative fabrics and upholstery. This was made very clear at Proposte and International Observatory last Month. If you need two meters of velvet by tomorrow, where can you get it? Who will answer that question the best in days ahead—the mill, converter, jobber or Amazon? Sourcing keeps changing countrywide but China is the best commodity producer. Spinelli is buying Chinese silk yarn and weaving in Italy; Zhongwang is designing in Europe and producing in China for Euro distribution. Anything is now possible. You can embroider Chinese or Indian base cloth; digitally print a variety of basecloths based on your location; technology continues to change textiles. You’re either the biggest— cheapest or the king of design. Good luck to all! F&FI

Eric Schneider

Carleton House, Dogwood Fabrics Merge Sipco News Network

Tom Notaro, VP Sales & Marketing with new Sunbury logotype direction of Tom Notaro, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. Notaro replaces Rocco Simone who officially retired from Sunbury earlier this year. Notaro has been in his current role since 2013. Sunbury is a regular exhibitor at Showtime in High Point, NC and has introduced a new line for the June, 2017 show. F&FI

www.fabricsandfurnishings.com

AITHERSBURG, Maryland —Effective May 1, Carleton House Fabrics a family owned fabric wholesaler here since 1952 will merge with Dogwood Fabrics of Atlanta, Georgia according to Don Hurwitz, principal of Carleton House. Rick and Pat Mcinnis are the owners of Dogwood, a 72-year old wholesaler. “All current fabrics in our line, and many new ones, will be available now through the Dogwood operation,” Hurwitz told his agents and staff. “All business policies we share remain the same. Dogwood will operate Carleton House Fabrics under the same name,” he says.

Hurwitz, second generation owner of Carleton House says he will continue to consult and advise Dogwood for some time. “In Italian, the term for retirement is “andare in pensione,” to give up work; but the deeper Latin, and esoteric meaning is to take the time to reflect, to contemplate, to reflect, and enhance our lives. I will embark on the latter,” he adds in a letter to his colleagues. F&FI

Donald Hurwitz

Summer 2017

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Walker Greenbank Adds Clarke & Clarke To Its Fabric Portfolio Sipco News Network

ENHAM, UK—Walker Greenbank has acquired Clarke & Clarke for a reported price of £42.5 million over a fouryear period. The annual sales of Clarke & Clarke are reportedly £18 million. One industry veteran commented “there is a shortage of good companies for sale and that is why such a huge premium would be paid for Clarke & Clarke.” Clarke & Clarke’s creative vision and global business is the result of the partnership of Lee and Emma Clarke, the husband and wife team

Lee Clarke

who founded the company in 1999. The company now distributes fabrics and wallcoverings to over 90 countries according to its website. It markets two brands, Clarke & Clarke and Studio G. “We are delighted to acquire Clarke & Clarke and to welcome its two brands into our brand portfolio. Clarke & Clarke will add significantly to our product offering, customer base and US presence and also create collaborative opportunities,” said John Sach, chief executive of Walker Greenbank. He added that Clarke & Clarke has a strong track record of growth and

Emma Clarke

its acquisition will be materially enhancing for Walker Greenbank in its first full financial year.” Walker Greenbank owns the following companies and brands: Zoffany, Sanderson, Morris & Company; Harlequin, Scion and Anthology; Anstey Wallpaper Co.; Standfast & Barracks Fabric Printing and Clarke & Clarke. According to its latest trading update for the six months ended 31 July 2016, group sales for Walker Greenbank were down 8.7% to £41.83m from £45.83m. The company stated that sales are on an upward trend following full production being restored to the damaged factory at Standfast & Barracks, a fabric printing subsidiary. In the report, Walker Greenbank said it recognized £7.9m of insurance reimbursements following the flood, of which £4.56m relates to exceptional costs and £3.33m relating to a contribution to loss of profits and exceptional gains for plant and equipment replacement, leading to an increased profit before tax of £4.94m from £2.89m in 2015. Adjusted profit before tax after

insurance proceeds grew by 2.7% at £3.78m compared to £3.68m last year. Walker Greenbank had also confirmed that it entered into a conditional agreement with the acquisition of Clarke & Clarke, for an initial cash consideration of £25m and a four-year performance linked earn-out of up to £17.5m payable in new ordinary shares in Walker Greenbank, giving a total potential consideration of up to £42.5m. The initial consideration will be £25m in cash on a debt free/ cash free basis payable at completion of the Acquisition with further “performance related earnout consideration payable to the selling shareholders of Clarke & Clarke by issue of new ordinary shares of £0.01 each in the capital of the Company of up to 10 million Consideration Shares or such number of Consideration Shares which do not exceed, in aggregate, £17.5m in value”. The deal is to be funded in part as to £17m by way of a placing of 8,947,369 new Ordinary Shares at

190.0 pence per share representing a 6.6% discount to the closing middle market price of 203.5 pence per share on 11 October 2016. The remaining £8m of the cash element of the consideration is being met through ‘drawdown under the Company’s existing bank facilities and the Company’s existing cash resources’. The Placing is being underwritten by Investec. Terry Stannard, the chairman of Walker Greenbank, said: “Our fabric-printing factory is back to full production and sales of printed fabric are on an improving trend though the effects of the flood remain evident in current trading. These effects will be mitigated by our insurance policy. “Brand sales in the first nine weeks of the second half are up 0.7% in reportable currency (down 3.7% in constant currency) compared with the same period last year. Subject to the key Autumn selling period and anticipated insurance payments, the Board is confident of delivering its pre-flood expectations for the full year.” F&FI

Daiichi Kasei Company Buys Ultrafabrics LLC Sipco News Network

YOTO, JAPAN—Daiichi Kasei Co. has acquired 100 percent of Ultrafabrics LLC, the artificial leather distributor in Tarrytown, NY (USA) in mid-February, 2017. Daiichi Kasei is a Japan based company primarily engaged in the production and sale of synthetic leather. According to a report by Reuters News Service, Daiichi Kasei will actually purchase the 84.21 percent stake it didn’t already own from the principals and founders of Ultrafabrics LLC, Clay Rosenberg and Danielle Boecher-Primack. Daiichi previ-

ously purchased 15.797 percent of Ultrafabrics in November, 2016. The sales of Ultrafabrics are reportedly $60 million annually but Daiichi paid $126 million for the company according to Reuters. Ultrafabrics primary brands include Brisa, Ultraleather, Ultratech and Uf2. The principals were not available for comment at Ultrafabrics LLC at presstime despite attempts to reach them. Although an internal memo was circulated to employees, Ultrafabrics LLC has not made a formal announcement about its sale. F&FI

Danielle Boecher-Primack and Clay Rosenberg, founders of Ultrafabrics®

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Summer 2017

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TSG Finishing Targets Contract Fabric Finishes

Sipco News Network

ickory, North Carolina: TSG Finishing, LLC is proud to introduce the DEFEND® brand of high performance finishing technology to better meet the needs of the contract upholstery and wall covering marketplace. “The contract hospitality and residential markets have made it very clear that current high performance finish options are restrictive, outdated, and no longer reflect the needs of today’s specifier,” says Michael Goldman, Executive VP at TSG. Brian Rosenstein, TSG’s Chief Coordinating Officer, states, “DEFEND allows almost any type of fabric and construction to be treated based upon a customer’s unique application and specifi-

cations. That is why it’s important for the industry to know that DEFEND is ‘your fabric + our protection’.” Goldman adds, “All of the DEFEND finishes are either PFOA-free or contain absolutely no PFC’s at all. There are many other ways our technology is adaptive to make sure every specifier has an easy-to-use option for the unique requirements of each installation.” TSG will formally launch

DEFEND at HD Expo in May. Rosenstein states, “Our goal is to increase awareness about DEFEND and showcase our stateof-the-art technology to the industry.” TSG will also have a live demonstration of DEFEND performing throughout the show. TSG Finishing currently has three finishing plants in Hickory and Conover, North Carolina that are dedicated to the enhancement of textile products. F&FI

Michael Goldman

Brian Rosensteim

The Design Archive Opens UK Showroom; Arranges Distribution Worldwide Sipco News Network

ONDON--The Design Archive, Sharon Crowson’s new company has opened its first showroom on Lots Road near the Chelsea Design Center here. The new fabrics are re-colored designs from the Crowson archive. Crowson was a successful U.K. Converter which closed its doors a few years ago. Sharon has arranged for distribution in Europe, Australia Russia and China.

Showroom

Summer 2017

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Contract/HospitalityNews C/HNEWS I Printer, Editeur, Converter Panaz Becomes Major

Global Contract Player Driven Hard by 30 Year Veteran Tony Attard Attard buys out partner, brings on two of his three sons Sipco News Network

ANCASHIRE, UK—Panaz Ltd. has evolved as a major

contract printer, converter and designer of contract fabrics with sales in the $25 million range but CEO Tony Attard expects to dou-

Rollie, Max, Dad Tony and Simon

ble business in the next five years. The company owns state of the art printing machines capable of printing 200 meters per hour. Product delivery is four to eight weeks so most of the business is open line designed by Panaz with a smaller but growing custom business of about five percent Panaz ‘Magma,’ a transfer printed Trevira® velvet selected for a of sales. “The USA is the most recent restaurant project, designed by Davis Ink, Costa Mesa, CA dynamic market we serve so it keeps us on our toes,” he says. He has also hired two of his “Panaz wants to be the larg- color,” Attard points out. Contract est contract fabric supplier in is far removed from residential in three sons to work in the business: Europe,” he says. “Our global every way. This didn’t used to be Simon, 32 in product development for three years and Rollie, ambitions are integral to that goal the case but it is a fact now.” Attard bought out his part- 28, in sales for two years based and our connections with designers means we do a global business ner last June so Panaz for the in Raleigh, NC. Rollie reports to first time is 100 percent his after John Logus, GM of the US subtoday.” “The market for contract is founding the company 30 years sidiary. Attard hopes to keep the moving farther away from resi- ago. Before that, he was a head business a family institution but dential performance, design and designer in another firm. (Continued on Page 31)

C/HNEWS I Eric Lazarus Joins Aperture Contract, Charles

Samelson’s New Roller Shade Division EW YORK, New York—Eric Lazarus, 30 years plus hospitality industry veteran has been named Vice President of Aperture Contract, the newest addition to

the Charles Samelson, Inc. family of brands, focused on providing a unique collection of decorative roller shades for the commercial marketplace. Lazarus joined Aperture Contract in January after clos-

Eric Lazarus

Mark Teppel

Sipco News Network

ing a 10-year-old hospitality bedding plant, Lazarus Mfg. which had morphed into a roller shade business in 2016. Mark Teppel, President of Samelson Chatelane recruited Lazarus for the new position and his timing couldn’t have been better. Lazarus brought Alma Peguero into the new business as operations manager. The two had worked together for 23 years. Peguero will work out of the Samelson office in New York while Lazarus will handle things from Plantation, Florida. “We needed another player on our team,” Teppel explains. He indicates that Lazarus will focus on roller shades but hell gradually get involved in other things within Samelson. “Lazarus’s background is in finished product. The New Aperture Contract

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26 Harry Samelson and Mark Teppel

line f 300 sku’s was introduced at Hospitality Design Show in Las Vegas in May but the samples were not available to the Samelson sales force until June. Teppel expects to realize a $5 million business but Lazarus thinks it will be much larger due to the success of others already in it Like Valley Forge. “When Westin introduced the Heavenly Bed 19 years ago, many experts predicted that nobody would use it. Boy, were they wrong. The al white bed killed the print industry. Now I’m seeing the same thing happen to the drapery business,” Lazarus says. “I had $400,000 worth of drapery equipment in y last operation and then I saw the introduction

of roller shades at Holiday Inn Express in 2016. That’s when I decided to get into the roller shade business. The drapery business continues to decline. I just did a job for a new hotel brand and it’s all roller shades. Roller shades with side panels give a clean look to the hotel room while the drapery covers the window. Roller shades make the room look bigger and is a cleaner product than draperies,” he says. Aperture Contract will be fabricated in the USA in Florida. The components are sourced in the USA and overseas. “Samelson is diversifying with the move into roller shades,” Lazarus says. It’s a smart move. “With draperies on their way out it seems, that means that all those drapery fabrics are also (Continued on Page 31)

Summer 2017

F FI NE W S (Continued from Front Cover)

Driven By Z-Wovens USA Success, Zhongwang Launches Z-Wovens Europe this past March. While Quaker ultimately went bankrupt, Zhongwang has thrived and is an important resource today for many American upholstery manufacturers and counterpart companies based in China. ZW as a mill specializes in woven residential upholstery fabrics mainly with polyester and acrylic yarns. “Based on the successful concept of Z-Wovens-USA, the European version of Z-Wovens will initially target the major Europe based importers, distributors as well as some large manufacturers offering woven collections with European style handwriting,” says Parmentier. Marc Geysen, a well-known European designer and trend watcher and his team, have joined the ZW European project and will do the designing of the initial collections scheduled for their first time release second quarter of 2017. These new collections will be presented during MoOD 2017 in September at the Tour & Taxi Centre in Brussels, Belgium. Both Mrs. Jennifer Yang (wife of Yang Lin Shan) and daughter Rena, Zhongwang’s Marketing Director, recently joined Parmentier on a European tour to discuss the possi-

It’s Your Brand. So, What’s Your Story? You’ve worked hard to create a beautiful product. You’ve made sure it has all the features you know your customer wants. Problem is, you’re in a category that’s full of products that look and seem pretty much like yours. Your customers are left to sort out which product is the one they’re actually looking for. Which is why you need a brand identity that distiguishes you from your competition. A personality that immediately grabs a customer’s attention. Speaks their language. And shows that you’ve figured out how to give them just what they need. Its tone might be funny, or earnest, intriguing, or unnerving.

bilities of the new venture, meeting with the designer Marc Geysen and finalizing the first collections and fine tuning the European strategy with Parmentier. Rena is a finance graduate (2010) of The Lancaster University in the U.K. She has been particularly focused on the role of the American market to Zhongwang and Z-Wovens collections. “That U.S. based operation started in 2010 in High Point, North Carolina, says Parmentier, and “has “since then been writing a real successful story.” Of course, he hopes to be as successful in the new Z-Wovens- Europe venture. Zhongwang Holding is exporting 90 percent of its Hangzhou mill production to the USA according to Rena Yang. The new division in Europe is expected to establish substantial business with the European based customers under Parmentier’s direction, through the service of his European sales team. F&FI

NeverFear_third_FT_ol.indd 1

4/5/17 12:19 PM

The ad pictured here for NeverFear Fabrics tells a story quickly. One picture and 24 words in a small space. It promises the customer luxury, performance and value; benefits that resonate with the kind of retail customers who’d let Fido up on the sofa—people who live real lives, but still want upholstery that is soft and beautiful. It characterizes the sort of product that creates loyalty and fosters relationships. Exactly what you want your brand to achieve. Rena Yang with father Jin Yang

Right: Jim Deluzio of Morris + Delusio in Providence, RI (USA) was hired by Zhongwang to develop a brand and marketing strategy.

Summer 2017

Jim De Luzio is a partner at Morris + DeLuzio, a creative brand, print and web agency in Providence, RI. Contact him at jim@morrisdeluzio.com, or morrisdeluzio.com

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High Performance Fabrics Drives Culp Upholstery Sales, While Bonded Leather Sales Take Back Seat to Live Smart By John Lowe

IGH POINT, North Carolina – Sales of Culp Inc.’s high-performance fabrics introduced in 2016 are running 40% ahead of the company’s similar categories, says Liam Waters, Culp’s Vice President, Marketing. ‘Live Smart,’ Culp’s performance brand is supplanting the company’s previous success with bonded leather. Officials of Culp, Inc., possibly the United States’ largest marketer of fabrics imported from China and a major supplier to many upholstered furniture and bedding manufacturers, say they have developed an economical process of producing stain-resistant, liquid-repellant fabrics previously available only to consumers with high-end furnishings budgets. “Performance fabrics have been very successful at the top end of the market,” Waters says. “We felt it was time to offer a similar performance story at mid-market price points. Culp entered the high-performance arena at the October International Home Furnishings Market, where it introduced its product called “Live Smart.” “Now it’s relatively inexpensive to protect the sofa for the first time. People have hardwood floors with finishing to protect them from stains and spills. They have case goods that also are finished for the same reason. “So why not upholstery? The most vulnerable piece of furniture in the home has no protection. It makes no sense.” Live Smart fabrics result from a two-step process, Waters says. The first step is as old as polyester itself, which can be dyed only by subjecting it to temperatures exceeding 300 degree Fahrenheit. The intense heat causes fibers to develop minute cracks that would

require a 100x microscopic lens to view. The dye is mixed with the heated polyester and settles into the cracks, where it is trapped as the fabric cools. “Polyester is extremely tough to dye,” Waters explains. “Likewise, it’s extremely tough to stain.” Although Live Smart carries a three-year limited warranty, Waters says “stain resistance will last as long as the yarn itself.” Making the fabric liquid-repellant is where the second step of this manufacturing process comes into play, Waters says. Polyester is a breathable material; spills can permeate the fabric and be absorbed by interior cushioning where, until it dries, can wick back up through the fabric if someone were to sit upon the area that absorbed the spill. Likewise, it the liquid was not odor free, its aroma often becomes a long-lasting if not permanent characteristic of the furniture. Live Smart fabrics are treated with a relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly agent known as a “C6” chemical, as opposed to a “C8” chemical that has been proven hazardous to the environment and has caused some now defunct high-performance products and processes to be taken off the market. “Live Smart is fully encapsulated in a solution that creates full and complete moisture repellency to 80 grade,” Waters said, which prevents moisture penetration from reaching the back of the fabric as well as the interior cushioning. Waters said that Culp keeps manufacturing costs at a minimum

fabrics sourced from other suppliers. The company has operations located in the United States, Canada and China. It finishes its own lines of upholstery fabrics in its

Liam Waters because only a light application of the C6 chemical is required to ensure repellency. ““Live Smart is offered as a separate collection from the rest of our line because the Live Smart product must pass a tough series of tests, which includes 15 commercial washings,” Waters says. “It is the fastest growing segment of our product line. “Live Smart is available in a variety of product textures as well as prints, jacquards (woven prints) and velvets. Culp achieved its seventh consecutive year of overall sales growth in 2016, according to figures listed in the company’s current annual report showing sales totaling $312.9 million. Although the current increase shows a slight margin over 2015’s sales of $310.2 million, total sales reportedly have increased 51.6 per cent since 2010. Culp’s total sales consist of 60 per cent in mattress fabrics, 37 per cent in upholstery fabrics imported from China and 3 per cent in U.S. produced fabrics. Culp is one of the world’s largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for furniture. The company markets a variety of fabrics to its global customer base of mattress makers and furniture companies, including fabrics produced at Culp’s manufacturing facilities and

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own plant in Shanghai. Shares in Culp, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CFI. F&FI

La-Z-Boy Buys 10 Million Yards Annually; I-Clean Becomes A Factor By John Lowe

La-Z-Boy, a Monroe, Michigan based manufacturer, introduced “I-Clean” high-performance fabric on its mid-price-range upholstered prototypes at the April, 2016 International Home Furnishings Market. They reportedly were very pleased by initial retailer response and extremely excited by sales figures during the past year. “We purchase over 10 million yards per year of all types of fabric, and “I-Clean” is indeed a growing segment,” says Paula Hoyas, La-Z-Boy Vice President, Marketing. “We had to adjust our original forecast because of increased demand, and we continue to monitor the growing demand.” It’s no coincidence that La-ZBoy officials appear as excited about “I-Clean” as Culp officials are about their high-performance fabric “Live Smart,” which they introduced six months later at the October market. To paraphrase Shakespeare, a high-performance fabric by any other name might be just as effective, but these two products are more than merely similar. Except for the names, officials of both companies admit their products are as identical as the positive responses from their customers. Hoyas says La-Z-Boy officials approached Culp officials in mid-2015 and asked them to produce a stain-resistant, liquid-repellant, high-performance fabric. Culp delivered the product “eight

fast-paced months later,” Hoyas says, in time for La-Z-Boy to introduce it at the 2016 spring market. “Studying the industry, we keep our eye on a lot of different things,” Hoyas said. “It was the right time to have high-performance products at mid-range price points. What is it that is new and innovative and different? We never had a fabric high-performance story. This is our first true performance story that we are able to market. It’s affordable, stain resistant, easy to clean and, super important, soft to the touch.” Hoyas said La-Z-Boy officials saw that retailers were excited by the “wonderful eye presentation” from spilled liquids on fabrics identical in every way, except that one was an “I-Clean” product. While regular upholstery is soaked by spills and, depending on the liquid, possibly ruined, F&FI

Paula Hoyas

Summer 2017

F FI NE W S

Covington Off to Fast 2017 Start, Offers New Jennifer Adams Collections at Showtime;

John Lowe Joins F&FI

Major print lines and sheers to be shown Sipco News Network

EW YORK — Covington Fabric & Design LLC is entering the second half of 2017 with “the best start ever and an expected overall sales increase for the year at ten percent or better,” according to Greg Tarver, CEO. “Our retail and chain business is up significantly in spite of the loss of Hancock last year. Our jobber business is quite healthy in spite of the consolidation. We think we

Covington print ‘Tremezzo’

have found a niche with the jobber in terms of design and service,” he says. Covington is ramping up its design studio in its New York offices under Design Director Chari Voehl as it moves all back office operations to South Carolina and consolidates sales, marketing and design in New York. Covington’s new line was enthusiastically sampled by jobbers and now it will be unveiled at Showtime. The new lines include a crossover contract line by Jennifer Adams that was introduced first at BD West; Jennifer Adams has also introduced a new line of decorative prints, embroideries and jacquards, 50 sku’s total; 23 new decorative prints in a good, better, best scenario starting at $3.95 for a 16 screen Jacobean design up to $11.95 printed on different base cloths in linen, linen/viscose, cotton

and cotton blends; a novelty sheers line and Gam Slam, a glitzy drapery line with metallic; full range of jacquards and textured solids. Covington says it is doing more custom work for its clients, especially in China to China where a price point has to be met. Covington has a China based office in Hangzhou for this purpose. About 85 percent of the product line is sourced offshore; 15 percent domestically. Most open line product can be delivered within 24 hours, Tarver says. “Our key to our growth in the past five years has been developing a Covington dedicated sales force with no multi line reps,“ Tarver says. “We’re also data driven so we know our exact return on our sampling cost by customer.” “Our reps can have a conversation even before they visit the customer that can cover sales trends,

Sipco News Network

IGH POINT, NC—John Lowe, veteran journalist with the High Point Enterprise has joined Sipco Publications Inc. as a contributing editor.

Jennifer Adams at BD West including the best-selling designs by geography with more and more information available through our sales portal,” says Tom Bruno, Vice President, Sales. “Having Covington dedicated sales people has improved our business.” “Covington is now expanding social media, utilizing Instagram,” says Stephanie Wotton, Vice President, Marketing. F&FI

Rockland's Kresel Builds Birdhouses, Sells Blackout! Sipco News Network

ALTIMORE, MD — In 1997 Rockland Mills Executive VP Sales Mark Kresel ended his career as a international fishing angler due to a mishap with a 900 pound Mako Shark. After working the Shark for six hours he finally gave in and “I have him hanging on my wall–all fourteen feet of him!”

“I came out a winner but with a torn rotator cuff and there went my fishing; on to my next hobby!” Kresel says he was building and flying drones. Well, since he had that torn and repaired rotator cuff he was never the same and that also stopped his flying experiences; on to another challenge. He started to build birdhouses. These were not just birdhouses but unique ones that hang in the world's best homes. Kresel's birdhouse career has lasted for the past twenty years. “Some people collect signed autographs on pictures; I design and build specialty birdhouse for moviestars. I would send two specialty ones in a theme that matches that star. One for him to keep as a thank you and one to sign and send back. Today I have 53 signed ‘by the stars,’ from astronaut John Glenn to rocker Gene Simmons.” “That led me to a different type

of house. I would see a picture either in the movies or just from an article in the paper. From there I would start building from scratch using only recycled wood! I would never buy wood from a lumber yard. I'd either use old furniture or scraps from building sights, but never new!” “In the attached pictures you find my personalized fleet, from Pirate ships to Star Wars. All designed as birdhouses.”

“Each birdhouse signifies a famous ship like the rocket for John Glenn or warships from the 1800's. All these ships are built from scratch using recycled wood with no plans; Warships from America like the USS Constellation , USCGC Eagle (AKA Horst Wessel), France's 1830's Napoleon Warship; British 1800's HMS Caledonia to my new fleet of Star Ships--Millennium Falcon, Rogue One , Tie Fighter and Star Fighter. The average size of these ships are from 30 inches to 38 inches long and they can be as high as 27 inches. These are birdhouses that I have not given away! One day I will need a new room just to display them or be thrown out of my house with my birdhouses. I guess I would rather be thrown out with the birdhouses.” F&FI

John Lowe Lowe worked for the Enterprise in various positions from assistant news editor to a general assignment reporter. starting in 1975. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a BA in Journalism. He received the North Carolina Press Association’s first place award for investigative reporting in 1984. Since 1985, he worked for Nido Ruben and Associates, a High Point firm that created manuscripts promoting members of the National Speakers Association. Lowe will cover various areas of the decorative fabrics business for Fabrics & Furnishings International and will attend Showtime. Look for him! F&FI

Mark Kresel and grandson Max

Summer 2017

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F FI NE W S

Milliken Makes Late Performance Fabrics Entry With ‘Breathe™’ Pottery Barn is the first customer to feature Milliken product By John Lowe

PARTANBURG, SC—Milliken & Company is re-entering the residential upholstery fabric field with a patented, trademarked performance fabric named Breathe™.

Rene Vaughan

on frames soon to be on the retailer’s furniture floor, Milliken is hoping to capture orders from other furniture manufacturers. For that purpose, Milliken expects to attend Showtime in High Point in June with plans to display their fabrics at

Emily Michaels

The first sale of Breathe has been made on a direct basis to the retailer Pottery Barn with 200 stores. “Pottery Barn has made the commitment to our customers to provide them with a range of sustainable options to build both a comfortable and healthy home,” Pottery Barn President Marta Benson says. “We selected both the performance cotton twill and the performance slub cotton in the Breathe fabrics to offer our guests new choices when it comes to shopping for performance fabric.” Current colors for Performance Twill include warm white, cream, silver taupe, cadet navy, stone and metal gray. Current colors for Performance Slub Cotton are white, ivory, silver taupe, stone and metal gray. While Pottery Barn is the first buyer of Breathe which is featured

David Smith

Showtime in December. Milliken also has successful entrees in the hospitality business through Visa® table linens, contract upholstery and floor coverings. While the market is already loaded with performance upholstery fabrics and finishes, Milliken feels its product and technology is superior to anything else on the market. Similar to all high-performance fabrics, Breathe by Milliken products are durable, stain resistant and easily cleanable as well. Milliken says that Breathe “is a fluorine-free high-performance product that derives its liquid repellency from an environmentally-friendly, unique in-house developed plant-based formula.” The fabric is available in natural and synthetic fibers ranging from cotton to polyester that is manufactured from recycled plastic beverage bottles.

Milliken officials say the fabrics have either met or surpassed the standards of third-party testing in the areas of water repellency, soil release, spot cleaning, colorfastness, abrasion resistance and piling, and have received Greenguard Gold certification, which is awarded to products proven to conform to the world’s most rigorous environmental standards, according to David Smith, vice president of Milliken division Engineered Performance mance fabric upholstery covers machines without diminishing the Product, one of 44 companies that resistant to stains and spills are easy integrity of the product. Michaels, who holds a docto spot clean and, in extreme cases, comprise Milliken. torate degree in inorIn addition to containganic chemistry from ing no fluorine, Breathe Clemson University and also contains no formal“Pottery Barn has made the received a post-doctordehyde or fire retardants, commitment to our customate appointment with Milliken says, yet the fabers to provide them with a Sandia Laboratories in rics conform to industry Albuquerque, NM, is the flammability standards. range of sustainable options mother of young children They also contain no other to build both a comfortas well as the scientist who potentially harmful chemideveloped the environcals that recently have been able and healthy home. We mentally-friendly plantdeemed unsafe for fabric/ selected both the perforbased formula responsible furniture production and/ mance cotton twill and the for the fabrics’ liquid repelor protection because of lency. Well respected by their potential to negatively performance slub cotton in her peers at Milliken who impact the environment. the Breathe fabrics to offer credit her for fast devel“The front room is no opment of the plant-based longer off limits,” Milliken our guests new choices water repellency formuresearch manager Emily when it comes to shopping la, Michaels said she was Michaels said with tonguefor performance fabric.” inspired to “think globally, in-cheek yet serious in her act locally” to create envireference to the single ronmentally friendly furroom of a typical residence --Marta Benson, President of niture with benefits that that traditionally is reserved Pottery Barn extend into the home. for “adult” company and, “We want to serve not with rare if any exceptions, was virtually off-limits to children can be unzipped and removed from only our manufacturing customers, and pets. Durable high-perfor- cushions to be cleaned in washing (continued on Page 38)

Valdese Buys Circa 1801 Plant Sipco News Network

ALDESE, North Carolina — Valdese Weavers has purchased the Circa1801 facility in Connelly Springs, NC, according to Michael Shelton, President & CEO. The 156,000 square foot structure houses the Circa 1801 Design studio, administrative offices, and manufacturing plant. The building

was constructed in 1997, and is located five miles from the company’s headquarters in Valdese, NC. “The Circa facility is a premium design center and manufacturing operation”, according to Shelton. “ It was constructed specifically for the type of textile manufacturing that we do, and the design studio

and archive is simply magnificent. We originally leased the building when we acquired the Circa 1801, Home Fabrics, and Mastercraft Contract businesses in 2007. Our decision to purchase this facility is an indication of our commitment to our manufacturing platform in North Carolina, which now con-

Design area of Circa 1801 Facility

Mike Shelton, Valdese

sists of four factories totaling nearly one million square feet in Burke County. It also deepens our commitment to our community, and the approximately 1,000 ESOP associates who are the employee-owners of Valdese Weavers.“ Valdese Weavers is a 100% employee-owned ESOP company. It is the largest manufacturer of

Former Circa 1801 Plant

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decorative textiles in the United States for use in residential and contract markets. The company operates four facilities in Burke County, N.C., and trades under the brand names Valdese Weavers, Valdese Weavers Contract, Circa 1801, Home Fabrics by Wesley Mancini, Valdese International Products (VIP) and Dicey Fabrics. F&FI

Summer 2017

C/HNews

(Continued from Page 26)

Eric Lazarus Joins Aperture Contract, Samelson’s New Roller Shade Division going to decline. Charles Samelson founded Charles Samelson, Inc. (CSI) n 1974, and began the successful journey of designing and engineering decorative fire-rretardant (FR) fabrics for the contract and residential marketplace. Consistent growth led to the founding of the Chatelane division to focus on the residential jobber trade, while Samelson’s Hospitality business continued to steadily expand. Eventually, the Samelson and Chatelaine divisions combined with a single focus - Hospitality. Today, Samelson-Chatelane maintains one of the largest collection of print and woven fire retardant fabrics in the industry. In 2001, CSI acquired Coral, a purveyor of performance fabrics designed for Healthcare, Institutional, Government, Educational and Corporate environments. This acquisition broadened the reach of CSI in the commercial textiles marketplace. Deeply rooted in Hospitality, it’s no surprise the team at CSI was quick to recognize the demand for roller shades as a new window

treatment category, and to respond with competitively priced, stylish options that would seamlessly incorporate this critical design element to the interior scheme. The result is the launch of Aperture Contract. “With CSI expertise in market know-how and strength of distribution, CSI realized they needed to reach out to the roller shade industry to quickly come “up to speed” with specially developed product offerings for their new brand. To that end, CSI hired experts, who combined have over 50 years’ experience, to source and design roller shade options for their customer base,” according to Mark Teppel. “With the strength of CSI’s reputable service and know-how behind it, Aperture Contract celebrates entry to the market, and takes its place alongside sister brands Samelson-Chatelane and Coral to form a triumvirate of interior design offerings and expertise for Hospitality, Healthcare, Institutional, Educational, Government and Corporate environments,” Teppel concludes. F&FI

Financial Firm Buys Carnegie Major Stake Existing Management Continues Sipco News Network

OCKVILLE CENTER, New York — Carnegie has finalized an agreement to sell a majority interest in the company to a financial partner named Calera Capital based in Boston, MA. The purchase price is not disclosed. Cliff Goldman, Carnegie second generation family owner will remain a minority shareholder and will continue to run the company. “I have no intention of changing how Carnegie has been built, its unique core culture or our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” he says. “It is exactly because they recognized our unique approach to success that Calera wanted to partner with Carnegie and our management team and why we decided to partner with them.” Goldman also says that Carnegie’s suppliers will remain unchanged. “We will continue to operate in a collaborative manner that brings success for us both,” he says in a recent memo to his customers. “As for myself; I will continue to run this company with the same dedication to our employees, clients and the planet as I always have. Our management team will take on increasing responsibility for charting a successful course forward – one that I know my father who founded this company 66 years ago would be very proud of.” F&FI

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Panaz Becomes Major Global Contract Player this depends on how well his sons perform. Attard points to designers in Atlanta and New York who do business worldwide as key to Panaz’s success so far and he expects this trend to continue. “We can provide global solutions to our customers. For example, Panaz prints 20 percent of its line in the UK internally all with its own designs. There are some 9,000 sku’s in the line including all types of fabrics sourced primarily in the UK, Europe and Turkey.

Rollie Attard

Tony Attard Also Chairman of Alusid, Architectural Glass Recycler Sipco News Network

ANCASHIRE—Alusid is a manufacturer of recycled ceramics and glass from sinks, bathtubs and television screen glass that would otherwise go into the landfill. The Silicastone product line is used for indoor/outdoor surfaces in the same way a designer would use stone, according to Tony Attard, Chairman of this startup company.

RLANDO, FL—Rollie Attard, the 28-year-old son (one of three sons) has big shoes to fill but his enthusiasm for his business and where it can be in the next 30 years drives him on. He’s trying hard to prove himself these past two years after an education at Leeds with a BS degree in Economics and at London School of Economics with an MS degree in Management. (His brother Simon, involved with product development at Panaz UK, graduated London College with a Fine Arts MS degree). Rollie also worked at Amazon as a vendor manager and was involved in a startup venture before that. He’s also used to taking a beating as an open side flanker on the

Weave product

Summer 2017

Panaz prints can be printed in the UK for European or UK sales but by working with printers in the USA, Panaz gets closer to the market as a converter. Panaz supplies product to Premier One to Intercontinental at all price points. The business includes hospitality/cruise; healthcare and corporate projects. There’s a sales force of 11 in the USA; 14 in the UK and five in Europe which is slated to hire more sales people. F&FI

Rugby field where he has torn up his right shoulder more than once. He also cracked a rib snowboarding in Breckinridge, Colorado just recently. He has lived in France and Dubai and gets home to the UK once a year. Fabric may be in his blood, he says. “Sure, I used to have sword fights with fabric tubes when I was much younger and dad took me around the factory but I wanted to work elsewhere to get my own experience,” he says. Now, as Eastern Sales Manager from the Midwest through Louisiana--he’s based in Panaz’s US offices in Raleigh, NC and spends a lot of his time on the road calling on customers and working with the 11

man sales force including 12 year West Coast veteran Chris Banner in the USA, the number one market for Panaz today. The unique selling proposition of Panaz td. Is its European style handwriting which the designers often favor,” Rollie says. “We sell many more neutrals in the USA than anywhere else. “We also pass all Euro fire codes and IMO standards so we easily pass FR codes in the USA but if you’re a New York designer doing a project in Paris, our same products will pass the French fire code. We can supply vinyl with 300,000 double rubs or woven fabrics with 100,000 rubs—whatever our customer needs.” F&FI

Pat and Tony Attard

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F FI NE W S

Dicitex Furnishings Teams Up With Bollywood Star Hrithik Roshan to Launch Digital Home Solution in Local Market Sipco News Network

UMBAI—Bollywood Star and ‘Greek God’ Hrithik Roshan has turned into an interior enthusiast since he became the Brand ambassador of Dicitex Furnishings. Together with the Arora’s, the owners of Dicitex, they have launched DCTEX Digital Solutions software to over 700+ top retailers from all across India, Dubai, Bangladesh and Malaysia. This software includes different categories of products like furnishing fabrics, bedding and wallpaper, with a wide array of colors, designs, and patterns to choose from. It aims to revolutionize the process of purchasing home products by allowing customers to not only touch and feel the products, but also virtually design rooms, and get an overall look of their choices before making a purchase; thus adding a third dimension to the home furnishing industry.

The Arora’s feel that their DCTEX Digital Solution software “will be a time-saving platform for both the retailers and the customers who “cannot keep track of the vast number of collections and choices in a particular category. This will allow them to find a quicker solution by reducing the lead time and generating higher purchases.” “All the collection books only offer the touch and feel of the fabric but lack imagination. This solution will allow customers to visualise how the finished products will look in a room set up and thus give the whole process an added advantage,” the pair state. This initiative by DCtex will hopefully propel sales in collaboration with its retailers by enabling them to attract more customers, and satisfying their needs of testing before buying. It provides a real time view of different rooms, open for customization by choice. The software solution was

kicked off with a special evening featuring Hrithik Roshan. The evening was all about new technologies, glamour and style. “A house that telegraphs the right image and completes the picture in a statement-making way is my definition of an ideal home,” according to Hrithik Roshan. “As my association with the DCtex family is growing more on a business level now, we felt the need to get to know the foot soldiers – the Dctex retailers, who are behind making this brand a huge success. “The younger generation should take note of the rising need for constant innovation in the home furnishing business and adapt to changes in the technology space. I am happy that DCtex has grown from a family run business to one of the leading brands in the world,” said M.L Arora, Chairman of DCTex Furnishings. DCtex Furnishings was incorporated in 1999 as a luxury brand for Indian and international

markets with vertically integrated production facilities, an in house design team along with the industrial capabilities of creating furnishing collections. The brand has grown under the guidance

and leadership of the two Arora brothers – Rajnish, Vice Chairman and Nimish, Managing Director. F&FI

Nimish Arora; Hrithik Roshan and Rajnish Arora

The Crypton® Companies Acquired By Berkley Capital Sipco News Network

LOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan — The Crypton Companies (Crypton LLC & Nanotex LLC), providers of performance fabrics in the contract, home furnishings and apparel markets, announced April 3 that Berkley Capital, LLC has acquired a majority stake. Berkley Capital will become majority owners of the new entity to be formed from the acquisition. Company co-founders Craig and Randy Rubin, and Lance Keziah, president of The Crypton Companies, will retain minority

Craig and Randy

ownership. Craig and Randy Rubin will carry the titles of Founder and Vice Chairman of the new company, with Randy serving as primary brand ambassador and Craig will continue to advise the company in the areas of research and development and plant processing. Keziah will assume the role as CEO and will manage all aspects of the business. Berkley Capital is the private equity investment vehicle of W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB), a Fortune 500 property and casualty insurance company. “In addition to capital, Berkley brings management expertise to guide Crypton and Nanotex as it expands its global reach a spokesman says.” Frank Medici, president of Berkley Capital will become Chairman of the Board of the new

company, while Berkley Capital Managing Director Thomas Ghegan will be a Director along with Lance Keziah and Craig Rubin. The new company will continue to be headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, MI, maintain operations from its research and manufacturing plant in Kings Mountain, NC, and continue with its operations in Hong Kong. “The move significantly enhances the growth strategy of Crypton and Nanotex and enables the company to bring greater value to its clients as it looks to dramatically expand sales, the spokesman says. This investment will allow for more expansion in new business lines and applications for both the Crypton and Nanotex businesses. “By partnering with Berkley Capital, we will be able to accelerate our goal of making our brands household names,” says Randy Rubin. “We see this as an amazing opportunity for our company and will enable us to reach our full potential. I look forward to continuing my role as a Brand Ambassador to maximize our growth.” “Berkley brings with them a deep knowledge and vision of where our company could go in its

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next stage of growth, so it was an ideal scenario to partner with them to move our company forward along the existing business lines now and for future ones under development,” says Craig Rubin. “This is a very exciting time for our company and employees. Berkley is a great partner that fits well with our culture and growth initiatives. I look forward to leading the company and closely working with the Berkley team to accelerate our growth strategy and continuing to bring value to our customers,” said Lance Keziah. “We chose to partner with Crypton and Nanotex because of their global reputation for performance and strong brand recognition,” says Berkley Capital President Frank Medici. “By working with their established and proven management team, Berkley will be able to build upon the strong foundation that the Crypton team have built and help bring the organization to its next evolution in producing performance products for the home, contract, apparel and other businesses.” Adds Berkley Managing Director Thomas Ghegan, “Craig, Randy and the rest of the talented management team have built a company that is synonymous with performance from its employees to

Randy Rubin its products. We are excited to work with this innovation-oriented team that is committed to continuing to lead the textile industry by producing top-quality performance fabrics and technologies.” F&FI

Lance Keziah

Summer 2017

F FI NE W S

Kathy Dotterer Styles Up Brentwood Textiles While Company Triples Sales Volume Since It Was Acquired Three Years Ago Dotterer, Skeen Bring 30 Years’ Experience to customer Sipco News Network

IGH POINT, North Carolina — With the guidance and financial support of parent company STI, Brentwood Textiles has tripled its sales as a converter of upholstery and decorative fabrics since it was purchased in 2015 according to Sean Gibbons, STI’s CEO. “I won’t release sales figures,” Gibbons says, “but we forecast Brentwood will sell 300% more in 2017 than when we purchased it in 2015....hockey stick growth!” The two big things Brentwood did under STI’s ownership were hiring Kathy Dotterer full time after the acquisition; she had been doing part time design work for Brentwood for years. The second big thing STI brought to the party was to provide the capital and other resources needed to expand the line, lease a permanent showroom, and hire a larger sales force, Gibbons explains. “This is the reason I thought it was very important for Brentwood to have its own showroom and sales force.” Gibbons wants the two brands—STI and Brentwood to compete. Peter Drucker, the business lecturer always said: If someone is going to segment my market, it might as well be me!” Gibbons is obviously a believer in this message. “Sean and I envisioned when we partnered that Brentwood would be the more upscale division of STI and handle the OTC and jobbers which were already my customers,” says Perry Skeen, VP of operations and sales for Brentwood. He was the original owner who sold Brentwood to STI. Dotterer joined Brentwood as head of design after it was acquired by STI in 2015. Observers say she has an uncanny ability to develop new constructions using the Turkish yarns that represent quite a different type of handwriting from the STI line. (See separate stories on this page from Mayo and Craftmaster.) “Kathy and I have collaborated for more than 30 years and her design sensitivity lends itself beautifully to those markets. I am rejuvenated and having the most enjoyment in the exercise of my responsibilities in a long, long time,” Skeen adds. Skeen today covers OTC and jobbers with the Brentwood line. Kathy does all the styling. Skeen has a separate sales force while Kathy works with nine sales people in the furniture trade. Although Brentwood Textiles weaves about 75-80% of its line in the USA, it has become proficient in producing more decorative custom textiles offshore. “Still, 80-90% is open line,” she says.

Summer 2017

“Producing upholstery off shore in Turkey tends to be more decorative and can be higher price because of the constructions,” Dotterer says. “Brentwood Textiles offers a variety of looks and constructions appealing to a broad customer base. Our partnerships with a variety of mills in Turkey, Spain and China provide diversity to our predominantly domestic line of fabrics. Our line includes: Revolution plains and jacquards, digital prints, chenille jacquards and plains from Turkey, multipurpose fabric from China and floor cloths and fabrics from Turkey. Some of Brentwood’s introductions for Summer Showtime include: A collection of Revolution plains and jacquards with texture and interesting drawings… creating a cool modern twist to classic homespun look. A collection Revolution stripes… we are seeing as a growing trend. Dotterer says Brentwood has also expanded its digital prints adding designs and a new base cloth. Printing is done in Turkey and Spain, she says.

Perry Skeen and Kathy Dotterer

A variety of base cloths from the basic looks starting at $3.95 up to colorful, textural high end looks around $12. “Since we are predominantly a domestic mill we are able to collaborate easily with our customers

to create custom product for them,” Dotterer explains. “That being said, with our strong partnerships with other mills in Turkey we can also do custom work there. Our business thrives on partnerships; that is a strong focus of Brentwood Textiles. We are

always looking for something innovative, exciting and saleable to bring to our customers. “The customer provides feedback; it pays to be a good listener,” Dotterer says. “Many collections and groups (continued on Page 34)

Mayo Furniture’s Patrick Mayo Sings His Praise About Brentwood, Kathy Dotterer Sipco News Network

EXARKANA, Texas — Mayo Mfg. Corp. is a 50-yearold upholstery maker which has co-branded Revolution Performance Fabric on its website. “It’s hard for me to talk about Brentwood without mentioning STI,” says Patrick Mayo, Prsident. “When STI purchased Brentwood, they were able to combine the best of both companies. First, and most importantly, the people are great. Every successful fabric mill has a very close team at its core. When STI purchased Brentwood, they basically extended their family to include Perry, Kathy, and a number of other important members that contribute to a great product line.” “Secondly, they combined STI’s ability to produce a highly valuable product quickly and a new twist with Kathy’s designs. Most people in the industry know Glen Read and his contribution to STI. Kathy is the equivalent at Brentwood.

“In my opinion, she is one of the best with textures and color on solid base cloths. Almost half of the base cloths we selected this season are Kathy’s.” “Brentwood has become a valuable supplier to Mayo Furniture because they pass our simple criteria: Does the product sell? Does it hold up? Can they deliver? Are they honest? The answer to all of these questions for Brentwood is ‘yes.’” “Another important question for Mayo is: Do they make their fabric in the USA? Most of the sku’s we

run from Brentwood are made in the USA. They do have a great lineup of goods produced in Turkey and other places, but we choose ‘made in the USA’ first before we consider other options.” “The most important reason that Brentwood is a valued supplier to Mayo Furniture is their ability to produce base cloths that should cost twice as much as they do. Brentwood is extending a higher end look to the middle and lower cost manufacturers without sacrificing quality.” F&FI

Left to right: Patrick, Mike, Linn, Stephen, and Ben Mayo. Linn has been retired for quite some time but the rest of us are still very active in the business.

Craftmaster’s Henson Says Brentwood Price Points Are Modest for the Look, Offering Unique Patterns Sipco News Network

AYLORSVILLE, North Carolina — “We are buying many items from Brentwood this season,” says Suzanne Henson, Vice President Merchandising and Marketing, Craftmaster Furniture here.

Suzanne Henson

Although Brentwood is a relatively new supplier for Craftmaster, she says she is buying “everything from a silky quilted chevron to a flannel plaid to a contemporary jacquard to a textured plain with a Chanel look. Their line is full of variety and I love browsing their showroom and then their color lines when I get them.” Henson says that Brentwood “price points are modest for the look, and that’s something a line like ours can really take advantage of. It allows us to offer better looks at more competitive prices, something we’ve become known for in recent years. Plus, you can’t beat delivery with a domestic mill. They take great care of us, keeping the delivery cycle between 4-6 weeks, which is our target. Finally, Henson says Brentwood

offers the Revolution Plus® performance product line, along with sister company STI, and “we have had tremendous success with that. Brentwood just makes good sense for us. Great style, great service and moderate price points.” “Kathy is a long-time friend with tremendous experience in the fabric industry. Her eye for design is among the best in the business. Buying from Brentwood feels like doing business with old friends. They have unique patterns that I can’t find other places, and even more importantly, great color combinations. Kathy’s background in making plaids at Elizabeth Weaving years ago, gave her the ability to mix unexpected colors in fresh, but familiar ways. That’s a great benefit that sets Brentwood apart. Also- she’s always there if I need a

color tweaked, or a pattern adjusted. The process is always smooth and seamless.” F&FI

Brentwood Showroom

“Linn has been retired….” —Patrick Mayo

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F FI NE W S

Robert Allen and Duralee Fabrics Finally Merge After Many Rumors Rumors started in 2016; Lee Silberman new CEO Sipco News Network

EW YORK — The Robert Allen Group and Duralee Fabrics, Ltd. have finally merged (March 31) capping off negotiations that began last year with the loss of the founder, Leonard Silberman last April. The Robert Allen Duralee Group (The RAD Group) is the name of the new entity combining both companies. Lee Silberman, long-time Duralee executive, has been named CEO of The Robert Allen Duralee Group and will lead the combined companies. The broader management team of the newly formed company will be comprised of senior leaders from both companies. “By combining forces, both companies and their multiple brands are ideally positioned to provide an expanded offering of world class products and services to the interior design community and commercial customers,” a company spokesman says. The spokesperson says the existing brand portfolio of both companies “will continue to exist.” “We are in an industry that is constantly evolving,” Silberman points out. “By leveraging the rich history and resources of these two design industry leaders, we have created the opportunity to reshape and improve the client experience in luxury home décor. The combined product lines, multiple brands and expanded product categories create one of the most extensive offerings in the market and secure our position as a full service design resource. Our goal is to provide a complete product offering

for today’s design professional – and to do it with a service level that is the best in the industry,” Silberman explains. The Robert Allen Group was owned by investment firm Altamont Capital Partners (Altamont) prior to the combination, with Altamont continuing to serve as a financial partner to The Robert Allen Duralee Group on a go-forward basis. “We look forward to supporting the management team in their pursuit of the many exciting growth and innovation opportunities this merger presents,” said Steve Brownlie, Managing Director of Altamont. The Robert Allen Duralee Group will be headquartered in Hauppauge, New York and will have locations worldwide. News of the merger was first shared with the sales agents of both companies. Industry observers guess the best agents will be retained in overlapped markets and the rest will leave. “Robert Allen never regained their foothold in the contract market with the retirement of Barry Baron,” a veteran contract man told F&FI. (Baron had 60 year’s experience in contract textiles and at one time was President of Robert Allen. He died in 2013.) With this new combination, greater efficiencies will be realized including the reduction of showroom space for both lines. “Robert Allen’s ownership after the Weissman Brothers sold it was not in hands of fabric people. It went to furniture people first and then to the current investor group as a financial play,” the source says. F&FI

About The Robert Allen Group The

Robert Allen Group has been in business for over 75 years. Based in the USA, the company sells its products under the Robert Allen, Beacon Hill, Robert Allen Contract, and Robert Allen @ Home brands and is the author of the Robert Allen Color Library, a fabric collection designed by color. The Robert Allen Group has showroom locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and a worldwide agent showroom network.

About Duralee Fabrics, Ltd. For over

60 years, Duralee has met the needs of its customers. Duralee’s offerings range from fabric and furniture to trim and drapery hardware. From humble beginnings, Duralee has grown to include showrooms throughout the United States, as well as worldwide, servicing more than 40 countries around the globe. The Robert Allen Duralee Group brands: Beacon Hill, Robert Allen Contract, Robert Allen @ Home, Robert Allen Furniture. Duralee Fabrics, Ltd., Duralee Fabrics, Duralee Furniture, Duralee Drapery Hardware, Duralee Contract, Duralee Suburban Home, DF Monogram, Highland Court, Bailey & Griffin, Lulu DK, James Hare. Representing: Paris Texas Hardware, The Finial Company, JF Fabrics, Thibaut, Byron & Byron.

(Continued from Page 33)

Kathy Dotterer Styles Up Brentwood Textiles have come from a partner saying ’I see a need for’ or ‘we are looking for’ or ‘our customers are wanting.” “Obviously designing and converting Turkish goods is not something we do at STI, even though STI purchases a considerable amount of yarn from Turkey for our non-Revolution fabrics,” Gibbons chimes in. (Revolution yarns are all domestic). “The big difference is Kathy. She takes our same “toolbox” of filling and warp yarns and creates looks that are very different from the STI design teams’ patterns... a different artist with a different vision and style,” he says. “That’s what really sets the two

lines apart. This is only possible because our yarn library is huge with thousands of sku’s, many of which we make ourselves,” Gibbons adds. Brentwood is a customer for STI since STI does a substantial amount of the weaving for Brentwood at its Kings Mountain, NC mill. Brentwood also weaves in several other plants in Turkey. Brentwood is entirely owned by STI, so it is not really a commission weaving situation,” Gibbons adds. “Of course, we convert and stock goods mainly from Turkey, and a little from China. Turkey is our focus and we have no current plans to source new

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products in China.” About the same time STI’s outdoor performance fabric line Revolution® brand started, STI bought Brentwood Mils from Perry Skeen. Brentwood makes most of its line in the USA but about 20 percent is produced in Turkey in acrylic chenille; “our own designs but we’re partners with a mill over there,” Gibbons explains. Brentwood produced a new line of Revolution chenille introduced a year ago as Revolution Plus®, a finer denier, multipurpose performance fabric; a machine washable fabric geared for slipcovers. F&FI

Summer 2017

F FI NE W S

Tapistel Rebrands As Home Link Mexico; Opens Two More Showrooms With Family Members Marchand Family Has 60 Year History in Fabric Business Sipco News Network

ONTERREY, Mexico — After 60 years in business as a major jobber with 65 employees, Tapistel has rebranded itself as Home Link and plans to open two more showrooms in addition to its two showrooms in Monterrey according to Mauricio Marchand, the second generation owner of the

business. His father, who passed away one year ago, started the original company which also included a large furniture store that has since been closed. Now, Mauricio is developing that 120,000 square foot property as a separate real estate venture in Monterrey. Home Link, with its 60-year history behind it, is now considered the fastest growing Mexican supplier of home fabrics to the trade, as well as to manufacturers according to one seasoned observer of the Mexican market. In 2001, Mauricio first came on the fabric radar when he was an agent for Mastercraft Fabrics covering Mexico and

Latin America and Tapistel was a distributor for that same line, now defunct. Today, Home Link is a fabric jobber which sells cuts from JAB, RM Coco, Joanne of Canada. Home Link also carries Fabric Library, UV Pro outdoor fabrics, FR One and Alex Foster, a private label line throughout Mexico and Central America. Home Link is the only jobber in Mexico selling to all three main chain stores. Palacio de Hierro,

Sipco News Network

Liverpool and Sears. The bulk of Home Link’s sales are to the trade only—designers. “We also cover hospitality projects in Mexico though a special sales force that is separate from our retail business to the designer.” Mauricio runs the business with his wife Magarita; now his oldest son Mauricio II, 24, is involved in the business as well. They have five sons ranging in age from 10-24 years old. F&FI

IAMI, Florida — Orlean, a Sao Paolo, Brazil based manufacturer of wallcoverings and sheer curtain fabrics has opened its first branch in the USA here with another one to follow in New York within five years according to Gustavo Orlean, the 28-year-old second generation owner of this manufacturer and wholesaler. “The ultimate goal was always to sell our products in the USA and we anticipate having a total of 12 showrooms in the USA,” he says. Gustavo’s mother started the business in 1985 as a manufacturer of sheer curtain fabrics. Orlean offers exclusive product in Brazil but offers both exclusive and open line products in the USA. His mother and father are still active

Gustavo Orlean and Christian Fong

Summer 2017

in the Sao Paolo based business but Gustavo will be joined by his brother, Marcelo, 32, in the U.S. operation. Aside from its own proprietary lines, Orlean is also the exclusive distributor of the UK based Prestigious Fabrics in the USA. “The fabric business in the USA is tough,” Gustavo says. “You have to come up with a well-established brand in the USA or be swallowed up.” This hasn’t stopped Orlean from producing a 60-70 percent sales increase for the first quarter of 2017 versus 2016. Christian Fong runs the Florida operation which consists of 13 employees including five salesmen on the road. The sales team covers Naples and Key West; Orlando, Tallahassee and Palm Beach. The sales force is earmarked for expansion in the future. “The wallcovering business in the USA is under developed, Gustavo says. “Florida is such a rich market. Miami is the bridge to the USA for Orlean. There is not one Florida like market in South America today.” The current 2,500 square foot showroom in the Miami Design District opened 16 months ago supported by a 20,000 square foot

EW YORK — Jonathan Witmer has been named CEO & President of Donghia based in the New York office and reporting to Andrea Favoretto Rubelli who has been named Chairman. Andrea has also been named CEO of Rubelli. the parent company of Donghia. Andrea expects to be in the USA one week per month. Andrea succeeds his father Alessandro Favaretto Rubelli in this new post. “Our past Chairman, whom I thank on behalf of everyone at Donghia for the confidence and energy, that he – together with our other shareholders – has put in the company since the 2005 acquisition, has stated that – while very active at Rubelli – he isn’t able to travel to the States frequently enough to keep an active role with Donghia.”

Mauricio Christian Marchand, his father Mauricio and mom Margarita

Brazil’s Orlean Plants Its Flag in USA; More Outlets Scheduled Sipco News Netowrk

Donghia Taps Witmer

Jonathan Witmer

Orlean showroom exterior in Miami Design District warehouse. Orlean feeds off of a 500,00 square foot warehouse in Brazil but Gustavo anticipates a complete reversal in the future when Orlean will begin to export its lines to Brazil instead of the other way around. When that occurs, there will be no warehouse in Brazil as everything will be shipped in from the States. “Corruption killed the Brazilian economy since 2014,” he says but “Brazil is still the best economy and the fifth largest in South America,” he adds. “It’s much less expensive to export from the USA to Brazil because of the tax situation in domestic Brazil,” he says. Orlean distributes its lines to 500 Brazilian retailers. Orlean carries a variety of wallcovering lines including its own plus innovators like Air Environments which works with real artists and

Andrea Rubelli

Orlean interior pays them a royalty for each roll sold in the form of artistic murals that reflect actual artwork. “You can also change the substrate of the Air Environment designs,” he says. Orlean also carries natural and vinyl textured wallcoverings from Texum of France; Grandeco vinyls and Arte from Belgium. Gustavo says his eyes are open to other wallcovering line possibilities. Orlean works with a team of its own installers “who make the product look right for our customer,” says Gustavo. While the interior designer is Orlean’s main customer, Gustavo sees that designers and home owners are increasingly going direct to the manufacturer for the product. F&FI

“Therefore, by becoming Chairman, I am handing all executive powers to Jonathan Witmer. Jonathan began his career working for Citigroup and then spent 18 years at Bausch & Lomb – working on their global businesses, including the Ray-Ban franchise, Consumer Healthcare, Beauty Care, and Vision Care while living and working in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Jonathan next joined Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton where he was responsible for three of their global luxury businesses, including the hospitality and contract businesses and OEM manufacturing. “With a sharp vision from outside our industry, an understanding and passion for our business, and strong people and team building skills, Jonathan will be the full time leader that Donghia deserves. All managers previously reporting to me will now report to Jonathan, effective immediately.” F&FI

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F FI D E S I G N

A Design

he tropical trend has been going on strong for over two years and its popularity has yet to wane. The palm is still an integral motif, and rather than bright and vibrant colorways, pastels are on the rise as can be seen in bedding from Christian Fischbacher and textiles from Athenea.

Smorgasbord By Jennifer Castoldi

From the garden to the beach to the jungle, throwing in a journey into the future for good measure, and mixing in a little tradition coupled with modernity – this issue’s design column is all over the place, but right on track with current design directions. There is something for everyone in this report stemming from findings at Heimtextil, imm cologne, Techtextil, Texprocess, Tent London, New York and Milan design weeks, as well as Christmasworld.

f there were an award for the sexiest display of wallpaper at a trade show, it would probably go to Deutsches Tapeten-Institut (Association of the German Wallpaper Industry) and the group’s manner of depicting the Garden of Eden with Adam, Eve, the juicy apple, and the tempter of a snake; everything is constructed from wallpaper with the exception of flesh and fruit.

ometimes home textiles appear in places we least expect them to be, like the garden. This summer your plants can rejoice with this creation from the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association.

armen Machado, creator of the Debris Chairs, is working towards her Master’s at the Chelsea College of Art and Design and has a passion for marine life. She believes in cleaning up the oceans, raising awareness, and making use out of garbage while using it as a resource for her furniture, “Through reusing these tangled and oddly sized fragments of rope and fishing line, I strive to give them a new life, and add a greater value to this material considered “discarded trash”.”

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Summer 2017

F FI D E S I G N

ll about the shapes of diamonds, this quilting trend for textiles, decorative pillows, wallcoverings, upholstered chairs and headboards, as well as children’s furniture scouted from around the world includes a chair from Wanted Design and decorative metallic pillows from Christian Fischbacher.

extiles for home and fashion are becoming more digitized. Chromosonic by EJTech explores new methods of interaction between man and technology, weaving art, science and craft. This electronic textile printed by screen with temperature-changing dye, and woven to include wires to carry electric currents, alters its color through sound files.

uring Milan Design Week Kirkby Design decorated a pop up apartment with its latest fabrics and wallpapers to celebrate its collaboration with Eley Kishimoto.

‘Delightful Moment’

(modernity)

Summer 2017

was the theme for the Christmasworld Trends 2017/18 by bora.herke.palmisano. The color stories proposed for the upcoming festive seasons are far from ordinary. “A distinctive figure of modernity” - With its expressive elegance this formal trend gives a special luster to everyday objects. The colors range from strong tones such as lapis lazuli, malachite, copper, Carrara, onyx and gold to powerful ruby. “A valuable handling with tradition” - This timeless style is original, refined, rustic and well-designed. A discreet palette of natural tones of brown, quartz, stone, blue-grey, wood green, almond and biscuit creates the ideal framework for subtle (tradition) artistry and flair.

Jennifer Castoldi is the CEO and Chief Creative Director of Trendease International. Since 2004, Trendease has been providing cutting-edge and competitive design information to readers spanning over 170 countries. Trendease is an influential resource reporting on global trends and key international design events. Hundreds of images and forward-thinking articles are presented on www. Trendease.com each month, additionally videos and podcasts are available on www.Trendease.TV.

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F FI C A L E N D A R June

June 4-7 ITMA Showtime-High Point, NC June 20-22 Heimtextil India Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

F FI NE W S

Geysels Says MoOD, Indigo Are Almost Sold Out; Boutique Shows Endure

August

August 23-26 Heimtextil Asia National Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai

September September 6,7,8 MoOD & Indigo

Tour & Taxis Brussels

November

November 12, 13 BoutiqueDesign New York Jacob Javits Center, New York

November 12-14 New York Home Fashions Market

December

December 3-6 Showtime Fabric Market High Point, NC

Advertiser Index For more information about one of our advertisers, see the page number listed: Ateja. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Aydin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Boyteks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Classical Elements . . . . . . . . . . 1

(Continued from Page 30)

Milliken Makes Late Performance Fabrics Entry With ‘Breathe™’

but their end-users as well,” Michaels said. “This product is a continuation of that philosophy. Breathe fabrics not only meet industry standards. It raises the bar.” Although Milliken officials have attended industry showcases, the company itself has not yet displayed its products to the industry at large, mostly because of Michaels’ ability to work significantly ahead of schedule. Sales efforts have thus far been directed by Rene Vaughn, director of sales and marketing for Milliken who was instrumental in acquainting Pottery Barn with the new product. Breathe is manufactured in southeastern USA in plants located in the Carolinas and in Georgia, although the company itself has more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout the world. The company, which reportedly has been in operation since 1865, employs more than 7,000 associates worldwide. F&FI

Tour & Taxi Centre Sipco News Network

HENT, BE — MoOD and its sister exhibition Indigo is turning in a better result than at the same time last year, according to Patrick Geysels, Director of MoOD and Indigo. This is occurring in spite of the fact that “the fabrics industry is being challenged by major changes,” he says. For the second time, MoOD will be held at the Tour & Travel Centre in Brussels on September 6-8 as a boutique exhibition. “The best news today is that we are thrilled to give you the booking figures: 80% of the surface has already been booked for the MoOD section,” he says “Further, Indigo is booked 90%,” he says. Indigo is the presentation of surface designs that was purchased by the show organizer Textirama a couple of years ago. MoOD 2017 has several major focuses, MoOD remains the core event bringing together suppliers of upholstery, window and wall coverings for the residential and contract market.

“The surface design offer at Indigo Brussels is joining MoOD seamlessly, the combination of both remains the perfect marriage,” Geysels says. He also says that 50 percent of the MoOD visitors also go to Indigo. Here are some other high-

lights of MoOD 2017 according to Geysels: “The Launchpad will be continued: featuring talent from all corners of the globe: startup businesses and designers. Discover the Innovation Platform sample banks in collaboration with our partners.” “New this year will be an extra

focus on New Materials in the Shed 1 location. “MoOD Tech is the place to be as it comes to new technologies that reveal the future of textiles. Think of LED, digital printing, E-embroidery, conductive inks. In addition, the Digital Village Companies will be specialized in processes and/or services.” F&FI

Party

Firehouse Party

Brett Fleetwood has started a late night soiree at the Spritzehaus, (firehouse) in Saxenhausen on the East End of Frankfurt. Loud rock music ruled the evening with dancing and drinking until the wee hours. Here’s some of the revelers, working off the days at Heimtextil.

Covington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 D’Decor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Dirk DeWilde, Sales Manager, Escolys, Ingooigem, Belgium withNoe Manuel Mendoza Pineda, Managing Director, Artelinea, Mexico City based wholesaler with Brett Fleetwood, Master of Ceremonies and agent from Christchurch, NZ

Brett Fleetwood again with Mark Steinbach, Principal of Eshanima Fabrics, Capetown, South African wholesaler

Dicitex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 & 39 Express Air Freight. . . . . . . . 25 GM Fabrics. . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Kravet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 MoOD/Indigo. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 ON-EM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Richloom Fabrics Group. . . . 17 Rockland Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Yongshun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Patrick Geysels

Mark Boven, Business Unit Director, Cintas y Pasamaneria, S.A., La Selva del Cam, Tarragona, Spain dancing with member of the band

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Yosua Kevin, Ateja International, Bandung, Indonesia

Ellen Bergsma, Principal, JB Textiles, Enschede, Holland

Summer 2017