Fabrics & Furnishings - Autumn 2011 Issue by Fabrics & Furnishings International

Decorama Strikes Gold

$15 mm Korea-based fabric supplier innovates laser-cut $50/yard IFR polyester

Page 28

Reweaving America

Debbie McArthur, president of Integra Fabrics, launches national campaign to drum up domestic demand from U.S. companies

Page 33

Flemish Together

Belgians work together to stimulate creativity domestically. Vandeweile in hot seat.

Page 24

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Vol. 21, No. 4

The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper • www.fabricsandfurnishings.com

Autumn 2011

Small, Family Owned Mills, Wholesalers Prosper in Difficult World Economy Against the Tide Norbar Fabrics Grows Steadily In Tough Environment by Jeff Zbar

oca Raton, Florida — Norbar Fabrics is navigating the rebounding economy with a keen focus on select new lines and design books geared to customer needs and industry trends. In that way, Norbar Fabrics has been a kind of barometer of the U.S. economy’s effect on the fabrics industry. When times were strong, the company was growing, adding new products and services, says 87 year old founder Norman Neufeldt. When tidings turned south, the company retrenched to focus on its strengths -- designs, niche products and customer service. Controlled growth has been a mantra at Norbar Fabrics, says David Neufeldt, 59, the company’s president who runs daily operations. Tucked in a 38,000-squarefoot warehouse and showroom a stone’s throw from Interstate 95 in Boca Raton, Florida, Norbar is an international jobber and distributor of decorative fabrics and trim working with interior designers, decorators, architects and hotels regionally and internationally throughout the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The company also provides hardware, custom headboards, bedding, comforters,

bedspreads, pillow shams and bed skirts. Norbar has expanded as the industry’s needs have grown in kind, says Lance Garcy, executive vice president with P/Kaufmann Inc., in New York. Norbar is a large jobber account for Kaufmann and executives there have enjoyed personal relationships with the company’s executive team since Norbar’s early days in Deer Park, Long Island. Today, Norbar is one of Kaufmann’s top five customers.

“They’ve branched from design to a full-purpose supplier to the design community, much more of a national jobber today than when they started,” says Garcy, who’s seen Norbar executives at trade shows from Showtime in High Point to Brussels to Turkey; inspecting their own warehoused goods on the weekends. “David and his sister Susan Harris have a tremendous work ethic, just like their father. They’ve always paid (Continued on page 16)

The Neufeldt family -- salesman Jason, president David, VP Susan Harris, (David’s sister) Marni Davret, (Susan’s daughter) and patriarch, founder and CEO Norman Neufeldt -- in the company’s Boca Raton showroom.

MoOD Sees First Wide Width Linen Collection;

Nelen & Delbeke Prospers Through Innovation Sipco News Network

Dexter (son), Caroline (mom) and Thierry Delbeke (dad), Nelen & Delbeke, Kruishoutem, BE

ruishoutem, BE — Nelen & Delbeke is proving that a small family fabric business is still a viable way to serve the retail and editeur markets according to Thierry Delbeke head of the business with his son Dexter and wife Caroline. (Continued on page 8)

Roc-lon Blackout Drapery ÂŽ

Contact your local selling agent for more details and information regarding our complete program of Roc-lon products. We have sales representation in every major world market.

Rockland Mills Division, Rockland Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 17293 Baltimore, MD 21297 pHONE: 1-410-522-2505 FAX: 1-410-522-2545

International Customers Please call 1-410-522-0088 E-Mail: MAIL@Roc-lon.com www.roc-lon.com

Fabrics and Linings... The World’s Standard of Excellence The Rockland Mills programs of Blackout drapery linings and fabrics are truly world class. Our customers in over 80 world markets, both commercial and trade, know that they can rely on the quality, variety, delivery and performance built into every yard of fabric. That’s because every yard is manufactured with strict quality control, using the finest textiles and best technology available. There’s over 40 years of manufacturing know how and expertise in every product produced by Rockland’s Maryland and South Carolina plants. Whether for residential or commercial use, for total Blackout or Dim-Out, with or without flame resistant finish, there is a Rockland product for the job. Rockland Mills’ Blackouts are available in widths from 54 inches (137 cm) up to 110 inches (280 cm), and in every color of the rainbow, in plain or textured fabrics. Our Blackouts are even available with printed designs from an extensive pattern library, or if you prefer, we can use your custom designs or colors. Roc-lon Blackout linings can also be purchased as ready-made Blackout liners or draperies which are ready to hang, and which are produced under the same strict quality standards.

Performance FABRICS

where style follows function

©R ock lan

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Inc

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Please visit Rockland Mills at MoOD Brussels, September 13/15, 2011, Stand 7/B60

F&FI L E T T E R S

The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper

Table of Contents F&FI Autumn 2011 | Vol. 21, No. 4

3 Island Avenue, Suite 6i, Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA Website: www.fabricsandfurnishings.com Telephone 001.917.251.9922 | ISSN: 1523-7303

8 New Brands Expand Climent Empire; Home Fabrics is Their Favorite Drug! . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Bekaert-Depla Introduces 15 Linen Ranges at MoOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Enzo Angiuoni, Bullish On Future Despite Fears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DFA Says ‘Open Showroom Doors to Public’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 India, Southeast Asia Stick to Custom-Made Despite Emergence of Readymades . . . . . . 18 Covington Puts New Wheels On Its International Bus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Baumann Dekor Declares Bankruptcy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Home Fabrics Buys The Fabric Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 New Kid on the Block: Marc Abrams Named Bernhardt VP Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Rockland Adds More Prints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Indigo’s Lasbordes: Digital Designs Coming On Strong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Flemish Masters Bring Tough Minded Belgians Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Rayess Exceeds Expectations First Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Weisbrod-Zürrer Unveils Sound Absorbing Trevira CS Sheers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Browning & Chandler Launches WIND Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Piovano and Radaelli Close Mills, Tissage de Kalken Acquires Etrotex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Sullivan Moves Weave Textiles Production to American Silk Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Capiro Finds its Niche, Buys Locally in Caravans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Contract/HospitalityNews

31 Indorama Ventures Purchases Trevira. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Integra’s Reweaving America Campaign Seeks Commitment from U.S. Manufacturers . . . 33 Richmond Veterans Launch ‘Warp & Phil’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Art Director Roxanne Clapp Tel: 001.813.991.1860 E-Mail: rox@sipco.net

A d v ertising S ales

Global Marketplace

26 LTM Sets $50 Million Sights Next Decade, China Based Upholstery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 D’Decor Exports Brings Digital Prints to MoOD.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ateja Emphasizes Eco Green Fabrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Decorama Strikes Gold With Laser Cut Fabrics, Two Week Delivery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Deltracon Moves Up Pricing Curve, Coordinates Trim, Fabric Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Luxury Supplier Holland & Sherry Rugs, Papers, Fabrics Joins MoOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Departments

34 Photo Gallery - Evteks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Associate Editor Marc Weinreich Tel: 001.917.338.0382 E-Mail: marc@sipco.net

Photo Gallery - Showtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TURKEY Sevim Keskinci Tel: 90.532.236.25.24 Fax: 90.216.390.20.27 E-Mail: skeskinci@gmail.com

INDIA Rekha V. Tel: 91.80.26685821 Fax: 91.80.26684670 E-mail: s_wishwanath@hotmail.com

Italy, Germany, Spain, France Isa Hofmann Tel: +49 611.890.59640 Fax: +49 611.87086 Email: info@ihofmann.com

CHINA Vincent Kwan Tel: +852.2780.2968 Fax: +852.2780.2974 E-mail: vinceintl@gmail.com

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

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Autumn 2011 n

F FI NE W S

Capiro Finds its Niche, Buys Locally in Caravans

(Continued from cover)

Linen Pro Nelen & Delbeke Prospers

Chenilles Outsell Everything Else Sipco News Network

EERLIJK, Belgium — Capiro has created a niche for itself as one of the top European wholesaler/suppliers to the highly concentrated caravan and motorized trade with 80 percent of the business in Germany, France and UK according to Christoph Vanneste, one of the three partners. It sells about 1.5 million meters of upholstery and drapery fabric annually. It participates in the end of August Caravan Show in Dusseldorf each year. Capiro is successful with 15 suppliers including mostly Belgian mills like Algemene, Tavelmo and Ter Molst. Here, Capiro can purchase standard warps in many different designs. Everything can be delivered to the customer in four weeks. “We had big growth in 2000 and 2006. The caravan producers found out that the best way to be in the business was to stop producing inventory so everything is now made to order and the stocks are clear. There is more demand than offer right now and that’s better than the reverse situation.” Vanneste is the son of the founder, Philippe Vanneste who accidently stumbled on the caravan niche in the 80’s. He started the business with the caravan trade in South Africa, tested the concept and took off from there in Europe. Vanneste’s other two partners are his brothers-in-law, Pol Verstraete who handles administration and Koen Vanderhaeghen who handles sales and general business. The major caravan producers today include Hejmer, Dethleffs, Burstner and LMC, all within the TEC Group of Germany; also, Hobby and Fendt; Knaus Tabbert including Wilk and Weinsberg of Germany. Nigano is the biggest group in Europe based in France. The entire business consolidated in the 90’s. Nearly 80 percent of the business today buys chenilles, Vanneste said, but “there is no Capiro Supplier Algemene’s Luc Callens real growth in this

(Continued on page 16)

Bold colors sell linen, says Thierry Delbeke but the customer ends up buying a design like this in black and white. Recently, Thierry nailed down a major contract with the Fatboy® retail brand for a linen cover on a bean bag chair. Nelen & Delbeke, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, is launching its first wide width collection of linen fabrics on a Schmidt made loom in the 3 meter 20 width for the confection market, particularly for workrooms where the savings in seams and ease of hanging the curtains are substantial for the customer, he said. The Nelen & Delbeke wide width linen line is priced at 18-22 Euros per meter. “I can’t tell you where the competition is toughest today but we do quite well meeting it and the business is still growing for us.” The company says it invests in new equipment each year to be able to offer something fresh at every market. As with all of its collections,

Nelen & Delbeke will restrict upholstery with 60 percent of the designs to individual customers on a turnover and the balance is drapery worldwide exclusivity basis. “That’s product. “We look for the linen how we work,” Thierry indicated. The fiber with the longest length and the U.S.A is now its number one target best properties for upholstery. We market with agents Nick Savoye and don’t do bed linen which requires a Mike Morgan leading the charge in different linen property,” he pointed America. Dexter is heading up sales out. Price increases are expected in efforts in the USA, France and the the 10-12 percent range. Linen like UK. He joined the firm several years any other fiber has shot up recently ago after graduating Textile College in price because the coming crop is smaller and the demand for linen is in France. The company brings bright colors high, he said. The beauty of this mill lies in its to its linen designs but the customer prefers to order black and white in ability to be flexible with minimums those designs. Nevertheless, Thierry and quick to deliver. For example, feels that the color he brings to linen, a customer could order 50 meter including stonewashed and antique minimum from the stock range of looks helps sell the customer on a linens and 100-200 meters on a F&FI program. The novelty items in linen custom order basis. are a staple for Nelen & Delbeke. It embroiders and wet prints linen fabric. It will also copy any design in its library in TreviraCS® and will work with local editeurs on hotel projects in Europe. “We have a family atmosphere with our customers and that’s the way we like it.” Part of the service equation lies in the location in a modern factory park close to major roads and ports. This is something Nelen & Delbeke did 12 years ago, a move away from the city center, ahead of many other competitors. This gives them tremendous Thierry Delbeke in the ‘Fatboy®’ bean flexibility, Thierry said. bag chair features linen fabric from his The $8-$10 million sales mill. are generated primarily by

New Brands Expand Climent Empire; Home Fabrics is Their Favorite Drug!

by Eric Schneider

OMO, Italy — The Climent brothers, Juan and Jose, report that sales have increased in 2011 over 2010 to the tune of 20 percent based in part on their acquisition of Pepe Penalver last year and the emergence of ‘Viollettes,’ its latest line of medium priced fabrics for the wholesaler. That follows a 20 percent increase in 2010 over 2009 according to Juan, managing director. Viollettes sells for 15 Euros a meter whereas Lizzo, the top end of the ranges produced by Climent’s companies is in the 100 Euro range. There are a total of 160 employees in their Group with a 20 man design department in Alicante, Spain. “We have expanded our presence in the world and Juan

It also includes 85 franchised expects to have three stands at Maison Décor this year showcasing shops under the Maison Lizzo, Alhambra, Pepe Penalver Décor banner covering lamps, brands. “Textiles is my favorite accessories, carpets, furniture and fabrics. Each owner pays a 20,000 drug,” Juan says. He and his brother Jose work Euro fee for the franchise with a wicked work week 10-12 hours a day that is not typical of most European’s lifestyle. The energetic pair have dramatically increased the size of their textile holdings to about 40 million Euros annually with the six million Eurodollar acquisition of the Pepe Penalver brand last year which includes four large stores in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia Juan Climent and Alicante, Spain.

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continuing royalties based on sales, he said. In spite of this acquisition, Climent says that Spain represents only 25 percent of his overall business today. In addition to Pepe Penalver, the Climent’s other textile holdings in its group include the ‘Alhambra’ retail brand which was originally a textile mill that has now morphed into a retail brand for cut length. Alhambra has exclusive distributors in 90 countries; Lizzo, the upmarket editeur brand. “Spain is a very tough environment to do business today. We operate in 92 countries and that

is our strength—that we are not dependent on any one market any longer,” said Juan during Proposte. He started the business 34 years ago. His brother Jose runs the Pepe Penalver and Lizzo businesses. Lizzo in the USA is represented by Kravet. Bill Peters, formerly president of Stroheim & Roman before it was sold to Fabricut, has made a deal to represent Alhambra in a showroom operation known as Brown & Chandler. The Lizzo, Alhambra and Pepe Penalver brands are represented in China in three showroom in Shanghai in 350 square meters; Beijing with 250 sqm and 200 sqm in Shenzhen. The lines are also sold in Croatia and Serbia which also handles all of Eastern Europe for the brands. Juan Carlos Climent manages this operation. He is Juan Climent’s son. F&FI

Autumn 2011 n

F FI NE W S

Bekaert-Depla Introduces 15 Linen Ranges at MoOD

According to Jo Demunster, owner of the brand and the parent company Muvantex Sipco News Network

EERLIJK, Belgium — Bekaert-Depla will introduce its first linen ranges at MoOD according to Jo Demunster, owner of the brand and the parent company Muvantex. The collection in linen and polyester blends will feature 10-15 designs in ten color ways and like all of the Bekaert ranges, it is woven to order in one piece minimums per color. Bekaert-Depla by Muvantex represents an acquisition of the upholstery division of Bekaert in 2008 by Demunster who views Bekaert as his main brand. Muvantex is today a very competitive importer of primarily Chinese fabrics which will be warehoused by the last quarter of 2011 in a brand new 4,000 square meter office and warehouse in Deerlijk with nine meter ceilings to accommodate robotized order picking It will be twice the size of the previous facility as Muvantex bulks up to meet the needs of his customers. Muvantex caters to the UK furniture manufacturers and wholesalers, Demunster explained. The Muvantex line is priced from 8-20 Euros in anything from chenille to a cut velvet. All of the Muvantex line can be back coated for contract application, Demunster said and features 300 meter minimums in Trevira(CS)® if the customer

specifies it. “We bought the whole range of fabrics at Bekaert-Depla which was owned by Christian and Harry Bekaert based in Waregem. “ They were concerned for their long standing customers and wanted to make sure we would continue to serve them well,” he said. Bekaert continues to be in the mattress ticking business but it did not want to go forward in upholstery, Demunster explained. “Muvantex wanted a mill like Bekaert that produced tapestry and chenilles which we definitely got with the purchase. We also were able to take over the leases on the 12 recent model wire jacquard looms used to produce the collections, including moquettes in the $9-$14 range FOB USA.” The States represents a big growth area for Demunster. He recently retained the services of Joe Romano to represent the line there. It also put Muvantex at Proposte since Bekaert-Depla was already an exhibitor there. The purchase allowed Demunster to expand into chenilles and velvets at a time when the market wanted more velvets. “We can deliver one piece minimums of all the collections of Bekaert. We’ve been in business since the 1970’s and we now have 4,000 designs on offer in yarn dyed acrylic and polyester.” F&FI

Jo De Munster, managing director of BekaertDepla fabrics by Muvantex NV, Deerlijk

MOOD 2011 EXHIBITORS Company Name

Hall/Stand #

Acotex NV............................... 11/C02-D03 Adoksan Tekstil San.Ve Tic.AS.........7/E14 A.G. Tex NV.................................... 11/B17 Alfatex Italia s.r.l......................11/B36-C37 Algemene AFW nv................. 11/D30-E31 Alonso Mercader, S.A........................7/E55 American Silk Mills.........................11/D31 Annabel NV...............................7/B50-C49 Antecuir S.L..............................7/B34-C33 Hijos De Antonio Ferre SA.............. 7/B43 Any Tekstil San.Tic.Ve Paz.A.S......... 9/B36 Ateja Tritunggal, PT.......................... 7/F28 Textiles Athenea S.L......................... 9/A22 Audejas.............................................. 7/B06 Aydin Tekstil Tic. Ve Pazarlama A.S........... .................................................. 7/C28-D27 Aznar Textil S.L......................... 9/A05-B06 B & C Fabrics, S.L................... 7/C18-D17 Beaulieu Fabrics NV.......................11/E02 Beirlaen Textiles bvba..................... 11/A27 Berpe Tekstil Ltd.STI. & Sayan-I Art........ ................................................... 7/A06-B05 Bersan Tekstil San. Ve Tic.A.S.......... 7/A17 Bezz......................................... 11/C42-D43 Industrias Bitex S.A...........................7/D28 BN International BV......................... 9/A36 Boyd Exports.....................................9/C31 Bruvatex - Sagaert & Speyer NV................ ................................................... 9/A21-B22 B & T Textilia NV....................11/B30-C31 Burkay Tekstil San.Ve.Tic. A.S.......... 7/B13 Calcutta NV....................................... 9/A39 Manifattura Tessile Calusiese snc..... 7/F41 Canavar Tekstil San. Ve Tic. Ltd Sti.7/A02 Cañete SA..................................9/B15-C16 Carbi.Pel S.r.l...................................11/C54 Cartex Italia srl................................ 11/A54 Textil Casa-Moda, S.L............... 9/A09-B10 Castilla Textil 2 S.L...................9/B27-C28 CEGI Tekstil San.Tic.LTD.STI.......9/C09 Classical Elements, LLC................ 11/A16 Concordia Textiles NV......................9/C38 Covington Fabric & Design LLC............... .................................................. 7/D34-E33 Crevin SA................................. 11/A42-B43 D’Decor Exports............................... 9/A06 Defoor Jozef NV................................7/C01 De Kabels Amsterdam BV.............. 11/A52 Dekora - Jenicek a.s........................ 11/A21 Deltracon bvba..................................7/E40 Depar Deri Plas. San. Ve Tic. A.S.............. ................................................ 11/C38-D39 De Poortere Frères sa.....................11/C10 Dericiogullari Yapi Malz. A.S.......... 11/A17 Etn. De Sadeleer & Van Wilder N.V.......... .........................................................11/D11 Desalux nv.............................. 11/D20-E21 Devantex NV.............................7/E34-F33 DFT Textil AB...................................7/D22 DHJ Weisters Ltd.............................9/C49 Diaz Sunprotection NV............. 7/A22-B21 Dicitex Furnishings Ltd..........11/B08-C09 Dida S.p.A....................................... 11/A53 Domina Textile srl............................. 7/F40 Donare-Selbi Tekstil San. Tic. Ltd. Sti....... ......................................................... 11/A01 Dralon GmbH...................................9/C21 Duma Gruppo Mastrotto SPA........ 11/B53 Duralee Fabrics Ltd By The Piece Goods Factory............................................9/C05 Edinburgh Weavers........................... 7/F50 Edmund Bell & Co. Ltd................... 9/B40 Eijffinger BV......................................9/C33 “Embassy of the U.S.A.”................... 7/A44 Englisch Dekor GmbH & C°. KG.............. ...................................................9/B33-C34 Enzo Degli Angiuoni SPA............... 11/A31 Epengle Tekstil Endustri Ve Tic. A.S......... ...................................................7/E56-F55 ErFun Tekstil San. Ltd. Sti...............7/E23 Escolys Textiles NV................ 11/D24-E25 Espiole Nursultan Tekstil San. Tic. Ltd..... ........................................................... 7/A03 Essegomma SPA................................9/C36 ETG Tekstil San. Ve Tic. Ltd STI..... 7/B01 Etun Ltd..........................................11/D07 Evimteks Tekstil Ins.Tur. San. Ve Tic. A.S. .................................................. 7/D40-E39 Fibertex N.V........................... 11/D16-E17 Fidivi Tessitura Vergnano SpA.........9/C46 Fiorete Group SPA.................. 11/A46-B47 Flocart NV................................. 9/A37-B38 Flocktex Industries Ltd............. 7/A46-B45 Foga Tekstil San. Tic. Ltd. Sti........... 7/A09 Forezienne Textile SA - Stof/PTA Laura Lancelle..................................9/B05-C06 www.fabricsandfurnishings.com

Company Name

Hall/Stand #

Francisco Jover S.A................ 11/C20-D21 Froca S.L.................................11/B46-C47 Deco Design Fürus GmbH.... 11/A14-B15 Futura Leathers SpA.......................11/C34 Gierlings Velpor SA.......................... 7/B02 Max Gimmel AG Gerberei.............11/C08 Globe (India) Ltd..............................7/E59 G.M. Fabrics PVT. Ltd.............7/B22-C21 Gonzalez Llado, SA...........................7/D58 Gonzalo Ferri SA...................... 7/D18-E17 Greatex Mills Inc....................... 7/A18-B17 Griffine Enduction..........................11/E43 Griva Casalegno srl............................9/C41 Güleser Tekstil San. Tic. Ltd... 7/C48-D47 Gurle Suni Deri A.S........................11/D52 Haezebrouck NV.............................11/C30 Hangzhou Chinasia Textile C° Ltd... 9/C15 Hartex N.V....................................... 11/A11 Hield Furnishings Ltd.................... 11/B55 Hof Garn GmbH...............................9/C48 Hohmann GmbH & C°..................... 7/F18 “Holland & Sherry”........................... 7/F52 Konrad Hornschuch AG........ 11/D14-E15 Huatex International (Hangzhou) C° Ltd.. 7....................................................B08-C07 Hulshof Royal Dutch Tanneries.....11/D56 Hyosung Corporation................9/B31-C32 Imatex S.P.A............................... 7/A28-B27 Indetex NV........................................9/C35 Inspirations........................................ 7/A49 Interfabrics S.L.........................7/B40-C39 I.T.M. International NV......... 11/C14-D15 J.B. Martin C°. Inc.................. 11/A30-B31 Kaçar Textile A.S....................... 7/A08-B07 Kets Tekstil Turizm Ticaret A.S.................. ...................................................7/E18-F17 Küçükerler Tekstil Sanayi Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. 7............................................................ A47 Kyung-Eun Textile Ind Co.,Ltd........ 9/A35 Lameirinho Industria Textil sa........ 11/A49 Libeco - Lagae NV....................7/E50-F49 Ljungbergs/NIFE Textil AB.............9/C51 Lüks Kadife Tic. Ve San. A.S............ 7/A21 Manifattura Tessile di Nole M.T. S.P.A...... .................................................11/B42-C43 Mario Cavelli SPA...................11/B02-C03 MARSTEKS DOSEMELIK KUMAS SAN TIC LTD STI ...............7/B14-C13 Marteks Marmara Tekstil San.Ve.Tic. A.S.. ...........................................................9/C02 Matisse Decoration...........................7/D56 Megaplast Dis Tic.Ve Paz. LTD STI.......... .........................................................11/C53 M.F.T.A......................................9/B09-C10 Microfibres Europe N.V....................7/E02 Monteiro, Ribas-Revestimentos, SA.......... .........................................................11/D54 Monti Napoleone SRL............11/B06-C07 Movelta NV.....................................11/E18 Gebr. Munzert GmbH & Co. KG.............. ...................................................7/E28-F27 Muvantex NV........................... 11/A10-B11 Nachik Ltd................................ 7/D14-E13 Neckebroeck Passementerie...........11/C11 Nelen & Delbeke NV........................ 7/F47 Neutex Home Deco GmbH..... 9/A33-B34 Novatex S.P.A.................................... 7/A27 Oltrona Group SRL..........................7/C50 Omexco NV....................................... 9/A34 On-Em Tekstil San. Tic. Ihr. A.S................ ................................................ 11/C46-D47 Outdura Corp....................................9/C39 Para’ SPA.................................. 7/D50-E49 Penelope Dokuma San.ve Tic. Ltd.Sti....... ................................................. 11/A34-B35 P/Kaufmann Inc....................... 7/D02-E01 Plastibert NV..................................11/D42 Polmen Upholstery Fabrics.............. 7/A35 Polyteks Tekstil San. Arastirma ve Egitim AS....................................................... 7/A13 Pozzi Arturo SPA.......................7/B28-C27 Pozzi S.p.A. - Industria Tessile.7/A40-B39 Prestij Mensucat A.S.................7/B18-C17 Proquinal S.A...................................11/D46 RADA by Wkm Factory Srl.............. 7/F46 Rafael Catala S.A...................... 7/C34-D33 Ragolle NV......................................11/E30 Rasch Textil GmbH & Co KG.......... 9/A38 Rateks Tekstil A.S....................11/B34-C35 Raymakers B.V.......................... 7/D08-E07 Reig Marti S.A................................... 9/A28 Reisoglu Iplik Mensucat San. Tic. AS........ ........................................................... 7/A11 Rekor Dokumacilik San. ve Tic. A.S........... ................................................ 11/D10-E11 Rioma S.A.................................. 9/A31-B32

Company Name

Hall/Stand #

Rockland Industries Inc.................... 7/B60 Romain Maes NV..................... 7/D48-E47 Rosatex Decoracion S.L.................... 9/A30 F.W.R. Runotex SA..........................11/C56 Sander Weverij Bvba......................... 9/B37 Saros Fabrics Ltd.............................. 9/B35 Selecta Parati.....................................9/C37 Silk & Beyond S.R.L.........................7/D39 Silktex Limited.................................. 9/A16 Sioen Fabrics SA.............................11/C52 SMM Textil GmbH...........................9/C50 Somtex International N.V................11/C15 Spalmatura Italiana S.P.A.......... 7/A48-B47 Startex (Seongan Co., Ltd)...............9/C27 Stoeckel & Grimmler GmbH & Co.KG ................................................... 9/A15-B16 Swan Silk (P) Ltd.............................. 7/F48 Symphony Mills N.V..................7/B48-C47 Synergy Lifestyles PVT. Ltd.............. 7/A51 Manif. Toscane TaBru SPA............. 11/B54 Ta Li S.R.L...................................... 11/B52 Tavelmo NV.....................................11/E14 Tedesvan S.A.............................7/B44-C43 Tejidos Bages S.L.............................. 7/F57 Teksko Tekstil Ltd. Sti....................... 7/A14 Ter Molst International NV...... 7/A50-B49 Teviz Textil Vizela S.A..................... 11/B14 Texao S.p.A........................................7/C54 Textiles de France.............................7/E27 Textiles Frau Perez S.L................... 11/B03 Textiles Joyper, S.L.................... 9/A27-B28 Textiles Vilber S.A.....................9/B21-C22 Olivier Thévenon Sélection - Clair Fonce. ...........................................................9/C23 Thistle Mills..................................... 11/A56 Tissage de Kalken NV............ 11/C16-D17 Les Tissages de la Lys SA................11/D35 TissatDeslee Interior Fabrics N.V.............. 11/.................................................B24-C25 Torri Lana 1885 srl.......................... 11/A47 Tosunoglu Tekstil San. Tic. AS........ 11/A02 Trevira GmbH Marketing & Sales.............. ...................................................9/B45-C46 Tuva Textil SL.................................... 7/F54 Ulster Weavers Ltd......................... 11/A51 Uludag Exporters’ Association.......... 7/A01 Universal Textile Mills......................9/C29 Vancraeynest - Textiles nv............... 11/A25 Dina/ Vanelli Tekstil San. Tic.AS..... 9/A01 Vanico, S.A.........................................7/D55 Weverij Van Neder NV........... 11/A24-B25 Verbatex NV........................... 11/C24-D25 Verstraete & Verbauwede NV..................... ................................................ 11/D02-E03 Vigano’ S.p.A............................. 7/A34-B33 Viggo Holm Design Textil.................7/C56 Villateks Tekstil San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti.7/A05 Viuda de Rafael Gandia SA...............7/C40 Vowalon Beschichtung GmbH.......11/E42 Waesland N.V...................................11/E24 Wind nv.............................................. 9/B02 Window International (Ipekcilik Tekstil Dekor San. Ve Tic. Ltd.)..............11/D53 Wittek Design Weberei GmbH...... 11/B10 Wonder S.R.L.................................... 7/F34 Zenith Exports Limited..................... 9/B03 Inside Communications..........................11 Ateval - Home Textiles from Spain... 9/A32 Belvedere Books Inc...............................11 Frame......................................................11 Hogeschool Gent - CTO.........................11 CELC Masters of Linen - Promotion SA... ...........................................................7/E48 Milou Ket Styling & Design...................11 Mode Information Belgium Bvba..........11 Nedsense NedGraphics BVBA...............11 Objekt- Hans Fonk Publications BV......11 Trendease International..........................11 Press Casa TessilReporter - Edi Team Snc......11 Fair World Home Textile Magazine.......11 Home - Rifiniture d’Interni....................11 Ihlas Magazine Group.............................11 Living.......................................................11 Material + Technik Möbel......................11 Mueble Tapizado.....................................11 Publica S.L. - Textiles para el hogar.......11 Tecniche Nuove SPA...............................11 Texzone Information Services Pvt. Ltd..11

Autumn 2011 n

Internation al Trade Fa ir for Produc ers of Upholster y, Window & Wall C

overings

www.moodbrussels.com BigFish-creative pool

former Decosit Brussels

MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw, Poortakkerstraat 90, BE- 9051 Gent, Belgium - Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455 - email: info@moodbrussels.com

F FI NE W S

Enzo Angiuoni, Bullish On Future Despite Fears Expands Outdoor; Texar Stoffe Production Merges By Eric Schneider & Marc Weinreich

irago Lentate, Italy — ”We are all worried and scared about the future of the textiles business in Italy but I am still like a lion about the future,” said Enzo Angiuoni principal of the family mill which bears his name One of his newest and most promising areas lies in the outdoor market. He has an outdoor range in polypropylene using his special Ten Star® yarn which incorporates a water shield repellent in the finishing process with reportedly 1,500 hours of colorfastness. “It dries off in 10 minutes after the rain, free of odor, mold and mildew and is 100% recyclable, anti allergenic and anti stain,” according to Angiuoni. His son Roberto believes that the key to success is in constantly updating the machinery so that no loom is older than seven years. According to Roberto, the two companies generate approximately $31 million annually and he expects to close the fiscal year up 10%. Currently, the price range at Texar is $15 to $60 per yard. “We were lucky to have re-arranged our mill prior to the

(Continued from page 8)

Capiro Finds its Niche business.” He said prints do not sell well. “In general, orders are small. We sell 50 meters at a time. This is a highly fragmented business which we have personalized. These companies cannot go to China for product. They need a local source and they need it fast when they build the caravans.” F&FI

Koen Vanderhaegen, Christoph Vanneste and Pol Verstraete

crisis while others have closed or are now having difficulties,” Enzo said. “We made investments in the mill to produce plain and jacquard velvet. We believe the family must stay poor but the mill must be rich with innovation so we bought new technology with the looms from Dornier.” Enzo wants to be known for producing fabrics that represent excellent quality with better prices but he recognizes there is no end to the lowest price. He chooses Hermes as his model and admires Rohleder, Limonta and Devantex for the quality of their fabrics. He is also experimenting with 340-centimeter width jacquard decorative panels in infinite heights, which can reproduce photographic scenes exactly like the original. He believes that this may be important

Roberto Angiuoni

for contract application and can be used in lobby corridors in any fabric. In addition to these panels, he is developing traditional wet printing on velvet. “We found that digital printing for us represented nothing unique,” he said. “We prefer the wet printing,” he said. Roberto, worked for Enzo in the early 90’s after graduating from the University of Milan but left the company in 2006 and purchased 58% of Texar Stoffe, an Italian jacquard manufacturer utilizing cotton, linen, silk, viscose and polyester. In the second quarter of 2011, Roberto purchased the rest of the company and merged production with his father’s company. Roberto is quick to point out, however, that the two companies operate as separate entities and that they only share the production space in Italy where the looms and other machinery are operated. “We merged our production facilities and perhaps someday we’ll merge as one company alltogether, but right now we have different styles and remain separate companies,” said Roberto. “Texar accounts for only about

Enzo Angiuoni 10% of annual sales right now but I know we will soon have a greater share of the revenue,” said Roberto. “It takes time.” The range from Texar Stoffe also includes damasks, gobelins, liserés, brocades and lampasses. He estimates that 35% of the business for Texar is done domestically with the balance coming from Japan, U.S, Germany and the Middle East in such countries as Lebanon and Jordan. Although he won’t be showing at MoOD in September, he will be exhibiting at Shanghai Intertextile a month earlier in August. F&FI

(Continued from front cover)

Norbar Fabrics Grows Steadily In Tough Environment attention to the quality and reputation of Norbar,” he says. “They’ve always made sure what they had on their shelf was first-quality goods they could deliver on the same day.” CEO Norman Neufeldt, the family patriarch, launched the company in 1950. His family had been in gray goods and lining when Norman started a jobbing business. The family moved the company to Boca Raton in 1993. Since the relocation, the company consistently has grown at roughly 30%; executives would not discuss specific sales figures. The company has 60 showrooms across the U.S. and Canada, with more than 20 salesmen. The company produces up to 50 design books annually, says Susan Harris, company vice president. Susan’s daughter, Marni Davret, works with Susan in advertising and merchandising. David’s son, Jason Neufeldt, 32, is a company salesman who, like his cousin, is being trained as the company’s next-generation leadership. Industry veteran Frank Tucci is the company’s general manager. The company stocks sufficient inventory to ship upwards of 90% of all orders within 48 hours, Norman Neufeldt says. Every year, the company explores new product offerings. Several years ago, it was the addition of new lines, including prints, upholstery and sheers. Later, it was the trimming business, which today accounts for a significant share of work. In 2010, the book format changed to offer 10 new color books incorporating a wider array of SKUs, like silks, faux leathers and greater depth in

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David and Norman Neufeldt with Susan Harris upholstery, for example. It’s not about the books produced, but the product and service being offered. “We’re not the only choice for product,” David Neufeldt says. “We’ve expanded with our clients’ needs, from inexpensive, plain solids to branch into prints, upholstery, sheers. But we’ve continued to stock inventory and delivery. Delivery’s been important since day one.” “We now have a complete line our customers can look to us for,” Harris says. “We have survived the big guys, competition that’s so much bigger. “We’ve controlled our inventory and limited our product. This allowed us to inventory more of our product. If you don’t know what you don’t have, you can’t deliver,” adds David Neufeldt, who with the family has slowly, deliberately led the company into new areas of growth, including outdoor fabrics. “Every company, when it gets to a certain point, you can start to lose control. If you lose control, you’re out of business.” F&FI

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DFA Says ‘Open Showroom Doors to Public’ by Marc Weinreich

EW YORK, New York — The Decorative Furnishings Association spent its most recent quarterly meeting in June discussing modifications to its consumer marketing campaign in an effort to bring more transparency between the industry’s consumers, designers and design centers. In order to provide greater access to consumers, the DFA is working under the endorsement of showroom owners to open more doors to the public nationwide beginning in September. Members are currently preparing showroom staff on ways to inspire visitors with the benefits of working with a designer, as well as provide clarity in their policies for sampling, pricing and purchasing. “We want to be able to say, ‘welcome, let me help you learn more about the benefits of working with an interior designer, and how to find several of them to interview for your particular needs,’” said Steve Nobel, president of the DFA. According to Nobel, only 15 20% of the most affluent households in the country regularly use interior designers, a statistic he says is the rea-

son for the shift in campaign strategy. “While we are guiding consumers to the design centers and our showrooms, we still believe that they will be best served by working with an interior designer,” said Nobel. “We are just modifying our campaign to focus on the value of design and not just ‘why a designer.’ We need

Steve Nobel to work as a ‘design ecosystem’ to increase that share.” For more information about these changes, visit findgreatdesign.com where you can find local design centers and connect with a designer. F&FI

India, Southeast Asia Stick to Custom-Made Despite Emergence of Readymades by Vish Wishwanath

UMBAI, India — Readymade curtains are still second-rate to custom-made goods in India & Southeast Asia, but signs are showing a slow shift as window sizes become more standardized in the housing market and retail chain stores see an influx in the region. One issue with readymades in this region is that they don’t necessarily fit standard window sizes simply because there is no such standard size by which most windows are built throughout much of this area of the world. However, with the rising number of affordable housing options, sizing is becoming more standardized and thus paving the way for an up-tick in readymade sales. Currently, very few retail outlets invest and expand because real estate costs are still high. The majority of retail shops are small and cannot properly display merchandise; the expansion of global chain store outlets, however, is likely to discipline the markets to become better positioned for more effective store management. Moreover, the middle and upper class are still finding limitations in the merchandise but will feel encouraged by the diversity of product that will arrive when such large stores open up. “Draping windows in the Philippines is largely custom-made and as of now I see a very limited future for readymade curtains,” said Herbert Ong from the furnishing retailer, Larry’s Curtain & Upholstery Supply Inc. Geometric prints, jacquards and plains are in vogue

at the moment with leading suppliers from Europe, India and Turkey. “The drapery business is good and is steady but what bothers us is the frequent drapery price increases from suppliers.” In developed countries readymade curtains are popular, but in Indonesia, where labor is cheap, there are no standard window sizes and therefore custom-made is also still preferred. “We provide styling and stitching facilities and fabrics are chosen by customers and we make them into curtains and deliver within a week,” said Amardeep Nanwani of Jakarta-based Amardeep Collections. According to Nanwani, polyester with a cotton look and outdoor fabric in solution-dyed acrylic are new trends while basic and minimal designs with a jacquard weave are regular favorites. Retail draperies in India are largely in jacquards, silk looks and contemporary embroideries among others. “With a near 40% price increase in draperies, customers were slow to purchase despite an increase of footprints in our showroom, said Beni Gopal Chowdhary of Bangalore-based Radha Fashions. “Drapery fabrics constitute 70% of our sales turnover and we don’t stock readymade”, he said. According to Chowdhary, silk fabrics have almost vanished from retail counters in the past three years. Natural silk fabrics are luxurious but still look like polyester blends, which are cheaper to maintain. F&FI

Covington Puts New Wheels On Its International Bus Baumann Veterans Schneider, Shirk, new agents lead the charge for Veteran Converter Dekor Declares N Bankruptcy by Eric Schneider

EW YORK, New York — Covington Fabrics & Design LLC has made several improvements including the doubling of its corporate office and adding several new hires to further its domestic and export business. It has opened a bonded warehouse with in-stock product in Roosendaal, Holland to further penetrate the EU, Africa and the UK markets according to Stuart Schneider, general manager, international sales. While orders will be cut in the States, the warehouse will be run by RSD, a logistics company in Holland. Covington expects to be in its new Seventh Avenue, New York offices also by September.

“The warehouse will enable Covington to go forward, get bigger in export and remove all obstacles in the customers’ path,” said Schneider, a 20 year export veteran with previous stints with Italian mills Enzo Angiouni and Prosetex based in Italy. The warehouse, located between Antwerp and Rotterdam will be stocked with Covington fabrics and will go live in September. All shipments will be duty paid and landed in Europe, giving the customer every advantage, Schneider said. “Covington has always been an important player in export. Our name is well recognized and there is a growing interest in U.S. made goods. Nearly all Covington goods are either made or finished in the

USA,” he said. At the same time, Schneider pointed out his hiring of new agents in the UK like MB Textiles (Mark Beacroft) and Joerg Jansen and his wife who will handle Western Europe and German speaking areas. “German buyers especially want U.S. made products,” Schneider said. In addition, Stephen Boyer is now representing Covington in South Africa. Amagansett by Covington “This is all part of our company’s positive attitude about building the export business.” With the new ware- Europeans, especially all cotton,” house and agents, Schneider expects Schneider said. “In addition to our to leverage his many international excellent product ranges, we’re well contacts in building the business for capitalized and funded, and the Kahn and Rifkin family ownership is very Covington. “We had a tremendous recep- much behind our success,” he said. (Continued on page 22) tion to our higher end lines from

Home Fabrics Buys The Fabric Library Sipco News Network

IDRAND, S.A. — Home Fabrics, a converter and distributor of up market brands has purchased The Fabric Library for an undisclosed price from Courthiel Holdings. The deal was inked the last week in July and happened very quickly, a source said. Home Fabrics as well as The Fabric Library are well

known mid to upper range converters and wholesalers in South Africa. The Fabric Library has been operating since 1965. The two were competitors for years in the same market. Both were acquired in 2001 from the Waco Group by Wellington Group Holdings. In February 2008, Home Fabrics itself was purchased by Julian Gelb, managing director of

Home Fabrics, with other members of company management. Julian is well-known in the industry. Today, Home Fabrics has five showrooms while Fabric Library has six. Neither Julian Gelb nor Neill Strydom, managing director of Fabric Library could be reached for further comment. After discussions, Home Fabrics purchased The Fabric Library, which offers both companies huge opportunities. F&FI

www.fabricsandfurnishings.com

Sipco News Network

MUND, Austria -- Baumann Dekor, a division of the familyrun Bruder Baumann textile business, declared bankruptcy on June 28 and hopes to reemerge without debt, according to Christine Seidl, who became managing director of the company in January. “Although we have a very good order situation, the banks were not prepared to take over the costs of a comprehensive restructuring,” said Seidl. “Efforts are now being made to find an investor to re-start the company.” Siedl also confirmed that the company has already received several “very good offers” from investors and will work with the liquidator to ensure the survival of the company under a new owner so that the production site is maintained and current and future orders can be executed. F&FI

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New Kid on the Block: Marc Abrams Named Bernhardt VP Sales, Follows Family Footsteps 42 Years Later By Pat Holohan

ICKORY, North Carolina — Forty-two years ago, Leo Kahn moved from Louisville, KY to Hickory to work as Kincaid Furniture’s vice president of upholstery sales and marketing. Abrams moved from Louisville to Hickory March 30, following his grandfather’s path, to become vice president of residential upholstery sales for Bernhardt Furniture. He came from Wynwood Furniture, a casegoods company owned by Flexsteel Industries. He said that his dual knowledge of casegoods and upholstery should serve him well in his role at Bernhardt. “So I’m doing the exact same thing 42 years later; to go work for a company as vice president of sales. In a lot of ways, my career has mirrored my grandfather’s. He spent half his career in retail and half his career in manufacturing.

So far, I’ve spent half my career in retail and half of it in manufacturing,” said Abrams, 47. He said he had talked to Bernhardt about a job several times before he took the position in March. “[Bernhardt Residential] is really two different companies. You have the casegoods side and the upholstery side. Steve Pilgrim, who is the casegoods VP of sales, who is my counterpart, has a very strong background in upholstery; and I am the upholstery VP of sales, and I have a very strong background in casegoods. I think they’ve got two people in sales positions who bring a little different perspective into the company.” As for where he thinks he can take Bernhardt going forward, Abrams said he is in the learning and strategizing phase of the position right now. “Right now I’m spending a lot of time trying to learn where we

are, how we got here, what our strategic advantages are, what our customers want from us. So I’m trying to do a lot more listening right now and trying to figure out what those moves are that we need to make,” he said. “I didn’t really come in with any predisposed notion of where I wanted to take the company or what to do with the company or what moves to make when it comes to the sales and marketing side.” Abrams said he is not directly involved with selling fabric, but rather to find out what potential buyers around the country are looking for. “I’m not going to be the decision maker. My job is to go out and see what’s going on in the country and what they’re looking for and filter that back to our merchandising people,” he said. With Wynwood, Abrams was part of the first program to bring

setup upholstery direct from China to U.S. retailers approximately seven years ago. “[There were] a lot of learning curves,” Abrams said. “Some of the main issues were logistics and how to flow, but we also had some production issues in that we were dealing with Chinese foam, which was highly unreliable. You’d go over and [have upholstery] sit in the frame, and it would sit great. And in the 30 days it took to ship over for your market sample, the foam would cure and sit like a park bench. There were all sorts of frustrating things that went along with it.” “While we ultimately failed in our endeavor, it was a good learning experience,” he said. Based on his past experiences, Abrams spoke about the U.S.’s future role in the upholstery industry. “When it comes to the fabrics,

Marc Abrams as far as mills go, I don’t know if it’s turning back [to the U.S.], but it seems like the Asians have ceded at least the marketing side of it to the American companies. So while maybe [American companies are] not actually manufacturing the fabrics in the U.S., certainly they’re in charge of the marketing arms of it.” F&FI

Rockland Adds More Prints Indigo’s Lasbordes: Digital B Designs Coming On Strong

ALTIMORE, Maryland — Rockland Mills is adding an important dimension to its blackout lining program with a 400 sku ‘Americana’ decorative blackout range at MoOD. “I see a respect for USA made product I’ve never seen before,” said Stan Fradin, president of Rockland, the makers of Roc-lon®. “We have some major buyers of Roc-lon in China who purchase several hundred thousand yards at top prices from us,” he said. “This means they cannot get reliable suppliers in their local market of alternative product.” The new program will be offered on a flax colored ground which can be overprinted. These new designs will be shown for the first time. “This is our future. We’re not changing course; we’re adding a new dimension to our regular line of 100% blackout linings. We’re now

a double resource going forward. We’re differentiating our product so copying by someone else is impossible. Our product is 100% coated with 100% blackout the result.” Fradin said the new dimension of printed, decorative blackout requires engineering of the polyester yarn, construction of the basecloth and applying the acrylic foam in the correct way. This is a totally different chemistry. F&FI

Stan Fradin

by Eric Schneider

aris, France — “There is a strong digitalized design direction among Indigo exhibitors, especially in bed linen and coordinated pillows,” according to Gilles Lasbordes, exhibitions director for Premiere Vision, the creator of Indigo. “Creators of these designs have digitally mapped their creations so it is easy for the manufacturer to do the coordinated products,” he said. Indigo Brussels exhibitors create designs for upholstery both print and jacquard; printed bed linen and wallcoverings. “The bedding business is accelerating, especially online,” he noted. All of the designs presented at Indigo are geared to residential and contract markets. “Designs for the home as opposed to apparel are bigger in scale and have a longer life. Buyers are used to paying more for their design in the home industry and less for fashion designs,” he said. Indigo exhibitors will be showing in Hall 9 near

the main entrance of the Brussels Expo this year, a new location alongside MoOD in September. MoOD itself has been more efficiently laid out in three halls instead of four this (Continued on page 28)

The Indigo Team: Elsa Seris-Ranel; Gilles Lasbordes and Marie-Odile Verrier

(Continued from page 18)

Covington Puts New Wheels On its International Bus “We’re tapping into the fact that customers worldwide have realized that service has a value in the face of rising foreign currency cost, especially in China along with increased material costs for all suppliers. This is a perfect time for a converter like us to grow in this business,” he added. “We are not limited in terms of product. We can do just about anything the customer wants.” “Covington is adding more print lines to its product mix as more European customers are asking for more prints, especially at MoOD,” said Tom Bruno, vice president, sales. “Our prints are strong and we definitely feel they are coming back. It’s not the traditional but more the transitional with fun and fresh looks that are selling with brighter colors. Amagansett, Windsor and Savannah are prints in our new

line that took right off!” “On the woven side Covington has introduced a 46 sku program ‘Brady,’ ‘Bailey,’ and ‘Barton’ in cotton/polyester in a brand new construction that has had a fantastic response,” Bruno said, including “a large jacquard group called the ‘International Collection’ with two lead patterns and three coordinates that could serve the Southwest and Contemporary U.S. markets. We have many more jacquard designs this season as well as embroideries. ‘Glynn Linen’ continues to be the premier linen in the market,” he said; “and this season we added a new stripe to Glynn Linen called ‘Gilson.’ We just updated Jefferson Linen with 30 new colors and Pebbletex with 30 new colors both foundation cloths for the Covington line.”

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In addition to what Schneider has done with his export sales team, Bruno points out that Covington Contract is now on the map with 20 U.S. based agents under the leadership of Craig Shirk, contract sales manager. All of Stuart Schneider the new hires including Schneider and Shirk have been made in the past year. Both men report to Bruno. F&FI

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Flemish Masters Bring Tough Minded Belgians Together in Harmonious, Innovative Efforts by Eric Schneider

RUSSELS, Belgium — is the center of the textile universe in Europe today as well as THE HOME FOR MoOD, but difficult business conditions are forcing Belgian textile manufacturers to work harder than ever before on innovative fabrics. This also means that the very individualistic and independent nature of the Belgian business culture is being harnessed by economic forces to have individual

fabric and furniture producers in Belgium work more closely with each other in groups. It was in this spirit that Axel Enthoven, the designer, conceived of this year’s Flemish Masters project. DesleeClama developed a special knitted upholstery fabric for RecorBedding furniture that doubles as sleeping beds at night; Beaulieu Orotex developed an office divider scheme recycling needlepunch felt carpet; Concordia created a basecloth for the seating of De Zetel’s ‘Cup Cake’ chair;

Beaulieu upholstery produced a line of outdoor fabrics for Passe Partout’s outdoor line—plug it in and it heats up! Joli and Flocart joined forces to create a flocked design in an outdoor fabric. The result of this great effort appears on these F&FI pages along with the individuals who worked closely with each other to produce some unusual results. It proves that the sum of the parts can be greater than the whole. — Eric Schneider

Manu Tuytens, managing director of Concordia Textiles with Bernard Meert, Home Concept manager, Waregem BE. The pair developed a basecloth for De Zetel that can be painted any color on demand.

John Ghekiere, principal and chief designer of Ghekiere Industries BVBA, Kuurne, BE, makers of Joli’s Z Chair. He’s showing off the new fabric by Flocart, a flock design on Ferrare batilene basecloth

Thierry Outtier, sales manager for Flocart, Wevelgem, BE. Flocart has developed the flock fabric for Joli Outdoor. Shown here is Flocart’s one-pass blackout drapery lining.

the Drisag / Orotex object

Geert Behaegel, general manager of NV De Zetel chair producers, Ardooie, BE. He produces the ‘Cup Cake’ chair in white, including the frame and fabric. Then he paints it any color through technology provided by Aerospace in Brussels. The fabric and frame is painted in that fashion to order!

Kim Pint, product designer for Deslee Clama, Zonnebeke, BE showing off new knit upholstery for a new daybed collection from Recor. “Finally there is color in ticking/upholstery.,” she says.

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Detail of the DesleeClama upholstery collection for Recor.

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F FI NE W S

rendering of the RecorBedding Daybed

The ‘Cup Cake’ chair from De Zetel ‘Z’ Collection can be painted in any color on demand

Johan Oyen, director of Recorbedding, ScapaHome and Indigo, Genk, BE. That’s a portrait of his wife that he painted. Recor has developed a new daybed program with DesleeClama featuring a knitted upholstery fabric that is said to be very comfortable for seating as well as sleeping, perfect for a weeklong vacation in a house by the sea.

Axel Enthoven, president, Enthoven Associates, Antwerp. BE

Marcel Smits, managing director of Drisag NV office furniture, Herentals, BE with Katrien Boutens, product manager, Orotex Belgium, a division of Beaulieu which produces needlefelt carpet in Oostrozebeke

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Dirk Steenbeke, managing director, Passe Partout, Bornem BE

Lady in Black. Inge Van Gheel of the design firm in the same name

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Luc Vandewiele, general manager, Beaulieu Fabrics, Kruishoutem, BE. Beaulieu is developing a fabric for Joli Outdoor collection that will feature wires that plug into an AC outlet to heat the fabric. The fabric can also be detached from the chair to be used as a blanket; perfect for cold outdoor weather of Belgium

F FI G L O B A L M A R K E T P L A C E

Luxury Supplier Holland & Sherry Rugs, Papers, Fabrics Joins MoOD by Chris Hachey

EW YORK, New York — With a new boutique opening in San Francisco and another planned for Los Angeles, Holland & Sherry continues to expand into new areas and markets, according to Bryan Dicker, president of Holland & Sherry Interiors. The company produces its custom collections in its Chile-based mill and will be showing for the first time at MoOD. “We have adapted the attitude of being ‘leaner and meaner,’ compared to our competitors,” said Dicker. “One thing that surprises people is that we have high end products and people are shocked when they see our prices against our competitors’.” In addition to the offices and showrooms, Holland & Sherry introduced a few new designs to go along with its embroideries, as well as a new wallpaper collection. “We just recently opened an office in Dubai and we are looking to open one in the Far East,” said Dicker. “We are also looking to expand in Russia and become more active.” Holland & Sherry made a splash last year when it introduced a custom embroidered rug collection in New York to go along with its embroidery collection.

It offers these custom embroidered rugs while using the same facility as its embroidered fabrics. “The custom embroidered rugs gives us a product in an industry where there is not much change,” said Dicker. “These are substantially different. No one really has anything like it. It really opened up doors for us.” Holland & Sherry was founded in 1836 in London and consists of apparel and interiors divisions. It has showrooms in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, DC, London, and Paris, and is looking to open more offices worldwide. F&FI

Bryan Dicker

LTM Sets $50 Million Sights Next Decade, China Based Upholstery warehouse is in China with domestic U.S. distribution out of its Los Angeles and High Point. It also participates in China to China cut and sew. The line sells for $2.95$9.95 in 100 percent polyester, considered mid price range today. LTM just introduced its first Jason Ahn and Tony Sutton Nanotex® line at its permanent The pair are getting mileage Textile Tower showroom at the last Showtime with a 40 sku col- out of its plush hippo toy theme. lection. The designs are produced The cuddly hippos wear a differby Jason Ahn, LTM’s fulltime ent LTM design each market and designer who collaborated with his are handed out to customers who team in LTM’s Shaoxing office seem to love the critters. Principal of LTM is Tony just outside of Hangzhou. Design is achieved using Adobe Illustrator Sutton who makes his home in Huntington Beach, CA. F&FI and Photoshop, Ahn explains.

by Jacqui Smith

taley, North Carolina — LTM Textile Resources, LLC, a Chinese fabric converter and sourcing firm aims for $50 million in sales within ten years according to Tony Sutton, vice president, sales. LTM started life as a ‘repping’ company to the RV aftermarket trade in 1976 with a line of electronics. In 1985, LTM launched its fabrics business also geared to the RV market and is now a full-fledged converter of Chinese made fabrics imported to the USA for the upholstery industry. The

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Rm B, 11/F, Nathan Commercial Building, 430-436 Nathan Road Kowloon, Hong Kong 852-27700218 • 852-27700215

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F FI G L O B A L M A R K E T P L A C E

D’Decor Exports Brings Ateja Emphasizes Eco Green Fabrics Digital Prints to MoOD by S. Vishwanath

Sipco News Network

UMBAI, India — For the first time in its history, DDecor Exports will show several digitally printed lines to MoOD visitors this year. DDecor is one of the biggest volume producers of upholstery and curtaining fabric in the world today. “We have also leveraged our resources to achieve multiple benefits in product quality and service levels,” according to Ajay Arora, managing director. “DDecor is offering smaller minimums and shorter development and leadtimes than ever before,” he said. This has led to cost reductions in what DDecor can offer the market, he added. “Digital printing offers our customers differentiated products which is a huge advantage. The repeat size and number of colors have no limit with this technology and leads to superior results,” he feels. “All of this is being proposed at values equivalent to conventional printing for large runs or small runs

in widths up to 110 inch (280 cm). The new Range of digitally printed product includes high density jacquards, coordinated in nine new

Digital printed pillows from DDecor colorways. The coordinates to the prints are available in embroideries, velvets, prints & yarn dyed multicolor stripes n textured plains, he said. F&FI

(Continued from page 22)

Indigo’s Lasbordes: Digital Designs Coming On Strong year, Halls 11, 7 and 9. Those who shop Indigo typically are vice presidents of design for home textile companies; designers, and principals of small to medium sized companies who are more hands on in the design arena, Lasbordes explained. Indigo, Premiere Vision’s only entry into the home furnishings design market consists of 100 exhibitors. Lasbordes thinks there are about 200 design studios involved in the various trade shows. “Our show is a sell out and we are limited by exhibition space.” Indigo grew out of the fashion business and eventually became a free standing presentation. “Prices for individual designs are stable. In 2009 and 2010, prices actually decreased. Markets seem to be a bit better for the studios currently. The big ones are all represented at Indigo. Approximately 40 percent of Indigo exhibitors are producing designs for upholstery; 40 percent for bed linen and 20 percent for wall coverings. About 90 percent of the exhibitors are based in Europe,

ANDUNG, India — Ateja Tritunggal, PT, a 35 year old weaving mill here will introduce a series of eco fabrics at MoOD. Since its founding 35 years ago, Ateja has focused on contract, transportation and home decor fabrics. It is also a global supplier of mattress ticking fabric, under the ‘Serenity’ brand. The new Ateja lines are called ‘Eco Green Fabrics’ and are made from recycled polyester yarn which contain at least 40% recycled raw material recycling six PET bottles in the 1.5 liter size to make each linear yard, according to Samuel Stepanus, assistant director, sales & marketing. At MoOD, Ateja will also unveil its ‘Sunproof’, outdoor fabric brand made from 100% solution dyed olefin. It comes in plains, textures and jacquard woven floral/contemporary designs in up to 32 colors. Ateja said the product is 100%

recyclable and has been tested according to British Standard (BS EN) resistant against UV and can stand up under natural weathering to at least 1500 hours, some even up to 2000 hours, according to American standard (ASTM). Sun Proof is said to be water repellent, resistant to bacteria and mold. It has even obtained the Oekotex certification, with the class 1, meaning it is safe even to babies,

the company claims. Also for outdoor applications, Ateja will show new sling fabrics in polyester yarn with PVC coating geared for contemporary designs of outdoor furniture. In addition, Ateja will launch new polyester; viscose and linen blend drapery ranges in damask, lampas and matelase, featuring wrinkled effects.. F&FI

Eco Green fabrics by Ateja

Decorama Strikes Gold With Laser Cut Fabrics, Two Week Delivery Sipco News Network

EW YORK, New York — Decorama, a $15 million contract fabrics supplier based in Seoul, Korea— has innovated a laser cut fabric in IFR polyester selling at $50 a yard to the apparel and contract furnishings industry. Decorama showed the fabric for the first time at the Texworld USA Fair here. The company is a manufacturer and exporter to 35 countries. “We just closed a 300

principally Italy, UK, Germany and Holland. “The German designers are strong in home but not fashion whereas Italian is strong in both lines. We see some Korean designers getting involved in home,” Lasbordes explained. “There are also strong fashion links between European design and Japanese buyers,” he said. Premiere Vision runs 10 shows a year including New York (3X); Paris (2X); Moscow, China, and Brazil for the apparel industry and Indigo is its only entry in home. Indigo started in the late 90’s and became a part of Decosit, the forerunner to MoOD in Brussels. The Lille Chamber of Commerce that founded Indigo in 1974. Première Vision SA (the company that organized Première Vision and Expofil ) bought the Indigo exhibition in 2005 from the Lille Chamber of Commerce. From that day forward, Indigo has been one of the shows organized by PV, along with Direction by Indigo as well and some others like Expofil, Preview New York and Premiere Brasil. Laser cut fabric F&FI

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yard order at full price with a hotel owner in Chicago on this new cut fabric,” said Thomas Jeong, managing director. The product is woven, laser cut and then embossed over a layer of netting as a curtain fabric. Decorama has it available in several designs and colors for in stock sales. Custom product woven to order is also available. The bulk of the business is in contract fabrics, upholstery and curtaining. It sells to the jobber/editeur market and has two direct customers in each market as well as a wholesaler which has the line. It specializes in eco friendly, PLA and recycled polyester fabrics in the $15 range. It also produces a line of woven blinds under the Combiblind brand, which is fabricated outside the company for the residential market as well as woven wide

width dim-out curtains for the contract market. The dim-out is IMO approved and is washable. Decorama has also introduced a velvet range in IFR for $15 a meter in 35 colors. The company shows at Evteks, Heimtex, Heimtextil Moscow and Maison Objet. The company exports to 35 countries but China, Singapore and Russia are its best markets right now. It exports to Western Europe and USA and Jeong sees similarities in style between what he sells in California and France. “Both want strong colors.” F&FI

Thomas Jeong

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F FI G L O B A L M A R K E T P L A C E

Rayess Exceeds Expectations First Year Sipco News Network

OMO, Italy — Since ADF Middle East opened its doors last January in Beirut, Lebanon under the supervision of co-principal Sam Rayess, the customer base has expanded in Amman, Riyadh, Damam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Cypress, Damascus, Aleppo, Qatar and Bahrain, he confirmed. “In spite of the chaos in this part of the world, ADF and our customers are doing well. Our customers like their newfound ability to sell cut length or full rolls from our stock,”

he explained. As a result, we have dramatically expanded the line we offer to them,” Rayess said. “We are stocking more goods than we expected due to the demand and we have far exceeded our expectations this fist year.” The collections, priced from $3 to $26 a yard are marketed as Westgate by ADF and are available in two to three days from receipt of order, Rayess said. “I just returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia where our customers are making their own hangars from the meterage they buy from

Sam Rayess us. We offer them warehousing of inventory and mill prices.” F&FI

Deltracon Moves Up Pricing Curve, Coordinates Trim, Fabric Lines Sipco News Network

NGELMUNSTER, Belgium — By streamlining the trimming production and putting it under one roof with coordinated linen lines, Deltracon principal Rudy Delchambre can now deliver both collections at the same time. Deltracon has made trimming lines for 15 years through an outside supplier but two years ago, Deltracon bought the supplier, machinery and all and put it along side its linen lines. “Customers can now see how to use trim with fabric. We use the same lines for both products and by doing it ourselves, we have been able to make more sophisticated trimmings,” he said. For MoOD, Deltracon is capitalizing on the famous artists theme; specifically Deltracon is developing collections along the lines of Flanders’ artists like Permele, a Flemish artist of the 1800’s. For Proposte, Deltracon

had a major introduction for the high end editeurs but for MoOD it will take a more mass market approach in sheers, upholstery and drapery, including digital printing on linen for the first time in stripes and floral designs. This includes 15 designs in 30 colors each emphasizing darks with trimmings

Rudy Delchambre

and tiebacks to match. Deltracon also built a new factory two years ago and consolidated its production with two mills at two different locations into the one new mill. “It doesn’t make sense for us to compete with the Chinese and Indian mills so we traded up all of our products. We were able to fill part of that void with new customers in Europe and America. When a South African trimming supplier went bankrupt, it gave us the opportunity to fill the void that was created.” Delchambre said that 2008/09 was tough years but 2010 and 2011 were a lot better. However, the market continues to be spotty. “We can’t run our looms for three to four months and expect to be successful. Our customers want new products. We have to invest in new collections and that means we need to have some longevity in the collection to get a return.” (Continued on page 33)

Weisbrod-Zürrer Unveils Sound Absorbing Trevira CS Sheers Sipco News Network

AUSEN, Switzerland — Weisbrod-Zurrer AG has developed a contract line of sound absorbing sheer curtain fabrics featuring Trevira(CS)®. The collection is designed by Annette Douglas in conjunction with the Swiss test institute Empa under the brand name Annette Douglas Textiles Acoustics®. WeisbrodZürrer is producing and selling it exclusively under the collection name Silent Space. According to Trevira, so-called acoustically “hard” materials such as glass and concrete, which are commonly used in interior design, scarcely absorb sound at all. Heavy

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curtains made of material such as velvet are often used to absorb sound. On the other hand, lightweight and transparent curtains are acoustically almost useless, the company said. “Until the development of Silent Space, the principle held that the more sound it was necessary to absorb, the heavier and thicker the fabric had to be. Now there are curtains with a drape weight that can absorb up to five times more noise than their conventional equivalents, and yet let daylight into the space.“ Annette Douglas succeeded in converting the new findings into weaving techniques working with Empa, the project leader and textile designer. On the basis of numerous acoustic measurements

made on various samples specially woven by Weisbrod-Zürrer, they were able to gradually optimise the acoustic properties of the fabric, Trevira explained. “An the industry partner involved in the project, Weisbrod-Zürrer then adjusted the sophisticated manufacturing process so that the industrially-made curtains actually display the required acoustic characteristics.“ Trevira said the new textiles can be used in a variety of places where there is a need for sound insulation, such as offices, living rooms, restaurants, hotel lobbies, seminar rooms and even multi-purpose auditoriums. “They are often the deciding factor in satisfying the acoustic requirements (Continued on page 38)

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Contract/HospitalityNews C/HNEWS I Richmond Veterans Launch ‘Warp & Phil’ Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites Sign On U.S. Manufacturers by Marc Weinreich

ORBA LINDA, California — Warp & Phil, a hospitality textile supplier launched in February, has already received its “Endorsed Vendor” status with Choice Hotels International. The company is under the leadership of Brian Coughlin, David Balk and Anita DuCoffre, who bring a combined 50 years of industry experience. “We’re very excited to help launch a new bedding program for one of the largest hotel franchise and development companies in our industry,” said Coughlin, president of Warp & Phil. “The Comfort Inn and Comfort Suites brands will be introducing entirely new room schemes in September.” The decorative fabrics are produced in wide widths to ensure the seamless construction of bedding and drapery products specifically engineered to endure the rigors of the hospitality industry. Warp & Phil has also introduced duvets, bed scarves and skirts and pillow shams as part of its bedding offerings. In March, the company launched its first collection of bedding and window treatment fabrics in 120 skus, a month after

it officially opened its doors for business. Per yard, this first collection ranges from $16 to $22. “We’ll be introducing a second collection of bedding and window treatment fabrics this fall with a shift toward more sophisticated offerings with very bold designs,” said Coughlin. “If all goes as planned, the collection will be showcased in September at HD Boutique in Miami. The company is also developing upholstery weight textiles for hospitality projects and is slated to introduce the line within the next 12 to 18 months.” The Warp & Phil company name is derived from the warp and fill fibers of woven textiles. The founding team members brought these terms to life by making them the names of the two animated characters they created fifteen years ago, which have since become the face of all marketing initiatives for the company. “Although the logo reflects a lighthearted approach to marketing, the business practices are cutting edge and customer-care is the top priority for all of us,” said DuCoffre, vice president of customer care. Coughlin, Balk and Ducoffre have a storied history working

David Balk, Anita DuCoffre, and Brian Coughlin

31 Autumn 2011 n

Warp and Phil logotype is all about fun together, dating back to 1998 when they worked at Chicagobased Richmond textiles. “We were fortunate to have learned the fundamentals of hospitality textiles from industry legend, Paul Richmond,” said Coughlin. “Together with Paul, and many talented co-workers at Richmond Textiles, we were able to increase revenues fivefold and position the company for its eventual acquisition by Hunter Douglas Hospitality.” Although Coughlin’s career initially began at Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers in New York and Chicago, he left the finance industry in 1987 to pursue opportunities in the commercial interiors and furnishings industry. “I transitioned from corporate interiors to hospitality when I joined Richmond Textiles as vice president of sales in 1996 and eventually became president of the firm, with the full support of David and Anita,” recalls Coughlin. In February of 2001, Coughlin left the company to become vice president of sales and marketing for Fabtex and eventually became one of the principal owners of the Pennsylvaniabased fabricator.

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“But after 10 years of great experiences, I knew it was time to get back together with David and Anita to form our dream company, one that reflects our own personalities,” said Coughlin. Balk is vice president and CFO of Warp & Phil and brings with him a degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and years of experience as CFO of Richmond Textiles and later Contract Decor International. Having worked in hospitality finance and consulting in Los Angeles during the mid to late 80’s, Balk’s relocation back to California was an easy transition from CDI’s office in Brocton, Massachusetts. “It was a cold, damp day in November when Brian called to taunt me about the warm and sunny Orange County weather,” recalls Balk. “Climate aside, the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues to build a company we planned years ago was very attractive,” said Balk. After receiving a Masters degree in Business Administration, DuCoffre began her career in textiles as a customer service representative at Richmond and within four years had ascended to vice president

of operations. Before moving to Orange County, she was the owner of several Illinois-based food service and fitness franchises. “It’s been a great experience starting our own company,” said DuCoffre. “We get to create systems and procedures from the ground up, from our customers’ point of view. Our business model is to answer their questions before they ask them.” The company’s weaving and manufacturing facilities are based in North America and it has 20 sales reps throughout the U.S. “We use North American manufacturers and suppliers as much as possible in an effort to maintain lead times that customers need to keep their projects on target,” said Coughlin. “There is currently a spirited backlash to the extended lead times and quality concerns arising from importing goods from distant corners of the world,” said Coughlin. “Further, as developing economies focus on production for their growing domestic markets, the price advantages they once offered are evaporating rapidly which make the inconveniences intolerable for our customers.”. F&FI

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C/HNews

C/HNEWS I Indorama Ventures Purchases Trevira, Expects to Expand Fiber and Filament Yarn Business Marc Weinreich

RANKFURT, Germany — Trevira has confirmed its sale to the consortium of Indorama Ventures PCL of Thailand and Sinterama of Italy effective July 1, 2011 and has appointed Robert Gregan as CEO. According to both sides, the deal was made to

focus long-term on building-out the business of fibers and filament yarns. “The sale to the consortium of strategic investors with direct links to the textile industry provided the best opportunity for sustained development in the future,” said Werner Schneider, chief auditor. Schneider had signed the contract

for the consortium to make the purchase in February, 2011 but it was still pending approval from the cartel authorities in Brussels and Turkey. Klaus Holz, MD of Trevira lauded Schneider throughout the process as someone who was instrumental in restructuring the business and thanked him for his

two years of service in this effort. “We are very pleased that all the formalities are at last completed and that we can now together concentrate with our new owners on our business operations,” says Holz. Gregan meanwhile has become CEO of Trevira and will co-manage the company with Holz, who served

Robert Gregan as CEO since January. Gregan had previously managed business lines at fiber manufacturers KoSa and Invista. He also served as CEO of Kelheim Fibres and Dolan and as the head of the Nonwoven business unit at Lenzing. “I have been following the acquisition over the last ten months and have gained good insight,” said Gregan. “It’s now a matter of implementing the projects step by step, together with the workforce and the management team. My predecessors and the experienced team have already set many good and important things in motion, and now we have to strengthen Trevira for future crises. I look forward to this challenge and I am sure that together we will achieve our goals”. Trevira GmbH is a Germanbased manufacturer of high quality branded polyester fibers and filament yarns for such sectors as home textiles, apparel, automotive and hygiene and is also used with technical applications. The company employs approximately 1,350 people and reported last year sales of approximately $347 million. Thai-based Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited is an integrated producer of polyester. It manufactures throughout Asia, Europe and North America in such sectors as food and beverages, personal and home care, health care, automotives, textile and industrial. Its main products are PTA, PET, Polymers and Polyester fibres and yarns and it employs 3,500 people with annual consolidated revenues estimated at $2.3 billion in 2009. Italian-based Sinterama is a manufacturer of dyed polyester yarns for the automotive, home textile, apparel and technical products industries. Currently, it has a presence with production sites in Italy, U.K., Turkey, Brazil and China. It employs approximately 650 people and sells nearly 30,000 tons of filament yarns with annual sales of $173 million. F&FI

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C/HNews

C/HNEWS I Integra’s Reweaving America Campaign Seeks Commitment from U.S. Manufacturers by Marc Weinreich

ORIS, South Carolina — Debbie McArthur, president of Integra Fabrics, has launched Reweaving America, a nationwide campaign that seeks commitments from U.S. companies to purchase 60% of their manufactured goods from the domestic market. “It’s a basic lesson of supply and demand,” said McArthur. “We need to demand more domestically and the American companies will respond.”

The campaign, which launched at HD Vegas 2011, saw an immediate positive response by such companies as Milliken, Fabri-Quilt Hospitality, AirDye Solutions, Wyoming Weavers, Tahoe Mills and Hampton Prints. “They all agreed to participate both financially and with enthusiasm

to help encourage our hotel corporations, purchasing companies, designers, management companies and all involved in our industry to make the commitment to purchase at least 60% of fully USA manufactured goods,” said McArthur. McArthur said the idea that Chinese goods are cheaper than

American-made goods is becoming outdated because of the rising cost of labor throughout Asia and the added cost to international shipping for American companies purchasing from the Asia-based suppliers. According to her research, over 40,000 U.S. manufacturing plants closed in 2008 and over 5.5 million

manufacturing jobs have been lost domestically over the last decade. Moreover, she estimates that 20 to 30% of the goods exported out of Asia are reported as “seconds or flawed.” She also said that while delivery times could be up to three months for purchases from overseas, Continued on page 36

Debbie McArthur

Continued from page 30

Deltracon In general, Delchambre said the business has become less profitable and that longevity for collections is way below what it used to be. “Reorders are just not frequent enough. The wholesaler bought basic products in 2008/09 but the market was not enthusiastic about them. The customer wanted more innovative things. The market doesn’t want basic.” “It used to be a guarantee that when an important European editeur bought your collection it would mean at least a five year run but now all bets are off. It’s better to do new things. People don’t want the industrial look.” Deltracon introduced an artisanal hand dyed look with light to dark colorations in each piece; white to light blue to dark blue; something new but an old hand dyeing technique. Every lot is different. Two editeurs in Europe bought it from Deltracon but the U.S. is more conservative so we try sophisticated plains for that market. The artisanal dyed look is 30 Euros per meter in wide width and 25 Euros for heavy weight linen in 140 cm. width. F&FI

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F FI photo galler y

Buyers Look Beyond China Sources At Showtime Summer 2011

Showtime

The buyers, poised for a hopeful uptick in retail sales and vendors just happy to be here after a spotty first half year 2011, turned out for Showtime in High Point, N.C. in June. Buyers said they were looking for fresh new lines and but were wondering about skyrocketing prices for cotton and other fibers in the fabrics industry. There was also a general awareness that China had failed to get the price/delivery formula right, forcing customers to look domestically for fabric selection. This especially benefited domestic U.S. mills Here were some of the old faces and some new ones. —Eric Schneider

Teresa Cox McGee, Kravet representative with Arnold Masarsky, vice president, Portfolio Textiles division of Kravet and Robert Idol, vice president, creative strategy for Furniture Brands, St. Louis, MO. and Denise Alala, designer for Drexel Heritage. Alala has a program with KravetCouture, the top market brand.

Jason Carr (left) and Rodney Carr (right end) principals of Softline Home Fashions, Gardena, CA with Jeff and Bob France, principals of Renaissance, Canadian based wholesaler “I am looking for fabrics that can fit a retail price point of $49.95 for a comforter and two pillow shams in a bag,” said Avi Cohen, president of Veratex Inc., Panorama City, CA (near Los Angeles) bedding producer. Avi recently started up a production line in LA after getting fed up with the problems in China

Lee Kabat, principal of Home Accents Fabrics, Harrison, N.Y., with Patti Clauson, principal of Butter Home Design Studio, Atlanta and Ronnie Gold, designer and principal of Home Accents

Kristen Wilson, designer with Calvin Klein Home, Southfield, MI with Kathryn Richardson, vice president, sales and Michael Blowney, sales rep with Libeco Lagae Inc., Belgian linen producer’s U.S. office.

Bernie Hovesen, principal of Joanne Fabrics, Toronto, Canada with Tom Hilb, principal of Heritage House Fabrics, Concord, N.C.

Rick Ayers of LTM Textile Resources with Rebecca Walk, designer with Wright of Thomasville, private label upholstery and top of bed supplier.

Jana Platina-Phipps of Classical Elements, the Raleigh, N.C. based trimming supplier with Susan Distel, merchandise manager for trimmings and hardware at Calico Corners, Kennett Square, PA and Jan Jessup, consultant to Calico Corners and Stuart Gans, principal of Classical Elements

Mariano Gonzalez, principal of Adesal Jacquards, Burzaco, Argentina with Sergio Barrios Rivera, vice president, product development and design, HTL Furniture, Inc., Greensboro, N.C. and Mike Farrell, U.S. sales manager for Adesal.

Kim Luther (left) and Pam Hughes (right end) of Carolina Girl Furniture, Asheboro, N.C. with Swarovski crew Jane Matteson (consultant) and Laura Keitlen, key account manager, interior based in Cranston, R.I.

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F FI photo galler y

Evteks ‘11 Highlighted by International Flavor, Chinese Drama

Evteks

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Attendees were treated to a little bit of drama at Evteks 2011 when Chinese exhibitors formed outside the CNR Expo to protest the placement of their booths. Many Chinese exhibitors felt cheated for being given what some had referred to as a “garage” for the Chinese Pavilion. As a whole, however, the show was a great success with a record 116,000 visitors, of which 31,000 were international -- a 70% increase in international visitors over last year. Here are some of the partnerships and friendships formed!

Innovation Pavillion, main lobby of Evteks Riza Gedikoglu, export manager, Hobby Bedding; Merve Bas, Kursat Baha Moral and Niger Ay, sales reps; Caillou, Hobby mascot

Asli Turkun, board member, Vanelli; Anna Gorbacheva, sales rep, Gold Textile

Burak Toksipahi, owner, Hamit Kumas; Huseyin Ozkurt, designer, Amisos Textile

Jose Ramon Fontarnau, Arredare rl; Haluk Hocaoglu, regional sales manager, Kets

Nahit Balci, general manager, 3FSofa; Levent Uyan, production manager, Villateks

Fatih Yilmaz, general manager, Baget Tekstil; Mariusz Siwek, president, Tkann

Hasan Tulum, marketing coordinator; Fobrizio Geolo, agent; and Pierluigi Bergomi of GF Ferrari

Vaso Oikonomu, sales rep, Arvartisi; Ismet Turhan, marketing manager, Korteks

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Barbaros Uyan, president, Rateks with his son and daughter (twins!)

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Ebru Ucyaz, export manager, Penelope; Mehment Can Ozkan of Ucgul; Hulya Ozkan; Lale Aksu Tasman, Zinc Tekstil

F FI NE W S

Browning & Chandler Launches WIND Collection Sipco News Network

ARIEN, Connecticut — Browning & Chandler has been named the U.S. distributor of WIND Exclusive Design, a wholesaler of interior furnishing fabrics that just recently launched a new collection in July through 19 showrooms across the U.S. The first collection, which consists of 45 patterns, is comprised of silks with basics, stripes, embroideries and hand painted art; linens in basics ranging from hand stitched to embroideries; cottons with stripes and detailed designs in combed cotton; polyester in basic plains and embroidered patterns; and FR polyester in plains, stripes and jacquard designs. Exhibiting at September’s Maison & Objet show in Paris, WIND has been family-owned by the DeZutter family since 1954 and has remained in Waregem, an area of Belgium that has been known for textile development dating to the 14th century.

Bill Peters, a 30-year industry veteran, founded the Connecticutbased wholesale distributor, Browning & Chandler, in the summer of 2009. Prior, Peters was CEO of Osborne & Little and Stroheim & Romann before it was sold to Kravet. His company now works exclusively with a handful of trade showrooms and outside sales representatives domestically. F&FI

HIERI, Italy — PiovanoLeutenda and Radaelli have closed their mills after reports of poor management and strategy. According to industry reports, Piovano closed its mill operations in early July and receivers will liquidate Radaelli. Leandro Piovano left the company nearly five years ago and his cousin, Piovano has since been heading up the operation. Meanwhile, Tissage de Kalken, a 100-year-old weaving mill, has acquired Etrotex, the velvet division of ITM International, further signaling the consolidation of the

Turkey´s commercial and economic relations with Belgium WIND’s Pascal and Gerard De Zutter

interior textile market. Tissage has focused mainly on manufacturing jacquard fabrics for residential and contract draperies. The production, creative and development teams will remain in Belgium while Etrotex’s production units and offices will move to Laarne in the East Flanders area of Belgium by the end of the summer. “This acquisition enables us to extend our collection and thus strengthen our position in the global interior upholstery textile market,” said Bob De Bruycker of Tissage De Kalken. “We will present an exciting collection of velvets in the coming months.” F&FI

(Continued from page 33)

C/HNEWS I Integra’s Reweaving America Integra is just one of many companies in America that guarantee much shorter lead times. Integra is certainly doing its part; more than 83% of its fabrics are woven and manufactured in the U.S. “This commitment makes a tremendous difference to our economy as well as provide a measurable return in monetary value

Chairman of the board of directors Uludag textile exporters’ association, member of the board of supervisors Turkish exporters’ assembly Belgium

As is known, Belgium is the 30th biggest economy of the world with its 10 million population and with approximately $394 billion of gross domestic product according to purchasing power parity. In 2010 Belgium total exports were $280 billion and imports were $281 billion.

Piovano and Radaelli Close Mills, Tissage de Kalken Acquires Etrotex Sipco News Network

A message from ibrahim burkay

to the consumer.” Integra is a converter specializing in heat transfer printed fabrics for hospitality bedding, drapery, and upholstery applications. For more information on the campaign and to find out how you can participate visit reweavingamerica.com and americanmadematters.com. F&FI

When the foreign trade figures are realized between Turkey and Belgium, we see that the trade volume has been on the rise year after year. In the year 2009, Turkey’s exports to Belgium have been realized as $1.7 billion imports from Belgium were $2.3 billion furthermore in 2010 exports have been $1.9 billion and imports $3.2 billion. Small and medium size businesses play an important role in the economies of Turkey and Belgium. Cooperation between such businesses is an essential tool for diversifying and furthering the commercial relations between Turkey and Belgium. There are more than 200 Belgian firms operating in Turkey. The value of Belgian investments in Turkey is around 300 million euros as of 2010. On the other hand, the investment of Turkish companies in Belgium has exceeded 1 billion euros. These companies are dominantly active in fields of furniture, construction and textile. Moreover, some Turkish banks have offices operating in Belgium.

Turkish home textile sector and Belgium Turkey, one of the top 3 home textile exporters in the world, has exported around $3 billion total in home textile export in 2010. From 2008-2010, the Turkish textile sector struggled through a tough economic marathon, realizing a 19% general increase over the average performance of Turkey as a whole. Again in June 2011,

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Advertisement the home textile sector saw more than a 37% increase establishing an all time record. Additionally, in the past 12 months Turkish home textile exports exceeded $3 billion more than the sales of the pre-crisis period. The important point here is to give this success a sustainable character. Belgium lies between the biggest consumer markets of Europe; Germany, France and the U.K. and it has good infrastructure for transport to these regions. Belgium’s home textile imports were $1.2 billion in 2010. The market share of Turkey in the Belgium market is 5% ($60 million annually); but we consider this below the potential. Turkey’s main export items are bed covers, table cloths, bed sheets, curtain fabric, upholstery fabric, curtains, towels and bathrobes. When the issue is textile and readymade clothing, we are among the first countries that come to mind in the world markets. Turkish industrialists are still able to present high quality in all fields from production to promotion, research and development to marketing. Our work and projects in the textile sector has been observed curiously and carefully. By many countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, China, India this success has been achieved by focusing on high added value, fashion and branded products, as part of Turkey’s export boosting strategy.

about mood 2011 We in the Turkish home textile sector, assess mood as an important meeting point for the distinguished business people from the Europe and the rest of the world. As is known, all these business people come together in order to ‘Meet only Original Designs.’ The fair is the first and most authentic international trade fair for upholstery, window and wall coverings. It is the only online market place in the world to feature producers who fully own their collections. MoOD puts producers in the forefront of the show. They come up with the original designs, they have the know-how and they are the best guarantee for ensuring straightforward negotiations with no middleman. This characteristic of the fair is especially remarkable for our home textile industry because we long since have been on the world markets with our own designs and collections and this success has been inspiring many other actors. While the contract market has become a symbol of inventiveness, bold designs and innovations, the residential market is moving towards more quality and technically complex products, the kind of products that are on display at

mood. The important point here is, contract business has a significant share of Turkey’s home textile exports with its value rising markedly. In 2010 more than half of our exports were primarily to EU countries, which adhere to the highest standards of quality. We believe that better knowledge is foremost in today’s world, and those who differentiate themselves and are able to procure higher quality are the elite in the global arena. In MoOD 2011 we aim to promote our distinguished home textile firms, which are more than capable of meeting demands for the highest quality, functionality, safety and environmental standards. Turkish home/contract textile companies which manufacture functional products also exhibit unique aesthetics and ergonomics for your pleasure and safety.

Business and fashion trends in the market The market for home decoration articles in Belgium is mature and highly competitive. The consumers are looking especially at value and quality in design, production, technology, and socially responsible behavior. There is strong interest in products of contemporary design and also in antiques and reproduction furniture; also a market was created in the last few years for easy-care materials which are easy to clean and maintain. Big exporters in the sector are faced with increased demands for higher quality and environmentally and socially responsible products, with improved design. This will demand a lot from the production process, which may have to change to meet all the demands of the Belgian consumers. Another important trend is shortening of the distribution chain in order to cut costs, especially for the larger organizations. Additionally many importers, whether they are retailers, importer/wholesalers or agents, ask for exclusivity when they buy a product. The reason is to reduce the possibility of the appearance of the same product on the market in other retail outlets.

Conclusion One of the main goals of the Turkish home textile sector is to take place in Belgium market with its own brands. The positive and strong relations that Turkey and Belgium have been pursuing have also been initiated between both countries’ industrialists and exporters. We believe that there is a lot that Turkey and Belgium will learn from each other and bilateral cooperation will create beneficial results.

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F FI c a l e n d a r Weave Integrates Production With production,” he said. Both lines focus on the mid American Silk to upper end markets but fabrics are available from

REENWICH, Connecticut — Weave Textiles LLC, acquired by John Sullivan and an investor group February, 2010, is moving its production equipment from leased facilities in Denver, PA. to an expanded and updated American Silk owned factory in Plains, PA by October 1. “We’re serving the same customers with both brands but the handwriting and production are different from each other,” Sullivan explained. He said the cost structure was too high to continue to produce Weave product in a different plant. With this new arrangement, Sullivan expects to find ways to make better products more efficiently in a “leaner, meaner

September 9 – 13 Maison & Objet Paris, France MAISON&OBJET show will take place at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. The trade show will be targeting professionals from the field of Home fashion and design. The trade show will be attracting trade visitors from across the world. MAISON&OBJET show is not open to general public. It will serve as a unique opportunity for buyers and suppliers to establish foundations for new business contacts. The Targeted Visitors For Maison & Objet are: importers & exporters of Decoration, Home & Office Design, Furniture, Lightning, Fabrics - Clothing Textiles, Handicraft Products, Gifts & Souvenirs, Home Exhibitions, Kitchen & Bathroom accessories & General Public. Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre ZAC Paris Nord 2 93420 Villepinte maison-objet.com

Advertiser Index

For more information about one of our advertisers, see the page number listed: Alps Industries Limited. . . . . . . . 5 American Silk Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Babei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Classical Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Covington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 D’Decor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Dicitex Furnishings. . . . . . . . 27, 29 Dolan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Express Air Freight. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Glen Raven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 GM Fabrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 High Five Textiles. . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Indigo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Kravet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Marteks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Nelen & Delbeke. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Richloom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Rockland Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Spandauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Textirama/MoOD. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 UTIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15, 36 Valdese Weavers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

both brands at under $10 a yard, he said. American Silk Mills also converts velvets, suede and silks while Weave does not convert. The expansion of the Plains plant is 15,000 square feet and represents a further investment of seven figures he said. “We are adding more capacity than either company needs but this move will help us maintain appropriate gross margins and make both companies more competitive.” Weave design under design director Regina Furtek will continue to take place at the New York office while American Silk design continues in Philadelphia. Sales and marketing of both lines are also separate. F&FI

13 – 15 HD Boutique Miami Beach, Florida Hospitality Design Boutique Exposition & Conference (HD Boutique) differentiates itself from any other tradeshow you’ve seen with its distinct style and unique venue, creating a more personal event where you can build relationships, discover new products and learn from the leading minds in our industry. Come to HD Boutique - where design, dynamism and diversity come together in a chic, stylish setting, and discover a unique hospitality experience. Hospitality Design Boutique Exposition & Conference (HD Boutique) features a ground-breaking tradeshow floor, with industry-leading exhibitors occupying areas from 100-200 sq ft. This intimate scale means you will be provided with the opportunity to network with the most influential and exclusive group of hospitality owners, operators, & design professionals that dominate the market. Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel: 305.673.7311 • Fax: 305.673.7435 hdboutique.com

13 – 15 MoOD, Indigo Brussels, Belgium MoOD - read as Meet only Original Designs - is the first and most authentic international trade fair for upholstery, window- and wall coverings. It is the only online market place in the world to feature producers who fully own their collections. MoOD features 3 product ranges that combine perfectly the requirements of today’s visitors. These days, éditeurs, furniture manufacturers, (interior) designers, purchasers, wholesalers and big chain stores tend to purchase complete collections rather than one specific

product. This tendency is the ideal match for what exhibitors have to offer. Upholstery, Window and Wall coverings, so whatever your business, you can be sure that MoOD covers it perfectly.• 80% of MoOD’s exhibitors come from outside Belgium • MoOD exhibitors come from 30 countries • 85% of the visitors come from more than 100 different countries • 87% of the visitors say they very satisfied with the high quality of the products show. Brussels Expo Belgiëplein 1 • BE - 1020 Brussel Moodbrussels.com

OCTOBER

10 – 12 Coated Fabrics Seminar Cleveland, Ohio The Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA), in conjunction with the Performance Products Division, will for the first time, sponsor an industry-related educational seminar and industry update to buyers and influencers in the marketplace. The meeting, which will take place in Cleveland, Ohio on Oct. 12, 2011, at the Cleveland Airport Marriott, will address such hot issues as: Superbug challenges; Healthcare & Hospitality Applications; Vinyl Chemistry & Processing. Terry Murphy, LEED AP and Continuing Education Manager for The Vinyl Institute will lead an AIA accredited session on Vinyl In Design, which addresses energy conservation, recycling, durability, safety and maintenance issues as they pertain to vinyl use. Additional industry experts will weigh in on issues critical to the industry and various types of coated fabrics and their application in the design process. Jane Rhode, President of JSR Associates, and a leader in healthcare design, will address features and benefits of coated fabrics including cleanability, superbug

issues and other healthcare applications. A panel presentation, led by industry expert, Tim O’Keefe, and presented by representatives from BASF, ExxonMobil, Ferro and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) will address often asked questions regarding coated fabrics chemistry, including discussion on additives, such as stabilizers and phthalates, and what purpose those materials serve. The registration cost to attend the conference is $100 per person and a special registration fee of $50 is being offered to any additional attendee from an organization already registered. Space is limited so it is imperative to register early to secure a space at the conference. You may register directly on the CFFA website, www. chemicalfabricsandfilm.com. The Chemical Fabrics and Film Association (CFFA) is an international trade association representing manufacturers of polymer-based fabric and film products, used in the hospitality, healthcare, building and construction, automotive, fashion and other industries. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, CFFA was established in 1927 to educate consumers, from all industry segments, on the uses and benefits of chemical fabrics and film. For more information, contact Phoebe Stein at phoebe@phoebestein.com or 773.281.5767.

20 – 23 Central Asia Home Plus Exhibition Almaty, Kazakhstan Leading exhibition organizer in Centra Asia Region CATEXPO is organizing 4th Central Asia Home Plus – Home Textile, Carpets, Furniture, Households, Home Appliances, Interior Exhibition between 20-23 October 2011 at Atakent Exhibition Center. Central Asia Home Plus is the only interior specialized exhibition organized in Central Asia to contact potential customers in the highly attractive Kazakhstan and Middle Asia market for foreign firms in interior sector. Latest Participants: Akdeniz Çelik, Evim, Altınbaşak, Türkiz Tekstil, JDS Export, Rioma Spa, Textil Vidal, Sati Spain, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce Group participation, Evseg, Atiker Tekstil, Maya Tekstil, Getex, K.Flarountzos – M.Louvari, Lanatex,Serik Carpets, Magsoud Factories, Tecom. Atakent Exhibition Center 42, Timiryasev Str., 480057 Almaty, Kazakhstan +7 (3272) 582535, 75 http://www.catexpo.kz/en/

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Weisbrod-Zürrer and regulations that apply to these rooms. But one can well see their use in the private sector as well.“ Founded in 1825 the weaving mill of Weisbrod-Zürrer AG has its head offices in Hausen (Switzerland), with a workforce of 120. It also has agents in 25 countries. There are

three textile departments (decorative fabrics, women’s wear fabrics, ties and accessories), utilizing a total of 65 jacquard and dobby machines. Decorative materials make up the largest part of turnover. WeisbrodZürrer markets annually over one million running metres of fabric,

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50% of which they make themselves. Exports account for 90% of turnover, just shy of $20 million with Germany, Japan and China the most important markets. Weisbrod-Zürrer said it offers a comprehensive Trevira CS collection in its decorative fabric sector. F&FI

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genuinely inspired. kravet

fabrics. furniture. trimmings. carpets. kravet.com