Fabrics & Furnishings International - Summer 2008 Issue by Fabrics & Furnishings International

FFI Summer 08-2

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FAMILY MATTERS

THE SILVER LINING

POWER WOMAN

Mark Kahan now sits as chairman of Covington Holdings LLC after a family acquisition.

Roger Berrier, executive vice president of Unifi, discusses the fiscal ramifications of diminishing suppliers in the US market.

Kim Heiman, vice president of Standard Textile, now owns SK Textile after independently purchasing the company.

See page 4

See page 6

The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper • www.sipco.net

Vol. 18, No. 3

Summer 2008

Window and Wall Coverings Debut at Decosit Brussels Shifts to Accommodate Increasing Request for One-Stop Shop

by Kelly Hushin

RUSSELS, Belgium — In response to an evolution in the textile industry, the 30-yearold fabric show, Decosit Brussels, will for the first time showcase goods beyond upholstery such as window and wall coverings. “Decosit has to be more than upholstery fabrics,” show coordinator and general manager Patrick Geysels told Fabrics & Furnishings International. “We will promote Decosit ’08 as a fair that’s more than just upholstery Left: Decosit 2007; Inset: Patrick Geysels, show coordinator

ITG Makes Textile Gains With Chinese Finishing Plant by Eric Schneider

LIFFSIDE, North Carolina — ITG, a $1.1 billion textile company publicly traded on the New York Exchange (ITXN), has opened a modern finishing plant in Jiaxing, China to service its customers worldwide, said Scott George, vice president of Cone Decorative Fabrics. “2007 was a great year; we had reasonable growth; our corporate business was solid, but the residential business is very challenging and the second half of 2008 concerns us,” George said. “ITG will unveil its new designs at

ued. “Hospitality has Showtime in its residenbeen a growth engine tial product line includfor us. We now use a ing outdoor fabrics. blended strategy that “Healthcare will hold meets the needs of our its own,” said George. customers. Outdoor “We’re optimistic that fabric in the acrylic corporate and hospitality area has led to a highwill grow. Residential er-end look in a better furniture sales don’t look fabric with a unique like a growth situation Scott George, this year. Residential is president of ITG polyester wrap. This segment has been not our largest chunk of business but it’s an important growing for the last five years with chunk. We had 35 percent growth high single digit growth even with in our placements last October big box stores.” The Cone outdoor line ranges but the retail business is soft.” “We will push on all other areas from $3-$8 in poly/olefin and outside of residential,” he contin(Continued on page 4)

fabrics. If you look in the last five years, most upholstery fabric producers are producing other kinds of fabrics. When I started here, more than 50 percent of visitors were producers of sofas. Now those manufacturers are about 25

percent of visitors, the rest are big buyers and wholesalers. These people are buying not only upholstery, but also decoration, also lace, also wallpaper.” Geysels noted this “internal (Continued on page 6)

See the Who’s Who Among New Exhibitors!

TURN TO PAGE 8.

Outdoor Fabrics Turn To Upscale Interior Looks to Capture Market by Kelley Granger

SSINNING, New York — According to industry insiders, the outdoor fabric market is continuing its evolution to higherend, interior-inspired offerings while green efforts remain a priority. Gina Wicker, director of design for Glen Raven, said that 10 years ago there were not any products on the outdoor market to excite interior designers. “They’re a very business savvy group of people,” she said. “Now they have all the same tools to do the same thing outside as inside.” Wicker said the development of an outdoor room has turned into more than just furniture sitting on a patio, and has turned to less typical applications—the use

D e s i g n D r i ve n Q u a l i t y Tr i m m i n g s & D r a p e r y H a rd w a re See us in Highpoint @ Showtime Booth SMS1-536

Casual Elegance by Joe Ruggiero for Silver State Inc. uses Sunbrella fabrics of outdoor fabrics as room divider or window treatment and the use of sheers to overlay an umbrella or drape over a gazebo to create a romantic atmosphere. “The materials and products are available to create an outdoor area that is as (Continued on page 9)

US Office & Showroom 9 3 2 1 F o c a l P o i n t D r. Raleigh, NC 27617 Te l . ( 9 1 9 ) 8 6 5 . 8 0 8 9 Fa x ( 9 1 9 ) 8 6 5 . 8 0 9 0 info@classicalelements.com Asia Xiaoshan District Hangzhou China

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Table of Contents

F&FI Summer 2008 Vol. 18, No. 3 The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper Published by Sipco Publications Inc.

Covington Holdings Acquired

Unifi’s Offsets Losses With FR Brand ........................6

By Kahan Family ...........................................................4

Showtime Special:

Union Strikes Victor Plant............................................4

The Who’s Who among New Exhibitors.................8

Kim Heiman Purchases SK Textile .............................6

Classical Elements Opens China ................................9

Steven Shuford Now Actively

Regal Acquires Hafner Lines

Managing Outdura Brand ...........................................6

and Expands Collection................................................9

Contract/HospitalityNews Crypton Introduces an Affordable Version

Milliken Promotes Environmentalism

of their Fabric Protection ..........................................14

in New Showroom.....................................................16

Trevira Director Ulrich

BCFA Recalculates Carbon Footprint

Girrbach Resigns.........................................................14

Calculator .....................................................................17

Hospitality Finds New Lighting Solutions

Perennials Continues Campaign

for Outdoor Spaces....................................................14

with NetWorks ............................................................18

Kasthall Opens Showroom in NYC.........................16

Spectro Launches Vividand Primo 150 ..................18

Mohawk Redefines Remaining Brands..................16

DECOLAV’s ‘Suite Simplicity’ Launches at HD .....20

F& FI L E T T E R S

American Producers Have Been Upgraded To the “New Double Standard”

s US manufacturing standards become increasingly stringent, domestic textile producers work to strengthen their environmental and safety policies. In an industry where foreign product has become so prevalent, however, is it fair to hold US manufacturers accountable for upholding regulations that are not enforced internationally? Larry Hulighan, vice president of sales at Copland Fabrics, discusses his take on the state of international production and product assurance.

As a domestic producer of woven textiles for the hospitality trade, one quickly realizes that it is not just local suppliers that you need to compete against, but global suppliers as well. In an odd series of developments, my company Copland Fabrics and many of its U.S. based manufacturing brethren have achieved a new level of accountability. It is what I call the “New Double Standard”. At Copland Fabrics we develop our products to meet certain performance requirements. We build it, test it, certify it and offer a warranty. We document all these results in writing. We expect to be held accountable! It would appear that many of our global competitors have not been so forthcoming about their product performance assurance. One of my customers recently asked me what tolerance of bow/bias they should inform their foreign suppliers that they should be accountable to on a wide window sheer! And this was after a problem had erupted! We build our products with the assurance that we will be there to answer the phone if a problem emerges.

in advance for a portion of Risk assessment and their imports, yet I am product assurance should challenged when I collect also include a products’ my invoices on 30-day fire resistance, if necesterms. And third, how sary. US manufacturers can anyone buy “Green” are held to NFPA stanfrom China? It's the dards that are designed country that brought to protect the public its population polluted from injury and property streams, bad air and owners from liability. I Larry Hulighan human rights abuses. Yet, would suggest that it is best to have a local partner assur- our military PX’s sell a “Green ing consumer safety rather than Shopping Bag” from China @ $.99! an overseas “factory” that might Where's the patriotism? The more I age in the hospitalnot be there when you need to hold somebody accountable to ity industry, the more I realize its growing need for global suppliers. such standards. I would like to address three But how is it that we do not allow topics that amaze me about this American products that have “Double Standard”. First, many been produced in an unsafe envidomestic consumers of foreign ronment to enter the market, and product never pursue product fail- yet they stream in from China, ure, but consider it a cost of the whose environmental record is experience. They realize that col- miserable! Ultimately, the answer lecting will be more exhausting is not to restrict trade via quotas than successful. The savings that or tariffs. Instead, I believe that they enjoy at the time of import has we should let all suppliers of a tendency to soothe downstream products, regardless of where replacement costs. Second, the they sit, enjoy the “New Double majority of my customers must pay Standard”! But that's just me. THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES SELL SUBSCRIPTIONS TO FABRICS & FURNISHINGS INTERNATIONAL: INDIA

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F& FI N E W S

Covington Holdings Acquired By Kahan Family by Hannah Joseph

EW YORK CITY, New York, — The assets of decorative fabric supplier Covington Holdings LLC were officially purchased by members of the Kahan family on Monday, March 24, 2008. It will continue to run as Covington Fabric & Design LLC. A family with deep roots in the textile industry, the Kahans are anticipated to make a smooth transition into Covington. The company’s new chairman, Mark Kahan, comes from the family-owned Osgood Textile Company that is run by his brother, Robert Kahan. Robert’s son, Mayer Kahan, now takes a seat at Covington as executive vice president. More Kahan relations will sit on the board at Covington as well. Roger Gilmartin, former owner of Covington, now remains at the

company as president and chief executive officer. He will report directly to Mark Kahan and the company board. Mayer, he says, will be his “right-hand man.” “The chairman will be active in the business in the sense that I will be talking to him on a regular basis, and he’s planning on spending at least one day a week in the business,” said Gilmartin. “And Mayer will be with us every day. He’s been helping his father to run the Osgood business and now he’s leaving to help run Covington.” “The team is still the same,” he continued. “The senior managers, the vice presidents, everybody, they’re here. The only thing that is different is that Monday they worked for Covington Holdings LLC, and Tuesday they worked for Covington Fabric & Design LLC.” According to Gilmartin, the company will now be properly

Union Strikes Victor Plant Production Moves Victor catch up with its backlog and also allow Victor to avoid furto US ther union-related disruptions in by Sipco News Network

T. GEORGES DE BEAUCE, Canada — Factory workers voted in favor of a strike at the Victor Innovatex plant on March 8, which came as a shock to the management at Victor. Informed sources told Fabrics & Furnishings International that the company is beginning to move contract fabric production to the 840,000square-foot former Quaker Fabric Corp. plant in Fall River, Mass., although marketing coordinator Melanie Thabet told F&FI that production is ''not moving anywhere at this point.'' According to information released by the company, all necessary measures to protect current customer business have been taken and the strike does not affect the yarn spinning division in Beauceville, the dye house in St. Victor or the weaving operations in Fall River. Other sources told F&FI that Victor, which has been operating in several Quaker plants in Fall River for the past several months, expected to move all of its production to the larger plant by March 31, 2008. This plant is not unionized and houses more than 125 looms purchased by Victor at the Quaker bankruptcy sale late last year. The move would come at a good time since the St. Georges plant was running beyond full capacity and workers are demanding increased wages, sources said. The new location could help

the St. Georges location. The company operates mills in several Canadian locations, a serviceand-warehouse facility in Grand Rapids, Mich. and a design studio in New York. Victor supplies textiles to office seating and panel manufacturers as well as jobbers in North America and a complete range of seating and panel fabrics to archi-

Alain Duval tects and designers in Canada. Eco Intelligence® Initiatives is Victor’s sustainable textiles program that utilizes recyclable polyester yarns. The company is also attempting to resurrect the furniture fabric business previously enjoyed by Quaker Fabrics before they were forced to replace Quaker lines by the time Victor came into the picture. Victor was founded in 1947 as a producer of wool fabrics, and the family-owned Victor has been serving the North American contract furniture industry since 1980. Alain Duval is the president of Victor, a mill with sales in the $50 million range. F&FI

Roger Gilmartin, Mayer Kahan and Mark Kahan

funded under new ownership and that will allow it to remain an important player in the home furnishings market. “We had no money,” he said. “The Kahans have provided the funds for working capital for the business.” “Now, Covington is substantially debt-free with banking facilities if it needs it,” Chairman Mark Kahan explained. “We put cash into this business. We see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity. We’re interested in restocking the inventory required to do business. We’re in it for at least 40 more years” This year, Covington will show its newest product lines at Proposte as well as Decosit in Brussels. They will show a combination of new prints and wovens

that “will all work together beautifully.” Covington Industries has been a chief exporter in the US textile industry for over 50 years. The “one-stop shop” company includes the brands Covington Fabrics, Covington Industries Contract, Covington Upholstery

Fabrics, Covington International Sales and Covington Industries Specialty Fabrics. Osgood Textile Company is a family business that was started in 1948 and has since gone on to stock more than two million yards of fabric and fill orders from one to five thousand yards at a time. “There is no linkage between the two businesses. They will remain entirely separated and work autonomously. Hopefully Osgood will still remain a customer. Hopefully they will be motivated to buy more [from Covington],” said Gilmartin. F&FI

“T

he team is still the same. The senior managers, the vice presidents, every-

body, they’re here. The only thing that is different is that Monday they worked for Covington Holdings LLC, and Tuesday they worked for

”

Covington Fabric & Design LLC. — Roger Gilmartin

(Continued from Cover) ITG Makes Textile Gains With Chinese Finishing Plant acrylic/poly from $8-$17. “It’s all about product,” said George. “We have been able to manage complexity efficiently in developing our products.” Scott George, who reports to Derrill Rice, president of the Burlington House division of ITG, is responsible for jacquard weaving in Cliffside, dobby weaving for Burlington in Richmond, NC and piece dying in Burlington, NC. George spent most of his career running the Mastercraft contract business from 1991-2003 and then joined Tietex contract for two years before he joined Cone Decorative in February of 2005. “We also run base cloths used in both lines – Cone and Burlington,” George explained. Rice is responsible for Cone Decorative, and the dying and finishing plant in China. Right now, Rice is focused on the marketing and sales operation in China in order to sell up the finishing plant, which is capable of finishing 20 million yards of upholstery and apparel fabric. “Our plant is serving the needs of American contract furniture producers making upholstery in China for export to the States; contract jobbers and converters doing hotel jobs in Asia,” George explained. “There’s a lack of these finishing facilities in China.

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Instead of investing in jacquard or dobby weaving in China, ITG chose the finishing route for high quality piece dying and finishing which is not readily available in China. Our initial indications show we’re right on the money. The plant began to operate June 2007 and is now running full tilt. We’re

“R

esidential is not our

largest chunk of business but it’s an important chunk.

”

—Scott George doing apparel, decorative goods, and the facility is looking for business in China from other market segments like apparel and Asian upholstery makers,” he explained. “We have many customers who acquire companies or who have built facilities in Asia,” George continued. “We offer a blended strategy. We’ve got customers in both continents who buy roll goods from us in the States and upholstery in China. They are growing their furniture business in Asia using our plant as part of the process.” “Finished goods in the Chinese

plant are going to the cut and sew factory or to the outdoor furniture plant or hospitality jobbers bidding on jobs worldwide,” said George. “For the most part, higher end hospitality jobbers have not gone to China,” George indicated. “They are staying with the US mills. US mills know how to meet the needs of that customer. Also, the Yuan currency is starting to separate itself a little bit and with the emergence of a Chinese middle class and higher inflation rates there is an Asian consumer that we all hope to sell to. There are opportunities to do business in China. We’re thinking globally.” Cone produces products for residential outdoor furniture, panel and upholstery for the OEM and jobber, hospitality fabrics and healthcare. The primary market in healthcare is cubicle curtains and the corporate market focuses on upholstery and pane fabric, both piece dyed and yarn dyed. Cone also produces print based goods and yarn dyes for hospitality in upholstery and drapery. “We do a little export but we’re not big exporters,” George said. “We feel that with the market segments that we serve, we’re better focused on the customer in the States or their needs throughout the world.” F&FI

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La France by Microflock

TEXTILE GROUP Shanghai Office: No. 11 Mira Garden Lane, 1720 Hongqiao Road, Suite 16A, Shanghai 200336 Tel 86-21-62705547 • Fax (0573) 7991582 • Cell No 13621704467, Attn: Michael Epelboim Head Office: 5301 NW 161 Street, Hialeah, FL 33014 USA Tel (305) 622-7135 • Fax (305) 622-7140 • World Phone: 786-5535625 • Email: microflock@aol.com Contact: Steve Barek, president

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F& FI N E W S

Kim Heiman Purchases SK Textile by Eric Schneider

INCINNATI, Ohio — SK Textile, the largest COM fabric bedding and accessories workroom in the US, was sold to Kim Heiman, a principal of Standard Textiles for an undisclosed price on February 29, 2008. The private purchase made by Heiman stands independent of her role at Standard. Although she is the senior vice president of decorative products at Standard and her husband Gary Heiman is president and chief executive officer of Standard, it was learned that Standard was not involved in the purchase. That doesn’t rule out using the vast resources of Standard as a manufacturer and

As part of the deal, Kim distributor of textiles in 40 countries to add value to the SK pur- Heiman has become the new preschase in some way, industry ident of SK. Deborah Centurian, previously president and a princiobservers said. Kim Heiman’s role at pal of SK will serve as vice president of sales and marStandard is in the keting. Company company’s Design founder Stanley and Fabrics division Kassap will continue which creates and to handle inside manudevelops specialty facturing operations as decorative products executive vice presifor commercial applident. Both will report cations including top to Kim Heiman. “The of bed, drapery and parties involved will privacy/cubicle curcontinue doing busitains. In addition, she Kim Heiman ness independently manages Standard’s marketing efforts as well as inter- just as we have always done,” a national sales in Canada, Mexico source said. "SK Textile has several distinand South America. She has been guishing factors that make the with Standard for 23 years.

company a desirable acquisition," said Heiman. "The company's solid reputation in the hospitality industry, impeccable customer service and exceptional expertise offers the marketplace superior fabricated products with on-time delivery and competitive pricing. In this trend-sensitive industry, flexibility, quality, and fast delivery are critical. Customers know that SK Textile delivers." As per an official press release that was sent by SK Textiles, the acquisition provides opportunities for SK Textile to offer customized project solutions to a broader customer base and compete for a larger share of the hospitality marketplace. SK Textile was founded in 1986 and is based in Vernon, California. F&FI

Unifi’s Inhibit FR Brand Makes Strides in US to Offset Net Losses ship and napery markets to build its business portfolio. This also REENSBORO, North includes theatre curtain producCarolina — As suppliers ers and developmental work in leave the US market, Unifi Inc. the healthcare market. “With Inhibit, we’re offering gains new US-based customers for its Inhibit® FR polyester our domestic customers quick turns, calling for less branded yarns, said inventory on their Roger Berrier, execupart and stability of tive vice president of supply,” said Berrier. Unifi. “We can do smaller “We have eight to batch sizes under ten customers taking 5,000-10,000 pounds Inhibit® on on a contypically required by tinuous basis,” said offshore manufacturBerrier. “However, ers.” imported polyester “As a result of our product continues to Roger Berrier flexibility, our Inhibit offset whatever gain in market share Unifi might real- volume has increased with many new customers in the contract ize in the USA.” Unifi has seen significant fabric market,” he said. “Some customers have business growth in the past two Avora® years due to the overall growth switched over to Inhibit because in the FR polyester market. we are making it in the States According to Berrier, Unifi is and they wanted a local currently branching out to the resource. We see Trevira®CS in hospitality, restaurant, cruise the market also but Inhibit is by Eric Schneider

Steven Shuford Now Actively Managing Outdura® Brand the Shuford family owns the Shurtape Technologies Corp., HARLOTTE, North Carol- an adhesive tape company ina — After losing its pres- worth $300 million. Shuford Mills is a division of ident in 2007, the S h u r t a p e Outdura brand of Technologies and outdoor acrylic fabhas sales in the $18 ric is now actively million range. managed by Steven “We had a 30 Shuford, executive percent sales incrvice president of ease at Shuford Shuford Mills. Mills last year,” said Prior to his posiShuford, “and our tion at Outdura, goals are to keep Shuford owned an Steven Shuford our deliveries to acrylic yarn busifour weeks for standard prodness until he sold it in 2006. With roots in the textile ucts and to four to six weeks for industry dating back to 1880, custom products.” F&FI Sipco News Network

attractively priced. We’re committed to being a value added yarn manufacturer the US.” It was learned that Akra, a Mexican producer of FR polyester is also finding its way into the USA from Invista, it was learned. Avora, previously produced by Invista domestically is no longer produced in the US and chooses to license its brand offshore. Unifi is also working with customers in the Nafta region, specifically mills in Mexico

(Continued from Cover)

Window and Wall Coverings to Debut at Decosit change,” combined with requests from visitors as the reasons why show coordinators have decided to “open the door a little more to window coverings and wall coverings,” as he said. Previously window and wall coverings had been showcased at DecoContract,the trade show within Decosit aimed strictly at the contract market, but had not been exhibited in the main show floor. “Everyone is now busy in the residential and the contract market,” said Geysels. “These markets and product ranges are everywhere. We have to make [Decosit have] a product range that covers sofa covering, window covering and wall covering.” In its 30th year, Decosit will also feature several anniversary themed events which are still being prepared. The 19 or 20 exhibitors that have showcased at Decosit for every one of the show’s 30 years will be honored through events that are also still in the planning phase. F&FI

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which can sell their products in the US, duty free. “Most of our business is in the US. Inhibit utilizes phosphorous compounds during the yarn spinning process which makes Inhibit inherently fire retardant,” said Berrier. “This feature cannot wash out or wear off. As a nonbrominate it won’t end up in the water supply.” F&FI

Unifi: Fiscal Summary 2006-2008 For the quarter ending on December 23, 2007, the net income for Unifi was recorded at -$7.7 million, or at -$0.13 per share. It was negatively impacted by roughly $8 million in restructuring and severance charges. The net income for the December quarter ending on December 24 in 2006 was -$18.2 million, or -$0.35 per share. Net income for the first half of fiscal 2008, including discontinued operations, was - $16.9 million or -$0.28 per share compared to $28.3 million or -$0.54 per share for the prior year period. Net sales from continuing operations for the first half of fiscal 2008 were $353.9 million compared to net sales of $326.8 million for the prior year period. Net sales from continuing operations for the current December quarter were $183.4 million, inclusive of net sales as a result of the Dillon acquisition in January 2007, compared to net sales of $156.9 million for the prior year December quarter. Ron Smith, chief financial officer of Unifi, indicated that the company expects to see prices remain stable throughout the March quarter.

A philosophy of excellent quality at a reasonable value with strong attention to customer service has driven Duralee to become the fastest growing decorative fabrics company in the industry. An established company with a fresh, young perspective on design, Duralee has continuously expanded their extensive offerings of fabric, furniture, and trim to include designs from traditional to modern in order to provide the Interior Design industry with the proper tools to continue its rapid growth. Distinctive. Diverse. Dramatic. Definitely Duralee. Today’s design community craves diversity, and Duralee meets that demand with Metaphors. A 5-book color set with a range of designs running from traditional to modern, Duralee Metaphors highlights an eclectic sense of styling with over 230 selections that are both unconventional and familiar. From modern colors to traditional patterns, exotic references to updated classics, Metaphors celebrates independent style and timeless individuality with superior quality and exceptional design. Highland Court is pleased to present Trimmings Vol. II, a continuation of the popular Highland Court Trimmings Vol. I and a perfect compliment to their extensive line of Luxury fabrics. Trimmings Vol. II features exclusive tapes, unique beads, colorful cords, playful fringe, sweet rosettes and opulent tassels in twelve exciting new colorways, including Amber, Aqua/Pastel, Blush, Garnet, Glacier, Green/Brown, Lavender, Pear, Pearl, Red/Green, Sky and Topaz. DuraleeContract has risen to the challenge of creating beautiful, sophisticated designs with social responsibility, and is pleased to continue its commitment to the environment with the Duralee Contract Crypton Green collection. This collection features sustainable, high performance fabrics that are fun, modern, colorful and earth friendly. Duralee Fine Furniture has added 15 new pieces to the current 1000 sku collection of fully upholstered sofas, lounge chairs, beds, benches, ottomans, exposed wood chairs and tables. Duralee manufactures its own furniture line in a 180,000 square foot facility in Morganton, NC, and to date is the only fabric jobber to do so. The collection has custom upholstery options, 28 hand finish options and remains one of the largest bench made collections available to the trade. With our newest pieces on display in our many showrooms nationwide, Duralee Fine Furniture is versatile and accessible. Please visit www.Duralee.com www.HighlandCourtFabrics.com www.DuraleeContract.com www.DuraleeFineFurniture.com for more information.

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SHOWTIME SPECIAL: The Who’s Who Among New Exhibitors important players in the textile industry, exhibitors and buyers attend educational

By Hannah Joseph

forums, seminars and special events. This summer’s Showtime takes place from June 1-4, and buyers will see a few new faces to the exhibitor list: ACE Textiles, SSINING, New York — Twice a year, fabric manufacturers and wholesalers

Brimar, Inc., Catania Silks, Daewoo Intl America Corp, General Textiles, Inc.,

travel to High Point, North Carolina for Showtime, a semi-annual fabric mar-

Globaltex Limited, Hancock Fabrics, Inc, Roma Decoration Fabric and TNT Sales.

ket. There, they have the opportunity to showcase their products to more than

F&FI spoke to some of these new exhibitors to learn a little bit about each of

800 buying companies. In addition to making business connections with

their companies.

The Company: Daewoo International Corporation

aewoo International Corp. is an international trading and investRichard Khang, ments company. It manager for texhas approximately tile and home 6,000 customers and division serves as a channel for foreign consumption of Korean exports. Its businesses include international trading, manufacturing, sales, and resource development. Its textile business division at the Busan factory has been running for 40 years producing textiles and artificial leather. Its major markets include automobile interior upholstery, furniture upholstery, apparel and industrial materials. According to Richard Kang, manager for the textile and home furnishing division, Busan made $350 million in sales in 2007, and is projected to make $500 million for 2008. Daewoo has offices in Korea as well as New Jersey, Detroit and Los Angeles.

WHO’S BUYING? “We’re looking to attract the top sofa manufacturers as well as big distributers,” said Kang. “We’ll be launching new eco-friendly products along with our micro velvet, micro suede and micro velour products.”

WHAT BRINGS DAEWOO TO SHOWTIME? “We’re going to expand the volume of our home furnishings division, which is just one of our many divisions,” said Kang. “Our factory is in Korea – with the currency in China going up, and the Free Trade Agreement between the US and Korea, it will be cheaper for consumers to buy Korean-made products [rather than Chinese-made].”

TREND FORECASTS: “[We’ll see] some very unique, metallic patterns, soft velour patterns, padded patterns, and suede with different effects,” said Kang. “I think there will be a lot of square patterns.”

WHO TO LOOK FOR: Representing the company at Showtime will be Richard Kang, manager for the textile and home furnishing division of Daewoo International Corporation.

The Company: Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

sented at Showtime by Jane Aggers, chief executive operator, and Hugh Hargett, senior vice president of wholesale trade. Sales representatives Clayton Brown, George Taylor, Joe Bailey and Jan Kaily will also be at the booth.

ancock Fabrics is a 50 year old retail company that now looks to move into the wholesale industry. Started in Mississippi, the company currently has 270 stores.

Hugh Hargett, senior vice president of wholesale trade

WHO’S BUYING? The company looks to attract independent retailers, as well as furniture, bedding, drapery and apparel manufacturers.

WHAT BRINGS HANCOCK FABRICS TO SHOWTIME? “We’ve always been a retail entity, and it occurred to the company executives that there is a great opportunity in wholesale for Hancock because of it has a tremendous product base to pull from,” said Hugh Hargett, senior vice president of wholesale trade. “We have a 650,000 square foot distribution center in northeastern Mississippi, so you can imagine the array of products we have. We created a wholesale division of Hancock Fabrics within the last year and have so far focused on furniture upholstery and manufacturing. Currently, we are moving into the independent retail arena,” he continued. “We are going to be located in the temporaries because of the amount of exposure we’ll get. The additional exposure you gain from being in the temporaries [as opposed to off-site or in the towers] will afford us conversations with people who wouldn’t otherwise get to see us.”

TREND FORECASTS: I think the focus will be on upholstery,” said Hargett. “For such a long time, upholstery has been suedes and leathers. Now we’re seeing very clean looks with a linen feel. That’s where some of our offerings will be. We’ll have some nice solid tones, and then dress it up with pillow treatments, as opposed to having a lot of covers with a lot of pizzazz that go all over. There also seems to be a strong move towards contemporary prints on pillows.”

WHO TO LOOK FOR: Hancock Fabrics, Inc. will be repre-

The Company: Catania Silks

atania Silks, a small company of only six employees, still managed to make $4 million from selling silks from India in the US, Canada and Hong Kong in 2007. The company does about 95% of its sales in the US and sells fabric for drapery and furniture manufacturers strictly to members of the trade.

WHO’S BUYING? “We are looking to Dada Patil, get the attention of president anybody who is in the business of buying fabrics,” said Anshuman Lath, vice president, treasurer and partner of Catania Silks. “This is the first time we’re doing [Showtime] so we’re not sure about what kind of crowd comes there. We hope the bigger furniture manufacturers come and will be interested in us.”

WHAT BRINGS CATANIA TO SHOWTIME? “We have been planning on this for quite a while but [the company] was growing and we were so busy we couldn’t attend all the shows,” said Lath. “We attend the window fashion shows and we have been postponing [Showtime] by default and this year we thought it was about time to go. Before we couldn’t find the time but now we see we have to be there.”

The Company: Globaltex Limited

lobaltex is a company of about 30 employees that was started in 1999 as a manufacturer and converter in the UK. Globaltex sells to retailers in the UK as well as 50 other countries. According to Duncan Clarke, director of US sales, the company made about £8 million in sales in 2007, and expects to make over £10 million for 2008 with its entry into the US market. The company entered the US market for the first time this year in January and will be branded under the name “Clarke and Clarke.”

WHO’S BUYING? “We have a network of US clients that we’ve built up during the last six months and we’ll see them there,” said Clarke. “We will look to attract everybody from jobbers to furniture manufacturers. We want to have our brand become well-known. This is our coming out party in the US, so to speak.”

WHAT BRINGS GLOBALTEX TO SHOWTIME? “We made the decision to get into the US market and we thought Showtime would be good exposure for us as the right platform to help us move forward,” said Clarke. “We show at Heimtextil and Decosit, and I will be attending HDE (Hospitality Design Expo) in May with consideration to showing there next year.”

TREND FORECASTS: “I think there is a potential for the resurgence of prints – we are one of the market leaders for contemporary prints,” said Clarke.

WHO TO LOOK FOR: Representing Globaltex Limited at Showtime will be the company owner, Lee Clarke, as well as Duncan Clarke, the director of US sales. F&FI

TREND FORECASTS: “Frankly, that is something I don’t know,” said Lath. “We do not usually study trends in the market but we’ll begin to now.”

WHO TO LOOK FOR: Representing the company at Showtime will be Dada Patil, president of Catania Silks.

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Clarke brothers Duncan and Lee

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Outdoor Fabrics Goes Upscale-Interior to Capture Market comfortable and attractive as what you might have inside,” she said. “From a pattern perspective, we’re seeing a demand for more refined designs and intricate artwork and more of a slant toward soft contemporary but also a midcentury, modern graphic geometric type design that looks good in an outdoor environment.” Marco Parravicini, the managing director of Para, also said he’s seen the market growing in terms of style and design. “The outdoor is getting more and more similar to interior decoration in terms of sophistication and taste,” he said. Parravicini said that Para has made huge investments to adapt to this change. Ann Sutherland, owner of Perennials Outdoor Fabrics, also highlighted the emphasis on the outdoor market. “More people want to enjoy and live in the outdoor environment and desire coordination with their interiors,” she said. “Particularly in the last five years, almost all of the design trade has recognized not only the popularity and demand for outdoor fabric that is resilient to water and sun, but more and more furniture companies are seeking a more versatile cloth. This has created a burst of creative design in this genre.” The reflection of interior spaces on outdoor fashions comes at the same time as the demand for high-end products escalates. At Cone Jacquards, part of the International Textile Group, Vice

Sunbrella product line President Scott George said that there has been an elimination of the middle of the road. “The volume houses have gone totally to Asia for supply, mostly for fabric and certainly totally for furniture,” he said. “The upperend segment has become even more elegant, with nicer, higher priced products used to attract the upper end and enhance sunrooms or outdoor settings. It’s been an uncanny parting of the waters in that the lower end has gone just exactly that, and there has been such a flight to the higher-end segment to capture business.” Parravicini said that Para concentrates on producing only high quality fabrics. “Para is concentrated only in the production of high-performance technical fab-

Classical Elements Opens China

Produces Wood Lines in Vietnam By Eric Schneider

ALEIGH, North Carolina — Trimming supplier Classical Elements LLC has officially opened its China based division in Hangzhou according to Stuart Gans, principal of the five-year-old firm. The 100 person Classical Elements Hangzhou Company was approved to do business by the Chinese Government in February. In addition, Classical has added a 60 piece hand carved wood hardware collection produced in Vietnam and assembled in China. There is also a possibility of opening a Vietnam-based company in 2009 for Classical Elements, Gans indicated. The hardware line includes finials,

Summer 2008 ■ F&FI

Left: 2008 fall line of trimmings; Inset: Stuart Gans brackets, polls and holdbacks. It will be shown at Showtime for the first time in June. The company has also developed sustainable wood and trim lines featuring all bamboo and bamboo/linen textiles which meet Oeko-Tex 100 standards, Gans said. He has also inked a deal with

rics that are all covered with a limited warranty,” he said. “We only use the solution dyed acrylic fiber as raw material which is the best performing material today available on the market.” Para distributes the fabrics under the brand name TEMPOTEST, and Parravicini said that its market is very small and represents a niche within the textile business. George said that Cone Jacquards is taking a different approach — producing products for the upper segment while still addressing the lower end. “As it specifically relates to outdoor market, we are committed to continue supply to both the upper end and opening price points for this very important market segment,” he said. “We certainly intend on taking what we learned was successful at the upper end and translating that to design-driven products at opening price point.” At Wearbest, President Irwin Gasner emphasized the beauty and durability of the company’s Bella Dura fabric, as well as another growing industry mandate —its environmental story. “[Bella Dura] is the only fiber on the market, synthetic or natural, that begins as a by-product of postindustrial waste and ends its life as fully recyclable,” he said. “Its man-

“P

articularly in the last five years, almost all of the design trade has recognized not only the popularity and demand for outdoor fabric that is resilient to water and sun, but more and more furniture companies are seeking a more versatile cloth. This has created a burst of creative design in this genre.

”

—Ann Sutherland ufacturing process requires substantially less energy to manufacture as it uses only a small amount of water and literally produces no harmful industrial waste.” Gasner said that Wearbest also recycles, conserves energy and actively pursues suppliers within close proximity. Glen Raven is committed to a zero fiber or fabric waste policy. “We find alternative uses, whether sewn into car doors or sold for use in other products,” Wicker said of the materials. All of the company’s Sunbrella fabrics are tested and green guard certified to the most stringent rating. In the past few years, Parravicini said that Para has been making large investments to help preserve the environment. “In our main production plant we have

invested in a state-of-the-art water cleaning plant that is capable to clean 3.000 cubic meters of water per day and to reach a 94 percent purification rate,” he said. “Moreover we have invested in a co-generation plant that auto-produces combined electrical and thermal energy with the most advanced eco-friendly technology.” In spite of the progression of high-end quality and style, Parravicini is concerned with the state of the market itself. “I must say that this business is suffering together with the rest of the industry,” he said. “I received many signals that show a reduction in purchases around the world and especially in U.S., where the financial crisis is affecting the real life and people have less money to spend.” F&FI

Regal Acquires Hafner Lines and Expands Collections By Eric Schneider

IDDLETON, Massachusetts — In addition to having acquired Hafner upholstery lines, Regal Fabrics is set to launch a new collection at Showtime called Mastercraft American Classics. Regal Fabrics will be the exclusive source for the continued production of the residential furniture fabrics formerly produced by Hafner Inc. “We regret that market conditions have led to the closing of Hafner’s production facilities in North America,” said Adrian Spoerry, president of Hafner, Inc. “We are pleased, however, to have made this agreement with Regal Fabrics that will allow our customers to continue to purchase the items they are running in their lines. Regal Fabrics will have the exclusive license to produce these items for all customers worldwide. Any other companies offering Hafner designs will be in violation of our copyrights, which we intend to enforce.” Regal Fabrics will produce Hafner fabrics using its worldwide sourcing capabilities. “The

Happy Days of Mastercraft American Classics Hafner line is a good fit with our production capabilities – we will be able to offer continuity to existing customers and also seek new opportunities for these great designs, such as making them available for China to China shipments,” said Steve Kahan, president of Regal Fabrics.

Regal Fabrics will add the Hafner designs to its broad line of fabrics, which is set to expand at Showtime to include the 15 designs of Mastercraft American Classics. “It‘s available to China or in the US at an attractive price point (Continued on page 21)

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Roc-lon Blackout Drapery Â®

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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 48 inches (122 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.

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SHOWING OFF

CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

SUITE AND SIMPLE

Anna Schou makes wall-to-wall carpeting trendy with natural collection additions for new NYC showroom.

Ann Sutherland benchmarks progress in outdoor fabric market with Perennials’ NetWorks collection.

Robert Mayer launches DECOLAV sister company, ‘Suite Simplicity,’ to cater to all-inclusive furnishings.

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Contract/HospitalityNews T h e

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GREEN I Crypton Introduces InCase , an Affordable Version of Fabric Protection System ™

“In the last year or so, more and more designers have been saying to us, ‘Why can’t you do more than just barrier fabrics?’” said cofounder, Randy Rubin. “We had by Kelly Hushin never really thought about creating EST B L O O M F I E L D , a fabric treatment unless it was Michigan — Crypton® something really revolutionary. It’s Inc., a world leader in the produc- the greenest system we know that tion of ecologically-advanced, stain, exists in this world at this time.” InCase is the first fabric protecwater and bacteria resistant performance textiles, has introduced tion with no detectable perfluorooctanic acid, a common InCase™, a certified green fabbyproduct found in stain ric protectant specifically eco- fri resistant products. The designed for hospitality, protection has also healthcare, contract and received SCS Indoor residential interiors. Advantage and MBDC The program was designed for specifiers seeking Cradle-to-Cradle certifications. optimal fabric performance, with- “There are no detectable PFOA’s, out the full-scale Crypton barrier: which means that given the stanwhile the Crypton integrated, dards of measurement that exist, impermeable backing is not need- nothing is there,” said Rubin. “This ed, antimicrobial, antibacterial is the greenest chemistry that does stain resistance is. InCase inhibits the job. To put something on there static buildup, increases wrinkle that isn’t going to work well is a resistance, meets flammability waste of everybody’s time.” The official InCase launch was standards and maintains the original hand of the fabric using at the HD Expo show in Las Crypton’s new Evergreen Tech- Vegas, NV, where products boastnology. Evergreen Technology ing the new technology were disreduces levels of fluorine in the played along with demonstrations formulas, requiring less chemistry of other developments underway at the company. Included in those overall.

Partners with Hilton on Pet Program

developments is a Crypton partnership with Hilton Hotels to accommodate guests’ pets. Working with artist William Wegman, Crypton has created a series of pet beds that will be offered through a new “give-meyour-paw” program at select Hilton Hotels. In the new program, each room reservation that includes a feline or canine will provide the guest with Hilton’s exclusive custom pet bed covered in the “Material Dog” design

Crypton’s pet beds to be offered in select Hilton hotels and shops from the William Wegman Collection for Crypton Fabrics. The offering also includes branded food and water bowls, a Hilton dog tag, pet cleaner and disinfectant and other pet-specific items. The patented fabric technology will guarantee that animals are resting on a safe, hygienic bed that is also visually attractive. (Continued on page 17)

dl en y

TEXTILES I Trevira’s Ulrich Girrbach Resigns After 18 Years by Eric Schneider

RANKFURT, Germany — Fabrics & Furnishings International has learned that Dr. Ulrich Girrbach, director of marketing and sales for Trevira GmbH worldwide, has resigned his post in the Frankfurt-based marketing office after an 18-year career in order to take a new marketing position at an international chemical company in Dusseldorf, outside of the textiles industry.

Girrbach made Trevira a household name in the hospitality and contract markets worldwide and is responsible for many innovative programs making Trevira and Trevira CS the best known Dr. Ulrich Girrbach brands of FR polyester on the market today, well ahead of near competitors. As director of marketing and sales, Girrbach was responsible for launching several global marketing

LIGHTING I Hospitality Finds New Lighting Solutions for Outdoor Spaces Kimpton’s J6Bar uses fire pits in their rooftop lounge

by Kelley Granger

SSINING, New York — Fire has become a hot commodity at hospitality venues in the last few years — confirmed by the number of projects and steady growth rate of companies in the fire pit and accessory manufacturing industry. Mike Baykal of Masagril, a subsidy of a precast concrete company that fabricates fire pits out of Lake Elsinore, California, estimates that his company has seen an annual growth rate of 15 to 20 percent as the hospitality sector begins to give more attention to outdoor areas. “A majority of restaurants use fire pits on outdoor patios or waiting areas,” Baykal said. “And when it comes to resorts, we’re seeing more and more of their outdoor areas designed to accommodate fire pits as an enormous trend.” Baykal said that 35 percent of Masagril’s business is commercial, and his pits have been purchased by Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and a number of privately owned hotels. The company’s main market is the domestic U.S., but Baykal said they also sell in South America and in Europe through distributors in France, Germany and England. Masagril’s fire pits come in a range of sizes, from 20 inches to five (Continued on page 15) feet in diameter and from cof-

strategies, including that for Trevira’s umbrella brand products. He was also responsible for customer service as well as internal and external communication. The name of Girrbach’s new employer was not known to F&FI as of mid-April, but an official announcement was set to be releases from Trevira. At press time, Girrbach said he planned to go to HD Expo in Las Vegas in May with Gerhard Havranek, his replacement at Trevira. Havranek joins Trevira (Continued on page 18)

Inside Contract/ Hospitality News Flooring: Mohawk Redefines Remaining Brands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Milliken Promotes Environmentalism in New Showroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Green: BCFA Recalculates Carbon Footprint Calculator . . . . . . . .17 Textiles: Spectro Launches Vivid and Primo 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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Hospitality Finds New Lighting Solutions for Outdoor Spaces fee table height to counter height, Baykal said. They are constructed of glass fiber, reinforced concrete with a natural granite top, and use United Laboratories listed stainless steel burners. The pits are designed for either natural gas or propane. Masagril does not manufacture anything that is wood burning or charcoal burning. Baykal, a former architect, is often responsible for the “architecturally designed” fire pit style. “When they’re not in use as a fire pit they’re aesthetically nice to look at year round,” he said. “Fire pits are not used every day, depending on the season, and what happens the rest of the time? You want to make sure they’re architecturally pleasing to the eye so you don’t have to store them during the off season.” Kimpton Hotels has incorporated fire pits into many properties, including the Sky Hotel’s 39 Degrees Lounge in Aspen, Colorado and at Hotel Solamar’s rooftop J6Bar in San Diego, where local construction team Davis-Reed built them. At their FireSky Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona the hotel group uses fire pits made from boulders along the poolside to augment the area. “The fire pits were created to enhance the ambience of the property,” said Tori McLaughlin, the regional director of sales and marketing for Kimpton’s west coast properties. “Arizona is known for such beautiful weather that we wanted our guests to be able to take advantage of intimate gathering spots during the cooler weather. We also tie this into our story of the elements: earth, air, fire and water.” At Sky Hotel’s 39 Degrees Lounge, two fire pits from West Coast Flames were used to enhance the pool area and provide warmth on chilly Aspen nights. “In our case, outdoor fire pits are a natural extension of the mountain scene, conveying the image that guests expect from a mountain resort location,” said Alan Cardenas, the director of sales and marketing. “By providing our own unique design twist to the traditional fire pit, we set ourselves apart from the standard and provide a natural extension to our lounge scene at 39 Degrees.” Another trendy fire pit item is a glass accessory called Aquatic Glassel, a patent-pending innovation of tempered and reprocessed soda ash lime glass or crystal that is placed in a fire pit to create more mood. Aquatic

Summer 2008 ■ F&FI

Glassel’s Ed Jaunzemis said that the company has done projects for hospitality hot spots like the Wynn Las Vegas, Palms Hotel and MGM City Center. Jaunzemis manufactures fire pits and burners as well as the decorative glass, which is available in more than 500 shapes and colors, giving buyers unlimited mix-andmatch options.

“We’re built on imagination,” Jaunzemis said. “There’s nothing that can’t be done. We do waterfalls, bubblers, fiber optics…It’s limited only to your imagination.” Jaunzemis said his company has seen a 40 percent annual growth rate as they continue to design and export globally, and both Jaunzemis and Baykal expect the numbers to keep climbing.

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Aquatic Glassel’s pale copper blue fire pit glass

“Fire attracts people, period,” Baykal said. “These products have more than one function, they combine a table with fire and they’re also creating a unique environment for their customers.” F&FI

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Kasthall Opens Showroom in NYC by Hannah Joseph

EW YORK CITY, New York — Kasthall, a large designer and manufacturer of custom handtufted, hand-woven and wall-towall carpeting has just opened its new flagship location in New York City at the New York Design Center. The center will house the Swedish company’s first full showroom in the U.S. as well as its offices. Kasthall will use the showroom to strengthen its North American markets as well as to showcase eight new product lines of runners and wall-to-wall carpeting that launched late spring. Though its Lexington Avenue location will be the first to comprehensively showcase Kasthall’s three floor-covering divisions and more than 50 product names, the company has been in New York for about three years. “The office we had before at 57th Street was supposed to be a showroom, but there was a problem with the size,” said

Designer Anna Schou, Head Designer Gunilla Ullberg and Executive Vice President Simone Vingerhoets-Ziesmann at the new showroom. Simone Vingerhoets-Ziesmann, executive vice president of the North America division of Kasthall. “It didn’t adequately showcase the full capabilities of the company. We liked the size of this space [at the New York Design Center] and the building has a very great reputation. It is very active on the marketing side.” Vingerhoets added, “We are strengthening the existing market in the U.S. and Canada. We have a new wall-to-wall carpet range and we are strengthening our contract here since we rely more heavily on

retail in the U.S. Architects, designers, and hotel groups will be coming [to the location] since we cater to several different markets.” On April 3, 2008 Kasthall hosted an event called “Enchanted Evening”, to introduce industry professionals to the new space. Product developer Peter Magnusson demonstrated how hand-tufting is done on a large loom which was set up for the occasion. “The technique is very free,” Magnusson said. “We have been trained for many years and we have over 6,000 colors to use in our designs.

Mohawk Redefines Remaining Brands by Hannah Joseph

ENNESAW, Georgia — After company restructuring to eliminate brand names Durkan Commercial and Mohawk Commercial, The Mohawk Group has launched several new collections and design processes to redefine its remaining brands and advance sustainability efforts. The completely restructured four brands (Bigelow, Karastan, Durkan and Lees) launched internally at the international sales meeting May, 2008 and will be introduced to customers at NeoCon in June. Bigelow, The Mohawk Group’s signature “value” brand, has been expanded with X-Factor, carpet tile that Mohawk asserts as the “lowest price point in the industry.” “We made carpet tile very affordable,” said Greg Wittlinger, senior vice president of marketing. “You’ll now see this incorporated not only in corporate settings but also schools and healthcare spaces.” According to Wittlinger, the budget-conscious carpet tile was created in response to the current economic status in the U.S. “Budgets are getting tighter. Spaces, however, are still being refurbished. Our challenge was to create carpet tile that fits a budget,” he said. A high-end, low-budget product such as X-Factor, which will

Bigelow’s X-Factor Collection launch shortly before NeoCon, characterizes what The Mohawk Group intends for the Bigelow name. “When you think about value, some people think cheap,” said Wittlinger. “But a company like Target has personality, style. It’s a hip brand. That’s what we wanted to do with Bigelow.” Lees, the “performance brand” at Mohawk, will include a collection by HOK called Places and Spaces. Two of its designs, Haze and Headlights, will be among the first products at Mohawk to be produced by an overprinting manufacturing process. As opposed to tufting or weaving, which both use dyed fibers to create designs, overprinting involves dying a white carpet with the image or design. This allows for more gradients and color-blending. “We’ve already gotten tremendous feedback about the Haze,” said

Wittlinger. “People love it.” Karastan now combines woven products into the same brand as the tufted carpet tiles.” What you can do now is stay within the same color family and design an entire facility by interchanging tufted carpet tiles and woven patterns,” said Wittlinger. Finally, Durkan recently showcased products using a new manufacturing process called “Synthesis” at HD Expo in Las Vegas. Synthesis allows for printing over tufted pattern. Also, renowned designer Todd Oldham has created a collection for Durkan named TODD (Todd Oldham Designs Durkan) which is comprised of four designs: Haberdashery, Facets and Concentrics, which also launched at HD Expo, and Metropolis, which will launch later this summer. The Mohawk Group continues to drive its efforts in creating a more sustainable industry. Future product concept, “Innovation Window” will be featured at NeoCon to illustrate a new technology that will allow for 98 percent of post-consumer content of carpet tile to be recycled and reused, whereas about 40-50 percent of post-industrial carpet is now recycled at Mohawk. The concept car design will be called “Remade in the USA.” “We’re rounding the sustainability curve at a nice speed and getting some traction,” said Wittlinger. F&FI

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This gives us an advantage in the industry — I’d say that we’re the best in Europe. I’m not sure about the United States, but definitely in Europe.” The company currently sells to 35 countries worldwide on contract and retail levels. Kasthall’s latest project was at the London NYC, for which the wall-to-wall carpet design “Glenn” was used. “Over 50 percent of our exports are customized,” said Kjell Brobacke, export manager. “That is what makes us unique.” Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg, chief designer at Kasthall, added, “I could make a product customized for a project 18 years ago and it would still be running because we still have the colors in stock.” Eight new designs launched at the Milan Salone International Furniture Fair and the Inter-

Showroom in New York City Design Center national Contemporary Furniture Fair late spring. Designer Anna Schou and Johan Carpner have created wall-to-wall carpeting and runners inspired by natural elements including wildflowers, water and soil. “When wall-to-wall carpets came back, because they’re very popular again, it was necessary for another designer to come on board,” said Schou who joined the company about a year and a half ago. “With our new collections I wanted to show that we are doing something new.” F&FI

Milliken’s New Showroom Boasts Environmentalism time to bring Milliken’s Company Focuses right environmental policies to the forefront. According to Hillis, the on Sustainability, company is carbon negative, has Debuts New Color brought zero waste to landfills since 1999, uses recycled materiBox and Designs als and soy-based construction in by Kelley Granger

EW YORK CITY, New York — With a new, public focus on sustainability, Milliken has opened a Manhattan showroom, introduced a new color system and launched a fresh design collection for the first time in about seven years. Steve Hillis, the company’s hospitality carpets business manager, was in New York for the opening of the showroom in late February and said that Milliken hoped it will make platinum LEED certification. “Our new space is starting to tell our sustainable story,” Hillis said. “Our whole environmental story is new to the market because we haven’t told it before.” New leadership within the company decided that it was the

The entrance to Milliken’s new showroom

product lines and has been implementing a carpet adhesive system called “traction back,” which emits no VOCs during installation. Aside from telling its environmental story, Milliken is also promoting its new Pure Color System color box. “We think our new color system will be the best in the industry,” Hillis said. According to Hills, Milliken followed a scientific system along the color wheel that gives a range of 1,360 colors, while most others in the industry offer about 800. “This raises the bar on hitting color exactly and having more color options,” he said. “We did a lot of market research,” said Tracey Francis, Milliken’s marketing manager. “Carpets are one of the hardest things designers do. Anything to make it easier and faster is key to what we do.” Milliken has already created a patented design concept called Etage, which allows designers to create and design carpets by using a computer program to arrange layers of patterns. The patterns of the two new collections launched during the winter, Lincoln Park and Orsay, can be arranged using this technology. F&FI

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BCFA Recalculates Carbon Footprint Calculator released by governmental task groups DEFRA, BSI and the U C K I N G H A M S H I R E , Carbon Trust. It is comprised of United Kingdom — The several spreadsheets which faciliBritish Contract Furnishing & tate the assessment of how much carbon and carbon dioxide Design Association (BCFA) oec fri is generated by manufacrecently revised its Carbon turing and assembly Footprint Calculator for plants, warehouses, the complimentary beneoffices and other commerfit of all BCFA members. cial premises. The Carbon Footprint CalcThe calculator takes all manuulator was revised in accordance to a draft protocol that was facturing and distribution procesSipco News Network

Crypton Introduces InCase “Traveling with our dog Molly B., I truly appreciate Hilton’s desire to provide a really great environment for pets,” said Rubin. “Using Crypton fabrics, cleaners and disinfectants puts Hilton at a higher level of clean than other hotels.” Hilton will also offer an exclusive collection of Crypton beds and pet accessories on its website where a portion of the proceeds will benefit Pets Across America.

Crypton founders Randy and Craig Rubin In the last six months, Crypton has brought its products to retail outlets like Bed Bath & Beyond and Costco. “We started off with a great idea from the contract industry but it’s now exploding,” said Rubin. “People will pay to have all American-made, unique product. Our business has doubled in the last three months in hospitality and healthcare. We’re adding equipment because the turnaround has been about 21 days. All of a sudden, we’re an overnight success.” Rubin also added that in 2009, Crypton plans to dive into the automotive industry. In addition, the company manufactures outdoor furniture with its weatherproof “In & Out” fabric. Crypton is wellrenowned as one of the first and only optimized high-performance textile systems with environmentally responsible solutions and MBDC Silver Cradle to Cradle™ certification. F&FI

Summer 2008 ■ F&FI

2-course advertising menu

dl en y

(Cont. from page 14)

ses into account, including product and packaging materials, fuels used in manufacturing, raw material and final product transport, the use of intermediaries, and finally waste disposal. The BCFA is already being consulted by the governmental task group, and data generated by BCFA members using the tool will be applicable in the shaping of a national eco-strategy. “Once manufacturers and sup-

pliers are aware of the carbon footprint of any given product, they are better equipped to take measures in order to reduce it,” said the BCFA’s Peter Smith. “We also envisage that the results expressed by the calculator will increasingly be used as an aid to sales in the contract sector, given the growing recognition of the requirement to reduce carbon footprinting in today’s environmentally aware society.”

Established in 1970, The BCFA is the only trade association dedicated to serving the U.K. contract furnishing market. Members furnish buildings throughout the U.K. and many operate on a worldwide basis. The BCFA aims to encourage and maintain levels of excellence in design, innovation and product quality and in particular in customer service. F&FI

F&FI AUTUMN EDITION DECOSIT ANNUAL EDITION TWO ISSUE PACKAGE

Unique advertising menu

Entree: Fabrics & Furnishings - Autumn Edition Dessert: Decosit Brussels News - September FULL PAGE AD

3 COLUMN X 7" AD

JUNIOR AD:

10 5/8” x 14 3/8” [+ 4-side bleed] (270mm x 365mm)

5 13/16” x 7” (147mm x 176mm)

7 7/8" x 10" (200mm x 254mm)

7,000 Euro

4,500 Euro

6,000 Euro

............................................

INSIDE STRIP AD

2 COL. BLEED AD

Deadline: July 7, 2008

10" wide x 3" tall (254mm x 76mm)

4 7/16" x 14 5/8" (111mm x 371.5mm)

3,500 Euro

............................................

5,000 Euro

............................................

Contact: Eric Schneider Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x12 eschneider@sipco.net

Prices are for two adverts of the mentioned size in the two mentioned publications.

CLOSING F&FI Autumn: July 7. Material due: July 21. Release date: August 11, 2008 CLOSING Decosit Brussels News: July 21. Material due: August 4. Release date: Sept. 13, 2008

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Spectro Launches Vivid and Primo 150 Considered Breakthroughs in Fiber Technology by Eric Schneider

EOMINSTER, Massachusetts — Spectro Coating Corporation, a customer-driven flocking company, showcased its new Two-in-One with Vivid fiber technology and Primo 150, a suede alternative, at HD Expo in Las Vegas this May. According to Raj Shah, vice president of new business development at Spectro, Two-in-One with Vivid fiber technology prints like polyester and provides the durability of nylon. The fabric is designed to meet the demands of the hospitality market and will pass NFPA 701, he said. Spectro is offering the technology to its converter customers for sale to designers of drapery fabric for the hospitality market. “You can now print Two-inOne right along with your polyester fabrics and get the same color intensity,” said Shah. “This new technology prevents the crushing of the fibers when heat transfer printed. In this way, the

soft hand and extreme durability, previously only achievable with nylon fibers is maintained.” “Vivid’s excellent printing characteristics come from its hybrid technology,” Shah said. “By taking the best characteristics from polyester and nylon fibers, we are able to achieve a fiber unlike anything on the market today. Color and definition are maintained using our customer’s current polyester paper. The colors are bright and life like. The definition is sensational.” “Vivid fabrics work great with sublimation paper printed on digital ink-jet printers also,” Shah said. “No longer do you have to live with plain sheeting fabrics for your digital printing needs. Fabrics made with Spectro’s Vivid fibers will give you a feel beyond today’s current products.” Spectro Coating Corp. said it works with each customer to provide the products they need. “We can provide custom embossed designs, flock prints and perform-

Left to right: Primo 150; Vivid ance flocked products to meet specific market needs. Spectro has the versatility to flock a variety of rolled goods including fabrics, films, foams and vinyls.” In addition to making Vivid available to its customers, Spectro also offers its own pfp line of Twoin-One blackout drapery with its new Vivid Fiber technology. “With Vivid Fibers you can print Two-in-One right along with your polyester fabrics and get the same color intensity with the performance and soft textile feel of nylon fibers,” said Shah. Spectro also introduced Primo

150 at HD. Primo 150 is an alternative to the suedes and leathers in the current marketplace. Primo 150 is treated with Spectro’s ‘Simply Nano’ proprietary finish for easy cleaning, the company said. Designed for the toughest abuse, Primo 150 exceeds 150,000 double rubs and is designed to meet the challenge of today's consumers’ demanding lifestyle including children, pets, and drinks, Shah said. According to company executives, Primo 150 is an electrostatically coated product. As a result, knits and suedes have nothing for dust, dirt or pet hair to get entangled with. Each fiber is individ-

Perennials Continues Ad Campaign with NetWorks by Hannah Joseph

ALLAS, Texas — Striving to promote stylistic and technological advances in the outdoor fabric market, Perennials Outdoor Fabrics continues to run its Performance and Beauty Campaign, and has just launched its NetWorks collection. The Performance and Beauty Campaign consists of advertising, promotion and a web-based feature entitled From Fiber to Finish, which chronicles high-technology based manufacturing processes at Perennials. Fiber to Finish highlights the durability of Perennials fabric, citing its high standards of fade resistance due to a process in which base colors are injected into an acrylic polymer, binding color to fiber on a molecular level. Completed fabrics are submerged in soil-resistant coating to make it stain, weather and mold-resistant. “More and more users realize that the best and most reliable product to present to the sun and natural elements is 100 percent solution dyed acrylic,” said Ann Sutherland, owner of Perennials Outdoor Fabrics. “There are

Above: Perennials’ NetWorks Collection; Inset: Ann Sutherland, owner of Perennials many products out in the market that say they are outdoors-appropriate, but disintegrate quickly under the sun’s UV rays. We actively test competitors’ products for durability and color fastness and have not found anything to compare with 100 percent solution dyed acrylic.” Perennials insures its quality assertions with a three-year faderesistant guarantee on all woven fabrics, and one year on prints. According to Sutherland, the quality of outdoor fabric products has drastically improved over the last 10 years. The 100 percent solution dyed acrylic, as

well as the guarantee backing it benchmarks this progress. “In the 80’s I remember purchasing from a well-known textile source a fabric for a client promoted for outdoor use,” she said. “It was a red/yellow/blue window pane design. After the first rain the red had run all over the white ground. Next it faded completely. No one could create a nonfade, durable, but more importantly, stylish fabric. At that time it simply wasn’t available.” The newest spring 2008 collection, called NetWorks, exemplifies how outdoor style has

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evolved from necessity driven to high-end and fashion oriented. Designed by collaborators Wendy Tsuji and Linda Ueda, NetWorks is comprised of four patterns that were inspired by the fishing nets of Polynesia. They come in color schemes inspired by coral reefs and volcanic terrain. The four designs include: Mesh Around, Nothing But Net, Sheer Net and Shibori. Sheer Net is the industry’s first printed solution-dyed acrylic sheer with a pattern. Another collection is set to come out in the fall that will include a camouflage pattern and an abstracted zebra interpretation. It will also have a large group of sheers. “They are simply gorgeous,” said Sutherland. “One [sheer] pattern has a large palm frond as the overall design. Perennials innovated and patented the first solution dyed acrylic sheer in the industry several years ago. Our next group coming out in spring of 2009 is a collaboration with Clodagh and we expect it to be a great hit.” F&FI

ual, so dirt cannot be tied up inside the fabric. Beyond this, we have enhanced the fabric with our Simply Nano finish. This allows easy cleaning of stains with just water, and heavy stains with warm water and mild soap. Primo 150 is also machine washable. “Our fabrics are made 100 percent in the USA,” said Hemendra Shah, principal. “Our quality, safety and environmental stewardship meet or exceed USA standards. We only use water based and low VOC chemicals, and we are continually striving to reduce our impact on the environment.” “Spectro Coating Corp. is also proud to celebrate its 20th year in business,” Shah said. Originally known as Vertipile Inc., Shah purchased the assets from Culp. Today, Shah has established Spectro Coating Corp. as one of the largest manufacturers in upholstery, performance and industrial flock products worldwide. F&FI

(Cont. from page 14)

Trevira Director Resigns from his own consulting company where he gained extensive international marketing experience and became well-known in textile circles. Girrbach specializes in global marketing and branding in b2b environments, and has experience in lobbying with European Associations. He is chairman of the Barriers to Trade working group within EURATEX (the European Textile and Clothing Association) and a member of the advisory board of the Hohenstein Textile Research Institute. Girrbach holds PhD’s in chemistry and chemical engineering. Trevira, a European manufacturer of polyester fibers and filament yarns, is owned by the Reliance Group of India and is the largest supplier of branded FR polyester in the world. The company’s production operations are located in Germany, Denmark, Belgium and Poland. The head office of the company is located in Bobingen, near Augsburg. Twenty-seven percent of the company’s fibers are used for home textiles. As previously reported, Uwe Wöhner became the new chief executive officer at Trevira GmbH on Feb. 18, 2008, less than two months before Girrbach’s resignation. F&FI

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DECOLAV’s ‘Suite Simplicity’ All-Inclusive Provides New Solutions to Hospitality by Hannah Joseph

EERFIELD BEACH, Florida — Robert Mayer, the chief executive officer of DECOLAV, a leading manufacturer of bathroom furnishings and fixtures, announced the launch of

Suite Simplicity, which provides options for hotel specifiers to fully furnish guestrooms without the need for various suppliers. Unveiled at HD Expo in Las Vegas on May 15, Suite Simplicity is a hospitality FF&E design and procurement business. Mayer said that although Suite Simplicity is currently under DECOLAV, it will soon become its own company. Suite Simplicity has the capacity to

fully furnish the guestroom with customized pieces at very competitive prices. “Suite Simplicity will specialize mainly in bedroom furniture and anything that goes into a hotel room minus the electronics,” said Mayer. “Where our efficiencies really lie are in the furniture and the upholstered items. We’re the only ones who can deliver all of the furniture components and pieces to a

hotel. Before they would have someone do the glass, someone else do the headboard, etc., and pray that it would all come together. Because we do our own consolidation we guarantee that everything comes together.” Rather than having several collections of furniture designs, Suite Simplicity will specialize in custom-designed pieces. “The pieces we are showing at the Hospitality Design Expo aren’t

things that we’ll have on stock,” said Mayer. “It’s for design display only. We do custom work for all our clients. One of the things we’ve guaranteed our clients is that we’ll keep rooms full of their designs in the warehouse so that we can easily replace their pieces if anything happens. That way they don’t have to shut anything down if a guest breaks something. This is something that nobody else does.” Mayer also indicated

Robert Mayer, the chief executive officer of DECOLAV that all pieces would come with a lifetime guarantee. According to Mayer, Suite Simplicity has been preparing to launch for about nine months. The company division is run primarily by the executive team at DECOLAV, with the addition of new hires and promotions. David Neustein is now chief strategy officer and will lead the execution of the organizational business platform. Neustein will be responsible for strategic initiatives for all business units within DECOLAV, Inc. and Suite Simplicity, LLC. Bob Peters has been hired as the director of hospitality and international sales. He will foster strategic and collaborative partnerships with project clients and stakeholders. Finally, Larry Miller has been appointed vice president of operations. He will develop and optimize operational strategy for all business units. He will be responsible for monitoring business performance related to production and logistics. Although Suite Simplicity was set for a May launch, Mayer indicated at press time that the company had already established contracts with hospitality venues. He would not release the details of these contracts due to confidentiality agreements. “Everyone at Suite Simplicity is really excited,” said Mayer. “We believe it will have a big impact on the industry. Our competitors should be terrified.” F&FI

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

Advertiser Index

For more information about one of our advertisers, see the page number listed: Company

Page #

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Classical Elements 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cone Decorative 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Decorex 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Decosit 6,7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Duralee 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Express Air Freight 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heritage 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kravet 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Microflock 12,13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richloom 10,11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rockland Mills 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sunbrella 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Textirama 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Townsend

(Continued from Page 9)

Regal Acquires Hafner Lines and Expands With New Collection for manufacturers and jobbers,” said Kahan about the new collection. He further indicated that Regal’s transformation from a converter of European fabrics to a China-based converter is now complete after a two year effort. “Part of that transformation is that we have invested significantly in deeper inventory, new categories of merchandise like plains, textures, mate lasses and damask collections that we couldn’t produce competitively in Europe,” said Kahan. “We’ve also invested in our in-house design staff bringing in top talent from Quaker and Joan

Fabrics Corp. including Paula Becker and Hanna Alderson.” “With our history as an importer, it has always been our policy to smooth out currency fluctuations,” said Kahan. “So, even though there are increases

from China sources, we’re making it as smooth as possible for our customers. “We have also grown our contract business in 2007 through the hard efforts of our sales manager Jay Dash and his agent network,”

said Kahan. “Our line here consists of great Trevira®CS from Bruder Bauman of Austria that has done very well. We also have a line of textured plains in 80 colors from Beaulieu of Belgium.” F&FI

Left: Provencial Life of Mastercraft American Classics

(Continued from Page 9)

Classical Elements Opens China Wesley Mancini for a new trim collection as of this Showtime which features multi-media in glass, wood and metal combinations. “Vietnam is more artistic than China. As a result, we’re now seeking out more aesthetic places of production for our lines,” Gans said. He views trim and hardware together as a $50 million business and is already producing product in China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Classical focuses on the higher end of the market, Gans said, especially jobbers, furniture and bedding companies. Gans’ wife Leyla is in charge of design and Steve Shelly is director of sales. He was previously with Conso Trimming. Classical Elements produces trim lines in China and Italy for distribution worldwide with the principal market in the US where

Summer 2008 ■ F&FI

the company produces many private label lines. The company has seen steady growth as other trim producers fall by the wayside in the US, Gans explained. He was originally involved in a family retail fabric business in Dania, Florida in 1995 and then started Tasseltime, a Florida-based wholesale trim company in 2001 which was later sold to Castellano Beltrame. “Producing trim in China in our own facility gives us better control than outsourcing it to someone else,” he said. “China offers the producer great diversity but you need two months inventory on your shelf locally because of the long distance to the US. You can produce thousands of meters of product in China or even more complex, shorter runs which still can be sold at attractive prices.” F&FI

Heritage House Fabrics LLC World Headquarters Office & Warehouse 48 Beechwood Avenue Concord, NC 28025 tel: (704) 782-2995 fax: (704) 782-4320 www.sipco.net

New York Office & Showroom: 267 Fifth Avenue 10th Floor New York, NY 10016 tel: (212) 685-5556 fax: (212) 685-0265 21

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F& FI C A L E N D A R June 1-4 Showtime

High Point, North Carolina Contact: International Textile Market Association (ITMA) Tel: 336-885-6842 E-mail: itmashowtime@northstate.net Website: www.itma-showtime.com International Textile Market Association’s High Point Semi-Annual Fabric Market.

2-6 Furnex Egypt

Cairo Exhibition & Convention Centre Cairo, Egypt 90 Road 105 Maadi Cairo, Egypt Tel: + (202) 2527 1010 E-mail: info@expolink.org.eg Website: www.egyptfurnishingtheworld.com Furnex 2008 is an international show that features furniture in over 21,000 square meters of space in a modern venue. More than 200 Egyptian manufacturers will showcase their latest products as well as their production capabilities.

3-5 Hospitality Match Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai, U.A.E Contact: Michael Schneider Sipco Publications & Events 145 Main St. 3rd Floor Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 914-923-0616 ext. 14 Email: Michael@sipco.net Website: www.sipco.net Match is an innovative way of conducting business. Invited, qualified buyers are matched with high-end FF& E suppliers through a one-to-one meeting format. There is no wasted time and effort as with a traditional booth and aisle show and the meetings are guaranteed. Over one weekend, you will develop outstanding relationships that would normally take a lifetime to achieve.

8-10 The Hotel Show

Dubai International Exhibition Centre Dubai, U.A.E. Contact: dmg world media Dubai Ltd Al Moosa Tower 2 9th Floor, Suite 901 Sheikh Zayed Rd. PO Box 33817, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 331 9688 E-mail: Maggie Moore – margaretmoore@dmgworldmedia.com

Website: www.dmgdubai.com The Hotel Show is an essential showcase for hotel, leisure and related products, services and technologies.

well as for home accessories and home textiles. It is well-known as the fair for high-end and luxury products exhibited from around the world.

9-11 NeoCon

16-19 HITEC 2008

The Merchandise Mart Chicago, Illinois Contact: Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470 Chicago, IL 60654 Tel: 800-677-6278 Website: www.neocon.com NeoCon is the annual platform for the best in commercial interior design. Attendees can find thousands of new and cutting-edge products, the latest knowledge and trends in the industry and the opportunity to network with thousands of industry peers and fellow professionals.

11-13 Shanghai Design Week

Shanghai New International Expo Center Shanghai, China Contact: VNU Exhibitions Asia, Shanghai 3/F, Business Mansion, Shanghai Exhibition Center, No. 1333 Nanjing Road (W), Shanghai, 200040, P.R.C Tel: + 86 21 6247 7668 E-mail: vnu@vnuexhibitions.com.cn Website: www.vnuea.com/designweek/china DWS Expo is the platform for high-level design & contract products and solutions presented to designers, developers and the sales agents in the field. DWS is connected to 2 events and 1 trade show in the same venue: Design Week Shanghai Conference, Sino International Real Estate Summit, and the DWS Expo.

11-13 Interior Lifestyle

Tokyo International Exhibition Center Tokyo, Japan Contact: Mesago Messe Frankfurt Corporation Maekawa Kudan Bldg. 3F, 2-3-7 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0073, Japan Tel: +81 3 3262 8453 E-mail: info@interior-lifestyle.com Website: www.interior-lifestyle.com Interior Lifestyle is the leading “DesignOriented” trade fair for the Japanese interior market. Experts of the trade gather to nominate and discover the latest trends. The fair serves as the top trend pool for kitchen, cooking, furnishing and decorating, as

Austin Convention Center Austin, Texas Contact: HFTP Global Headquarters 11709 Boulder Lane, Suite 110 Austin, Texas 78726 Tel: 800-646-4387 Website: www.hftp.org

July 17-19 Hospitality Match USA

Brussels Expo Brussels, Belgium Contact: www.brusselsexpo.be Decosit offers an extensive range of fabrics in the highest quality from around the globe

13-16 Expofil Déco

World Market Center Las Vegas, Nevada Contact: World Market Center Las Vegas 495 S Grand Central Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89106 Tel: 702-599-9621 E-mail: info@lasvegasmarket.com Website: www.lasvegasmarket.com In July 2008, tens of thousands of attendees from more than 100 countries will gather here to gain access to more than 1,500 world-class manufacturers and resources. Las Vegas Market is an international home furnishings showcase that combines style, inspiration and productivity.

August 26-28 Intertextile Shanghai Home

Brussels Expo Hall 12 Brussels, Belgium Contact: EXPOFIL 20, boulevard Eugène Deruelle 69432 Lyon - Cedex 3 – France Tel: 33 (0)4 26 99 00 E-mail: s.amice@expofil.com Website: www.expofil.com EXPOFIL Déco is a workshop dedicated to spinners and fiber producers presenting collections for upholstery, furnishing or home textiles. It will be held at the same place and time as Decosit Brussels.

17 The third annual boutique DESIGN awards

TBA Contact: Rebecca Goldberg Sipco Publications 145 Main St. 3rd Floor Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 914-923-0616 ext. 19 E-mail: Rebecca@sipco.net Website: www.sipco.net As Sipco’s fresh take on the traditional awards ceremony, the boutique DESIGN awards will honor the best boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, and project of the year, along with a number of other “specialty categories”.

13-16 Indigo

Brussels Expo Brussels, Belgium Contact: Virginie Raluy Indigo Fashion Edition & Furnishing Edition 7, rue du Pasteur Wagner 75011 Paris - France Tel: +33 (0)1 70 38 70 10 Email: v.raluy@indigo-salon.com Indigo is a leading international exhibition, specializing in textile design and creation. With three editions per year, two for the fashion market and one for the furnishing market, Indigo inspires both exhibitors and visitors alike, offering the newest in trends.

21-24 Decorex International 2008

Royal Hospital Chelsea London, England Contact: Decorex International CMP Information 245 Ludgate House Blackfriars Road London SE1 9UY Tel: +44 (0)20 7921 8500 E-mail: info@decorex.co.uk Website: www.decorex.com Decorex, and Hotel Decorex are the leading resources and forums for interior designers, architects and specifiers in the UK.

14-16 The New York International Carpet Show

Shanghai New International Expo

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York City, New York Contact: George Little Management, LLC Ten Bank Street White Plains, NY Tel: 914-421-3200 Website: www.nyhometextilesmarketweek.com Home Textiles Market Week in New York is the pre-eminent semi-annual market for mid-to high-end home textiles, held concurrently with GLM’s New York International Gift Fair® and the showrooms’ New York Gift Week. New York Home Textiles Market Week offers buyers access to nearly 500 bed, bath, linen and home fashion vendors at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

13-16 Decosit Brussels

28-August 1 Las Vegas Market

14-21 Home Textiles Market Week

September

The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena Pasadena, California Contact: Michael Schneider Sipco Publications & Events 145 Main St. 3rd Floor Ossining, NY 10562 Tel: 914-923-0616 ext.14 Email: Michael@sipco.net Website: www.sipco.net Match is an innovative way of conducting business. Invited, qualified buyers are matched with high-end FF& E suppliers through a one-to-one meeting format. There is no wasted time and effort as with a traditional booth and aisle show and the meetings are guaranteed. Over one weekend, you will develop outstanding relationships that would normally take a lifetime to achieve.

69th Regiment Armory New York City, New York Contact: www.nyics.com/index.html The metro area’s only stand-alone trade show featuring top importers of handmade rugs. The New York International Carpet Show takes place during Market Week.

Centre Shanghai, China Contact: Shanghai New International Expo Centre 2345 Long Yang Road Pudong Area, Shanghai China 201204 Tel (86) 21 2890 6666 E-mail: info@sniec.net Website: www.messefrankfurt.com.hk Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles is China’s most comprehensive and international fair for the interior fabric industry. The fair offers a professional marketing platform where textile manufacturers can access China’s booming home textile market.

Mail or FAX this form with your credit card information to: (914) 923-0018 (USA) Sipco Publications Inc., P.O. Box 107, Ossining, NY 10562, USA. Order online at: www.sipco.net

US$130 One full year subscription: (4 Issues) Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Products you specify or purchase: ❑ Fabric ❑ Upholstery ❑ Area rugs/Machine made rugs ❑ Towels/Sheets/Bedding ❑ Fibers/Yarns/Fiberfill ❑ Window coverings ❑ Wallcoverings Type of business:

❑ Contract

❑ Retailer

❑ Wholesaler/Distributor

❑ Manufacturer/Mfr’s Rep

Charge It! Fax It! or Mail It!

❑ Designer/Specifier

❑ Other _____________

Name ___________________________________________________

Country ________________________________________________

Company _________________________________________________

Province/State __________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________

Postal/Zip code__________________________________________

City _____________________________________________________

Phone # _________________ Fax #

Credit card info: ❑ Amex ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard

Expiration Date: Mo/Yr ____________________________________

______________________

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