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Volume 24, Number 1
S tex ee F til &F 4.1 I, Fo ye r
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Winter 2013/2014
The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper
Repeated Showing in Shanghai Boosts European And Other Overseas Exhibitors To Add New Business From Chinese Home Textile Markets Upwardly & Affluent Chinese consumers aspiring for branded goods from West. by Vishwanath.S
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HANGHAI, China — Repeated showing at Intertextile Shanghai has boosted European and other overseas exhibitors to add new business from Chinese home textile markets. The exhibitors from Turkey
Frey Goes Hollywood p. 24
during Intertextile shows have been able to finally set up distribution for their curtain collection line. “Turkish exhibitors have been showing since 4-5 years and we have been able to establish trade relations and our patience has finally resulted in business”,
observes Volkan Bakdur, Export vice Manager, Elvin Fabrics, Turkey. It has been a hard path to Elvin Fabrics that has finally settled with a distributor who has 200 retailers that holds a large potential to further penetrate to increase share of business and
this is a just beginning, he added. Italians are making their attempts and was seemingly wanted to be seen and heard (continued on page 30)
Datt.Marco De Benedett, partners Clerion SPA, Italy with colleague Raniero Rossetti
Textaafoam Starts Third Generation p.12
left to right: Wim van der Aa, (63), CEO Microfibres Logistics; Mark van der Aa, (31), CEO Textaafoam B.V.; Mike van der Aa (35), Director purchase & marketing; Ton van der Aa, (66), CEO will retire 31-12-2013
Walfab Expands Tropicals p. 8 Rick Donoff, Elaine Donoff, Fina and Greg Ryan
Fabricut President, Harvey Nudelman, Passes p.8
Thailand Pays Zero Tax p. 10
Tanya Trugkabunchar (Bon)- Nitas Tessile
Trevira Jobber Day GVW Raumdekor of Germany, makers p. 22 of Flex-Plain , an elastic Trevira CS ®
®
based fabric for Augsburg Museum lobby installation.
Cover background: Textile acoustic systems with Trevira® CS © photo: Abinitio
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F&FI L E T T E R S
Letters to the Editor Thanks for sending me the F&F Autumn edition in advance. Nice article for TheVelvetLab®, but I also enjoyed reading the “Made in the USA” article. I really think manufacturing in the USA and in Europe is getting stronger again, providing the manufacturers have a good concept that fits with their market needs. For Raymakers, I would like to capitalize on that trend! Best regards, Richard Oussoren, J.A. Raymakers & Co BV
Sorry to inform you that our dear friend and fellow opera lover, Jack Litwack passed away October 14th at the very nice age of 98. He was hoping to make it to 100 but that plan did not work out. I got the news from his nephew, Howard Litvack, who tells me that Jack fell recently and was recovering well but came down with pneumonia and then failed. Lots of good memories of a real hero of the industry. Regards, Allan Guggenheim, Continental Textile Corp.
The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper
520 West Avenue, Suite 701, Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA Website: www.fabricsandfurnishings.com Telephone 001.917.251.9922 | ISSN: 1523-7303 Publisher & Editor | Eric S. Schneider Associate Editor | Marc Weinreich Art Director | Roxanne Clapp, RoxC LLC Corporate Secretary | Gail Goldman, PhD.
Table of Contents
CORPORATE CONSULTANTS Printing/Distribution | Interprint Web Printing
F&FI Winter 2013/2014 | Vol. 24, No. 1
Web Design | Synthovation
Satin Textiles, Makers of Pasaya Upholstery, Launches Finished Bedding Line. . . . . . . . . . 6 Walfab’s Second Generation Drives the Business Through Exclusive Design . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Harvey Nudelman, 74, Fabricut President, Passes On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Thailand Furnishings Market: Zero Import Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rieger Named Muller Zell MD After Heydasch Departs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Textaafoam Begins Third Generation Family Ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Microfibres Euro Flock Ends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Marsteks Continues Growth Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Oussoren Absorbs Raymakers Sales Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Oriole Mill Grows Through Niche Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Covington Signs Jennifer Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 First Al Guthmi Brands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Tarver Meets Adams Three Years Ago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Goldenberg Leaves New Line Fabrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 House of Pierre Frey Goes Hollywood French Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Autumn 2013 J.D. Staron to Open Carpet, Rug Boutique in Brunschwig Showroom . . . . . 26 Victor Phases Out Residential Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kucukcalik’s Egyptian Plant Grows Rapidly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Peter Layne, 68, Arc-Com Co-Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Kern Projects Fourth Consecutive Exhibitor Increase at Heimtextil 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Defects Will Drive Fabric Design Says Heimtextil Forum Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
E.U. Legal Counsel | Herman Nayaert SIPCO NEWS NETWORK India | S. Vishwanath U.K. | Geoff Fisher Belgium | Jan Hoffman USA | Marc Weinreich
EDITORIAL & PUBLISHING
EDITOR & PUBLISHER USA, EUROPE & CHINA Eric Schneider Tel: 001.917.251.9922 E-Mail: eric@sipco.net
ART DIRECTOR Roxanne Clapp Tel: 001.813.991.1860 E-Mail: rox@sipco.net
ADVERTISING SALES
Contract/HospitalityNews Anke Vollenbroeker Says: Trevira’s U.S./Asia Push Tries to Overcome Sluggish European Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevira Offers Useful Hospitality Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stefan Lasek Joins Kravet Contract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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DESIGN
Contradiction in the Name of Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19
Departments
Photo Gallery - Trevira® CS Jobber Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Photo Gallery - Shanghai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Photo Gallery - Mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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TURKEY INDIA ITALY, GERMANY, SPAIN, FRANCE Sevim Keskinci Rekha V. Isa Hofmann Tel: 90.532.236.25.24 Tel: 91.80.26685821 Tel: +49 611.890.59640 Fax: 90.216.390.20.27 Cell: 91.93.42821379 Fax: +49 611.87086 Email: skeskinci@gmail.com Email: info@ihofmann.com Fax: 91.80.26684670 Email: s_wishwanath@hotmail.com
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Satin Textiles, Makers of Pasaya Upholstery, Curtain Fabrics Launches Finished Bedding Line ‘Softamante’ bedding By Vishwanath.S
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ANGKOK, Thailand — Satin Textiles is on the right track and is recovering its financial health after facing serious competitive issues, according to its owner Schlee Wood. To turn things around, Wood developed Satin’s domestic market more seriously by
introducing bed sheets plus the wider distribution of its upholstery and drapery fabric lines. “Since 2008 the increased competition and the market down turn has taught us new lessons and we have learned it the hard way that our edge in manufacturing is not enough to be competitive and is unsustainable,” Wood explained. Satin Textiles Company Ltd.
has been producing fabrics for curtains and upholstery since 1986. ‘Pasaya’ is Satin’s domestic brand for furnishings and was earlier retailed in its own showrooms. Now, Pasaya lines are distributed through its dealer network. Recurring major investment in machinery and its own dyeing facilities has expanded production capacities enough to produce the
brand collections is the way to convince the market and turn on the consumers, says mill owner Schle Wood. new Softamante bedding line. It is sold directly through retailers. The new brand ‘Softamante’ launched recently is dedicated to bed sheets, pillows and duvets. “The Softamante collections that are produced in our factory Schlee Wood are differentiated from the competition due to the high density and soft- like silk that is easy-care as well as non-allergic. It has been very well accepted in the markets”, Schle explains. “The success of branding Pasaya for its upholstery and drapery collections and Softamante for bedding has contributed immensely in reviving our business,” he added. Currently Satin markets both collections to 100 retailers in Thailand and targets to reach 400 retail outlets in a phased manner. Satin Textiles contract marketing division is fully active, which directly interacts with designers and owners and is expected to exploit further potential in the segment. “I am optimistic in our industry and strongly believe that winning the markets is within our reach by producing the products that turn on the consumer as opposed to just catering to the mass market requirements”, he said. F&FI
See us during HEIMTEXTIL at HALL 4.1
Guy Parmentier is bringing Crypton® Fabric to Europe while his colleague Sergio Loew is covering the fabric business in Brazil. “Does one live to work, or work to live?” Loew asks. What do you think!
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Walfab’s Second Generation Drives the Business Through Exclusive Design This King of tropical prints finds growth markets in Florida, California and Hawaii Sipco News Network
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ORTH MIAMI BEACH, Florida — Over 30 years ago, Rick Donoff planted his flag in the high end Miami fabrics business and evolved from agent to jobber as Walfab grew with the Florida population and is now a national jobber brand. Sales in 2012 were up ten percent and for 2013, Donoff sees an 18 percent growth. ”Florida is back strong,” he says. About 60 percent of Walfab’s business is residential but it does the balance in contract, including a burgeoning condominium business which Rick personally covets by delivering unique designs to each project. “The customer is savvier today. You have to keep what you are doing cutting edge to get the business and keep the customer away from the catalogs,” he says. “We do not have an open line. We keep the integrity of our look; always looking to elevate. Donoff’s other challenge, was to continue the business for the next generation. Apparently, he has
achieved that goal. Today, he adds his daughter Fina, James Ryan, vice president of sales and marketing (her husband of five years and Rick’s son in law) to the mix while Rick’s wife Elaine handles back office systems. “Elaine is a former math teacher and a meticulous note taker. She makes sure everything that was discussed is entered on the computer every night.” While on the road, they also work the table top shows set up by their agents around the country. Designers are invited to hear the Walfab pitch and see product at these events. Ten years ago, Fina and James met at Barry University in Florida where they studied graphic design and now, they computer generate new patterns for the huge tropical print lines associated with Walfab. There are 100’s of palm trees, pineapples and coral designs in the Walfab collection. Tropical is a third of the business for Walfab, Donoff says and it is growing in Florida, California and Hawaii. “Prints are on fire again,” Donoff adds. James joined the business ten
years ago and Fina has been with Walfab since she could walk, she says. The family, works, plays and travels together almost non-stop to visit the 30 agent showrooms and seven satellite showrooms around the country and monitor sales of their other lines. Walfab represents Designs of the Times on an exclusive basis. This is a high end linen line from Belgium. Walfab also represents Scalamandre, Stout Bros., Maxwell, Brimar and Unique. Walfab prefers doing sourcing in the USA. Its favorite American suppliers are Valdese Weavers and Wearbest Sil Tex Mills. “We want to be important to a few American resources,” Donoff maintains. Walfab sells product in the $30$150 range to the designer trade. It has several families making sample books in house for the rural markets it serves and has innovated a ‘swatch box’ for customers in urban markets. The company started cutting and sewing samples in 2008, the same year it pulled out of DCOTA, what was a Dania, Florida decorating center which has fallen on hard
times. According to Donoff, the Florida design industry has regrouped in Hollywood in the South Florida Design Park, now the home of Scalamandre, J. Nelson and Jerry Pair, Steven Turner, Robert Allen/Beacon Hill showrooms. (continued on page 31)
Walfab pillows in showroom window
Harvey Nudelman, 74, Fabricut President, Passes On Sipco News Network
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ULSA, Oklahoma — Harvey Nudelman, President of Fabricut Inc., a 45 year employee of the company, passed away Friday, evening, October 18 after succumbing to a long fought battle with lung cancer. He was 74 years old. A memorial service was held in Tulsa October 27 for all of his friends who came to pay their last respects. Harvey began his textile career in Chicago in 1961 as a salesman for Tempo Fabrics and later the owner of Westport Fabrics in Kansas City. In 1968, he joined Fabricut Inc. as vice president of sales and the following year launched its hospitality division, Fabricut Contract; Harvey was then promoted to President of Fabricut Inc. in 1978. He helped with the purchase of Lazarus Fabrics in 1980 to further Fabricut Contract’s place and product offering in the hospitality industry; not long after, S. Harris Contract launched. He was considered a legend in the contract industry by all who knew him. “He was one of the great optimists of our industry,” said longtime friend, Roger Thomas, Executive Vice President of Wynn Hotels.
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Nudelman was honored as women of Fabricut,” an industry “He was always about the of NEWH, (Network of Executive excitement of the next project,” Women in Hospitality). He was a NEWH, Inc.’s ‘Icon of Industry publisher said. “He was a shrewd resident of Lake Las Vegas, NV. He Award’ in 2011. “He was hugely negotiator and very proud of his job.” Thomas once said. David Finer, CEO of Fabricut leaves a wife, Laura; a son Kenneth helpful to NEWH over the years. Note: Comments for this article said “Harvey mentored hun- and a daughter Jennifer. Wife Laura He was very candid and knew when were taken from the audio portion dreds of sales people; people who once said that Harvey was a great to leave the party,” an NEWH of a film ;produced by NEWH for entered sales ranks wanted to be husband and made her laugh a lot. spokesman said. Harvey Nudelman’s ICON of the For daughter Jennifer, “dad was my like Harvey.” F&FI “He was young at heart and Year Award in 2011. “Harvey raised the bar for the role model,” she once said. always hung out with the nice sales industry,” said his friend Darci Sassen. “He was a cool guy who does what he says he’s going to do,” said Matt DeShantz, who worked closely with Harvey at Fabricut. Jay Dash, a contract consultant who knew Harvey for almost 40 years said “he was a true gentlemen in both his private and business life. I saw him often in recent years as he was my neighbor in Las Vegas.” “He was the first vendor to offer a scholarship to the industry,” said Anita Degen Harvey and Laura Nudelman in 2006/ photo by John Gurzinski/The New York Times/Redux
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Thailand Furnishings Market: Zero Import Duty
Pranee Nagasiri, Director, VC Fabrics Bangkok, Thailand & Viboon Woraditkittikul, Managing Director by Vishwanath.S
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ANGKOK, Thailand — Over two decades ago the Thai textile Industry had very limited production where even towels and bed sheeting were imported. However now a wide range of apparel fabrics are manufactured and exported. There are few handful of home furnishing producers too that also export but the majority of furnishing fabrics are imported. According to industry sources the government has limited influence in encouraging textile manufacturing as minimum wage at $11 a day makes it less competitive than its neighbors such as India, China and Indonesia. According to industry sources new production facilities for textiles will remain subdued unless government steps encourages with incentives and as of now there are no indications that government will intervene. Since 2 years Thailand market has turned not only competitive but the wholesalers apart from catering domestic market have begun exporting to neighboring ASEAN countries.” This is an important development from the year 2011 as imports within ASEAN countries are not subject to import duty enabling re-exports easier and has become an important contributor to our business kitty”, said Pranee Nagasiri, Director, VC Fabrics Bangkok, Thailand. V. C Fabrics, the largest distributor is 36 years old and caters to 1000
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retailers with 30 marketing staff, 300 staff and has embarked on exports within ASEAN countries, Australia, Japan and would like to expand to South East Asian countries soon. “Apart domestic market we are now exporting to Myanmar, Cambodia & Vietnam and others and 11% percent of our business is derived from exports but is soon targeting other countries in South Asia”, added Viboon Woraditkittikul, Managing Director, also brother of Pranee. Pranee who looks after purchase observes that doing collections 3 or 4 times a year is challenging and she has to keep aside her own preferences. “Personnel choice in terms of color, trends and other aesthetics are kept aside when I choose the collections as they should meet my consumer tastes and we lead in understanding markets”, recalled Pranee. VC. Fabrics imports include prints from UK, furnishing fabrics from India, EU, Indonesia, and sheers from Turkey & often visits International trade shows to make selections from a new wider range of collections. According VC. Fabrics, Thailand has strong sun and sun protection fabrics have ever green demand while basic design sell fast as Thai consumers are not very colorful by choice. Nitas Tessile started furnishing business from their home 20 years ago and now occupies a large office space cum warehouse spread over 5 floors in Bangkok city. “We, Nitas grew in mid 2000 and were primarily distributing
Satin Textile’s furnishings fabrics and recently added others too: Today we have over 1000 dealer net-work with 15 sales staff to do sales and service”, informed Tanya Trugkabunchar (Bon), owners son. Residential furnishings is Nitas main stay followed by outdoor fabrics and contract business is turning highly competitive as hotels tend do contact suppliers directly to save whatever they can on their purchases. Nitas stocks Thai
collections as well imports from Turkey, Indonesia and India as well holds a wide range of ready stocks of Velvets, Damasks, Curtains & outdoor fabrics from Europe. “Managing stocks, after sales service is crucial and this will drive our future business growth: Currently we re-visiting the existing practices and will introduce additional efficient management systems soon”, said Bon. Importantly, Nitas export business is on a upswing and exports to Japan, Taiwan and host of South East Asian countries including Philippines. Nitas believes that stocking to cater to its dealers is becoming more challenging and warehouse full of collections sometimes fall short of target as consumers wants to see more variety, added Bon. Thailand attracted over 22 million tourists in 2012 where resorts and hotels are important, which is the key to the furnishing business. Who decorates Thailand royal palaces, high end hotels and resorts? Charoen Decor International Ltd, Bangkok leads in contract segment catering to high-end decoration of furnishings, furniture and decorative wall papers. Spread over 5 floors, each 350 square meters, Charoen Decor show cases high-end furnishing fabrics, furniture, artifacts and decorative accessories including wall papers. “We hold exclusive line of collections from over 20 global brands and decorate palaces, hotels
and classy residential homes”, said Sutharak Soonthornpusit, Managing Director, Charoen Decor International Ltd, Bangkok. Highly passionate of her decoration strengths, started her business in 1983.” We have decorated pricy properties in Thailand as well as overseas including in Vienna, Dubai, Myanmar and other countries: Designers and specifiers find almost all decorative element with us,”’ informed, Sutharak. “Few years ago sourcing was an issue but now every item as desired can be procured and we work on exclusive basis since our customers are also exclusive in their demand”, she added. The company doesn’t stock as fashion changes fast but goods are available on ordering except special custom made products. “We have exclusivity for many international brands like JAB, Armani Casa, Zaffany, ADO, Houles..just to name few and has decorated hotels such as Kempanski, Dubai, St Regis, The Shangri-la, Bangkok and others in a list of 70 Plus names apart from palaces in Thailand. Having expertise in decorating palaces brings regular assignments overseas too and her team of 12 designers interacts with top 50 designers & customers on a regular basis. “Our reputation is built on our customer satisfaction that is delivered by dedicated design team & we are looking for a steady growth in future too”, said Sutharak. F&FI
Sutharak Soonthornpusit, Managing Director, Charoen Decor International Ltd, Bangkok
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Letter to the Editor by Luca FERRARI
Dear Eric, We decided to celebrate Di Nole’s 100th anniversary (which will actually be the 27th of September) “going” to the big China for our very first time In August. The opportunity to discover this nice market came to us through the PROPOSTE® organization who succeeded to bring to the “Intertextile Shanghai Home Textile” fair 24 European weavers selected from the exhibitors which attend the May Proposte® exhibition in Como. Our intention was to find among the Chinese wholesaler the very few ‘best ones’ who can understand and appreciate our top quality service and products and which would like to develop the ‘long term’ business relationship which we are already offering to our best Textile Editors customers worldwide. I must admit I was very scared about going to China; trying to sell rice to the Chinese people is not always an easy job. I must admit that I was immediately enthusiastic about this new adventure due to my
contact with their perfect organization and the enthusiasm of the potential customers who came to visit our stand. As a result of our meetings with the many people who came tio our stand, we developed confidence that some of them we will be able to start a nice profitable business relationship with Di Nole velvets quite soon! I’ve been positively impressed by the optimistic and positive feeling of this Shanghai exhibition which, with the exception of Proposte® in May at Cernobbio, we’ve not been used to any more! We received a few “institutional” visits too like one of the top Chinese politicians to the General Italian Consul in Shanghai, Vincenzo de Luca, the director of the ICE-Italian Trade Promotion Agency and Claudio Pasqualucci http://www. italtrade.com/ and the General Managers from Intesa San Paolo Bank in Shanghai As a result of our successful Intertextile trade show we are now looking forward to being back to China very soon! —Luca FERRARI, principal, M.T. di Nole SpA
Rieger Named Muller Zell MD After Heydasch Departs Sipco News Network
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EURNE, HOLLAND—Jochen Rieger has been named MD of Muller Zell, a division of Vescom Group, effective November 1,2013 in the wake of the departure of Andreas Heydasch, the previous MD. Rieger was formerly the MD of Sales and Marketing of Dura Germany (flooring). “With Jochen Rieger on board, we want to increase turnover on the market of high-end sheers and curtains for the contract market by expanding the international partnerships,” says Frank van Werkum who rejoined Vescom Group about one year ago as a Director. In this new position for Vescom, Van Werkum reports to Vescom Group owner Philippe van Esch. Previously, Heydasch had reported to van Esch directly. Van Werkum is now responsible for the co-ordination between Vescom’s non-branded textile weaving mills; Schellens, Raxon and Muller Zell. F&FI
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Jochen Rieger
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Textaafoam Begins Third Generation Family Ownership With Unbroken Sales Growth Since 1970 Ton Van Der Aa retires, paving way for nephew Mark and son Michael. world. Aside from private label lines it buys from 30 mills worldwide in Asia, China, Europe and the USA. Textaafoam is also the distributor for Microfibres since 1987 under the name ‘Microfibres Logistics.’ Here, Textaafoam handles Mircrofibres product lines made in Laarne, Belgium, WinstonSalem and Pawtucket, Rhode Island. (See separate story about Microfibres in this issue) Wim helps Microfibres with the styling and color work on all of the European product lines. Textaafoam stores all lines for shipment in its 14,000
square meter warehouse in Goirle, Holland and delivers fabric by the cut to small manufacturers and editors or pieces primarily to large furniture manufacturers in Sweden, the entire EU plus the UK. It sells through eight fulltime agents with a total of 40 employees in the company. Textaafoam shows its lines in Cernobbio during Proposte in May and participates in the Poznan Furniture Fair in Poland and the ‘Haus’ Shows in Germany in Hohenstein/Coburg.. F&FI
Microfibres Euro Flock Ends
B Textaafoam showroom Sipco News Network
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OIRLE, Netherlands — While the rest of Europe, especially Southern Europe, bites its nails over economic consolidation and deteriorating sales, Textaafoam has seen sales rocket to somewhere between $50- $100 million from humble beginnings 43 years ago. (Exact sales figures are not available. The business was started by
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Franz, the father of Wim and Ton Van der Aa. Today, Textaafoam is a major European distributor of middle to upper price upholstery fabrics with no decrease in its turnover since it began business in 1970. “We see a turnaround coming in the upholstery business,” says Wim Van Der Aa, one of the three current family owners. “We have seen a loss of smaller buyers but the bigger customers will survive. Small companies will have a hard time
unless they can invest in new products,” he feels. “We have no complaints about our business. We have the right sales team, are privately held and have no debt.” Textaafoam offers 4,000 skus with mostly plains. “Flock as a category has stabilized in Europe but it has declined as a category in Russia where we do not sell.” Textaafoam lines are in the 3.50-20 Euro range and cover everything from chenille through velvet. “Velvet is definitely trending up right now,” he adds. Textaafoam has seen a sales increase every year over the previous year according to Wim, 63 and his brother Ton who retired, 66, who run the business with their sons Mark 31, CEO and a principal of the firm, and Mike, 35. Once Ton (67) retires in 2014, the two ‘boys’ will continue the third generation family business with Wim, 63, who plans to stay on a while longer, he says. He has been involved in the business his father started for 37 years. Michael does the buying, marketing and design for Textaafoam while Mark handles sales. He thinks about his future in the company. “I learn something new every day. I like the business and still feel useful in the company,” he says. He likes to play golf and on Thursdays, he rides his racing bike 50 kilometers. Textaafoam competes with Eurotex and Hopke in Germany but in terms of serving all of Europe, Textaafoam is believed to be the single largest upholstery supplier out there today and one of the biggest upholstery buyers in the
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RUSSELS, Belgium — Microfibres has closed flock production lines in its Microfibres Europe plant in Laarne, Belgium and plans to send greige fabric from its US plants in Winston-Salem, NC and Pawtucket, RI to meet the needs of its European customers. Dyeing and finishing of the American flock produced by microfibers will be dyed and printed in Laarne. The decision was made over the summer and the Laarne flock equipment is expected to be sold though Microfibres executive Mike Czarnecki wouldn’t confirm that fact. “We have yet to determine what to do with the equipment in Laarne,” he said. “Our customers will know difference in the microfibers product they will receive with the changeover,” he pointed
out. The move was prompted by a pickup in US flock sales due to some furniture manufacturers moving back from China to the NAFTA region. For example, La-Z-Boy, a major account for Microfibres is doing cut and sew in a Mexican facility which is also distributing its furniture to the States, Czarnecki said. While demand for flock has slowed in Europe, it is stable according to Wim Van Der Aa, the principal of Microfibers Logistics, the distributor for Microfibres products in Europe. At the same time, Czarnecki said that China is becoming an important buyer of Microfibres products at good prices in the $7 plus range and higher. “China likes Made in USA and Made in Europe product,” he pointed out. F&FI
Yulia Koroleva , designer for Leathertouch, St, Petersburg, Russia with Mike Czarnecki, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Microfibres, Winston Salem, NC USA with Ramillia A. Zhafyarova, Director of the Board member of Leathertouch. Leathertouch is a distributor of Microfibres product in Russia.
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Marsteks Continues Growth Story
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Sipco News Network
RUSSELS, Belgium — Marsteks, based in Bursa is celebrating its 60 percent sales increase over the past five years at the hands of brothers Onur and Ayhan Yilmaz. The MoOD exhibitor sees an improving European economy which should only help Marsteks in the future, he says. “We want to get an increase in the business within the USA and Italy,” Onur said during the recent MoOD exhibition.
Onur handles the finances while his brother Ayhan is responsible for international sales. The partnership seems to be working for this 20 year old jacquard mill which the brothers bought five years ago. The two top export markets for Marsteks today are the UK where chenille upholstery is still selling well in the $8-$9 range and EFTA region, Onur said. Russia is also seeing some goods from Marsteks, especially pattern ‘Leslie’ (see photo) which is a big seller in Russia. F&FI
Marsteks principal Onur Yilmaz with Factory Manager Mustafa Durmaz
Oussoren Absorbs Raymakers Sales Management Sipco News Network
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ELMOND, Holland— Raymakers Velvets President Richard Oussoren has fully absorbed the sales responsibilities of Bart van der Meissen in the wake of his departure as sales director last November after six years with the company. Van der Meissen left Raymakers in order to start a new company called Creative Hobbies Group in Germany which he quickly sold. He is now looking for new opportunities, he says but would prefer an international sales job in the fabrics industry. Oussoren says he is also handling all sales in Asia, “a growing market for the company.” “Intertextile was a very busy exhibition for Raymakers. Of course, we have to double check the contacts we have made there which our agent is doing now in order to protect our Chinese customers who have already invested heavily in our velvets.” Raymakers was part of the Proposte exhib-
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it at Intertextile. This is part of Oussoren’s “long term plan to build distribution in this huge market.” Aside from handling Asia, Oussoren says he has assumed the role of overall sales manager for Raymakers “together with the general management of the company.” He says he is free to do this after some big operational projects in the last three years which included the integration of Raymakers’ acquisition of Pile Fabric Dyers in Bart van der Meissen Helmond and the move of British Velvets into a new site in Burnley/ UK. “Regarding our sales organisation, apart from about 21 agents in various countries around the world, we have a sales office of 4 persons. In addition, Raymakers has four Area Sales Managers; Barend Verschuren (northwestern Europe, eastern Europe); Jan Joosten (southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa); Celine DeKort (USA/Canada) and Keith Prytharch. (UK, South America, Richard Oussoren Australia/New Zealand). F&FI
Can’t find Bart! Miessen IMG 1090
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The Oriole Mill Grows Through Niche Marketing Designer, Entrepreneur team UP in Boutique Mill Sipco News Network
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Bethanne Knudson and Stephan Michelson
finished coverlet featuring matellasse fabric by Oriole
ENDERSONVILLE, North Carolina — “We tripled sales this year over last,” says Stephan Michelson, owner of The Oriole mill which started up in 2006. Along with co-founder and design director Bethanne Knudson, the pair have cobbled together used equipment in a former frozen food warehouse a stone’s throw from Asheville. Michelson’s dream is to generate a $10 million business by picking and choosing the business he wants from customers who appreciate high end heirloom quality fabrics and quick turnaround on all orders. The Oriole Mill produces and markets cotton and wool jacquards and dobbies in the $25 to $100 cost range to niche markets. “The signature of this mill is large repeats which produce a distinct look and engineered patterns, “says Knudson, a graduate of Kansas City Art Institute and a former JacQuad software master. Oriole also uses differential shrinkage to produce some interesting fabric effects including smocking and pleating for pillows. Michelson comes to Oriole with a PhD in economics from Stamford University, a successful blues musician and a successful business career providing statistics to legal firms. Textiles were new to him when Oriole came into existence but he knew he wanted to make “good fabrics.” He deplores the MBA mentality which says that inventory costs money, so eliminate it. “If you don’t have inventory, you don’t have a business,” he laughs. Right now, it is easier and faster for Oriole to buy mercerized long staple Egyptian Giza cotton yarn than some some domestic qualities because the Egyptian product is stocked in Chattanooga, TN while the US product is made to order. “Of course, there is no mercerized cotton yarn available in the USA,” Michelson says. Oriole buys some wool yarns from Pharr Yarns and the finer wools from Kent Wool, both based in the USA Oriole is a boutique mill employing some novel ways of doing business. The 72,000 square foot facility is also home to Western Carolina Sewing which cuts and sews the fabrics on site. This is how Oriole is able to quickly produce the finished articles for top of bed including throws, shams and coverlets; baby wraps, aprons and components for sport shoes. Pet and home products are scheduled for production by first quarter 2014. For the past two years, Oriole has also started to supply piece goods to the furniture industry through Lee and Mebane Belmore, the North Carolina furniture sales rep sisters. This has resulted in several placements, including a page in a well known catalog. F&FI
Oriole upholstery
Oriole upholstery in studio showroom
Western Carolina Sewing on site at The Oriole Mill
Oriole upholstery samples
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Oriole Exclusive Designs for Pavo Textiles baby wrap
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Keep footwear features Oriole fabric
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as bold as your ideas ... as vivid as your imagination http://www.richloomfabricsgroup.com
richloom fabrics group / 261 fifth avenue / new york, NY 10016 / 212.685.5400
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Covington Fabric Plans June Jennifer Adams Fabric Debut Adams bedding collection for Costco rolls out nationwide just ahead of Covington push Sipco News Network
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EW YORK, New York — Just on the heels of a Costco bedding promotion, Covington Fabric and Design will unveil a new Jennifer Adams licensed fabric line, her first piece goods line—to the industry in June according to Greg Tarver, President & CEO of Covington.
Jennifer Adams With retail sales of $20 million, Jennifer Adams Worldwide Inc. is projecting a $500 million business at retail by 2018, both home furnishings and apparel for her target market sweet spot in the 35-52 age group. Covington is expected to be a part of the next growth spurt, Adams said. The Jennifer Adams Design
Bedding kiosks at Costco
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Group predated her television and licensing career. She started her business out of her modest, 1,000 square foot home in Oregon and was recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 by the Portland Oregon Business Journal. She has recently launched an initiative to help troubled youth and provide bedding globally to those in need. She has been involved as an interior designer of commercial and boutique hotels as well as home but six years ago, she turned her hand to product design. This has resulted in a bedding collection distributed by Costco at 452 locations in the USA and 85 outlets in Canada as well as 25 Costco locations in the UK, she said. Adams travels extensively to promote her products in various Costco store locations. Two years ago, Jennifer Adams designed a high end furniture collection. Both product lines are selling well. The bedding in charcoal, emerald green, pink, grayed out sage and light blue was produced by PEM America and is retailed at $99 although reportedly a $400 value. This is a 119 sku collection, she said. In September, Covington signed a licensing partnership with Adams; a multi-year, world-wide partnership that will include an exclusive line of upholstery, drapery and multi-purpose fabrics for both the decorative and hospital-
ity markets. Adams will design a global look with a French influence that she says “is not too fussy; a European farmhouse style,” she says. It will be mid-tier in price and will include prints and jacquard wovens. Butterflies will highlight the Covington collection, she says. That is her trademark. “I travel extensively in Asia, Europe, East and West Coast USA, Canada and Mexico. Her designs reflect her personal style, she says. Signing a license is a rare occurrence for Covington which has over the years steered away from licenses, preferring to generate its own design from its in house studio. Jean B Collection® was one of the few exceptions according to industry veterans who have followed Covington over its 73 year history. Development of the first Jennifer Adams fabric collection is underway and planned for introduction in June 2014. The line will feature of mix of wovens and prints tailored for the decorative market. “With Jennifer Adams, we’ve found the perfect design celebrity to complement Covington’s business,” Tarver said. “Over the past several years, Jennifer created a world-class organization to bring her lifestyle design to the market and we are delighted to be her partner. There’s a tremendous design synergy between our companies that will benefit Covington’s customers.” “I am so thrilled about our upcoming collaboration with Covington. They are big thinkers and their design aesthetic and vision fall right in line with mine: Effortless style, yet finely detailed, quality fabric. This collaboration will enable our designs to be accessible to the majority of American households,” Adams explained. Jennifer Adams Worldwide Inc. started operations in 1999. Driven by her passion for product design and perfecting the sleep experience, she launched Jennifer Adams Home in 2009 featuring luxury, hotel quality and fashion bedding, furniture, pet beds and accessories, and area rugs. Adams is the resident design expert on nationally syndicated “The Better Show,” and is a DIY (Do it yourself) television mainstay. A “Dear Abby” meets Martha Stewart, Adams also finds time to give design and home advice as a recurring newspaper columnist. F&FI
www.fabricsandfurnishings.com
First Al Guthmi Brands Sipco News Network
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EDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Mohammed Al Guthmi will unveil its first export lines at Heimtextil in Hall 4.1 under the Murex and Coccon brands according to Murat Secim, Export Manager. He joined Al Guthmi one year ago. He was previously Export Manager of Epengle of Turkey. Murex is in medium – medium low level Price level between 5-12 USD, Secim said. “We have 40 collection available in Heimtextile for cut length and piece services. We have rich variety with different qualities such as velvet, satin, organza, suede, black out,
jacquards, chenille fabrics, prints and do by fabrics. “Cocoon is our high level brand. Price level is between 15-60 USD. We have silk and natural fiber qualities mainly. We have 15 collection available for cut length and piece services. Silk embroideries, Jacquards and plains in different constructions are the strongest point of Cocoon.” Al Guthmi has warehouses and showrooms also in UAE, Kuwait and Lebanon. All Murex and Cocoon collections are also available in Its Dubai warehouse which is also convenient for shipments to many clients together with the Jeddah warehouse, Secim said. F&FI
Tarver Meets Adams Three Years Ago Sipco News Netowrk
“We met at the Las Vegas Furniture Market in 2010. Jennifer was working on one of her bedding collections and I was instantly impressed with Jennifer on a personal level; however, I was more impressed with her business plans and her emerging presence in the media -- especially the new media. We collaborated on segments for her television show then, and I’ve followed her ever Greg Tarver since. Earlier this year, I noticed highprofile Jennifer Adams placements and was just captivated. With Jennifer’s furniture and bedding programs in place, with more home products on the way, it was the perfect time to discuss a fabric collection - and we did!” —Greg Tarver, CEO, Covington
Goldenberg Leaves New Line Fabrics Sipco News Network
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VYLAND, Pennsylvania — Vlad Goldenberg, Vice President of Operations for converter New Line Fabrics, has left the company after nine years. He also held a similar position with Marko, the sister company which is focused on fabric wholesaling in Russia. Goldenberg’s core responsibility was sales and marketing for both companies. He reported to Leonard Vlad Goldenberg Lurye, owner of both companies. Goldenberg’s departure was effective September 16. “We came to an agreement to part our ways and I will be going off on my own to do my own things,” Goldenberg told F&FI. “I don’t have many details now and will surely follow up once I do.” Goldenberg expects to be present at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January. 2014. F&FI
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Digitally Printed Wall Coverings Take Hold, Pigment Printed Upholstery Lies Ahead Software Expert Duncan Ross Says Sipco News Network
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RUSSELS, Belgium — Suppliers attending the recent MoOD exhibition here have agreed the digital printing evolution has finally arrived in the wall covering and textile industry and promises to accelerate further in the months and years ahead. For example, Hewlett Packard digital printing systems are having an impact on the wallcovering business after just seven months on the market and fabrics are developing next for the firm according to Terry Raghunath, business development manager, Interior Decoration. “Designers are embracing digital printing but we are only scratching the surface of this business, especially in fabrics,” says Raghunath who happens to be a Dutch national originally from the island of Curacao—now living in Barcelona, Spain, HP Printing Systems headquarters. Raghunath points to Marburg Wallcoverings and its work with designer Karim Rachid as an example of the success in wall covering. Rachid designs for Marburg covered the HP stand at MoOD. HP has also worked with Marcus Benesch who has designed wall coverings for Rasch. Traditional manufacturers are finding they can add value to their products through digital printing. However, there are 50,000 small, local digital printers in Europe looking for new business— beyond signs and t-shirts and this may be where the printing business in home furnishings really takes off, Raghunath explains. He feels that local printers are offering lower priced digital printing at slower speed even though the traditional industry is obsessed with high speed printers. “You can buy 20 slower speed printers versus a faster printer. Sometimes slower speed and higher registration is preferable depending on the design. HP is betting on both groups for growing the wall covering business. “We are still looking for champions of this new technology,”
he said during the recently concluded MoOd in Brussels where HP had a huge installation. “We are not there in upholstery yet,” he says. “We feel that right now, wallcovering is the best application of this technology aside from the obvious success we have had in T-shirts and signage.” He also feels the digital printing technology is a good fit for design in window blinds and drapery. “Upholstery is really not our focus,” he adds. “Digital printing is about personalization and customization. It is a tool for interior architects and Kaya Cinoglu of Marteks Terry Raghunath Duncan Ross designers;” says Asaf Levi, decoration segment Manager for HP. “Every room is different. You can create heads with pigment printing. We’re its printing of transfer paper. Ross upholstery in the future but the price one off patterns for hospitals, hotels, forced to use water based inks for said there was much attention paid of this machine is at least $500,000, restaurants and offices with digital this reason but this can change.”He to wall covering designs by buyers says Kaya Cinoglu, principal. printing,” he says. Wall coverings sees a pigment solution coming out attending INDIGO in Brussels He has bought 25 double and on nonwoven and vinyl backed soon and this will accelerate the where AVA had a stand this year. single width looms for mid to upper substrates are the product of choice digitally printed textile industry. More upholstery fabric upholstery and drapery lines in He points to Epson printers manufacturers are being attracted to the past two years and has turned for digital application, he feels. “You can deliver the design in a few which can print heat transfer paper digitally printed fabrics. Companies his company around with natural hours from a local printer whereas digitally and then this applied to like Marteks of Turkey are toying linen looks and more color. He says analog printing might take 15 weeks polyester fabric. Miroglio has with the idea of purchasing a Reggiani digitally printed designs are the to execute. There is a savings to recently gone 100 percent digital in machine for digitally printing natural next step for him. F&FI be realized on inventory also.” Trevira CS Advertisement „Fabric for Ideas“ Ultimately, the rapidly reduced cost Size 147x176mm for Fabrics & Furnishing Intl. USA of digital printing can make it more effective in the future, he says. Other companies, like Reggiani Visit us at Heimtextil 2014 Hall 3.VIA, Mezzanine, East and MS are more developed in the upholstery arena according to Duncan Ross, Commercial Director of AVA, and a Cad cam specialist in Macclesfield, UK. He sees that a lack of metallic inks for digitally printed designs as a real limitation but this will change over time. He credits digital printing for bringing the print category back into the market. “Many UK retailers and manufacturers have adopted digital technology for printing complicated prints versus traditional wet printing,” he says. “Digital design is pushing prints back into the market through the elimination of expensive screens and separations.” Ross is adding new features on his software programs to help the designer due this with AVA equipment. “One thing holding digital printing back is that ink particles are clogging up the printer
FABRIC FOR IDEAS
Plan with more safety. Diversify your designs. Expect more.
Trevira CS – FABRIC FOR IDEAS Karim Rashid wall covering designs digitally printed on HP Printers
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Contradiction in the Name of Design By Jennifer Castoldi
Provocative is a word that can be used to describe the combinations we are seeing in home fashion for the coming season. Embroidered plastic, a quilt as part of the augmented reality movement, top-stitched 3D prints on fabric, sweater leather, and designs that look backward to go forward.
Sabatina Leccia demonstrates how a plastic shopping bag can morph into the base for immaculate embroidery.
Digital printing makes old masters come to life on textiles. Whitbread Wilkinson have The National Gallery license, bringing artwork off of the museum wall and onto decorative pillows and dinnerware.
Joshua Barnes applies augmented reality technology to a quilt for hospital bound kids. Each creature acts as a trigger and can be assigned a file to connect the child in the hospital with his/her loved ones. By installing an AR program onto one’s mobile device, and waving the device across the animal on the quilt, messages, photos, and videos can be played once triggered. For example a photo of the entire family could be displayed when holding a tablet over the monkey.
Laura Martinez combines 3D printed technology with embroidery and other traditional textile techniques.
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Leather becomes one with this cable knit from Soydan. ďżź
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At Le Cuir Ă Paris fur is embellished with soft, crocheted lace.
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F FI D E S I G N HEIMTEXTIL Trend Preview The concept of contradictory forces outlines the influences and framework behind the Heimtextil Trends for 2014/2015. “On one hand there is the need to look forward and embrace PROGRESS to survive in rapidly changing times. On the other, there is the importance of looking back, to REVIVE past traditions in the pursuit of authenticity.” The two contra themes are broken into four directions: Progress with Generate Collision and Engineer Nature, plus Revive with Exalt Purity and Rejuvenate Craft.
PROGRESS: Engineer Nature “Synthesize the natural world for a sustainable future.” Design Directions • bio couture • harvesting biodegradable textiles • bio-luminescent bacteria • 3D printing • homegrown furniture • flora and fauna motifs
REVIVE: Exalt Purity “In search of a sense of spirituality, natural materials are celebrated in their purest forms.” Design Directions • traditional craft methods • brand-free • pared-back design • unprocessed natural materials • wood, stone, leather, fur, marble, bones, shell , linen and brass • layers of texture • emulation of colors, textures, and forms of the natural world
PROGRESS: Generate Collision
“Harness technology to generate unique and unexpected results.” Design Directions • blurs • digital ‘glitches’ • random patterns • merged colors • blobby forms • latex and plasticine materials
REVIVE: Rejuvenate Craft “Reviving and renewing traditional craft techniques lends enhanced narrative and meaning to objects” Design Directions • surfaces and objects embedded with cultural values and stories • found and recycled materials • raw materials • biodegradable solanyl, oak, stainless steel and willow • eclectic collections • crochet, weaving, and knitting 
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Jennifer Castoldi is the CEO and Chief Creative Director of Trendease International. Since 2004, Trendease has been providing cutting-edge and competitive design information to readers spanning over 170 countries. Trendease is an influential resource reporting on global trends and key international design events. Hundreds of images and forward-thinking articles are presented on www. Trendease.com each month, additionally videos and podcasts are available on www. Trendease.TV.
Jennifer Castoldi, Trendease
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Innovation and creativity have always been our credo... and our new offerings is but a testament to this. D’Decor introduces 8 refreshing, co-ordinated color concepts, designed to give your homes a touch of magic. Co-create coordinated collections across a wide range of technologies, combining lush velvets, high density jacquards, fascinating plains, enchanting digital prints and intricately embroidered fabric in every imaginable color. Welcome to a world of home furnishing, beyond the technology horizon, where imagination is closer than ever to reality.
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Second Annual Trevira®CS Jobber Day Scores Designer Points
Trevira®CS Jobber Day NEW YORK, New York — If the number of contract fabric designers is any indication of success, then the Trevira Jobber Day was a sensation in New York October 10. Several mills from Europe hawked their samples to contract design specialists, mostly from New York area contract jobbers in a long but interesting day of Trevira presentations and fabric showings. Great concept from the leader in Contract fibers and yarns.
Sina Pearson,principal of Sina Pearson textiles, New York contract fabric specialist with Elizabeth Conrad (far right), her colleague and Celine DeKort, Raymakers of Holland, Sales Director North America (center)
Robert Brinks, Sales Director, with colleague Bart Oonk, Managing Director, Gaudium Weavers, Winterswijk, the Netherlands with Jane Riback, Robert Allen Contract and her colleague Jessica DeBuen, a recent designer addition to Robert Allen Contract and Richard Gladstein, Gaudium sales agent, New York.
Claus Salzmann, Contract Solutions Specialist, Bauman Dekor, Gmund, Aistria with Kathryn Gluibizzi, senior designer, Stacy Garcia Inc., Nanuet, NY hospitality converter
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Peter McDevitt, Managing Director, Macworld Trade Group, Inc., a contract fabrics agency in Advance, NC with his principal Dr. Marco Orlandi, export Manager, Fidivi Tessitura Verginaro S.p.A., Poirino, Italy
Jaeseng Ahn, LTM Textiles; Ece Marcelli, EDPA, New York. (Alp Benadrete is her uncle and he is the owner of Edpa with his brother Izette-not shown here) Susan DeLong, LTM Textiles; Tony Sutton, LTM Textiles; Oktay Karabasoglu, Vanelli sales representative; Mindy Marcus, EDPA USA; Jane Riback, Robert Allen Contract, New York
Lynne Willis, a designer with Suzanne Tick Inc., New York, upholstery sourcing consultant to Teknion Furniture, with Francesco Rugi., principal of Pugi.rg, Montale, Italy
Robin Kelly, Kravet Contract, Bethpage, NY with Chris Latham, Raxon Fabrics sales manager, New York and Erin Weatherstone, also Raxon and Mueller Zell sales with Karen Keating, KravetContract Director of Design
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Vicki Bousman, Trevira Representative in the USA is wishing for a successful Second Annual Trevira Jobber Day! Her friends are Annette Schulz and Larry Steckman, principals of World Textile Network Inc., U.S. agents for Stotz of Switzerland, net curtain specialists.
Trevira®CS Team: Sabine Schubel, Manager Business Development; Svenja Fromm, Business Line Manager; Anke Vollenbroeker, Marketing Director
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House of Pierre Frey Goes Hollywood French Style Romantic movie cleverly merchandises the French fabric collections by Eric Schneider
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ARIS — The House of Pierre Frey has produced “Escapade,” its first motion picture using Jacques Garcia’s 2013 renovation of the trend setting Hotel Costes here as the backdrop.
Pierre Frey
Kim Huebner
This film will be followed up by a more commercial endeavor about ‘Made in France’ to be shown at Maison et Objet in January, according to Kim Huebner, Frey’s director of marketing and public relations. “Our first film was created for art’s sake. Creation comes before
commercial at Pierre Frey,” she says. Frey brands include Pierre Frey, Braquenie, Fadini Borghi and Boussac. The House of Frey is the largest editeur in France today and one of the most successful in Europe. “Escapade” was directed by Martial Schmeltz. A Parisian couple played by Amandine Decroix and Pierre BenoitTalbourdet Napoleone hits the Parisian nightlife in a love story that has a twist. “The film is a declaration of love to Paris,” says Talbourdet Napoleone. One must see it! Almost every scene features the fabric collection of Pierre Frey that was used in designer Garcia’s hotel renovation. Mattias Mimoun wrote the score and it is beautiful like the film. The just under four minute movie was the brainstorm of Pierre Frey, the next generation owner of the company. “There’s such a sameness in fabrics today that it is difficult to differentiate your offer,” says Huebner says. “There is still a lot of beige in the market but we’ll never launch a product with just beige options,” she adds. It was her idea to promote the “Escapade” on “Nowness”, a website funded b y LVMH, owners of luxury brands like Moet and Vuitton. “Nowness demanded exclusivity for the introduction of our movie for Make up for actress one week,” Huebner explains Amandine Decroix . Then Huebner went viral with ‘Escapade’ on Utube and Vimeo.”Escapade reflects the soul of our company. A lot of online buzz was created around it. The film will be shown in Frey’s dedicated showrooms in Paris, New York, London and Nice and 17 agent showrooms worldwide. F&FI
Bedroom scene showing Pierre Frey designs
Actor Benoit-Talbourdet Napoleone with Pierre Frey wallpaper
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www.fabricsandfurnishings.com
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Digital Prints, Better Quality Textiles Dominate BoutiqueDesignNY®
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EW YORK, New York — BoutiqueDesignNewYork surfed on a wave that is created by the construction of an expected 10,000 hotel rooms in New York! The contract fabric industry turned out with all manner of product for hospitality, senior care and cruise ships. However, Stacy Garcia captured the moment when she said that “the Hospitality Industry is investing more money than ever before in quality textiles.” Also, she says the other trend is toward digitally printed textiles for hospitality. Stacy admitted to some 10,000 yard orders of her digital prints form US hospitality designers. Digital is becoming mainstream and the days of 10 yard orders are in your rear view mirror.
Pamela Boggs, Southern California Contract Manager and sales manager for the Kelly Hoppen Collection by Richloom with her boss, John Ringer Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Richloom Inc. and Elizabeth Hosford, Hospitality Design Manager for Richloom
Stacy is shown here (left) with her Aunt Choudy, Vice President of Sales for Stacy Garcia Inc.
Jane Ribeck, Design Director, Robert Allen Contract with Kerry Galloway, Vice President, Contract Sales, Robert Allen, New York
Rick Hickman, Dallas TX based Vice President of Sales shows off the Trikes 1963 Airstream caravan shortened by four feet to get it into BDNY. The totally restored trailer is completely fitted out with wallcoverings and upholstery pieces custom designed for the interior.
Matt DeShantz, Vice President of Fabricut Contract, Tulsa OK with FROne fiber supplier, General Manager Olivier Delhomme, based in Kontich, Belgium
Stefan Lasek, National Sales Manager, with KravetContract, Bethpage, NY with buddy John Sofka, President of Sof-Tex Fabrics, Anaheim, CA sheers and upholstery importer.
Christopher Renzo, sales manager for Scalamandre and his associate, Tom Graham. These boys are breathing new life into Scalamandre and Boris Kroll based in New York.
The Finest Fabric Show is in Brussels, September 9-10-11, 2014 International Trade Fair for Producers of Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings Moving to the gorgeous Hall 5, the Patio and Hall 8
Janet Van Arsdale. President, JVA Art Group, San Diego, CA with Sandi Brown, Vice President, Design, JDI, Las Vegas. The pair are marketing fabrics printed by JVA with designs from The Dash Collection. JVA is the printer of the collection.
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Craig Shirk, Contract Sales Manager, Covington Fabric & Design, LLC, New York with colleague, Stefanie Wotton, Director, product Administration & Marketing with their new outdoor collection.
moodbrussels.com
facebook.com/moodbrussels
twitter.com/moodbrussels
MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw, Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455 - email: info@moodbrussels.com
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J.D. Staron to Open Carpet, Rug Boutique in Brunschwig Showroom Sipco News Network
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EW YORK, New York — J.D. Staron carpets and rugs will be a new line offered by Brunschwig & Fils in its New York City showroom beginning in October 2013, according to Stephen Elrod, Executive vice President and Creative director for Brunschwig & Fils. “The carpets offered by J.D. Staron perfectly complement
Brunschwig & Fils’ commitment to exceptional design and quality, and we look forward to sharing this great resource with our design clientele,.” Elrod said. Upon completion of the showroom renovation, Brunschwig & Fils will offer rugs and broadloom in addition to its many other signature items that have turned the company into one of the industry’s most prestigious names in fabric and furnishings
for over the past one hundred years. “We are artists and weavers at heart, not carpet dealers,” explained Jakub Staron, designer and owner of J.D. Staron. “We are delighted and eager to be working hand in hand with Brunschwig & Fils in the fabu-
Gosia and Jakub Staron lous new showroom. We aim to be an industry partner who introduces exceptional collections solely to interior design and architectural firms.” J.D Staron carpets and rugs are available in thousands of designs and patterns, to meet the specific requirements for design professionals. The introduction of J.D. Staron’s exclusive carpet and rug boutique in Brunschwig & Fils’ New York City showroom is expected to add more luxury and elegance to the iconic company. Staron’s expert carpet professionals will be on hand, along with the Brunschwig sales staff, to assist the interior design community. Brunschwig & Fils was Founded in 1900 as a tapestryweaving mill in Aubusson and Bohain, France. The company, which was acquired by Kravet Inc. in 2011, is best known for its colorful archival-based patterns and its legacy of iconic French design. F&FI
Stephen Elrod, Executive Vice President of Brunschwig & Fils as well as Lee Jofa brands at Kravet with Lorraine Hazel Mellijor Tanyu, Senior Wovens Stylist for Lee Jofa and Groundworks and Danielle St. George. Senior Stylist, Special Projects, Kravet Inc. This photo was taken at Proposte last May.
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Victor Kucukcalik’s Egyptian Plant Grows Rapidly Phases Out Yarn Forward Curtain Maker Exports Residential Line I Sipco News Network
Contract Focus Remains Only Business Sipco News Network
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AINT-GEORGES, Quebec, Canada — Victor Group said will begin a structured withdrawal from the residential fabric market, with a gradual phase out of their Residential Business Unit taking place over the next two quarters and termination by end of first quarter, 2014. The company continues to experience growth in its Contract Business Unit, and plans to invest additional capital and resources in further expanding in this area for the future, Duval said. “This was a difficult decision because we have invested much time, effort, resources, and capital into this business unit but the reality is that this business is simply not sustainable in the future. This decision will allow us to focus on market segments that align more closely with our core competencies and long term strategic plans,” said Alain Duval, President and CEO of Victor Group. Since Victor’s entry into the residential fabric market in 2007, It has worked to establish a position of leadership in design and service in this arena, Duval said. Despite these efforts, this has proven to be a challenge due to several major factors that have negatively influenced its residential business unit, he said. First, the complexity of the product mix required to satisfy the market needs put a strain on both their operations and their supply chain. More significantly, the landscape of the residential furniture market has changed significantly with less demand for the more traditional, mid to highend fabrics that they produce, as well as a shrinking customer base for these type products. As a result of these influences, Duval said that Victor simply has not experienced the growth and return on their investment that had been projected. Therefore, the decision has been made to phase out of this market, with operations for this business unit ceasing by the end of the first quarter of 2014. F&FI
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STANBUL, Turkey — Kucukcalik, one of the largest curtain fabric weavers in the world has developed a new business in The Tenth of Ramadan section of Cairo, Egypt with export sales of $60 million expected this year according to Yilmaz Kucukcalik, principal of this family business. The business is set up in a duty free zone. Kucukcalik sells to distributors worldwide form its Egyptian factory in all price cat-
egories, including working with top editors. “We need to have volume in order to maintain correct product development. Without volume, we cannot develop top end products. The business depends on the local Egyptian and Turkish market for 30-40 percent of its business and the rest of Kucukcalik’s products are exported. “We started up from nothing in 2006 and now have 1,400 workers in Cairo. The Cairo based Kucukcalik manufactures
its own polyester yarn and weaves mostly voile fabrics with dyeing, finishing and cut and sew. It sells finished curtain sets form the Cairo based factory worldwide. “In three more years, we expect to generate sales of $100 million from that plant. Our business in turkey is stable and we are focused on more value added higher end products from Turkey. We have a Turkish team running the Egyptian business. All middle management is Turkish. F&FI
Yilmaz Kucukcalik
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Contract/HospitalityNews C/HNEWS I Anke Vollenbroeker Says: Trevira’s U.S./Asia Push Tries to Overcome Sluggish European Market Sipco News Network
Anke Vollenbroeker
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EW YORK, New York — Trevira®CS at 30 plus years and $317 million in sales, is continuing its bid to be the first and oldest inherently flame retardant branded fiber/yarn by increasing its share of the “shrinking” market in Europe; USA and now the growing domestic market in China according to 15 year Trevira veteran, Anke Vollenbroeker, marketing director. She spoke to an audience of contract fabric designers and
manufacturers during the second annual Trevira (CS) Jobber Day at the Bryant Park Hotel here. It is part of an overall plan which includes a match making event in Asia called Trevira CS China Day. She was joined in her effort by Sabine Schuebel, Manager of Business Development; Svenja Fromm, Business Line Manager and Vicki Bousman, U.S. Representative for TreviraCS. Vollenbroeker talked about the changes at Trevira over the past few years, but now “we have committed shareholders,” she said. Trevira GmbH is owned by Sinterama and Indorama Ventures and has a new CEO in Klaus Holz who took the post in July, 2013 after being with Trevira for 12 years. Vollenbroeker pointed to the Euro crises and the bad economic situation of many European economies. In addition, she cited fluctuations in raw material prices; increasing competition, especially from Asia and an ongoing consolidation processes in the textile sector “With our current set-up of company infrastructure and organization we are fit to
meet the challenges and look beyond European borders,” she said. Vollenbroeker says Trevira has the largest assortment of 200 inherently fire retardant fiber types in the textile industry. Trevira says it is the only European polyester fiber producer offering both staple fibers and filament yarns with the only fully integrated polyester fiber company in Europe Vollenbroeker said Trevira holds leadership positions in bi-component nonwoven applications; low pill apparel applications; fibers and yarns for automotive interiors and flame retardant home textiles applications. To further streamline these operations, Trevira combined filament yarns and staple fiber production into one facility in Guben, Germany in 2012 following the shutdown of filament spinning in Bobingen and the transfer of texturizing capacity from Poland. Trevira also transferred dyeing facilities from Trevira Neckelmann in Denmark to Sinterama in Italy. Trevira said it has a workforce of 750 employees in six Locations in Europe, Turkey, Brazil and China)
Trevira fibre production in Bobingen © photo: Trevira GmbH
Trevira filament production in Guben © photo: Trevira GmbH
Trevira offered these useful Hospitality figures: Size of worldwide hotel Market: more than 19.2 million rooms*(*WTO figures of 2006, publication 2008) “Some 530 hotel projects are currently planned, envisioned or delayed within the USA. According to a survey conducted by PKF Consulting USA, this year and the next are ideal time for hotel investments, due to favorable operating fundamentals and the financing environment. US Hospitality figures of the last week in September. Just looking at one week, Sep 22-28, the US hotel industry has a positive result. One year to year comparisons, the • Occupancy rose by 5.8 % to 67.8 % • Daily rate rose by 8, 3% to $115, and 47
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• Revenue per available room rose 14. 5 % to $78, and 31 • Top markets/locations were Denver, Colorado, (Occupancy rose the most, to 90. 2%) followed by Atlanta, Georgia (70 %) Badly hit during the Great Recession, the resort sector is coming back according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels and Hospitality Group US resort sector represents 13% of the total hotel Room supply in the US (having more than 3900 Hotels with 608,000 rooms) though the costs of setting up a new 4 or 5 star Resort is high, and thus few are under construction. Today, the steady market improvement will bring about a rise according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels and Hospitality Group’s CEO of the Americas. Source:
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STR weekly numbers Overheard at TreviraCS Jobber Day: “U.S. Jobbers are using their suppliers to develop their lines; reducing inventory by utilizing supplier inventories and jobbers wonder why they can’t sell their businesses for higher multiples.” “When you hold a function like this in the basement of a hotel, make sure somebody turns the lights on. You just can’t see the fabric presentations clearly.”
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C/HNEWS I Anke Vollenbroeker/Trevira Vollenbroeker said Trevira’s parent company Indorama Ventures/Sinterama are the world’s leading manufacturers of PET, polyester fiber and PTA with consolidated revenue for 2012of US $6.8 billion and a workforce of 9,000 employees. Sinterama and Indorama have a global footprint of 41 sites in 15 countries across four continents, she said. “Advantages: global business, experience in the polyester sector, strong commitment to investment and process improvement, strong financial power,” she added. She said the owners are making new investments for infrastructure and production equipment, allowing Trevira to operate at a high level of independence at the same time asking Trevira to build on the established base; to look beyond European borders and continue with new product developments “Trevira’s strategic intent is to take advantage of opportunities with innovative products driven by global Trends; scout for new products and applications to further differentiate from competition; gain market share with a strong brand and adequate presence in growth markets; develop partnering concepts,” she said. “Trevira (and its customers) are increasingly challenged by emerging competitors, Vollenbroeker continued. “Our business is centered in Europe, gaps exist in emerging market brand awareness and brand values are not perceived in the same way in different regions of the world.”Trevira is trying to expand its business in cooperation with US based partners to supply flame retardant fibers and filaments for local production. Trevira is also offering Marketing Consultants in Eastern Europe, US, Middle East and China to work with the customer. New TreviraCS fabric developments include “sound absorbing
New fine flat hybrid yarns with a stiffening effect are the basis of this Trevira CS warp-knit prototype fabric.
properties which are becoming increasingly important, especially in environments where we work, communicate or relax “Textiles are important sound absorbers, balancing materials like glass and concrete. Today there are very sophisticated products on the market to offer solutions for this issue in many different ways.” Vollenbroeker spoke about Additional fabric function which includes various degrees of fabric stiffening “Trevira CS Pemotex is a hybrid yarn, consisting of a flame retardant yarn and low-melt component (NSK), which have different melting points. The flame retardant yarn (with standard melting point) acts as a carrier, which has a much higher melting point than the low melt yarn. This combination of materials leads to the stiffening of the textile during the finishing process. Due to this stiffening characteristic, the hybrid yarn is suitable for end uses such as vertical and roller blinds, as well as for pleated fabrics like plissé and sliding panels.” JX Nippon Anci has introduced a new product consisting of decorative nonwovens, made up of filaments for application in: curtains, panels, wallpaper, packaging and technical applications this brand is called MILIFE® / TreviraCS. Other TreviraCS programs in place for Europe include end user program to (e.g. Hotels) to send back the TreviraCS fabrics at the end of their lifetime. This program may be expanded to the USA, Vollenbroeker said. Preconditions include: Trademark approval to prove the fabrics are Trevira CS; supply of “clean” fabrics which Trevira collects and recycles. In order to develop the project in a sustainable way, Trevira plans to cooperate with local converters in other regions. F&FI
Textile acoustic systems with Trevira CS © photo: Caimi
C/HNEWS I Stefan Lasek Joins Kravet Contract Sipco News Network
Textile acoustic systems with Trevira CS © photo: Procedes-i-d interior design GmbH
Stephan Lasek
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Trevira CS fabric development with spundyed filament yarns in weft.
Honeycomb-weave fabric development made from texturized Trevira CS hybrid yarns with stiffening effect.
EW YORK, New York — Kravet Contract Division of Kravet Inc., has named Stefan C. Lasek as national sales manager reporting to Robert Duban, Executive Vice President of contract sales. Lasek will be responsible for managing all stages of the sales cycle, working in conjunction with specifiers, purchasing agents, end users, independent sales representatives and all company personnel. Lasek’s most recent role prior to joining Kravet was vice president/national sales manager for Scalamandre. He previously served as senior director of regional sales for the Robert Allen Group and as territory manager for F. Schumacher & Co. Kravet Contract was created in 1997 to service the contract hospitality market. It offers a diverse range of woven products, sheers, and heat transfer prints to the hospitality, healthcare and A&D industries. Kravet Contract also offers a custom woven and custom print division dedicated to creating specialized fabric constructions and designs. F&FI
Although TreviraCS would like to do more business with Chinese mills for the China domestic hospitality business, it is hampered because of time delays
Yak Wang
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“It is not difficult to meet the TreviraCS standard, but it takes a long time to get delivery of the yarn and also a long time to receive approval for the fabric sample. This prevents Babei from offering TreviraCS to our customers. The hospitality business is a time sensitive business and fast delivery is a key; so most of the time, we move to non branded FR yarn for projects.” Babei is a major silk mill in China that can make any of its designs in polyester for contract applications according to Wang. Babei is also the Coach Bag fabric supplier and does quality control check for Coach at three different times during the manufacturing process, Wang points out.
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Repeated Showing in Shanghai Boosts European And Other Overseas Exhibitors ....Domestic China Business
Andy Chu, General Manager, Wujiang King Showtex Co.Ltd, Jiangsu Province, China at the show. For the first time Proposte made efforts to project itself as a brand and hosted 25 Italian exhibitors. ‘It is very important to offer a brand image for Italian collections and we recall last participation, which did not yield any result: This time it is more encouraging & our sales representative based in Hong Kong with five marketing staff covering China market and has been covering 200 retailers”, Datt.Marco De Benedett, owner Clerion SPA, Italy that produces and sells heavy drape fabrics. Showing for the first time Espirit, owned by Stokel & Grimmler, Germany has began with an exclusive partnership with local partner, “We are cautiously optimistic in this market with contemporary life style collections of sheers (and curtains) in China: We have begun with two show rooms in Shanghai and Beijing”, said Ricky Lu, owner of Beijing eurostart Co Ltd, Beijing. The
designs & trends are provided by the principals and we have appropriately priced to reach the Chinese consumers added Ricky Lu. The company is considering consumer promotions and two more years may be needed to establish the brand popular, he noted. The importance of future Chinese market potential was reflected by JAB Germany, which showed its collections in a area of 300 square meters space. “We have our own establishment with our management with two show rooms one in Shanghai, another in Bejing and offer high end collections : Business is very encouraging and we are very bullish on future growth”, said Frank Rethmann, Director, International Sales, Bielefeld, Germany. The reasons for being bullish are well supported by Chinese economy which is sound with continued growing prospectus. “China is continuing its march toward becoming the largest luxury market in the world, buoyed by extremely favorable attitudes towards brands, increasing levels of wealth in tier-two as well as tier-one cities, and a continued confidence in future economic prospects,” according to reports from KPMG International. Also China has a large number of young millionaires, customers from the Greater China region, which includes Hong Kong Macau and Taiwan will account for 44 percent of global luxury-goods sales by 2020.compared with 15 percent now observes, CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets forecasts.
“Chinese consumers are increasingly opting to buy Western designs especially new classics, contemporary styles expecting high quality that is associated with Western brands”, said Amy Chen, Director of Marketing & PR Department, of Shanghai Home Expo Company in China. Since 1998, Shanghai Home Expo is engaged in specialty retailing of home furnishings that offers branded stylish imported furniture, curtains, upholsteries, wall covering, beddings decor and accessories. The demand to meet high end needs of residential, hotel & contract is well backed and supported by it’s in- house designers who offer complete services. Company imports TIAMANTTI brand curtains from Italy, home decoration lines from Europe, USA & Turkey. “Through brands like TIAMANTTI we bring out the reliable, tempting, and worryfree, guaranteed collections to high-end consumers who are passionate to meet their aspirations”, added Amy Chen. For Chinese who exhibited, price increase, slowing export market was a worrying factor. “Input prices including labor costs are moving up-wards and though domestic market brings us volume business margins are same as before strains us”, said Andy Chu, General Manager, Wujiang King Showtex Co.Ltd, Jiangsu Province, China. The company produces Sofa fabrics and export markets are hard and currently exports its collections to Brazil. “We know only one way to promote our products and that is
This is Tony Attard, Group Chief Executive of Panaz, a contract fabrics mill in Lancashire, UK. This is Tony’s hot looking 1984 Aston Martin!
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Shanghai Expo interior
through Alibaba web and we are aware that we should promote our products in International media”, said Andy Chew. However the 10 year old company Zhejiang Huife Warp Knitting Co Ltd, the show yielded positively. Fengping Shen (the founder’s son) now runs $25 million company is engaged in manufacturing & marketing upholstery line and decorative fabrics. “We are growing at 20-30% each year but is very keen to enter US markets with proper design elements and promotion”, said Fengping Shen. The company sells about 60% in export market and balance in domestic market. The price range of its warp knitted collections is between 1.5 to $4.5 and wants to extend to higher quality in the coming days.” We are gearing up to systematically to find markets in America and are assembling all the finer elements to lunch our range very soon”, added Fengping. Interestingly, the overseas exporters to market in China can be positive of future prospectus provided they attempt to brand their collections & promote. In general in a study shows that 80% of those surveyed like to buy products that are easy to use and
Fengping Shen Zhejiang Huife Warp Knitting Co Ltd are of high quality, even if they are more expensive. Meanwhile Chinese housing prices are soaring and 1000 square feet bed room apartment in Beijing starts up-wards $410,000 more expensive compared to developed global market cities. Speculators as well as first time buyers are fuelling the demand though down payment to buy does not come cheap, which is 40%. In parallel a large, growing middle class, upwardly mobile & affluent Chinese consumers are increasingly aspiring for Western branded collections in home decorating too. F&FI
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Peter Layne, 68, Arc-Com Co-Founder Sipco News Network
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RANGEBURG, New York — Peter Layne, a co-founder with his brother of Arc-Com Fabrics, a converter of contract textiles and wall coverings, passed away on Sunday afternoon, October 6th. He was 68. Private services were held for his family and friends at Temple Sholom of West Essex, NJ. He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Beth and daughters Dari, Tracy, Jessica and Nicole; his mother Marjorie Levine and Jeffrey, his brother and business partner. Peter cofounded Arc-Com in 1972 In Orangeburg, NY. Peter was also past president of the Association of Contract Textiles. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Montclair Golf Club. Those who knew Peter as a business owner will always remember him for his generosity, sense of humor and his support and guidance for his employees who he reportedly treated like family members. His brother Jeffrey mentioned at the memorial service that he and Peter may have had disagreements over the years in running the business but they always agreed when a decision had to be made. “That was our way,” Jeffrey stated. In the final hours of Peter’s life, Jeff said the two brothers expressed love for each other. Donations would be appreciated to the New York Presbyterian Hospital and in the memo of the check, please list ‘Dr. Allyson Ocean Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Fund for Peter Layne.’ Mail to Kristen Kidder, Office of Development, NY-Presbyterian Hosp/Weill Cornell Medical center, 525 East 68th Street, Box 123, NY, NY 10065 USA. Note: Parts of this obituary were taken from an article in the Newark Star Ledger October 10. F&FI
(continued from page 8)
Walfab’s Second Generation Wallcovering is 30 percent of Walfab’s sales today. Here again, the company designs its entire product and contracts out the 1,000 yard minimums with other suppliers to make it. Walfab just completed the raffia wallcoverings and fabric installations for the Breakers and for The Terraces at Turnberry, two big Florida hotel projects. “We have the largest raffia offering in the country today,” Donoff beams. He expects to con-
tinue bringing out even more tropical lines and indoor/outdoor collections in the future. Walfab has five fulltime salesmen covering the Florida market alone. The company works out of 10,000 square feet of warehouse and showroom in North Miami. Walfab’s newest agent showroom has been provided by Interior Trading based in Tampa. Its newest and third showroom has just opened in Jacksonville, one of the fastest
Digitally printed tropical designs from Walfab
Introducing our new online presence.
Visit us today at
sunburytextiles.com.
Sunbury Textile Mills | 460 Broome Street | New York, NY 10013 | P: 001.212.925.4600
Peter Layne
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F FI P H O T O G A L L E R Y
Shanghai The Buyers and Sellers of Shanghai Intertextiles Once again, China is leading the world in terms of market size and potential business development for Europeans, Turkish, other Asian suppliers and even American exporters. This year’s event did not disappoint!
Jack Cobb, (right) President, American Decorative Fabrics USA and Rolando Henao, USA at Shanghai fair
Detlef Sindel of Stockel & Grimmler, Germany with his China Partner Ricky Lu of Euroart (Esprit franchisee)
Eddy Petrus, Marketing Manger, Untarto Sia, Ateja Tritunggal, PT Bandung, Indonesia with agent/customer Scorpio Agencies, New Zealand: Brett Fleetwood and wife Sandra.
Peter Ottevaere, Director, South-East Asia, Symphony Mills, Belgium with his customer Wisdom Sy, General Manager, Studio Eleven, Modern Fabrics, Makati, Philippines
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Timothy Tsai, Owner, Tymaxx Inc., (right) Taiwan and his Customer Benson (with cap) from China
Brothers Ajay (center) and Sanjay Arora (extreme right) both owners of DDecor Exports, India and Anuj Sharma, (extreme left) DDecor Exports with customers Jay Li and Judy Tang of Shanghai Home Expo Co.Ltd. Shanghai
Frank Rehmann (right), JAB, Director International sales with customers Susan LV & Jenny, La CanToch Home Decor, Shanghai
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Kern Projects Fourth Consecutive Exhibitor Increase at Heimtextil 2014 Sipco News Network
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EW YORK, New York — In spite of the fact that German market textile sales declined 4.1 percent in 2012, Heimtextil Frankfurt managed to increase its exhibitor base to 2,616 from 62 countries in 2013, the third year in a row, according to Heimtextil Frankfurt director Meike Kern. She delivered a presentation
to the press at the Ace Hotel along with her colleague Mark Hammonds, President of the Color Marketing Group and Trend Forum Member. German textile export rates were also slightly up according to figures presented Kern at the Messe Frankfurt’s annual press conference in New York. “2014 promises to be larger than last year,” Kern said. Overall, textile sales in the
European Union dropped by nearly four percent, Kern said. Exports to non EU countries grew by nearly three percent. The EU’s top five trading partners are the USA, Turkey, China, Russia and Switzerland, she said. In addition to presenting design trends, Kern identified ecommerce sales worldwide with Great Britain, USA and Germany in the top three online
sales performers. “Over the past three years, annual growth rates averaged 18 percent,” she said. Special events at Heimtextil Frankfurt in 2014 will include the Young Creations Award for Upcycling of Materials by Design students in Hall 4.2; European Digital textile Conference in Hall 4 on January 9/10. F&FI Mieke Kern
Defects Will Drive Fabric Design Says Heimtextil Forum Member Sipco News Network
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EW YORK, New York — Fabric design is entering an age when defects will be in vogue according to Mark Hammonds, President of the Color Marketing Group and Heimtextil Trend Forum member. “Things that go wrong in technology will result in designs that are not perfect and that is ok with the consumer today,” Hammond told Fabrics & Furnishings International during a Heimtextil press conference at the Ace Hotel here. While the design can be imperfect, Hammonds says that we want the finished item to be sewn perfectly and the overall quality is more important. This produces a more tailored item but with imperfections in the design. “As people, we are imperfect and we feel better being surrounded by fabrics which are also not perfect. Authenticity and provenance is important though,” he said. Defects in the pattern make things real and approachable.” He sees other trends like color with more craft. “We need to pull back on color intensity if we let the craft or fabric texture show through,” he feels. Colors can’t be too livid or too perfect.” Hammond feels the rest of the world likes to capture the American sense of ease in fashion and home furnishings. “However, Europe has an edge over thre US in color,” he adds. F&FI
Peter Hammond (Heimtextil)
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F FI P H O T O G A L L E R Y
MoOD
MoOD Proves Resilient in Face of European Slowdown Brussels — Say what you want but the single biggest European upholstery fabric showing in the world for the commercial market still lives and breathes in Brussels at MoOD each September and this year was no exception. A slow European market certainly affects traffic but those exhibitors which stood out made an effort to do more than plain vanilla. Well crafted product lines still attract attention from the buyers but admittedly, there are less of those to go around these days. It takes a lot just to survive in this crazy economic scene but there are rays of lighting beginning to shine through. —ERIC SCHNEIDER
Blue Drop Award Winners at MoOD: Gebruder Munzert-Best Innovation
Blue Drop Award Winners at MoOD: Bruvatex-Best Contract Upholstery Award
Feramin Celiktas, General Manager, Luks Kadife, a holding of Kucukcalik based in Kayseri, Turkey with Atakan Erden, Export Manager (end). Ismail Arslaan, (center) DeLeo Fabrics, USA
Fredrik Tarenius, sales, Nevotex in Nassjo, Sweden with partner Anders Bergqvist, Product and Market Manager (end) and supplier Marnix Ghesquiere, commercial manager, De Poortere Frères, Mouscron, Belgium.
Ruchan Turkun Tacettin, general manager of Vanelli Tekstil, Bursa, Turkey with Johannes Delius, Chief Executive of Operations, Bielefeld, Germany. Delius still weaves for its editeur customers but 80 percent of his business today is selling fabric to the hotel trade in Europe on a direct basis
Otto Christian, Sales Manager for Germany with principal Wim Van Der Aa, Textaafoam, Goirle, Holland
Blue Drop Award Winners at MoOD: Flocart-Best Wall Covering
Blue Drop Award Winners at MoOD: Universal textile Mills-Best Window Covering
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Scott Kravet, fabric buyer extraordinaire, Kravet Fabrics with Laurent Mainaud, owner of Bayart Vanoutryve, Neuville-en-Ferrain, France. Mainaud bought Vanoutryve in March.
Blue Drop Award Winners at MoOD: Albatros InternationalBest Upholstery
Kaya Cinoglu, principal of Marteks, a window fabrics mill in Bursa, Turkey with Dominic Morgan, Managing Director of Jim Dickens, Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK.
Duncan Ross, AVA
Terry Raghunath, Hewlett Packard Business Development Manager, Interior Decoration with Asaf Lavi, Decoration Segment manager, both based in Barcelona, Spain.
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Hall 5, Brussels Expo will be the home of MoOD 2014 in combination with Halls 8 and the Patio attached to Hall 8. Look at the view of the Atominium (1557 from Hall 5! See you there next year!
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MoOD
David Schmidt, Vice President, export, Valdese Weavers, Inc.,, Valdese, NC, USA surrounded by beautiful mother and daughter—on his left is Liser Verstin and on his right is Kerstin Venema, principal of Lazis, a 15 year old decorative textiles catalog retailer in Bad Kreuznach, Germany.
Emmanuel De Spiegler, Algemene II sales rep, Ledegem, Belgium with boss Luc Callens, right and Katsuya Iseki, Trading Manager for Levant Co. Inc. Tokyo, Japan
The Fargotex Purchasing Crew: Lomza, Poland upholstery wholesalerMonika Fedor, Monika Bielska, Dorota Olszanka,Valdas Takimavisius, Josef Kosiorek (end) with Yavuz Acar, Managing Director of Kadifeteks Mensucat, Istanbul upholstery mill.
Ali Aydin, principal of Aydin Tekstil, Istanbul, Turkey
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Cecilia Berber Thayer, designer for E.J. Victor, UASA with her daughter Valisa Berber Thayer, New York, formerly of Brussels.
Santi Cortes, export Sales Manager for Crevin of Barcelona, Spain with Rytis Ponomariovas, Director of UAB, Arkana, Baltic States agent covering Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Oscar Reig Plaza, export manager of Covington Fabrics & Design LLC, new York with supplier Ebru Pehlivan, Pehlivan Mensucat Ltd., Izmir, Turkey
Svetlana Savina and Svetlana Zakharova of Mirotex, a major wholesaler in Tumin, Russia, north of Moscow with Tom Bruno, Covington Fabrics export manager.
David Auger, nephew of Peter Auger (standing), principal of C&M Textile Stores, Montreal, Canada with Jean – Paul Depraetere, Managing Director, Escolys Textiles, Inooigem, Belgium
Ian Dykes, Managing Director, of Voyage Decoration Ltd., Glasgow, UK with Bristol, UK based agent Mark Hebron and Ali Cenk Tuzcu, sales manager for Carina, Istanbul, Turkey
Omran Momeni and uncle Amer Momeni , General Manager of Yalda, Kuwaiti wholesaler with Ajay Arora, owner of D’décor, Mumbai, India
David Canovan, director of Villa Nova, Nottingham, UK with Rafael Pascal, sales and marketing director of Antecuir, Barcelona, Spain
Textiles Vilber principal Francisco Vila of Valencia, Spain with his son Paco, export manager with Johannes and Indira Lehtimaki, Nakoma Oy, Helsinki, Finland
Bharat Desai, principal of NYO Decorative fabrics LLC, New York with Alice Guercia, purchasing agent for Kravet, Bethpage, NY; Rajj Aroraa, Vice Chairman and principal of Dicitex Furnishings Pvt., Mumbai and Cynthia Tella, chief designer for KravetCouture, Bethpage, NY.
Sonja Schenk, sales manager, Interior, West Europe Marketing & sales, Konrad Hornschuch with customer Thomas Muller, general Manager, Perle Textilverlag, Innsbruck, Austria and Bruno Lehmann, General Manager, Hornschuch Group
Bernd Kout, General manager, Gebruder Munzert, Nalia-Marlesreuth, Germany with Agaath Den Heijer, director of Holland Haag BV and Nathalie Hendriks, Product manager, also Holland Haag in Gouda, Holland.
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F FI C A L E N D A R NOVEMBER 10 – 11 BOUTIQUE DESIGN NEW YORK Boutique Design New York (BDNY), now in its fourth edition, presents 250 unique and innovative exhibitors of furniture, lighting, wall coverings, fabric, seating, accessories, artwork, carpet and flooring, materials, bath and spa for hospitality. BDNY attracts designers, architects, purchasing executives and developers, in addition to hotel owners and operators already attending the adjacent International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS). Held in New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, BDNY, also offers design education, special exhibitions and networking events, including the BDNY Kickoff Party featuring the Boutique Design Awards.
JAVITS CENTER 655 West 34th Street NY, NY boutiquedesignnewyork.com
_____________________________ 14 - 17 EVTEKS EVTEKS 2013 hosted more than 1000 selected exhibitors 35 percent of which were international brands and 118.413 visitors from 69 countries. After its remarkable success story of EVTEKS fair, Istanbul Trade Fairs, an affiliate of Cnr Holding is now launching a second edition which is called HOMETEX revealing the most covetable names in home fashion with a more enriched content on 14 - 17 November 2013. High-end exporter & importer brands in home textiles, decorative products, housewares and lightening will present their latest collections to the professional visitors
Advertiser Index For more information about one of our advertisers, see the page number listed:
Aqua Clean Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Babei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Classical Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Covington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 D’Decor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 21 DiNole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Dicitex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Express Air Freight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 GM Fabrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 & 35
in the elegant atmosphere of HOMETEX. CNR Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey Contact: Ms.Filiz KARAKUL / International Marketing Manager Tel: +90 212 465 74 74 Ext.:2122 filiz.karakul@cnr.net cnrhometex.com/anasayfa.aspx
DECEMBER
Lead2Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Marcovaldo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MoOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Raymakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Richloom Fabric Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Rockland Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 Sunbury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Trevira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Vilber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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Penn Plaza Pavillion 401 Seven Street New York, NY printsourcenewyork.com/
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8 – 11 Showtime
8 – 11 HEIMTEXTIL FRANKFURT
ITMA Showtime is one of the leading fabric industry trade events in America. The show serves as an ideal business platform for eminent corporate professionals to interact with each other and exchange the latest news, views and perspectives from the industry. The event is billed as the largest decorative items-related trade show in the Western Hemisphere and it lives up to this hype by drawing in more than 800 trade visitors with direct purchasing power. Participants are offered the chance to participate in the several informative seminars, forums and discussion sessions that are organized during the show and home furniture items, fabric products, handbags and decorative fashion accessories are some of the chief items of exhibit here. The show is extremely popular among visiting participants and an average of 110 business appointments are scheduled during the event every day. Exhibitors at the show are also listed in the official ITMA Member Directory.
Heimtextil Frankfurt is the most prestigious show for the textile industry as the professionals will get to exhibit new and trendy designs and creative work that will impress them and fulfill their needs to a great extant. The expo is the perfect place where new range of products is launched and the attendees will also get to know about the recent developments made in this sector. The exhibitors get to meet potential buyers and get into business contracts. The popularity of the show has brought in the participation of the leading companies from domestic as well as from the international market. The textiles or fabrics displayed in this show are designed to fit perfectly to the requirements of the home decoration sector as well as apparel segments. Attractive designs, perfect blend of colors and texture are sure to attract a huge number of buyers from all round the world.
300 South Main Street High Point North Carolina United States Of America showtime-market.com Phone: (336) 885-6842 email: info@itmashowtime.com
Keystone Mills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kravet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
catalogs. The Show covers such industries as men’s, children’s and women’s apparel, bed and bath, kitchen and tabletop, paper goods and stationery, wallcoverings, window fashions as well as other surface and textile design applications.
JANUARY 13 – 14 PRINTSOURCE Printsource New York, The Premier Market for Surface and Textile Design in the USA, holds three shows a year in New York City. As the hub for the world’s top creative talent, Printsource showcases hundreds of collections by international surface and textile design studios and agents. England, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and the U.S.A. are just some of the countries featured each season at the Show, which is the main resource for surface and textile design for America’s major manufacturers, retailers and
www.fabricsandfurnishings.com
Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1 Frankfurt Hessen Germany heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/
_____________________________ 21 – 23 TEXWORLD USA Texworld USA is the leading textile and fabric show that exhibits the best and reliable range of textile raw materials and apparel fabrics which are manufactured from the leading production houses. This show is a must attend one as it will bring together the leading companies who find this platform to the best meeting where they can publicize their range and widen the respective brand names. This show is known to be the perfect place where new products will be launched which in return will bring the instant feedback from the attendees present in this show. The attendees come across the branded products which are available at affordable range so that all the type of business enterprises can benefit from this show. The show will be running for three
consecutive days and will be taking place at Javits Convention Center, New York. 11th Avenue & 655 West 34th & 38th Street New York, New York United States Of America texworldusa.com 770-984-8016 ext. 401
_____________________________ 24 – 28 MAISON & OBJET MAISON&OBJET show will take place at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Jan 2014 The trade show will be targeting professionals from the field of Home fashion and design. The trade show will be attracting trade visitors from across the world. MAISON&OBJET show is not open to general public. It will serve as a unique opportunity for buyers and suppliers to establish foundations for new business contacts. The Targeted Visitors For Maison & Objet are: importers & exporters of Decoration, Home & Office Design, Furniture, Lightning, Fabrics - Clothing Textiles, Handicraft Products, Gifts & Souvenirs, Home Exhibitions, Kitchen & Bathroom accessories & General Public. Parc d expositions et Centre de Conventions, Roissy Charles de Gaulle Paris Ile-De-France, France maison-objet.com
MARCH 3– 5 China Shanghai International Textiles, Fabrics & Accessories Exhibition China Shanghai International Textiles, Fabrics & Accessories Exhibition (CTFE) shows the way to strengthen garment and textile industrial associations and clusters to compete in global market, and Free Trade Agreement. CTFE is the best choice for both domestic and international trade. As for the six years developing, CTFE has become the legend of the world textile industry. Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area Shanghai, China shssny.com/en/
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Winter 2013/2014 n
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