Fabrics & Furnishings International - Winter 2008/2009 Issue by Fabrics & Furnishings International

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BUY SHANGHAI

NEW LUXURY

KRAVET BUYS SEACLOTH

Exhibitors at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles 2008 reflect on the show and its various visitors.

Italian fabric company Prosetex launches higher-end lines of velvet and jacquards in Brussels.

Kravet’s Lee Jofa brand buys Connecticut-based fabric company, SeaCloth, and launches new collections.

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Vol. 19, No. 1

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

Winter 2008/2009

Top Wholesalers Compete in Difficult Global Markets by Kelley Granger

The Nifty World 50

NTERNATIONAL REPORT — The dwindling markets and rising costs of development and transportation have taken a toll on the global wholesale community over the last couple of years, and are forcing companies to forge new paths to stay successful in the business. When Fabrics & Furnishings International last published its sales-based “Top 50 Wholesalers” ranking in 2006, the global economy was in a much different state. This year, F&FI surveyed some of the leading wholesalers to find out what they’re doing to maintain and grow their businesses during these difficult times and

acquisitions, expanding presence in underutilized markets and diversifying product offerings. “As I’m sure[it is with] most companies, we are doing fine but being cautious, and hoping the economy will bounce back quickly,” said Lisa Rivera, the marketing and advertising brand manager of Duralee. Although some wholesalers are facing a flat period and observing little growth, other

companies, like Switzerland’s Christian Fischbacher and Italy’s Rubelli, reported increases in sales numbers in spite of the weakening global economy. “In the global markets there are territories and activities that are still growing,” said Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli, CEO of Rubelli. “We have analyzed where such spaces can be found, compatible to our skills and knowhow, thus Rubelli is still able to grow.” (Continued on page 10)

Unifi Sells Yadkinville Plant many companies had positive reports. Many companies were unable or unwilling to provide sensitive information but

other companies commented that they are restructuring operations, making

Kasmir Serves Up Fabrics Family Style Major U.S. Jobber Continues Growth Despite Competition by Eric Schneider

D Dale Jones, Stacy Coulter, Mark Knight and Linda Kasmir

ALLAS, Texas — Kasmir Fabrics expects to boost 2009 sales via indoor/outdoor fabrics sourced from five suppliers, new wood and metal hardware lines and an ever-expanding trim assortment, according to COO Dale Jones. Everything is stocked for national distribution in the 200,000-square-foot Dallas warehouse which has contributed greatly to making Kasmir a major national American fabric (Continued on page 12)

Sale Marks Last of Consolidation Efforts

facturing resources. The negotiations took six months and were in the process of closing at the time of interview in October. Due to ongoing contractual agreements, Berrier was not by Hannah Joseph at liberty to disclose the buyer’s ADKINVILLE, North Car- name. He did, however, indicate that olina — Unifi, Inc., a polyester yarn producer, will sell one the sale of this plant will not greatly affect Unifi’s producof its texturizing plants tion capacity because its in North Carolina for employees and texturiz$7 million in the first ing machines will be fiscal half of 2009. moved to another plant Company officials in the Yadkinville site. reported to the SecurWhile neither of its two ities and Exchange texturizing plants previCommission that some Roger Berrier ously functioned at 100 of its subsidiaries will expect to gain about $5 million percent capacity, the consolidation from the sale. According to Roger of the plants will guarantee effiBerrier, executive vice president cient use of Unifi’s resources. “The of Unifi, the sale marks the latest objective of this was consolidating (Continued on page 14) in efforts to consolidate its manu-

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F& FI L E T T E R S

The Closing of American Fibers & Yarns Impacts Entire Industry

A philosophy of excellent quality at a reasonable value with strong attention to customer service has driven Duralee® to become the fastest growing decorative fabrics company in the industry. An established company with a fresh, young perspective on design, Duralee® has continuously expanded their extensive offerings of fabric, furniture, and trim to include designs from traditional to modern in order to provide the Interior Design industry with the proper tools to continue its rapid growth. Distinctive. Diverse. Dramatic. Definitely Duralee®.

The Global Home & Contract Furnishings Newspaper Published by Sipco Publications Inc.

Remaining Yarn Suppliers and Dyers Face Hungry Demands “There is simply no replacement source in North America who can supply all the products and all the colors that AF&Y was supplying.” The loss of American Fibers & Yarns is a big one for the U.S. textile industry. It is one of five firms which have disappeared in the textiles business just recently. These are Wellman, Grover, Burke and Spectrum. The loss of AF&Y, the main olefin supplier in the U.S., means the loss of several programs by weavers because there is simply no replacement source in North America who can supply all the products and all the colors that AF&Y was supplying. In addition, the loss of the three dyers, Grover, Burke and Spectrum, means that a large amount of color matching needs to be done to move the colors from the closed dyers to the remaining open ones. The number of matches per week that can be expected varies from five to seven for the smaller dyers to 15 to 20 for the larger dyers. Hundreds of colors need to be switched, which means it will take months to accomplish the transfers. Also, although the dyeing industry has sufficient overall capacity there was a shortage of small dye kettles (200/300/400 lb. lots) and the loss of these small kettles from the three previously mentioned dyers will increase the delivery times on the small kettles at the remaining dyers. Those users that have to switch polyester fiber from Wellman to other sources will also face color re-matching requirements. The suddenness of these closures has also exasperated the problem.

CHAIRMAN, PUBLISHER Eric Schneider Sipco Publications Inc. 145 Main St., Ossining, New York 10562 USA

Best Regards, Duncan Whitehead Consultant

Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x12 Fax: 001.914.923.2247 E-Mail: eric@sipco.net

Tessitura Agent Annable Runs NYC Marathon This year I’ll run the New York marathon with my daughter Elizabeth. It is the first time for her, but the fifth time for me. I ran the New York Marathon for the first time in the year 2001. It is with great emotion that I remember New York in the month of November 2001. Many of my friends decided to drop out after Denys Annable the terrorist attack of 9/11 to the Twin Towers, but my best friend and I decided to run. I must say that we did receive a very warm welcome from all the people in New York. This year I'll run for charity and I do hope to raise funds from my clients for the Italian Institute for Cancer Research. As you know we are the U.S. agents for Tessitura FILIPPO MAMBRETTI Casletto di Rogeno, near Como, Italy. We also represent other mills for the U.S. market. Kind regards, Denys Annable Tessitura Mambretti, located in the Como textile region, operates on an area of 30,000 square miles and employs about 150 people. Eighty percent of its sales are directed to export and the company sees an annual turnover of more than 25 billion lira. The New York Marathon took place on Nov. 2. THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES SELL SUBSCRIPTIONS TO FABRICS & FURNISHINGS INTERNATIONAL: INDIA

JAPAN

Space & Time Centre 3rd Floor, Segar 650 Shopping Centre 76, J.P. Road, Andheri (W), Bombay 400 058 Fax: 91.22.624.2706

Attrait Fashion Inc. Osaka Higashi P.O. Box Zeniya Dai-ichi Bldg. 1-6-19, Azuchi-machi Chuo-ku Osaka 541 Japan Fax: 81.06.264.1316

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions to Fabrics & Furnishings International are US$130 prepaid for four issues. Subscriptions in India are $200. Mail or fax orders (Visa or MasterCard accepted) to Circulation Dept., Sipco Publications, Inc, P.O. Box 107 145 Main St., 3rd Fl., Ossining, NY 10562 USA Fax 001.914.923.0018 Fabrics & Furnishings International is shipped via air mail to 74 countries. ©COPYRIGHT 2009 by Sipco Publications Inc. All U.S. and International Rights Reserved.

PRESIDENT Michael Schneider Sipco Publications Inc. 145 Main St., Ossining, New York 10562 USA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Goldberg Sipco Publications Inc. 145 Main St., Ossining, New York 10562 USA

Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x 14 Fax: 001.914.923.0018 E-Mail: michael@sipco.net

SENIOR EDITOR Kelly Hushin Sipco Publications Inc. 145 Main St., Ossining, New York 10562 USA

Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x 11 Fax: 001.914.923.0018 E-Mail: rebecca@sipco.net

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kelley Granger Sipco Publications Inc. 145 Main St., Ossining, New York 10562 USA

Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x 17 Fax: 001.914.923.0018 E-Mail: kelly@sipco.net

Tel: 001.914.923.0616 x 18 Fax: 001.914.923.0018 E-Mail: kgranger@sipco.net

ADVERTISING SALES UK, BENELUX EFTA Peter Gilmore Peter Gilmore Associates 57 Keyes House Dolphin Square London SW1V 3NA U.K. Tel: 44.(0)20.7834.5559 Fax: 44.(0)20.7834.0600 E-Mail: pgilmore@sipco.net

INDIA Rehka V. Contact: Mileage 141 Third Crasa Centro Mico Layout Bangalore 560076 India Tel: 91.80.26685821 Fax: 91.80.26684670 E-mail: mileage@sipco.net

TURKEY Sevim Keskinci Bati Mah. Hatboyu Cad. Bahar Apt. No. 8/21 Pendik-Istanbul Turkey Tel: 90.532.236.25.24 Fax: 90.216.390.20.27 E-Mail: skeskinci@sipco.net

ITALY, GERMANY, SPAIN Isa Hofmann Niederwaldstrasse 4 D-65187 Wiesbaden Germany

Email: info@ihofmann.com Tel: +49 611.890.59640 Fax: +49 611.87086

HONG KONG Vincent Kwan Vince International Limited Rm 801, Laford Centre, 838 Lai Chi Kok Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel : +852 2780 2968 Fax : +852 2780 2974 Email : vil@netvigator.com

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In the wake of the success of the first Silk Road collection, Duralee® is pleased to introduce SILK ROAD II. SILK ROAD II expands on the wildly popular original collection with new designs featuring novelty techniques and bold graphics for a young, fresh look, while also celebrating silk’s Far Eastern roots with a number of designs highlighting a traditional Asian feel. A versatile collection, SILK ROAD II combines modern, transitional and traditional patterns to create a clean, eclectic collection. Luxury doesn’t end at the threshold. With that in mind, Highland Court® is proud to introduce COURTYARD, our first luxury indoor/outdoor fabric collection. The COURTYARD FAUX RAFFIA collection features 40 selections that have been specially engineered to endure the outdoors with the luxury and sophistication expected from a Highland Court® design. Rich neutrals such as Teak, Ebony, Charcoal, Jute and Beige mingle with Pool, Leaf, Papaya and Melon to create a collection that is perfect for wood, metal or resin outdoor frames, yet are also fitting for headboards, ottomans and lounge chairs. Wonderfully distinctive textures with simple care and cleaning, the fabrics of the COURTYARD FAUX RAFFIA collection were designed to enhance any space, outside or in. Suburban Home® is pleased to introduce the SOMERSET COLLECTION. Evoking the fine details of an English manor house, SOMERSET is reminiscent of a time of luxury. Classic paisleys are coordinated with chair scale tile designs. Dramatic, over- scaled chenille scroll patterns are mixed with velvet-like stripes and plains. Colors range from traditional red/greens to trendy blue/browns and fresh aqua tones. This two-book color set, Wedgewood/Brownstone/Stone and Cinnamon/Sage/Sea Glass, is a sophisticated collection of patterns and colors at an incredible price. Duralee Fine Furniture® has added 12 new pieces to the current 1000 sku collection of fully upholstered sofas, lounge chairs, beds, benches, ottomans, exposed wood chairs and tables. Duralee® manufactures its own furniture line in a 180,000 square foot facility in Morganton, NC, and to date is the only fabric jobber to do so. The collection has custom upholstery options, 28 hand finish options and remains one of the largest bench made collections available to the trade. With our newest pieces on display in our many showrooms nationwide, Duralee Fine Furniture® is versatile and accessible. Please visit www.Duralee.com www.HighlandCourtFabrics.com www.SuburbanHomeFabrics.com www.DuraleeFineFurniture.com for more information.

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

Duralee FP AD aut ffi

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HIGHLAND COURT luxury fabrics & trimmings

Exclusively available through Duralee to architects and interior designers. (800)387-2533 www.highlandcourtfabrics.com

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Table of Contents

F&FI Winter 2008/2009 Vol. 19, No. 1

Suppliers Report on Business from Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Prosetex Launches High End Lines during Decosit 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Kravet Brand Lee Jofa Launches New Collection and Acquires SeaCloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Dicitex Furnishings Predicts $100 Million Sales by the End of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Textile Days India Sees Fewer Exhibitors but Plenty of Buyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Contract/HospitalityNews Decosit Marks 30th Anniversary with Re-branding to ‘MoOD’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Aldo Altieri is Named Director of Hospitality Sales and Operations for Stroheim . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Unika Vaev Partners with INSTYLE to Create Eco-Conscious Merino Wool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 P/Kaufmann Launches Green Line of Fabrics in Partnership with the Nature Conservancy . . . .20

Koni Corporation Partners with Lenzing Fibers for Eco-friendly Textiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Naturtex Introduces Outdoor Product Lines and Looks for U.S. Distributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Rockland Installs New Customized Heat Transfer Machines to Print Blackout Draperies . . . . . . .24 De Poortere Fabrics Reports Profits under One-Year-Old Partnership with Royaux . . . . . . . . . . .28 Rekor Opens U.K. Warehouse to Service European Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Saehan Industries Changes Name to Woongjin Chemical Co. Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Chinese Home Textiles Suppliers Refocus Business due to an Economic Slowdown Exhibitors at Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles Shift their Market Focus

percent and the Middle East has moment, domestic sales are through remained relatively stable during 2008. wholesalers but Ya Shi Ju hopes to According to Yang Lin-shan, general develop its own brand and retail shops. Simon Ge, general manager of manager of Zhong Wang, sales to the U.S. market tumbled by 40 percent Hightex, said business was very good in this year. The company was heavily 2007 but the profit margin was slim invested in the U.S. market and to cope due to the increase of raw material cost by Vicky Sung and the strengthening of the with the situation Zhong Chinese currency. “[The] HANGHAI, China — Manufac- Wang is developing the market situation is poor right turers in Asia are adopting new South African, Russian, now; the next half [of the] strategies to cope with the changing Middle Eastern, EU and year will not be good either,” times which was evident at local Chinese markets. he said. Exporting some 70 “As a contract supplier to Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles percent of fabrics — 40 per2008 in Shanghai, which took place the hotel business, we have cent to the U.S., 10 to 15 not seen a serious downturn Aug. 26 to 28. percent to the EU and the The show, which took up 100,000 as with the residential busisquare meters and had more than 900 ness,” said Joel Crisp,vice Yang Lin-shan of rest to Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea and the Middle East exhibitors, was the largest in its 14- president of V.I.P. (the inter- Zhong Wang — the remaining 30 percent year history. International brands from national sourcing division of the U.S., EU and Japan are making Valdese Weavers), one of Zhong goes to the domestic furniture makers. moves to penetrate the market while Wang’s U.S. clients. Artem Borunkov One of its customers, Fadi Abi Khalil, of Artem International, said business is picking up for his their home countries are Valdese’s agent in China and region. experiencing or anticipating Yak Wang, president of Babei, said buyer for the Russian marslowdowns. Esprit Home, ket, commented that the that his domestic sales are increasing Uchino Bath Design and Chinese products are very while the U.S. market is decreasing as Esteem of Blue Ridge were competitive and the quality the U.S. customers are not willing to present at the exhibition for pay the price for Babei’s quality prodis very good. the first time to promote “Competition is fierce,” ucts. Currently, the contract market retail concepts in China. said Jin Tian-ku of Ya Shi Ju, only makes up 20 percent of Babei’s Uchino has shops in Beijing, a Hangzhou-based producer total sales and Wang is looking to Shanghai and Hangzhou and Doris Deng of of silk, rayon, polyester, vis- increase that. is looking to open shops in Kentex Jay Carlson from Richloom Shanghai cose, linen, acetate and more than 50 cities in China. “There is an over-supply in the U.S. metallic upholstery fabrics. Exporting Trading Ltd., a subsidiary of New Yorkand the market is shrinking,” said Leah more than 50 percent of production, based Richloom Fabrics Group, said Shen of Chinasia. While sales to the the company has now started to put that the U.S. domestic economic downU.S. are decreasing, Chinasia has man- more efforts into selling to the EU, bal- turn and the strong Chinese Yuan is defaged to increase sales to the EU by 30 ancing the decrease to U.S. At the (Continued on page 11)

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23 28 Departments Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Photo Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26,

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

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F& FI N E W S

(Continued from Front Cover)

Top Wholesalers Compete in Difficult Global Markets Although Rubelli could not provide an exact figure, the company estimated a $50 million-plus fabric sales volume for 2008, up at least $5 million from previous numbers. Christian Fischbacher anticipated a fabric sales volT h e N i f t y W o r l d 5 0 ume of $80 million for 2008, an increase of $30 million since F&Fl’s last report two years ago. Still more, like New York’s Brunschwig & Fils, are meeting today’s challenges by adjusting business procedures. “We are in the process of reengineering our supply chain management and working with suppliers to meet and exceed challenges so as to be in line with sales cycles throughout the year,” said Olivier Peardon, Brunschwig & Fils’ CEO. The company is also looking to make acquisitions, a trend among wholesalers that is exemplified through the news of the last year, including Zimmer + Rohde’s Cetec acquisition and Kravet’s purchase of decorative fabric company SeaCloth. Now is the time for wholesalers BRUNSCHWIG & FILS INC. Sales: $50+ million Owner/CEO: T. Olivier Peardon Web: www.brunschwig.com Products: Fabrics: 70 percent Wallpapers: 15 percent Furniture: 15 percent Fabric Sales: Residential: 80 percent Contract: 20 percent Contract sales have increased over the last five years. Brands: Christpher Norman, Decortex, Gaston y Daniela, Houles, Jagtar, Kirk Brummel, Verel de Bevel and in some markets, Stark Fabrics Markets: Worldwide Exported Product: About 14 percent What are you doing to maintain your business in these times of economic difficulty? We are adding more revenue by adding more lines and we are cutting costs to increase profitability. What type of acquisitions are you interested in? Between $5 and $15 million in turnover, whether it be fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, trimmings, domestic or European firms How would you say you’ve been innovative in response to the global economy? Looking at the entire industry as really a hybrid retail and wholesale, not just wholesale and looking at showrooms like retail, and making sure each one contributes positive growth contribution and merchandising showrooms like retail stores. CHRISTIAN FISCHBACHER Sales: $80 million Owner/CEO: Christian and Michael Fischbacher Web: www.fischbacher.ch Products: Interior fabrics: 73 percent Bed linens: 21 percent Grey goods: 6 percent Fabric Sales: Residential: 80 percent Contract: 20 percent Markets: Worldwide. Main markets in EU and Japan

Exported Product: 90 percent Green Product: Bed linens are Oekotex rated. Personnel Changes in 2008: Generational change of CEO from Christian to Michael Fischbacher and change of product manager to Camilla Fischbacher DURALEE FABRICS Sales: $100+ million Owner/CEO: Leonard Silberman Web: www.duralee.com Products: Upholstery: 50 percent Multi-Purpose: 25 percent Print: 10 percent Drapery: 10 percent Trim: 5 percent Fabric Sales: Residential: 85 percent Contract: 15 percent The residential to contract ratio has remained about the same during the last five years. Leonard Brands: Silberman Duralee Fabrics, Highland Court Fabrics, Duralee Contract Fabrics and Suburban Home Fabrics Recent Acquisitions: Suburban Home Fabrics — Suburban Home represented our own converted product. Markets: U.S. and internationally Exported Product: 10 percent Green Product: Eco-Fabrics from Duralee Contact are MBDC Gold-rated. Initiatives for 2009: Plans to introduce a residential licensed “eco-friendly” fabric collection in 2009 JOANNE FABRICS INC./ JF FABRICS U.S. Sales: $31 to $50 million Owner/CEO: Bernie Hovesen Web: www.joannefabrics.com Fabric Sales: Residential: 65 percent Contract: 35 percent Contract fabric sales increased from 5 percent five years ago to 35 percent today.

to gain assets and move to new markets, as illustrated by JAB’s plans to add showrooms in the U.A.E., Duralee’s increased presence in Chinese showrooms and Skaff’s showroom expansion in Saudi Arabia, both in late 2007. Wholesalers are expanding into new markets as well as increasing interest in contract sales, courting higher-end audiences, and innovating through sustainability. “Although the economy is in an unfavorable condition it is critical for us to stay current and keep our image strong by making [green products] available,” said Jim Rust, CEO of RM COCO. While many markets are suffering economically, challenging times also present prospects for the opportunistic. F&FI has compiled the survey responses from a number of companies to give readers a sense of current standings and plans for the future. This information should be interpreted while considering the larger context of the wholesale realm, and those who did not or could not provide information. Sales numbers were provided in U.S. dollars as the projected annual fabric sales volume for 2008. Brands: Joanne Fabrics and JF Fabrics U.S. Markets: Canada, U.S., China, South Africa, Australia and Dubai Exported Product: Bernie Hovesen 50 percent Green product: Five percent of patterns are certified by Oeko-Tex, and another 5 percent are recycled polyester. PIERRE FREY Sales: $50+ million Owner/CEO: Patrick Frey Products: Web: www.pierrefrey.com Fabric: 80 percent Furniture: 10 percent Accessories: 5 percent Carpet: 5 percent Fabric Sales: Residential: 70 percent Contract: 30 percent Brands: Pierre Frey, Boussac, Braquenie, Fadini Borghi Markets: France, U.S., U.K., Italy, Germany, Spain, Middle East, Far East, Africa, etc. Exported Product: 70 percent from France Green Product: 3 percent are certified by a third party

Pierre Frey’s fabrics

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Initiatives for 2009: Entering furniture and carpet market in the U.S. PRESTIGIOUS TEXTILES Sales: $55 million Owner/CEO: Trevor Helliwell Web: www.prestigious.co.uk Products: Curtain and upholstery fabric and wood blinds Fabric Sales: Residential: 100 percent Markets: 104 Countries Exported Product: 48 percent Initiatives for 2009: New wallpapers, a new brand, more plain fabrics and more diverse collections RM COCO Sales: $32 million Owner/CEO: Jim Rust, president Web: www.rmcoco.com Products: Fabric, trim, hardware, and custom finished products (draperies, bedspreads, etc.) Fabric Sales: Residential: 80 percent Contract: 20 percent Contract sales have grown over the last five years. Brands: COCO Allure, COCO Jim Rust Classics, COCO Colors, Exclusive Trim, Paris Texas Hardware and the Finial Company Markets: Worldwide Exported Product: 10 percent Green Product: Current offerings include natural fibers and recycled polyester Initiatives for 2009: Initiatives include continuing to retain and hire the most knowledgeable sales team and customer service department, continuing to source domestic and international products and the addition of a green line. What are you doing to maintain your business in these times of economic difficulty? We are expanding our fabric collections

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

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F& FI N E W S and intensifying our efforts to better cater to the high-end design trade. We have also been exploring underdeveloped territories as well as new export opportunities. We are upgrading our sales staff to better meet the level of professionalism required for the higher-end customer. How do you plan to grow and expand? We have expanded our product offering and our sales force. We are in the process of a major website upgrade and we continue to raise our requirements for the best customer service staff in the industry. How do you feel the addition of a green line next year will help you? Next year the green line will help to diversify the line of products that we already carry as well as expand on the choices our customers will have. Although the economy is in an unfavorable condition it is critical for us to stay current and keep our image strong by making this type of product available. This line will make sustainable design possible for our customers, which is the key to the start of a new kind of investment in our homes. Green design is becoming a way of life, not just a trend, and RM COCO will be at the forefront of this transition. How would you say you’ve been innovative in response to the global economy? The tough economic climate forces us to be our best. We are required to look at business decisions with a keener eye and be more precise as to how we go into the marketplace. All aspects of business have to be re-analyzed to be sure we are operating as efficiently as possible while maximizing our return. THE ROBERT ALLEN GROUP Sales: Not disclosed Owner/CEO: Jeffrey A. Cordover, president Web: www.robertallendesign.com Products: Decorative fabrics, trim, furnishings and accessories Fabric Sales: Contract sales have increased as a result of the hospitality industry’s increased emphasis on marketing the interior design aesthetics of their properties. Brands: Beacon Hill, Robert Allen, Robert Allen Contract, Robert Allen @ Home Recent Acquisitions: We launched Larry Laslo Designs for Robert Allen two years ago with fabric collections reflecting the classic modern styling and sophistication of this renowned interior designer. We have introduced more than 500 upholstery and window fabric designs in collaboration with Mr. Laslo and will debuted our first trim collection for this line in November 2008. Exported Product: 50 countries worldwide Green Product: Robert Allen Contract introduced Eco-Poly, its first collection of recycled polyester, a year ago and followed it up this past summer with the launch of Eco-Poly II. Jeff Cordover Produced with no

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

chemical finishes, these recycled fabrics don’t emit any known airborne toxins. Robert Allen also offers a number of other residential and contract eco-friendly collections. These include Evolution, an ecoconscious contract collection with the anti-microbial, stain, odor and abrasion resistant properties of Crypton. Initiatives for 2009: Among many new collections planned for 2009, the introduction of more eco-friendly designs for interior designers is planned. RUBELLI S.P.A. Sales: $50+ million Owner/CEO: Nicolo and Alessandro Favaretto Rubelli Web: www.rubelli.com Products: Fabrics: 96 percent Furniture and accessories: 4 percent

A Nifty Fifty Continued… In 2006, many of the following companies were ranked in our “Top 50 Wholesalers” feature. Although they did not return a completed survey, they are still among the top names in the world of wholesalers. Here are their names in alphabetical order: Al-Jedaie, Saudi Arabia Al Sorayai, Saudi Arabia Ametist, Russia Arben, Russia B. Berger, U.S. Barrow Fabrics, U.S. Bernard Reyn, Netherlands Carole Fabrics, U.S. Charles Parsons, New Zealand Clarence House, U.S. Colefax & Fowler, U.K. Crowson, U.K. F. Shumacher, U.S. Fabricade, U.S. Fabricut, U.S. Fujie, Japan JAB-Anstoetz, Germany Jacka Wortley, Australia Johannes Wellman, Germany Kasmir, U.S.

Fabrics from JAB

Fabricut Lustra fabric

Kobe, Netherlands Kravet, U.S. Leathertouch, Russia Lelievre, France Metridis, Greece Mohamed O. Al-Guthmi, Saudi Arabia Nobilis Fontan, France Peachtree, U.S. Pepe Penalver, Spain Persan, Turkey

Pindler & Pindler, U.S. Romo, U.K. Saum & Viebahn, Germany Skaff, Lebanon Stout Brothers, U.S. United, U.S. Vriesco, Netherlands Walker Greenbank, U.K. Wardeh, Lebanon Warwick, Australia

Remaining faithful to our mission and to our roots, that is keeping excellence in what we do. At a time when many certainties are collapsing, good quality — guaranteed by our centuries of history — is a safe harbor.

Alessandro Favaretto Rubelli Fabric Sales: Residential: 68 percent Contract: 32 percent Residential sales have slowly decreased over the past few years, from 72 percent in 2003 to 68 percent in 2007, while contract has been steadily increasing, from 28 percent in 2003 to 32 percent in 2007. Brands: Rubelli, Bises, Dominique Kieffer, Lisio and Donghia Recent Acquisitions: Donghia in 2005 Markets: Worldwide Exported product: 73 percent Green Products: Dominique Kieffer’s organic collection, certified by Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA) and the Texas Department of Agriculture Initiatives for 2009: New collections for all product lines, improvement and new weaving machines in the mill and investments in sales and marketing departments What are you doing to maintain your business in these times of economic difficulty? In spite of the economic difficulties, there are many private fortunes flourishing worldwide. Those people require exclusive luxury, which is what Rubelli has been supplying along its history. Highlighting and taking advantage of our rich heritage keeps us out of the deep crises. How would you say you’ve been innovative in response to the global economy?

ZIMMER + ROHDE, LTD Sales: Not disclosed Owner/CEO: Andreas Zimmer Web: www.zimmer-rohde.com

Products: Decorative fabrics Brands: Ardecora, Etamine, Hodsell McKenzie, Travers, Warner Fabrics and ZimmerRohde Recent Acquisitions: The Travers brand was acquired in 2007. Green Product: Many products are made of 100 percent sustainable fibers, including cotton, linen, silk and wool. F&FI

Prosetex Launches Higher End lines Deluxe Edition collection is classically Luigi Consolidates designed, features designer colors and natOwnership ural fibers. Prices for Deluxe Edition start by Eric Schneider

RUSSELS, Belgium — Prosetex has introduced a high-end piece dyed velvet collection in cotton with viscose warps, available in custom colors, as well as a highend jacquard texture collection under the Deluxe Edition brand. “This new collection is an exciting addition to the standard Prosetex line,” said Elena Proserpio, commercial director of the family-owned Italian mill. “The

at 11 euro per meter.” The new collection was first shown at Proposte this past spring and a more complete line was shown at Decosit. Prosetex, founded in 1964, now has new ownership with Luigi Proserpio as its sole principal. As of June 1, 2008, Luigi purchased the company from his brothers, including Elio who has retired. Luigi now manages Prosetex with his three daughters, Elena, commercial director; Silvie, director of sourcing yarn and finishing; and Elisa, head of styling. F&FI

Chinese Suppliers (cont’d from p. 8) initely hurting exports in China — it has forced them to look elsewhere. The company’s bedding customers are looking at Pakistan and India and the furnishing customers are looking at Vietnam and Mexico, though China will remain its main source. As a new strategy, Carlson said the company is looking to fill a mid-range niche in the Chinese residential market which is typically very expensive or very cheap. Richloom is selling to the middle range market in styles and tastes of the U.S., which offer an attractive alternative to local consumers. The company also wants to go into the contract market in China as it has had great success in this sector in the U.S.

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Maurice Chien of the Shanghai-based company, Eurasitex Textile, said that the U.S. market is “not so good” and that they are developing other markets, such as the Middle East. Doris Deng of Kentex Mills in Hangzhou said that the U.S. takes up 90 percent of its export market and that Kentex is greatly affected by the slowdown in the U.S. economy. Therefore, the company is trying to shift a higher percentage of its energy to the Chinese market. Kentex has 38 retail shops for curtains and sofas in the nearby provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai. “This show had fewer foreign visitors this year but the China market looks good,” said Deng. F&FI

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F& FI N E W S Continued from Front Cover

Family-Style Service Leads Kasmir wholesaler with sales in excess of $50 million. The company has expanded sales on a steady basis year after year according to Jones, who said that 2009 will represent a challenging environment in which to achieve those goals. About half of all Kasmir lines sold are purchased offshore, including higher-end Chinese goods from soup to nuts including wonton and lychee (said Linda Kasmir); better quality Indian silks and embroideries; and still higher level Turkish goods. Kasmir makes

its purchases through 100 importers, converters and mills. Prices of $15 to $45 cover the bulk of products sold by Kasmir. Many of these lines are produced from copyrighted artwork purchased by the company and designed inhouse in collaboration with the suppliers. In fact, Kasmir prefers to work with third parties like mills and converters as often as possible so as not to blur the lines between wholesaler and supplier in the purchasing process. Kasmir maintains long-term

relationships with its many vendors and continues to thrive under the leadership of a management team headed by Linda Kasmir just one year after the untimely passing of the former president, her husband Sam. Nothing is farmed out to outside vendors so that Kasmir can control the quality, service and delivery 100 percent, turning out better end fabrications including custom bedding, draperies, headboards and other finished products. The workroom has

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state-of-the-art equipment including a German-made table for drapery production. While most of the fabrication is residentially oriented, Kasmir does a small portion of its business in contract for better hotels where price sensitivity is second to quality, Linda said. Linda also said she had textiles in her blood even before teaming up with her late husband 30 plus years ago. “My grandparents were tailors when they immigrated to America and later founded an apparel firm in the States,” she said. As a result, Linda has a tremendous passion for the fabric industry and this drives her in her role

as company cheerleader and president. Her two sons (23 and 21 years old and now in college), are both earmarked for further education and work experience outside of the family company. “They will join us after working for someone else first,” Linda said. “We’re extremely picky about which suppliers we work with,” she said. Some of Kasmir’s suppliers have worked with Kasmir for 30 years and 20 percent of the suppliers do 80 percent of their business at Kasmir, Linda pointed out. While Kasmir still remains in family hands after 46 years in business including Celia Kasmir, the wife of the founder, Frank Kasmir, a strong management backs every move the company makes. The team includes Jones and Stacy Coulter, vice president of sales. Mark Knight recently joined Kasmir as a director of design from another Texas-based wholesaler where he held a similar position. Like so many employees at Kasmir, some with 30 or more years experience at Kasmir, Jones and Coulter have logged 21 years and 17 years respectively with the company. The company operates more like a traditional family than a strict corporation. Management makes moves only after consulting many corporate members including 30 full-time sales representatives in the company payroll as well as various welldefined departments like the in-house workroom, purchasing (under Donna Flowers) and credit departments. Recently the company supplied new fuel efficient automobiles to the sales force in order to reduce Kasmir’s carbon footprint while cutting expenses. All ‘family’ members are ensconced in the office warehouse in Dallas with satellite offices in Miami and 7,000 square feet in St. Louis. Another family member runs the St. Louis office which offers 60 percent of the Kasmir collection the Dallas facility offers. Unlike some other firms, Kasmir has only one brand with no designer branded lines chosen by other competitors to differentiate products and brands. The Dallas-based workroom which accounts for 20 percent of sales is also key to Kasmir’s success. “While for many the workroom represents a dying art, the workroom has worked well for Kasmir in addressing our customers’ needs,” said Jones. “It makes it easier for our customers to do business with us.” Kasmir can deliver fabricated products in two to four weeks, and cut-order fabrics are delivered in one to two days coast to coast, the company said. F&FI

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Lee Jofa Acquires SeaCloth, LLC and Launches Threads Collection by Hannah Joseph

ETHPAGE, New York — A subsidiary of 90-year-old Kravet since 1995, Lee Jofa has announced the acquisition of the high-end decorative fabric company, SeaCloth, LLC. The acquisition took place in August 2008 after representatives at Lee Jofa approached the founders and previous owners of SeaCloth. SeaCloth’s fabrics are a

mix of bright and exotic seainspired prints made for indoor and outdoor use. The line will be available immediately through Lee Jofa showrooms and sales representatives across America. Before it was purchased by Lee Jofa, the SeaCloth line was distributed by John Roselli, David Southerland and Summer Hill, among other U.S. sales agents. Stephen Elrod, executive vice president and creative director at

Lee Jofa, indicated that the company plans to expand the SeaCloth product range in 2009 with a new print collection and more woven fabrics for outdoor and indoor use. “I am so excited to further develop the SeaCloth brand as it offers a fresh look and a different point of view for Lee Jofa, and will allow our sales representatives to increase their distribution and sales efforts for our entire collection of fabric brands,”

Elrod said. The specifics of these collections had not yet been released at the time of interview, but Elrod will continue to consult with SeaCloth founder Susan Harris for design direction and brand development. “SeaCloth brings a unique design sensibility differentiating it from the other brands Lee Jofa offers to the interior design trade,” said Elrod. “The collections of printed and multipurpose plain fabrics for indoor and outdoor use feature whimsical graphic patterns in a distinctive fresh and colorful palette that lend themselves to design projects that previously an interior designer or decorator

SeaCloth collection couldn’t have specified fabrics from Lee Jofa [for].” Along with the acquisition of SeaCloth patterns, Lee Jofa launched its new Threads collection in Europe and North America in March and June, respectively. It consists of tumbled linens, embroidered silks, wools, sheers, velvets and fine textured chenilles. The collection has over 450 skus and Threads upholstery fabrics are suitable for contract specification. F&FI

Cont’d from Cover

Unifi Sells Plant the production and equipment in one facility,” said Berrier. “So it was about streamlining our assets and running more efficiently.” The driving factor in this decision, he noted, was the decline in demand for U.S.-made polyester in the last five years due to offshore production. “This led Unifi to take steps to consolidate operations,” he said. “Over the last two years, we’ve consolidated different plants, including some operations in Rockingham County and Kinston. This was one of the last steps.” Unifi closed its Kinston plant in 2007 and its Rockingham County plant in 2005. The Kinston plant produced partially orientated yarn (POY) for internal consumption, and Plant One in Rockingham produced nylon. Although a decline in polyester led to the Yadkinville sale, a shortage of U.S. producers has brought more customers to Unifi in recent months. “While it’s unfortunate that these yarn and fiber companies have gone out of business, we want to be there to support the clients with what they need so that they can stay in business,” he said. “Unifi is very dedicated to our domestic consumer base. We want to be one of the main suppliers in this region.” “Certainly one of our key initiatives here is to develop new products,” he continued. “One of our newest products is Repreve®. Repreve is our umbrella brand of sustainable product, offering 100 percent recycled products. We place a lot of emphasis on innovation.” F&FI

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Dicitex Furnishings’ Nimish Predicts $100 Million in Sales by Eric Schneider

UMBAI, India — Dicitex Furnishings expects to finish 2008 with $100 million in sales by focusing on new markets and a more diverse product range. The lofty $100 million plateau achieved by very few mills globally is also driven in part by Dicitex’ new customers previously served by Mastercraft and Quaker (major American mills no longer in business), according to Nimish Arora, principal and sales manager for Dicitex. Additionally, Arora said he has started to sell higher value fabrics in Shanghai including 300 cm width silk look fabrics for draperies and woven plain velvets in the $7.95-$12 a yard range. “We also make our own samples, stock fabric for Indian customers and

weave to order for 60-day delivery with 21-day repeat orders.” “The U.S. is more classic in designs purchased while the rest of the world is modern and art deco so we must reflect these styles in our line,” he continued. “Our European business has increased especially in Germany, Italy and Spain. Today, Eastern European sales are equal to what we do in the States.” “Domestically speaking, our own local Indian market is very good also with a gain this year in the 15 percent range.”

“We began to do business in Russia where quality and performance is key,” Arora said, after completing his first Heimtextil Russia event just before Decosit Brussels in September. The company is also planning to finish 2008 with the construction of its fourth factory and the installation of more weaving machines, especially Somet jacquard looms. Dicitex also recently completed its purchase of six Metex machines. “We’re also focused on producing more dobby and jacquard basic fabrics for the

furniture manufacturing market in Italy,” said Arora. Dicitex Furnishings said it now has the second largest installation of Tajima machines in the world with the total at 92 multihead units for embroidered fabrics. “We are selling ready-made packages consisting of bedcovers, pillows and cushions directly to retailers like Marks & Spencer and local Indian retailers.” F&FI Nimish Arora, principal of Dicitex Furnishings, and Paul Levein, Mostyns

6-7-8 MAY 2009 VILLA ERBA CERNOBBIO ITALY

Less Booths at Textile Days India ‘08, More Buyers by S. Vishwanath

UMBAI, India — Messe Frankfurt India held its 9th annual Textile Days India 2008 from Oct. 10 to 12 and despite the fact that the number of home textile stalls had decreased from previous years, the buyer turn-out exceeded expectations. The decrease was a reflection of the overhaul status of the depressed Indian textile industry in line with global happenings. The exhibition of home textiles and accessories saw nearly 5,137 visitors from 82 countries, which included Russia, South Africa, Italy, France, Germany, Lebanon and the U.S. Messe Frankfurt India also extended special invitation to a team of 23 buyers from the Middle East. “I have already been buying quite regularly from some Indian companies in Frankfurt and was happy to reconnect with my Indian suppliers,” said Abdul Salam Hajeer, a buyer from Prestige, Jordan. “Considering the global economic downturn, Indian textile exporters will also share the problems,” said Shammi Nagpal, managing director of Messe Frankfurt India. “But the growing domestic market is a solace and in realistic terms, I am very satisfied about the outcome and the much needed morale boost the show has given the textile industry.” F&FI

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

WORLD PREVIEW OF FURNISHING FABRICS AND CURTAINS

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Fabrics and Linings... The World’s Standard of Excellence The Rockland Mills programs of Blackout drapery linings and fabrics are truly world class. Our customers in over 80 world markets, both commercial and trade, know that they can rely on the quality, variety, delivery and performance built into every yard of fabric. That’s because every yard is manufactured with strict quality control, using the finest textiles and best technology available. There’s over 40 years of manufacturing know how and expertise in every product produced by Rockland’s Maryland and South Carolina plants. Whether for residential or commercial use, for total Blackout or Dim-Out, with or without flame resistant finish, there is a Rockland product for the job. Rockland Mills’ Blackouts are available in widths from 48 inches (122 cm) up to 110 inches (280 cm), and in every color of the rainbow, in plain or textured fabrics. Our Blackouts are even available with printed designs from an extensive pattern library, or if you prefer, we can use your custom designs or colors. Roc-lon Blackout linings can also be purchased as ready-made Blackout liners or draperies which are ready to hang, and which are produced under the same strict quality standards.

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NEW PARTNERS

MACHINERY ‘ROCKS’

NADFD CELEBRATES

Koni and KOJO partner with Lenzing for new hospitality line of eco-friendly products.

Kresel brings Rockland Industries into the 21st century with new heat-transfer machinery for Roc-Lon.

The National Association of Decorative Fabric Distributors holds its 39th annual conference in Napa.

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Contract/HospitalityNews T h e

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GREEN I Unika Vaev Partners with Eco-Friendly INSTYLE Team Boasts Ethical, Sustainable Wool Production

EW YORK, New York — Unika Vaev, a leading woven textile manufacturer in the U.S., has announced its partnership with Australian wool textile producer INSTYLE. Unika Vaev will distribute INSTYLE’s LIFE® (Low Impact for the Environment) collection of sustainable Merino wool textiles in the U.S. and Canada. The partnership, which was announced at NeoCon in Wick Wolfe, vice president of the ICF group and Unika Vaev June, was forged out of the two companies’ dedication to sustainability and ethical practices. “This is the first true partnership we’ve had as a distributor for another product,” said Wick Wolfe, vice president of Unika Vaev. “We had been approached previously by other people, but we always thought it would water

dl en y

by Hannah Joseph

down our focus. This opportunity smoother skin that is naturally we felt was terrific because resistant to infection and thereINSTYLE is so well-known in the fore negates the necessity for the European, Australian and New surgical practice. Not only has this revelation been heraldZealand markets and they’re ed by animal activists, but becoming much more eco - fri Wolfe says that it has well-known in the U.S.” also improved the prodAccording to Wolfe, uct. “Through what INSTYLE’s success is they’ve been able to do due to its quality product through breeding, they and reputable sustainability efforts. In March 2008, INSTYLE achieved a much finer wool than became the world’s first wool sup- they’ve had previously,” said plier to the furniture industry to Wolfe. According to INSTYLE’s sign an ethical wool supply agree(Continued on page 23) ment. This agreement marked INSTYLE’s promise to source EthEco™ from the SRS Company, a sheep farming company that uses ethical and sustainable practices. These practices include breeding sheep that do not require mulesing. Mulesing is a surgical procedure in which a flap of skin is removed from the area near the sheep’s behind. While the procedure was once deemed necessary to prevent fatal Sipco News Network infection, activist groups like PETA called for the boycott of RUSSELS, Belgium — This mulesed wool. Developed by sciyear Decosit Brussels marked entist Dr. Jim Watts, this breed of its 30th anniversary with an Merino sheep have softer, announcement that the show will

LIFE Textiles are great for upholstery because of their durability, noted Wolfe

C/HNEWS I Decosit Renamed MoOD

30th Anniversary Marked by Re-branding

Exhibitors honored for having shown at Decosit Brussels for 30 years be henceforth known as MoOD (Meet only Original Designs). According to Patrick Geysels, the general manager of Textirama, the trade show organizer for Decosit, the re-branding of

GREEN I P/Kaufmann Debuts Sustainable Line for Contract and Residential Joins with the Nature Conservancy for Green Efforts

the high-end fabric tradeshow will emphasize the show's refocused efforts to distinguish itself as a unique and high-end exhibition featuring elite residential and (Continued on page 22)

Altieri Named Stroheim Hospitality Sales Director

by Kelly Hushin

Christopher Jones and Victoria Armentrout

EW YORK, New York — Fifty-year-old fabric converter and wholesaler P/Kaufmann has launched P/K Conserves, a new collection of sustainable upholstery fabrics catering to both their residential and contract customers. While several competitors have made similar efforts toward sustainable fabric creation and promotion, P/Kaufmann is the first to partner with the Nature Conservancy, the 56-year-old leading worldwide conservation organization that works to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. In the partnership, P/K Conserves will contribute five percent of the product sales of to the Nature Conservancy with a minimum contribution of $25,000. According to Victoria Armentrout, P/Kaufmann’s vice president and director of woven design, the Nature Conservancy has laid out strict regulations for the P/K Conserves which must be upheld through at least the next three collections. “The Nature Conservancy has the most consumer recognition with more than 700 scientists on staff and presence in 30 countries,” said Armentrout. “They have never before had a relationship with a brand or related their name to a line of product.” All P/K Conserves products use 100 percent certified non-toxic dyes to create a (Continued on page 23) large range of SKAL-certified, saturated colors. The

by Eric Schneider

EW YORK, New York — Aldo Altieri has joined the Stroheim division of JAB as director, hospitality sales and operations reporting to Bill Peters, president effective August 15. Altieri was previously at Duralee and Robert Allen in similar positions and before that, he had been at Stroheim. With all of the products we have at our disposal, we can dramatically increase sales in hospitality fabrics, said Bill Peters. (Continued on page 22)

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Decosit Renamed MoOD, Celebrates 30 Years contract fabric suppliers. “Building on the firm foundations of Decosit, DecoContract and Decotec, we have decided to create a new show with refreshing panache and intense impetus: MoOD,” said Geysels. “Our aim is to increase the competitive edge we have created in the contract market and enhance our image L: A view of the 2008 fairgrounds

still further in the residential market.” According to the Decosit website, the re-branding is not a quick change of course but rather the pinnacle of a gradual evolution that has resulted in strategic repositioning. The organizers felt that even though “original designs” or “original producers” were already part of the offerings of Decosit Brussels, there was not enough

talking about it. The announcement about MoOD, which was accompanied by a spectacular party that also celebrated Decosit’s 30th anniversary, took many visitors by surprise. In addition to the re-branding of the fair, MoOD also marks the complete merging of Decosit, DecoContract and Decotec. “Decosit Brussels 2008 was indeed a success,” said Geysels. “Decosit, DecoContract and Decotec will become MoOD [in 2009]. The three names will disappear from the market and will be replaced by MoOD. Indigo and Expofil Deco are trade fairs organized by the French company Premiere Vision. They [will] maintain the names and stay in Brussels next to MoOD.” “In the past we picked exhibitors that had a major portion of their offerings in residential upholstery, but they also could offer curtains or sheers,” continued Geysels. “Now we will accept companies with only curtains or sheers or specialists in wall coverings or contract. We are looking for quality exhibitors. We will add new exhibitors, but we are not going to change our position on Chinese exhibitors. We allowed a few in several years ago, and for now are not going to add more.” F&FI

Continued from P. 20

Stroheim “The design library of Stroheim, JAB and Chivasso has always been available to Stroheim hospitality customers but under Altieri more sales are expected,” Peters explained. For at least 10 years, Stroheim has never had anyone in this hospitality position, Peters confirmed. Peters himself joined the company last year as president following the departure of Julian Grauer who held that position for 18 years. Bob Coleman, vice president of sales and marketing of Stroheim, had also left the company to join Schumacher this past year. Stroheim & Rohmann is a 142-year-old fabric wholesaler that was purchased by JAB in 1982. JAB president Chris Jacob Schminnes took over the operations of Stroheim last August in an effort to boost sales with new marketing strategies and personnel changes. F&FI

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Unika Vaev Partners With INSTYLE president and CEO, Michael Fitzsimons, these sheep are also provided with enough food, space and shelter. In addition to its dedication toward improving the life of animals, INSTYLE and the SRS Company have created holistic farming strategies that work to bring Australia’s natural fauna back to the land. “Australia was settled by the Europeans hundreds of years ago and they introduced their own native grasses and plants, and effectively really changed over the Australian plants and grasses to European,” said Wolfe. “This required a tremendous amount of fertilization every year. In the twentieth century, many of the sheep farms ended up becoming barren because the land could no longer accept fertilizer, and the farmers could no longer afford the amount of fertilizer that they had to use on the land.

Through a lot of research and a scientist who developed a process to reintroduce native Australian grasses, they parceled off the land into thousands of acres and began to rotate the sheep from parcel to parcel. Through their natural bodily functions, the sheep are re-fertilizing the land. The land is just flourishing and there are no chemicals used in this process. It’s just tremendous.” The sourcing of LIFE Textiles has a positive impact on animals, plants and humans alike. According to Fitzsimons, INSTYLE signed an agreement to pay top price to the farmers for wool, guaranteeing them a monetary security that they would not otherwise have were they selling the wool at auction, as is customarily done. On the consumer end, LIFE Textiles absorb indoor air contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs),

which means that they actually improve the air quality of any given space. The wool also regulates humidity and is naturally fire retardant. All detergents and lubricants used in the manufacturing of LIFE are biodegradable. “The sustainability story is a wonderful one,” continued Wolfe. “That is what caught us. Of course, the designs are equally important. We really felt that the commitment that INSTYLE has really fit with the long-term design focus that Unika Vaev has had. We have a very keen focus on our heritage and what we think is important is that the Merino wool used in the

LIFE collection is the highest-end wool that you can purchase in the world.” Unika Vaev will carry the LIFE collection under the new partner-

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ship, and distribute the entire INSTYLE product line as needed. Unika replaces Robert Scarf, who was INSTYLE’s U.S. sales agent. According to Wolfe, Scarf now heads the sales department for Wovin Wall, a joint product by INSTYLE and resin manufacturer, 3form. F&FI

Chad Taylor, SRS® Wool Producer, Michael Fitzsimons, CEO, INSTYLE and SRS Sheep Breeding Consultant Dr. Jim Watts showing superior quality and staple length of EthEco wool

Koni Corporation Partners with Lenzing Fibers, Inc. by Hannah Joseph

AN DIEGO, California — On Oct. 3, 2008, Koni Corporation and KOJO Worldwide announced a partnership with Lenzig Fibers, Inc. to develop a line of eco-friendly drapery and bedding for hotel properties. Koni and KOJO will sell textiles made from Lenzing’s Modal® and TENCEL® fibers, which are 100 percent naturally made from wood pulp and are biodegradable. The textiles, which include bedding, towels robes and other spa products, will debut at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant (IH/M&RS) tradeshow in New York City on Nov. 8-11. “We are thrilled to be working in tandem with Lenzing to make their amazing fibers available to the hospitality industry,” said Koni Kim, CEO of Koni Corporation. “The synergy between our companies and shared desire to lessen our environmental impact will benefit not only our clients, but future genera-

tions. We look forward to the great results this partnership will bring.” Modal, which comes from Beachwood, is typically used in the undergarment industry due to its absorbency properties. TENCEL, which is sourced from the Eucalyptus tree, does not shrink and will be used for the linen and drapery lines. “TENCEL has really superior quality,” said Kim. “People often mistake it for cotton or silk, but it has the quality of polyester in that it doesn’t shrink. We started making it three or four months ago but we had been doing a lot of research a long time before we partnered with Lenzing.” Koni will continue to use polyester and cotton fibers, and will source recycled and recyclable polyester to replace some of its poly-cotton fibers, which are not recyclable. “The green movement is not a fad,” she continued. “It’s not a marketing tool. We are trying to make it as a culture. It has to become a habit, not just what we do in business, but what we think about when we wake up in the morning.

Koni eco-friendly bedding lines are made of TENCEL fibers

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Koni and Lenzing went through a month of negotiations before the partnership was forged. “We were very enthusiastic and they were very enthusiastic,” said Kim. “They recognized our position within the

hospitality industry and it was a no brainer. Everything is very affordable to the hotel industry; we don’t go to retail or any other market, so we are very sensitive to what the hotels can put in and the longevity

of this product will eventually cost them less. The initial investment might be more but in the end, it will cost less. At the end of the day it has to make sense to the owners of the hotel.” F&FI

Continued from P. 20

P/Kaufmann Debuts Sustainable Line products do not emit any known airborne toxins and the machinery used are isolated from other machines to stay contaminantfree and meet energy efficiency and low-toxin criteria. “We feel we’re the first company to package our collection into a book,” said Christopher Jones, director of design, upholstery, P/Kaufmann Contract. “It’s a product with 70 or so skus.” Jones said that the contract collection of P/K Conserves will be produced by six domestic mills including Valdese Weavers, Wearbest, True Textiles (formerly Interface Fabrics) and a few others which Jones said are the “most invested in the green effort.” There are more than 60 products in the contract collection and in 2009 P/K Conserves will introduce a line of sheers and draperies. The contract line is 100 percent polyester and 100 percent recycled — which encompasses post-consumer and post-industrial recycled fabric. “In the next year, the labels [on the fabric] will become more

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specific,” said Jones. “Our product will still be 100 percent recycled polyester. We have about eight skus of Bella-Dura, a 100 percent poly-propylene which they claim can be reconstituted.” “We’ve been working on developing the product for about 22 months,” said Armentrout about both the residential and contract lines. “Curtis Breedlove and I felt there was a big [sustainability] movement afoot, politically and technically it appealed to both of us so we started a dialogue. While it’s a hot button political and election issue, at the end of the day, if a consumer is in the market making realistic choices, we want to give them realistic options. The residential line, headed by Armentrout, is a 100 percent organic cotton line that is being created through an exclusive partnership with a Turkish mill which will spin, dye and finish the fabric internally. “In order to source, we researched where organic cotton

was coming from,” said Armentrout. “We found that 68 to 70 percent of the world’s organic cotton is coming from Turkey. So we thought our best bet would be to go there. [Turkey’s] agricultural industry is relatively immature so their cultivation practices are considerably newer. They don’t use chemicals and a vast percentage of Turkey’s soil is certified organic.” Even the packaging and sampling of the P/K Conserves collection was a conscious effort to stay as green as possible. The sample books are made from either recycled or organic materials, printed in soy ink, use only natural glues and have no plastic on the cover. The only component to the book that is not recycled is the metal posts that the fabric samples sit on. As part of the initial introduction, P/K Conserves partnered with InCase, an elective topical finish from Crypton that can only be applied to polyester and therefore is only offered in the contract lines. F&FI

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Rockland Industries Develops New Wide Width Machines by Kelley Granger

ALTIMORE, Maryland — Rockland Industries is preparing to engineer, manufacture and install three new customized heat transfer machines that will print Roc-Lon’s all-in-one blackout draperies in a 127-inch (280 centimeter) width. According to Mark Kresel, the executive vice president of sales and merchandising, the new machines will make the vertically integrated textile manufacturer one of the largest heat transfer printers in the U.S. It will also enable to company to pass on to its customers the cost benefits of printing in larg-

er widths, including savings stemming from reduced labor, quicker turn around time, less sewing, decreased energy use and easier handling of the end product. “As we all know, the wider the fabric we produce, the less cost in running machinery, gas, electric and the less number of people you need to watch the same piece of goods,” said Kresel. “Therefore it’s cutting back our costs, and that will be given back to the customers.” The company has been operating with three 72-inch all-inone machines for the past eight years, and plans to add three of the new, larger width machines in mid

to late 2009. “The customer is always looking for that product edge in order to offer a unique product at a very reasonable price,” Kresel said. “The unique product is the all-inone, and because we’re saving within the various steps of manufacturing, one will have a tremendous cost savings and inventory control.” The 127-inch customized heat transfer machines were developed by Rockland Industries in cooperation with outside sources. The production capability of the machines is confidential. F&FI

technology

Naturtex to Introduce Outdoor Product Searches for U.S. Distributor

Naturtex’s product line will allow the same designs used indoors to be recreated for outdoor use. Naturtex has been specified for a number of by Kelley Granger projects, including Club Med’s Holiday Village in REVILLENTE, Spain — Naturtex, a Spanish Punta Cana, where the resort will make headboards maker of rugs, carpets and fabrics for residen- using 3,000 meters of braid and will place 1,500 of tial and contract use, has completed four years of the company’s rugs in guestrooms. Naturtex has also market research and is preparing to launch an out- been used at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, the seven-star, door fabrics collection while seeking distributors in sail-shaped hotel, where the restaurant features placemats made of chenille and polyurethane treatthe U.S. for its product lines. “Our special weaves are very difficult to produce ed with Teflon for stain resistance. As Naturtex debates whether to introduce the outside of the company,” said Vicente Alcala Juan of Naturtex’s sales department. “It’s not something that outdoor line to the market before Heimtextil or to you can copy easy, so we thought if we could have raw bring a larger selection of samples to debut at the materials that are UV resistant, then we would be one fair in January, the company is also looking to increase sales to the U.S. by hiring a distributor. of the leading companies in the outdoor sector.” “In the U.S. market it’s very important [to have a Naturtex is developing a number of its materials distribution network],” said from its interior lines to be suitJuan. “They would ask if you able for outdoor use, including have an agent, and if you don’t raffia and polyurethane. Conthey will not be interested. We sumers can expect most of the did the ICFF in New York this same styles and weaves to be year and it was interesting offered in outdoor qualities because even though we don’t using the company’s UV resisthave a distributor we thought it ant technology. was possibly one of the ways to “We have the raw materials find one. We’ve been selling to and we’re starting to weave for customers without the distribuoutdoors,” said Juan. “We’re tion from then until now and going to have exactly the same that shows that if you go to the styles. This is what we are workstates at least they see your ing for, we will have such a big products there and are more range of products for the outconfident afterwards.” door market and we think we’ll Naturtex found a distribube one of the only ones with tion partner in Dines, a French such a large range.” Olivier Dardilhac and Vicente Alcala company that recently invested The company recently Juan of Naturtex more than 30,000 euro in a exhibited at Decosit Brussels, where the trade show highlighted the outdoor mar- website for the company. “These are the kinds of ket segment. Juan said he believes the increase of partners that we want to find, those that are willing interest in outdoor qualities necessitates new and to invest time and money,” said Juan. Naturtex was formed 13 years ago by parent innovative products and is due to the expansion in company Artesa, a 50-year-old family-run business the hospitality sector. “Hotels and resorts are growing and spending that makes high-end handbags and belts. Naturtex much more now than they used to for their decora- uses the expertise and fashion knowledge of Artesa, tion, because everybody wants to be the one in the which works with luxury names like Gucci, Prada market to get more customers,” he said. “If the [out- and Stella McCartney, to produce high quality proddoor] offerings are very big at the time for hotels, ucts and to stay ahead of the interior decorating curve. you need to be different.” F&FI

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F& FI P H O T O G A L L E R Y

A 30-Year Celebration and Re-branding for

Decosit Brussels ’08

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Decosit Brussels 2008 saw 370 exhibitors arrive to showcase the latest in upholstery and decorative fabrics, with window and wallcoverings making a debut. An extra emphasis on contract and outdoor fabrics was enjoyed by more than 11,150 visitors, who also celebrated the re-branding of Decosit as MoOD (Meet only Original Designs) at the fair’s 30th anniversary celebration. —KG

Rocco Simone and Terry O’Sullivan, Sunbury; Eva Fojtova and Zela Dalibor, Ton; Sharon Bevier, Sunbury

Benny Elfassy, Armel Import; Cici Han, Huatex

Mike Moon, president, E.F. World, Seoul, Korea wholesaler and his pal Derek Crowson, principal, Crowson, UK.

Engin Ocak, Guleser; Dimitri Ballas, Diltex; Tzoutzoulis Ilias, Iltex; Ufuk Ocak, Guleser

Nicolas Moussempes and Andreas Zimmer

Maureen and Cornelius DeKort, principal of Dekortex

Alessandro Carillo and Giorgio Carillo, Grupo Carillo; Sanjay Arora, Dicitex Décor; Giovanni Cardolini Rizzo, Dicitex agent

Stanley Fradin and Mitch Brown, Rockland Industries; Jonathan Gallant, Atelier; Mark Kresel, Rockland Industries

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Tatiana Zvonareva and Katerina Urlik, Exterio interior fabrics, Moscow

Richard Oussoren, principal, Raymakers, with Inderjeet Wadhwa, principal of Seasons Textiles

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F& FI P H O T O G A L L E R Y

Napa Plays Host to 39th Annual

NADFD Conference NAPA VALLEY, California — The National Association of Decorative Fabric Distributors lived up to its name with a 60person turnout at Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, Calif. from Aug. 6 to 8. There were many fabric wholesalers and fabric sellers in attendance. The organization’s 39th annual conference included a tour de force of emerging sustainability standards by Rob Harper and Eric Harrington of True Textiles. Fabrics & Furnishings’ own publisher, Eric Schneider, gave a talk on “The Changing Face of the Global Fabric Industry and how it Affects North American Jobbers and Suppliers.” —KH

Jerry Frank and Maryann Crews, directors of NADFD

Pamela and Greg Rosendale, Glen Raven, Sunbrella

Glen and Anna Stinson, CF Stinson Derrill Rice and Scott George from Cone Decorative Fabrics, (ITG) Rocco Simone, vice president sales and marketing, Sunbury Mills Inc.; Roger Arcinega, president of Momentum Group; Kathy Gowdy, vice president, Momentum

Blake & Laura Millinor, contract sales manager, Valdese Weavers, with Rob Mayer, principal of Mayer Fabrics

Ruola and Ted Sargetakis, Silver State Inc., with Derrill Rice, president, ITG (middle)

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Contract/HospitalityNews De Poortere Turns Profit Under Royaux Partnership by Eric Schneider

OUSCRON, Belgium — De Poortere Fabrics S.A. has just passed its first anniversary under the new ownership of Luc Royaux, general manager, with sales of $13 million and a profitable business, inside sources said. The mill produces 220,000

meters a week and looks to curtains and wallcovering for growth in the years ahead, according to a company source. De Poortere has had a checkered but long past owned by various members of the De Poortere family over the years but has found new life after a bankruptcy sale to Royaux and several partners last August. The timing after the June,

Iwan Nassimi, principal, Nassimi LLC

at Heimtextil 2009

2007 bankruptcy was good because the 300 people who worked at De Poortere had already been pared down to 100 prior to the purchase by Royaux. This had been accomplished by the prior owner who ended up letting the company go bankrupt after a reported $6 million was spent reviving the company.

January 14-17, 2009 at the Sipco Publications Stand located at Galleria, Stand 1P08. Stop by to say hello to Eric Schneider, publisher who will be in attendance. If you need to reach him, his mobile is +1 917 251 9922.

F&FI

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

Advertiser Index

U.S. TEL in US: (800)878-0303 www.expressairfreight.com

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Company

Classical Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 CMP/Interiors Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Dicitex Décor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 Dicitex Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Diversitex Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Duralee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Express Air Freight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27, 29 High Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Kravet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Mannifatura Vay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Proposte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Prosetex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Reflex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Richloom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 Rockland Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19 Sunbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Textirama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Ulster Weavers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 UTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Woongjin Chemical Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

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2-3 DAY TRANSIT TIME

LAS VEGAS OFFICE:

Cargo Building #5, 2ND Floor, Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. 20041 TEL (703) 996-8885 • FAX (703) 996-0415

6414 Windy St., Las Vegas, NV 89119 TEL (702) 307-3773 • FAX (702) 307-3778

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BILINGUAL STAFF

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Saehan Industries Renamed Woongjin Chemical Co. Ltd

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

FABRIC SALES REPS WANTED

by S. Vishwanath

EOUL, South Korea — Saehan Industries Inc. has changed its company name to Woongjin Chemical Co. Ltd. The fiber business division will remain focused on the development of differentiated high value non-clothing products and highly functional new products as well as the enlargement of their uses. “We launched recycled polyester draperies at Decosit 2008 and will continue on Esfron FR fibers to the application segments such as cruise, hospitality and transportation, among others,” said Byenog-woo Kim, interior team manager of the textile division. “The company is looking for

Daniel (S.G.) Kim, Byenog-woo Kim, Richard Kim effective partners all over the world to expand and meet the growing needs of the market for its fiber business as well as recycled interior furnishings.” Woongjin Chemical was founded in 1972 as Cheil Synthetic Textile Co. of the Samsung Group.

It has been leading the Korean chemical filament industry through its polyester fiber, textiles, and materials and changed its company name to Saehan Industries Inc. in 1997 after being separated from the Samsung Group in 1995. F&FI

Rekor Opens London Warehouse Company Focuses on Distribution Outlets and Marketing Efforts by Kelley Granger

ekor, a Turkish producer of tulle, drapery and upholstery, has opened a warehouse in the U.K. to better service its European customers. The London-based facility will fulfill the rising demand for more choices in less quantities and quick delivery times. “We will do cut-lengths and readymade curtains in the U.K. market to distribute around Europe,” said Mehmet Necati Kurtcan, Rekor’s vice president. “These days the order size has

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

diminished and now our customers are asking for more qualities, but lower meters. Customers want a wider range of colors but not a high quantity of meters, so everything has to be specific.” Rekor’s primary markets in the region are the Scandinavian countries, England, Italy, France, Poland and Holland, Kurtcan said. Adding a warehouse in this area will decrease transportation times to these customers, which is a crucial portion of doing business in Europe, he added. “Our European markets are not very [concerned with] price, they are mostly keen on delivery dates,” Kurtcan said. “They are willing to pay more for quality and delivery time.” If the U.K. warehouse proves to be a success, Rekor may look

to open another distribution facility in New York within two years. Rekor currently exports some products to the United States, but it’s only a small portion of overall sales. “We are going to expand in a short while with the U.S.,” said Kurtcan. “I’ve seen customers responding very quickly to our products. We just had the opportunity to understand the tastes in their materials and fabrics.” Meanwhile, the company has been expanding its presence in its domestic territory as well. Rekor opened two new showrooms in 2008, one in Inegol, which Kurtcan called a “furniture base” in Turkey, and the other in Izmir, close to the mill’s location in Bursa. Both showrooms are owned by Rekor, so prices are not

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DIVERSITEX INC., a privately held 40-year-old company, is looking for aggressive independent sales representatives for worldwide export. We convert popular-priced solids, jacquards, and prints that are sold to major U.S. based lifestyle manufacturers, jobbers, and retailers. Fabrics are stocked and ready for export at very competitive prices. For further information about territories available and commissions paid, please contact: mb@diversitexinc.com or send a resume to: Marc Bergman, Diversitex, Inc., 376 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 increased by a middleman. “We are mostly concentrating on the marketing side of our business so we have expanded our marketing department and have opened two showrooms in Turkey [in 2008],” said Kurtcan. He said Rekor also purchased six looms to begin making women’s clothing. Rekor is a fully integrated

company that has been producing upholstery and drapery for more than 60 years. The company operates out of an 80,000 square meter facility in Bursa, one of Turkey’s prime textile production cities, and is able to manufacture nine tons of chenille daily with a capacity of 20,000 meters daily. F&FI

Mehmet Necati Kurtcan, Aysen Turan and Hakan Sozer, Rekor

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F& FI C A L E N D A R December 7-10 Showtime Market Square, Textile Tower High Point, North Carolina Tel: (336) 885-6842 Web: www.itma-showtime.com Showtime™, High Point's Semi-Annual Fabric Market, is produced by and for the members of the International Textile Market Association (ITMA). Twice a year, ITMA brings all segments of the home furnishings industry together, in one place, at one time for Showtime™.

Objet is a magnetic pole for all professionals: design, home-fashion, objects, tableware and more. Seven quarters each explore a decorative world and a style: fodder for giving you fresh ideas, or changing tacks, inspiring you, and creating your own world. The show is a true reference in the world of decoration, creation and design, a mosaic of trends, new talents and new concepts. This year Maison & Objet has a new space devoted to cultural objects: Maison & Objet musées.

23–29 New York Home Textiles Market Week

January 14-17 Heimtextil Frankfurt Messe Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany Web: http://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com The trend show at Heimtextil is a long and well-established orientation tool with product developers, architects, designers and furnishers but the Heimtextil Trend 2009/2010 book is breaking new ground.

17-20 Domotex Hannover Fairgrounds Germany Tel: (609) 987-1202 Web: www.domotex.de Find out about the latest developments and the vast diversity of products showcased by exhibitors from across the globe. Above all, DOMOTEX is the ideal springboard to the fast growing markets in Asia (DOMOTEX Asia/China floor) and DOMOTEX Middle East offers good opportunities to access market of the Middle East.

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York, New York Tel: (914)421-3200 Web: www.nyhometextilesmarketweek.com At the New York International Gift Fair (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers, January 25-29). At 230 Fifth Avenue (January 2429). At 7 W New York (January 23-29).

24-27 One of a Kind Wholesale Show 7 W New York 7 W 34th Street New York, New York 10001 Web: www.oneofakindwholesaleshow.com Building upon the highly successful One of a Kind Show and Sale® held annually at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, One of a Kind Wholesale Show™ NYC provides an exclusive venue for a great selection of the country’s best artists and artisans to sell their original work to retailers.

February

18-20 Interiors Birmingham Halls 1-5, 9 & The Pavilion NEC Birmingham Tel: +44 (0) 20 7921 8408 Web: www.interiorsbirmingham.com Interiors Birmingham 2009 will allow you free flowing access to a complete showcase of the best in classic and modern, indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. New for 2009, Interiors Birmingham introduces the High End Halls; Design Interiors in The Pavilion, with high-end classic in Hall 1 and highend modern interior products in Hall 2.

9-13 Las Vegas Market

23-26 Design Excellence

10-13 PremiereVision

Espace Champerret Paris Expo 75738 Paris cedex 15 Tel: +33 (0)1 72 72 17 00 Web: www.parisexpo.fr In an effort to offer fabric surface designers a floor to show their work the Trade Link Co. Ltd., has announced the introduction of a new spring show, Design Excellence.

Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte Web: www.premierevision.fr Twice a year, no fewer than 700 weavers from 28 countries present collections in synergy with both the fashion calendar and the apparel industry.

World Market Center and Pavilions Las Vegas, NV Tel: (702) 599-9621 Web: www.lasvegasmarket.com The February 2009 Las Vegas Market will be the largest show yet – consisting of more than 5 million square feet of stateof-the-art showrooms and exhibits. The Winter Market will take place one campus and will include an impressive collection of showrooms and exhibits at World Market Center Las Vegas.

April

23-27 Maison & Objet Paris-Nord Villepinte Convention and Exhibition Center Paris, France Tel: 212.957.0932 Web: www.maison-objet.com More than just a trade show, Maison &

25-30 High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center High Point, North Carolina Tel: (336) 888-3700 Web: www.ihfc.com Three-and-a-half million square feet of

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furniture and accessories that reflect every style, every category, every price point from every corner of the globe attract an unending stream of buyers, designers and media.

May 6-8 Proposte Villa Erba Cernobbio, Como Italy Tel: +39 02 6434054 Web: www.propostefair.it Proposte is a specialized fair whose exhibitors are exclusively the direct producers of furnishing and curtain fabrics. The fair is not open to the public. Visitors to Proposte access the fair only if invited by the operative secretariat of the fair, and are rigorously chosen among the following categories: textile editors, producers of upholstered furniture, wholesalers, wide distribution chains, converters and contract operators.

5-7 Scoperta Chiasso, Switzerland Tel: +44 7764197003 Web: www.scopertaexpo.com This year, Scoperta will be easily accessible since now only a Schengen Visa is required for non EU visitors to enter Switzerland, making border control seamless and saving time and money for visitors to both Scoperta and neighboring Proposte.

13-16 International Window Coverings Expo Vision09 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia Web: www.windowcoveringexpo.com Do you pride yourself on being at the forefront of design innovations and style? The International Window Coverings Expo is the largest of its kind in America and is the best place to expand your interior design savvy.

14-16 HD Expo Sands Expo and Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 508.743.8502 Web: www.hdexpo.com HD Expo is the premier event for hospitality professionals. This is where buyers of design connect with the newest and most innovative product offerings, as well as provide a venue for industry networking.

June 7-10 Showtime Market Square, Textile Tower High Point, North Carolina Tel: (336) 885-6842 Web: www.itma-showtime.com At Showtime, ITMA member companies host more than 800 buying companies during each event. On average, exhibitors schedule 70 to 110 appointments for the week.

Winter 2008/2009 ■ F&FI

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