Showtime Magazine | Fall & Winter 2020 Issue by Stallard Studio

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TE X TIL ES

2021

LE ATH ERS

MAY 15-18

TRIMMINGS

the election

Creativity in the Pandemic

SHOWTIME® WELCOME

The ITA is a non-profit business association founded in 1990 to advance the textile industries through the promotion of its members and facilitation of education, networking and collaboration year-round.

from the ITA President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Kelly DiFoggio, Stein Fibers VICE PRESIDENT Kathryn Richardson, Libeco TREASURER Mendy Kearns, Hamilton Fabric Sales, Inc. Carmen Herndon Barbee, Ballard Designs Nathan Copeland, Highland House David Lappert, Kravet Dada Patil, Catania Fabrics Patrick Shelton, Valdese Weavers Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles David Stunda, Barbarossa Leather

As we approach the end of 2020, I believe that we are all thinking the same thing: When will the tumult of this year ever end? After confronting multiple disruptions, including a trade war, a global pandemic and a contentious presidential election, we could all use a little positivity and sense of normalcy in the coming year. In this issue of Showtime Magazine, we take an in-depth look at how the home textiles industry has admirably met the challenges of 2020.

STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR Carrie Dillon 336-885-6842, carrie@internationaltextilealliance.org 305 West High Avenue, High Point, NC 27260 InternationalTextileAlliance.org

KELLY DIFOGGIO

First is a thoughtful feature by textile design consultant Saana Baker called “Creativity in the Pandemic,” about how creatives in the industry turned the upheavals of 2020 into a time of learning, discovery and renewal. In another interesting feature, “Election Effect,” Showtime Editor Kim D. Shaver spoke to home textiles industry leaders, who weigh in on the impact of the convergence of a presidential election and global pandemic this year. I don’t know about you, but I am excited about our upcoming 61st Showtime. Though it will look a little different from years past, and there will be some of our favorite people missing, it will provide us with a welcome opportunity to connect and do business in person. I think we are all craving to get back to a routine and socialization, with some physical distancing and safety measures, of course.

The largest tradeshow in the U.S. dedicated to textiles, leathers and trimmings, Showtime Market brings together the industry’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers. Produced bi-annually by and for the members of ITA, Showtime is the “can’t-miss” market for textile professionals. Registration and market information: InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime Showtime magazine is a publication of the International Textile Alliance and is managed by Stallard Studio DBA Showtime Media & Marketing. PUBLISHER Crystal Staley 336.814.7718, crystal@showtime-magazine.com EDITOR Kim D. Shaver editor@showtime-magazine.com CONTRIBUTOR Saana Baker, textile design consultant and creator of The Textile Eye SALES DIRECTOR Emily Thiel 336.689.0802, sales@showtime-magazine.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Taryn Elliott, PEXELS Tell us what you would like to see in future issues of Showtime magazine. Send story ideas and style influencer suggestions via email for consideration. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

Our industry has always been one of networking, exchanging ideas, and creativity, and we are very lucky to have an organization like the ITA, that helps cultivate that. See you at Showtime! A key focus of ITA, its Educational Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the future of the textile industries through the nurturing and promotion of education, scholarship, and career development initiatives.

Kelly DiFoggio, ITA President

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CHAIR Kelly DiFoggio \ Stein Fibers

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles Katie Atwater Williams, De Leo Textiles Jack Eger, Crypton Terrell Gary, P. Kaufmann

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

CREATIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC

How creatives turned the upheavels of 2020 to a time of learning, discovery, and renewal.

THE ELECTION EFFECT

Home textiles industry leaders weigh in on the impact of 2020’s convergence of a presidential election year with a global pandemic.

4............. ITA Member Stories 10............ Style Influencer – Jana Platina Phipps 12............ Style Influencer – Todd Bowles 24........... ITA Educational Foundation 26........... ITA Member News 33........... ITA Member Products 36........... ITA 2020-2021 Members

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org

ADVERTISERS Crypton Home Fabric Culp De Leo Textiles Elite Textiles, Inc. Global Textile Alliance HPxD International Market Centers Milliken & Company Optima Leathers Outdura Ultrasuede The Textile Eye

ITA MEMBER STORY

Ultrasuede’s ‘Innovation for Living’ Creed Inspires World’s First Partially Plant-Based, Suede-Like Fabric For decades, Japan-based Toray Group, the parent of Ultrasuede®, has believed that materials can changes our lives. “Since our establishment, the focus of our mission has been to enrich lives and contribute to society,” said Helen Brier, sales and marketing manager for interiors at the company’s U.S. division. While actively engaged in socially relevant collaborations with industry and academia, the company seeks to reduce its environmental impact with a chemical recycling program and a shift toward plant-based polymers, while staying on the leading edge of materials innovation. It all began with the invention of Ultrasuede® in the 1960s, pioneering the first use of ultra-fine fibers that form the basis of a proprietary manufacturing process. The result was a unique, non-woven fabric. Ultrasuede® is an unexpected combination of luxuriously soft and extremely durable material with a variety of applications across many industries, including fashion and interiors. “There’s no other product like Ultrasuede® in the marketplace,” says Brier. “The combination of a luxurious touch with high performance benefits is unparalleled, and it remains an ideal alternative to natural leather.” The latest innovation for Ultrasuede® is a new product line, Ultrasuede® HP, that is the world’s first, partially plant-based, nonwoven suede-like material. Following a significant period of investment in research and development, 30 percent of the material’s polyester fiber component is now made from inedible, non-GMO raw materials. The suede-like upholstery-weight fabric is available in 97 solid colors ranging from soft neutrals to bold bright hues, and every shade in between. Offering an important competitive edge in today’s highdemand environment, Toray stocks all Ultrasuede® HP SKUs in its U.S. distribution facility, ready for shipment within two business days.

SHOWROOM:

MSTT 5th Floor Coming May 2021 305 West High Street High Point

CONTACT: Helen Brier h.brier@toray-intl.com

The plant-based fiber component used in Ultrasuede® HP upholsteryweight fabric performs equally well as its non-plant-based predecessor in all cleaning, durability, and color-fastness tests, with the additional benefit of reducing reliance on petroleum-derived ingredients. And by continuing to invest in its R&D efforts, Toray expects that Ultrasuede® eventually will be a 100-percent plant-based fabric. Due to COVID-19 considerations, Toray will not exhibit during November’s Showtime market. The Ultrasuede® branded showroom presentation will launch in May 2021.

Luxury and Performance Sustainable Plant-Based Innovation 97 Livable Hues

V IS IT U LTRA S U EDE.U S TO LEA RN MORE Inquiries to Helen Brier at h.brier@toray-intl.com

ITA MEMBER STORY

Deep-Cleaning Fabric: Culp’s LiveSmart Ultra™ Addresses Desire for Enhanced Cleanability During Pandemic by Preventing Growth of Mold, Mildew, and Odors. Known as an innovator in the performance fabrics category, Culp is expanding its LiveSmart® line at Showtime to introduce LiveSmart Ultra™, a collection of performance fabrics that incorporates anti-microbial technology to protect the fabric*. “With the current pandemic, keeping your home clean is top of mind for everyone,” said Tammy Buckner, senior vice president of marketing and design. “LiveSmart Ultra™ joins our LiveSmart® family to offer the stain repellency and cleanability of our current line, with the added protection of antimicrobial properties. Each fabric not only repels moisture and stains, but continually works to eliminate mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria that come in contact with your furniture, giving your furniture a deeper clean,” Buckner said. Since launching the LiveSmart® brand several years ago, Culp has continued to focus on innovation, offering a broader array of stylish choices in the performance area with features ranging from sustainability to UV protection, all at value prices. LiveSmart Ultra™ is just one more brand under Culp’s ever expanding LiveSmart® umbrella of performance fabrics. It joins the company’s already successful LiveSmart Evolve® line of sustainability fabrics and LiveSmart Outdoor® line. The LiveSmart Evolve® line partners with Unifi Repreve™ to continue Culp’s effort of reducing its carbon footprint. Each linear yard of fabric contains approximately 9 recycled plastic water bottles. When the average sectional uses 50 yards of fabric, that means an average of 450 water bottles have been upcycled instead of ending up in our landfills or oceans. The LiveSmart Outdoor® line is a smart option to extend Culp’s performance line for any high use indoor or outdoor area. It is bleach cleanable, UV resistant, and has anti-microbial properties* to protect the fabric, making it the perfect choice not only for outdoor furniture but also for dining or entertainment areas. *Anti-microbial properties protect against mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria but do not protect against viruses or other germs.

SHOWROOM: MSTT 405 305 West High Street High Point CONTACT: 336-889-5161 www.livesmartbyculp.com

This season, look for: Culp’s “Unplugged” - a collection of fabrics inspired by handcrafted textile traditions rediscovered and reinvented. This collection merges rugged textures and global pattern to showcase a modern bohemian style. The new LiveSmart Ultra™ performance brand offers the added protection of an anti-microbial technology that continually works to eliminate mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria.

ITA MEMBER STORY

Global Textile Allianceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New American Story Brings Revered Belgian Brands to U.S. In 2016, Global Textile Alliance Inc. introduced two veteran Belgian upholstery brands, Ter Molst and Symphony Mills, to the U.S. market, operating from facilities in Reidsville, North Carolina. Both companies are a part of Love Home Fabrics, an international group of interior textile companies with five global hubs headquartered in Belgium. Love Home Fabrics has extended their decades of textile expertise to this new American story four years in the making. With Ter Molst and Symphony Mills, Global Textile Alliance houses two business models under one roof. Ter Molstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabrics are 100% made in the U.S. in a vertically integrated facility that incorporates yarn extrusion, design, production and finishing. Symphony Mills, on the other hand, sells stock-supported collections from an American warehouse and ships them worldwide. Along with being stock supported, Symphony Mills is known for its extensive color lines, European influence, luxurious woven and warp knit velvets, micro suedes, linens, heavy textures, and competitive pricing. The target audience of both divisions includes furniture manufacturers, jobbers, fabric retailers, and converters.

This season, look for: In our showroom, you will experience a warm fabric-to-frame exhibit in a relaxed setting. SHOWROOM: MS 246 305 West High Street High Point CONTACT: www.symphonymills.com jnorby@gtatextiles.com www.termolst.com chuckmarchant@gtatextiles.com

Ter Molst is extending its two major collections - Vivalife (sustainable performance fabrics), which will showcase an abundance of color options, and Linen Life (natural linen blends), which will highlight soft and lofty chenilles, pocket & waffle weaves and distressed linens, while also introducing a variety of new plains and jacquards. Symphony Mills is featuring heavy textures and muted cotton velvets with extensive color lines.

SHOWTIME

www.termolst.com

www.symphonymills.com

MARKET SQUARE 246 & 253

NOVEMBER 15-18 2020

FOLLOW TER MOLST AND SYMPHONY MILLS ON

AND

STYLE INFLUENCER

Jana Platina Phipps Founder of Home Couture Collective aka Trim Queen In 1998 at Showtime, Jana presented a collection of fashion-forward trimmings that launched her carreer in home furnishings. More than twenty years later she reigns as the Trim Queen, an expert in the use of embellishment for décor, fashion and DIY. Jana customizes textile programs for the home industry and consults for manufacturers, using her skills at connecting and collaborating to activate business growth. As the Trim Queen, she chronicles how she and the design community use trimmings as a powerful design tool. “Embellishment is a creative form of self-expression,” Jana believes. She teaches Trim Alchemy, the concept of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary using trim via seminars, handson workshops, and on her social media channels. Jana is an influencer, educator, and mentor and recently started teaching “Instagram Agility” to help companies and creatives leverage their social media for branding and customer engagement. She leads industry design tours during High Point Market and in New York City, and in 2019 launched Maker Tourism, an annual artisan-focused tour in Venice, Italy. Jana lives in an historic home in New York’s Hudson River Valley with her husband Lang, and their two children Wilton and Giovanna. What are your favorite sources of inspiration? I look to artists, artisans, and couturiers for inspiration like Bisa Butler, The Ladd Brothers, BelPozo, Antonia Sautter. I am fascinated by the convergence of hand and machine and the exponential creativity that results. Recently, I have been upcycling machinemade trimmings to create one-of-a-kind pieces, like an RBG-inspired jabot, hand-manipulating metallic soutache into passementerie. I also designed and donated a decorative plate to ART’s HEARTS Awards and Charity event to debut at Dallas Market. I also designed an embellished decorative plate for the #Hearts4Hunger charity event featuring gold-painted raffia fringe with a hand-manipulated heart made of woven braid. What’s the last gift you gave someone, or a go-to host-hostess gift you give? A tassel-clad bottle of Aprerol bitters to make Venetian Spritzes of course!

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and what name would you have? Venetian Green. The opaque blue/green waters of Venice have long been an inspiration since I studied there my ‘junior year abroad.” Only recently, I realized that my brand color palette subconsciously incorporated some antiqued hues from Venetian architecture, dress from the Settecento, and the ancient lagoon. What are your favorite colors or color combinations? Venetian Green, Aqua, Coral, Dijon, Champagne, Soft Black, and Poppy What is your favorite quote/words of wisdom? Experience is an interior decoration. What is your favorite vacation destination? Venice, Jaipur and anywhere I can play tennis and paddle board. Do you prefer book or kindle? Book for texture!

JANA PLATINA PHIPPS

Do you prefer concerts, plays or movies? I adore live music. My husband is a drummer and my daughter is a vocalist. Musicianship is a talent I do not possess, and I admire the skill, creative process, intimacy, and the transportive nature of music. What is your dream project or collaboration? My dream project is to collaborate with the Michelangelo Foundation, to master the art of passementerie and create a body of work to exhibit. What’s your favorite app? Besides Instagram, CANVA is my go-to! What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow? @ButchwaxVintage @JillSeale @RedEggFurniture @Marroquin_Ruben What are your go-to paint colors? I live in a Bavarianstyle house in the woods with an interior in Linen White, Fortunata Gold, Urchin and Charcoal. Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book? Fringe, Frog & Tassel, Burning Man - Art on Fire, and the photography of Louise Dahl-Wolfe

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? I love playing tennis; it’s healthy, mindful and social. Also, you can’t take yourself too seriously because it’s a sport where perfection is untenable. What recent professional or personal accomplishment are you most proud of? During Covid I launched an online training called Instagram Agility and am so pleased by the results my students are achieving. Personally, I just completed my certification as an official Tennis Instructor. And surviving a teenage daughter is quite an accomplishment too. Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support? New Era Creative Space is a local organization that empowers young people from diverse backgrounds to explore their innate creative capabilities and engage in social action, through art, theater and community. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? You can have it all, just not at the same time. What’s still on your professional bucket list? Create a Maker Tour in India.

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STYLE INFLUENCER

Todd Bowles Signature Designer for the Carousel Collection for De Leo Textiles Todd Bowles, the signature designer for the Carousel Collection from luxury brand De Leo Textiles, is a man who has found his “design voice.” “Over the years, I’ve worked hard on refining that voice,” Bowles says. “Once you know what your design voice is, you have set your intention, and once your intention is clear, the law of attraction takes over and things always have a way of falling into place.” His advice for young, up and coming designers? “Work on your design ‘voice.’ Refine it. Know your skills. Know your power. Get used to it. Feel it. Own it. It will make it easier on you, especially over time.” The textile design maven known for trend-savvy colorways and patterns also has favorite sources of inspiration. Calling himself a “well-preserved relic of the 80s’ who still lives for a good fashion magazine,” Bowles says there’s “something so exciting about getting an issue of Vogue. I like to read it backwards on a Sunday morning in the tub with tons of bubbles, hot tea and my space heater cranked up!” Months ago on just such a Sunday morning, he poured over an article called ‘Souk It Up” that inspired this season’s fabric assortment. “The collection is based on inspiration from the spice souks and grand bazaars – I love it!” The cultures, food, artisanal influences and rich and vibrant colors of these markets all come together in the new collection, he says. This season’s color schemes also take inspiration from the Souk marketplaces. “I am channeling color families like silver sage and ivory (soothing herbaceous colors), a color family called Umber (sexy, deep, rich, masculine colors of dark chocolate mixing with gold and copper), and a color group called Batik, (vibrant varying shades of chambray, turquoise and Baltic blue). You can find out more on my Instagram page, @toddbowlesltd.” What are your favorite sources of inspiration? I love fashion. I grew up in fashion, so I always find inspiration from clothing and jewelry. I was also inspired by Ralph Lauren this season. He not only inspires me from a creative perspective but also as a

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

merchant. First and foremost, he is a storyteller, and he is always thinking, “How will this garment work for her or him?” He thinks about the audience first. His mindset is always: “Will they like it? Will it provide some sort of solution for the person that will buy this? Will it make them feel like they are a part of ‘the story’? Will it make them feel sexy?” I love that. I try to do that too. There is a spectacular documentary on HBO about Ralph. Every creative mind who works in the home furnishings or apparel industry should watch it. He is a genius. You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and what name would you have? My crayon is called “Sexy.” I have a phrase I like to use (I have a lot of phrases it seems - LOL!): “If it isn’t sexy, it isn’t Carousel.” My crayon color is a taupe color that squirts out deep vibrant color here and there. It’s masculine and rich and luxe, but friendly, and it goes with everything. “Sexy” is not sexual. “Sexy” is sensual. What’s the difference? Sensual “Sexy” is classic and rooted in elegance but familiar and cozy. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel proud and happy to entertain people. It is never vulgar or boorish.

TODD BOWLES What are your favorite colors or color combinations? People love blue and grey. I am channeling tinted neutrals these days. My absolute favorite color in the world is yellow, but it’s out of fashion these days. I love to throw together black and white and grey and throw in a splash of some vibrant color. What is your favorite quote/words of wisdom? • When someone tells you who they are, believe them.” Maya Angelou • “The eye has to travel.” Diana Vreeland • “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.” Ralph Lauren Do you prefer book or kindle? Books ... please. Again, I am child of the 80’s!! What is your dream project or collaboration? I already live my dream collaboration ... I work alongside Katie Atwater Williams, the Creative Director at De Leo. We have so much fun collaborating. She and I work so well together. I would love to design a collection of fabrics with Anthropologie. I saw their corporate offices last year, and they are doing an amazing job! Love those people. Love their energy. What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow? I will say that I love Chubbies. I love their stuff. As merchants, they’re so smart. It is basically a line of

swimwear for “husky athletic” guys like me who want to aspire to ... a lifestyle, a sensibility – they have a fantastic sense of humor. For Instagram, they have their “voice” down cold. What is your favorite vacation destination? Palm Springs. I want to live there one day. Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book? Ralph Lauren. Duh. Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support? Yes!! It is called Upcycled for Hope! De Leo is making and selling tote bags and gorgeous accessory bags and a large percentage of the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation. The bags are upcycled from fabric we would otherwise throw away into landfills. Go to @upcycledforhope on Instagram to find out more! What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “When someone laughs at you, laugh with them.”– my Mom. As a person with a big personality and a certain, ahem, “joie de vivre,” I get made fun of a lot. Laugh with people when they laugh at you! It’s good for you to learn how to accept your quirks and join in on the fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously ... plus, people will love you for it!

I N C O NJ UNC T I O N WI T H

PRESENT THE

TEMPORARY EXHIBITS AT SHOWTIME

Showtime Market is the largest dedicated home textiles show in the United States held twice a year in High Point North Carolina, the epicenter of the global home furnishings industry. Showtime exhibits include textile, leather and trimmings manufacturers offering buyers a selection of quality designs, new colors and constructions for use in the residential, contract and hospitality markets. The temporary exhibits are located on the 5th Floor of Market Square Textile Tower. The temporary exhibitors in the Market Square Textile Tower join 80+ permanent showrooms to make Showtime the most thorough fabric, leather, and trimmings presentation in the western hemisphere and house well-established suppliers in addition to smaller suppliers, new vendors and groups of international suppliers.

For more information, please visit:

IMCHighPointMarket.com/showtime Where design begins.

#DesignOnHPMkt

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

CREATIVITY PANDEMIC IN THE

2020 has been a year of crisis, tragedy and challenge. The economic, social and health upheavals of the year have also ushered in a time to dig deep while pausing for reflection and reevaluation. By Saana Baker, textile design consultant and creator of The Textile Eye.

For creatives, whose output is intrinsically tied to mood, it has, by necessity, become a time of learning. PHOTOGRAPHER: TARYN ELLIOTT, PEXELS

Kristin Colombano, who makes bespoke felted items under the brand Fog & Fury, sums it up thoughtfully: “I feel emotionally affected by the shutdown and San Francisco’s ghosted streets and boarded up buildings, the constant mask wearing and people’s hidden identities, expressions and muffled words, the palpable fear of contagion and the immense space between us with social distancing. Then add the layers of climate change with

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

Kristin Colombano of Fog & Fury

CREATIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC California’s many fires and smoky skies (and the East’s hurricanes) plus America’s civil, political, and social unrest. We have more problems than we can handle. I believe practice, process, and perseverance will provide meaning and success. So, I go to my studio and work no matter what is going on inside or out. I accept that some days will be unproductive or a full-on fail, and that’s okay. Just getting into the studio and making anything counts.”

Tracy Kessler: Silver & Gold Suede Wallhanging, Mixed Media, 2020

Inspiration is the foundation of creative output. How have our colleagues in design, who are responsible for a boundless stream of exciting, innovative product, been coping—even thriving—during COVID-19?

CREATIVITY: MORE, LESS OR ABOUT THE SAME? For some designers and makers that generally work solo, the Pandemic has provided a chance to do more of what they love: retreat into their studios and make art. “Hand making textiles brings me serenity and immense joy, and I constantly crave uninterrupted maker time,” says Colombano, who has continued to work and fulfill orders throughout the pandemic. For Tracey Kessler, a Sausalito-based multidisciplinary artist and designer, studio time has been a boon. “My creativity ramped up at the start of lockdown. I was taking a fiber art class starting in January, and by the end of March we had moved to Zoom. Playing off this energy by the time the class was over in May, I was in full-time creative mode and it pretty much has not stopped since.” Inspiration has come in waves, more like a rollercoaster, for Giuseppe Molteni of Italian fabric producer G-TEX: “I went through three different phases. From the beginning of lock down until mid-April, I did not have any inspiration at all! Then my brain and creativity started again, and full of new enthusiasm, I started to create a lot of new articles/designs/color combinations. In September, when I realized that most customers are not hungry for new product, I decided to slow down and to keep some ideas for next year.” The lack of travel and connection with others has stifled creativity for some. “I have been less creative for sure. For the first month I wasn’t able to go to the studio, and now the textile companies aren’t developing new collections,” said Italian textile designer and artist Patrizia Ortenzi. “It is hard to be creative (in this environment.) I am definitely an extrovert, and I need to travel and work with people in order to be inspired. I need constant contact with people.”

Patrizia Ortenzi’s studio

Hand felted pillows and fabric from Fog & Fury

MORE ALONE TIME SPARKS MORE CREATIVITY FOR SOME “I have been even more creative, as I have had more time alone to develop my textile designs,” says Eno Jonah, owner and chief designer of luxury textile line Nzuri Textiles. “I like working on my projects (often alone), developing new designs and finding workshops that fit the profile of my business.” For creatives in roles at larger firms, temporary closures and extended work-from-home have offered an opportunity to reconnect with lost habits of hands-on work. “I’ve been more creative!”, says Mary Jo Miller, VP of Design and Creative Eno Jonah of Nzuri Textiles Direction at HBF Textiles. “I had forgotten that I am a maker. Being home allowed me to experiment.” ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

SHOWTIME® FEATURE “On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed designing and sewing my own masks,” says Sophie Clarke, Director of Home Textiles at Kelly Wearstler. “I’ve also been exploring some new techniques such as latch hook rug making. I find the more hand-on creative work I do, the happier I am.” Royce Epstein, A & D Design Director at Mohawk Group, agrees. “I have been more creative because I have been able to find and appreciate slow moments again. It feels like the ‘80’s and ‘90’s in my house, when I had the mental and physical space to focus on creating.”

CONNECT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY With travel at a near standstill and many shows and conferences canceled, designers are leaning into online technology as a place for inspiration, learning and connection. For many, embracing this change has made a world of difference: “You can make art and design on Zoom and now have access to things that you never dreamed of before via Zoom!” enthuses Royce Epstein. “I set up a craft collective every other Friday night called “Craftwerk”, to make crafts and talk about art and design with two other design industry friends. This has really kept me going!” Interacting with other creatives is a big benefit. “I’ve been able to tap into more online inspiration. Zoom seminars, classes and workshops have really helped,’ says Kessler. “I think people crave working together and connecting in whatever way possible. I’m participating in a wonderful project called ‘Telephone.’ Thousands of creatives around the world pass on their ideas and practice through their medium to create a

Royce Epstein’s home office, with dog Sherman

‘telephone chain’ of inspiration. It’s fascinating to see the work and connections created by this project.” Tech has also taken the place of travel for product development purposes. “I had hoped to visit some of my workshops, including a new potential partner, in West Africa, Asia and Latin America,” says Eno Jonah. “The current situation has created a setback. Nonetheless, we are still moving on through virtual meetings. I have become much more familiar with Zoom, which I find incredibly useful and time-efficient, in that I do not need to travel to talk about my products.” Nicolò Favaretto Rubelli of Rubelli Fabrics has also been clocking more screen time. “Everything moved to the Internet and to social media...I love Instagram, it can be a source of inspiration, and I like to share a face of Venice which you could hardly imagine.” Andrea Galimberti of carpet company NODUS notes, “We live in a technological world, yet the people always stay in the center. ‘Humans first,’ I say, before technology and innovation. This means make fewer things and better. Respect life rhythms and the environment.”

LEARN SOMETHING NEW The brain thrives on newness. At the start of lockdown, everyone was focused on technology. Learning these new skills has affected everyone. Fashion designer John Galliano, when asked by Anna Wintour on an April Vogue webinar about his experience during lockdown, spoke first about how mastering video conferencing had to become the top priority. Tacua’ rug, from the Mutazioni 1.0 Collection for NODUS by Lanzavecchia + Wai with ‘Golden Ratio’ carpet grid pattern by Olivia Lee

Insights for the Inspired Designer

“Wow! The inspirational boost I needed! Informative context combined with beautiful images of products, always thoughtful and uplifting.” Kimberle Frost Textile Consultant

“The value of the quarterly subscription is beyond worth it for the breadth of info, the scope of coverage, and the exceptional curation of photos and stories! Well worth the investment!” Kathryn Richardson VP of Marketing, Libeco Linens

Missing the shows this year? Travel with The Textile Eye. Textile designer Saana Baker conceived The Textile Eye as a resource for creative replenishment. Available in both digital and print, each report offers trending themes, sourcing information, and color tools that will keep you in-the-know, all curated from the best international suppliers of luxury fabric and surface design. Your inside eye to the home textiles industry, delivered quarterly!

thetextileeye.com/subscriptions @the_textile_eye

Background: Jim Lambie, Wool Painting (Boundless Panorama), 2019

CREATIVITY IN THE PANDEMIC

“My daughter and I painted murals in our house, did a lot of watercolors and even some frame weavings,” says Seema Krish, whose eponymous textile collection is all hand-crafted in India. “I’ve really been enjoying painting with watercolors and making collages. The colors I’ve been using are brighter, and this has brought me a sense of calm and predictability through this time!” Whether a new app or recipe, a dive into art or gardening projects, or signing up for online CEUs, our minds are working in new and different ways. Unfamiliar activities make us stretch, and the effects of expansion in one area often ripple out, creating a creative lift in other areas.

OPEN YOUR EYES TO NATURE Now that far-flung destinations are inaccessible, many creatives are finding solace and inspiration closer to home. The simple pleasures of a nature walk or a stroll around the block are lauded by many. In a recent New York Times seminar, Justina Blakeney described a brilliant way of resetting: “I can just get so stuck in my head when I’m home and in front of my computer or my phone, it’s like an echo chamber. So sometimes just getting outside is an “Ahhhh”. Doing focused walks helps me think about things in new ways...One I call “rainbow foraging”. I’ll go outside with my daughter, and we will look for physical objects like leaves or flowers, petals or sticks that are in all the colors of the rainbow. We might bring a little baggy to take them back home. Or I’ll just do it in photos. Even on my block, there might be a cool tree that I’ve never noticed before, and the eucalyptus bark—the way it’s flaking off—is creating this really cool pattern and these unique colors”. Mary Jo Miller has also been getting out into the fresh air, and observes, “I’m definitely seeing more patterns in nature with shadow and light.” Mary Jo Miller for HBF Textiles

Sophie Clarke has found a new appreciation for neighborhood walks and for gardening: “I have discovered that I enjoy spending the mornings pruning the palo verde trees in my garden. It gives me a sense of great peace and satisfaction.”

SLOW DOWN Epstein’s summation is shared by many: “We all need to slow down and embrace this opportunity to reset. Don’t be afraid of slow moments! That is one of my new mantras for this era.” “How nice and peaceful, the absence of noise. We were all able to listen to nature!” says Ortenzi, who enjoys walks and bike rides near her home in the hills above Lake Como. “The crazy hustle that was my life prior to COVID left me with little time for creativity outside of work. This time at home has been a way for me to reconnect with gardening, cooking, and crafting with my daughter,” says Kristin Riccio, owner of Kristin Riccio Interior Design. “I think it’s easy to overlook the satisfaction and gratification of creative projects that help to recharge us, and that’s what COVID has given me. It may sound strange, but I’m grateful for this recharge.” French designer Pierre Yovanovitch recently told ADPro, “I try to look at the silver lining and see this as an opportunity for a creative reset, taking a pause from our overly scheduled lives to tap back into what inspires us.”

Project board at Kristin Riccio’s studio

For those fortunate enough to be able to, taking the opportunity to pause and reset has become a worthy aspiration. According to a study by Dr. Marie Forgeard, a leading researcher on creativity, “There is compelling evidence that suggests surges in creativity could be linked to the experience of trauma.” The collective crises that we are experiencing are not easy. But I believe that they will spur growth, as each individual undertakes making meaning from their experiences. In the best of times, our industry and designers are capable of creating beautiful collections that speak elegantly of home and comfort. If Dr. Forgeard is correct, then I am overwhelmed by the creative possibilities that will emerge from this passage.

ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

the election What impact has the presidential election campaign had on the home textiles industry in 2020, and what impact will the outcome have next year? By Kim D. Shaver

EDITOR’S NOTE: The convergence of a global pandemic, economic downturn, racial justice protests and a presidential election year has reverberated throughout the business community in 2020. In this analytical overview, Showtime Magazine is republishing excerpts from an article on the election impact by Tara Donaldson for “Rivet Magazine,” a leading trade publication in the denim industry. In addition, we interviewed several leaders in the home textiles industry for their take on the “election impact” in 2020 and beyond. To read the original article in its entirety, visit www.issuu.com and search for Rivet’s April 2020 edition.

THE ELECTION EFFECT

RIVET MAGAZINE EXCERPTS* IMPACT ON BUSINESS INVESTMENTS “One of the things that an election year always does is create more uncertainty, especially if it’s a close election and you don’t know what policies are going to continue,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). Considering that uncertainty tends to have a cooling effect on spending, many companies have been more cautious about capital investments and new initiatives in 2020.

“That may suggest that phase two could be further off and we could see the tariff situation grow worse,” AAFA’s Lamar said. “Regardless of what happens in the election, the U.S.-China relationship will continue to be an area of prime focus for whoever is taking the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2021.”

(This “holding pattern” has been amplified by the pandemic-related economic shutdown, which sparked significant cost-cutting measures for many industries.)

IMPACT ON TRADE Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has had a bone to pick with China over its unfair trade practices—particularly those surrounding intellectual property and forced technology transfer—which last year resulted in an ongoing volley of tariffs between the two leading nations. In December, the U.S. and China agreed on a phase one trade deal, which, signed in January, dialed back certain tariffs, but left a sizable burden on the (home textiles) and (furniture) sectors, with 25 percent tariffs remaining on items like thread, yarn, textiles and (component parts, as well as furniture finished goods.) The (trade war) has fueled an ongoing “undercurrent of nervousness and anxiety,” according to Julia K. Hughes, president of the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)—and the sentiment may not let up anytime soon. “From the perspective of today, it seems to me that if we have another four years of the Trump administration, we’re going to see even more trade wars, trade disputes, and even more attacks on the multilateral global trade system,” Hughes said. What remains to be seen is whether Trump determines he’s gotten the response he wanted, or if there are more demands to be made on China. (Depending on the answer) there could be threats to (the consummation of) a full, phase two U.S.-China trade deal.

*Published with Permission

IMPACT ON SUPPLY CHAINS Traditionally, when a Democratic candidate wins the presidency, the importance of global supply chain management gets elevated, according to Burak Kazaz, the Steven R. Becker professor of supply chain management at Syracuse University. If the Republican wins the White House in November, Kazaz said, “Expect more of the same,” adding that he’s “skeptical about the future success of current policies.” If the vote swings Democrat, we could expect a higher degree of global agreements, he said, adding, “Sustainability and environmentally-conscious supply chains are the first to come to mind. Moreover, I anticipate a higher emphasis on supply chain finance because of the movement in capital in addition to the flow of goods.”

ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

WHAT HOME TEXTILE INDUSTRY LEADERS ARE SAYING Kelly DiFoggio, Director of Sales and Merchandising for Stein Fabrics and President of International Textile Alliance The presidential election season has been one of many disruptions that leaders at Stein Fabrics have been dealing with over the last two years, says Kelly DiFoggio, director of sales and merchandising. “Last year, it was the trade war (with Chinese imports), and this year, we have had a global pandemic (and economic shutdown), which have overshadowed the presidential election,” she says. “These have been unprecedented disruptions, one right after the other, and it has been difficult to maneuver everything at once.” While the initial onset of the pandemic and economic shutdown brought business to a halt in the Spring, DiFoggio says that “The (furniture industry) has enjoyed a high rate of shipments, orders and backlogs

during the summer, which is usually a slow time, and strong demand for (home furnishings) has continued. Because the pandemic has forced people to stay home more and not travel or go to events, there has been a lot more focus on the home and consumer spending on home interiors. The challenge for our industry right now is getting products out the door fast enough, as well as getting enough components such as foam and lumber,” she says. A high demand environment for home goods has also caused a surge in freight rates and a shortage of container space. “Everyone is trying to do more with less: less staff and less resources,” she said. The myriad of disruptions, one after the other, presents a feeling of, ‘What is coming next?’ says DiFoggio. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, I believe that those manufacturers and suppliers who can stay nimble, react quickly and stay abreast of global developments will be the ones who come out on top.”

214 Modern Abner Henry Branch Home Cohab.Space Design Legacy Jonathan Charles Lancaster Mill Collective Modern History Mr Brown London Oly Randall Tysinger Antiques Red Egg Schwung South + English

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THE ELECTION EFFECT Blake Millinor, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Valdese Weavers

Bob Patton, Furniture Division Sales Manager, P. Kaufmann

Global trade and supply chains will be one of the areas most impacted by the outcome of the presidential election, believes Blake Millinor, chief sales and marketing officer at Valdese Weavers. “Whichever way the election goes, the administration’s plans on global trade will be critical. We’ve had the challenge of the tariffs for the last 18 months or so, and there could be a reassessment as to whether to continue to ramp up or pull back on tariffs,” he says. To date, the tariffs have “certainly caused customers to take a second look at (Valdese) since we are a domestic producer, and that’s helped boost sales since we have been able to respond immediately to the (high demand) for (home furniture and textiles.)” Noting that “most of our customers have now diversified their supply chains,” he says that, “While they will make some adjustments depending on the election outcome, there will be no wholesale changes. The diversified supply chains are here to stay.”

The pandemic has been such a seminal factor in business this year that, “We have almost ignored the presidential election campaign; it has been overshadowed by COVID-19,” said Bob Patton, furniture division sales manager for P. Kaufmann. “When the pandemic first hit, we thought business would really go south, but now it is all we can do to keep up with demand.” While the company’s New York headquarters have been temporarily closed, “We have a warehouse outside of Charlotte that has saved us. We have been able to ship in a timely manner.”

With historically high demand in the housing and home furnishings industries showing no signs of slowing despite an overall economic downturn, “The question on everyone’s mind as the election and a new year looms is, `How much of the increase in consumer spending on (home-related goods) is the COVID financial relief and stimulus, how much of it is pent-up demand and how much of it is new consumer spending habits?’ We are all asking ourselves how long it will last, but that’s a great dilemma to have,” Millinor said.

Kathryn Richardson, Vice President of Sales for Libeco and Vice President of ITA

Mendy Kearns, co-owner, Hamilton Fabrics and Treasurer of ITA The unexpected housing and home furnishings boom that followed “safer at home” orders throughout the country in the wake of COVID-19 means “We are going into an upcoming election on a sales upswing,” said Mendy Kearns, coowner of upholstery fabric converter Hamilton Fabrics. Business has been strong for the company since midJune, she says. Because Hamilton Fabrics purchases goods from an assortment of countries including India, Belgium, Italy, Turkey and Spain, “We have not been impacted greatly by the trade war and shifting supply chains,” she says, adding that “If tariffs were extended to Europe in (the next administration), that could impact us.” When asked what issue in the presidential campaign could impact business most in the future, Kearns cited taxes. “Any change in tax rates to the consumer or to corporate tax rates could negatively impact consumer spending,” she says.

“Lots of log jams in the supply chain and product deliveries” have been the biggest challenges of the last several months, he says. Turning to the presidential election, Patton noted, “There are pluses and minuses to whoever wins. The furniture fabrics world will still be running to catch up with demand, whoever wins,” he believes.

A presidential election year ushers in “the volatility of the unknown,” says Richardson. “There is a reluctance of companies to make major decisions or investments pending a political outcome. Once that is known, I expect people to pull the trigger on new programs and investments.” Richardson agrees with many of her peers that both the tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic have overshadowed the presidential election year. “Because our company is Belgian-based, we have had less volatility in our shipping. The stability in our supply chain has been beneficial as we’ve sought to respond to surging demand, and our ability to respond with faster delivery times has helped us increase shipments and sales,” she says. She speculates that “If tariffs are rolled back by the next administration, that would produce more open to buy for our customers… And, if Trump is re-elected, we could see Europe as the ‘next frontier’ for tariffs, because the administration has already signaled they are considering that.” Overall, Richardson expects the end of election season to be a welcome milestone. “It is the unknown that is more of a fear factor. Once there’s an understanding of what the landscape will be, businesses will move forward with more confidence.” ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

ITA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

EDUCATING OUR MEMBERS The ITA Educational Foundation has long been focused on bringing new talent into the industry through programs and design competitions geared toward students studying textile design. We have recently expanded that focus to include education for our members and their customers as well. Some recent initiatives include the Textile 101 class at the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, educational presentations at the biannual membership meetings, roundtable and interactive events at The Point during High Point Market and, this year, we have expanded our virtual education. In May, we partnered with International Market Centers for our first virtual roundtable entitled “Doing Business in the New Normal” moderated by Jack Eger of Crypton with panelists Jeff Harris, Furnitureland South; George Jordan, The MT Company; Kathryn Richardson, Libeco; Patrick Shelton, Valdese Weavers and Greg Thomases, Swavelle Mill Creek. In October, a handful of ITA members volunteered their time to participate in a virtual symposium with Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) as part of DESIGNPHILADELPHIA, presented by The Center for Architecture and Design. Moving forward, ITA President and Educational Foundation Chair Kelly DiFoggio is organizing a monthly webinar series on topics of interest to ITA members including the founders of International Textile Alliance, history of the textile industry, and legislation affecting performance fabrics.

FOUNDERS’ SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERN PROGRAM Thanks to the generous support of our members, we are excited to announce that we are able to continue the Founders’ Scholarship, an annual scholarship set up as a benefit for members by providing financial support to a student pursuing a career in the home textiles industry. The scholarship recipient will receive a total of $5,000 towards their college education. The home textile industry can be a tough club to break into without a connection on the inside, which makes internships an integral part of recruiting new talent. The ITA Educational Foundation will assist member companies in securing interns and provide up to $1,000 in compensation to the student.

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/EducationalFoundation

ITA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AWARDS GALA Even though the awards gala and annual golf tournament were not able to occur in 2020, we are planning to hold them in the future. We look forward to bringing everyone together.

FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT

of our Educational Foundation without which none of these initiatives would be possible.

Special thanks to Jack Eger and John Kearns for their extraordinary fundraising efforts.

COMMITTEE CHAIR Kelly DiFoggio / Stein Fibers

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jack Eger, Crypton Terrell Gary, P. Kaufmann John Kearns, Hamilton Fabric Sales Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles Katie Atwater Williams, De Leo Textiles

A key focus of ITA, its Educational Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the future of the textile industries through the nurturing and promotion of education, scholarship, and career development initiatives. The foundation relies on the support and financial generosity of ITA members and industry leaders to fund these efforts.

To make a donation to the foundation, contact the ITA office at 336-885-6842 or info@internationaltextilealliance.org. ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

ITA MEMBER NEWS NEW MEMBER America Leather Resources Based in Brazil with U.S. offices in High Point and Tupelo, America Leather Resources is a global organization offering a wide assortment of fashion-forward, highquality upholstery leathers of exceptional value. Our offerings include high performance leathers with a supple hand; suedes in rich, stylish colors and textures that feel like velvet; hair-onhide, carefully-curated patterns and full-grain leathers produced in Italy and stocked locally. Visit us at HFRC Suite 203 with PMT Fabrics at Showtime or americaleather.com.br.

CREST LEATHER ACQUIRES ITALIAN-BASED I.C. INDUSTRIA CONCIARIA S.R.L. Crest Leather, a leading manufacturer of upholstery leather, announces the acquisition of I.C. Industria Conciaria S.R.L in Arzignano, Italy. IC produces wet-blue and wet-white hides, meeting the highest environmental standards, and is Gold Certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), like Crest’s flagship tannery in Chiampo. The acquisition further strengthens Crest’s position as a vertically integrated operation, having full control of the tanning process from raw material to finished leather. Crest Leather is a global tanning group with U.S. operations in Greensboro, North Carolina, and a permanent showroom in High Point. With a commitment to sustainability and a Gold Rating by the Leather Working Group, Crest Leather’s flagship tannery is a leading producer of the finest Italian leather for use in upholstery, hospitality, and interior design. For more information visit www.crestleather.com.

DALLAS MARKET CENTER AND ART ANNOUNCE HEARTS AWARDS HONOREES Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, have announced the 13 honorees for the HEARTS Awards, taking place January 8. The HEARTS Awards, to be hosted by Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia, is a one-time special event to take place during the January Total Home & Gift Market in Dallas. The event is being held in partnership and solidarity with thirteen leading industry organizations to honor thirteen companies that have shown outstanding leadership, empathy and service during the COVID-19 pandemic by going above and beyond in service to their industry

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/News

and/or community. The event also includes a fundraising auction supporting No Kid Hungry. THE HONOREES ARE: • No Kid Hungry, presented by ART and Dallas Market Center • American Leather Holdings, presented by American Home Furnishings Alliance • Serta Simmons, presented by American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame • WAC Lighting, presented by the American Lighting Association • Stephen Joseph Gifts, presented by Gift & Home Trade Association • Mercado Global, presented by Gift for Life • Baltimore Design Group, presented by Interior Design Society • Telescope Casual Furniture, presented by International Casual Furnishings Association • Norwalk Furniture, presented by International Home Furnishings Representative Association • Otto & Moore, presented by International Society of Furniture Designers • Crypton Fabric, presented by International Textile Alliance • Varaluz, presented by Sustainable Furnishings Council • Ekornes, presented by WithIt “Never before have so many industry organizations joined together for such an important cause,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “During challenging times, we are proud to unite these leaders for such an inspiring event and to share their stories of heart-based leadership.” “I am amazed at the compassion, the selflessness, and the leadership shown by these companies over the past several months,” said Sharon Davis, executive director of ART. “Their individual efforts supported communities around the world, and their collective efforts helped hundreds of thousands of people. This year we will celebrate their achievements and at the same time work together to raise funds for hunger relief with a creative silent auction.” The HEARTS Awards silent auction will feature more than 70 one-of-a-kind plates creatively transformed by artists, designers, celebrities, influencers and special guests to be auctioned to the highest bidder. The auction will begin online in early November ahead of The HEARTS Awards and will conclude on the evening of the event. Participating in the creative fundraiser are figures from the world of product design, interior design, and the arts including Jane Seymour, Thom Filicia, Bobby Berk, Justina Blakeney, Carson Kressley, Thomas O’Brien,

ITA MEMBER NEWS

Jamie Drake, Libby Langdon, Adam Glassman (O, the Oprah Magazine), Julia Buckingham, Anna Bond (Rifle Paper Co.) Joe Ruggiero, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Jason Phillips (Phillips Collection), George Sellers (Global Views), Dann Foley, Alexander Julian, Bunny Williams, Barbara Barry, and Beatriz Ball. To support the charitable fundraiser of the HEARTS Awards on social media, please use the hashtag #hearts4hunger. The HEARTS Awards event will take place on January 8, 2021 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Individual and group tickets will be available at a later date. The full list of honorees was announced in October. Complete information is available here: www.dallasmarketcenter. com/artsawards. Special thanks to Rosenthal for providing the plates for the silent auction and to Freightwire and Global Views for their generous donations to support the auction. Media sponsors to date include: Aspire Design and Home, Designers Today, D Home, Furniture Lighting & Décor, Furniture/Today, Furniture World, Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Home Accents Today, HFN, and Home Textiles Today.

HOME SECRETS TEXTILE OPENS REMODELED, EXPANDED WAREHOUSE/ OFFICES/SHOWROOM Home Secrets Textile, producers of exquisite home décor and event fabrics announces the opening of their new updated and much larger warehouse/ offices/showroom located in Los Angeles, CA. This new location and investment demonstrates Home Secrets’ commitment to the industries they pursue and their impeccable customer service to their vast customer base. Please feel free to visit our offices/ showrooms in Los Angeles, CA and High Point NC.

ITA PROMOTES CARRIE DILLON TO MANAGING DIRECTOR ITA began its 2020-2021 fiscal year with the promotion of Carrie Dillon to the newly created position of Managing Director.

Dillon has been with the organization since 2014 and has grown through its ranks, first as Assistant Executive Director, then taking on the additional management of the ITA’s Educational Foundation in 2017. She has been an invaluable member of the organization and has seen it through many transitions. She will continue to be essential in overseeing the management of the ITA, as the ITA also announced the downsizing of the organization with the resignation of Brian Casey, the previous Executive Director. Board President Kelly DiFoggio, said, “We are grateful to Brian for the work he has done over the past 2 1/2 years. He has given a professional face to the ITA, and has been a tremendous mentor and colleague. He will be missed, but at the same time, we are thrilled to have Carrie step into a management role for our organization. She is a wealth of knowledge, knows the industry and our members well, and will be instrumental in seeing us through these difficult and strange times.” ITA’s future plans include continuing to make its mainstay, bi-annual wholesale tradeshow, SHOWTIME, a renewed focus with the addition of a new temporary floor in the Market Square Tower in High Point, NC. Despite the show’s cancellation in May, the November 15-18th, 2020 edition is currently still planned to proceed on schedule. ITA will continue to focus on expanding its benefits for its members beyond that of the tradeshow. All news and announcements can be found on the ITA website.

ITA SHOWTIME LAUNCHES OUTREACH International Textile Alliance is launching a major, dualcity outreach to connect wholesale fabric, leather, and trim suppliers with buyers during its bi-annual Showtime Textiles show. Traditionally held in High Point, NC, ITA’s Showtime edition will be expanded to reach buyers closer to home, to be held in-person in Mahwah, NJ, in addition to the traditional venue of High Point, NC. The dates of each show will be: Nov. 15-18, 2020 in High Point, NC and Jan. 26-27, 2021 in Mahwah, NJ. The venue in New Jersey will be the Marriott Courtyard, off Route 287. Leading mills and convertors will be seen by appointment for showings of new collections of textiles, leather and trim for the home furnishings sector – residential, hospitality and contract markets.

ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

ITA MEMBER NEWS

ITA has partnered with the Courtyard to provide safe, personal, and private environments in which to show fabric lines to buyers unable to travel to North Carolina for the main show. ITA will support this expanded venue as a one-time supplement to its ongoing High Point shows, and look to make even broader connections virtually. Buyers planning to attend Showtime in High Point can pre-register to prevent lines at check-in. Buyers interested in attending the Showtime North event can visit our website for additional information and registration. Companies interested in exhibiting at either or both locations can contact Carrie Dillon at carrie@ internationaltextilealliance.org. ITA continues to focus on expanding benefits for its members beyond that of the tradeshow. All news and announcements can be found on the ITA website where one can also fill out information to be added to the mailing list.

PATRICK SHELTON JOINS ITA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Patrick Shelton, Vice President of Sales with Valdese Weavers, has been elected to join the International Textile Alliance (ITA) Board of Directors. “I am very excited to be adding another member to our board.” said Kelly DiFoggio, President of the ITA Board of Directors. “Not only does Patrick represent one of our oldest member companies, but his knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry will be a great addition.” Shelton has been in the textile industry for nearly a decade. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Sewanee, The University of the South. In addition to excelling academically, Shelton also played football during his tenure at Sewanee. He began his career at Valdese Weavers in 2011 and spent his first two years working and learning the manufacturing processes. Shelton transitioned into a sales role in 2013, steadily grew his sales experience and was named VP of Sales in January 2019. Shelton joins the current ITA Board of Directors which includes: Kelly DiFoggio of Stein Fibers and ITA President; Kathryn Richardson of Libeco and ITA Vice President; Mendy Kearns of Hamilton Fabric Sales and ITA Treasurer; Nathan Copeland, Highland House Furniture; Carmen Herndon Barbee, Ballard Designs; David Lappert, Kravet Inc.; Dada Patil, Catania Fabrics; Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles; and David Stunda, Barbarossa Leather.

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/News

CLAUDINE SIMONE RETURNS TO KRAVET Kravet Inc. is excited to announce the return of Claudine Simone as its new North Carolina Sales Representative. Claudine has an expansive sales and merchandising background, which includes a previous tenure with Kravet Inc. in various management positions. In her new role, Simone will call on furniture manufacturers with the complete Kravet Inc. fabric line. Simone’s career spans over 14 years, with experience sourcing, purchasing and merchandising upholstery and decorative fabrics in the furniture industry. Prior to her new position at Kravet Inc., Simone worked as the Merchandising Executive with fabric converter Radiate Textile, in Norwalk, CT. Simone had also been the brand director for the Drexel and Henredon divisions of Heritage Home Group for nearly 10 years. “We know Claudine will do a great job fostering the partnership-driven relationships we covet with all our customers,” says David Lappert, Kravet Inc. Vice President of Sales. Likewise, Simone is thrilled to be back with Kravet Inc., “They are the top of the line and again, my home. Working for an amazing company, selling to whom I consider customers/friends and being able to play and sell with the most amazing selection of fabrics; I could not ask for more,” Simone said. Heritage Home Group for nearly 10 years.

MILLIKEN ® EXPANDS ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TEAM TO INCLUDE JEFF SMITH The Specialty Interiors business of Milliken & Company, a global diversified manufacturer with more than 150 years of textile expertise, has expanded its account management team to include Jeff Smith. The new addition is an indication of the company’s commitment to growth. Smith will focus on account management in the residential market and promote the Breathe by Milliken® sustainable performance fabric line. He joins Milliken with over 20 years of experience in residential upholstery fabrics sales account management, where he called on residential furniture manufacturers and large retail accounts throughout the Southeast. Smith’s responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships

ITA MEMBER NEWS

with existing and new customers to drive sustainable, profitable growth for Milliken Specialty Interiors. He will be working out of Milliken’s High Point, NC showroom.

MILLIKEN,® ROWE PARTNER TO OFFER ECOFRIENDLY COTTON SLUB ‘BREATHE’ FABRIC ON ROBIN BRUCE SOFAS Milliken’s Specialty Interiors business announces its partnership with Rowe Furniture to offer the Breathe by Milliken® collection across Rowe’s furniture and slipcover lines. The eco-elegant performance fabrics partnership launched at the High Point Fall Market, where Rowe debuted Breathe’s New Delhi, a 100 percent cotton slub fabric, on its Robin Bruce Boden sofa. “This partnership highlights our Breathe by Milliken collection, an ideal choice for consumers who want fabric solutions that offer protection without sacrificing aesthetics or the environment,” said Chad McAllister, Executive Vice President of Milliken & Company and President of the Textile Division. Rowe’s latest product launch, Boden, focuses on sustainability, wellness and modern yet practical design that includes easy cleaning options. The Breathe collection is a perfect fit, featuring cleanable cottons, cotton/ linens and polyesters made from recycled plastic bottles. “We chose Breathe for its sustainability story, aesthetic features and excellent product support from Milliken Specialty Interiors. As the first plant-based performance option in our pre-washed, pre-shrunk natural fiber line, Breathe enhances our product portfolio and will appeal to customers looking for a functional solution without sacrificing performance or appearance,” said Laura Mabe, upholstery merchandising manager and designer for Rowe. “As the natural fibers soften and bloom, they will maintain their beauty through multiple washes for a luxurious and environmentally healthy option.” “Milliken is among the most sustainably-focused and environmentally responsible companies in the industry, and the organization has a reputation for excellence, meeting deadlines and offering great support,” said David Shilesky, Vice President of Marketing for Rowe

Furniture. “One of Rowe’s differentiators is our Express Program, which offers shorter lead times on many custom items. Therefore, we need to have inventory on shelves and a partner we can depend on to consistently deliver. We know Milliken is a trusted, reliable partner.” Breathe upholstery fabrics offer a durable, plant-based water-repellent that resists everyday stains and cleans easily without PFCs, fire retardants or other chemicals of concern. These fabrics have earned GREENGUARD® GOLD certification to meet strict chemical emissions limits and enhance the indoor air quality of living spaces. “While we are thrilled to meet Rowe’s product needs, we are equally as proud to serve top manufacturers by working cooperatively, keeping promises and delivering tools to position their sales teams and merchandisers for success,” said Rene’ Vaughn, Director of Sales for Milliken Specialty Interiors. To learn more about the partnership, visit rowelifestyle. com/breathe or breathebymilliken.com. Schedule an appointment to view the Breathe by Milliken collection in our High Point, NC, showroom by emailing millikenspecialtyinteriors@milliken.com.

REGAL FABRICS ACQUIRES DIVERSITEX HOME Regal Fabrics has announced its acquisition of the Diversitex Home division of Diversitex, Inc. The product line will be rebranded as Dtex by Regal Fabrics. “We are excited to add the Dtex by Regal Fabrics product into our mix,” said President Steve Kahan. “We’ll now have natural fibers, sourced in the USA, including the fabric known as Topsider, which is arguably the most successful cotton twill in the industry. The Dtex line brings our customers a wide range of woven textures in cotton, linen and rayon plus beautiful velvets and decorative designs. All will be provided with the high level of support and service that customers rely on from Regal Fabrics.” Diversitex Home specializes in providing an array of upholstery and multipurpose fabrics from around the world. The line is best known for a deep collection of USA-converted piece-dyed natural fiber weaves and twills. Diversitex excels at merchandising its piece-dyed cotton fabrics alongside an array of lux looks including velvets and natural and polyester jacquards. Says Kahan, “We are proud to be in a position to take advantage of the opportunity to grow our line and provide a wider selection of options to the market. Our initial emphasis will be re-introducing the line as Dtex by Regal Fabrics and integrating this product into our customer-focused business approach. Going forward, we are equally excited ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

ITA MEMBER NEWS

about the opportunities to build on our newly acquired capabilities to create new and novel fabrics in the future.” About Regal Fabrics: Founded in 1987, Regal Fabrics is a leading producer of fabrics for furniture manufacturers, fabric distributors and more. Emphasizing top quality in product, service, and delivery, Regal’s design studio creates original, copyright protected designs in a wide range of durable fabric constructions. All are available with performance finishing. Customers look to Regal for trending designs, colors and collections in a range of fabric constructions including woven textures, jacquards, prints, velvets and embroideries.

KELLY DIFOGGIO JOINS STEIN FIBERS AS DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MERCHANDISING Industry veteran and current ITA president, Kelly DiFoggio, has joined Stein Fibers as the Director of Sales and Merchandising for the company’s fabric division. Kelly has served in the textile industry for more than 15 years, most recently as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Yarn & Loom. She has been a board member of the International Textile Alliance since 2011. “We are fortunate to add Kelly’s experience and leadership to the Stein Fibers team. Her product knowledge and understanding of the market will allow our entire team to be the ultimate solutions provider to the furniture industry,” said Peter Spitalny, president of Stein Fibers, Ltd. “I love this industry,” says DiFoggio, “and I am excited to join a company that not only shares the same passion as I do for textiles, but is also investing the necessary resources into their fabric division to see significant growth.” Stein Fibers, Ltd. is one of the largest suppliers and producers of polyester staple fibers in North America, and has been serving the furniture and soft goods industries for over 40 years. They have recently partnered with Corttex, Brazil’s largest supplier of fabrics and textile goods, to supply the US furniture industry with an assortment of casual, affordable and stocked fabrics. “The price points on the fabrics that we are able to offer our customers are extremely competitive. And, to have the ability to stock these goods is an added value to our customers.” says DiFoggio.

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SOUTH PACIFIC TEXTILE NAMES REP FOR SOUTHEASTERN FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS Upholstery fabric and home textile provider South Pacific Textile announces the appointment of Jessica King as sales representative for the Southeastern region. She will work closely with furniture manufacturers in this region, as well as with retail fabric stores, design centers and jobbers. Ms. King resides in the Hickory area, and will already be familiar to many of the merchandisers, designers, purchasers and decision-makers within these companies. She will be setting appointments to show the line in person or via video chat. South Pacific was previously represented by Cathy “CeCe” Valent, who has been tapped for a full-time position with another company. We thank CeCe for her services, and wish her well. Under past representation, many manufacturers have established a relationship with South Pacific and have come to recognize its reliable customer service. Says General Manager Bill Wang “We are pleased to welcome Jessica. Her strong ties within the Hickory community and beyond make her an ideal rep for us. With our High Point warehouse ready to ship hundreds of in-stock fabrics and offering a display and meeting room, Jessica will be able to service companies in Hickory, High Point and beyond.” South Pacific Textile has been an ITA member since 2014 and has shown in the Suites at Market Square throughout that time. Plans have been made to move to the new 5th floor Textile Tower, space 504. This will most likely occur in Spring 2021, with individual showings available prior to that time. Contact Bill Wang at bill@southpacifictextile. com or 336.692.2581

TSG FINISHING REPORTS ON FIRST STEPS TOWARD PLANT – BASED TECHNOLOGY TSG Finishing, LLC is thrilled to announce the market launch of the first phase of incorporating plant-based technology into its DEFEND® Finishing Program. Going forward, all High Performance DEFEND immersion processes now contain up to 30% USDA approved plantbased technology, making it one of the first performance brands in the market to claim this progress.

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Through the efforts of TSG’s technical team, the plantbased DEFEND will also continue to excel in repelling both water and oil-based products. The amount of PFAS (fluorinated chemical), also known as C6, is reduced by one-third in this new technology. “This is great progression regarding the reduction of the C6 footprint,” said Brian Rosenstein, chief executive officer. “We continue to seek out the elusive ‘holy grail’ of textile finishing, which is a true fluorine- free treatment that will protect against both water and oil-based stains.” Rosenstein continues, “Our team spent a lot of time vetting out different materials until we were satisfied that we had the right component. Having a USDA certified Bio-based product was key in our decision-making process.” In the near future, TSG plans to cultivate this knowledge heading into more plant-based options, as well as expanding it into all of its DEFEND offerings. With opportunities opening and education available to the residential and contract design markets, DEFEND is welcomed with confience. TSG Finishing has over 119 years of textile finishing experience, with steadfast options to choose from.

ULTRAFABRICS: CLEANERS AND DISINFECTANTS RECOMMENDED BY CDC As COVID-19 increasingly impacts all of our day-to-day lives, repeated cleaning and disinfecting of frequentlytouched surfaces is recommended by the CDC as a way to avoid exposure. Cleaners and disinfectants recommended by the CDC to combat COVID-19 have also been tested on Ultrafabrics materials with no adverse effects when cleaning guidelines are followed as directed: • Detergent or Soap and Water (prior to disinfection) 1:5 bleach/water Solution • Alcohol-Based Cleaners (at least 70% alcohol) Quaternary-Based Disinfectants • Hydrogen-Peroxide Based Cleaners As always, when using any disinfectant, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, not saturate the surface of our fabric, and remove all residue with a clean, damp cloth so the surface of our fabric will not be damaged. For additional information on COVID-19, please visit CDC.gov. The safety and well-being of our customers is very important to us. We urge all to take precautions to remain healthy and inhibit the spread of the virus.

NEW LINENIA COLLECTION BY VALDESE HAS LINEN-LIKE QUALITIES WITHOUT IRREGULARITIES, MAINTENANCE Technology, performance and style are combined to create the Linenia yarn collection, woven domestically with the service and quality you can rely on from Valdese Weavers. The Valdese, N.C. company will debut the new Linenia Collection at the International Textile Alliance’s (ITA) Fall 2020 Showtime Market. Linenia is an exclusively engineered, polyester-based yarn that was created to have all the qualities you love about linen, but without the scratchy hand, irregular colorations, and the maintenance typically required with natural linen textiles. Best of all, the product is woven domestically so you get the excellent service and quality that is synonymous with Valdese Weavers’ brands. Linenia has inspired a full range of beautifully woven textiles across our portfolio of brands including key basics, sophisticated textures, easy coordinates, and timeless patterns that are perfect for a casual lifestyle. This innovative yarn platform is highly durable and can be combined to work with Crypton Home or High Performance EASE for added performance. A wide range of price points are available in this collection that will be shown in the new Valdese showroom at 311 North Hamilton Street (3rd Floor) by appointment.

WITHIT ANNOUNCES 2020 WOW AWARDS HONOREES WithIt is proud to announce the nominees for the 2020 WOW Awards. Due to the pandemic and uncertainty about safe gatherings, the Board of Directors has postponed the gala celebrating the WOW Awards until Friday, April 16, 2021. Finalists and recipients will be celebrated during a small gathering. The 2021 WOW Awards gala will return to celebrate 2020 and 2021 recipients Friday, October 15, 2021. WithIt presents its inaugural Visionary Award posthumously to Kimberly Ward, founder of the Black Interior Designers Network. Kimberly Ward exemplified all the qualities of a visionary. She founded an award-winning interior design blog, Pink Eggshell, while building her successful design firm,

ITA Showtime® North Market • January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime® Market • May 15-18, 2021

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Kimberly and Cameron Interiors. As she gained notoriety and exposure, participating in panels and appearing in media publications, Ward was often asked “Where are all the black interior designers?” In response to this repeated question, she published in 2011 a list of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers. In doing so, she planted the seed that created a muchneeded resource for an often-unseen segment of the interior design community. The list became the Black Interior Designers Network (BIDN), an organization that helped to connect those looking to work with or for black interior designers, to homeowners and clients. The Black Interior Designers Network’s mission is to promote diversity and inclusion within the interior design industry by highlighting designers of color and supporting black designers with business development opportunities. “Kim’s legacy is the blue print to any organization fighting for visibility. She was a pioneer and legend, totally aware of her colleagues’ monumental attributes to the community,” says Keia McSwaim, President of the BIDN. Kimberly Ward’s vision helped to shine the spotlight on all black interior designers and created a platform for designers to network, mentor and support each other’s business aspirations. WithIt recognizes Kimberly’s work to bring inclusion to black designers in the industry with their inaugural Visionary Award.

UPCOMING D AT E S

T O

R E M E M B E R

January 12-19, 2021 Atlanta Market AmericasMart, Atlanta, Georgia

January 24-28, 2021 Las Vegas Market World Market Centers, Las Vegas, NV

January 26-27, 2021 ITA Showtime North Courtyard by Marriott, Mahwah, NJ

April 13-18, 2021 Salone de Mobile Milan, Italy

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April 17-21, 2021 High Point Market High Point, NC

May 4-7, 2021 Heimtex Frankfurt, Germany

April 19-21, 2021 Proposte Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy

May 18-22, 2021 Evteks Istanbul, Turkey May 23-26, 2021 ITA Showtime Market High Point, NC

ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Alendel Fabrics

America Leather Resources

Brentwood Textiles

Catania Fabrics

Bella-Dura Home

ELITE TEXTILE,INC. Covington Fabric & Design

A glamorous touch to your life.... Culp

De Leo Textiles

Elite Textiles, Inc.

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Hamilton Fabrics

Harmel, Mayafab

InsideOut Performance Fabrics

Marlatex Corp

Milliken & Company

Morgan Fabrics

Neon Textiles

Nice Link

Optima Leathers Come visit us for all your premium leather needs

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WHAT MAKES US EXCEPTIONA

Fifth Floor

ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Space 505

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100% Solution-dyed Acrylic

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Bleach Cleanable

•

Cut Yardage Service

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Woven in the USA

Outdura

South Pacific Textile

Symphony MIlls

Swavelle USA

Tencel™ Branded Fibers by Lenzing AG

TerMolst

Textile Fabric Associates

Ultrasuede

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14 Karat Home......................................................................................14karathome.com Abercrombie Textiles......................................................abercrombietextiles.com Affiliated Importers, Inc....................................................affiliatedimporters.com AHFA - American Home Furnishings Alliance.........................................ahfa.us Alendel...................................................................................................................alendel.com Amalgamated Textiles Inc..................................................................................................... America Leather Resources *NEW*.......................americaleather.com American Association of Textile Chemist & Colorists.......................aatcc.org Ameritex Home Product.........................................................textiljserrano.com.br Anthem Leather............................................................................AnthemLeather.com Aydin Tekstil Tic. ve Paz. A.S. ..................................................aydintekstil.com.tr Barbarossa Leather.............................................................. barbarossaleather.com Bartson Fabrics, Inc................................................................... BartsonFabrics.com Bella Home Furnishings............................................................................bellahome.us Bella-Dura Home.....................................................................................Bella-Dura.com Beverly Angeles Textiles, Inc.................................................beverlyangeles.com Brentwood Textiles...............................................................brentwoodtextiles.com Bru Textiles............................................................................................................brutex.com Carroll Leather.....................................................................................carrollleather.com CATANIA FABRICS........................................................................ cataniafabrics.com Classical Elements LLC....................................................... classicalelements.com Comersan Fabrics Corp......................................................ComersanFabrics.com Covington Fabric & Design, LLC....................................... covingtonfabric.com Crest Leather...........................................................................................crestleather.com Crestmont Fabrics................................................................... crestmontfabrics.com Crypton Fabric *Showtime Sponsor*..................... CryptonFabric.com Culp, Inc.......................................................................................................................culp.com Dani Leather USA, Inc.................................................................danileatherusa.com David Rothschild Co., Inc...................................................davidrothschildco.com De Leo Textiles............................................................................................... deleoco.com De Poortere USA LLC........................................................................ depoortere.com DEFEND by TSG ..................................................................................tsgfinishing.com Direct Textiles Inc....................................................................................................................... E.T.G. Tekstil San. Ve Tic. Ltd. Sti. ....................................................believe.com.tr Edgar Fabrics Inc............................................................................... edgarfabrics.com Edinburgh Weavers.............................................................edinburghweavers.com Elite Textiles, Inc............................................................................... .elitetextileinc.com Euroleather Inc..........................................................................................euroleather.net Europatex, Inc............................................................................................Europatex.com Fabrics & Furnishings International....................fabricsandfurnishings.com Fabricut...............................................................................................................Fabricut.com Fiama Textiles LLC ........................................................................... fiamatextiles.com Golding Fabrics Inc.................................pkaufmann.com/divisions/golding/ Great Scot International, Inc. ......................................................greatscotintl.com Green Hides Leather Studio............................................................greenhides.com GTA - Global Textile Alliance............................................................gtatextiles.com Gum Tree Fabrics, Inc............................................................... gumtreefabrics.com Hamilton Fabric Sales, Inc..................................................................................................... Harmel Home, Inc.......................................................................................MayaFab.com Harper Home....................................................................................... harper-home.com Heico Fasteners Inc......................................................................heicofasteners.com High Point Chamber of Commerce.......................................... bhpchamber.org High Point CVB..............................................................................................highpoint.org High Point Market Authority.................................................highpointmarket.org High Point Museum/HP Historical Society..............highpointmuseum.org High Rock Fabrics........................................................................highrockfabrics.com Home Secrets Textile.........................................................homesecretstextile.com HP Fabrics, Inc.........................................................................................microfibres.com IHFRA..............................................................................................................................ihfra.org InsideOut Performance Fabrics........................................ valdeseweavers.com International Market Centers.............................................................imcenters.com isculptor US *NEW*..........................................................iscuIptorUS.com J. Queen New York, Inc. ......................................................................jqueen-ny.com

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J.B. Martin Co., Inc....................................................................................... jbmartin.com JBS Leather............................................................................................................jbs.com.br JLA Fabrics........................................................................................................jlahome.com King Textiles, LLC/ Ameriphlox Trimmings..................... kingtextilesllc.com Kravet Inc............................................................................................................... kravet.com Laura & Kiran...............................................................................................laurakiran.com Leather Research Laboratory at the University of Cincinnati.....leatherusa.org Libeco........................................................................................................................libeco.com Magnus Leather Company.......................................................magnusleather.com Marlatex Corporation................................................................................marlatex.com Merrimac Textile........................................................................barrowindustries.com Milliken & Company.....millikenspecialtyinteriors.com/breathebymilliken.com Moore & Giles, Inc......................................................................... mooreandgiles.com Morgan Fabrics................................................................................morganfabrics.com Nassimi LLC........................................................................................................nassimi.com Neon Textiles .........................................................................................neontextiles.com Nice Link Home Furnishing.................................................................................................. North Carolina State University - College of Textiles.................. tx.ncsu.edu Noveltex Inc........................................................................................................noveltex.net Optima Leathers............................................................................optimaleathers.com Outdura............................................................................................................... outdura.com P. Kaufmann Fabrics..................................................customers.pkaufmann.com PARAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;................................................................................................................................... para.it Paragon-Chinasia....................................................................................................................... PK Lifestyles..............................................................................................pklifestyles.com Plastex International, Inc............................................................................ plastex.com PMT Fabric, Inc............................................................................................................................. Portfolio International.............................................................................................................. Premier Prints, Inc.....................................................................premierprintsinc.com PRINTSOURCE NEW YORK ..................................... printsourcenewyork.com Radiate Textiles ............................................................................... radiatetextiles.com Regal Fabrics, Inc................................................................................. regalfabrics.com Richloom Fabrics Group........................................................................ richloom.com RM COCO Decor Ltd. .................................................................................rmcoco.com S & D Fine Upholstery Leather SRL................................................................................ Silk Crafts, Inc................................................................................................................................ SOUTH PACIFIC TEXTILE..................................................................................................... Springs Creative Products Group......................................springscreative.com Stadler Leather Inc..........................................................................stadlerleather.com Stein Fibers, Ltd........................................................................................steinfibers.com STI Revolution..................................STIfabrics.com & Revolutionfabrics.com Sunbelievable .................................................................................... sunbelievable.com Sunbrella...........................................................................................................sunbrella.com Sustainable Furnishings Council........................ sustainablefurnishings.org/ Swavelle Mill Creek Fabric....................................................................swavelle.com/ Symphony Mills............................................................................... symphonymills.com Tana Bana Design Services LLC ..................................................tana-bana.com Tempo Fabrics....................................................................................tempofabrics.com Tencelâ&#x201E;˘ Branded Fibers by Lenzing Fibers *NEW*............ tencel.com Ter Molst International..........................................................................gtatextiles.com Textile Fabric Associates, LLC............................................................................................ Textile Technology Center at Gaston College......gaston.edu/textile_center/ Ultrasuede by Toray International America, Inc. *NEW*.........ultrasuede.us Travel Quest.......................................................................................travelquestinc.com Trimland Inc. ................................................................................................... trimland.com ULTRAFABRICS..............................................................................ultrafabricsinc.com Unique Fine Fabrics Import.......................................... UniqueFineFabrics.com UTP America.......................................................................................................utp.com.mx Vision Fabrics .....................................................................................vision-fabrics.com Westwood Weavers.................................................................................................................. WithIt............................................................................................................................ withit.org Z - Wovens ...................................................................................................z-wovens.com

MARKET SQUARE TEXTILE TOWER

The Market Square Textile Tower features textile, leather and trimmings manufacturers on 10 floors within this landmark building in downtown High Point. Since its launch in July 1990, the Showtime® Market has called Market Square its home. Discover fresh, new resources and design among exhibiting companies within Market Square Tower. • Fresh, new resources and design • Exhibiting companies within Market Square Textile Tower

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Where design begins.

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Showtime Magazine | Fall & Winter 2020 Issue

Articles inside

ITA Member Product Spotlights

ITA Member News

from the ITA President

Todd Bowles, Style Influencer

Jana Platina Phipps, Style Influencer

Global Textile Alliance’s New American Story Brings Revered Belgian Brands to U.S.

Deep-Cleaning Fabric: Culp’s LiveSmart Ultra™ Addresses Desire

Ultrasuede’s ‘Innovation for Living’ Creed Inspires World’s First Partially Plant-Based, Suede-Like Fabric

The Election Effect

Creativity in the Pandemic