ITA Member News

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Greentex America is an importer and distributor of indoor and outdoor fabrics, as well as ground bases for sublimation for fashion and decor. Greentex is a pioneering company working with advances in nanoscience to develop intelligent fabrics for outdoor with uses for Indoor. The company’s products are the result of their work of research and technology to ensure the quality of fabrics with numerous consumer benefits. With the demand for smart textiles on the rise, Greentex America has worked to develop innovative fabrics to meet their customers’ needs. Among their introductions at the upcoming ITA Showtime Market is the company’s new Ecoplen indoor/outdoor fabric, which boasts antiviral properties that make it more resistant to COVID-19 contamination. Greentex America’s booth is located at MS 517.

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Tencel, one of the most recognized sustainable fiber brands in the home textiles market, makes fibers for home, interiors and upholstery that offer long-lasting softness. Tencel fibers can be used in carpet, upholstery and fill for furniture, as well as drapery. Additionally, Tencel fibers offer a solution for a more eco-friendly approach to home products and are designed for various applications. Tencel fibers are derived from renewable raw material wood sources and manufactured in an environmentally responsible process, and they are also biodegradable and compostable. They can also be blended with natural fibers like linen and cotton. The Tencel team can provide sourcing options and product development ideas for a more eco-friendly, sustainable product for various home applications (including sheeting, terry, bedding categories like top of bed and filled products).

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NY Leather Inc. is a wholesaler of European and Asian leather hides for upholstery and leather goods. They work directly with tanners to bring quality hides at reasonable prices. During the November Showtime Market, NY Leather will bring buffalo and cow hides to their booth in MS 524.

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Combining market-tested mainstays and high-concept leathers, Leather Miracles travels the globe to design and source the best styles to suit the furniture industry’s needs.Their primary customers are furniture manufacturers, with the goal to provide manufacturing solutions for their partners beyond just a beautiful cover selection. With more than 200 in-line patterns and an appetite for product development, Leather Miracles offers sustained partnership with a solution-based approach. This season, they offer a selection of buff-off articles that offer the bomber jacket look without the hard work. They also offer bold new hues of blue, green, and pink, as well as neutrals. Leather Miracles’ showroom is located in MST 324.

CARROLL LEATHER MOVES TO NEW SHOWROOM

Carroll Leather, a global supplier of fine leather for the residential, contract, hospitality and design industries, has moved its showroom from 110 South Elm St to 201 West High Ave in High Point. The move stems from unprecedented growth in the last year and allows Carroll Leather to show its leathers in a newly renovated space. The new showroom is located directly beside the previous location and offers the same close contact with Showtime buyers.

REGAL LAUNCHES KINDRED SUSTAINABLE LINE

Regal Fabrics recently introduced Kindred by Regal Fabrics, a new brand offering a selection of stylish, sustainable fabrics for a growing segment of ecoconscious consumers. Focused on lifestyle looks, the Kindred collection features fabrics made from natural fibers, high percentages of recycled material, or both.

Aiming to meet customers at the intersection of style and sustainability, Kindred offers both physical comfort and peace of mind for the modern consumer.

The line’s first collection will be displayed during the November ITA Showtime Market in a new showroom down the hall from Regal’s permanent location on the 2nd floor of the Market Square Textile Tower.

CULP INTRODUCES CHILLSENSE MATTRESS FABRIC

Pairing innovation and a dedication to sustainability, Culp Home Fashions announces its new line of mattress fabrics, ChillSense powered by REPREVE. A result of the continued partnership between Culp and Unifi, Inc., the new mattress fabric line answers consumer demand for cooling performance while keeping sustainability features top of mind.

According to Unifi, fabrics made with ChillSense fibers transfer heat from the body to the fabric more quickly, creating a cool sensation to the touch. ChillSense powered by REPREVE is a unique mattress fabric, currently exclusively available through Culp. The fabric is made with ChillSense and at least 30 percent REPREVE, a fiber made from recycled plastic bottles with U TRUST verification to certify recycled content claims.

“The cooling technology is inherent within the yarn, not requiring the addition of chemicals,” says Jeff Veach, vice-president of sales and marketing for Culp Home Fashions. “ChillSense powered by REPREVE combines performance and sustainability elements in one fabric and represents an affordable offering for our customers and consumers to make a sustainability-based buying decision.

“Since 2019, Culp has helped divert over 63 million plastic bottles from going into waste streams by incorporating REPREVE recycled fiber into its mattress and upholstery fabrics products, including the ChillSense powered by REPREVE line. We are excited to offer two great technologies in one.”

Understanding the consumer demand for cooling technology in fabrics, Unifi, Inc. created the ChillSense fiber, which has an instantaneous sensation of coolness to the touch.

“Fabrics made with ChillSense fibers have a high thermal effusivity—the rate at which a material can absorb heat,” says Brian Moore, vice-president of global brand sales for Unifi, Inc. “Fabrics with high effusivity represent the ability of a textile to exchange thermal energy with the skin.”

Another unique feature of the partnership between Culp and Unifi is their combined global capacity to navigate the current supply chain issues.

“Culp has the redundancy to produce and scale this new fabric line,” Veach says. “The raw material can be made locally in Reidsville, and it can also be made overseas, in concert with Culp’s expansive fabric formation capabilities.”

CRYPTON TO UNVEIL NEW CAPSULE QUICK-SHIP AND ARTISAN TEXTURES PROGRAMS AT ITA SHOWTIME

At the fall ITA Showtime Market, Crypton Home Fabrics will feature a trifecta of programs intended to create solutions for furniture brands and retailers still reeling from delays caused by global supply chain issues and the increased demand in the market for sustainable goods and on-demand deliveries.

The new programs have all been made possible by Crypton’s 2019 acquisition of the former Abercrombie textile mill in North Carolina, now known as Crypton Mills at Broad River. With this new verticality, Crypton now has the capability to innovate new products such as their Crypton Performance Cotton, to design and craft the U.S.A.-made products in their new Crypton Artisan Textures line and to offer a handy Capsule Quick-Ship line which will be stocked for speedy delivery.

“Crypton Mills at Broad River reflects our desire to preserve and strengthen the American textile industry,” says Lance Keziah, Crypton president and CEO. “Our inhouse domestic production allows us to deliver reliably and not be distracted by the breakdown of the global supply chain.”

All three programs offer the soft, spill repellent, stain resistant, go-to woven plains and textures for which Crypton has become renowned in the market.

Consisting of 16 products across two lines of textural performance upholstery fabrics, the new Capsule Quick- Ship program offers textiles crafted at Crypton Mills at Broad River. Colby in six colors is a linen-like cloth while Neve in 10 colors is a rich, lively bouclé. The domestic production of these goods means they can be produced quickly and stocked for rapid delivery.

“The timely, reliable delivery of beautiful, highquality performance upholstery fabrics is something we always want to be able to offer our customers, regardless of market conditions,” says Jack Eger, senior vice president, Crypton. “Our new verticality and agility with the mill, combined with a well-edited Quick Ship assortment ensures that we can.”

Crypton’s design team has created a line of 125 new performance fabrics they are calling the Artisan Textures. Sustainably made at Crypton Mills at Broad River, these textured plains provide a broad range of looks and colorations.

“The market can’t withstand long waits for globally sourced goods,” says Elise Gabrielson, Crypton Home marketing director. “Our Artisan Textures are a reliable, easy way to source upholstery essentials that feel elevated and current.”

The successful Crypton performance cotton program first debuted at Showtime last fall. An innovative luxury textile, the 50-70 percent recycled cotton performance fabrics are now prominently featured by several leading furniture manufacturers. Crypton will unveil more of these feather-soft, sustainable, first-in-their-class fabrics at November ITA Showtime. Another Crypton Mills production, the cottons may be ordered from the line or developed collaboratively with manufacturers that wish to create an exclusive look.

“Helping our brand partners stand out and tell their unique design stories is one of Crypton’s key capabilities,” Gabrielson says.

AMERICA LEATHER RESOURCES IMPLEMENTS DOMESTIC STOCK PROGRAM

Considering the logistics and supply-chain disruptions currently faced by the furniture industry, America Leather Resources— leather supplier to the furniture industry with operations in the U.S., South America and Asia—has implemented a domestic stock program warehoused in High Point, North Carolina. The program includes over 40 leather options, designed to expedite market sample orders or quickly fill extra production needs, as well as allowing small volume customers to buy with very low to no MOQs.

Ranging from full anilines to pigmented/corrected leathers, sheepskins and hair-on hides, the program offers an option for those looking for a solution to the upholstery supply chain delays and surcharges.

“The opportunities to grow are directly related to our ability of offering solutions for the challenges our customers face,” says Marcelo Lamas, CEO, America Leather Resources. “Logistics costs, labor availability, tariffs and rising raw material prices are driving the industry out of the comfort zone, so our mission is to be constantly innovating to deliver great leathers globally, along with supply chain solutions.”

With two showrooms in North America (High Point and Tupelo), another two in China and its headquarters in Brazil, America Leather Resources has a team of high expertise in leather and furniture to service their customers, as well as to integrate the supply chain with cut-and-sewn programs and strategic partners to provide private label furniture manufacturing in Brazil. The company’s High Point office is located at 100 S Main Street and open year-round by appointment.

SUPREEN FROM NASSIMI JOINS MATERIAL CONNEXION LIBRARY

Premium faux leather producer Nassimi announced that its new performance fabric, Supreen, has been approved for the Material ConneXion Library — the world’s largest subscription-based materials library of innovative and sustainable materials.

“We are honored to have Supreen displayed alongside some of the most cuttingedge materials in the world,” says Iwan Nassimi, executive vice president, Nassimi.

“Given the trends we’ve seen over the past year, particularly the demand for surfaces simultaneously offering both comfort and disinfecting properties, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to showcase Supreen. We worked for several years to bring different product technologies together to create a new upholstery material that meets cleanliness and durability standards, yet is incredibly soft and luxurious.”

Supreen prioritizes material innovation, sustainability, cleanability and stain-resistant technology. It marries cutting-edge woven and coated technology with a proprietary silicone blend to create a complete liquidbarrier textile, reactively repelling liquids and preventing future stains — all without compromising softness, upholstery capability, or the environment.

RADIATE TEXTILES INTRODUCES LINE OF SUSTAINABLE FABRICS

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, Radiate Textiles introduces RE, their new line of recycled fabrics. RE is made from recycled raw materials and organic cotton using only eco-friendly practices of the highest standard.

“We believe in being responsible global citizens by embracing sustainable practices both socially and environmentally,” says David Titlebaum, president and founder, Radiate Textiles. “We are thrilled about this new offering and how RE can reduce our customers’ impact on the environment.”

On average, one yard of our RE fabrics prevents 100 500ml-PET bottles from entering the ecosystem. All products are GRS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliant and certified. Their cotton fabrics are GOTS, OCS or BCI cotton for better traceability and impact. RE fabrics reduce the use of raw materials, energy usage, air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

DESIGNER CHRISTIANE LEMIEUX DEBUTS MATERIAL ARCHIVE COLLECTION WITH RICHLOOM

Following the launch of her new home brand, Lemieux Et Cie, at High Point Market in 2020, acclaimed designer and television personality Christiane Lemieux returns to High Point to celebrate the release of her “Material Archive” collection with Richloom during ITA Showtime in November.

The 83-SKU collection brings to the forefront Lemieux’s love of design history and the artistic process.

“For this archive, I pulled inspiration from my personal collection of textile fragments, a library I have been building over a lifetime,” she says. “But this archive isn’t just a celebration of print, it is a celebration of process.”

Each fabric evolved from a series of hand-drawn sketches, illustrations and color explorations—just as it was done for hundreds of years.

“People didn’t have Adobe back then,” Lemieux says.

“Textile design was an art-based endeavor, and I want to put that creative energy back into our process.”

To do so, she partnered with Richloom—reuniting the design visionaries behind the lauded DwellStudio for Robert Allen collection.

“Richloom is excited to collaborate with Christiane, a visionary in the home furnishings arena who has achieved great success in bringing new perspectives to trend and design,” says Jim Richman, CEO. In Richloom, Lemieux found the ideal partnership with a team who not only shared her artistic vision, but also a deep love and understanding of process.

“The Richloom team has three generations of textile manufacturing and deep knowledge of quality and beauty. They bring this heritage to every aspect of our partnership,” she says. “I am learning from this team every day.”

EASTMAN AND MILLIKEN & COMPANY JOIN CIRCULARITY STEERING COMMITTEE

Eastman and Milliken & Company recently joined the Accelerating Circularity Inc. U.S. steering committee, which provides strategy and guidance to the sustainability-focused project.

The new members, who have both made investments in and commitments to the transition to circular, textileto-textile supply systems, will support a wider range of chemical recycling options and textile manufacturing capabilities as the project moves into the trial phase. Current members also include Gap Inc., Giotex, Gr3n, Lenzing, Nike, Target, VF Corp., and Unifi.

“With Eastman Naia Renew cellulosic fiber, we are committed to making sustainable textiles accessible to all,” says Jon Woods, general manager for textiles, Eastman. “We are thrilled to join Accelerating Circularity and see this collaboration as key to shaping and scaling up the recycling infrastructure needed to achieve a circular textiles industry.”

“We have invested in the ability to explore innovative materials through our Rapid Prototype Center,” says Chad McAllister, president, textile division and executive vice president, Milliken & Company. “It’s perfect for validating new circular feedstocks to scale into commercial production. Joining Accelerating Circularity allows us to collaborate with a wide range of industry stakeholders with similar goals.”

Potential circular system trial feedstocks, fibers, technologies and finished goods have been identified through extensive consultation with collectors, sorters, preprocessors, recyclers, yarn spinners, fabric mills and brands and retailers. Collection, sorting and preprocessing of targeted trial feedstocks began in September.

CULP AIDS EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS WITH HANDS FOR HAITI

In the wake of the August earthquake that caused destruction in Haiti, Culp led a “Hands for Haiti” donation drive to help victims in affected areas of the country. More than 6.5 tons of donations were sentto Culp’s production facilities in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, for distribution to earthquake victims.

CULP associates Brian Tinsley, Angel McCreary, Jenny Barnhill, Nigel Anderson and Ken Williamson with the 45-ft. container truck filled with donations headed for the port of Miami and then on to Haiti.

Culp’s facilities are not located near the epicenter of the quake, and the company did not sustain any damage or harm to its facilities or employees, but many employees have family members affected by the disaster.

Knowing some of the extended Culp family needed help, and with the logistical capability to get supplies to Haiti, the company quickly reacted. With the hopes of making a sizable impact, Culp expanded its reach beyond its employees and opened up the donation drive to the community.

“Our company is grateful to be a part of the caring community of High Point,” said Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp, Inc. “The combined efforts of our Culp employees, the community, and the industry have been remarkable. We want to thank everyone who played a part in this magnificent effort of generosity.”

A team of Culp associates inside one of Culp’s facilities in Haiti.

AMERICAN SILK MILLS NAMES NEW EXECUTIVES

American Silk Mills announced that Oscar Reig-Plaza was named chief executive officer. Plaza is the former VP of sales at Covington Fabrics and owner of Barcelona Sales. Reig-Plaza joins an executive team at American Silk that already features seasoned home furnishings player Jeff Oscar Reig-Plaza, CEO Smith as senior EVP of sales and marketing, and furniture industry merchandising veteran Kena Cohenour, who was named director of design and merchandising earlier this year.

Oscar Reig-Plaza, CEO

Reig-Plaza will also be responsible for American Silk’s parent Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited’s home textile division. The operational synergies created by the two companies will enhance the ability for American Silk Mills to create, produce, and distribute a range of luxury textiles.

Cohenour was the former vice president of textiles and upholstery merchandising for Bassett Furniture, with more than 20 years of leading and building a productive textile assortment and merchandising for various account types.

Kena Cohenour, director of design and merchandising

Cohenour has proven success in fostering and maintaining relationships with top accounts and suppliers to increase overall productivity and profitability.

MILLIKEN & COMPANY PUBLISHES CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Global manufacturer Milliken & Company released its third-annual corporate sustainability report, entitled “Together for Tomorrow.” This report, which analyzes Milliken’s performance through the lens of its holistic sustainability efforts, highlights its progress towards the 2025 sustainability goals the company set in 2018. Covering people, product and planet, this report creates increased accountability while inviting new conversations and collaborations as the company works to create a positive impact on the world that will last generations.

“Together, we met the critical moments from 2020,” says Halsey Cook, president and CEO, Milliken. “We pivoted production lines, launched new innovations and rallied our team to improve our sustainability metrics in 10 of 12 strategic categories. Our sustainability initiatives have momentum and are fundamentally changing our business.”

As a material science expert serving the chemical,flooring, textile and healthcare industries, Milliken associates annually review and report on the company’s progress, and their findings shape this report. Completed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative framework, Together for Tomorrow is available to the public as a digital experience with downloadable content.

SATTLER OUTDURA ANNOUNCES NEW SENIOR DESIGNER, PROJECT MANAGER

Sattler Outdura, a division of The Sattler Group, Austria, announces the promotion of Mariia Elizarova to senior designer, as well as the addition of Chris Caldwell as product manager for Outdura casual furniture and Sattler shade fabrics.

As part of the Sattler design team, Elizarova is responsible for designing the fabrics Sattler Outdura offers for both their outdoor and shade collections.

“Her relentless work and support for our Sattler and Outdura collections along with herstunning designs and inspirations reflect her passion to the industry and her commitment to our brand,” says Ulrich Tombuelt, CEO, Sattler Outdura.

Elizarova is an artist and designer with a fondness for woven textiles, fashion, prints, patterns and illustration. She received her bachelor´s degree in applied arts from Saint-Petersburg State University in Russia, and her master’s degree in textile art and design from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki, Finland. Elizarova, living in Graz, Austria, has worked as a staff designer for Sattler and Sattler Outdura since 2015.

“I value the journey I am making with Sattler and the diverse experiences I am gaining along the way,” Elizarova says. “I appreciate this wonderful opportunity to expand my contribution to the company and enhance the Sattler and Outdura lines with new ideas and design creations. It has been great to meet with our clients and retail partners during my recent trip to the Casual Market Chicago, to celebrate our mutual achievements of this challenging year and, of course, to set up exciting new goals.”

In his new role, Caldwell will be responsible for the development, analysis and management of all furniture and shade fabrics as well as working closely with sales and business development to enhance Outdura’s image and create long-term value to the organization.

“We’re looking to Chris to add his experience to our growing business that will take us to the next level in sales, delivery and overall service,” Tombuelt said.

Chris Caldwell, product manager

Caldwell comes to Sattler Outdura with a strong management background in production, product development and sourcing, as well as new business development.

“Being from this area, Sattler Outdura has a great reputation as a trusted company in the community and while I’m looking forward to the challenge of this position, I’m eager to learn more about the industry and to see our progress,” Caldwell said.

ULTRAFABRICS LAUNCHES BREATHABLE SPECTRA LINE

New York-based Ultrafabrics launches Spectra—a textured and breathable addition to its portfolio of performance fabrics—this month at the ITA Showtime Market in High Point, North Carolina. The collection has been carefully formulated to look like a woven surface, and is engineered with proprietary technology that allows the fabric to breathe and moderate body temperature in seating applications. It also has acoustical benefits.

As with every product crafted in the Ultrafabrics Japanese mill, Spectra exceeds the highest expectations for quality and softness. More than 20 years ago, Ultrafabrics sought to redefine expectations of animal-free fabrics and has continued to raise the bar on comfort and performance since.

Spectra’s design was inspired by the geometry of contemporary architecture, and the fragmented texture features a tone-on-tone prismatic effect.

The color palette is a nod to the Bauhaus and Art Deco movements with a mixture of brights, complex shades and neutrals featured in the sizable offering of 19 shades.

“We’ve always had our ear to the ground in all of the markets we serve. From interiors to automotive and aviation, the market is looking to expand their options beyond leather-like solutions. Spectra merges the beauty of woven fabric with the durability and breathable technology that is unmatched in the market,” says A.R. Swan, director of marketing. “Spectra’s texture captures the richness of woven and is equally comfortable in luxury residence, healthcare environment or on the seat of a truck. And its bleach cleanability is top of mind with all of our clients.”

Ultrafabrics also has announced its plans to donate a portion of the profits from Spectra throughout 2021 to Create. Awarded as the UK’s Charity of the Year in 2020, Create engages marginalized communities through inspiring, sustainable arts programs. Their workshops engage all age groups as they work closely with schools, hospitals, homeless shelters and prisons.

DESIGNERS SHOWCASE VISION BOARDS USING OUTDURA FABRICS

Designers Vicky Serany from Southern Studio Interior Design in North Carolina, Lisa Kahn from Lisa Kahn Designs in Florida and Jeanne Chung from Cozy Stylish Chic in California shared the ways they use Outdura fabrics in their projects with vision boards on display in the High Point Sattler Outdura showroom, MS 505.

“It was interesting to see how designers from three distinctly different areas of the country uniquely applied our fabrics to their lifestyle projects,” said Uli Tombuelt, Sattler/Outdura CEO and director of sales casual furniture division. “We believe the design boards will serve as be an inspiration to others, giving manufacturers, retailers and our designer clients a fresh sense of how Outdura fabrics can be creatively employed.”

Serany designed her board with junior designer Annie Gray Holt around the outdoor theme “Sand and Sea.” They chose this idea because it coincides with many of the coastal projects that they work on. “We used the timeless color scheme of blues from the sea and neutrals from the sand, but gave it a fresh perspective with unique accessories and furnishings,” Serany said. “Outdura’s performance fabrics are our go-to favorites for families. Their amazing combination of patterns, textures and colors are a dream for designers.”

Kahn opted for “Sanctuary” as the theme for her board.

“My goal was to create a tranquil place to snuggle with your dog, to paint, to read a book, or just relax,” Kahn said. “I opted for the luscious blue, green and white Outdura fabrics as my color palette because they blend well with the colors most easily found in the natural world. They are so perfect to create a welcoming refuge to promote healing, peace, and wellbeing. Another big plus in using Outdura indoor/outdoor fabrics is that they are so cleanable and durable, which makes them ideal for indoor use as well.”

Modern Oasis, the theme chosen by Chung, utilizes a neutral color palette with a concentration on solid and textured fabrics contrasted with bold pattern.

“The Outdura fabric selections were used to convey a calm, tranquil, zen-like oasis for this outdoor pool area and cabana,” she said. “Catering to the sophisticated millennial client, our vision is to create a modern and luxurious outdoor space—an extension of the home, complete with dining area and outdoor kitchen that incorporates modern lines with natural materials. The Outdura fabric selections made this extremely easy to achieve.”

COVINGTON LAUNCHES SECOND HILARY FARR LINE

Covington announces the second collection with designer and HGTV star, Hilary Farr. Featuring an eclectic mixture of sustainable and ecofriendly product, as well as outdoor fabric, the new fabrics also color coordinate back to Farr’s first Covington collection.

Amberley is a delicately detailed embroidered Jacobean vine floral design. Offered in four vivacious color combinations, this embroidery coordinates with Gloucester, Covington’s highly textured, 100 percent recycled polyester, woven herringbone plaid.