Showtime Magazine | Spring & Summer 2021

2 0 21 S P R I N G & S U M M E R I S S U E \ O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F I TA S H O W T I M E ® M A R K E T

TE X TIL ES

NEXT SHOW:

NOVEMBER 14-17

2021

LE ATH ERS TRIMMINGS

MAKERS MOVEMENT GIVES RISE TO

ARTISAN FLAIR

OUTLOOK BULLISH TEXTILES BUSINESS

SHOWTIME® WELCOME

from the ITA President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As my two-year term as International Textile Alliance president draws to a close, there are many accomplishments for which we can all be proud.

This was a volatile two years for everyone, as we together weathered tariffs, an election year and continue to weather a once-in-a-century pandemic.

Despite all these headwinds, we’ve kept our focus on worthwhile goals we set together, and have achieved many, including:

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.

PRESIDENT Kelly DiFoggio, Stein Fibers VICE PRESIDENT Kathryn Richardson, Libeco TREASURER Mendy Kearns, Hamilton Fabric Sales, Inc. Nathan Copeland, Highland House Elise Gabrielson, Crypton Carmen Herndon Barbee, Ballard Designs David Lappert, Kravet Andy Pacuk, Ultrafabrics Patrick Shelton, Valdese Weavers Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles

STAFF

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

KELLY DIFOGGIO

• Educating our members in addition to students with webinars, panel discussion and legislative speakers at membership meetings.

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.

• Expanding Payroll and healthcare benefits with AdvisorHR.

Registration and market information: InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

• Adding member discounts.

• Advocating for our members through outreach with other industry organizations.

• Safely and successfully hosting and coordinating a Showtime market during the pandemic.

• Continuing to work on numerous other projects.

After serving the ITA for 9 years, it’s time to let others move in and serve this industry we all love. It has not been an easy two years, but I feel good about the state of the ITA as I step down, and know I am leaving the board in very capable hands.

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 DESIGNER Mara Wedekind 336.814.7718, art@showtime-magazine.com SALES DIRECTOR Emily Thiel 336.689.0802, sales@showtime-magazine.com 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.

If you are interested in giving back to our industry, but do not have the time to be a Board member, please contact the ITA office. There are many ways to serve and get involved.

Wishing everyone a successful and safe 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.

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CHAIR Kelly DiFoggio, Stein Fibers

Kelly DiFoggio, ITA president

III

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

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

Photo Courtesy of Wesley Hall

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

12

TEXTILE BUSINESS OUTLOOK BULLISH

94% of ITA member respondants say they’re optimistic about business this year, acknowledging their biggest challenge is balancing supply to surging demand.

22

MAKERS MOVEMENT BRINGS ARTISAN FLAIR

The same dynamics fueling “buying local,” customization and DIY are leading thousands of people to start their own small businesses dedicated to creating and selling self-made products, often made one-at-a-time by hand.

4............. ITA Member Stories

ADVERTISERS

8............. Style Influencer – David Santiago

Bartson Fabrics, Inc. Crypton Home Fabric De Leo Textiles Global Textile Alliance Gum Tree Fabrics HPxD International Market Centers Milliken & Company Optima Leathers Outdura Sustainable Furnishings Council Ultrasuede Valdese Weavers WithIt

10............ Style Influencers – Katie Laughridge & Kate Foster 28........... ITA Educational Foundation 32........... ITA Member News 39........... ITA Member Products 44.......... ITA 2020-2021 Members

2

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

SHOWTIME MAY 16-19

HIGH POINT FURNITURE MARKET JUNE 8-10

MARKET SQUARE 246

www.termolst.com

www.symphonymills.be

Contact your rep for an appointment: Jessica Norby (Symphony Mills) : jnorby@gtatextiles.com Chuck Marchant (Ter Molst) : chuckmarchant@gtatextiles.com

FOLLOW TER MOLST AND SYMPHONY MILLS ON

AND

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ITA MEMBER STORY

Bartson Fabrics: On Leading Edge of Sustainability with Debut of 100% Recycled Polyester Chenille Collection Bartson Fabrics, a 104-year-old importer of fine Indian textiles, is on the leading edge of sustainability this season with its new 100% recycled polyester chenille fabric collections.

“While others are selling a ‘recycled’ story that only requires the fabric to contain 35% of the warp yarn to be considered recycled, we have chosen to pursue a bold sustainability story using only 100% warp and weft recycled yarns,” says Kyle Klawetter, vice president of sales and marketing for Bartson.

Klawetter adds that the fourth-generation family-run company that distributes upholstery and multipurpose fabrics, prints and embroideries throughout the US and Canada to manufacturers, residential and contract jobbers and retailers “has already placed the 100% recycled fabric with several major, national customers.”

“We are excited about the new opportunities this presents with our industry and the members of the Home Furnishings Sustainability Council who share our concerns about the planet,” Klawetter says. “We believe in the sustainability story and the impact it can potentially have on the environment and removing the plastic bottles from landfills and our beautiful oceans.”

While beginning its 100% recycled line with upholstery-weight chenille, the next launch will include multicolored textures and multipurpose drapery-weight goods.

The look and feel of the recycled performance fabrics is not sacrificed for the sustainability story, Klawetter says. “These 100% recycled products are beautiful, have an amazingly soft hand and can have an added C-Zero performance soil and stain repellent as well. You don’t sacrifice look or hand at all to support the sustainability story!”

SHOWROOM: 410 W. English Rd, Ste A221

High Point

Founded in 1917 by Albert J. Bartson, Bartson Fabrics is based in Midland Park, New Jersey near New York City and maintains a High Point showroom at 410 W. English Rd, Suite A221, where the new recycled line and other performance fabrics will be on display at Showtime.

CONTACT: 901.493.4628 www.bartsonfabrics.com

This season, look for: A full range of recycled fabrics including a new line of 100% recycled polyester upholstery-weight chenille products, along with other types of performance fabrics.

4

Using 100% RECYCLED yarn preserves resources and reduces pollution during the production process.

Bartson Fabrics Inc. | 240 Glen Avenue, PO Box 230, Midland Park, NJ 07432 T: 201-652-1150 | F: 201-652-3144 or 201-652-6823 | information@bartsonfabrics.com

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ITA MEMBER STORY

Luxury Boucle & Chunky Chenille Textures Headline De Leo Textile’s Plush New Designs Already known for its plush fabrics woven in Turkey, leading upscale textile provider De Leo Textiles is taking it up a notch. “We are all about luxury boucle this season,” says Katie Atwater Williams, creative director.

In the company’s De Leo Collection, it is introducing several new boucle textures, including an “extra chunky chenille yarn” used in a variety of constructions and 6 new color trend stories in inviting organic tones including: • “Jasmine,” a yellow inspired by the 2021 Pantone Color of the Year, Illuminating.

• “Sun-baked,” a burnt coral.

• “Olive Oil,” a muted dirty green.

• “Eucalyptus,” a soft grey-blue color.

• “Stoneware,” featuring a complex neutral palette.

In De Leo’s Penelope Collection, the emphasis is on luxury boucle, following up on the popularity of its “Revival” boucle texture introduced last season with expanded color and pattern offerings.

A “bit of magic” is on tap for the company’s Carousel Collection, featuring a whimsical and daring pattern called “Imperial,” a fantastical decorative dragon design.

“UPCYCLED FOR HOPE” PROGRAM TAKES OFF De Leo’s introduction of a line of upcycled fabric remnants fashioned into one-of-a-kind handbags and travel accessories to benefit charity last year happened to coincide with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Despite the pandemic hitting right when we launched the program, Upcycled for Hope has taken off to become something bigger than we imagined and is now available in 26 retail stores nationwide,” said Williams. “We have been able to save hundreds of yards of fabric from the landfill and raise thousands for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation.”

SHOWROOM: MSTT 2nd Floor

High Point CONTACT: 973.439.6801 www.deleotextiles.com

6

This season, look for: • An emphasis on plush new luxury boucle textures and extra chunky chenille yarns. Six new color trend stories in inviting organic and trend-forward tones.

• Upcycled bags will be available for purchase in a variety of new patterns, colors and styles in De Leo’s Upcycled for Hope line of handbags aimed at reducing landfill waste and benefiting charities.

For more information or to sign up to become a retail partner, visit upcycledforhope.com or the De Leo Showroom.

STYLE INFLUENCER

David Santiago

Owner of Casa Santi Interior Design and Creator of the “Strictly Santi” Brand of Lighting, Wallpaper David Santiago, the award-winning interior designer, owner of Casa Santi Interior Design firm and creator of the “Strictly Santi” brand, blends his traditional and classical sensibility with the unexpected. It’s a design curation signature he has dubbed, “Santified.”

With enthusiasm, he invites his clients to “Embrace a change in your residential or commercial space. Get ready to be Santified!”

He defines the “Santification Process” as “Embracing the unfamiliar and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, stimulating the senses, letting go and saying YES!” Inspired by classical music, travel and culture, David is a true “Renaissance Man.” He is not only a celebrated designer; he’s also an accomplished classical opera singer and alumni of Mannes College of Music, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the New York City Opera.

David’s Strictly Santi brand was created in 2018, and since then, he has launched a lighting collection with American Brass & Crystal Lighting, and a wallpaper collection called The Passport Collection, catering to hospitality and residential markets with Bijou wallcoverings. Known as the “Prince of Wallpaper” for his ability to master the art of wallpaper application, David is considered an influencer by the High Point Market Authority.

Currently, he serves as president of the New York Chapter of the International Furniture and Design Assn. (IFDANY), is an active member of the Interior Design Society (IDS), International Society of Furniture Design, WithIt and the Accessory Resource Team.

He’s a familiar face and voice in the media as the design and lifestyle correspondent for “The Donna Drake Show” on CBS NY and as a guest designer on the NBC television series, “George to the Rescue.”

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of? My most recent professional accomplishment would be becoming part of the creative administration as Cultural Outreach Officer for Teatro Grattacielo in NYC.

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www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

What are your favorite sources of inspiration? Can you give a recent example of how you’ve incorporated this inspiration into your designs, product development, or merchandising work? My favorite sources of inspiration are reflections of my passions, like classical music, travel and culture. Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working on ”Acento Bar,” a concept for The Kaleidoscope Project in Lenox, Massachusetts. It is inspired by The Metropolitan Opera to the likes of the Lobmeyr Chandeliers, scarlet red walls and gold leaf. Travel and culture also are crucial in my products, which I celebrated through my wall covering collection called “The Passport Collection,” influenced by the charms of old San Juan, the history of Venice, Italy and New York City’s Botanical Gardens, The Cloisters and the Flat-Iron District.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and what name would you have?

The color would have to be a fiery orange/red called, Oh, Santi! It reflects the (previously mentioned) “Santification Process.”

What’s the last gift you gave someone or a go-to host/ hostess gift you give? The last gift I gave to a host was a bottle of Cesari Amarone 2015 for a birthday bash.

DAVID SANTIAGO

What are your favorite colors or color combinations?

Orange, Brown and Yellow are some of my favorite color combinations, and most recently I have been embracing the Purples and Magentas. They really make me smile, and most importantly, complement a lot of my attire and fashion.

What is your favorite quote/words of wisdom?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

Live the life you imagined.” -Thoreau

What is your dream project or collaboration?

My dream job would be a hotel project or to design a set-production for The Metropolitan Opera.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? Unwind and listen to my collection of music from jazz to opera and classic rock. Lately I’ve enjoyed getting outdoors and going for a 3 to 5-mile walk.

What are your go-to paint colors? My go to colors are from Sherwin-Williams. I’m a big fan of High-Reflective White and West Highland White. And, Oh, I can’t forget Greek Key. From Benjamin Moore, I absolutely love the affinity colors, and most recently fell in love with “Exotic Red” which I specified for “Acento Bar” at The Cornell Inn, in Lenox, MA.

Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support? I have several charities that I participate in giving back including myFace.org, which is one that is dear to my heart. Also, Wigs for Kids. I’ve grown my hair for over the past 6 years and donated twice.

What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow? @strictlysanti & @tenorsanti. Why not be your own biggest fan?

Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book? Callas by Stewart, Tabori & Chang.

Also, Interiors by Min Hog.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

San Sebastian, Spain

What’s still on your professional bucket list? Travel the world as an opera singer.

Any other interesting tidbit(s) about yourself that you’d like to share? I think by now, if you haven’t gathered that I have a passion for opera, I am also a classical singer. But an interesting tidbit would be my love of Marine Biology.

Great Design Exclusive Yarn & Colors Developed In-House Expansive Performance Portfolio All in our new home at

311 North Hamilton Street 3rd Floor

STYLE INFLUENCER

Katie Laughridge & Kate Foster Proprietress and Fabric Manager of Midwest Home Décor Store Nell Hill’s

Katie Laughridge’s love of textiles led her to acquire the iconic Kansas-based home interiors lifestyle shop Nell Hill’s in 2019, after dreaming for years of owning a small business. Katie moved the stylish boutique to its new location in Briarcliff Village, Kansas City from its original site in Atchinson, Kansas, where it was established in 1981 by Mary Carol Garrity and named after her pioneer grandmother. Born and raised in Kansas City, Katie is happy to continue nurturing and growing this well-known local establishment with a far-reaching influence.

Nell Hill’s welcomes guests from all over the country who gravitate to the store that exudes lifestyle and design inspiration and is filled with beautiful furniture, artwork, lighting, fabric by the yard and accents.

Along with owning and operating Nell Hill’s, Katie is the author of the weekly decorating blog Style at Home and a syndicated weekly column. Her favorite place to be is at Nell Hill’s, helping clients to create homes that are lovely and livable and that celebrate their own style. “At Nell Hill’s we want to encourage the idea that what you like is ALWAYS in style,” she says on the store’s website. “Enhance your unique, personal style here with us. I can’t wait to go on your design journey with you.”

Working by her side for the last 3 years in the vital position of Fabric Manager has been Kate Foster, who says she loves to find new and exciting trends to bring to the shop. Nell Hill’s is known as an influential curator of New Traditional design, creating something new and exciting from timeless elements.

Take a virtual peak at the Nell Hill’s point of view by visiting nellhills.com or Katie’s Style at Home blog at nellhills.com/blog-index/.

What are your go-to paint colors? Katie and Kate: We are both obsessed with Winter Wheat from our Nell Hill’s paint line. We each have it painted on our walls at home! Recently we have been recommending new pops of color for bold walls like Mulberry Drive, Flint Hills and Ward Parkway Brick as well.

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www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

What are your favorite sources of inspiration?

How have you incorporated this inspiration into your designs, product development or merchandising?

Katie: We get a lot of inspiration from social media actually! Kate and I find ourselves browsing Instagram and sending each other trends and colors that we love so we can figure out a way to make it our own.

Markets are also a great place for us to find new ideas.

Overall, though, Nell Hill’s is always looking back at classic and timeless design and seeing how we can create something new and exciting – I mean that is what New Traditional design is all about. Kate: We are definitely known for our timeless fabrics. Recently we were looking back on traditional patterns like toile, and talking about how we could bring that type of pattern into the store in a fresh way. While we were

KATIE LAUGHRIDGE & KATE FOSTER

at (Showtime) Market, we found some great Asianinspired prints in modern bold and bright colors that we have now been incorporating into our pillows, furniture and bedding. That has been such a unique and fun spin to have in the shop.

be fun, and sometimes it is easy to forget to enjoy the journey (and the destination) in the face of setbacks.

But just like a dropped ginger jar or an askew pillow, setbacks can easily be overcome when you don’t sweat the small stuff and focus on bringing comfort and joy.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and what name would you have?

Katie and Kate: Midwest Morning Blue! We use so much blue at the shop that we consider it a neutral, and we love the reminder of our Midwest roots.

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Katie: La Jolla, California in San Diego. I lived there for a few years right after I got married, and it holds a special place in my heart. Kate: Anywhere warm!

What’s the last gift you gave someone, or a goto host/hostess gift you give? Katie and Kate: We actually talked about this the other day. We both love bringing candles as a hostess gift. It might seem simple, but most times the best things are. I find it is such a warm and practical item to have on hand. We use our Pickwick candles a lot to showcase our local KC friends, plus they have the most amazing scents and quality.

What are your favorite colors or color combinations?

Katie and Kate: How can you pick just one favorite?

We love maximalism at the shop, and never say no to color and pattern pairings. I would say the colors we are most known for are our classic blue and clean white combinations. We love this pairing, because you’re able to move your color of the moment or seasonal touches into the mix easily and seamlessly. Right now, we find ourselves adding in touches of juicy citrus hues and spring greens for a fresh take on our well-loved combo.

What recent professional or personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Kate and Katie: Surviving and thriving through a pandemic!

What’s your favorite Instagram account you follow?

Katie: Besides the Nell Hill’s account, right now it is @pencilandpaperco. It is so colorful and happy, and I love the visuals she uses. For a good dose of humor, I love @toeverymom. She is so funny! Kate: I would say my favorite is @kjp. His account is so stylized and idealistic, it is truly an East Coast escape! Also, my favorite # to follow is #textiledesign; I find so many inspiring people and posts.

Do you have a favorite charity or one you like to support? Katie: Make a Wish KC. Kate: Nourish KC.

What’s your favorite app? Katie: Calm App, it really helps unwind after a busy day at the shop. Kate: I have an app that lets me change the colors of my lights at home; it is so fun to switch up the mood.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? Katie: I’ve been really into gardening lately. Now that the weather is beautiful, it has been such a fun and relaxing project getting my plants ready to bloom. Kate: Yes, this nice weather is reminding me how much I love being outside. I love to go on runs and going to Liberty Memorial to watch the sun set.

Do you prefer books or kindle? Katie: Books! I love building a colorful bookshelf and the act of holding a physical book in my hands. Kate: Yes! Something about turning the page is so satisfying.

Do you have a favorite coffee table or interior design book? Katie: The new Corey Damen Jenkins book “Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms” Kate: My current coffee table book is “Prince Charming” by Madcap Cottage, but I also love any book that features fine art!

Do you prefer concerts, plays or movies?

Katie: Movies. Kate: Concerts.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Katie: Don’t be looking at what everyone else is doing, it will only cloud your vision. Focus on your own journey and be the one others are watching!

What’s still on your professional bucket list?

Katie: I want to grow our brand in unexpected ways by adding complementary lifestyle businesses. Kate: I’d love to help develop my own Nell Hill’s exclusive fabric line one day.

What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?

Katie and Kate: Mary Carol Garrity (the previous owner of Nell Hill’s) used to always tell the team, “This is a shop, not a museum.” While this is great practical advice for the workplace, it also sums up a wonderful approach to living. Life and design are supposed to

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

11

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

TEXTILE BUSINESS OUTLOOK

FOR

INDUSTRY SURVEY

BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS BALANCING SUPPLY TO DEMAND

By Kim D. Shaver Home textile industry executives have an optimistic outlook for business this year, even as they confront and seek to mitigate stresses in the supply chain such as soaring freight rates, shipping bottlenecks and higher costs for sometimes scarce raw materials.

According to Showtime Magazine’s recent Home Textile Industry Outlook Survey, 94% of the respondents are either “very optimistic” or “somewhat optimistic” about business prospects this year. One-third fall into the “very optimistic” camp, while no respondents report being pessimistic.

12

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

As home has become the center of the universe for millions of consumers during the year-pluslong pandemic, furnishings and textiles emerged as advantaged product categories early last summer, with surging demand that has shown no signs of abating.

For the first quarter of 2021, nearly 70% of executives surveyed report solid-to-robust increases in sales compared to the same period in 2020, most of which was before the pandemic economic shutdowns. Year to date, one-third report double-digit increases in the 11% to 25% range; one-quarter of respondents report increases in the 10% range and over 11% report increases in the high-double-digits and up to double their business a year ago.

Only 33% report their business is down compared to a year ago, with most of the decreases in the single-digit to low double-digit range.

TEXTILES BUSINESS OUTLOOK

DEMAND WINDS ARE AT THE INDUSTRY’S BACK; HEADWINDS ARE WITH SUPPLY

2021 BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Nearly 90% of textile executives surveyed are projecting continued year-over-year growth in 2021. This growth builds on a steady spike in demand for textiles, as furnishings orders and backlogs continue to surge. High Pointbased accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard, which tracks the residential furniture industry, recently reported new orders were up for the 8th straight month, with many furniture manufacturers and distributors experiencing very large double-digit growth in demand.

60%

While the textile industry has the winds of demand at its back, there are several key challenges for the year ahead, according to survey participants, including:

SOMEWHAT OPTIMISTIC

• Converting demand and backlogs to shipments in light of supply chain strains and bottlenecks.

• Shortages of raw materials.

33% Very Optimistic 7% Neutral

• Soaring transportation and raw materials costs.

• Striking a balance between investing in supply chain and inventory improvements to meet current demand, while not overbuilding capacity if demand cools off in the long-term.

WHAT’S THE TIPPING POINT? MANAGING DEMAND IS A DELICATE BALANCE In order to improve product flow, speed delivery to customers and mitigate price increases in transportation and raw materials, two-thirds of respondents – 67% – report making investments in their supply chain management. These investments range from building finished goods and component parts inventories to expanding or building warehouses to “purchasing more looms and making other capital investments and technological advances in our mill.” Nearly one-half of respondents report they have hired additional staff in the supply chain management and distribution areas.

SALES 2021:Q1 vs. 2020:Q1 0-10% 11-25%

22% 33% 6%

26-50% 51-75% 76-100% 100%+

0% 0% 6% 17% 16%

0-10% 11-25%

89%

PROJECT CONTINUED GROWTH IN DEMAND 11% Are Not Sure or Don’t Project Continued Growth

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

13

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

72%

Did NOT diversify import sources in 2020

&

17% WILL 39% MAY diversify import services in 2021

WHY DID YOU CHANGE YOUR IMPORT SOURCES? 38% TARIFFS 12% New Product Opportunities

SHIPPING ISSUES

Diversification

28% 11% 44% 39% 42%

RESPONDANTS REPORTED DECREASES IN BUSINESS 2019/20 WITH THESE SOURCE COUNTRIES 39% 6% 11% 6% 38%

The following countries were reported as having 0% decreases: Mexico, South America, South Korea and Vietnam.

14

Vertical Operations Warehouse Expansion

Equ Dua

The $64,000-dollar question for industry observers is, “How sustainable will the surge in demand for home goods be?” Intuitively, demand is expected to level to some degree once competition for the consumers’ discretionary dollars increases as people begin to travel more, eat out more, attend more events and purchase 56% 44% more apparel.

IMPLEMENTED PRICE INCREASES IN THE LAST 6

30% responded 0-3% Many executives believe that, while 30% demand respondedwill 3-6%cool

New Operations Coming Online

*Includes the following countries with 5% each: South America, South Korea, Vietnam, United States, Taiwan, Japan and Italy.

CHINA EUROPE INDIA TURKEY NONE

In what areas have you invested?

How much, on average, if so?

12%

RESPONDANTS REPORTED INCREASES IN BUSINESS 2019/20 WITH THESE SOURCE COUNTRIES CHINA EUROPE INDIA TURKEY OTHER*

ARE YOU INVESTING IN SUPPLY TO IMPROVE PRODUCT FLOW A

Deciding how aggressively to invest in supply chain management, inventory and increased capacity is a delicate balance, Libeco’s Richardson says. “It’s almost too much of a good thing, with the demand so far out in front of supply right now,” she said. “The challenge is addressing the short-term demand at the right level so that it is sustainable long-term. What is the tipping point of knowing how significantly to invest? That’s a difficult crystal ball,” Richardson says.

Logistics Personnel

25%

13%

In order to meet a robust double-digit increase in demand, Belgian-based textile source Libeco has “invested in new looms that will be online next month, invested in more vertical integration to increase production and increased our raw materials inventory,” says vice president of sales Kathryn Richardson, noting that the raw materials inventory is an effort to “mitigate raw materials price increases with earlier investments.”

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/Showtime

from its current levels, higher levels of demand than pre-pandemic areYES on theNO horizon40% forresponded the textiles 6-10% industry. Business will be lifted by sustainable macroeconomic trends such as the housing boom, higher rates of mobility, more remodeling activity and an overall positive economic outlook, observers believe.

CONSIDERING A SURCHARGE EXPECTATIONS: BUSINESS FOR INCREASED COSTS? WILL SETTLE AT ABOVE PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

“We expect the dramatic levels of demand we are experiencing now to level off to a steadier growth that’s still higher than it was before the pandemic, as we continue to innovate with performance fabrics with a sustainability, cleanability and comfort story,” says Iv Culp, chief executive officer of upholstery and bedding textile major Culp Inc. “Safer-at-home” practices increased demand permanently for healthy, comfortable home environments, he believes. Culp is based in High Point but has manufacturing and sourcing capabilities in 6 countries: the US, Canada, Haiti, China, Vietnam and Turkey. “Having flexibility and versatility in our supply chain has been paramount during this time,” he says, noting that the company’s supply chain diversity has helped minimize disruption to product flow and kept Culp’s capacity more stable.

50%

of respondants have dealt with significant labor shortages impacting production in 2020/21

17% Already I

4

R si

O K

TEXTILES BUSINESS OUTLOOK

ARE YOU INVESTING IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE PRODUCT FLOW AND DELIVERY TO CUSTOMERS?

67%

33%

YES

NO

In what areas have you invested?

Logistics Personnel

Vertical Operations Warehouse Expansion

Equipment Dual Sourcing

IMPLEMENTED PRICE INCREASES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS? 56%

YES

44%

NO

ANTICIPATE PRICE INCREASES IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS? How much, on average, if so?

How much, on average, if so?

30% responded 0-3% 30% responded 3-6% 40% responded 6-10%

44%

17%

39%

YES

NO

MAYBE 40% 30%

CONSIDERING A SURCHARGE FOR INCREASED COSTS?

20% 10%

17% Already Implemented

50%

of respondants have dealt with significant labor shortages impacting production in 2020/21

5% In the Next Month

44%

17% In the Next Quarter

22% In the Next Year

39% No

0%

HAVE EXPERIENCED A SURGE IN DEMAND/SALES IN THE LAST YEAR

Respondants reported these categories/colorways that have performed particularly well since the Pandemic began last year.

Outdoor/Performance/Eco-Friendly Performance Knits Velvets Domestic Products Warmer Neutrals

Most Textural Items

DOMESTIC AND VERTICALLYINTEGRATED SUPPLIERS OFFER QUICK-SHIP PROGRAMS

our customers to optimize forecasting their needs, and we are building safety stock on critical raw materials.”

Domestic textile producers like South Carolina-based Milliken have leveraged their more stable supply chain for faster fabric deliveries. “To ensure our customers receive products on time, we’ve implemented quickship programs to address the industry’s shortage issues,” said Jennifer Harmon, director of business development for Milliken & Company’s Textile Division.

While the company’s supply chain is more stable, Harmon says Milliken has “experienced delays in getting raw materials, which we see as a common pain point across industries right now. We constantly work with

RAW MATERIALS & TRANSPORTATION PRICE INCREASES PRESENT CHALLENGES Some have called the rise in ocean freight rates amidst a container shortage “shockingly high,” and raw materials such as upholstery and bedding foam and other items have also risen in price, leading 56% of the Textile Industry Outlook survey respondents to implement a price increase in the last six months.

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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SHOWTIME® FEATURE

Moreover, a vast majority, 83%, anticipate or are considering price increases in the next six months, while only 17% do not expect to implement a price increase.

Of those who have implemented price increases, 40% have implemented a 6 to 10% increase, 30% have implemented a 3 to 6% increase and the other third have implemented up to a 3% increase. Many other textile players – 61% of respondents -- are considering a surcharge to address rising costs.

Noting that De Leo Textiles is investing in order to speed up deliveries to customers, vice president of business development Ismail Arslan said that the company is “considering the possibility of a surcharge for quicker deliveries due to the dramatic escalation of (container and cargo) pricing. I hear from competitors that they are also considering surcharges,” Arslan says.

ADAPTATION TO DISRUPTION MAKES INDUSTRY STRONGER Following at least two years of disruptions that first involved tariffs on Asian imports, followed immediately by a global pandemic and economic downturn, the textile industry remains resilient and has emerged stronger, many believe.

“Our outlook is optimistic for our business and our industry,” says Iv Culp. “Our industry has been advantaged (with the consumer) during the pandemic.

While demand will level off to some degree, we will be stronger than before the pandemic because the consumer now understands in a profound new way the importance of home, comfort and a healthy lifestyle. We as an industry are providing the products and innovation and creating value to make a healthy, comfortable home possible.”

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SHOWTIME® FEATURE

THE PRODUCTS OF THE PANDEMIC

By Kim D. Shaver In a world of chaos and uncertainty, consumers crave comfort, seek to create healthy environments and are making outdoor spaces a focal point for gathering and exploration.

These dynamics ushered in by the global pandemic have caused a rise in popularity for fabrics with visual and physical texture and for performance fabrics with a sustainability and cleanability story, including outdoor performance fabrics. Colorways on the rise include warm neutrals and greens that create emotional comfort and are inspired by nature.

Often, the plusher the texture, the better, say executives who participated in ITA’s Showtime Magazine Textile Industry Outlook survey recently. “Our biggest hit this season is a pattern called ‘Revival,’ a chunky boucle texture,” says Katie Atwater Williams, creative director at De Leo Textiles. “During the last year, our homes have become our safe haven, so textures that are extra cozy and plush make comforting additions to our surroundings. We are adding several new colors to Revival for May’s Showtime,” she says.

“There’s been an increased focus on health and well-being since the pandemic’s inception,” says Jennifer Harmon, director of business development for Milliken & Co’s Textile Division. “We’ve also seen greater emphasis and awareness of our industry’s environmental impact. These two areas of focus resulted in natural and recycled materials performing well in 2020.”

Culp saw the green color palette emerge a few seasons ago, but it has gained traction during the pandemic due to an interest in exploring the outdoors and making a connection with nature and the freedom nature offers to roam in wide-open spaces, the company said.

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Culp’s LiveSmart line of performance fabrics have benefitted from consumer concerns about environmental stewardship and their desire for healthy home environments, says Iv Culp, chief executive officer. The eco-friendly LiveSmart line includes Evolve, which is made with at least 30% or more of a polyester yarn by Unifi from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.

LiveSmart’s latest addition, the “Ultra” line, taps into the desire to keep homes clean and protect upholstery fabrics from the growth of mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria. LiveSmart Ultra offers stain-fighting protection by blocking both water and oil-based stains from penetrating through the fabrics into cushions, and has the addition of permanentlybonded silver ion-based antimicrobial technology that works to resist mold and mildew and bacteria that causes odors, says Tammy Buckner, senior vice president of marketing and design for Culp.

Natural fiber fabrics also are popular, according to textile executives. “Our textured styles, such as Bohemian, are popular with consumers who are craving comfort,” says Milliken’s Harmon. Textile source Libeco, a chief-value linen line known for its linen content as well as for wool, silk and cotton content, has benefitted from the rising popularity of natural fibers, says Kathryn Richardson, vice president of sales.

Stain and fade resistant performance fabrics are a must for both interior and exterior spaces, as consumers turn to small outdoor gatherings and outdoor living décor to create a “staycation” feeling at home. Outdoor spaces have became “safe spaces” for entertaining and spending time with family, a trend most expect to far outlive the pandemic. As outdoor fire pits and other heating appliances make outdoor living more of a yearround hang-out zone, many observers believe outdoor performance fabric sales are far from hitting peak.

In the last year up to the present, neutral colorways continue to be important but have shifted to the warm side with browns, taupes and gold hues. “Warm tones are a hug for you,” says Richardson.

For accents, tropical colors and greens of every hue have gained importance. “Green emerged a few seasons ago but has really gained traction,” says Culp’s Buckner. “With the pandemic, there’s been a renewed interest in exploring the outdoors, and green gives us this connection with nature and with freedom that we desire. From soft candy hues to rich Kelly shades, green is the perfect color for sunny days to come,” she says.

TEXTILES BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Environmentally-friendly performance fabrics with yarns made of recycled materials have been in demand at Milliken.

Another popular style with visual and physical texture from De Leo is Duson, a pattern packed with texture using caterpillar chenille and boucle, in neutral combinations.

Demand for cozy and plush textures like De Leo Textile’s chunky boucle “Revival” has been on the rise.

Culp Inc has seen robust demand for its LiveSmart brand of stain-resistant performance fabrics, including LiveSmart Evolve, featuring at least 30% of its yarns in a high-quality polyester made by Unifi from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. This sofa is covered in a Culp fabric that contains 450 water bottles.

Neutral textures with surface interest including chunkiness and slubs, are high in demand for Libeco customers.

Libeco’s new stonewash fabric in an orange hue is attracting attention for its relaxed look and deep saturated color. The layered fabric on top is a new sheer inspired by 70s’ raw-silk looks.

As consumer crave comfort, Natural fibers and colorways have surged in popularity for Milliken, especially with textured Bohemian looks.

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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At Gum Tree Fabrics, we offer upholstery fabrics that are relevant in today’s marketplace. Our collections are designed and woven with our customers in mind. Come experience the new GTF textile line and see what we have to offer...

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I N C ON JU N C TI ON W I TH

PRESENT THE

TEMPORARY EXHIBITS AT SHOWTIME

Showtime temporary exhibits are located on the 5th Floor of Market Square Textile Tower and join 80+ permanent showrooms to make Showtime the most thorough fabric, leather and trimmings presentation in the western hemisphere.

Temporary Exhibit Hours: Sunday, May 16 | 10:00am – 6:00pm Monday, May 17 | 8:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday, May 18 | 8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday, May 19 | CLOSED For more information, please visit: IMCHighPointMarket.com/showtime

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THE SUSTAINABLE

FURNISHINGS COUNCIL IS

A COALITION OF MANUFACTURERS, RETAILERS AND DESIGNERS DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS AND EXPANDING THE ADOPTION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ACROSS THE HOME FURNISHINGS INDUSTRY. MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPARENT ABOUT HOW THEY ARE LIVING THEIR COMMITMENT 9 Ten Design • Abner Henry Fine Furniture • Accessories Resource Team • A-List Interiors • American Leather • Andrew Joseph Public Relations • Alicia Ruach Designs + Co • Antique & Design Center of High Point • Antler Designs Concepts • Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers • ARC Design • Architectural Digest Magazine • Arcadia Home • ASID Carolinas • ASP & Co. • Atlantic Furniture • Avasa • Avocado Green Mattress • Badcock Home Furniture & More • Barrickman Design Group • Barry Dixon • Belfort Furniture • Beth Krupa Interiors • Breegan Jane • Brentwood Classics • Brunetti’s Interiors • Burlington Furniture • Business of Home • C. Randolph Trainor • CAI Designs • Calligaris USA • Cambium Carbon • Carolina Spaces Furniture & Design • Carriage House Interiors • Chemical Insights Institute of Underwriters Laboratory • Circle Furniture • City Home • Cisco Brothers Corp. • City Furniture • Classic Home • Claudia Josephine Design • Coco-Mat • Company C • Comphy • CompoClay • Contemporary Design Group • Contour Functional Art • Copeland Furniture • Copper Instincts • Corey Damen Jenkins • Crest Leather • Culp • Currey & Company • Dallas Market Center • Dani Leather • Deadwood Revival Design • Debi Thomas Designs • del ZIO Designs Interiors • Design Momentum • Design Trade Alliance • Design Works International • DesignDot • Dira • Domaci • Dujardin Design Associates • Durham Furniture • DutchCrafters Amish Furniture • Eangee Home Design • Eco Method Interiors • Eco Rooms • EJ Victor • Ekornes • Elena Theobald Design • Elissa Grayer Interior Design • Emdee International • emma gardner design • Everniture • Feizy Rugs • Fermob • Fine Design Interiors • Flexsteel • Foam Assets Corporation • Francis King • Freight Club • Function First Furniture • Furniture News • Furniture World Magazine • Furniture, Lighting, & Decor Magazine • Furniturecycle • Fusion Designed • Gabby Home / Summer Classics Home • Gat Creek • Good Future Design Alliance • Green House Designs • Greenington Fine Bamboo Furniture • Guest Interiors • Handy Living • Harounian Rugs International • Helene Aumond Collection • Hdesigns • High Point University • Himalayan Wild Fibers • HMBL Home • HOM Furniture / Gabberts Fine Furniture / DOCK86 • Home Furnishings Association • Homestead Furniture • Hooker Furniture • “Hoot” Judkins Furniture • Houseworks Modern Furniture • HTD/Home Trends & Design • Huntington House • IHFRA • In Ex Design • Inside Out Performance Fabrics • Interior Design Society • Interior Harmony • Interiors Magazine • Interlude Home • International Market Centers • International Society of Furniture Designers • International Textile Alliance • JB Sides + Co • J Seitz & Co. • Jaipur Living • Janet Hild Design • Jen Dorsey Studio • Jerri Hobdy • Johanna Howard Home • John Douglas Eason Interior Design • John Strauss Furniture Design • Jouffre • Julie Dasher Rugs • Kara Childress • Katari Impax • Kathryn Scott Design Studio • Kay Chesterfield • KB Patio Furniture • KMD Interiors • KoverRoos • Kozy & Green • Kravet • Kymberlea Earnshaw Design • LaDIFF • Lady Fabrics • Latex Green • Laura Hodges Studio • Laurence Carr • Lawrance • La-Z-Boy • Lee Industries • Lenzing Fibers • Leslie Gustafson & Co. • Libby Interiors • Libeco • Lima-Stanley Design • LivABLE Environmental Conference • Loloi Rugs • Loose Parts • Lull Mattress • Lynen Interiors • Magnus Leather Company • Mandeville Canyon Designs • McBrien Interiors • McCreary Modern • McKinney Design • mebl | Transforming Furniture • Michelle’s Interiors • MicroD • Mill Collective • Milliken & Company • Minted Space • Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams • MLJacobson Design • Möbius Home • MOCA+ • Modern Mill • Monte Design Group • Moore & Giles • National Upholstery Association • Naturepedic Organic Mattresses • Nature’s Legacy Eximport • NCSU - Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program • Neon Textiles • Newcastle Fabrics Corp. • Newton Paisley • Niche Interiors • Nina Reeves Communications • North Carolina Business Council • Norwalk Furniture • Nourison Industries • Olive Designs • Omnia Leather Furniture • One for Victory •Organic Spa Magazine • Organic Weave • Other Half Processing • Palette & Parlor • Parsons The New School for Design • PGA Interiors • Phillips Collection • Pizzigati Designs • Plank & Coil • Profit Chain Consulting • Pure Upholstery • Reboundstores • red egg • Red Grandis • Rendezvous Design • Rest Right Mattress • Revolution Performance Fa1brics • Randall Whitehead Lighting Design • re.dwell • Rhyme Studio • Robin Bond Interiors • Robin Wilson Home • Room & Board • Rowe Brands: Robin Bruce • RRS • Rug News and Design Magazine • Saatva • Sabai Design • Safavieh • San Francisco Design • Sara Bengur Interiors • Sarah Templin • ScanCom International Ltd. • Sea Green Designs • Selamat Designs • Shepherd’s Dream • Side Door • Sika Design • Simbly • Simply Amish • Sklar Furnishings • Sleep Retailer • Specialty Sleep Association • St. Peter Woolen Mill • Stanford Furniture • Stanton Gray Artisan Wall Coverings • Steelyard • Stickley • STL Beds • Susan Laura Interior Design • Sustainable Composites • Sustainable Home Interior Design • Textile Exchange • The Arrangement • The Bienenstock Furniture Library • The Bramble Company and Steven Shell • The Canvas Nursery • The Century House • The Local Vault • The MG Design Lab • The MT Company • The Tac Room • Thom Filicia • Three Coins Cast • Thyme & Place Design • Tightrope • Time & Place Interiors • Triton Resources • Tucker Robbins • Twin Star Home • Vanguard Furniture • Varaluz • Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. • Waterwood Market • Wellness WithinYour Walls • West Bros Furniture • Williams-Sonoma, Inc. • Wink Gaines Photographer • Working Wonders • WorkTheBrand • World Wildlife Fund • Zoe Bios Creative

THE SOLUTION STARTS WITH YOU. GET INVOLVED TODAY.

SHOWTIME® FEATURE

EMERGENT MAKER MOVEMENT BRINGS

ARTISAN FLAIR DESIGN TO

By Kim D. Shaver

The same dynamics that have fueled “buying local,” customization and DIY have led thousands of people to start their own small businesses dedicated to creating and selling self-made products, often made one-at-atime by hand.

In a world of mass production and mass marketing, online communications and social media have made it easier than ever for a single individual to create and distribute items that are customizable and unique.

These creative entrepreneurs are part of what is being called the emergent “maker movement.”

Makers are found in fields including technology, food, fashion and jewelry, home décor and home textiles. In the home space, makers’ products often are influenced by art and have an artisan flair.

This new wave of consumer businesses founded by makers is born from their mastery of skill, creativity and a genuine passion of the makers for their craft.

Their passion is contagious, as consumers are intrigued by the personal stories of makers, and motivated to support and celebrate artisans.

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MAKER MOVEMENT IS EXTENSION OF ‘BUYING LOCAL’ AND ‘INTENTIONAL CONSUMERISM’ “The maker movement is the next logical extension of ‘buying local,’ like the (farm-to-table) or local food movement,” says Jana Phipps, an expert in the use of embellishment for décor, fashion and DIY who creates and offers everything from decorative trims to jewelry under the Trim Queen brand. “The maker movement is a backlash against consumerism and mass production and a move towards ‘intentional consumerism’ that supports an artist and their loved ones, and makes a personal connection,” she says.

MAKER PRODUCTS ARE ‘SOULFUL’ EXPRESSIONS THAT EVOKE EMOTION “The maker movement brings in the human element and expresses the ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ behind the work on a personal level for a design solution,” says Jill Seale, an

MAKER MOVEMENT

artist, designer and author specializing in marbling techniques. Seale collaborates with upholstery and textile resources for artisanal-inspired fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, home accents and rugs. Her business model is typical of the collaboration and partnership between handwork and machine work that’s often part of the maker movement. “Everything starts with my marbling tray,” says Seale, who trained in Florence, Italy under master marbling artisans.

“From there, I work with manufacturers to implement my designs. Manufacturers and designers get more personal solutions when they work with makers.”

PANDEMIC AND ONLINE BUYING SURGE IS FUELING MAKER MOVEMENT Jane Pollak, who gained fame creating Ukrainianstyled waxed and dyed eggs and currently creates pillows out of penny-rug appliqued fabrics, believes that the maker movement is “a much more sophisticated re-branding of the craft movement.”

The maker movement really took off during the Covid-19 Pandemic as artisans became more driven to creative expression, often from home studios.

Consumers also flocked to online channels to purchase products, which helped them discover items made by makers on social media and websites.

“The pandemic inspired personal introspection about ‘What matters?’ says Seale. “People want to have more meaningful things in their lives, and they want a personal connection to what is around them.”

Jane Pollak stitches an applique onto a penny rug fabric.

MAKER’S PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTED ONLINE AND IN LOCAL FAIRS, MARKETS Distribution for maker’s products is overwhelmingly found online, with Etsy a top site, along with Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. Email marketing and websites also figure prominently as sales platforms for makers, and provide venues for storytelling around the hand-made products. Local fairs, farmer’s markets and trade shows like the High Point Market also are important distribution points. Fairs and markets bring a social and community dimension into the mix, helping makers form connections with other makers.

Even more importantly, local fairs and markets give makers a face-to-face connection with a public hungry for the personal, passionate and artisan spirit behind maker’s goods.

The Florentine Splash fabric design by Jill Seale.

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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SHOWTIME® FEATURE

LEYLA GANS Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina www.LEYLAGANS.com or www.m2cstudio.com

An accomplished artist, Leyla Gans combines unique materials, cultural influences and artisan skills in ways the home and fashion industries have never seen to create trendsetting decorative trimmings and hardware as one of the founders and owners of Classical Elements.

Classical Elements is a private label trimming company considered the leading purveyor of fashion-forward passementerie.

But Classical Elements is just her Leyla is pictured with day job. Leyla also is a maker of fiber her Charlotte Fuchsia art-and-metal chandelier lighting earrings, handmade with silk and metallic through a business she began four cording with a years ago called M2C Studios. M2C Bohemian flair. stands for “mountain-to-coast,” as a nod to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Outer Banks and beaches of North Carolina, where she and her husband, Stuart, make their home. The line of globally-inspired and locally fabricated artistic lighting combining tassels and metal is sold mainly to designers and architects.

But wait, there’s more. In addition to her M2C hand-made lighting line, she also is the proprietor of Leyla Gans Jewelry, an artistic line of necklaces and earrings inspired by art, culture and textile techniques. She sees them all as related. “Jewelry is how you dress; lighting and trims are how you dress your home,” she says. “We all need a little embellishment!”

Her signature style is a “modern and fresh bohemian twist with a touch of femininity and a pinch of edge.”

A dreamer born in South America, Leyla spent her teenage years in South Florida and graduated with a

Leyla Gans with items from her M2C Studio Lighting line.

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degree in photography. In 2003, Leyla and her husband Stuart founded Classical Elements, a private-label trimming company offering trims such as tassels, braid and fringe used on furniture. Several years ago, Leyla designed a chandelier to decorate their showroom at Showtime. People raved about it so much, that a new lighting and accessories company, M2C Studio, was born.

“The maker movement is exciting because it gives us makers and creators the ability to bring to life a creative culture in our living spaces and lifestyles.”

JANA PLATINA PHIPPS Hudson River Valley, New York trimqueen.com | trimqueen |

janaplatinaphipps

Jana is known as the Trim Queen, an expert in the use of embellishment for décor, fashion and DIY. She customizes textile programs for the home industry and consults for manufacturers. She uses trimmings as a powerful design tool and believes “Embellishment is a creative form of self-expression.” She teaches Trim Alchemy, the concept of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary using trim, via her blog, seminars, hands-on workshops, and on her social media channels.

Her current passion is her role as a mentor, inspiring others. “What I really get excited about is getting my luxe DIY kits in the hands of others and empowering them to create beauty ,” she says. In her role as mentor, influencer and teacher, she leads industry design tours during High Point Market and in New York City, and in 2019 launched Maker Tourism, an annual artisanfocused tour and The Fiori earrings and brooch are workshops in Venice. examples of what can be made from While the Maker Tour Jana’s Venetian Embellish Kit, which took a break for the includes fabrics from Tessiture Bevilacqua and Fortuny, both heritage textile Pandemic, the next manufacturers based in Venice, also with one is planned for hand-blown beads made in Murano.

2022. Last month, she launched a virtual tour series of European locales with an art historian tour guide visiting such places as a velvetmaking factory and glass makers in Italy.

MAKER MOVEMENT

uniquely designed and custom-made by hand from small batch-dyed wools, Perle cotton filaments, glass beads, and vintage buttons. She sells these one-of-a-kind accents to interior designers primarily.

The Trim Queen ornament kit is part of a luxe DIY kit to create fashion holiday ornaments.

In 1998 at Showtime, Jana presented a collection of fashion-forward trimmings that launched her career in home furnishings. In addition to designing and creating embellishments for textiles and home goods, she is an influencer and consultant, and helps companies and individuals leverage their social media for branding and customer engagement.

“The maker movement is the next logical extension of ‘buying local,’ like the (farm-to-table) or local food movement. The maker movement is a backlash against consumerism and mass production and a move towards ‘intentional consumerism’ that supports an artist and their loved ones, and makes a personal connection,” she says.

JANE POLLAK New York, New York janepollakdesigns.com |

janepollak

An internationally recognized and award-winning designer and author, Jane Pollak’s creations have captured the eye of collectors, interior designers, magazine editors, the White House and celebrities since the mid-80’s. Currently, Jane is masterfully crafting traditional wool appliqué Penny Rug fabrics with a richly-hued and contemporary palette, making them into highend pillows and wall-hangings

With a highly-publicized career in the Craft Movement for three decades, Jane brought the ancient art form of museum-quality Ukrainian Easter eggs to national recognition and is the author of the book, “Eggs: Exquisite Designs with Wax and Dye.” She and her eggs have been featured in The The cover of Jane’s New York Times, on The book, “Eggs: Today Show and national Exquisite Designs catalog covers and magazines, with Wax and Dye.” and her eggs were commissioned for the Annual Easter Egg Roll at both the Reagan and Clinton White Houses. The Smithsonian archived several of Jane’s pieces, while Steve Jobs commissioned two of Pollak’s eggs for his collection.

Jane grew up in Connecticut and has a Masters Degree in Art Education. After a few decades of making decorative Ukrainian Easter eggs to nationwide acclaim, she most recently had shifted her career towards speaking and writing as a certified coach, author, nationally recognized speaker and lifestyle entrepreneur. That all changed the weekend before the nationwide lockdown for the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I took a class in penny-rug making and had enough fabric to make several items at the beginning of lockdown. People reacted so positively, and I enjoyed it so much and fell in love with every stage of the creative process.

It was therapeutic and fulfilling.”

“There’s something about the gesture of inserting a needle into fabric and pulling it The Lumbar Floral Pillow through that is very elegant,” says Jane.

“The materials are beautiful and the colors are beautiful. Every stage of the process, from designing to laying out the template, is pleasurable...My pillows are a contemporary take on a traditional colonial art. They are one-of-a-kind, and when you look at them, you can see the human hand, the imperfect human hand, in each pillow.”

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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SHOWTIME® FEATURE

JILL SEALE Charlotte, North Carolina jillseale.com | jillseale

Jill Seale is a textile-based artist, award-winning designer and author specializing in marbling techniques. She has multiple collaborations in home furnishings and textiles, with her fabric designs featured

by Norwalk and Libby Langdon, Hamilton Fabrics, Wesley Hall, C.R. Laine and EJ Victor, and she recently launched the Jill Seale Studio Collection for Port 68, a home accessories resource.

Jill began her career as a graphic designer with clients ranging from the White House to the Kennedy Center to Sir Paul McCartney. It was during a fateful trip to Florence, Italy, where she mastered the ancient art of marbling, that her creative career path was set. She started out by designing marbled fabrics and taking 100 pillows to High Point Market. Her opportunities grew “exponentially” from there. Today, the textile-based artist has products displaying her contemporary interpretation of classic marbling in top showrooms and retailers nationwide.

From an early age, Jill was drawn to marbling and collected marbled paper. When she tried the method herself, she found her passion. She rearranged her studio and left her graphic design business. “I knew I had found my voice in textiles,” she says.

Jill Seale in the Port 68 home accessories showroom with her “Black Orchid” fabric design for Hamilton Fabrics on display.

The Kate Ottoman from Norwalk is covered in a Jill Seale fabric design.

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“The creative process is captivating! One must leap off the cliff of ‘What is,’ into a flight of fancy of ‘What could be?’”

“Everything starts with my marbling tray,” says Seale, who trained in Florence, Italy under master marbling artisans.

“From there, I work with manufacturers to implement my designs. Manufacturers and designers get more personal design solutions when they work with makers.”

Jill Seale and designer Libby Langdon are holding a pillow covered in Seale’s Florentine Splash fabric, which inspired Langdon’s design of a Norwalk Furniture showroom.

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 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Student Internships & Founders’ Scholarship Programs

The International Textile Alliance (ITA) Educational Foundation is accepting applications for internship and scholarship programs providing more than $25,000 in support to students looking to enter the textile industry.

ITA member companies sponsoring the scholarships and internships include Crypton, Hamilton Fabrics, P/Kaufmann, Springs Creative and Regal Fabrics.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM RECRUITS YOUNG TALENT With a goal to discover and recruit young talent for all areas of the textile industry, ITA offers 12 internship programs per year designed to let students see and experience a variety of industry-related careers first-hand.

Led by the ITA Educational Foundation, the internship program pairs up to 12 students with ITA member company sponsors.

ITA will provide up to $24,000 this year in intern support. Intern sponsorships are open to member companies, and ITA will cover up to $1,000 for intern salary and $1,000 for housing/travel expenses. For those interested in having an intern, contact Carrie Dillon, managing director of the ITA at 336.885.6842, or carrie@internationaltextilealliance.org. ITA can assist in finding interns for member companies.

ITA member. The scholarship recipient receives $2,500 on the first and second year of the winner’s education.

Scholarship Criteria Includes: • Must have plans to pursue a career in the textile industry • Must be the child of an employee of an ITA Member Company • Must be a high school senior entering college • Minimum of a 3.5 GPA • Three letters of recommendation • List their extracurricular activities and awards • Write an essay stating their educational objectives and how it relates to their planned career The application deadline is June 30, and a Founders Scholarship Application form is available on the ITA website by scanning the QR code to the right.

The internships can have a life-changing and enriching impact on students like Emily Reppert, a former ITA intern who now works at Regal Fabrics. “I am very fortunate to have a textile design job at the place I want to be, workwise and geographically speaking! One of the big reasons I am at Regal Fabrics now is because of the internship opportunity I had with them through ITA. I can attest to the power of the internship program.”

The Founders’ Scholarship was established in 2015 by the ITA Board of Directors along with the Educational Foundation to further the organization’s commitment to education and the future of the industry. This scholarship was created to honor our Founding ITA Board of Directors and Members.

FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 30

Founding ITA Member Companies:

The ITA Founders’ Scholarship is an annual scholarship set up as a benefit for members and their children, as well as children of parents who are employed by an

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The founding ITA Board of Director members were: Pete Thompson Terry Baxter Tom Muzekari

American Silk Mills Covington Fabric & Design, LLC David Rothschild Co., Inc.

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/EducationalFoundation

Tom Forrester Lee Kabat Fran Luedtke

J.B. Martin Co., Inc. P. Kaufmann Fabrics Richloom Fabrics Group Valdese Weavers, Inc.

ITA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

COMPETITION

WINNER

2021 SPRING WINNER

Julia Urrea

University of Georgia The inspiration for my print comes from the idea of tassels. While sometimes considered to be a small detail, tassels have the power to spruce up any home furnishing (pillows, blankets, curtains, chairs, etc.).

What fascinates me most about tassels, however, is the large quantity of individual threads it takes to create such a unique texture along with the physical explosion that comes from it. That is what I wanted to emphasize in my design: a soft and comforting firework.

FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT whose contributions support ITA Educational Foundation’s commitment to the growth of the textile industry through education, scholarship and career development initiatives.

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 | Wesley Mancini, Wesley Mancini, Ltd. 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.

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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Women’s Leadership Development Network

Our vision is to empower and inspire women in the home and furnishings industry, in all stages of their careers, to lead, embrace challenges, succeed and pursue their aspirations with passion and confidence.

Industry networkIng • LeadershIp educatIon • peer-to- peer MentorIng annuaL professIonaL LeadershIp conference • dIgItaL MeMber networkIng pLatforM onLIne educatIon LIbrary • contInuIng educatIon schoLarshIps • desIgn tours recognIzIng woMen In the Industry - wow awards

Get WithIt! Join us at www.withit.org

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.

#DesignOnHPMkt IMCHighPointMarket.com

ITA MEMBER NEWS RADIATE TEXTILES LAUNCHES VISUALIZER ON COMPANY WEBSITE Radiate Textiles announced a major upgrade to the company website - a fabric visualizer which allows a customer to view fabrics, visualize them on a sofa, chair and ottoman frame, as well as order samples. The website will be continuously refreshed with new and exciting product.

STI ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO IMPROVE DELIVERY TIMES STI has recently made investments to increase our domestic capacity by over 30 percent. This capital expenditure investment included yarn manufacturing equipment, new looms, and adding machinery in our finishing plant. STI has seen tremendous growth the past 5 years since they launched the Revolution Fabric brand.

Their newest fabric line “ Revolution Outdoor Fabrics’ has picked up market share over the past 2 years and they believe that the growth in this space will continue. Post lockdown orders were the highest orders/backlog that STI has seen in their 30 year history. We see a bright future in domestic textile and furniture manufacturing.

In the last year, STI has gotten away from the lead times that their customers have come to know them for. With this new expansion, they believe they will get back to their promise of quality fabrics, made in the U.S.A. All equipment for the expansion will be fully operational and running by August of this year.

PMT FABRICS HAS MOVED! PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW SPACE AT THE FASHION RESOURCE CENTER PMT Fabrics has moved its showroom to the Home Fashion Resource Center, 312 South Hamilton St, Suite 20 in High Point. If you would like

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to stop in or call during Premarket, Showtime or HPMKT, you may call Bob Gorman at 773-251-2121. We can also show a video presentation for a relaxed personal review.

REGAL FABRICS SEES STRONG GROWTH THROUGH PANDEMIC Like most companies, Regal Fabrics was forced to close its doors due to Covid-19 last March, only two months after moving into its brand new 90,000 square-foot offices and warehouse. Faced with cancelled and paused customer orders, Regal was forced to make a decision: slow down to wait out the pandemic, or continue to create great new designs, extend the product line and keep large stock positions.

After the initial shock, Regal opted to charge forward.

Over the course of 2020 and into spring of 2021, the Regal design team produced and released five new seasonal collections (140 new patterns, 600+ colorways).

Regal Fabrics also acquired the Diversitex Home line and committed to expanding the natural/casual/lifestyle range of fabrics.

In addition, Regal introduced custom print services, including low MOQ digital print production, out of its Middleton, MA facility.

It was a challenging but rewarding 14 months, as thankfully customer orders quickly rebounded and grew alongside Regal’s expanded product selection and new offerings. Having invested in inventory early in the pandemic was critical to supporting customer needs when demand came back so quickly in the fall.

AMERICA LEATHER RESOURCES: NEW ADDRESS, NEW COLORS, SAME EXQUISITE QUALITY With a new showroom conveniently located on Main Street next to the train station, American Leather Resources will bring additions to their leather collection at the Spring Showtime Market and debut a new Stock Program. By having it’s best seller leathers stocked in High Point, ready to ship and sold by the box, they allow for very low MOQs and quick delivery to the customers facility. The stock also includes

ITA MEMBER NEWS

hair-on hides and various sheepskin options. Full of upholstery leathers of all kinds, including pigmented, veg tanned, hair on-hides, handwoven leathers, suedes and more, a visit to the new Main St showroom is a must this season! To make your appointment call (336) 491 6080 or e-mail luisa@americaleather.com.br.

product for the commercial, healthcare and residential markets. He has also served in senior management roles with The Robert Allen Group and top retailers the Bombay Company and Ethan Allen.

ANDY PACUK AND ELISE GABRIELSON JOIN ITA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pacuk and Gabrielson join the current ITA Board of Andy Pacuk, sales executive Directors which includes: with Ultrafabrics 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.; Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles; and Patrick Shelton, Valdese Weavers.

Elise Gabrielson, marketing director of Crypton Home Fabric, and Andy Pacuk, sales executive with Ultrafabrics, have been elected to join the International Textile Alliance (ITA) Board of Directors.

“Elise and Andy will make outstanding additions to our Board,” said Kelly DiFoggio, president of the ITA Board of Directors. “Each of them is a proven leader in the textiles and home industries with expertise in vital areas such as strategic planning, brand marketing, merchandising, product development, content creation and sales. As a Board, we do our best to create a diverse representation of our membership to cover all sectors, and I feel that Andy and Elise round out the Board nicely.”

Gabrielson has been with Crypton Home Fabric as marketing director since 2015, when she was tapped to launch consumer-facing brand marketing for the product line.

She is experienced in strategic planning, content and event creation, influencer marketing and creating custom content Elise Gabrielson, marketing director of Crypton Home Fabric with leading shelter magazine titles. While Crypton Home was nearly unknown to the consumer four years ago, it is now a featured brand in such top home furnishings retailers as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, CB2, Arhaus, Ethan Allen, Calico Corners and online merchants such as One Kings Lane and fabric.com.

THE CRYPTON® COMPANIES APPOINT BRIAN BURKE VP PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES Lance Keziah, CEO of the Crypton Companies, leading providers of performance textile technologies, has announced that Brian Burke has been appointed vice president of product development for Abercrombie Textiles, a North Carolina textile mill which Crypton acquired in October 2019. With decades of expertise in mill management and a record of proven business growth, Burke will play a pivotal role in the ongoing growth and expansion of Abercrombie.

Prior to joining Crypton Home, Gabrielson was a merchandising and marketing manager at Arden Companies, where she launched the Bombay Outdoors furniture brand. In 2018, she was recognized among Home Furnishings Business Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.

Brian Burke’s broad range of experience encompasses many facets of business management including operations oversight, strategic planning and execution, and product development. Most recently he was director of operations for Glen Raven Custom Brian Burke, vice president of product development for Fabrics LLC in Sunbury, Abercrombie Textiles Pennsylvania. Prior to that he served as vice president of operations for Sunbury Textile Mills after a decade there serving as quality assurance and product development manager.

Pacuk has more than 30 years’ experience in home and contract design management, product development in textiles and furniture, along with retail and showroom merchandising. Prior to joining luxury performance fabric resource Ultrafabrics, he served as president of Raxon, a domestic fabric mill that designs and manufactures

“Brian is a tremendous addition to the Abercrombie/ Crypton team. I’ve worked with Brian for over 20 years during his years at Sunbury and later Glen Raven and have long respected his passion for textiles and deep operational knowledge,“ says Keziah, who helms Abercrombie as part of his CEO duties at Crypton.

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ITA MEMBER NEWS

“Brian and our executive vice president of operations, Ernest Benbassat, possess the ideal leadership skills and vision to take Abercrombie to a new level.”

Says Burke, “I’m thrilled to join this amazing team, having long admired the innovation, dedication and leadership of Crypton. Also, I’m impressed with Abercrombie’s strong foundation and exciting opportunities for growth.

I look forward to an immediate bright future for this American mill.”

A new empty-nester, Burke says he looks forward to relocating from central Pennsylvania to western North Carolina with his wife Stephanie. The couple look forward to their 3 children visiting often. Burke assumes the new position immediately.

ISFD CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PINNACLE AWARDS® WITH THE ADDITION OF HOME TEXTILES CATEGORY Entries open for the ISFD 2021 Pinnacle Awards’ 25 highly competitive categories The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) will celebrate its 25th year of awarding Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards this fall, and is adding the Home Textiles Category for the first time, along with 24 other categories in furniture and décor, the association announced.

To be considered for the industry’s highest design honor, designers, manufacturers or students must enter the 2021 Pinnacle Awards by August 2, 2021. Winners will be announced at the Pinnacle Awards Gala on Monday, October 18.

The home textiles category for textile designers, manufacturers, and students to enter, is defined as “Textiles designed for home furnishings, primarily upholstered furniture. Entry may be jacquard, dobby, screen, or digital prints.”

Carrie Dillon of the International Textile Alliance added, “We’re extremely excited to have textiles, an integral part of the industry, be represented in the Pinnacle Awards.

This is a great opportunity for textile designers to be recognized for their beautiful fabrics.”

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Submission details can be found at 2021 Pinnacle Awards.

To see last year’s winners please visit 2020 ISFD Pinnacle Award Winners. Entry deadline is August 2, 2021.

CULP JOINS SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL High Point-based mattress and upholstery fabric producer Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability by joining the Sustainable Furnishings Council (“SFC”), the company announced. The SFC is an independent, non-profit coalition of furniture industry manufacturers, retailers, and designers dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry.

As the first publicly traded textile company to join SFC, Culp hopes to use its membership to increase the company’s integration of best sustainability practices.

“By joining this council, we are hoping to further our efforts of incorporating sustainable practices into our operations and having a greater positive influence in our industry,” said Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp. “We are striving to find ways of operating that are better for the environment, for our customers, for our employees, and for our communities.”

“SFC is so pleased to welcome Culp as a new member of our organization,” said Susan Inglis, executive director of SFC. “Culp is a significant company for our entire industry, and their participation will make a difference for our cause.”

DON ENG, VP OF HOME FABRICS, A DIVISION OF COLLINS & AIKMAN / MASTERCRAFT FABRIC PASSES A memorial service for Don Eng, a beloved colleague and mentor to many in the upholstery fabrics business, was held at 11:00 on March 4, 2021.

Eng was most remembered for his role as vice president of marketing at Collins & Aikman, which was a major player in the upholstery fabrics business.

Don Eng, VP of Home Fabrics

For many years, Eng served as the manager of Collins and Aikman Home Fabrics at the mill in Concord, NC. In 1985 he was named vice president of marketing for Collins and Aikman, Home Fabrics upholstery. As his

ITA MEMBER NEWS

career grew, he became well known internationally in the textile industry. He retired from Collins and Aikman in 1998, but he continued to consult with several textile mills within the U.S. and China until 2010.

Memorials should be made to St. James Lutheran Church, PO Box 684, Concord, NC 28026.

LENZING RECOGNIZED AS SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION BY RENOWNED CDP The Lenzing Group has been recognized by the global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious ‘A List’ for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect forests. Through significant demonstrable action in these areas, Lenzing is leading on corporate environmental ambition, action and transparency worldwide.

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency.

This year, more than 5,800 companies were scored based on data submitted through CDP’s questionnaires.

The new pulp plant in Brazil, which will export green energy to the local grid and a state-of-the-art carbon neutral lyocell fiber production site in Thailand, will be the major contributors to driving down Lenzing’s carbon footprint in the coming 18 months.

As part of its afforestation project in Albania, Lenzing has been recognized for a decades-long clean record of sustainable wood sourcing, with more than 99 percent of its wood and pulp sources being either certified by FSC®1 or PEFC™2, or controlled in line with these standards.

Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP, says: “We extend our congratulations to all the companies on this year’s ‘A List’. Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make. The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction.”

INTRODUCING ITA MEMBER SHOWCASE: QUICK SHIP

Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the

“We are particularly proud to Lenzing Group be the only first-time discloser who has achieved an ‘A’ score for tackling climate change and acting to protect forests,” says Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “The double ‘A’ score reconfirms our long-term sustainability strategy and is an exciting acknowledgement of our efforts on transparency, as well as sustainable raw material sourcing.”

LENZING’S KEY ACTIONS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE Lenzing became the world’s first producer of woodbased cellulosic fibers making a strategic commitment to cut its CO2 emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030. This target has been scientifically verified and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Furthermore, Lenzing aims for Net-Zero emissions by the year 2050.

Important milestones this year in Lenzing’s journey to carbon neutrality were the introduction of the first TENCEL™ branded CarbonNeutral® fibers, a blockchainenabled traceability platform, and the execution of CO2-reducing energy solutions at its production sites in Lenzing (AT) and Nanjing (PRC).

The supply chain challenges created by COVID-19 have led to delays in manufacturing due to the inability to source the appropriate raw materials. In an effort to keep the manufacturing lines moving, ITA has created a showcase of product from our members that is available for immediate delivery.

The ITA Member Showcase will be a quarterly introduction, so keep an eye out for the next one in June 2021.

NASSIMI INTRODUCING SUPREEN™: A “REVOLUTIONARY” PERFORMANCE UPHOLSTERY FABRIC Nassimi is introducing Supreen™, a revolutionary new performance fabric with greater range of upholstery application possibilities. The fabric tackles the spills and stains of everyday life without compromising highend design, sustainability, or materiality. A fusion of beauty and brawn, Supreen™ brings cutting-edge woven and coated technology to create a unique liquid-barrier textile with a soft hand that offers impressive upholstery options. This leading combination represents an evolution of performance fabrics, offering manufacturers and designers the durability they need with the aesthetic they seek.

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ITA MEMBER NEWS

Named after a combination of the words “supple” and “preen,” preserving comfort and beauty is key to Supreen™’s ethos. Breaking new ground, the composite material is constructed of a proprietary silicone blend that is virtually impermeable to any liquid, reactively repelling liquids and preventing future stains. No matter the length of time from the original spill, Supreen™ resists liquid permeability, ensuring that stains do not soak through the fabric or compromise the furniture.

A testament to texture and breathability allows Supreen™ a greater range of upholstery possibilities, where stiffer, more traditional performance fabrics may waver.

“Supreen™ is a pioneer of performance materials,” states Iwan Nassimi, executive vice president of Nassimi. “Designed to provide the utmost performance, Supreen™ exceeds industry standards and expectations. With an impermeable liquid barrier, stain resistance, bleach cleanability and impressive breathability, we are thrilled to introduce Supreen™ and look forward to seeing how designers and manufacturers leverage its innovation in contract environments and beyond.”

Thoughtfully crafted, Supreen™ utilizes a multi-step production method. After the polyester fabric is woven to the highest performance specifications and dyed to the desired hue, it is then purified in a proprietary, patented process that ionically removes over 99% of all contaminants. The fabric is then immersed into a novel silicone solution that permanently embeds a thin layer into the fibers without altering appearance or texture, thanks to the patented purification process. Lastly, a performance polyurethane backing is thermo-bonded to the fabric, sans adhesives or solvents, creating a new, composite material, and completing the process.

How is Supreen™ made? Compromise is not found within Supreen™’s vocabulary. Along with its remarkable performance capabilities, what sets Supreen™’ apart is its incredibly plush hand for such a high-duty material – Supreen™ retains the luxurious softness of a woven fabric with the integrated durability of a coated textile.

This material innovation ensures that Supreen™ surpasses contract grade upholstery standards and is suitable for endless design options. True to Nassimi’s signature of proactive and future-thinking design solutions, Supreen™ is both environmentally friendly and bleach

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cleanable. Free of fluorocarbons, Supreen™ prioritizes environmental and personal health, as its silicone composition is PFC- and PFOA-free.

Supreen™ is also HHI and Prop 65 compliant. The inaugural launch of Supreen™ will include three new textile offerings boasting performance capabilities and a rich, sweeping color palette of deep jewel tones and classic neutrals. The Supreen™ Winter 2021 Collection includes a textural weave with subtle dimension, a touchably soft, delicately heathered design, and a small-scale geometric pattern with dynamic texture.

More innovative patterns will be added to the collection in the coming months.

Supreen™ is currently available exclusively through a handful of leading fabric distributors including: Anzea Textiles (division of Stinson), Burch Fabrics, Carnegie Fabrics, Coral Inc, Designtex, Fabricut Contract, Justin David Textiles, KB Contract, Knoll Textiles, Paul Brayton Designs, Reliatex, Samelson-Chatelane, United Fabrics, Woeller, and Wolf Gordon Inc.

BLAKE MILLINOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF VALDESE WEAVERS Millinor will be the 5th president of the company since 1935. Mike Shelton, president and CEO of Valdese Weavers, announced Blake Millinor’s appointment as president today at the company’s headquarters in Valdese, North Carolina.

Shelton will continue to serve as CEO of the company. Millinor will assume CEO responsibilities when Shelton steps down later this year from his leadership role at Valdese Weavers that he has held for the past 25 years.

Blake Millinor, president of

“Blake and I have worked Valdese Weavers together at Valdese Weavers for the past two decades.” said Shelton. “He is uniquely qualified to lead Valdese Weavers into our next chapter(s), and carry forward our long standing track record of achievement and success competing in the global textile industry. He is a highly respected industry veteran and will be very effective leading all aspects of our business. His proven leadership coupled with his applied experience in sales and marketing, brand development, global supply chain management, and operations makes Blake the perfect person to lead Valdese Weavers now and into the future.”

ITA MEMBER NEWS

Millinor started his career with Valdese Weavers in 2001 and has served as chief sales and marketing officer of the company since 2014. Millinor was a key contributor in the planning and execution of multiple business acquisitions and positioning Valdese Mike Shelton, CEO & past Weavers as a leader in the president of Valdese Weavers performance fabric market.

Millinor is eager to begin his role as president and says, “I am proud to have been a part of the history of growth we have experienced and am very excited for what the future holds. As an ESOP company, my focus is continuing to deliver value to our customers and the employee-owners of Valdese Weavers.”

Shelton added, “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to lead Valdese Weavers as our president and CEO. We have grown five-fold since I joined the company in 1989. Further, we have doubled our size during the period of globalization that decimated our segment of the domestic textile industry. Most of the great decorative fabric mills in the United States, and many around the world, that we competed with since the 1990’s have since disappeared. Yet, we have not only survived, but have found a way to indeed thrive. This has only been possible because of our customers, who have seen value in our products and services consistently over the years as we continually re-invented our company, striving to better meet their needs. And equally important, the dedication, commitment, and loyalty of our ESOP associates at Valdese Weavers has created our success, inspired by the vision of our talented leadership team. For this I am extremely grateful, and incredibly proud!”

BENJI BAGWELL JOINS TEXTILE DIVISION AT MILLIKEN & COMPANY

leadership team and our specialty interiors business,” said Chad McAllister, executive vice president of Milliken & Company and president of the Textile Division.

With 25 years of industry experience through leadership roles at Glen Raven and UltraFabrics, Bagwell brings a diverse perspective and wealth of knowledge across manufacturing, business development, business operations and environmental initiatives.

TSG FINISHING COMPLETES CONVERSION OF ITS DEFEND® BRAND OF FINISHING TO PLANT-BASED TECHNOLOGY Hickory, N.C.-based TSG Finishing LLC is pleased to announce that 100% of their DEFEND® brand of water and stain repellent finishes now utilize plant-based technology.

Through the efforts of TSG’s technical and development teams, DEFEND will continue to excel in repelling both water and oil-based products while carrying the label of being ‘plant-based’. Utilizing and perfecting these applications, TSG can report that this technology reduces the amount of PFAS (fluorinated chemical) also known as C6, by one third with the new formulation. Employing a USDA certified bio-based product has been key in the progression of the plant-based formulation.

OUTDURA INTRODUCES OVATION 4 Be sure to check out Outdura’s new Ovation 4 collection at the upcoming Showtime on May 16-19, 2021.

The colors in the new Ovation 4 collection were inspired by an appreciation of nature as seen in the Starry Night, Morning Sky, Garden Spots, Warm Winter and Tawny Sunsets fabric groups. The Night Out group reflects a desire to get back to a “normal life.”

Milliken & Company is pleased to announce that Benji Bagwell has joined as vice president of sales and marketing for the specialty interiors business within the Textile Division. Most recently at UltraFabrics, Bagwell is now responsible for leading the specialty interiors business growth strategy and alignment with division initiatives.

Benji Bagwell, vice president of specialty interiors at Milliken & Company

“Benji’s career visibility into multiple business functions combined with his commercial and residential contract fabric expertise make him an invaluable asset to our division’s

Perfect for use outdoors or indoors, the US-made Outdura solution-dyed acrylic fabrics have color pigments that penetrate through the fiber, not just on the surface. They are not only UV fade resistant after 1500 hours of testing but also stain, water, mold and mildew resistant. Cleaning is a breeze with soap and water or a bleach solution for stubborn stains.

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ITA MEMBER NEWS

MILLIKEN & CO. REPORTS PROGRESS ON CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY GOALS Milliken & Co., a global textile manufacturer based in Spartanburg, S.C., has released its third annual corporate sustainability report, entitled, “Together for Tomorrow.” The company reported the following progress in 2020 towards its planet, product and people goals: • Reinforcing our ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the face of social unrest; • Focusing development and manufacturing process on COVID-19 safety by producing medical-grade fabric gowns, face shields and flooring to assist with social distancing efforts; • Prioritizing associate safety, particularly essential workers, by enhancing the company’s safety-first culture.

• Continuing to invest capital to eliminate coal as a primary fuel source, thereby reducing GHG emissions and reduce waste; • Acquiring Borchers—Milliken’s largest acquisition to date—which will scale the company’s coating additives platform in a way that reduces solvents and environmental impact; and • Launching the Milliken Leadership Model, which will train associates on growth leadership with purpose.

CULP GETS CREATIVE WITH COMMUNITY, INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH DURING PANDEMIC Repurposing its production and sourcing capabilities to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) for FEMA, and providing lunches and gifts for front-line health

care workers are two of the major initiatives Culp Inc. has taken to help the local and international community during the Covid Pandemic.

When the pandemic crisis hit in 2020, the major mattress and upholstery fabric producer quickly mobilized employees and strategic partners across its global platform to supply products for healthcare and safety needs. The company repurposed its production and sourcing capabilities in the U.S., Haiti, Canada and Asia to produce an ongoing supply of PPE such as face masks for FEMA, bedding covers and bedding fabrics for hospital beds.

Closer to home, the company earlier in 2021 partnered with High Point caterer REAL Kitchen & Market to deliver boxed lunches and gifts to workers at three area hospitals: the Cone Health COVID-19 Green Valley Campus, the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Wake Forest Baptist Health in WinstonSalem and the Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Health’s High Point Medical Center.

The intensive care nursing staff at Wake Forest “Culp associates Baptist Winston-Salem receives lunches and gifts from Culp Inc. are honored by the opportunity to pitch in and support our front-line workers, our healthcare operators, our communities and our nation during this unprecedented time,” said Iv Culp, chief executive officer.

UPCOMING D AT E S

T O

R E M E M B E R

June 5-9, 2021 High Point Market High Point, NC

September 20-24, 2021 Evteks Istanbul, Turkey

November 14-17, 2021 ITA Showtime Market High Point, NC

September 7-9, 2021 Proposte Cernobbio, Italy

October 16-20, 2021 High Point Market High Point, NC

January 11-14, 2022 Heimtextil Frankfurt, Germany

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ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

America Leather Resources 100 S. Main St.

Anthem Leather MS-513

Bartson Fabrics, Inc. 410 W. English Rd. Suite A221

Bella-Dura Home MSTT 8th Floor

Brentwood Textiles HFRC 3rd Floor

Carroll Leather

Comersan Fabrics MS-516

Covington Fabric & Design MSTT 8th Floor

Crest Leather HFRC 3rd Floor

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ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Crypton Home Fabric MSTT 4th Floor

David Rothschild Fabrics MSTT 7th Floor

De Leo Textiles MSTT 2nd Floor

Edgar Fabrics

Europatex MSTT 4th Floor

Golding Fabrics MSTT 7th Floor

Green Hides Leather Studio MS-519

Gum Tree Fabrics RC 4th Floor

Hamilton Fabrics MSTT 4th Floor

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ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Harper Home 320 S. Wrenn St.

Home Secrets Textile MSTT 4th Floor

LIBECO MSTT 3rd Floor

Marlatex Corporation MSTT 7th Floor

Milliken & Company MSTT 4th Floor

Morgan Fabrics RC 3rd Floor

Nassimi LLC MSTT 2nd Floor

Noveltex

Optima Leathers MS-536

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Outdura MST-505

P/K Lifestyles MSTT 7th Floor

PMT Fabrics HFRC 2nd Floor

Radiate Textiles MSTT 9th Floor

Regal Fabrics, Inc. MSTT 2nd Floor

Revolution Fabrics HFRC 3rd Floor

Richloom MSTT 9th Floor

S&D Fine Upholstery Leather MSTT 4th Floor

South Pacific Textile MST-504

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ITA MEMBER PRODUCTS

Swavelle USA MSTT 8th Floor

Symphony Mills MS 246

Tempo Fabrics MSTT 2nd Floor

Ter Molst International MS 246

Textile Fabric Associates, LLC MSTT 8th Floor

Ultrafabrics MST-500

Great Design Exclusive Yarn & Colors Developed In-House Expansive Performance Portfolio All in our new home at

311 North Hamilton Street 3rd Floor

Valdese Weavers 311 N. Hamilton, 3rd Floor

Vision Fabrics MSTT 9th Floor

Weavers by Boyteks

Next ITA Showtime® Market • November 14-17, 2021

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ITA 20/2021 MEMBERS 14 Karat Home............................................................................ 14karathome.com Abercrombie Textiles............................................abercrombietextiles.com Affiliated Importers, Inc.......................................... affiliatedimporters.com Alendel......................................................................................................... alendel.com Amalgamated Textiles Inc...........................................................................................

America Leather Resources................................... americaleather.com.br American Silk Mills.................................................................. AmericanSilk.com 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 USA.........................................................................................................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............................................................................ dtifabrics.com 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...........................................................................................

Harper Home............................................................................. harper-home.com Heico Fasteners Inc............................................................heicofasteners.com High Point Market Authority.......................................highpointmarket.org High Rock Fabrics..............................................................highrockfabrics.com Home Couture Collective NY *NEW*...........................trimqueen.com Home Secrets Textile...............................................homesecretstextile.com HP Fabrics, Inc...............................................................................microfibres.com isculptor US ...................................................................................iscuIptorUS.com J. Queen New York, Inc. .............................................................jqueen-ny.com J.B. Martin Co., Inc............................................................................. jbmartin.com JBS Leather..................................................................................................jbs.com.br JLA Fabrics..............................................................................................jlahome.com KasLen Textiles.........................................................................kaslentextiles.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 44

www.InternationalTextileAlliance.org/member_lists

Libeco..............................................................................................................libeco.com Magnus Leather Company.............................................magnusleather.com Marlatex Corporation.......................................................................marlatex.com MAYAFAB (harmel).........................................................................MayaFab.com Merrimac Textile...............................................................barrowindustries.com Millennium Textile, Inc. ..................................................................................................

Milliken & Company....................................................millikenspecialtyinteriors.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 PARA’..........................................................................................................................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 Ramtex, Inc.........................................................................................ramtexinc.com Regal Fabrics, Inc........................................................................regalfabrics.com Richloom................................................................................................. richloom.com RM COCO© 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...................................................................................................................................

Symphony Mills..................................................................... symphonymills.com Tana Bana Design Services LLC ..........................................tana-bana.com Tempo Fabrics..........................................................................tempofabrics.com TENCEL™ Branded Fibers by Lenzing Fibers ..................................................................................................................lenzing.com, tencel.com Ter Molst International.....................................................................termolst.com Textile Fabric Associates, LLC..................................................................................

Textile Technology Center at Gaston College............................................... gaston.edu/textile_center/ Trimland Inc. ..........................................................................................trimland.com True North Fabrics...........................................................................................................

ULTRAFABRICS.....................................................................ultrafabricsinc.com Ultrasuede® by Toray International America, Inc........... ultrasuede.us Unique Fine Fabrics Import................................. UniqueFineFabrics.com UTP America.............................................................................................utp.com.mx Valdese Weavers............................................................... valdeseweavers.com Vision Fabrics ...........................................................................vision-fabrics.com Weavers Tekstil A.S. by Boyteks............................................... boyteks.com Westwood Weavers........................................................................................................

Yarn & Loom.........................................................................................................................

Z - Wovens ..........................................................................................z-wovens.com

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