The summer 2018 Texworld USA is set to take place July 23 to 25 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. With more than 700 exhibitors, it’s an ideal destination for spotting the latest trends—and one of the biggest this season is expected to be versatility. It’s a practical concern driven by two key factors: the weather and the wallet.
With this in mind, mills are continuing to expand their options helping shoppers stretch both their dollars and their wardrobes.
Marissa Tedesco, senior manager of raw material development at Ann Taylor Stores, said she’ll be on the lookout for textiles that are beautiful, budget-friendly and blend well from one season to the next.
“With the retail climate in its current state, our customer is looking for more versatile fabrics that she can transition effortlessly from season to season,” she said. So, rather than splash out for a wool wardrobe, Tedesco said her consumers will happily pop a sweater on over their favorite frocks to increase their longevity.
Cindy Ohlinger, an Independent Consultant who most recently headed up fabric R&D for Perry Ellis, agreed that shoppers are hesitant to go all in on heavier weight fabrics that they my only wear for short periods. Ultimately, they want the biggest bang for their buck. “Consumers also don’t want to pay,” she said. “They are smarter and shop for the best deal.”
These versatile pieces also work to retailers’ advantage. “Developing a seasonless collection allows companies to sell all around the world,” she said. “Companies will not invest in developing separate collections for different zones—for example, northern and tropical zones. It will be one collection”
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Simplifying is top of mind for consumers too, according to Rachel Hastie, senior fabric, print, trim and color executive at Mathilda Jane Clothing.
“People only need one closet,” Hastie said. For this reason, she’s sure year-round dressing isn’t a trend. “The seasons and weather are unpredictable and people travel globally so seasonless is a mainstay,” she said.
Hastie, who looks forward to the networking opportunities and seminars at Texworld USA, says cotton and rayon knits and wovens in the 150 to 290 gram per square meter range are the sweet spot for the company’s core consumers who are centered in the Midwest and South.
Though it’s challenging for retailers to pinpoint the geography of their target consumers thanks to e-commerce, Billy Park, manager of Silver Vision Textiles, which will be exhibiting at the show, said it’s the rise in online shopping that’s fueling even more demand for pieces that work across many climates. “We are continually developing new fabrics and looking at upcoming trends to provide our clients with newness, even in the midst of the “seasonless” trend.”
It’s exactly this level of enterprise that Texworld USA show director Jennifer Bacon said buyers can expect. “The exhibitors work with the seasonless trend by consistently offering clients traditional fabrics in a creative way so while the look may stay similar, there is also a fresh and unique element involved that you can find while sourcing,” she said.
Texworld USA manufacturers may focus on domestic novelty and specialty knits with a specialty in textured fabrics. For example, brushed hacci, jacquard look-alikes and colorful yarn dyed stripes may remain popular. Many companies such as Silver Vision Textiles are putting more of an emphasis on sustainable offerings and expanding its presence in performance fabrics.
In July, Texworld USA will present “The Art of Customization: Findings, Trims & Accessories” SPOTLIGHT area, showcasing adornments designed to help make differentiated, personalized offerings. New York City-based embellishment expert Jana Platina Phipps, also known as the “Trim Queen,” will conduct a hands-on workshop teaching participants how to make their own tassels, pom-poms and decorative knots.
Eco-friendly, low-minimum and elite vendors will also be featured at the show. New for this summer are the Explore the Floor tours which will help attendees get oriented and understand exhibitor offerings and capabilities so they can quickly discover what they are looking for.
Texworld USA will also offer ample opportunities for attendees to learn through a range of seminars and discussions, including a color presentation conducted by Pantone Color Institute vice president Laurie Pressman. The returning Textile Talks floor sessions will feature show partner Nicole Giordino of StartUp Fashion, fashion law attorney Shahrina Ankhi-Krol and Sharon Graubard, founder of Mintmoda.
“Texworld USA has positioned itself as a must-attend show in the industry,” Bacon said. “And offers multiple opportunities for sourcing, networking and education.”
To learn more about the summer show, visit the Texworld USA site here.