Texworld USA expands its slate of international textile mills and factories, providing designers, product developers and sourcing professionals with more resources than ever before.
The show, which will take place Jan. 21 – 23 at the Javits Center in New York, will feature a wide array of offerings from fabric, trims and accessories suppliers, spanning more than 16 product categories, including knits, functional fabrics, cotton, embroidery, lace and more. In addition, it’s the backdrop for exclusive networking opportunities as well as a roster of educational panels and presentations.
Texworld USA is also co-located with Apparel Sourcing USA, one of the only shows on the East Coast devoted to contract manufacturing, finished apparel and private-label services from manufacturers from around the world.
“Today’s consumer is super busy, so we have developed a platform where buyers can source, expand their knowledge and network—all under one roof,” said Jennifer Bacon, show director for fashion and apparel. “Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA’s mission is to provide a platform that offers visitors a curated group of factories and mills that focus on high quality and cost conscious textiles.”
While China remains a production powerhouse—thanks to the country’s unmatched production capabilities, continuous investment in new technologies and competitive pricing—the complexities surrounding the current macroeconomic and trade environment as well as industry-wide initiatives like speed to market have prompted sourcing professionals to work to shore up relationships with suppliers from a variety of regions.
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Texworld is answering the call for diversification with more exhibitors from multiple countries. In addition to representatives from India and Pakistan, the show will host country pavilions for Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Peru. Together, the offering is sure to allow attendees to find their desired combination of price, quality, capacity and capabilities in each product category.
And for shoppers in need of domestic resources, Texworld will once again host Local Loft, a booth-less, open air space devoted to low-minimum options from the U.S. The show-within-a-show answers a growing need, according to Andrea Kennedy of Fashiondex, the co-curator of the exclusive space. “With the need for speed-to-market, coupled with the uncertainty of international trade agreements and duty rates, more designers, R&D teams and buyers are seeking local raw material suppliers and factories,” Kennedy said.
The upcoming edition of the show will also promote sustainable goods and practices with a focus on eco-friendly textiles, the innovative and ethical technologies used to create them as well as seminars that inform and challenge the status quo.
Bacon said the breadth of ethical options is proof that apparel is moving forward and manufacturers are starting to recognize the demand for a cleaner, more responsible market isn’t a marketing fad but a call for a sea change in the way the industry operates.
“Our educational platform will provide a perspective from countries, retail brands and industry experts practicing sustainable, conscious ways of apparel sourcing,” she said. “Our featured Resource Row will give our attendees tools for fabric recycling, ethical fashion education, fair trade and more.”
The educational portion of the show will once again be hosted by Lenzing Fibers, and in addition to sustainability, attendees can learn about fashion trends and the topics impacting the sourcing community today.
“During this time in which the apparel industry faces many sourcing challenges, we look forward to a robust Texworld USA supporting alternatives and solutions for the market,” said Tricia Carey, Lenzing Fiber’s director of global business development.
Show attendees can also explore the Trend Showcase, which will feature textiles and fabrics that represent the key directions for Spring/Summer 2019/2020. And Texworld will again host, Explore the Floor guided tours led by industry experts designed to highlight new exhibitors and aspects of the show.
For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit the Texworld USA site here.