Third Run for European Rendez-Vous
Los Angeles designers and fabric buyers dropped in to check out the latest collections from several European fabric mills at the European Textile Rendez-Vous, which was held Oct. 14–15 at The Standard Hotel Downtown in downtown Los Angeles.
This marked the show’s third edition and drew representatives from Bebe, David Meister, Kellwood Co., ABS, Rich & Skinny, Lucky Brand, Guess? Inc., Black Halo and Rozae Nichols, according to organizers.
Featuring nearly 25 mills from Italy, France, Austria and Brazil, the show included several new exhibitors, including Tessitura Taiana Virgilio and Fantasie Tricot, both from Italy, as well as returning mills Seterie Argenti, Amor Tessuto, Inwool Jersey, Montebello, Pacini Nello, Duebi, Profilo and Tesilgodi.
“It hasn’t been crazy-busy, but we’ve been getting major clients,” said Ghita Ferro, the West Coast representative for Renovazio LLC, the New York textile company that co-produces the event with Los Angeles–based Fox Fabrics.
“Most of our clients are looking for an edge,” said Phil Fox, owner of Fox Fabrics. “The Europeans provide that innovation and the [research and development]. You can’t find that anywhere else.”
Fox and Ferro said they like the size of the show and planned to keep it small and intimate. While many of the mills, including those represented by Fox Fabrics and Renovazio, return each season, the two also invite new mills to diversify the mix. For the last two seasons, the show has fallen during Los Angeles Fashion Week, which has affected attendance slightly, Ferro said.
“A lot of clients are busy with Fashion Week,” she said, noting that she and Fox are considering shifting dates earlier to more closely coincide with the Premiere Vision textile show in Paris.
“Most of our clients don’t make it to P.V.,” Fox said.
Italian mill Fantasie Tricot manufactures highend jersey, including printed jerseys and luxurious 100 percent cashmere fabrications. Representative Gledis Landini was pleased with the show after the first day. “I already have 15 contacts—so it’s quite good,” she said.
DeDe Anderson was showing at European Rendez- Vous on behalf of New York textile agent Erich Soldat, who represents several European mills, including HOH from Austria and Ubertino, Tessitura Valli, Quorum and Aldo Bianchi from Italy, as well as Coriex from France. Anderson praised the show’s atmosphere, saying, “The experience is refreshing. Everyone is a lady and a gentleman. The show is lovely.”
For more information about the next European Rendez-Vous, call Fox at (213) 489-1727 or Ferro at (213) 624-2288. —Alison A. Nieder
