California Apparel News

Los Angeles designers and fabric buyers turned out for the fourth edition of the European Textile Rendez-Vous, held at the Standard hotel in downtown Los Angeles, on a quest for European and high-end fabrics.

Seven For All Mankind, Bebe, Rozae Nichols, Black Halo, David Meister, Trina Turk, True Grit, BCBG and Royal Underground were among the companies shopping the show.

Organizer Phil Fox, owner of Los Angeles–based Fox Fabrics, and Ghita Ferro, the West Coast representative for New York–based Renovazio LLC, said the show featured 28 mills.

“The biggest plus for us is most West Coast companies did not go to Premiegrave;re Vision in Paris—so the timing was right,” said Fox, adding that the strength of the dollar to the euro was also helping business for European mills. “The garment industry is no different from the rest of the country, but we have to stay positive with our goals.”

Most of the mills were Italian, but there were other countries represented, including France, Austria, Brazil, China, Mexico, Japan and Korea.

Exhibitors included Efilan, Pacini Nello, Duebi, Rosati, Fantasie Tricot, Caverni & Gramigni, Cotonificio Bonomi, Inwool Jersey, Amor Tessuto, Tessitura Ubertino, Quorum, Seidra, HOH, Coriex, Aldo Bianchi, Carlo Valli, Gottstein, Medaxe and Berto.

“We have a little of everything,” Ferro said. This season, organizers extended the show hours until 8 p.m. both days. “We had people here until the end,” Ferro added.

Among the new mills was Debs Corp., an Osaka, Japan–based mill that produces textiles for companies such as Prada, Armani and Max Mara. Debs Corp. shows at Premiegrave;re Vision and Interfiliegrave;re, the lingerie and swim textile show in Paris.

“We never really exposed ourselves to the U.S.; we never had proper representation,” said company President and Chief Executive Officer Soubhi Debs, adding that his company’s prices seemed to be a good fit for the West Coast companies he met.

Deb’s prices were from $3 for some silky synthetics up to $13 for triacetate fabrics.

Returning exhibitor Michele Viganoacute;, representing Italian mill Seterie Argenti, concurred. “They’re not looking for very expensive fabrics; they’re looking for good fabrics with good value.”

Among the new developments at Seterie Argenti are washed finishes, metallic yarns, lightweight fabrics with a soft hand, and digital printing for sampling and production, Viganoacute; said.

“I’m optimistic,” he added. “The only way we can battle this moment is with creativity and innovation.”

Designer Michele Berandi was at the show on opening day to look for fabrics for three projects: his high-end Michele Berandi line, his more-contemporary priced MB999 collection and a project for Bebe.

“I’m glad to be here. It’s always inspiring,” he said.

Designer David Meister, whose eponymous collection is among the Kellwood Co. stable of brands, gave the show high marks for accessibility.

“It’s a good show. I can come in and get an overview,” he said. —Alison A. Nieder