California Apparel News

A strong start and a steady flow of traffic marked much of the Los Angeles International Textile Show, held #8232;Oct. 10–12 at the California Market Center.

Representatives came from companies large and small—including Dillard’s, Disney, BCBG Max Azria, Splendid, Juicy Couture, Adriano Goldschmied, Monique Lhuillier, Chaiken & Capone, Pacific Sunwear, American Apparel, Guess by Marciano, Frankie B., Hudson Jeans, Vince, Bebe, 7 For All Mankind, Karen Kane, Robert Rodriguez, JC Obando, David Meister, XCVI, Lip Service, Kill City, Velvet Heart, Rogiani, Agave, You & Me, Rachel Pally, Danang, Jenni Kayne, Corey Lynn Calter, Three Dots, Black Hearts Brigade, and Genetic Denim.

A representative from Dillard’s stopped by the Lenzing and Buhler showrooms on the first day of the show. Buhler was showing in the Lenzing Innovation Pavilion, and the U.S. yarn spinner and the Austrian fiber maker were at the show to educate attendees and help them find resources.

“We were swamped yesterday,” said Charles Klein, assistant to the president of Philips Boyne Corp., on the second day of the show. We’re pleased with attendance because it has been steady. When you get 10 people in the booth at the same time, it’s hard to take care of them.”

Premy Eom, owner of Korean textile mill Premy Tex Ltd., was similarly pleased with the traffic.

“In three days, I saw more than 70 clients,” said Eom, who had not showed at the L.A. Textile Show in several years. “This time I met better potential clients. We’ll see what happens.”

Eom was part of the Korean Pavilion, organized by trade group KOTRA and held in the CMC’s Fashion Theater.

Although the show draws many well-known Los Angeles designers and brands, many exhibitors reported seeing several out-of-town buyers.

Michael Shapiro, owner of D&N Textiles, said most of the fabric buyers were out-of-towners. Ramin Daneshgar of Cinergy Textiles was also pleased to see out-of-town buyers.

“It’s always good for them to come to see what’s new,” he said. “We always see people we know but also a lot of former customers. It gets the word out that we always have new things.”

Peter Vouml;egtlin, representing German mill KBC, said he was pleased with the companies he saw—a mix of “good quality clients and also some little ones.”

“Normally this is not our kind of show, but I can see a lot of customers during the day that I would not be able to if I had to go door-to-door,” he said. “I [found] good customers here.”

Los Angeles–based Studio Bert Forma returned to the show after several years away and reported brisk business. “A lot of the stuff we have is instant gratification. It’s stocked, so you can get it immediately,” said co-owner Heather Maldonado.

Exhibitors at the textile show included fabric mills and importers, trim suppliers, and trend forecasters—and one technology company, Los Angeles–based software company AIMS.

AIMS President Henry Cherner said he met with several of his clients that are manufacturers at the show, including Rachel Pally, 7 For All Mankind and Danang.

“I’d like to see more technology offered here,” he said.

Positive mood

In all, there was an upbeat mood to the show as designers and fabric buyers took in the slate of free trend and business seminars and looked for new developments and new resources.

Danny Cook, creative director of Black Hearts Brigade, said he was excited to find stretch suede, as well as fabrics from Japan, Italy and Korea. He also said he found a lot of laces for the company’s upcoming women’s collection.

“We’re happy with the orders we’ve been getting. It’s making us feel very positive about the future,” said Philips Boyne’s Klein. “People aren’t just surviving; we know they have a plan.”

D&N’s Shapiro was equally positive. “I feel that the industry has found its balance,” he said. “People have figured out how to do business in this environment.”