The recent edition of Performance Days concluded in Munich, Germany with a considerable rise in exhibitors and. The trade fair for functional fabrics and accessories saw 136 companies from 22 countries exhibiting their latest offerings to 1,270 visitors from 31 countries, with 53per cent from Europe, USA, Asia, and the rest of the world, and 47 per cent from Germany.
In November 2015, everything revolved around the theme of functional reinterpretation of the ‘athleisure’ trend, which captivated visitors with extensive and detailed technical information. The functional athleisure fabrics were displayed on a separate forum table and the related background info about the fibres and blends for athleisure was also exhibited at the Performance Gate. Additionally, the lectures and panel discussions presented the big picture - from styling to processing to added value in the fibres and fabrics and even the functional range of the athleisure materials and collections.
The unique fabrics from the winner of the Eco Performance Award further supported this trend. The China-based company Flocus has managed to produce fabric from the natural functional fibre Kapok for the first time ever. Fabrics made from natural Kapok fibres exhibit good characteristics relative to moisture management, climate control, odour management and thermal retention. The plant is a renewable resource that does not compete with food production in its cultivation. Kapok can even be grown on a barren wasteland, unfit for agricultural use.
Two other focus subjects included insulation and reflective materials. PrimaLoft, Thermore, and Lavalan (Baur Vliesstoffe) were among the manufacturers of insulation that explained the new developments that were presented at the Performance Wall. This is also where the latest developments in the field of reflective materials were on display - new reflective fibres, new kinds of reflective prints and new, stylish and comfortable fabrics. In-depth information on the functioning of reflective fabrics was provided by industry journalist Sophie Bramel during the panel discussion on this subject.
The next Performance Days event will be held on April 20, 21, 2016.
www.performancedays.eu
