Held in Angel, north-west London from March 22-23 March, the Autumn/Winter’22 edition of the Textile Fair trade show was attended by around 300 exhibitors .

As per a Drapers Online report, the show welcomed 2,000 visitors on the first day – similar to pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of exhibitors declined from 480 during the pre-pandemic period.

John Kelley, Event Director, hoped the next edition of the event will be attended in full capacity. Currently, exhibitors are dealing with the increasing cost pressures due to increasing energy prices, he added.

Stephen Conway, Managing Director, Emblem Weavers, added, the increase in raw material prices has compelled manufacturers to increase product prices by 5 per cent. However, a few suppliers have increased prices by almost 25 per cent, he added.

Freight charges are escalating, added Ruth Mason, Marketing Manager, Harris Tweed Hebrides.

Sustainability was also a key focus at the event as several designers focused on finding sustainable solutions. For instance, Designer Jake Treddenicksearched for deadstock materials for his made-to-order menswear model Treddenick.

Rising energy, freight and raw material prices were a key concern for both suppliers and designers at the fair. Rising demand for sustainable fabrics is also fuelling cost increase, said suppliers.