Ready to source fabric and network with industry peers, buyers flooded into Texworld USA Winter 2018 edition in record numbers. Held January 22 to 24 at the Jacob K Javits Center in New York City and organised by Messe Frankfurt, the sourcing event for apparel fabric buyers, research and product development specialists, designers, merchandisers and overseas sourcing professionals takes place biannually in the US in January and July. Collocated Apparel Sourcing USA, Texworld USA hosted 4,500 attendees, 371 exhibitors in an area of 47,000 net square feet.
In its 10th year, the Winter edition is the smaller of the two Texworld shows, although both events sees huge crowds. Buyers visiting Texworld USA experienced an expanded exhibit hall and several new show-floor elements, including content features for start-ups and small designers. Jennifer Bacon, show director, fashion and apparel said, “We partnered with Startup Fashion to provide more information for startups. I truly believe today’s independent designers will be tomorrow’s big brands. We added a low minimum supplier list to the floor that features exhibitors who will sell at lower quantities and Resource Row that goes beyond textile sourcing to support other areas of the business.”
Bacon was quick to point out that the retail climate has been changing quickly and dramatically over the past 12-18 months and went on to explain, while how we shop is changing, we are still buying apparel and some companies are really thriving, particularly those with ethical, technical or sustainable features. Content on the show floor featured a wearable section and even covered trends in recycling leftover scraps and surplus fabrics.
Texworld USA also made enhancements to its educational offerings by adding a new element to its seminar series: Explore the Floor. During these sessions, a seminar presenter guided the group to areas on the showfloor where buyers could see and experience the topic first hand, ask questions and learn how to apply concepts. This year, the show’s art directors created a spotlight trend area on denim and artist Moon Heemin, who designed a fun art installation of dogs made out of denim that proved to be a powerful backdrop for social media sharing.
Show officials note that Texworld USA is anchored in New York City for several reasons, including the city’s status as one of the world’s four fashion capitals and a convenient destination for attendees to reach. In addition, the show itself has a reputation as a benchmark for colours and materials.
