TEXTILE FORUM
Ringhart Fabrics courtesy of Henry Arlington
Inspiring the future
Savile Row Style catches up with Linda Laderman, co-founder and organiser of Textile Forum, ahead of the spring event
Linda, Textile Forum is being staged later this month in London. What are going to be the major attractions? For tailors it is a great opportunity to take a look into the future and have a chance to review the new spring’ 18 designs for both men and women from some of the best fabrics suppliers in the UK alongside essential accessories such as buttons, zips and linings all in one place in central London. Our venue, One Marylebone, which is a deconsecrated church, is a fantastic setting for luxury suppliers to promote their current and new collections and provide buyers with inspiration.
The event has been going for 15 years now, what new things can we expect to see this year? Since Textile Forum was launched, we have not strayed from our premise of being the place for designers, tailors, seamstresses and retail fabric specialists to source luxury fabrics and trimmings, available from stock and forward order, in small – or large – quantities.
What has changed each season is the depth of the collections, the innovation in design, increased interest in printed fabrics, more distinctive embellishments, and more fabrics available for women’ s formalwear, to complement the qualities for bridal and special occasionwear for which we are particularly well-known.
Who will be exhibiting? Our exhibitors are mainly from the UK but we also have Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Indian and Japanese companies participating. From the UK, there is Holland & Sherry, which is celebrating 180 years’ trading. Its anniversary collection features a range of lightweight, versatile jacketing and suiting fabrics woven from Super 180s 14.5 micron yarns in worsted and woollen spun qualities available in a range of glen checks, guarded windowpanes, gun clubs and grid checks in classic colours.
One of its most exclusive offerings is Imperial Gold, woven in England from luxurious Mongolian cashmere and pure worsted vicuña. Some patterns include a dusting of 22K gold.
A W Hainsworth, which provided the red fabric for the tunics of the British army at the Battle of Waterloo, is looking to introduce new colours based on its military heritage.
On the shirtings side, Ringhart Fabrics offers traditional country checks, such as Tattersalls, some in brushed cotton, as well as classic designs, with more texture to appeal to the younger man looking for an investment piece.
For womenswear, apart from the wools, there are laces, lasercut designs and embroideries for bridal wear and evening wear, from companies such as British firms Bella Tela and Michael’ s Bridal Fabrics and Sanmartin of Portugal.
How is Brexit affecting business? While the world is full of uncertainty, our exhibitors are principally upbeat and the fact that we have a first class show confirms their optimism and positivity in the future. However, on a practical level, the fluctuation in exchange rates has pushed up some imported fabric prices by around 10- 15 %. While some suppliers absorbed the increases last year, many are now passing these on. Additionally, in the light of Brexit, fabric companies are now focusing more on developing a global business, rather than just selling to their traditional EU markets. Q
Event details Textile Forum, 10am-6pm, March 15-16, One Marylebone, London, NW1 4AQ
Save the date: the autumn Textile Forum event will be held at the same venue on October 11-12. www. textileforum. org. uk
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