Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1144024
I nformative, educational, curated and sustainability-focused, the Functional Fabric Fair New York checks all the boxes for attend- ees and exhibitors alike. Building on the success of the inaugural Fair in 2018, registra- tion for the July show has tripled, with upwards of 130 of the highest quality textile firms showcasing their latest innovations. Attendance also surpasses expectations. Top brands, sourcing execs, product developers, designers and an array of industry influencers will crowd the aisles over the course of the two-day show held at the River View Galleria in the Javits Center in New York City. "The feedback we've gotten is that trade shows have become so unfocused that a curated forum sounds particularly appealing," says Steve McCullough of Reed Exhibitions. "These days espe- cially, people don't want to waste time wandering 900 booths when they have an option to see a selection of curated exhibitors offering the best of the best." McCullough elaborates, "Our social outreach confirms that growth is organic. The word of mouth messag- ing about last year's launch has been extremely positive." The Functional Fabric Fair, powered by Performance Days, also receives high marks for its educational content. Like last year, European-based textile experts will be on the scene in New York to update audiences on the latest trends and inno- vations. Comprehensive coverage with experts also includes a roster of presenta- tions and panel discussion targeting the hot topics influencing the direction of the textile industries in the performance space and fashion marketplace. Sustainability is a central theme of the July trade event. The Focus Topic deals with an essential subject that affects every phase of textile and clothing production: Clean Water! Technologies that protect and conserve water during the manufacturing of textiles will be highlighted throughout the exhibition hall. The role of resource-conservation runs the length of the textile supply chain. Starting with the production of the fiber, from the planting of natural raw materi- als, it carries through to the spinning and dyeing processes, moving on to the packaging and care of the clothing by the consumer, and continuing right through to the useful life of the textile. The issue of micro-plastics created during household washings now also has a part to play when talking about water usage. To emphasize the importance of the show's Focus Topic, an eye-catching water- fall display, complete with information on resource conservation, will greet guests as they enter the River View Galleria. An exceptional Trend Forum where the major trends from the world of functional fabrics will be front and center in exhibi- tion area. Selected by a jury of sourcing experts, the Forum spotlights the 100 best textile and accessory innovations. "A combination of a uniquely curated sourcing opportunity, strong educational and networking programming, plus ideal timing and location during Market Week, contribute to making the Functional Fabric Fair New York a powerhouse event," McCullough states. The textile specialists previewed on the following pages agree. A snapshot pro- file of each company reveals technology advances and efforts to actively embrace sustainability in product but also pro- cesses. Together these innovative firms offer an overview of what's new and what to look for next in functional fabrics. l Where Function Meets Fashion Functional Fabric Fair New York Powered by Performance Days July 22-23, 2019 textileinsight.com July/August 2019 ~ Textile Insight • 33