The sixth edition of Texworld USA showcased 92 exhibitors from 13 countries and welcomed 2,031 attendees from 25 countries.Organisers say that while many exhibitors arrived feeling apprehensive regarding the state of the U.S. economy, it remains the largest market in the world and the turnout of apparel fabric sourcing and design executives at Texworld USA demonstrates that buyers are determined to ride out the current conditions to ensure the continued growth and success of their brands.

David Audrain, President of Messe Frankfurt North America, stated that "Texworld USA has never been more valuable, or more relevant, than it is in turbulent economic times such as these. We are extremely pleased with the business that we were able to help create in this most recent, and every edition, of our show and we expect a strong event this coming July with many new and returning mills."

A strong contingent of the world's most sought-after fabric buyers attended the event including representatives from: Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Betsy Johnson, BCBG Max Azria Group, Bebe, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Express, Gap, J.Crew, Jessica Simpson Dresses, Kellwood, Liz Claiborne, Macy's, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Natori, Nicole Miller, Nordstrom, OshKosh B'Gosh, Parke & Ronen, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Southpole, Target, Urban Outfitters, Vera Wang - Lavender Label, Wal-Mart and Weatherproof Garment Company.

Seminar Program

Lenzing Fibers and Lenzing Innovation once again sponsored and organized the seminar program, which brought together some of the industry's leading organizations to share the latest information on trends, product development, technology and operations.  The February 2009 program, which had more than 600 attendees in total, featured speakers from Jeanologia, Color Portfolio, American Apparel Producers' Network, Fabrikology, Colour Connections Textile Consultancy and Pantone, Inc.

Lenzing Innovation

Lenzing Innovation continued to partner with Messe Frankfurt for the sixth edition of Texworld USA showcasing twenty-one mills who presented their collections based on Lenzing fibers. The Lenzing Innovation Pavilion is an expansion of their successful fabrics trade fair, Innovation Asia (formerly TENCEL New York Inc.).

David Adkins, Managing Director of Lenzing Fibers comments, "Lenzing Innovation continues to be a cornerstone of the Texworld USA show in New York.  The collaboration with Messe Frankfurt for Lenzing Innovation flourishes and this edition even featured several domestic suppliers as customers look for quick response supply chain alternatives.   The launch of ProModal(R), Lenzing's newest fiber innovation, had a strong reception by quality brands and retailers seeking innovation and value-added products.

"Customers have a positive reaction to the seminar series organized by Lenzing. The topics of the seminars are timely to today's business with information on sourcing, environmentally responsible fabrics, and color trends. There is a valuable exchange of ideas at each seminar as the apparel community gathers for Texworld USA."

Attendee Statements

BEDO Canada, Veronik Baspehlivan, Merchandising/Sourcing: "I was able to work with a few new fabric makers. I will attend Texworld USA again next season and hope to see more exhibitors.

Bisou Bisou, Michele Bohbot, Head Designer: "The economic crisis provides a great opportunity to reinvent ourselves and excite customers by creating timeless, must-have pieces. At Texworld USA, I have the opportunity to find new fabrications, explore the latest prints, trends and color directions, and find out what's going on in the market from major manufacturers."

Block Corporation, Tony Galvao, Senior Vice President, Product Development: "Texworld USA offers buyers the chance to see not only the latest in textile fashions, but also in performance. We do shirts, pants, outerwear, sweaters, swimwear, workwear and performance apparel, and I'll find product for each of these categories. I have a legitimate chance to do business with almost everyone presenting at the show."

Calvin Klein Jeans, Karla S., Director of Product Development: "Texworld USA was great - we love the seminars.  Regarding fabrics Artistic Milliner is one of our big vendors; it was nice to see their whole collection."

Komar, Rasha Alomar, Fabric Director: "I found some (new) things. I also enjoyed some of the lectures and reconnected with past vendors."

Sean John, Priscella Shum, Senior Women's Outerwear Designer: "The show is a good opportunity to see the vendors you've been talking and e-mailing with and to network and meet new people."

Southpole/Wicked Fashions, Melissa Lee, Production Manager: "The Presentation by Jeanologia on Present and Future Trends and Technologies in Denim was very remarkable, especially regarding computerized washing techniques."

Target, Carol Gordon, Senior Trim Developer: "Even in this tough economy, I'm still seeing lots of embellishments. I go to Texworld USA to see the new suppliers for trim - especially lace - and to be inspired by the latest trends in fabrics and finishes. Our designers spend more time at Texworld USA than at other shows."

Victoria's Secret Production, Kecia Manuel, Pink: Fabric R&D Manager: "My Team and I thought the show was great. We like the trend preview section and got a chance to meet with some new suppliers. We should be receiving headers of the qualities we selected shortly."

Exhibitor Statements

Apsara Silks, Anand Goenka, Owner, India: "This edition of Texworld USA was very good for us.  We are very glad we participated as we saw more buyers for our fabrics at this show."

Artistic Milliners (Pvt) Ltd., Cindy Bellamy, Vice President of Product Development, Pakistan: "Texworld USA has been great for us. We had many good appointments and were able to see many buyers that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.  We plan to participate again with Texworld USA in the future."

Bitsalmoony Co., Ltd., Jeong Soon-Sig, CEO, Korea: "This edition of Texworld USA was even better than the last one.  We saw many new potential customers."

Jiangsu Xintai Knitting Textile Co., Ltd., Ni Jiansheng, General Manager, China: "This was our second time at Texworld USA and the show results were better than we expected. We met most of our old clients while meeting some new ones as well. The economic situation is not positive but we together with our clients and Messe Frankfurt will persevere for a better future."

KooJoo Global, Dong-Hun Ko, Director, Korea: "We had many appointments and saw many customers at the February 2009 edition.  We will be back to exhibit in July."

Ozlem Kumas, Olga Kiray, Turkey: "The organization of the show was very good and we always see new customers at Texworld USA."

Pacific Coast Knitting, Inc., Abe Shahin, USA: "I never knew so many buyers attended Texworld USA.  The show was a pleasant surprise for us."

Pulver Importing, Robert Fishman, Owner, USA: "The attendees at Texword USA are good quality as they are actual buyers. Texword USA helped us to connect with many customers we haven't seen in a while.  It also helped us to set future appointments with new prospects in their offices to show our new line."

Teknik Mensucat Sanayi A.S., Hakan Ceylan, Turkey: "I saw many serious buyers that liked my collection. It was very positive, and I will definitely exhibit at Texworld USA again."

U-Leader, Carl Tseng, Product Manager, Hong Kong: "We found Texworld USA to be better than other shows. It is the place where we get to see most of our customers."

July 2009

The seventh edition of Texworld USA will take place July 14 -16, 2009 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. For further information, please visit www.TexworldUSA.com.

About Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is one of the world's largest trade fair organizers. With 18 subsidiaries, five branch offices and 49 representative offices outside Germany, the group has a presence in more than 150 countries and at more than 40 exhibition sites. Every year, some 120 trade fairs are held, serving as a meeting place for more than 65,000 exhibitors and over three million visitors. The North American headquarters in Atlanta is currently producing nine trade shows in the USA, Canada and Mexico across various industries.