Attendance at the March Textile Forum matched the record figure of the October 2009 show to further underline the importance of this fashion fabric exhibition in the capital, with more visitors placing good orders as well as sampling.
Regular exhibitor Basinghall took a large order from a buyer from Latvia, one of a sprinkling of overseas buyers who were attracted to the show’s focus on stock lines as well as forward order fabrics. Other export orders went to the Netherlands, Russia and Eire.
Designer Kerry Nixon of Vidler & Nixon had visited the exhibition last season to select fabrics from among others Holland & Sherry for her couture range and was back last week to source cloths for her new diffusion line.
Elizabeth Reeds of D S Dundee was impressed with the range of fabrics on offer. “The show has a real buzz about it; it has really come of age,” she commented.
MaryRose McGrath, bespoke bridal and occasionwear designer for House Of Fraser in Ireland, was highly impressed with the show and its range of exhibitors. “I am definitely booking my flight for the October show,” she said as she left The Music Room, the exhibition’s venue close to Bond Street.
Michael Bristow of Michael’s Bridal Fabrics said it was probably the busiest Textile Forum the company had exhibited at and he had been inundated with buyers looking for both fabrics and accessories from his new collection. Bill Wheelan of The House of Edgar was delighted with the diversity of the customers visiting, and Saffron Quinn of James Hare remarked on the high percentage of new visitors.
“We have had lots of interest from designers looking for stretch fabrics for lingerie as well as for bridalwear.” Shirtings company Acorn Fabrics said that buyers were selecting from across the collection, with no strong trend – woven checks were just as popular as printed florals, said director James Chatburn.
According to Kristie Reeves of Joshua Ellis, “The March show is perfect timing for buyers looking for stock and we received a lot of interest in our new Royal Cashmere collection, along with our other stock supported products.”
Time spent educating students in how to work best with leather has paid off for regular exhibitor Amos Hill of G H Leathers who was impressed with the knowledge that they and fledgling designers had for its skins.
The next Textile Forum will be staged from 20-21 October 2010 at The Music Room, London W1. Ends.
R & B Accessories offer continental button and trimmings collections that cover a broad range of applications - from popular daywear to exclusive evening and designer wear. Included is this evening fastening/frogging in metalised cord set with 
