Survey of the European Yarn and Fabric Fairs for Autumn/Winter 2003/04

published in Issue 102, November 2002   Report price: Euro 275.00; US$ 365.00

Attendance fell and business was hard at most European yarn and fabric fairs for autumn/winter 2003/2004. The main causes were the tough economic environment, the weakening of the dollar against the euro, and a big improvement in product quality from Asia. Significantly, Texworld?the Paris fabric fair which hosts exhibitors from all over the world?has gone from strength to strength. Texworld is now an important fashion fabrics event. The organisers of Première Vision, also in Paris, have responded to the success of Texworld by inviting selected non-European exhibitors. In addition, to attract early buyers, the fair was brought forward this season so that it immediately followed the Italian fairs. There were also two new fairs this year, in Munich and Madrid. But many buyers say that sourcing would be easier if there were fewer events.

There were few dramatic changes this season in either yarns or fabrics. Spinners and fabric manufacturers seem to be marking time and waiting for an upturn in the business cycle. The focus on the natural look and feel continues, in yarns that are soft and full, but light and economical. Mills have done good business with classic tweeds that have been recoloured and woven in finer, softer qualities or given fine, airy bouclé surfaces. Designers still look backwards towards the ?vintage? look of a bygone age, but there has been a retreat from last season?s extreme ?tattered? look. For ever-popular denims, the ?worn? look is reported to be on the way out.

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