Innovation and Sustainability Take Center Stage at Texworld NYC

The upcoming co-located trade shows Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing NYC and Home Textile Sourcing serve as a connector between buyers and suppliers, but there is more to discover beyond the booths.

During the three-day-long fairs, organized by Messe Frankfurt and being held July 18-20, 2023, attendees can sit in on seminar sessions, explore trends and take part in workshops. Two of the major focuses of the educational portion of the shows are innovation and sustainability.

Texworld’s programming will include the Lenzing Seminar Series and Textile Talks. “Our robust educational seminars provide attendees with a plethora of industry insight that’s curated to help businesses navigate making tough sourcing decisions in the current landscape,” said Jennifer Bacon, vice president, Messe Frankfurt Inc., Fashion + Apparel. “Texworld NYC hosts Textile Talks and our long-standing partner, Lenzing Fibers Inc., hosts the Lenzing Seminar Series. Unlike other shows, our sessions are not a sales pitch. Seminars are led by industry-leading experts.”

Sustainability will be a key subject on the agenda. On day one, speakers from Faherty Brand, SPARC Group, Sapphire Finishing Mills and Ubase International will discuss how sustainability is shaping their sourcing and business models. Meanwhile, a panel with Steve Madden and Alice & Olivia executives will discuss collaboration’s role in driving sustainability forward. A home-centric panel on day two will look at material innovations and collaborative partnerships in the category with Unifi, Lenzing, Parkdale and 37.5 Technology executives. Another seminar with KD New York, Remake, Ethos Matters and Gherzi Textiles executives will focus on the people in the supply chain and the importance of social responsibility.

“The undisputed leading topic within the industry is sustainability,” said Bacon. “There are so many different models and routes that businesses can take to develop a socially conscious plan that aligns with their business. Our goal is to propose various perspectives and approaches on the subject in order to give businesses a better grasp on the steps they can take to develop an achievable sustainability plan that works for them.”

Another hot topic will be the state of sourcing. On the agenda is “The ABC’s of Nearshoring,” covering trade agreements and legislation with NCTO, Milliken and Gherzi Textil Organization executives, moderated by Sourcing Journal. And a “Sourcing Outlook” panel with Cotton Incorporated, Foot Locker, Sorini, Samet & Associates and Alba Wheels Up International will outline what to expect—from material prices to consumer demand.

Sessions will also cover material innovation and technology with speakers from Lectra, Ralph Lauren, Textile Exchange and more.

Keeping designers and buyers up to speed on the latest in fashion trends, New York-based trend agency Doneger/TOBE is returning to this edition with an exhibition of themes for Fall/Winter 24-25. These trends will be presented during a talk by the firm’s creative director Kai Chow on July 19. The same day, Chow will also take attendees on an Explore the Floor Tour of the Trend Forum, its showcase that features textiles, apparel and prints from exhibitors. Attendees can take home a complimentary copy of a trend book, and Texworld will publish a digital trend book shortly after the show.

For the first time, Texworld will have an Explore the Floor Home Tour. Nancy Fire from Nancy Fire Designs will present home trends, and then guide attendees through a series of four vignettes featuring products from home exhibitors.

Additionally, Fashion Mingle’s Melissa Shea will host tours of the Trend Forum, Home Trendspotting, Printsource and Fiber Innovation Center.

There will also be interactive educational experiences. Sidhant Sodhani, founder and CEO of Sodhani Biotech, will take attendees through hands-on “Dye-It-Yourself” workshops that feature natural dyestuff such as food waste, indigo and plants.

Leading up to the show, attendees and the industry can prepare by reading Texworld’s Zeitgeist Magazine and the Texworld Thread blog.

“Our industry is constantly evolving, thus education is the backbone of Texworld NYC,” said Bacon. “It’s our job as the leading fashion textile and apparel trade show in the U.S. to keep the community informed and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge.”

Click here to register for Texworld NYC, Apparel Sourcing NYC and Home Textile Sourcing.

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