The London Textile Fair is the premier platform for fashion fabrics and clothing accessories in the UK. It was established in 2007, by John Kelley, at a private members club in Marylebone. The style and concept has been so successful that it has been continued until today. In July, a new edition will take place to show the "Pre-collection Fall/Winter 2016 and Spring/Summer Highlights". We have interviewed John Kelley, the founder and organizer, to learn more about this successful show and to discover what novelties we can expect.
What are the novelties of the next edition?
We have a vast range of European textile mills offering many different novelties, including tweed, prints, and velvets.
What are your top 3 reasons for people to visit The London Textile Fair?
- Great timing at the beginning of the season
- Great variety
- Central London location
What are some of the benefits of the exhibit being in London?
Having the ability to show all of the UK high street manufacturers and designers that our data base is the best.
How do you go about building relationships with designers, buyers and product developers?
We have been organizing this fair for over 12 editions now, so we have a personal knowledge of the most important buyers in the industry. We have been working as agents for over 30 years so we value these special relationships.
Do you import textiles from anywhere outside of Europe or is it strictly Europe?
The fair is virtually completely European, but there are a few mills who show under their agents stand.
How many different European countries will attend this next edition?
Over 15 European nations will have an exhibit at the next edition.
Out of all of the fabrics you have, which are the most popular and commonly bought?
The next edition is autumn/winter 2016, so it will be predominantly wools and poly wools, and in summer, linen mixes and raffia are popular.
Is the fair open to the public or is it invitation only? What is the process for registering to visit the London textile fair?
The fair is trade only, so it is not open to the public. Visitors can register online through www.thelondontextilefair.co.uk
Your success has increased since you first started in 2007. To what do you owe your success?
We have established a low cost formula, offering tables, chairs, and rails. This way we represent a much better value for money compared to all other European textile fairs.
Once you have exhibited at the London textile fair, it is difficult to stop attending, because the atmosphere for meeting the best customers in a warm friendly environment occurs nowhere else. If you ask any exhibitor, they will agree that it is a unique show. We have only a 2% non-return rate and a long waiting list of people who would like to have an exhibit at our show.
What are the names of some well known textile and accessory exhibitors that are expected to attend this upcoming fair?
Nero Su Nero, Lanificio Fortex, Lanificio Picchi, Yunsa, Dutel Creation, Malhia Kent, Deveaux, A. Gratacos, Juan Boluda, Tejidos Rebes...
What are the names of some well-known visitors that are expected to attend the fair?
Marks and Spencer, Ted Baker, Burberry, French Connection, Jigsaw, Arcadia group, Next, Paul Smith...
How many visitors and exhibitors are expected to attend this upcoming fair?
- Visitors: 3000
- Exhibitors: 380