Post-show Recap: RX’s Functional Fabric Fair NYC Edition Shatters Attendance Records
August 14, 2024
Apparel industry CEOs, designers, sourcing and material managers, product development executives from large brands, retailers and independent companies recently helped shatter attendance records at the summer edition of Functional Fabric Fair, a triannual trade show and platform showcasing the latest trends in sustainable textile development.
Held every July in NYC and biannually in Portland in April and November, the 2024 summer edition took place July 16-17 in the River Pavilion at New York City’s Javits Center.
Produced by RX and powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, the sourcing event boasted an 18% increase in attendance compared to the previous year, with 2,100 attendees engaging with a curated collection of more than 140 sustainable-certified suppliers spanning a packed and energetic, 16,000-square-foot floor. In 2023, the NYC event attracted 1,700 attendees and 140 exhibitors across the same footprint.
Along with cutting-edge innovations, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive exhibits showcasing the newest high-performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims, and accessories, the event also offered plentiful expert-led education, networking and business sourcing opportunities, supplier recommendations, and a university program exposing students to textile and apparel developers.
Leading apparel companies in attendance included Calvin Klein, HOKA, L.L. Bean, NOBULL, Peter Millar, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and more.
“As a functional, innovation-driven show, we offer an exciting, productive experience with a curated lineup of the top vendors, an easy-to-navigate floor plan, vetted sourcing opportunities through Trend Forum displays, engaging activations, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and inform,” said Steve McCullough, event director of Functional Fabric Fair.
He continued, “We were thrilled to welcome so many returning high-caliber sourcing buyers and professionals, as well as first-time attendees in the performance industry. The packed booths and bustling aisles and positive reports from our vendors made the event a remarkable success.”
New Show Features & Activations
Making its debut at the show, the Design Lab (LIVE), a real-life design and construction demonstration, featured Kelly Dempsey, a sustainable fashion designer known for her innovative approach to upcycling secondhand materials and previous contestant on “Project Runway.”
On the first day of the show, Dempsey constructed a stylish performance kimono style jacket in real time using fabrics and accessories donated from a select group of exhibitors while attendees watched and engaged with her. The final garment was then put on display for a silent auction held during the show’s Tuesday Happy Hour, with proceeds from the auction donated to FABSCRAP, a fabric and textile recycling non-profit based in New York City and Philadelphia.
A Cornucopia of Trends
A favorite attendee attraction, the Trend Forum featured displays highlighting 12 key categories, including Baselayer; Midlayer; 2 Layer; 2.5 & 3 Layer; Lightweight & Downproof; Softshell & Outer Midlayer; Shirts, Pants & Tights; Focus Topic; Accessories & Trims; Function Meets Fashion; and New York Exclusive—specifically focused on a New York fashion-focused audience.
Attendees were able to source an exclusive selection of 100% sustainable fabrics from samples curated by a panel of experts from well-known universities, leading apparel brands, procurement teams, and fabric technologists representing diverse facets of the industry. After scanning QR codes on the swatches, attendees could then arrange to have free samples sent to their businesses.
“This is the leading trade show for all sustainable functional fabrics,” said Isabelle Levine, designer from Forest and Thread who attended the show. “Everything you see here is the most advanced technology in the fabric, textile, material, and manufacturing world—here is where you see the future.”
Valuable Knowledge and Actionable Insights
Led by industry experts and thought leaders, the show’s Expert Talks Program provided more than 10 cutting-edge educational sessions for apparel industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in the functional fabric industry. Topics covered included seasonal trends in colors and materials; the technical aspects of performance wear fabrics; sustainability; business development; ethical sourcing; environmental impact; regulations; and forward-looking industry forecasts.
“Functional Fabric Fair is beneficial [to our company] because it’s where we can meet with our existing and new customers,” said Alejandra Diaz of Hemp Fortex Industries Ltd, who exhibited at the show. “If I had to describe Functional Fabric Fair in three words it would be intense, exciting, and innovative!”
The fall edition of Functional Fabric Fair will return Nov. 20-21 to the Oregon Convention Center, kicking off with the Day 0 (Zero) Conference: Sustainability Workshop on Nov. 19.
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