Textile Trade Fair: The London Textile Fair due to take place January 13 - 14 2026

Around 350 exhibitors are set to take part in The London Textile Fair (TLTF), one of the UK’s leading trade platforms for fashion fabrics, apparel accessories, print studios, vintage archives and garments, in the Spring/Summer 2027 edition that will take place January 13 and 14 2026, at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London.

Held twice a year , the fair continues to be regarded as a key event for industry professionals, according to the organisers. Each edition showcases new collections from international manufacturers, underlining the fair’s role as a sourcing and trend-focused marketplace.

The event’s international reach is reflected in its exhibitor base, which represents around 20 countries. Strong participation is expected from Turkey, the UK, China, Italy, France, Portugal, India and Taiwan, among others. Buyers will be presented with a broad offering that combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative and sustainable solutions.

Approximately 3,000 buyers are expected to attend, the majority of whom are UK-based professionals from major high-street retailers, independent designers and sourcing teams. Most TLTF exhibitors are manufacturers and agents specialising in fashion, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the latest industry developments.

Fashion textiles form the largest section of the fair, with 280 exhibitors presenting a wide range of materials, including cottons, wovens, shirtings, jersey, silk, outerwear fabrics, technical textiles, eco-friendly options, coated fabrics, printed designs and wool.

The Accessories and Trims area will offer designers and buyers insight into the details shaping future collections, featuring products such as linings, leather and woven labels, hangtags, pullers, patches, straps, embroidery, studs, rivets, packaging and personalised accessories.

The Print Design and Vintage area will host trend and design studios, while the garment section will showcase womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, lingerie and accessories, providing solutions from concept through to finished product.

Organisors have scheduled a Colourful Seminar Series providing insights and inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2027 season on Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th January at 11am & 2pm featuring  leading Trend Forecasters on the season’s Macro Trends, Colour, Print + Pattern, Fabric, Key Shapes and Innovative Materials.

At the previous September 2025 edition of TLTF, industry professionals from nearly all leading UK fashion brands and designers were in attendance. The fair welcomed 3,587 visitors over two days, with 95 per cent coming from the UK. Attendees ranged from major high-street retailers to independent boutiques across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.

Visitors included representatives from brands and retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Agent Provocateur, AllSaints, Marks & Spencer, Vivienne Westwood, Topman, Topshop, Sainsbury’s, Barbour, Toast, Next, Jigsaw, Paul Smith, Erdem, French Connection, Whistles, Ted Baker, Tesco, Karen Millen, River Island, Debenhams, Monsoon, Hobbs, Rixo, John Lewis, Reiss, The Very Group, White Stuff, Moss Bros and many others.

All images from The London Textile Fair

Home and Fashion Trend: Quilting Returns as a Cosy Staple in Fashion and Cottagecore Living

Quilting, an ancient craft with roots stretching back to Egypt, China, and medieval Europe, has long served both practical and decorative purposes. In colonial America, quilting evolved into a communal and symbolic activity, with patchwork quilts marking life milestones and showcasing resourcefulness. Over centuries, it transitioned from necessity to heritage art, reflecting cultural identity, personal stories, and regional traditions.

Above, Emily Pink & Green Patchwork Quilted Bag from Oliver Bonas, made from patchwork pink and green soft corduroy sewn with floral and striped fabric panels in a geometric pattern. 

Today, quilting is experiencing a revival, emerging as a key trend in both fashion and home design. It fits seamlessly into the country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which idealise rural simplicity, handcrafted charm, and a deeper connection to nature.   

Pink Rosalind Reversible Quilted Jacket from Laura Ashley
One side features ditsy print while the reversed side features a large scale Rosalind print.
The jacket is finished with tie front detailing and side pockets.

Part of quilting’s modern appeal lies in its emotional resonance—it evokes comfort, tradition, and care in an increasingly digital, fast-paced world. Consumers are seeking objects with stories, and quilting offers a tangible connection to history, family, and craft. This revival is also fueled by the broader maker movement and a renewed interest in slow fashion and sustainable design practices.

With quilting, one celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the comfort of lived-in, layered spaces—values that embodies through patchwork textures, varied colour palettes, and nostalgic motifs. 

Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

In cottage-inspired interiors, quilts are often draped over beds, armchairs, or used as decorative wall hangings, adding warmth, character, and a sense of history. Similarly, in fashion, quilted garments and accessories evoke pastoral life and domestic coziness, reinforcing the slower, more intentional lifestyle at the heart of the cottagecore movement.  Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

Radhika Quilted Makeup Bag from Rex London

The resurgence of quilting aligns with growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable, and nostalgic pieces. In fashion, quilted coats, bags, and patchwork garments are being embraced by designers and consumers alike, blending comfort with craftsmanship. Quilting offers visual texture and depth, making it ideal for statement pieces in modern wardrobes.

Star Blue Cotton Patchwork Cushion Cover (60x60cm) from Oliver Bonas
made from a series of geometric cotton panels in blue, green and white with top stitching
to create a quilted feel and texture.

In interiors, quilting complements the popular country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which romanticise rural life and slower living. Vintage and contemporary quilts are being styled as bedspreads, sofa throws, and wall hangings, bringing warmth, color, and softness to living spaces. Quilted patterns and patchwork motifs are also influencing upholstery, wallpaper, and table linens, adding a personal, handmade touch to decor.

Reversible Blue & Green Striped Quilted Bedcover in 100% cotton from Oliver Bonas,
featuring a wide blue and white stripe on one side with green trimming, and a slim green stripe pattern on the reverse.

Ultimately, quilting's comeback reflects a cultural shift toward authenticity, individuality, and meaningful living. Whether seen in a hand-stitched jacket, a cozy home throw, or a handbag by a design-led brand, quilting bridges past and present with its timeless appeal. Its ability to blend utility with beauty ensures that this age-old craft remains not only relevant but celebrated in today's creative landscape.

Millinery News: Katherine Elizabeth presents ladies' hats for Spring and Summer 2025

As spring ushers in warmer days, our focus naturally shifts to outdoor celebrations and stylish occasions.

The Bridgerton Garden headpiece made from Dupion silk, and adorned with leaves,
a pink peony and Japanese blossom. 

Perfectly timed, British millinery designer Katherine Elizabeth has unveiled her latest Spring/Summer Collection, drawing inspiration from both architecture and the beauty of nature.

Clarence Hat made from white sinamay straw, black and gold polybraid with a white arrow quill, gold tipped.

Elis Hat made from Sinamay straw, this headpiece features a lovely light pink peony.

Staying true to her signature style, Katherine offers a hat for every wearer and event. From classic designs adorned with blooming florals to sleek, understated elegance and striking sculptural pieces that turn heads for all the right reasons.

This collection is perfect for weddings, race days, summer soirées, and garden parties, says the designer.

Each hat is a unique, handcrafted creation, meticulously designed by Katherine and her talented team. Every piece can be customized to reflect individual style and preferences, ensuring a personal touch.

Goodwood Hat - a headpiece is made from black and red
latticed paradisal straw,
adorned with black Biot pom-poms.

Using and selecting the finest fabrics and trimmings are selected, the design team delivers quality with refined finish.

A graduate of the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Katherine honed her craft under the renowned Stephen Jones, contributing to Dior’s runway collections and John Galliano’s Paris boutique. She later collaborated with Catherine Delaney in theatre and film before establishing her own millinery house in Clerkenwell, later moving to the iconic Oxo Tower.

Her work has been showcased at Fortnum & Mason during London Craft Week and Coutts Bank for London Fashion Week. She is also a member of the prestigious Walpole British Luxury group and has guest presented for the BBC’s Royal Ascot Ladies Day.

Rosa Halo Crown headband made from fucshia silk fabric and embellished with Swarovski crystals, and a hand-made bow to adorn the back of the piece.

Bucklebury Hat Made from fuchsia sinamay, and edged in rose gold,
finished off with an array of beautiful peonies and freesias.

“My designs are deeply influenced by sculptural art, architecture, and nature. Every hat I create is like a conceptual sculpture—no two are ever the same. A hat shouldn’t be worn out of obligation; it should empower and inspire confidence. My goal is to craft pieces that enhance both the wearer’s features and outfit, transforming each hat into a true statement piece, " said Katherine.

Beatrice hat made in summer fuschia,
straw sinamay and adorned with garden flowers.

"Whether it’s Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta, the Irish Races, the Epsom Derby, weddings, garden parties, or simply a desire for a stunning headpiece—Katherine Elizabeth Millinery is home to exceptional, handcrafted millinery.”

All photos courtesy of Katherine Elizabeth Millinery

Textiles Trade Fair: Première Vision Paris announces February and September 2025 event dates

Reported by Lucia Carpio.  All photos by Lucia Carpio from Première Vision Paris February 2024 edition.

Première Vision Paris is an essential event for professionals to explore upcoming trends in textiles, colours, materials, and design. Held twice annually, the fair allows industry players to stay ahead of seasonal trends while offering exhibitors a valuable platform to showcase cutting-edge fabrics, sustainable materials, and innovations in textile production. This keeps designers, brands, and manufacturers globally inspired and competitive within an ever-evolving market.

The fair brings together the entire textile value chain—from yarns to fabrics, designs, leather, accessories, and smart creation—catering to markets ranging from luxury and premium to mass distribution. This holistic approach positions Première Vision as a global observatory, capturing the evolution of an industry undergoing both structural and cyclical transformations.

In 2025, Première Vision Paris will return to its traditional February and September schedule. Additionally, Blossom Première Vision, its sister event, will shift to early summer and December, enhancing alignment with the industry's rapid pace and changing needs.

The GL events Fashion Division, responsible for Première Vision, announced this new schedule to support the industry’s shift toward sustainable transformation, technological advancement, changing consumer habits, and evolving economic demands. 

According to Florence Rousson, General Manager of GL events Fashion Division, these changes represent “the first strong steps in a new strategy” aimed at supporting the industry’s transformation. She emphasized that these adjustments are driven by GL events’ commitment to reshaping the industry, reinforcing Première Vision’s role as a catalyst for growth.

With 19 annual events, GL events’ fashion division includes Première Vision, Tranoï, and Fashion Source shows, creating a unique hub that addresses modern challenges in the global fashion market. As a vital part of the creative industry, this division fosters collaboration and debate among creative professionals worldwide.

Face-to-face interactions at international trade fairs remain invaluable for building strong global business relationships, enabling richer communication and collaboration than is typically possible through remote means.

Product Launch: Fable England collaborates with The Natural History Museum for new AW24 collection

British heritage jewellery, accessories and sleepwear brand, Fable England, have launched a capsule collection with London’s iconic Natural History Museum for AW24.

Inspired by the natural world, British fashion brand Fable England thoughtfully weaves tales from British literature into each of their collections, and their latest collaboration with London’s Natural History Museum is no exception. United by a shared passion for nature, Fable England and the Museum embraced the chance to explore the Museum's remarkable collections—a treasure trove of artwork, manuscripts, and rare books—in search of inspiration for this new autumn/winter 2024 collection now available on fableengland.com.

With more than 80 million specimens in the Museum's archives, the challenge was choosing the right narrative to follow. Ultimately, the story that captivated the Fable England team was that of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717), a pioneering entomologist. Defying the societal expectations of 17th-century women, Merian transformed the scientific understanding of insect life cycles, leaving a lasting legacy.

Maria Sibylla Merian’s 1705 publication, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, marked the first scientific documentation of what we now call metamorphosis. Her meticulously detailed, hand-colored plates have since inspired generations of natural history illustrators, artists, and entomologists.

Fable England drew from Merian’s and her daughter Johanna Helena Herolt’s botanical illustrations to create their abstract botanical luxury print, "Floral Engravings," which serves as the foundation for the entire collection. The print’s intricate borders, with elements of fine carvings and geometric patterns, were inspired by Alfred Waterhouse’s architectural blueprints for the Natural History Museum.

The Floral Engravings collection honours the artistic and scientific achievements of this mother-daughter duo, symbolizing new beginnings, unconditional love, and a lifelong devotion to their craft and one another.

Fable England’s Creative Director, Vanessa Radley, reflects on the collaboration: “We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to work with the Natural History Museum. It was an ideal partnership for such a special capsule collection for AW24.”

“One of the highlights for me,” Vanessa adds, “was the unforgettable experience of visiting the Museum’s Rare Books Library and meeting Special Collections Manager, Andrea Hart. The design team was given the chance to explore priceless rare books, including beautiful illustrated studies in botany, entomology, and ornithology. I was especially excited to discover that some of the artwork we selected for our hero print, Floral Engravings, was actually the work of Maria Merian’s daughter, Johanna Helena Herolt, whose illustrations are often mistaken for her mother’s.”

Maxine Lister, Head of Licensing at the Natural History Museum, also praised the collaboration: “Our shared values and commitment to showcasing the beauty of the natural world made this partnership a natural fit. This collection celebrates the groundbreaking work of Maria Sibylla Merian, a true pioneer for women in science. Sustainability was a key focus for both Fable England and the NHM, and the collection reflects that commitment, featuring materials like TENCEL™, recycled PU, and recycled nylon.”

All images courtesy of Fable England.

Laura Ashley announces collaboration with reusable bag company Baggu

British home and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley is launching an exclusive range with reusable bag company BAGGU.  The limited-edition collection features 13 items adorned in three Laura Ashley prints.

The first print used in the collection is Rhian Daisy (seen in photo above), which was launched as part of the 1989 Laura Ashley Home Collection. It was inspired by a hand-drawn artwork from the archive, and features bunches of daisies and chrysanthemums with scrolling leaves and stems. 

The second print is Rowena, a romantic ditsy print featuring a rose bush surrounded by smaller flowers. The final print is inspired by a piece of antique fabric from the archive. Dubbed Crosby Gingham, the design features bouquets of roses with trailing leaves on a vibrant gingham backdrop.  

The range includes Baggu’s signature fabric bags in the standard pouch, mini tote, crescent bag, fanny pack and 3D zip set design, alongside a glasses sleeve, laptop sleeve, soft sun hats and packable sun hats. 

The range has launched globally and is sold in Canada, Japan, Thailand and the US. In the UK, it is available in the FOUND store in Bath.

Bang & Olufsen announces SS2019 Collection in Scandinavian summer colours

The new Spring/Summer 2019 Collection from Bang & Olufsen, which includes a range of premium headphones, speakers and accessories, celebrates the subtle colours associated with a Scandinavian summer. 

The limited-edition B&O SS19 Collection includes a range of premium headphones, speakers and accessories in a new, ethereal colour scheme that eases from the ground, through the forest and up into the pale blue sky. 

The new, ethereal colour scheme features Clay, a deep and natural colour inspired by the earthy tones and dramatic seaside cliffs; Pine, a dark green that brings to mind the crisp freshness and deep contrasts of the Scandinavian forest; and Sky, a light blue tone with a cool sense of breezy summer afternoons. 

Ethical brand From Belo launches new Eko collection

There is no doubt that reports of plastic pollution have made headline news in these two years and consumers have been awaken to the global problem that has caused environmental devastation.

Two ladies who were upset by such reports decided to take matters into their own hands and launch a handbag and accessories collection made from recycled and sustainable materials. Thus the ethical brand From Belo was born, set up by school friends and long-distance business partners Maria Costa, 28, who lives in Brazil and Charlotte Bingham-Wallis also 28, based in the UK.

Although 5,000 miles apart, they are united with an aim to have a brand centred on being kind and fashioning kindness. 

From Belo launches the EKO Collection

The new collection will be available from 17/11/18.  From Belo will also be celebrating on Saturday November 17th at the Cambridge Sustainable Fashion Festival at St Banabas Church (11am to 4pm) and then Sunday November 18th in London at the Bricklane Up market (10am – 6pm).

Not only did the two partners start an ethical brand that offers practical, responsibly-made products which fit with their values, they also made an effort to ensure they offer ethical working conditions, fair wages and employment for their artisans based in Brazil, as well as providing an opportunity to give back to Casa De Maria  - an organisation which helps feed the homeless and those in need in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

From Belo is no stranger to the jet set lifestyle either. Earlier this year they were finalists at the prestigious Handbag Designer Awards in the Most Socially Responsible Handbag category.

And this autumn they have launched the EKO Collection,  a vegan range using seatbelts and plastic bottles once destined for landfill and reincarnated into beautiful things and given a second life.

The range includes coin purses to tote bags, as well as a bucket bag which can be worn four ways, a clutch bag, a wine holder, a market bag and a make-up bag - all handmade with recycled materials, carrying their signature hummingbird motif - a symbol of the enjoyment of life and the lightness of being.

Each item is named in honour of the kind volunteers that work at the Casa De Maria charitable organisation.  

Kodak & Lulu Guinness launch bag with a vintage streak

Though mini in size, this bag (measuring H 18 cm x W 13 cm x D 4 cm) with a retro rainbow face is a collaboration between two iconic brands: Kodak & Lulu Guinness.

Photos above and below: the Kodak X Lulu Guinness bag was a hit at the Summer of Love launch party in London. All photos: Courtesy of Lulu Guinness

While it will hold a compact camera as well as make up items and other daily essentials, it can be worn cross body or around your neck through the interchanging straps - perfect for summer festivals.

Made in black cotton, the colours and design of the webbed rainbow strap and rainbow lip are inspired by vintage Kodak film packaging. The archive Kodak emblem is discreetly positioned as hypnotic eyes.  It also features silver hardware, with a blue plastic coated zip for security.

According to the designer, photography played a key role in Lulu Guinness’ life from her late teens and has continued to influence many of her designs over the past 30 years. Lulu first came up with a camera themed collection for Spring Summer 2012. A collection close to her heart and a commercial success. When the opportunity to collaborate with Kodak came along it seemed the perfect fit to revisit Lulu’s longstanding captivation.

Paris Textile trade fairs report record attendance

As today's retailers continue their discussion and debates over the importance of bricks and mortar retailing as opposed to the increased popularity of online trading, trade fairs catered for the textile and fashion industry that offer face-to-face interactions are proving their continued relevance for conducting business.

As organisers at Messe Frankfurt France have reported this week, European fashion brands remain very keen on attending their recently held trade exhibitions, namely TEXWORLD and TEXWORLD DENIM  PARIS, APPAREL SOURCING, AVANTEX, SHAWLS & SCARVES – The ACCESSORIES SHOW-CASE, (the shows focusing on textiles, materials, components, trimmings and manufacturing for the fashion and accessories industry), have recorded 13.9% more visitors than the show held in September 2016, to the tune of 15,473 visitors in total.

According to Michael Scherpe, President of Messe Frankfurt France, the record turnout at these fairs, held at Le Bourget, Paris from 18 to 21 September 2017,  was "unexpected": after two years of lacklustre performance, buyers were in need of renewal and a change in fashion codes; the outlook was proactive and buyers were drawn to new products, he said.

There was a sharp increase of 15% in attendance and the top 5 countries that sent buyers and trade visitors included France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Turkey respectively. The ranking that was identical to that of September 2016, with strong growth for all except France, which remained unchanged.  Germany came in 6th position, up by 18.7%, followed by Belgium up by 4.8%. 

“We found the September 2017 show to be extremely busy. From the very first day of the show, there was a wind of change blowing through the shows. (There was) A fresh appetite for the industries of fashion. Global ready-to-wear firms were certainly present, ready to get down to serious and enthusiastic business at the stands. Exhibitors welcomed the attendance, even from the European luxury sector. The same goes for the return by Americans (+19,38)” says Michael Scherpe, President of Messe Frankfurt France. 

The organisers pointed out that the joint trade fairs' artistic backdrops, the segmentation of the shows, and the scheduling of fashion shows and seminars along with the wide ranging exhibits all helped to enrich the experience of visitors and demonstrated that the show was open and appealing to all fashion brands.

On the "Small Quantities" circuit, large international luxury companies were set side-by-side with major global ready-to-wear brands, including young designs.  The quality of the materials was one of the discoveries welcomed by visitors.

China (with the largest contingent of weavers at Texworld Paris) was one of the main attractions, as confirmed by Zhang Tao, the Secretary General of CCIPT TEX. The improvement in the business models of domestic firms, as advocated by the Chinese government, aims to continue working towards genuine fashion products, to develop technical innovation and to emphasise sustainable development, said Mr Tao at a press conference.

At the “From Workshop to Shop” exhibition, organised by the Chinese government under the auspices of the CCIPT TEX, some 30 ensembles from 10 Chinese ready-to-wear brands were arranged around a space that, using virtual reality, immersed the visitor in the production sites. These brands for women’s and men’s ready-to-wear: Aiyimei, Upper , Bosideng, Hodo, Bridge Group, Dragon Silk, Heyi, Nikky, Top Garment, Sankei, Renoir and Yinchuan Binhe Ruyi, are already established in China and, are using the trade fair as a springboard to extend their presence on the world market.  A display of ever-more specialist skills from these 12 clothing manufacturers can also be seen at the show.

One of the highlights in the ELITE segment, an area dedicated to firms offering a wide range of tailored services, was the demonstration by a specialist attired in traditional Chinese brocades woven by hand using the traditional method of the Tujia ethnic group from the Chinese regions of Hunan and Hubei .

Upscaling was widely adopted at stands representing Turkish weavers, while the a wide range of cotton and embroidery from India was on offer, as well as quality prints from South Korea, the comprehensive offer, even technical products from Indonesian exhibitors all drew visitors’ interest. Creativity was the overall achievement recognised at TEXWORLD PARIS, said the organisers. 

Texworld Denim was a new addition this season, with nearly 80 exhibitors for materials and clothing production to celebrate its grand opening.  The area allowed makers of fabrics and manufacturers in one area to make contact and to network. 
Another area Business Beyond Borders, a partnership that fosters business contacts between players in the textile and clothing industry and small manufacturing firms, set up by Eurochambres, also met with resounding success, said organisers. Some 200 meetings were held in the dedicated space involving 258 companies from 42 countries.   
Three conferences and round table discussions took place at TEXWORLD PARIS: the sector for future clothing, Ex-aequo, the trends for autumn/winter 18/19, new technologies and new skills.

Dates for the next TEXWORLD, Avantex, Apparel Sourcing, Shawls and Scarves and TEXWORLD DENIM: 11, 12, 13 & 14 February 2018 Paris Le Bourget.

Photos: from Texworld / © Lucia Carpio 2017