PREFACE NYC
RESEARCH:
Preface NYC is a “one stop shop” for everything you need when looking for fabrics and all the upcoming trends. Started by long time friends Betsy Franjola and Sonia Martin, they took a small inspiration from their fashion knowledge and made it a reality. These women take pride in saying that Preface is a “one stop inspiration; an intimate new way to be inspired.” During my time studying away, I had the privilege of visiting Trend Union in Paris. I adored listening to the speakers talk about all the upcoming trends and then getting to watch the video they put together to summarize all there is coming in the future. Being able to witness the video so few get to see was truly a blessing and I refer to that visit a lot during my interviews and my new experiences in this industry. I find that Preface is a very intimate trend show. It is in a small place that encourages you to ask the fabric sellers questions and you can even take some fabric with you. I thought it was very interesting to learn about what each fabric factory has to offer to keep up with the new trends.
OBSERVATIONS:
During my time at Preface, I learned that sustainability is becoming a hot topic in the industry, though is it not strongly followed. We had the privilege of listening to Six Cheung give a small presentation about sustainability. He mentioned that the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) are not really happening in this industry. But, he did inform us on all the ways fabric/textile companies are trying to push for a more earth-friendly way of life. But of course, this has its flaws also. Organic fabrics reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides yet uses double the amount of land and needs double the amount of water. This is good because it’s getting rid of the toxins, but bad because of the waste of water and land. But, hemp is more of a versatile natural fiber. It is also anti-microbial and is fast growing while requiring little water. Though I do not want to go on and on, there is a new technology that has not hit the market yet. It is called Rifibra technology and it will be used to dissolve cotton and help mix new fibers. I am very excited to see how well it does in the future.
WEEKLY QUESTION:
Three trends that I am truly excited for in 2020 is Artesian, Nostalgic and Bohemian. For the Artesian, I am into the idea of things being “created by hand.” That mixed with raw materials and oversized silhouettes drives me crazy! I am all for genderless clothing and cannot wait to see that really take the industry by STORM. Nostalgic…Nostalgia…is there much else to say? This trend yearns for happiness but dreams of the past. Acid wash, neons and bucket hats are just waiting to shine like it never went away. Bohemian or as they say boho is for the females. Feminists and outsiders come together for a free-flowing look all to power the women. Florals, tapestry and bright orange sanctify unity and peace and will giving power back to the women who earned it. And for all this, I cannot wait for 2020.
