For manufacturers and developers of innovative fabrics, having a space to meet, connect, and exchange ideas with brands and professionals who may incorporate their materials into collections is a crucial opportunity, not a preference. Since 2018, Preface has brought fabric innovators and the apparel industry together twice a year, paving the way for those focused on developing solutions rather than navigating the extremes of greenwashing or doomsday narratives.
Shared Values
The latest show, held on 22–23 January 2025 in the Jefferson Park area of Los Angeles, was packed with trend presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. As collaboration becomes a driving force in the fashion industry—particularly in pursuit of sustainability—quality networking is proving invaluable in an era dominated by virtual meetings. ‘I think the curiosity and flexibility that foster collaboration are the same qualities needed to drive meaningful change. Open dialogue and collective problem-solving help turn ambitious ideas into real, climate-friendly solutions,’ says Olivia Schott, Creative Operations Director. ‘As companies move away from siloed processes and embrace change, collaboration is the natural next step.’
Preface has also partnered with BREW Creative, a global fashion consultancy founded by Sonia Martin, to create a trendbook for Spring/Summer 2026. This highlights six forecasted trend concepts—Soft Track, Paris Prep, Natural Balance, Modern Romantic, Utility Romance, and Lux Touch—set to influence fashion and wider lifestyle industries.
With 20 exhibitors specialising in fabric innovation and recycling technologies, Preface provides a platform for like-minded businesses with shared values and growth objectives to explore collaborative opportunities that support both innovation and ethical practices. ‘We have never had a leather supplier exhibit at the show. Animal products have never been a major focus for us,’ explains Schott. While some suppliers offer RWS-certified wool (Responsible Wool Standard), the emphasis remains on reducing environmental impact through responsible sourcing and waste repurposing.
Key Players
The event’s registration-only workshops provided structured networking and in-depth product presentations. Ambercycle, a leader in textile recycling and the company behind cycora®, opened its R&D lab to participants, showcasing its process of material collection, consolidation, and molecular regeneration. The company has recently secured a partnership with Chinese recycling giant Shenghong and a four-year Offtake Agreement with GANNI.
As responsible sourcing remains the holy grail to sustainability goals, Transparency-One presented its platform for monitoring supply chain social and environmental risks. Their interactive sessions demonstrated how brands can track and assess materials sourcing and communicate this transparency to consumers.
FibreTrace showcased its patented luminescent pigment technology, which embeds traceable IDs into natural, synthetic, cellulosic, and recycled fibres, allowing real-time digital monitoring. Blended materials are the next frontier, set for launch in 2025, enhancing supply chain visibility in preparation for digital product passports.
The Way Ahead
With the global fashion and textile industry bracing for challenges that threaten sustainability efforts, trade shows are more critical than ever as forums for discussion, innovation, and tangible action. While long-established exhibitions like the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA), Première Vision (Paris), Pitti Immagine Filati (Florence), and Heimtextil (Frankfurt) have solidified their importance through carefully curated directories, newer events of the past decade have positioned themselves as fashion hubs. Preface, however, is committed to maintaining its boutique and innovative profile, fostering meaningful networking and idea exchange.
‘While many trade shows focus solely on sales, we are dedicated to engaging attendees and providing a comprehensive resource for discovering better sourcing options. Preface presents these alternatives in an approachable way, making sustainability more accessible and actionable,’ says Schott. ‘It’s all too easy for fashion brands to maintain the status quo, avoiding the effort required to implement innovative processes or the financial risk of transitioning to more sustainable fabrics.’
The next Preface show is set for 30–31 July 2025 in Los Angeles, with a pop-up event in Vancouver this September. Stay tuned!