The UK textile industry has a global reputation. Our mills supply some of the finest fabrics to the most prestigious luxury brands, designers and tailors around the world, while a growing number of creative design studios are gaining momentum thanks to their directional, contemporary approach to prints and weave.

UKFT co-ordinates groups of mills and design studios at the biggest international tradeshows around the world each year, including Première Vision Paris, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, Heimtextil and Interfilière, where buyers, designers and brands go to source the latest fabrics and trends. Closer to home, we are also one of the founding partners behind London fashion fabric sourcing show Textile Forum (held on 16-17 October), where you can find an array of stock and forward-order collections with low minimums.

We’re known for our expertise in exquisite wool, cashmere, linen and silk blends but more recently cotton spinning has returned to the UK and there is even a project underway to grow cotton in a more sustainable way using hydroponics here in London. Innovative new fabrications such as leather alternatives made from pineapple fibre, developed here, are also are also gaining more attention in the international fashion market.

The British Textile Trends seminar is your chance to find out more about our unique textile industry, plus take a look at some of the latest trends and colours for the AW20/21 season.

UKFT will provide an overview of the sector, highlighting the firms blending heritage techniques developed over hundreds of years with the latest technology, as well as artisan craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

Trend consultant Beryl Gibson will introduce the British Textile Trends and Colour Card for AW20/21, which is developed in conjunction with designers at British mills and presented as part of the international trends at Première Vision.

Fabric swatches from over 20 British companies will be on display for you to browse, ranging from the finest luxury cashmeres and wools for tailoring, colourful tartans, tweeds, through to elegant silks and laces for eveningwear and occasionwear.

Beryl will talk through how the process of these trends are developed and outline the key colours and themes for the upcoming season, with a focus on new, innovative and exciting fabrics.

16.30-18.00.

*Please note that when buying a UKFT members-only ticket your membership status will be checked and we reserve the right to cancel any members-only tickets ordered by non-members.