Survey of the European Yarn Fairs for Spring/Summer 2012

Abstract

This update summarises the mood and trends at the European yarn fairs for spring/summer 2012. The author of the report visited Expofil, Filo and Pitti Immagine Filati, where she interviewed exhibitors and found out first-hand which trends were proving to be the most popular. After a disastrous year for the European high fashion yarn industry in 2009, preliminary results for 2010 show a definite recovery. One factor behind the recovery is that the sourcing of knitwear, and yarns for knitwear, has been moving back from China to Europe. In fact, many European spinners now see China as a good market for their high fashion, top end yarns.

Table of Contents

• SUMMARY
• YARN FAIRS
• Trading conditions
• Filo
• Pitti Immagine Filati
• Expofil
• YARN TRENDS
• Colour
• Natural fibres and blends
• Linen and silk
• Viscose and silk-like yarns
• Spring luxury fibres and merino wool
• Hand knitting
• Fibres and yarns inspired by nature, environmental awareness and well-being
• Recycled yarns: Newlife
• Eco-friendly fibres to promote wellbeing
• Yarn technologies
• Murata vortex air jet spinning
• Extra-long staple (ELS) cotton
• Ice Cotton

List of tables

• Table 1: Italy: production, trade and sales of yarn, 2005-10
• Table 2: Pitti Immagine Filati: number of foreign visitors by country, January 2011
• Table 3: European yarn fairs for spring/summer 2012