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Stoll shines at SpinExpo New York
75 exhibiting companies from 16 countries presented their variety of textile fibres and new yarns for flat bed machines, circular knits, weaving and accessories manufacturers. Additionally new techniques and developments were being introduced to the market. This exhibition is one approach to offer also American customers valuable information and solutions, especially in times of economic changes. The purpose of the SpinExpo according to the organizer is to provide the industry with as much information and education as possible, and to encourage the designers and manufacturers desire to achieve better products. Leading German flat knitting machine manufacturer Stoll was present and exhibited machinery and a wide range of designs. The following is an interview with Ms Katja Schimmelpfennig, General Manager of Stoll Fashion and Technology Int. Center Shanghai and Ms Antje Weidner, Chief Designer of the Center.
A. Over the past years the production for knitwear has almost entirely moved to Asia and the majority of the knitters in the US closed down their business for mass production. With this shift a lot of knowledge has been lost. Yet the biggest influence for design and trends still comes from the US and Europe. Stoll has committed itself to supporting the knitting industry and hence we have two Fashion & Technology Centers, one in Shanghai, China and since April this year one in New York in the fashion district. While in China we are working closely with manufacturers and trading companies helping them in successfully producing their products or finding the right manufacturers for their order, the target in New York is different. In New York we want to be close to the designers and product developers in order to help them in achieving better results. Next to the sampling and prototyping services we also offer seminars and training classes in New York. Q. What was Stoll showing at the SpinExpo exhibition in New York? A. “To be close to the product”- therefore Stoll presented one of the coarse machines CMS 520 C E3, which promotes the high quality hand knitting appearance. As the machine was running on the booth the visitors got an authentic picture. The green coloured knit and wear hats knitted during the exhibition could be found later in the hands of numerous interested visitors. Especially labels and designers were attracted by the modern set up of the Stoll booth. They were able to take a look at the latest trend collections of the Fashion and Technology Centers. “Tailored Sport” which has been developed in Germany was showcased on the catwalks of SpinExpo once a day.
The Stoll team was answering questions about these new features”felting and bonding” as well as questions regarding new techniques and workmanship. It was noticeable that the visitors appreciated receiving highly knowledgeable answers. Not to forget the Stoll Pattern Library that was exposed including all structures and details of the last three trend collections. These turned out to be treasures for people from the market looking for inspiration and innovative ideas. Q. How was the feedback from the market? A. The general atmosphere was positive, combined with sheer curiosity and interest. There seemed to be a demand in information. Especially in the seminars that were offered by leading companies and trend offices it became obvious by the questions of the visitors. Stoll had chosen the subject “Layering in Flat-Knitting” which presented the variety of possibilities of this technique. The seminar went much further than just explaining the technique it further more demonstrated the complexity and opportunities achievable in knitwear. Compared to the SpinExpo in Shanghai the visitors in New York were not just interested in yarns, but more for solutions and technical knowhow. One reason for this is that they are more involved in sampling and design. I also had the impression that the visitors did not expect such kind of concept for the exhibition, nor the amount of suppliers and the given trend or technical information.
A. As mentioned there were less trading companies attending the fair, but more labels, designers and product managers. The majority visitors were garment manufacturers (43%), wholesale (21%) and retailers (15%). Most visitors were based in the New York area looking for yarn and sampling possibilities. Pleasantly surprising was the high percentage of 11% of Asian visitors. Q. What was special for the exhibition? A. SpinExpo provides knowledge based on a high amount of research and a modern view of the market. In the trend areas people were taking pictures and reading in the Spring/Summer 2010 directions “Develop your eye”. They also reacted highly responsive to the Autumn/Winter 2010/11 forecast where 5 key fashion trends were offered. One eye catching theme “La maison de SpinExpo” attracted a lot of visitors. Also the Stoll Shanghai Fashion & Technology International Center was contributing to this project held by Carruthers Associates.
These especially developed items showed again a modern approach to making knitwear more usable yet very fashionable. Stoll 'Tailored Sport' Trend Collection
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The combination of casual and tailored elements was shown in
highly advanced garments. Felting as one treatment to reach a more woven look
has been used as well as needle punch. “Bonding” as a new way of “connecting” knitted
parts appeared as a technical contrast, innovative in the field of knitwear.
An unusual range of home items and accessories was
displayed. Visitors found it surprising to discover knitted products of everyday
life, including seat covers, lamp shades, shoes and functional bags.
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