A government-based firm, Japan External Trade Organization, will be hosting its first Japan Textile Salon in New York city. Around 22 textile exhibitors are chosen to showcase design techniques and the use of various fabrications and materials.

Asuka Yatabe, a project coordinator for the Japan External Trade Organization, said that the exhibitors selected are “among the top weavers, design studios and manufacturers. This show is extremely focused.”

Yatabe said that JETRO narrowed down its exhibitor list by enlisting the help of the Japan Fashion Week Organization, a major player in the Japanese textile industry. The companies selected for the salon are “highly compatible” with the global market, according to Yatabe. Many of them have already established strong relationships with very well-known design houses based in Europe and through various textile shows we host in partnership with Japan Fashion Week.

At the show, it will introduce Japanese color trends for the upcoming spring 2019 season with a focus two themes: Moon Night Diver, a compilation of blues purples and greens that “depict the interplay of light and show;” and Biotech Lab, a “nature-inspired” palette comprised of botanical greens and blue-greens.

According to the organization, notable fabrics for display include organic cottons, Coolmax, premium fabrics made by a special circular loom that employs a traditional silk braiding technology, and water-repellent stretch fabrics. And technologies will be on display, such as inkjet printing techniques and traditional Japanese hand-printing methods.

Each exhibitor is selected because of his or her contribution to the show’s “uniqueness” regarding novelty in textures, fabric innovation or use of natural materials; craftsmanship in printing techniques or technology; functionality, or utilitarian fabrics, and ecology, for the use of sustainable materials.

Companies exhibiting at the salon include Styletex Co., Numajiri Textile Laboratory, Design House Kaze Corp., Sunwell and StyleM.

Yatabe also noted that the Textile Salon “will evoke inspiration and creativity” for fabric buyers pursuing authentic, quality, and unique Japanese fabrics. This is what Japanese novelty fabrics are all about. They are confident buyers will leave their show with many special gems.

JETRO will be also hosting a cocktail reception for attendees directly after the event.

The event will take place on Jan. 17 and 18, in New York City at The Altman Building. The show aims to increase sales and distribution channels within the U.S. market for each exhibitor.