Reporting from Istanbul. Here’s the very best of Fabric Textile and Accessories Fair as it happened.
This year, we’ve witnessed a significant trend with a growing number of requests from new potential clients seeking vegan, durable, and sustainable materials for their products. Specializing in medium and high-end fashion brands, we diligently source materials from various suppliers across the country. Our offerings include recycled fabrics, fabrics made from recycled ocean plastics, and leather alternatives such as apple leather and cactus leather (although the latter is synthetic rather than entirely natural – more on this later). Additionally, we provide printing services for designs on recycled plastic and recycled polyester fabrics.
In this blog, we highlight the most interesting, innovative and newest fabrics from the exhibition that we’ve discovered and selected to share with you. It’s fascinating to see an increasing number of small and large fabric suppliers developing eco-conscious fabrics. At JA, we are committed to continually sourcing from these producers to meet the growing demand from European fashion brands, all while keeping the environment in mind.
INNREST – Fishing Net / EcoVero / Recycled
The process begins with the removal of lost and discarded fishing nets from the ocean. About 12.7 million tons of marine garbage are generated annually, and about 640,000 tons of this comes from fishing gear. This tool, called ‘ghost fishing tackle’ , can damage reefs, kill marine life and pollute the environment in general. Plastic nets are collected and cleaned, then converted into fresh nylon plastic pellets. A product with the same tensile strength, impact resistance and weather resistance as the untreated material is obtained. They provide recycling collection methods to help prevent waste from being left in the ocean in the first place. This fabric producer will be helping to reduce environmental pollution with their fabrics made from recycled fishing nets.
ORGANIC COTTON VELVET
Amazing new fabrics and beautiful colors are available.
CRAFTED FOR TRANSIENCE:
Product: Bioplastic Fabric
Composition: Corn starch, glycerin, activated carbon, water.
At the core of this project lies the production of bioplastic, where emphasis is placed not only on the serenity but also the rebellious and obscure facets of nature. During bioplastic production, enough material can be generated to craft a women’s jacket using only 1 liter of water. Similarly, desired colors can be achieved through natural dyeing methods, also utilizing minimal water. While ongoing research explores the material’s lifespan, it was designed with impermanence in mind. Once its utility is exhausted, it can be effortlessly composted in soil without posing harm to the environment.
LIGNIFY
Lignify leverages the abundant lignin waste generated yearly by the paper manufacturing sector, presenting a sustainable vegan leather substitute. By harnessing this natural polymer, Lignify repurposes industrial waste into premium-grade material, incorporating bio-based polyurethane technology for an environmentally conscious manufacturing process. Versatile across multiple industries, Lignify delivers both durability and visual allure, catering to fashion, automotive, and interior design sectors alike.
ANTEP KUTNU
Antep Kutnu, which translates to “Kutnu from Antep” or “Kutnu Square in Ekru,” arrived in Gaziantep during the 16th century through families migrating from Syria to Gaziantep. The term “kutnu” comes from Arabic, meaning “cotton,” and shares the same root as the English word “cotton.” Over time, it became known as a distinctive woven fabric characteristic of the region. The names of Kutnu fabrics vary based on the weaving pattern, materials used, thread density, and patterns. They are commonly used in women’s clothing, often in the form of three-piece skirts.
MUĞLA ÜZÜMLÜ HEADSCARF
The headscarves woven in Üzümlü, known today as green grapes, date back to the times when Turkic tribes settled in the region. Üzümlü headscarf weaving involves using the same thickness of wool warp and weft threads, woven in a plain weave, and typically measures around 60-70 cm in width. The patterns can be geometric, symbolic, botanical, or figurative. Motifs such as snakes, leeches, kilims, sticks, Circassians, ulamas, pumpkin flowers, daisies, and camel footprints are commonly used in the patterns. These textiles have been used as headscarves, undergarments, covers, curtains, bedspreads, and clothing.
EHRAM / IHRAM
Ehram, used for covering purposes, has been utilized in many cultures throughout history, not only in Anatolia. The weaving of ehram was traditionally done by men in the region until women took over the task after men went to war, particularly in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions. It is the traditional attire of local women in these regions. If the color of the ehram is light, it indicates a young woman, while a dark color suggests an elderly woman.
HATAY SILK
The silk moth, originating from China, and the tree on which it lives may have arrived in the Middle East during the time of the Sasanians in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Sericulture was an industry at least until the 17th century, producing valuable fabrics woven in the Middle East, Byzantium, and Italy.
BIOPERFUME
BioPerfume offers Perfumed Microcapsule Technology, where an unlimited number of microcapsules containing perfume are successfully applied to the 100% wool fabric used in your preferred clothing. Activated by the bursting of capsules during movement, BioPerfume imparts a pleasant scent for both women and men, providing all-day freshness. It effectively neutralizes unpleasant odors such as cigarette smoke and oil, while also refreshing the fabric. Resistant to dry cleaning, this technology includes Aloe Vera, Seaweed, and Vitamin E, promoting healthy-looking skin and imparting a calming effect. Experience a feeling of freshness and vitality as it moisturizes the skin and offers natural stretch.
