Messe Frankfurt and Supima Launch Prefab Fabric Sourcing Event in New York
Curated event will connect approximately 40 Supima member mills with senior sourcing and design professionals on January 19–20, 2027.
Messe Frankfurt is expanding its international textile events portfolio with the introduction of Prefab, a new sourcing platform developed in collaboration with Supima.
The event will take place on January 19–20, 2027, at the Altman Building in New York City. It will connect selected Supima member fabric mills with senior designers, fabric directors, product developers, sourcing specialists and purchasing decision-makers from premium and luxury brands.
Rather than following the format of a conventional trade exhibition, Prefab will use a compact, design-led presentation intended to give participating mills equal visibility. The format will focus on fabric quality, technical expertise, product comparison and business discussions.
Platform Dedicated to SUPIMA® Cotton
Supima represents producers and manufacturers associated with SUPIMA®, the premium cotton brand made from extra-long staple Pima cotton grown in the United States.
SUPIMA® cotton is recognised for its fibre quality, durability, softness and colour retention. Through Prefab, participating mills will present fabrics developed for luxury apparel applications, including:
- Shirting
- Tailoring
- Denim
- Knitted fabrics
- Innovative textile constructions
Jennifer Bacon, VP Fashion and Apparel of Messe Frankfurt, Inc., said:
“New York is one of the world’s most important fashion markets and the right place for a deliberately selective format. Prefab brings outstanding Supima member mills together with the people making material decisions for leading brands – in a focused setting for expertise and long-term partnerships. It is the best-of-the-best approach”
Participation Limited to Supima Member Mills
Exhibiting at Prefab will be reserved exclusively for Supima member fabric mills. The inaugural edition is expected to feature approximately 40 selected exhibitors.
Participation will be curated to maintain consistency in quality and market relevance. The visitor campaign will focus on senior professionals responsible for textile design, fabric development, sourcing and purchasing.
The collaboration combines Supima’s member network with Messe Frankfurt’s textile industry expertise, international reach and event management capabilities. The organisers said the initiative is intended to support business relationships based on quality, innovation and responsible product development.
Buxton Midyette, Vice President Marketing & Promotions, Supima, said:
“Supima is built on the expertise of its member mills and partnerships with brands that value exceptional cotton. Prefab gives this community a dedicated platform to present craftsmanship and innovation and connect directly with the decision-makers shaping future collections.”
Design-Led Setting at the Altman Building
The Altman Building will provide the setting for the first edition of Prefab. Its location in New York City’s garment district is expected to make the event accessible to brands, retailers and designers.
The presentation format will place all exhibitors on an equal footing, with product quality and expertise taking priority over stand size.
Part of Messe Frankfurt’s Curated Textile Event Strategy
Prefab forms part of Messe Frankfurt’s strategy to develop focused sourcing formats for the high-end apparel textile sector.
In Europe, Value Milan will debut from February 3–5, 2027, at The Mall in Porta Nuova, connecting selected international manufacturers with the European fashion market.
While Value Milan will have an international manufacturing focus, Prefab will be dedicated specifically to SUPIMA® cotton and Supima member mills serving the North American market.
Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, said:
“With Value Milan and Prefab in New York, we are strategically expanding our global textile portfolio with highly focused formats that complement our established trade fairs. At the same time, we are strengthening the international Texpertise Network, creating new business opportunities and bringing together the right market players in the right environment.”