Fabric Fest

(Dayton, Ohio) - In researching for my previous post on Fashion in the Midwest, I discovered almost every fashion designer I talked encountered the same issue: "where to buy fabric" and "how much to pay for fabric".  Because the lack of local retail outlets, designers often purchase over the internet and pay high prices for their fabric including sample cost. Another factor in paying higher prices is also not knowing HOW to buy. While researching this issue, I ran across a company called V. Mora out of Chicago during a trade show in Manhattan.  I stayed in contact with Anna Livermore, the owner of V. Mora, and she was gracious enough to accept my invitation to come speak to designers here in Dayton, OH.  The goal was to help designers avoid some of the pitfalls beginning designer make including overpaying for fabric.  However, Anna and her business associate, Jay Arbetman of The Sourcing District, had already been traveling the country together putting on a trade show of their own titled Fabric Fest. So, after some discussion we decided to expand on the visit and bring Fabric Fest to Dayton and see how it would be received in the area.

The show was hosted on a rainy Saturday morning by Industry Events at De'Lish Cafe in Downtown Dayton.  The show was a success, drawing designers from Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus and as far way as Detroit.  The show was well attended by designers, fashion insiders and the media. Designers relished the chance to see, feel and touch fabrics that are normally only available in places like Chicago and New York.  Designers also had the chance to learn about buying wholesale and received the answer to several of their other fabric questions from Jay Abertman of The Sourcing District.  Anna sat with many designers answering their fashion design process questions and gave her talk on 5 Mistakes Beginning Designers.  Fabric Fest has also been held in Chicago, Denver, Austin and other cities around the country.  Designers interested in educating themselves on not only design but the business of fashion are encouraged to attend the next Fabric Fest, as well as, contact V. Mora and The Sourcing District to move their fashion business to the next level.

(Anna delivering her presentation on 5 Mistakes Beginning Designers Make)

(Ed Dixon of Industry Events being interviewed for ABC22/FOX45 News)

(Designer Damien Sheppard of Manufactured Products)

(Jay Arbetman, Anna Livermore and Ed Dixon)