Messe Frankfurt and Supima Launch ‘Prefab’ Premium Fabric Sourcing Event in New York
Messe Frankfurt has expanded its international textile portfolio with the launch of Prefab, a new boutique-style sourcing event dedicated exclusively to premium fabrics. Scheduled for January 19–20, 2027, at the Altman Building in New York City, the event will bring together selected Supima member fabric mills with senior professionals from premium and luxury fashion brands.
Designed as a focused sourcing platform, Prefab aims to facilitate direct interaction between fabric manufacturers and decision-makers, including designers, fabric directors, product developers and sourcing executives. Unlike traditional large-scale trade fairs, the event will feature a curated exhibitor lineup and targeted visitor engagement, placing greater emphasis on material quality, technical expertise and long-term business relationships.
Curated Platform for Premium Cotton Fabrics
Prefab will be exclusively open to Supima member fabric mills, with approximately 40 selected exhibitors expected to participate in its inaugural edition.
Supima represents producers and manufacturers of SUPIMA®, the premium cotton brand produced from extra-long staple Pima cotton grown in the United States. The fibre is recognised internationally for its durability, softness, colour retention and fibre quality.
The event will showcase how member mills transform SUPIMA® cotton into premium textiles for luxury apparel, including shirting, tailoring, knitwear, denim and advanced fabric constructions.
Boutique Format Focused on Business
The organisers said the event has been designed around a uniform, design-led presentation that provides equal visibility for every participating mill. The format is intended to encourage meaningful business discussions, simplify product comparison and strengthen commercial partnerships.
Jennifer Bacon, Vice President, Fashion and Apparel at Messe Frankfurt Inc., said New York provides an ideal location for a highly selective sourcing platform that connects leading Supima member mills with professionals responsible for material selection at premium fashion brands.
Buxton Midyette, Vice President, Marketing & Promotions at Supima, said the event offers member mills a dedicated platform to showcase craftsmanship and innovation while strengthening relationships with brands developing future collections.
Venue in New York’s Garment District
The inaugural edition will take place at the Altman Building, located in the heart of New York City’s garment district. The venue has been selected to complement the event’s compact format while providing convenient access for designers, retailers and apparel brands.
Expanding Messe Frankfurt’s Global Textile Network
Prefab forms part of Messe Frankfurt’s broader strategy to introduce curated sourcing platforms within its global Texpertise Network.
The launch follows the announcement of Value Milan, another premium textile sourcing event that will debut in Milan from February 3–5, 2027. While Value Milan will connect selected international manufacturers with the European fashion industry, Prefab will focus exclusively on SUPIMA® cotton fabrics for the North American market.
According to Messe Frankfurt, both events are designed to complement its established international textile exhibitions while creating specialised business platforms that connect manufacturers, brands and sourcing professionals in focused environments.
