Messe Frankfurt has expanded its global textile portfolio with the launch of Prefab, a new boutique-style fabric sourcing event developed in collaboration with Supima. Scheduled to take place on 19–20 January 2027 at the Altman Building in New York City, the event will bring together selected Supima member fabric mills and senior professionals from premium and luxury fashion brands.
Designed as a highly curated sourcing platform, Prefab will connect fabric mills with designers, fabric directors, product developers and sourcing executives in a focused business environment where quality, expertise and meaningful collaboration take precedence over scale.
Unlike a conventional trade fair, Prefab adopts a compact, design-led format that places fabrics and technical knowledge at the forefront. A uniform exhibition layout will provide equal visibility to every participating mill while encouraging productive discussions, material comparisons and long-term business relationships.
A Dedicated Platform for Premium SUPIMA® Cotton
Prefab will exclusively showcase fabrics developed by Supima member mills, highlighting the versatility of SUPIMA®, the premium cotton brand produced from extra-long staple Pima cotton grown in the United States. Renowned for its exceptional softness, durability, colour retention and fibre quality, SUPIMA® is widely recognised across the global textile industry.
The event will feature premium fabric developments across categories including shirting, tailoring, denim, knitwear and 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.”
Exclusive Participation for Supima Member Mills
Exhibition opportunities at Prefab will be reserved exclusively for Supima member fabric mills. The inaugural edition is expected to feature approximately 40 carefully selected exhibitors, with participation curated to ensure relevance and consistent quality. Visitor outreach will focus on senior professionals responsible for design, fabric development, sourcing and purchasing.
The collaboration combines Supima’s network of member mills with Messe Frankfurt’s international expertise in textile exhibitions to strengthen business opportunities built around innovation, craftsmanship 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 Venue in the Heart of New York
The event will be hosted at the Altman Building, offering an intimate environment that supports the exhibition’s curated format. The venue’s location within New York City’s garment district provides convenient access for designers, retailers and fashion brands while ensuring a setting focused on quality interactions rather than large-scale exhibition spaces.
Strengthening Messe Frankfurt’s Global Textile Network
Prefab forms part of Messe Frankfurt’s strategy to develop specialised sourcing platforms for the premium apparel textile industry. Alongside Value Milan, which will debut from 3–5 February 2027, the new event expands the company’s Texpertise Network, offering focused business environments tailored to regional markets.
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.”
