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The big deal in upholstery fabric for 2002 will be faux (synthetic) suedes. They represent a happy marriage between tough and tender — durability plus sensual and aesthetic appeal.
In addition to their classic, usually solid-color good looks, these fabrics are long-wearing and easy to clean, and they have the appeal of leather in a more affordable package.
The product has been around for years in at least four incarnations (flocked, knitted, woven and nonwoven) and in prices ranging from under $4 to more than $40. What's new is the growth in the category in the past couple of years, and the pronounced increase in the number of manufacturers embracing it this year.
More and more faux
Manufacturers expect the U.S. market to follow Europe's lead in an appreciation of faux suede, just as it did for leather in the 1990s. Faux suede is estimated to be as much as 30% to 40% of the upholstery market in Europe.
Twenty-five years ago suede fabric made of ultra-microdenier polyester was the darling of apparel designers like Halston. Faux suede became a fashion classic — and it remains so.
The fabric favorite was pricey though, but things have changed. Offshore production has moved beyond Japan (where ultra-microfiber was invented) into countries with cheaper labor costs, and prices have dipped below $10 a yard from some sources in Taiwan, Korea and China.
There are differences, obviously, between goods that sell for $4 and for $40. The higher-priced versions, such as Ultrasuede and Sensuede, are generally heavier, have a more leather-like drape and, because of the technology with which they are constructed, usually need no backing.
Not just high-end
There's also a lower-priced range in the category — flocked and knitted goods, in particular — that has been highly successful. These products don't compete with the high-end goods, although it's interesting to see how many manufacturers include both price points in their introductions.
The mid-range of the category is the one growing so quickly with sources like Dorell Fabric, Culp, Guilford Mills, J.B. Martin and Tietex.
Most of the major full-line upholstery makers are using faux suede more than ever. But many leather specialists, including Natuzzi, Chateaux d'Ax, LeatherTrend, American Leather and Natale, also have significant faux suede programs and believe it represents crucial plus business.
Beverly Murphy, who designed several collections for BenchCraft that were launched in October, is one of many furniture designers who believe faux suede will continue to gain importance. "It's quite a lot of look for the money," Murphy said. "In Europe, leather is strong, but the faux suede is really taking over."
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