Convergence offers range of fabric design services
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, April 5, 2010
GREENSBORO, N.C. —
Textile veterans Todd Bowles and Roxy Ulmsten have launched a marketing consulting business for international and domestic fabric manufacturers, distributors, converters and jobbers.
Their firm, called Convergence, provides services including trend and color information, trend-informed patterns and design interpretations, technical knowledge and expertise, and collection merchandising.
“We saw a void in the marketplace for well-designed, trend-savvy patterns, as well as a void in color and trend information that was applicable and effective,” said Bowles. “There is also a need for fabric suppliers to offer a 'one-stop shopping' approach so that their product cross-merchandises well and shows the breadth and variety of construction price points they offer.”
With over 30 years of combined textile design experience, Bowles and Ulmsten said they can provide design help to larger companies that have downsized, as well as start-ups that are entering the marketplace on a limited budget.
The two said they use trade shows and fashion and design magazines to provide product that is on-trend and marketable, with relevant colorways, patterns and designs.
“We are not an art factory,” Ulmsten said. “We do not make multiple versions of 'what's hot' or 'what we sold last trip.' You own the unique look you buy and it will differentiate you from your customers.”
The consultants also make suggestions regarding warp and filling yarn combinations, applicable weaves and finishing conditions to consider, and weaving conditions to be mindful of or avoid, according to the company's press kit.
Other services Convergence provides are detailed trend boards that can be purchased as-is or tailored with specific pattern ideas; merchandised collections, with collection ideas that cross-reference and incorporate trend themes; and sketchbook pages that include pattern ideas and technical interpretations.
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