Goodbye To TexSelect
Over fifty years, TexSelect (previously called Texprint) has interviewed more than 10,000 young textile designers and supported more than 1,250 of them to develop their careers and launch into the industry. But, due to industry changes, shrinking sponsorship budgets, and a long-serving management team reaching retirement, TexSelect has found it tough in recent years to raise the funds required. In the era of social media, designers have evolved new ways to promote their talents and develop themselves. So, in its 50th year, the team behind TexSelect have announced its closure.
That means that TexSelect’s presence at Première Vision Paris this September will be its last trip to the international textile fair. Although disappointing news to its many supporters, it remains vital to support the next generation of creative designers, so perhaps in time a ‘TexSelect’ in a new form may emerge to better reflect the needs of global industry as it is now.
TexSelect may be in its final year, but this year's events will go ahead as planned. 18 September will see the much-anticipated presentation of the TexSelect Prizes for Colour, Fashion, Pattern and Interiors, plus presentation of The Woolmark Company TexSelect Award and the Marks & Spencer TexSelect Fashion Fabric Award. This will take place at Première Vision Designs, Hall 5, Première Vision Paris, Parc d'Expositions de Paris-Nord, Villepinte.
Running concurrently from 17 - 19 September and in the same venue will be the presentation of the twenty-four TexSelect star designers’ unique collections to international buyers and press – new, creative and innovative textile designs will be exhibited in the renowned ‘TexSelect Village’ – a great opportunity to commission new works, and to discuss freelance opportunities and possible employment with these exciting and talented young designers.