BSTIM, (re) location

The experiential consumption goes today by the «made in Spain». A few months ago in a fashion workshop, I heard many panellists talking about the difficulties of manufacturing in Spain. February is full of events to activate the fashion market. It could be said from the catwalk to the fair. In the coming weeks, the BSTIM Fair (Best Solutions in Textile Manufacturing) will be held in Igualada on 25 and 26 February.

Bstim pursues the Catalan textile industrial companies can offer their services to brands, designers and European distributors seeking new suppliers or raising stop manufacturing in Asia for doing it in Europe. It is a professional salon in the international arena whose objective is to stimulate manufacturing proximity and strengthen the local industry. 

Clearly, it is a unique opportunity for young emerging designers and fashion companies. Local producers offer many advantages over foreign markets as a close treatment, the possibility of making shorter series, custom designs, speed of delivery and avoid stocks and financial costs. In addition, companies also value to establish a trust relationship with the supplier, which is durable and contribute to the development of brand products. 

Although there are similar fairs in Paris and Florence, BSTIM is the first fair of textile production in Spain and the only European exhibition designed exclusively for local producers. BSTIM is organized by two non-profit organizations: Igualada Fair and textile cluster FAGEPI, it is also supported by Igualada city council – which finances the event- the Government of Catalonia and Fashion Cluster of Catalonia, among others.

The Fair has a budget of 100,000 Euros and if it generates profits, these will be reinvested in future editions of the event. It will take place in the modernist building «Escroxador» Igualada, an emblematic architectural complex in the city, with over 1,000 square meters in the ground floor, the stands will be devised by the designer Jordi Ribaudí who is from Igualada.

The BSTIM fair has an advisory group composed of experts from the fashion sector. The members of this expert group are, Jordi Balselles vice president of Desigual in Asia, the designer Josep Abril, Albert Esteve owner of Sita Murt, CEO Stichway Joan Gabarró, Miquel Rodriguez manager of the Consortium of Trade, Crafts and Fashion of Catalonia, Silvia Widows as director of the School of Design Felicidad Duce, Pilar Riano editor of the magazine Modaes Coolture, the President of Fashion and Textile cluster of Catalonia, Bernat Biosca and communication manager in the same cluster Susana Barasoain. All of them collaborate selflessly.

I often comment that it is unthinkable that despite we are leaders in consumer brands, the benefit does not return to the country. It is unconceivable, also having industrial tradition, skilled workforce for all textile processes (design, pattern, fabric and clothing) and mastery of all processes such as logistics, technology and product preparation. The (re) location of textile enterprises is urgent. The market for non conceives a delocalized production. Clients value the origin of the garment. It is increasingly aware and demanding.

It’s time to regain lost market power, resulting from the crisis caused by the liberalization of textile 2005. It brings together almost 150 marquistas and industrial enterprises, which generate over 2,500 jobs and represent a turnover of 350 million per year. In Igualada are produced annually 6 million knitwear brands and retailers from across Europe and also has its own brands such as Sita Murt, Punto Blanco, Buff or Scorpion. These are really good news, also related with IELuxury Barometer published some weeks ago, which collected the trend of local production and quality characteristic and experiential luxury consumer. Sustainability in fashion, goes thought defend domestic production, not as a protectionist expression but as a manifestation of quality.  References: Marina Llasanta, Bstim.press.