Swatches

NEW YORK — Kazumi Yoshida, who has been vp, design for Clarence House since last fall, has assumed the additional responsibilities of creative director following the death of Robin Roberts, founder and former owner, according to Ron Kaufman, president of P/Kaufmann. P/Kaufmann acquired Clarence House in May 2002.

HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND — The Scoperta fabric trade show appears to be bucking the current trend of shrinkage in the exhibitions industry, according to Trade-Link, which organizes the annual event held in Chiasso, Switzerland.

Bill Davis, managing director of Trade Link, said rebooking for Scoperta has exceeded expectations, with more than 77 percent of the exhibitors at the 2002 show already signed on. The show will be held May 2003.

More than 15 percent more floor space has been created for the 2003 show, he said.

Companies making their first appearance at Scoperta 2003 will include Prestige and Tosunoglu from Turkey, Texco from Belgium, and Wibitex and Ta-Bru from Italy, bringing the total number of countries represented to 17. Trade Link expects the 2003 show to be fully booked within three months.

The market is timed to run concurrently with the annual Proposte fabric show, held just over the border in Como, Italy.

ARCHDALE, NC — Tom Finneran has joined American Century Home Fabrics as president. Finneran reports to Jason Jiang, chairman and owner. The firm produces fabrics in China and maintains warehouses in High Point, NC, and Tupelo, MS.

American Century's product lineup has been focused on decorative and upholstery fabrics. Finneran said the company will make a major product introduction for the home textiles market segment for Showtime in July.

The company is also making a major effort to protect its designs by copyrighting all eligible patterns for basic art to design in the United States, Finneran said.

Finneran most recently was executive vp of Cone Jacquards. He was with Joan Fabrics Corp. earlier, as well as Quaker Fabrics.

CUVIO, ITALY — Mascioni Italy said it will be offering turnkey service, broadening its scope to include finished fabrics and finished product.

The company also announced it has hired Flabio Clerici as manager of its converting department. Clerici spent the past six years at Frette, where he was supply chain manager for the hospitality division.

Carlo Mascioni, ceo, said: "Our business has changed dramatically over the past few years, and the market we cater to is demanding a ceaseless supply of leading-edge concepts, in terms of innovative fabric treatments, grey goods and finished products. The new converting function will allow Mascioni's customers to diversify across the board, without the added expense of managing a more complex supply chain."