Weinheim, March 22, 2013. When Louis Vuitton has an idea for a new garment, he first puts his vision to paper. To make designers’ extravagant dreams come true, you also need interlinings from Freudenberg Nonwovens. In the neckline of a blouse, the front of a tuxedo or in a printed lining for a jacket, interlinings ensure that garments have a perfect fit and an immaculate shape. They inspire famous designers throughout the world to design sophisticated clothing and to shape extravagant lines. They simplify and perfect the handling and care of a variety of materials. Such designers’ dreams have been presented to the European field sales associates of Freudenberg Nonwovens at the “Insights” fashion show. This gave them an overview of the versatility of interlinings and innovations for the 2013/2014 collection. The sales associates have now gone on tour to customers in 25 countries throughout the world with the fashion show.
A bright red blazer with matching pants worn by a lady as she proceeds elegantly over the catwalk: the audience clap. Nonwoven interlinings in the front of the blazer make sure that the material keeps its shape. Interlinings are also used in the pant legs, ensuring a good line. The fashion show demonstrates current trends in interlinings and how they can be used for designers’ collections.
In Europe, Freudenberg Nonwovens produces about 250 million square meters of interlinings from a variety of materials, with nonwovens accounting for about half of the total volume. Total interlinings sales in Europe amount to €120 million. Interlinings must meet demanding specifications: garments need to hug the figure but still be comfortable. High elasticity in all directions is achieved using bi-elastic interlinings. For this purpose, Freudenberg has developed special elastic nonwovens, H-elastic interlinings.
Printing, dyeing and bleaching: often, a garment only receives its final appearance after it has been sewn. Up to 20 different process stages may be involved before the product is sold. The interlining also needs to withstand processes such as dyeing, bleaching or steaming without damage. Interlinings need to be suitable for use with a large number of different textiles, to have good adhesion and to prevent deformation caused by hot or cold conditions. That’s why Freudenberg developers like Guido Rimini are continuously working on improved interlinings and properties.
Nowadays, printed interlinings can even replace the lining of a coat or blazer and be combined with the top material as a unit. Another innovation is a new volume fleece that is as soft as down, light and very voluminous. It also retains its shape. In winter anoraks, this material keeps the wearer just as warm as down and even provides warmth if the government is moist.