News / Art
Is the French consumer textile industry really dead?
Quality French textile making a comeback with on-demand numeric printing
When you hear the words French textile industry you may think of the world famous French fashion industry, but there is more to the French textile industry than the glamorous and sometimes eccentric couture designs.
Alsace, France, was once home to a thriving fabric and clothing industry. Alsace is located in the eastern part of France and borders Germany. The Schlumpf brothers, owners of world’s largest privately owned automobile collection, diversified and built a textile empire in Alsace between 1935 and 1970, although the Alsacian textile industry dates back to before the 18th century.
Toward the end of the 18th century, Jean-Henri Dollfus created a textile and leather company later known as DMC. The company thrived until the late 1960’s in Mulhouse which is located in southern Alsace. At one time DMC employed over 30,000 people. Unfortunately, like many of its competitors in the industry, DMC declined after the 1970’s petrol crisis. Competition from Asian markets and cheap labor has left the company struggling to survive today with just 400 employees. Many other companies have closed their doors, and the once rich traditional textile industry of South Alsace has all but disappeared.
Today new technology has provided new opportunities. Even as some of the high quality and luxury textile industry stand strong, the near death of these industry giants has lead to wide open spaces for small and innovative companies. They are riding the new wave of technology known as numeric printing. Much like your consumer ink-jet printer at home, larger printers of similar technology allow for the printing of fabrics on demand. Small or large quantity designs can be printed on rolls of virgin fabric with relative ease. This technology tremendously increases reaction time to market changes and consumer trends. No longer does it take months to respond to the needs and desires of consumers.
Founded on the tradition of French quality and craftsmanship, Claybourg International, LLC, is a Chicago area based company that is proud to celebrate French design and heritage. We specialize in online sales and distribution of beautifully functional handmade French clay cookware such as bakers - with and without lids, tureens, clay cups, salad bowls, hanging planters, and genuine French art deco items.
In addition to our clay pottery Claybourg has recently formed an exclusive partnership with one of the dynamic newcomers in the French luxury textile industry from Alsace. Claybourg International is pleased to announce the launch of its first line of kitchen accessories featuring high quality, 100% French made aprons, kitchen towels, pot holders and place mats!
The aprons are sold by the unit and also in kits with the other kitchen accessories. Products ship directly from France free of charge. This reflects a remarkable savings if one considers the cost of overseas package shipping. Customers can mix and match from among 12 different exquisite designs. Our prices indicate a savings of up to half off the normal retail price in French stores.
We invite you to possess a little bit of France. If you are looking for high quality kitchen accessories, gorgeous design, and the prestige and pride that comes from owning a genuine French apron, kitchen towel, pot holder or place mat. contact us today. Experience the beauty and luxury of 100% French manufactured items that you will treasure forever and be proud to share with your family and friends. Visit Claybourg at www.claybourg.com for ordering information, recipes, and news on our colorful lines of French kitchen accessories and cookware!
