European spinners and fabric manufacturers have continued to focus their energy on creating high quality, innovative yarns while cutting back production of the more basic, high volume items which
can not compete with similar goods made in low cost countries. Inevitably, this policy has resulted in a much smaller European yarn and fabric industry.
The yarn and fabric fairs in Europe have reflected these developments with changes of their own. The Italian fabric fairs have overcome their regional rivalry and have joined together for a third time in Milan, at Milano Unica, to represent the Italian industry as a whole. There have been similar developments in Paris, where yarns and fabrics are now shown together at Première Vision, renowned to be the most important fashion fabric show in Europe.
Reports from spinners and fabric manufacturers suggest that a policy of focusing on quality is paying off. Reports from Italian textile and clothing manufacturers signify that sales have, on the whole,
increased over the last three years.
For the autumn/winter 2007/08 season, the fashion trend towards finer yarns and lighter weight fabrics has continued, while a character of understatement and restraint in terms of design, colour and texture is apparent. A strong preference for natural fibres is evident, with a focus on high quality versions of classic yarns and the use of relatively complex blends. | 
