António Moreira Gonçalves
After participating in Première Vision’s digital version, LMA saw the last edition of MODTISSIMO as an enriching experience, even if this time it is not possible to meet in person. The company devoted to the production of technical fabrics prepared for this special edition (which will be held from March 10th to 12th) in the same way as always, and debuted the Drirelease fabrics, in partnership with Naia.
In this digital edition, LMA highlighted a new catalog, with biodegradable polyester meshes and the new drirealease meshes, which combine polyester and Naia, an eco-friendly natural fibre obtained from pine and eucalyptus cellulose. “It is extremely sustainable because it consumes very little water in the production process, and comes from forests that are managed according to the rules of non-deforestation”, explains Luis Dias, LMA commercial director. Due to the features of this new fabric – quick drying, anti-odor and soft touch – LMA thinks they are perfect for the casual and confortable wear sectors.
“Online fairs are also an enriching experience. We are learning how to talk to customers through new platforms, which will be useful in the future”, recalls Luís Dias, the company’s commercial manager, explaining that the company prepared for this edition of MODTISSIMO in the same way as it always does. “We had a person in charge of online contact, ready to meet through video-conference, and who was forwarding samples. We were also proactive in organizing meetings with customers we already know”.
For the commercial manager of the company, the main requirement in terms of online fairs is the possibility to talk to costumers through conference calls – a tool that was available on the MODTISSIMO marketplace. “At PV, we didn’t have that feature, and made all the difference. Nothing replaces the touch and the face-to-face events, but it’s still possible to have a conversation in which people explain what they are looking for”, he recalls.
“An email exchange is replaced by a video conference, and, sometimes, three countries are present in the same call. It makes processes more fluid”, he explains.
About the Portuguese textile salon, which is the oldest textile event in the entire Iberian Peninsula, participation was mandatory. “Any Portuguese company has to consider it important. We have already done very good deals at MODTISSIMO”, reveals Luís Sousa Dias.