Mar 14, 2026
International Textile Alliance Affirms Launch of Textile Hall of Fame to Celebrate Leadership in the Textile Industry
HIGH POINT, N.C., March 2, 2026 — The International Textile Alliance (ITA) today reaffirmed the launch of the Textile Hall of Fame, a new recognition honoring exceptional leadership and lifelong contributions within the textile industry.
Textiles represent a distinct and dynamic industry defined by design innovation, technical expertise, global manufacturing, and supply chain leadership. At the same time, textiles are an essential part of the home furnishings industry as a whole, shaping its aesthetic, performance, and commercial success.
“The textile industry stands on its own in scope, history, and global impact,” said David Lappert, President of the ITA Board of Directors. “It is also integral to home furnishings. The Textile Hall of Fame ensures that the executives, entrepreneurs, designers, educators, sales leaders, members of the press, and innovators who have dedicated their careers to textiles receive the focused recognition they deserve.”
Purpose and Positioning
The Textile Hall of Fame is a strategic effort of the International Textile Alliance, developed through ITA’s established board governance process.
The phrase “Hall of Fame” is a widely used designation across industries to recognize excellence and achievement. Multiple halls of fame often exist within related fields to honor contributions across specialized disciplines.
ITA’s Textile Hall of Fame focuses exclusively on individuals whose work has advanced the textile industry. Eligible honorees include leaders across manufacturing, design, sales, education, innovation, global commerce, and trade and consumer press whose influence has elevated textiles within the marketplace.
Selection criteria — including enduring excellence, innovation, leadership, service, and philanthropic contribution — reflect widely accepted standards for industry recognition programs.
Strengthening the Industry
The textile industry has long been a creative and commercial engine within home furnishings and beyond. A dedicated hall of fame:
- Preserves the history and legacy of textile leadership
- Highlights contributions unique to textiles
- Inspires future generations entering the profession
- Elevates recognition across the broader home furnishings industry
“There is strength in recognizing excellence at every level of our industry,” Lappert added. “Focused recognition and broader recognition can coexist. Both reinforce the leadership, innovation, and legacy that define our marketplace.”
Launch at Interwoven Textile Fair
The Textile Hall of Fame will officially launch at the Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA, May 19–21, 2026. ITA will announce its inaugural class of inductees in the coming months.
For more information about the Textile Hall of Fame and nomination criteria, visit:
https://internationaltextilealliance.org/hall-of-fame/
Textile Hall of Fame Logo Images
About the International Textile Alliance (ITA)
Founded in 1990, the International Textile Alliance promotes the growth of the textile industry through education, networking, and collaboration. ITA hosts the bi-annual Interwoven Textile Fair and oversees the ITA Educational Foundation. Based in High Point, North Carolina, ITA is a member-driven nonprofit organization supported by leading companies across the industry.