Hosted at Ambercycle, industry insiders get a bold peek into an innovative fashion ecosystem and an arena of renewed polyester and sustainability.
By Daniella Platt, consumer behavior expert
The Preface tradeshow in Los Angeles didn’t just show us the future of fashion—it gave us a lens into what fashion would look like when innovation and sustainability take center stage. Taking place just after the Los Angeles fires, the event was purposely kept “on” the calendar to bring the community together.
Hosted at the Ambercycle factory in West Adams against the backdrop of a facility transforming end-of-life polyester into virgin-grade materials, Preface proved that fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful—it can be smart, circular and cutting-edge, a perfect fit for a show redefining the future of textiles. Stepping inside, participants were welcomed into a curated tradeshow space of creativity, refined materials and conscious design, and were invited to tour Ambercycle’s innovative factory.
Founded in 2018, Preface was created as a movement of merging innovative concepts with sourcing. It brings the apparel industry closer to a reality where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation. With a boutique-style format and a highly curated exhibitor list, Preface offers a refreshing, intimate and inspiring experience for those who are serious about the future of fashion.
We caught up with the Preface team to talk about sustainable fashion, the industry’s biggest challenges and what’s next for this powerhouse event.
What brands are featured at Preface, and what is its overall mission?
Preface is all about curation. Each season, we carefully select a diverse group of exhibitors and textile innovators whose work aligns with our mission: bringing together like-minded makers and suppliers dedicated to sustainability and textile innovation. We focus on materials that offer better alternatives to conventional fabrics, helping designers kickstart their collections with a more responsible approach.
What’s the biggest challenge in getting brands to adopt sustainable materials?
Cost. Let’s be real—many brands take their cues from consumers, and if shoppers aren’t demanding sustainable products, brands often won’t prioritize them. That’s why education is everything. Preface partners with innovators whose technology is both accessible and cost-effective, making it easier for brands to embrace sustainability without sacrificing their bottom line. It’s all about striking that balance between responsibility and reality.
What’s next for Preface? Any exciting projects or launches on the horizon?
West Coast energy is strong, and we’re riding that wave! This fall, Preface is making an international debut with a pop-up event in Vancouver, BC. Expanding our reach means more brands, more innovation and more impact.
Any advice for creating a long-term impact in the fashion industry?
Consistency is everything. We’ve hosted Preface every season for the past seven years—even during COVID, when we pivoted with our “show in a box.” That kind of dedication has been key to our steady growth. Keeping our show intentionally small also allows us to stay agile and adapt to the industry’s ever-changing landscape.
A Show Highlight: A Tour of Ambercycle’s Innovation Lab
Here’s a creative way to keep your clothing in the ecosystem. Polyester, one of the world’s most widely used fabrics, is made from oil. Enter the Ambercycler: one part of the process that purifies old polyester scraps for reproduction into a new material.
Yes, it’s science, but it’s also the future of fashion. Ambercycle’s full process extracts and separates dyes and contaminants, and converts it into polyester pellets, ready to be spun into brand-new textiles called Cycora, a recyclable polyester.
Brands like Athleta and Ganni are already using these recycled polyester materials, proving that quality and sustainability can coexist.
Is polyester here to stay? Probably. Innovations like these eliminate the cost to the planet.
What’s Next?
As the name suggests, Preface is about the beginning: a place to find the top materials and suppliers needed to begin your design story. The next Preface show will be July 30-31 in Los Angeles. Stay in the loop at prefaceshow.com, and join for conversations with industry innovators in an interactive forum as you connect with others. Don’t miss it. Say hi if you’re there!
