Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 72)

42 Tailor made Jonathan Bernstein, managing director of Bernstein & Banleys, reveals what the fourth-generation family business has to offer for retailers Tell me a little about the company and its origins. Bernstein & Banleys, also known as The Lining Company, is a fourth-generation family-run linings and trimmings merchant. Last year we celebrated our 65 th anniversary. The business was based in London for many years but these days is located in sunny Southend-on-Sea. While we are traditionally known for supplying the bespoke tailoring trade, our customers also include fashion designers, bridal specialists and dressmakers, theatre and film production companies, independent seamstresses and people who like to make their own clothes. What are the products our readers should know about? We have a wide range of high-quality linings and trimmings including buttons, threads, haberdashery and sewing accessories. We supply products for a variety of art and craft requirements, from tape measures and needles to special offer kilo bags of mixed horn buttons. Our fabric products are utilised in many ways. The printed lining collection, which is primarily used in the creation of bespoke suits can also be made into soft furnishings and other homeware creations. Likewise, our cottons and calicos have always been popular in crafting, perhaps because of their versatility. Our own staff are keen crafters and have made some lovely items from the range including a Union Jack flag in company colours and some bright and cheerful bunting. Are there any new launches coming up? We always try to listen and react to customer comments and requirements. For example, we recently heard about a tailor’s chalk manufactured in Japan that UK customers were desperate to locate. We managed to find an exporter and recently launched the product into the marketplace. In addition, our 100 per cent Cupro jacquard lining collection (quality 549) is soon to be extended with some interesting new designs. We also plan to introduce a range of pure silk brocade, ideal for craft and interiors projects. Where can retailers get to see your products? Everything is available to view on our website, categorised by linings, trimmings, threads, buttons, accessories and special offers. Customers are also invited to contact our sales team by phone or email to discuss their requirements and request samples. Does the company exhibit at any trade shows? We attend a number of events, both in the UK and overseas. We have exhibited at Textile Forum in London for the past 16 years, and internationally we go to trade shows in Munich, New York “We have also noticed key trends acr oss fabrics, with customers moving towards 100 per cent viscose and Cupr o linings, which are luxurious yet durable.”