by Statement comes in response to threat of litigation by the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame over the use of the Hall of Fame moniker
HIGH POINT — The International Textile Alliance on Monday said it will continue the launch of the Textile Hall of Fame, despite the threat of litigation from the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation regarding the use of the Hall of Fame moniker.
The initiative, announced by the ITA this past fall, aims to recognize and honor “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,” the ITA said in a statement Monday. “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.”
The ITA described the Textile Hall of Fame as “a strategic effort of the International Textile Alliance, developed through ITA’s established board governance process.” It noted that the phrase “Hall of Fame” is a widely used designation across various industries “to recognize excellence and achievement. Multiple halls of fame often exist within related fields to honor contributions across specialized disciplines.”
The ITA said its Hall of Fame focuses exclusively on individuals whose work has advanced the textile industry and that eligible honorees include leaders in manufacturing, design, sales, education and global commerce, as well as the trade and consumer press, “whose influence has elevated textiles within the marketplace.”
The selection criteria, it noted, includes enduring excellence, innovation, leadership, service and philanthropic contributions that “reflect widely accepted standard for industry recognition programs.”
Having its own Hall of Fame, it noted:
+ 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 said in reference to both the Textile Hall of Fame and the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame. “Focused recognition and broader recognition can coexist. Both reinforce the leadership, innovation and legacy that define our marketplace.”
