ITA Moves Forward with Textile Hall of Fame Despite Legal Threat

The International Textile Alliance will launch its own industry recognition program despite objections from the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The International Textile Alliance (ITA) announced it will proceed with the launch of the Textile Hall of Fame, despite a threat of litigation from the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation over the use of the 'Hall of Fame' moniker. The ITA says the Textile Hall of Fame will recognize exceptional leadership and contributions within the distinct textile industry, which it sees as separate from but integral to the broader home furnishings sector.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights tensions between specialized industry groups and broader umbrella organizations over how to best recognize and honor leaders and innovators. The ITA believes the textile industry deserves its own dedicated Hall of Fame, while the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame sees the 'Hall of Fame' name as its exclusive domain.

The details

The ITA says the Textile Hall of Fame will focus exclusively on individuals who have advanced the textile industry through work in manufacturing, design, sales, education, global commerce, and trade/consumer media. The selection criteria includes enduring excellence, innovation, leadership, service, and philanthropic contributions. The ITA argues the Textile Hall of Fame will preserve the history and legacy of textile leadership, highlight unique textile contributions, inspire future generations, and elevate recognition across the broader home furnishings industry.

  • The Textile Hall of Fame initiative was announced by the ITA this past fall.
  • The ITA made its statement about moving forward with the Hall of Fame on March 2, 2026.

The players

International Textile Alliance (ITA)

A trade organization representing the textile industry, which is developing the Textile Hall of Fame initiative.

American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation

The organization that oversees the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, which has threatened litigation over the ITA's use of the 'Hall of Fame' name.

David Lappert

President of the ITA Board of Directors, who stated that the Textile Hall of Fame will ensure textile industry leaders receive the recognition they deserve.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— ITA (Home News Now)

“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.”

— David Lappert, President of the ITA Board of Directors (Home News Now)

“There is strength in recognizing excellence at every level of our industry. Focused recognition and broader recognition can coexist. Both reinforce the leadership, innovation, and legacy that define our marketplace.”

— David Lappert, President of the ITA Board of Directors (Home News Now)

What’s next

The ITA says it will continue with the launch of the Textile Hall of Fame despite the threat of litigation from the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between specialized industry groups and broader umbrella organizations over how to best recognize and honor leaders and innovators. The ITA believes the textile industry deserves its own dedicated Hall of Fame, while the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame sees the 'Hall of Fame' name as its exclusive domain, setting up a potential legal battle over industry recognition programs.