Brussels, Belugium — Manifattura Tessile di Nole M.T. S.P.A. left Tessilforum, the association of Italian textile companies, shortly after Proposte last May, according to di Nole principal Luca Ferrari. ''It's not in their [Tessilforum's] interest to talk about it,'' said Ferrari. ''We decided to maintain our own name by ourselves. We are pursuing our policy and our own original designs.''

While Ferrari gave no further explanation why di Nole left Tessilforum, it is understood by other sources that several of di Nole's designs were copied by another member of Tessilforum. Tessilforum President Filippo Mambretti said, di Nole left Tessilforum for ''strategic reasons.''

Launched in 1991, Tessilforum is an association of 21 Italian textile companies whose product ranges include fabrics in jacquard , dobby, double-piece velvet and knits. According to a press release, the companies aim to develop and consolidate their commercial activity as well as to promote '''Made in Italy' style and taste worldwide.'' F&FI