[Featured image: BIOTEXFUTURE TransitionLab]
The next edition of MUNICH FABRIC START (MFS), THE SOURCE, BLUEZONE and KEYHOUSE will take place for two days on 3 and 4 September 2024. The new two-day format is in line with fashion’s current market trends, the needs of exhibitors and visitors, as well as changes in the industry’s travel and budget habits. The turnout is set to be strong, with world-class, internationally relevant exhibitors in all segments of the fashion sourcing and value chain in attendance. To look forward to are innovative fabrics, sustainable materials, and pioneering technologies that will characterise the trends of the coming season. Also, one of highlights this season is the live event by Li Edelkoort, the globally recognised trend forecaster, who will offer insights into upcoming fashion trends and present her trend forecast for fashion, textiles, and colour for Autumn.Winter 2025/26. MFS will again act as facilitator for the most important industry conversations, provide insight from fashion’s top voices, and promote trust and strength to its community.
The Fashion Industry’s New Normal
The past few years have been particularly tough for the fashion industry. First, there was global disruption to production during the pandemic, followed by rising inflation and cost of living that led to worldwide decreased consumer spending. Most recently, there has been significant supply chain fracturing and delay due to the unrest in the Red Sea, alongside the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). This has left the fashion industry grappling with how to proceed in the face of extreme change. Understandably, the entire ecosystem – brands and retailers, sourcing teams, suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, entrepreneurs, and technology vendors – is in a position where intrepidity is difficult.
In this latter half of 2024, the fashion industry can begin to change its perspective: accepting that the only constant is change, a certain level of chaos is inevitable, and unpredictability is the new normal. Armed with this awareness and experience gained over the past few years, all stakeholders can again trust their intuition. This means mastering the chaos of daily mass information, opinions, and impulses, and instead focus on human intelligence and emotion as the source of creativity.
To this end, the overall five new trend themes at MFS this season are committed to human feelings: Resilience, Lucid Dream, Gentle Power, Solitaire, and Reconnect. The first two speak to the need for protection and security in these uncertain times, as well as the return of romance that evades the dictates of rationality. This rationality has been tested lately with the creative possibilities of (AI). The third theme of Gentle Power refers to the peace and energy that nature can provide to human beings, and inspires us through the contrast of vulnerability and strength. Solitaire is the return of sharpness, power, and glamour – a renewed boldness after previous seasons’ quiet luxury. And the final concept Reconnect is the celebration of both, tradition and the zeitgeist that can ignite new creative potential. This is something that The Interline and MFS wrote about earlier in 2024, in that tradition and technology seem to be antithetical, but in today’s fashion world, the two can complement each other and serve as mutual sources of inspiration.
MFS is a trusted facilitator and advocate, for more openness, sharing of information, and inspiration; particularly in this moment where the fashion industry has a chance to demonstrate initiative in the face of unpredictability and act with assurance.
Information As The Foundation Of Intuition
When it comes to believing in one’s intuition, knowledge is the crucial foundation. As well as being a place for innovation and creativity, MFS aims to equip its community with the latest resources and information on trends, technology, and sustainability – so that all stakeholders feel empowered. Understanding key parts of the fashion landscape today will be critical to allow fashion professionals to act with resolve going forward.
AI
The fashion industry, as well as most other sectors, is currently grappling with the reality that AI and its integration into our daily lives means radical changes to software, hardware, creativity, culture, and more. To many, it appears to have burst into the mainstream overnight; but its development was steadily advancing long before the surge of interest in generative AI in 2022. The jolt was particularly felt by those in creative roles because of tools like DALLE-E, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, ChatGPT and the like, due to how they fundamentally altered the traditional way of work being done. Given the technology’s power, it has been viewed as both a threat to creativity, as well as being a major unlock for new ideas.
These tools (and the many others available) have the potential to automate mundane tasks, allow for more iterations at faster intervals, and can actually leave more time for creative work. It has also allowed creative minds to push the boundaries of their imaginations, translating ideas to reality using technology tools. This must be tempered, however, with the fact that the waters are still murky when it comes to ownership and originality, and there have to date been several legal battles when it comes to copyright infringement. This is because some AI systems use copyrighted material without proper authorisation, including fashion designs or images, leading to infringement claims against AI developers or platforms.
Along with this, there are also concerns around biased data sets, which can perpetuate societal biases in recommendations and decision-making processes. This can lead to issues of inclusivity and fairness, especially in sizing, modelling, and customer profiling. Another concern is the lack of transparency and understanding of AI algorithms. Fashion brands often use AI for trend forecasting, product recommendations, and personalised marketing, but consumers may not be aware of how their data is being used or the criteria behind recommendations, raising privacy and ethical concerns.
In this new world where AI is being integrated into the solutions and applications that will inevitably become foundational to people’s personal and professional lives, the best way forward for the fashion industry is to think of AI and human intelligence as partners in creativity, innovation, and efficiency. And with all this in mind, be aware of its limitations and pitfalls.
Sustainability Regulations
Sustainability has now well and truly shifted from being a peripheral concern to a central focus in the fashion industry. Apparel and fashion companies of all sizes have developed a sustainability strategy, and every committed CEO has set climate goals. Although there have been numerous well-meaning efforts (and some successes), apparel consumption has nearly doubled in the last decade with the rise of fast fashion. Alongside this harmful consumer behaviour, emissions have increased, as has resource consumption and pollution.
Many sustainability advocates in the fashion industry are now hoping that new regulations in the EU, US, and UK will drive real change where companies alone have fallen short. This is a major change from the way the industry has operated in the past, when self-regulation was preferable. But time is running out as 2030 creeps closer – the year cited in the Paris Agreement for greenhouse gas emissions to decline by 43% in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Many of the regulations for fashion and textile companies are still years away from being in force, and it may take even longer for compliance. Alongside this, recent elections in Europe have resulted in a more right-leaning parliament, which is less supportive of ambitious climate policies. And earlier in June, New York’s state legislature concluded its session for the year without passing an important fashion-focused bill.
At this stage, change requires all of those in fashion to prioritise sustainability and help to push the industry forward faster and further than the slower-moving regulations. Embracing sustainability as a core focus requires proactive leadership and collective action to innovate and implement sustainable practices. By driving initiatives that go beyond regulatory compliance, the industry can lead by example, setting higher standards and inspiring positive change across the global fashion landscape. This approach not only addresses current environmental and social challenges, but also establishes a foundation for long-term resilience and ethical responsibility in fashion.
Digital Product Creation (DPC)
The momentum behind DPC in fashion has been steadily growing, fueled by a need for internal teams to communicate better, iterate faster, prioritise sustainability, and adapt to evolving consumer behaviours. This was accelerated during the disruption of the supply chain during the pandemic, and the surge in online shopping; compelling the industry to adopt more agile, digital-first strategies.
Sustainability is also one of the major forces propelling the adoption of DPC. Having a solid DPC ecosystem can ensure fashion businesses minimise waste and provide supply chain traceability and transparency that is in line with the latest sustainability regulations. Digital samples and virtual showrooms are two ways that DPC is doing this – and by incorporating sustainability data into digital materials, brands can make informed decisions early in the design process by evaluating the environmental impact of various materials and designs before producing any physical products.
The movement towards DPC doesn’t mean the end of traditional processes, but instead suggests a future where digital and physical methods coexist in a hybrid model. While advanced brands might aim to eliminate physical samples entirely, many will blend digital and traditional techniques. This hybrid approach enables brands to reap the benefits of digitisation while preserving the tangible elements essential to the creative process. By embracing these technologies, the fashion industry is not just keeping pace with the times but also redefining them, paving the way for a future where fashion is created, consumed, and appreciated in new ways.
Supply Chain Management
In 2024, supply chain resilience involves adopting a multi-faceted approach that integrates advanced technology, diversified sourcing strategies, and solid risk management frameworks. Some technology-focused strategies include building out a DPC ecosystem that can include all those along the supply chain, allowing for better communication and responsiveness should disruption occur. Real-time analytics can also be particularly helpful in enabling quicker adaptation to demand fluctuations and unforeseen problems. Diversifying suppliers and manufacturing locations reduces dependency on single sources, mitigating geopolitical and logistical risks, while implementing agile inventory management practices further builds up supply chain resilience.
This is all promising in theory, but faced with persistent supply chain challenges, what steps can fashion stakeholders take when faced with delays or delivery failures? The solution likely hinges on adaptability and empathy: making up for lost time and maintaining clear communication with clients and customers. If shipments face delays, fashion businesses might explore alternative delivery channels or carriers to ensure on-time delivery. Automated rerouting systems can streamline these adjustments, reducing manual efforts and facilitating operational efficiency. And it will be communication that can really make a difference. Ensuring regular communication, whether through direct contact where feasible or via tracking solutions, provides transparency on shipment statuses and helps alleviate frustration caused by factors beyond immediate control.
With this knowledge at hand, MFS’s fashion community can enter the event well-prepared and empowered to rely on their informed instincts, ensuring a productive and insightful experience.
Highlights Of The September Programme At MFS
The Autumn.Winter 2025/26 trends merge understated elegance with striking, vibrant accents. In the following eight areas offered by MFS of FABRICS, ADDITIONALS, BLUEZONE, DESIGN STUDIOS, ReSOURCE, KEYHOUSE with SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS and THE SOURCE, designers and creatives are invited to explore how this season’s trends can be integrated into their collections. Each of these segments make up 1,000 collections from suppliers worldwide, all within a highly professional working atmosphere.
Some of the fabric exhibitors at MFS in September include: Achille Pinto, Akin Tekstil, Almodo, Balli Rafanelli Bold, Barth & Könenkamp Seiden, Cervotessile Since 1815, Clerici Tessuto, Davaris Textiles, Dutel Creation, Elyaf Tekstil, Emmetex/Masterloom, Erica + Compagnia Della Seta, Eton Textile, Fitecom, Fortex, Jackytex, Liberty Fabrics, Limonta, Lisa, Lyria, Malhia Kent, Mario Bellucci, Milior, Nova Fides, Özdoku, Riopele, Sidogras, SMI, Takisada, Teijin Frontier, Tessuti di Sondrio, Texapel, Viscotex, and Weft.
In the ADDITIONALS section, the latest trends and developments are presented by exhibitors such as CADICA GROUP, Escher Textil, Bornemann Etiketten, EU / FENILI, MAXIM, NILÖRN, Panama Trimmings, Redmark, Studio 9, TRIMCO GROUP, We Nordic Label Studios, and YKK GROUP.
THE SOURCE
Today, transparency, digitalisation, and nearshoring are critical issues impacting the fashion industry today. These challenges need to be addressed collectively through a modern, vertically integrated strategy. THE SOURCE area offers the essential solution: a platform for reliable and flexible sourcing that adapts to changing quantities and reimagined logistics chains.
Confirmed exhibitors include DMISS Textile Group, Evoteks, Lagoon Limited, M360 – Miroglio Group, Ningbo Wollamtex Apparel & Co. Ltd., OTS, Thai Son Knitwear Factory, and Top Trends Lda, Union 3 Fashion.
The selected clothing manufacturers will present their products and services around the latest sourcing services and apparel manufacturing. The range of services includes cut-make-trim (CMT) solutions, as well as high-end production. Overall, THE SOURCE is a one-stop sourcing platform and the stage for all-in-one providers to present turnkey, end-to-end solutions from PLV to white-label for brands, labels, and retail.
DESIGN STUDIOS and ReSOURCE
Creative and individual design solutions are presented by Amanda Kelly, Bernini Studio, Circleline Design, Fusion CPH, Leti, and Lica Design Studio – celebrating the industry’s spectrum of creativity and innovative prowess. The ReSOURCE section highlights the significance of sustainable and recycled materials, which are increasingly pivotal in shaping the future direction of the fashion industry.
BLUEZONE
Denim is a particularly dynamic space of the fashion industry. This year, MFS is emphasising technological innovation in the space, as well as collaboration as a pillar for future success. These critical points are captured in the Denim Deal – a part of the Dutch Circular Textiles Policy Programme 2020-2025 – with targets for the recycling of post-consumer textile waste and on the use of recycled content in new textile products. The Denim Deal started in October 2020 with 28 signatories who aim to close the denim loop by promoting the use of high-grade post-consumer recycled cotton fibres (‘PCR-cotton’) in new jeans and other denim garments. Since the start in October 2020 the number of signatories has grown significantly up to 53, including brands such as PVH, Scotch & Soda, MUD Jeans, 247 Jeans, KOI, Garcia and Kuyichi to name a few.
The BLUEZONE is where denim aficionados unite to discover new opportunities and create meaningful connections, with around 100 collections in the areas of Denim, Streetwear, and Sportswear. The line-up at BLUEZONE consists of international denim mills, weavers, manufacturers and finishers that include Advance Denim, Berto, Bossa, Calik Denim, Denim Authority, Evlox, ISKO, KT Trims, Maritas Denim, Monster, Naveena Denim Mills NDM, NDL, Orta, Sharabati, Strom, Tejidos Royo, or Vicunha among others.
This season will feature the live lab from Brother x Hochschule Niederrhein, where designers will be creating new designs on working stations that are then printed live on-site on denim pieces.
KEYHOUSE – TECHKNOWLEDGE
The innovation hub KEYHOUSE is merging with BLUEZONE to consolidate all aspects of innovation across future-proof materials, production processes, and technology. Themed TECHKNOWLEDGE, KEYHOUSE will serve as a platform for forward-thinking suppliers and global leaders to present their latest advancements, innovations, technologies, and solutions, with a strong focus on sustainability and technological progress.
Noteworthy features include recycling, circularity, traceability, technical textiles, AI, and process solutions. Among the exhibitors present are:
- Adidas who will showcase their T-Rex project as recycling excellence to creating a circular system for post-consumer textile waste.
- Biotexfuture TransitionLab who are to introduce three technical textile innovations: BioTurf, Light Lining, and Fungal Fibers. To provide an idea of these innovations, Fungal Fibers researches Chitosan as a promising bioplastic for the production of synthetic fibers, closely related to the second most common natural polymer, Chitin. Its remarkable properties, such as biodegradability, antibiotic characteristics (inhibiting bacterial growth), and compatibility with cotton and cellulose, make Chitosan a promising bioplastic.
- Cradle 2 Cradle Products Innovation Institute will propose the shift to a circular economy by setting the global standard for materials, products and systems; Datini Fibres will present a new era of recycled wool; ImPuls will showcase ERP solutions for the fashion and lifestyle industry; Officina +39 unites chemistry and creativity in sustainable and innovative solutions; tex.tracer will present its easy-to-implement fashion supply chain transparency platform to digitise and trace the value chain, and Shape Innovate aims to start an open conversation focused on educating and informing on the importance of the merger of fashion and innovation.
Conclusion
It is no easy feat for those in any part of the sourcing and value chain for fashion – from materials and trims to technology – to trust their intuition in times of volatility. That is why MFS aims to act as a compass, helping each fashion stakeholder in attendance to make more informed decisions that come from a place of confidence and not apprehension. With its focus on efficiency and effectiveness, starting with the event’s timeframe, along with its relevant and inspiring lineup of international speakers in the conference programme this season promises to be a wellspring of inspiration for all participants. The event’s reputation as a cornerstone for the global fashion community for networking trend exploration, and business growth promises to cultivate a new era of trust and confidence.
Most importantly, every season is a new beginning for the fashion community. And even if these times are all about optimisation, the space also offers the opposite: exploring new possibilities, getting in touch with human emotion and the inner voice, connecting with old and new peers, and taking away as many impressions as possible.
About Munich Fabric Start:
With around 1,000 collections from international exhibitors across an area of 42,500 square metres, divided into 8 areas, the fabric trade show MUNICH FABRIC START is one of Europe’s leading trade shows. The programme for MUNICH FABRIC START including its in-show concepts of THE SOURCE, BLUEZONE and KEYHOUSE showcase up to 1,000 collections for the fashion and apparel industry from suppliers worldwide, all within a highly professional working atmosphere. More than 50 speakers will pool their expertise and discuss current developments, changes and challenges in the industry. The event’s programme will once again attract up to 20,000 trade visitors from across the spectrum of management, product management, design and purchasing to Munich on the 3rd and 4th of September 2024.