Strong Position thanks to Dynamic New Look

Emotions are alive! This is the tagline for fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2017. High-profile in expression. Light in terms of their translation into fabrics. Subtle in the way high tech is treated. This gives rise to a blend of fun, romanticism and relaxed chic - in other words AGELESS, the guiding theme of the season. And yet - AGELESS is more than just a fashion snapshot. It is the attempt to find answers about the philosophy and culture of life in an increasingly older society in future; about its clothing habits and demands.

Against this backdrop AGELESS reflects the wish for eternal youth, for a philosophy of life devoid of age, time and at times also gender. At the same time, AGELESS is also an invitation to re-define target groups, to go in search of unusual styles, part with conventions and be open for experiments. AGELESS asks for a new understanding of fashion.

Fashion is change. The 40th edition of MUNICH FABRIC START from 2 to 4 February 2016 will again rise to this progressive principle with its familiar passion.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the trade fair 950 internationally renowned suppliers from 37 countries will present in excess of 1,500 fabric and accessories collections for women's and men's wear as well as denim and sportswear. In the FABRICS segment to the tune of 600 manufacturers will be showcasing their latest developments and innovations for fabrics, including, for the first time, such high-end Italian producers as Cotonificio Ronghi, Dinamo and Ithitex or Tianhai Lace from the US. Just under 200 suppliers of findings and accessories will exhibit their innovations in the ADDITIONALS segment spanning two exhibition halls. Celebrating a premiere here will be companies such as Green Beef, Dorlet and Voijd Studios.

"With the carefully compiled international ranges we have once again managed to strengthen our position. We continue to further develop the trade fair concept as a whole in a flexible and dynamic manner. This approach also includes the new staging of individual areas. This means the 40th MUNICH FABRIC START offers the sector a balanced mix of information, inspiration and innovations to kick off the season," says Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director at MUNICH FABRIC START

A pivotal part of this approach, as described by Wolfgang Klinder, is the strategic further development of MUNICH FABRIC START and the BLUEZONE, the show-in-show concept for denim and sportswear fabrics. This not only includes the selective extension of market-relevant fabric and findings collections but also the on-going development of exhibition area design.

BLUEZONE, for example, is presented in a new setting. Brighter, more transparent and light-flooded, the area offers a cross-over between purism and vintage that projects progressive modernity. For the 17 Spring/Summer season 70 leading international denim, streetwear and sportswear brands will be exhibiting their latest products and technical innovations in the avantgarde setting of the Zenith Hall. Extra input comes care of such first-time exhibitors as Pacific Jeans from Bangladesh or Crossing and Med Sourcing from Morocco.

Furthermore, and as already announced, the planning and associated launch of the KEY HOUSE concept as an innovation and creativity area are in full swing. Here impetus-generating accents and highlights from the various segments will be on display.

"Developing this additional forum on an area of 2,500 square metres now allows us to respond to the current requirements of a global market more offensively and intensely. This is how we create space for concepts and new areas of relevance for the future."

Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director at MUNICH FABRIC START.

Creativity as a message right down to the minutest of details is demonstrated by the new look of the Design Studios on the First Floor. In an inspiring and aesthetically appealing workshop setting 20 renowned international design studios and trend offices will present their ideas for summer 2017. The result is a modern forum with unobtrusive architecture leaving all the more room for staging extraordinary prints, patterns and designs. Joining the fray for the first time are Printfresh from the USA and Boggia Disegni from Italy.

"We continue to focus on concepts designed to optimise the individual segments, listen to our exhibitors and work hard to meet their constantly changing needs. We were able to keep pace with the positive development of the Design Studios by installing a new, creative and light-flooded setting that gives designers even more pleasant and professional surroundings for their work in "a new workshop in the old location"

Frank Junker, Creative Director MUNICH FABRIC START.

While the Asia Salon was extended last season to include the first group of exhibitors from Taiwan, the spring event of MUNICH FABRIC START 2016 will be host to additional participants from China. These exhibitors will complete the spectrum of functional and performance fabrics as well as of jacquards, prints, embroidery and novel fabrics on show here.

In the Trend and Sample Areas, which were already extended to include a separate Menswear Area in Foyer 3 at last autumn's event, this time over 2,000 fabric and finding innovations will be staged in line with the five big trend themes of the season. The High Tex Wall in Foyer 4 will again provide a perfect overview of the highlights and high-tech developments from market leaders.

Once again forming the focal point in the TREND WORLD in the Foyer of Hall 1 will be the professionally and inspiringly arranged Colour Forum featuring the 40 key colours for the 2017 Spring/Summer season.

"Meet the Expert" is a new format of trend research developed together with WGSN, the official trend partner of MUNICH FABRIC START. Here interested visitors and suppliers will have the opportunity to communicate with WGSN trend experts direct - on such topics as denim fabrics, for example, or "athleisure", the forward-looking lifestyle trend that could well become a mega trend.

The TREND SEMINAR lecture series again boasts high-calibre industry experts and trend agencies. In addition to WGSN the event will feature Peclers, Promostyl and Carlin who will provide the audience with information on future colours, fabrics and fashion styles.

[ www.munichfabricstart.com]

MUNICH FABRIC START

2 & 3 February 2016 | 9.30 am to 6.30 pm

4 February 2016 | 9.30 am to 4.00 pm BLUEZONE

2 & 3 February 2016 | 9.30 am to 6.30 pm