As Munich Fabric Start drew to a close, the organisers were clearly delighted with the results of the three-day event. The management posted around 20,300 international trade visitors, matching the figures for September 2018. Compared to the February 2019 edition of Munich Fabric Start, this corresponds to an almost 1 percent rise.

Sebastian Klinder, Member of the Management Board at Munich Fabric Start:

“Given the current market situation in Germany and Europe, we’re extremely pleased with this steady result and the visitor numbers across the three days of the fair. All segments and areas at Munich Fabric Start were well attended, and the new Hall 8 was likewise warmly received. The Keyhouse and the Bluezone generated the highest levels of interest since their inception. This has brought about changes to the length of time visitors are spending in these halls and segments. We’re seeing a shift in visitors’ needs beyond the mere sourcing of fabrics and trimmings towards more content and inspiration, innovation and market trends.”

Moreover, the future of the textiles and fashion industry is increasingly being governed by new and extremely complex topics. Future variables include the multi-faceted area of sustainability on the one hand and digitalisation and technology on the other. Both are redefining product and process solutions.

Content, communication, connection

“With its current exhibition formats, the extremely well attended keynotes, panel discussions and talks held by prolific speakers, Munich Fabric Start is making a significant contribution to reconfiguring the future of the textiles industry,” explained Frank Junger, Creative Director at Munich Fabric Start, adding, “All this is happening with the help and fantastic support of experts, reputed companies and ambitious start-ups, courageous creative minds and committed young people who are shaping their future around new criteria.”

Bluezone – the strongest show

According to the management, the Bluezone was the strongest show yet, spotlighting numerous product launches, innovations and collaborations between international denim brands. Besides the need for dialogue and exchange, technology is the new key factor. Not surprisingly, interest in the Keyhouse was particularly high when attention was focused on technological interaction, e.g. KPMG x Microsoft and the third generation of the mixed reality HoloLens, or the debut of the Digital Fabric Lab, whose selection processes drastically cut production times.

The organiser described the launch of the new Sourcing Area as a resounding success. Around 75 international clothing manufacturers and producers presented their services for the segments Women and Men, Accessories, Corporate Couture and Tailored.