Numerous innovations, developments and optimisations were once again used to visualise ideas giving the sector a platform for creativity and technical developments. In Munich the future is real and technology the key to a broad-based textiles and fashion industry brimming with dynamism that is both tangible and perceivable.

To the tune of 20,500 visitors from Germany and abroad were able to convince themselves of this in themed Areas. This means another slight increase in attendance of just above 1%, which was registered after the end of the trade fair in addition to an extended length of stay over all three trade fair days.

The textile and apparel industry was in for a dense and high-quality information and service package brimming with new formats, forward-looking approaches as well as inspiring showcases in addition to high-calibre international seminars and conferences. Centre stage at the event now expanded both in terms of floor space and content were the (for the first time) over 2,000 collections from 1,200 international suppliers. “With the Munich Fabric Start, the Bluezone for Denim+Sportswear, Keyhouse as an innovation and competence centre as well as Munich Fabric Source as a sourcing platform we offer a comprehensive, content-driven and forward-looking strategic concept. We have made it clear once again that we can take the initiative and assume responsibility for an exhibition event oriented towards the future”, says Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director Munich Fabric Start.

Explore the Industry 4.0

Designed as an interface and innovation and competence centre for international vendors, Keyhouse proved a major attraction once again. Numerous products – from new fibres and innovative fabrics through to consulting and novel finishes – saw their market launch here.

Featuring at Keyhouse the MicroFactory, served as a blueprint for re-shuffling the supply/manufacturing chain. Here the production of the future could be experienced hands on. Industry 4.0 was demonstrated live as a fully connected and integrated manufacturing chain from design through to the finished product. “There are not many opportunities to see such a manufacturing chain demonstrated live. Key here is to broaden horizons, generate stimuli and to get a chance to assess this approach. It is important to raise the awareness of technology suppliers about working in the chain”, says Christian Kaiser, DITF

Manufacturing & Sourcing

Celebrating its debut at the Munich trade fair location was Munich Apparel Source as a logical consequence in order to present the segments of design, manufacturing, including fabric and findings sourcing in their entirety and with continuity. This new trade fair was kicked off by the patterns X.0 conference on the digitalisation of the value chain. Answers, outlooks and examples from manufacturing and distribution processes were presented by co-organiser Hans Peter Hiemer, b4b GmbH besides Robert Sinclair President of Li&Fung, Hong Kong and Martijn Hagman, CFO of Tommy Hilfiger/PvH Europe, to name but a few speakers.

View

View as the early exclusive event in Munich will already be held from 5 to 6 December 2017 showcasing the first collections for Summer 2019. These dates and the trade fair format were confirmed as a fixture that is urgently needed in many talks with suppliers and visitors, especially high-quality brands and designers.

The next Munich Fabric Start showcasing Summer 2019 will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2018.

In our printed issue textile network 11/12 which will be published on 21th November 2017 we will report in more detail.