Latest news with #SourceFashion
Fibre2Fashion
11-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Source Fashion closes with record footfall, strong global turnout
The final day of Source Fashion at Olympia London drew to a close, marking the end of a dynamic and inspiring three-day event. With record visitor numbers and a 51% year-on-year increase in total footfall, the show has firmly cemented its place as Europe's leading responsible sourcing event. The show remained busy until the end, as buyers, designers, and sourcing professionals from leading fashion brands including LVMH, Harrods, Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Temperley, Bella Freud, Lyle & Scott, French Connection, John Lewis, AllSaints, ASOS, Joseph, Marks & Spencer, Next, New Look, Primark, River Island, Mango, Joules, JoJo Maman Bébé, Sosander, Gigi & Olive, Lucy & Yak, Yumi International, Damson Madder, Godske, Jaded London, Tottenham Hotspur and Jermyn Street Design, made the most of their last opportunities to connect with global manufacturers, explore sustainable innovations, and engage in critical industry conversations. Source Fashion wrapped up in London with record footfall, affirming its role as Europe's top responsible sourcing event. Over 250 global exhibitors, top fashion brands, and thought leaders gathered to explore transparency, innovation, and circularity. Key discussions tackled MOQs, profit vs. volume, resale trends, and the future of leadership in sustainable fashion. With a spotlight on transparency, innovation and collaboration, Source Fashion has once again proven to be more than a sourcing event, it's a platform for progress, collaboration, and long-term change across the fashion supply chain. Veronica Potocko, Head of Fabrics, Temperley London said, 'I had a number of really productive conversations with suppliers who were knowledgeable, prepared, and genuinely keen to work with designers like us. Unlike other trade shows, I felt I was speaking directly with producers, not intermediaries, and that makes a huge difference. The atmosphere was professional yet relaxed, and the layout allowed meaningful, private conversations. It was absolutely worth the trip.' Nicola Kirby, Head of Sourcing, John Lewis said, 'Source Fashion continues to be a vital platform for discovering responsible, innovative suppliers. It's an invaluable space to connect, share ideas and move the industry forward together. This year, the show is bigger and better than ever, with a renewed focus on sustainability. Source fashion is a springboard for innovation in sourcing it showcases the kind of forward thinking, agile, suppliers and emerging regions we need to keep pace within a changing retail landscape.' Jeff Banks, Designer & Retailer said, 'The improvement in the quality of exhibitors this season has been remarkable compared to last year. There's now a real presence of top-quality product, whether that's a reflection of a shift in the global market or simply the show's growing reputation, it's clear that even high-end manufacturers are looking to connect directly with retailers here. What also stood out was the sheer diversity of product on offer, there truly is something for everyone. I came across three cashmere suppliers, including one from Mongolia producing a top-of-the-line product: beautifully made, beautifully executed. I'm already thinking about how I could harness that and bring it into the Jeff Banks collection. I also discovered a digital print supplier from Bombay creating stunning, highly complex prints across a range of fabrics. That kind of innovation opens exciting creative possibilities. For me, it's all about having the right artisans and supply partners to bring design ideas to life. That's where Source Fashion really delivers.' The response from more than 250 exhibitors representing over 22 key sourcing regions, including the UK, Portugal, Morocco, India, Nepal, Italy, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Türkiye, France, China, and more, has been overwhelmingly positive. Devansha Tibrawalla, Director at Svarna Textiles said, 'This is the first time we have exhibited at Source, we are very happy, we have had solid leads every day of the show and we had a very promising conversation with the Next souring director. We will return in February 2026 and look forward to it'. Rachel Wu at Zhejiang Shaoxing Xinhua Knitwear Garments commented, 'It's the second time we have done Source Fashion and we are very happy with the set-up and the number and range of visitors. We have received more than 10 substantial orders and multiple leads. We will definitely look at returning to Source Fashion in February' Beyond sourcing, Source Fashion has cemented its role as a thought leader in sustainable fashion and supply chain innovation. Across two well attended stages, the Source Catwalk and Source Debate Stage, this season's content programme delivered powerful insights and practical guidance on the future of responsible sourcing. Industry experts explored critical topics such as traceability, regulatory readiness, circular design, material innovation, and ethical production models. Highlights included, a high-energy panel session with Simon Platts (SP&KO Consultancy), Isabelle Alexander (Isabelle Meira), Paul Kerssens (United Repair Centre), Bill McRaith, and Lindsey McKerchar (FINESSE) that challenged the industry's long-held reliance on Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). The discussion explored how outdated sourcing models are being replaced by smarter, more responsive approaches that prioritise flexibility, sustainability, and supply chain transparency. From AI-powered demand forecasting to closer, low-volume manufacturing, speakers shared real-world strategies for reducing overproduction and financial risk, without compromising quality or creativity. Together, the panel made a compelling case for a new sourcing mindset: one that empowers brands and factories to produce only what's needed, when it's needed. Simon Platts also hosted a lively debate exploring whether the industry can truly decouple profit from volume, highlighting the dangers of chasing fast growth at the expense of profitability. He argued that fashion must shift toward responsible, sustainable growth by prioritising efficiency, quality, and smarter planning over cheap production and high volume. Audience contributors discussed how brands like Patagonia and LK Bennett have achieved profit growth by reducing output and focusing on resale, rental, and circular strategies. Tools like better forecasting, supply chain visibility, and regenerative design were spotlighted as key to moving away from linear growth models. An incisive quote from Platts summed up the session, "Growth doesn't have to be the enemy, responsible growth is possible if we value every part of the chain and build profit into the right places." In a candid conversation on the Source Catwalk, Mark Faithfull, Journalist at World Retail Congress & Forbes and Hash Ladha, Former CEO Jigsaw explored the evolving role of leadership in a time of ongoing volatility, disruption, and rising sustainability pressures. Touching on everything from investor expectations to Shein's meteoric rise, the discussion emphasised the need for long-term thinking, cultural resilience, and authenticity in leadership. Ladha noted, 'We don't just need responsibility in our sourcing, we need responsibility in our thinking, in our planning, and in our results.' The conversation also highlighted the power of purpose-led retail, the value of listening to teams on the ground, and the crucial role of education, not just for customers, but for the next generation of decision-makers. Despite the challenges, the tone remained optimistic, pointing to thoughtful leadership and collaborative innovation as key to navigating uncertainty. On the Source Debates stage, Gemma Metheringham, Founder, Elephant in my Wardrobe explored Will secondhand ever become first choice? This wide-ranging discussion dealt with the shifting attitudes toward secondhand fashion, particularly how platforms like Vinted are reshaping consumer habits across generations. Key themes included the growing normalisation of resale among children, the economic appeal of buying and selling secondhand, and concerns that resale may fuel overconsumption rather than reduce it. Participants highlighted a clear say-do gap, especially among young people who express sustainable values but still shop fast fashion. Dax Lovegrove, Consultant at Planet Positive and former Director of Sustainability at Versace tackled the complex question of whether luxury fashion can truly align with sustainability. With perspectives from across sourcing, supply chains, and technology, the discussion explored contradictions at the heart of the sector: from high-impact materials and modern slavery concerns to greenwashing and overproduction. The role of customer expectation was central: is the market ready to redefine luxury as craft, transparency, and ethics, rather than just exclusivity and profit? The session concluded with cautious optimism, change is slow, but there is momentum, especially among smaller, purpose-led brands and a new generation of consumers demanding better. Meanwhile, The Source Catwalk, in partnership with Reskinned, drew crowds of visitors to every edition and brought circular fashion to life, showcasing the potential of pre-loved and reworked garments in modern retail. Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Source Fashion said, "As we close the doors on this season's show, I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. Source Fashion continues to grow, not just in scale, but in impact. We've seen real conversations happening on our stages, from tackling complex regulation to reshaping sourcing strategies for a more circular, transparent future. This show has become more than a sourcing platform, it's a trusted space for collaboration, for action, and for change. What makes Source Fashion truly special is the community we've built, buyers, manufacturers, and innovators who genuinely care about doing better business. Together, we're not only shaping the future of sourcing, we're helping define what responsible fashion really means." The next edition of Source Fashion will take place in February 2026. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Fashion Network
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Source Fashion launches £500,000 scheme to support British heritage manufacturers
The selected businesses will receive support for three consecutive editions of the show, a move designed to 'help them build long-term visibility and growth'. Suzanne Ellingham, event director of the show, said: 'As [we grow] into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it's our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK. 'This is about more than just giving away stands. We're investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It's a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.' She said the programme will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. It aims to address 'a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad'. Under the initiative, each business will receive a free stand at three consecutive Source Fashion shows in January 2026, July 2026 and January 2027; dedicated bespoke PR and marketing campaigns; and exposure through Source Fashion's global content channels. In its selection process, Source Fashion said it will work with its advisory board to identify manufacturers and makers that would benefit from the show. 'This initiative will become a permanent fixture of the show,' Ellingham added. 'Every 18 months, we'll refresh the pavilion with a new group of 15–20 heritage manufacturers and help them grow with us. The goal is that, by show four, they're thriving, confident exhibitors in their own right. If they're not quite there yet, that's okay too. This is about building something lasting, not transactional.' The first full cohort of heritage manufacturers will be announced in September. While most participants are still under wraps, organisers have confirmed outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion. They include Courtnery and Co, the last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing, one of the last remaining luxury garment manufacturers in Scotland. 'These companies represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be. The scheme aims to spotlight, with more names to be revealed in the coming months', it said.
Fashion United
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Source Fashion launches scheme to support British heritage manufacturers
Trade show Source Fashion has announced a 500,000-pound investment scheme to support 15 UK-based heritage manufacturers to champion British manufacturing. From February 2026, Source Fashion will form a dedicated British Heritage Pavilion to showcase the 15 curated, high-quality, heritage manufacturers, from across the UK. Each selected business will receive a fully funded stand, marketing support, and brand development assistance for three consecutive editions of the show, designed 'to help them build long-term visibility and growth'. Suzanne Ellingham, event director of Source Fashion, said in a statement: 'As Source Fashion grows into the largest manufacturing sourcing show in Europe, we believe it's our responsibility to support the brilliant manufacturers we have here in the UK. 'This is about more than just giving away stands. We're investing in the future of British manufacturing by helping these businesses tell their stories, connect with international buyers, and grow sustainably. It's a small way that we can give back, while also making sure UK manufacturing is properly represented on the global stage.' Source Fashion looking to champion British manufacturing with a new support scheme Source Fashion, July 2025 edition Credits: Source Fashion The initiative has been designed to address a long-standing lack of support for British producers who often struggle to afford the costs of exhibiting, especially when compared to government-subsidised competitors abroad. It will be open to a diverse range of UK manufacturers, from heritage textiles in Scotland to component specialists in the Midlands and South. The first cohort of heritage manufacturers is set to be announced in September. Source Fashion added that outreach has already begun, and standout British businesses have already been selected to join the inaugural pavilion including Courtnery and Co, the last remaining button manufacturer in the UK, and Alexander Manufacturing from Scotland. These companies were selected as they 'represent the exceptional craftsmanship and highlight how special British manufacturing and heritage can be'. Ellingham added: 'This initiative will become a permanent fixture of the show. Every 18 months, we'll refresh the pavilion with a new group of 15–20 heritage manufacturers and help them grow with us. 'The goal is that, by show four, they're thriving, confident exhibitors in their own right. If they're not quite there yet, that's okay too. This is about building something lasting, not transactional.' The announcement came on the second day of Source Fashion, which saw a 23 percent year-on-year increase in visitor footfall, attracting professionals across sustainability, design, buying, and production from leading fashion brands, including LVMH, Harrods, Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Temperley, Lyle & Scott, French Connection, John Lewis, AllSaints, Asos, Joseph, Marks & Spencer, Next, New Look, Primark, River Island, Joules, JoJo Maman Bébé, Sosander, Gigi & Olive, Lucy & Yak, Damson Madder, Godske, Jaded London, and Jermyn Street Design.
Fashion Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Source Fashion sees record-breaking day-one attendance
In only its second edition as a midweek show, Source Fashion said it saw 'unprecedented opening day attendance' on Tuesday. The record-breaking start at London's Olympia included a number of big names and prominent independent businesses such as John Lewis, M&S, All Saints, Next, Temperley London, River Island, Joules, Lucy & Yak, Bad Monday, Jaded London and Gigi & Olive. The event features 250 'responsible' manufacturers from 22+ key sourcing regions (including the UK itself as well as, Portugal, Morocco, India, Nepal, Italy, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Türkiye, France, and China). And those more used to visiting Pure London in July (now part of Spring fair and Autumn Fair in Birmingham) and seeing its popular catwalk shows were still able to see such shows with Source's runway drawing large crowds. It showcased three key trends being seen at the event: Electric Nature, Retro Richness, and Creative Joy. And headline partner Reskinned presented an edit of pre-owned pieces that supported the importance of resale and reuse to any sourcing operation. The Source Debates stages also proved to be a big draw with subjects ranging from whether consumers really will pay more for sustainable fashion, what it will take to make that happen and whether the 'sustainable shopper' even exists. Rachel Gray of WRAP said that 'people love to make the right decisions, but life gets in the way. If we want to see real change, we need to match good information with real-life convenience'. And Jane Blacklock, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) for outdoor clothing label Passenger talked about the need to build clothing with a second life in mind so you can 'buy it once, wear it all the time, love it, and then repair it'. In a similar vein, one session 'explored how fashion can challenge the volume-equals-profit mindset and make a compelling case for post-growth business models'. 'If you build brand loyalty first and treat your brand like it has a purpose, it's a lot easier to sell,' said Charlie Jones of Phase London. And Nick Reed of Neem London added that 'when a customer buys from us, they're buying an asset. We take it back at end of life, any brand, any condition, and that creates a more valuable, circular relationship'. The general message was that 'collaboration, transparency, and bold thinking are key to reshaping growth in fashion, not just economically, but environmentally and ethically'. Of course, some might be inclined to think that this is all very well for smaller, ethically-founded brands with more niche customers. But Linda Peddie, COO and CIO of New Look, showed that the issue is a live one at major mass-market brands too. Yet she also highlighted the challenges. 'The reality is, you have to make the whole system work,' she said, stressing the need for aligned legislation, better data, and industry-wide collaboration. Meanwhile, 'sustainability veteran' Simon Platts, founder of SP&KO Consultancy, drew on decades of experience at brands including ASOS, and argued that 'overconsumption, not market volatility, is the real barrier to meaningful progress'. He called for a shift to 'more commercially sustainable practices, underpinned by transparency, better data, and genuine supply chain engagement'. And of course, speakers also spoke of the importance of consumer education. In terms of visitors from abroad, while we hear a lot about barriers to trade that are happening, but we tend to hear less about markets that are opening up. Yet Aude Priya Wacziarg director at sourcing specialist Francis Wacziarg Group, said: 'It's our first time in the UK, because India and the UK have signed a treaty for trade and now, we want to come here often.' That's likely to be a sentiment repeated across the trade show season as far as Indian buyers and supplier are concerned. Event director Suzanne Ellingham hailed the 'energy on the show floor' and also said that 'what's really exciting is that this isn't just a sourcing show, it's become a space for honest conversations, innovation, and real collaboration. The response to our content programme, on the Source Catwalk and Source Debates stage, shows just how hungry the industry is for transparency and change, and to have honest conversations about how we drive that change together.'
Fashion Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Source Fashion sees record-breaking day-one attendance, Indian visitors stronger on trade deal
In only its second edition as a midweek show, Source Fashion said it saw 'unprecedented opening day attendance' on Tuesday. The record-breaking start at London's Olympia included a number of big names and prominent independent businesses such as John Lewis, M&S, All Saints, Next, Temperley London, River Island, Joules, Lucy & Yak, Bad Monday, Jaded London and Gigi & Olive. The event features 250 'responsible' manufacturers from 22+ key sourcing regions (including the UK itself as well as, Portugal, Morocco, India, Nepal, Italy, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Türkiye, France, and China). And those more used to visiting Pure London in July (now part of Spring fair and Autumn Fair in Birmingham) and seeing its popular catwalk shows were still able to see such shows with Source's runway drawing large crowds. It showcased three key trends being seen at the event: Electric Nature, Retro Richness, and Creative Joy. And headline partner Reskinned presented an edit of pre-owned pieces that supported the importance of resale and reuse to any sourcing operation. The Source Debates stages also proved to be a big draw with subjects ranging from whether consumers really will pay more for sustainable fashion, what it will take to make that happen and whether the 'sustainable shopper' even exists. Rachel Gray of WRAP said that 'people love to make the right decisions, but life gets in the way. If we want to see real change, we need to match good information with real-life convenience'. And Jane Blacklock, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) for outdoor clothing label Passenger talked about the need to build clothing with a second life in mind so you can 'buy it once, wear it all the time, love it, and then repair it'. In a similar vein, one session 'explored how fashion can challenge the volume-equals-profit mindset and make a compelling case for post-growth business models'. 'If you build brand loyalty first and treat your brand like it has a purpose, it's a lot easier to sell,' said Charlie Jones of Phase London. And Nick Reed of Neem London added that 'when a customer buys from us, they're buying an asset. We take it back at end of life, any brand, any condition, and that creates a more valuable, circular relationship'. The general message was that 'collaboration, transparency, and bold thinking are key to reshaping growth in fashion, not just economically, but environmentally and ethically'. Of course, some might be inclined to think that this is all very well for smaller, ethically-founded brands with more niche customers. But Linda Peddie, COO and CIO of New Look, showed that the issue is a live one at major mass-market brands too. Yet she also highlighted the challenges. 'The reality is, you have to make the whole system work,' she said, stressing the need for aligned legislation, better data, and industry-wide collaboration. Meanwhile, 'sustainability veteran' Simon Platts, founder of SP&KO Consultancy, drew on decades of experience at brands including ASOS, and argued that 'overconsumption, not market volatility, is the real barrier to meaningful progress'. He called for a shift to 'more commercially sustainable practices, underpinned by transparency, better data, and genuine supply chain engagement'. And of course, speakers also spoke of the importance of consumer education. In terms of visitors from abroad, while we hear a lot about barriers to trade that are happening, but we tend to hear less about markets that are opening up. Yet Aude Priya Wacziarg director at sourcing specialist Francis Wacziarg Group, said: 'It's our first time in the UK, because India and the UK have signed a treaty for trade and now, we want to come here often.' That's likely to be a sentiment repeated across the trade show season as far as Indian buyers and supplier are concerned. Event director Suzanne Ellingham hailed the 'energy on the show floor' and also said that 'what's really exciting is that this isn't just a sourcing show, it's become a space for honest conversations, innovation, and real collaboration. The response to our content programme, on the Source Catwalk and Source Debates stage, shows just how hungry the industry is for transparency and change, and to have honest conversations about how we drive that change together.'
