Fabric innovation takes centerstage
The Munich Fabric Start, one of Europe’s leading fabric trade shows, concluded successfully January 22, 2025,in Munich. Together with its companion events - The Source, Bluezone, and Keyhousethe exhibition gathered key decision-makers, industry experts, and designers. Over two days, 625 international exhibitors showcased approximately 1,200 collections, presenting innovative fabrics and trims for Spring/Summer 2026.
Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director of Munich Fabric Start, expressed optimism despite a challenging market environment. “We received positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors. Our show-in-show concepts are fostering meaningful collaborations and driving innovation.” Creative Director Frank Junker highlighted themes like Florescence, which inspired creativity and exploration of AI's impact on fashion. Florescence encapsulated five sub-trendsBetterverse, Unorthodox, Inventing Paradise, Fragile, and Lasting that blended classic beauty with forward-thinking designs.
The market’s cautious yet curious mood was evident in buyers' focus on safe yet decorative choices. Trends favored linen blends, modern floral prints, and light, flowing fabrics in muted shades. Decorative elements like embroidery and shimmering effects gained traction, signaling a shift towards more expressive textiles.
Bluezonehighlights denim's evolution
At Bluezone, held in the Zenith Area, 70 international denim mills showcased the next generation of denim and sportswear. Under the theme ‘The Core,’ exhibitors focused on trends such as Deconstruct & Reconstruct and Green Minimalists. Sustainability and technological innovation were key talking points, with collaborations like Isko x Bluesign and Evlox x Lamosa drawing attention.
Trend researcher TilmannWrobel emphasized the importance of creating ‘Lovemarks’ to evoke emotional connections. Workshops led by MohsinSajid of Endrime demonstrated how to combine craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Additionally, David Shah’s keynote, ‘Quantum Fashion,’ explored the balance between innovation and nostalgia, urging the industry to consider exnovationre thinking past designsover continuous acceleration.
Keyhousedrives sustainability conversations
Integrated with Bluezone, Keyhouse served as a hub for sustainable innovation. The event brought together major fashion brands and startups to explore scalable solutions for textile-to-textile recycling and eco-friendly materials. Visitors engaged in discussions about efficient, emotion-driven technologies, emphasizing the synergy between functionality and sustainability.
Curator Simon Angel praised the collaboration between Bluezone and Keyhouse, calling it a ‘perfect match.’ With over 50 talks and panels featuring trend forecasters and industry experts, the event explored pivotal topics such as sustainability, circularity, and material efficiency. The show concluded with a 4 per cent increase in visitors compared to the previous edition, attracting representatives from brands like adidas, Hugo Boss, Prada, and s.Oliver.
The Munique Night networking event capped the first day, offering attendees an opportunity to connect over music and refreshments. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, Munich Fabric Start reinforced its status as a vital platform for shaping the future of fashion.
Perspectives from Visitors and Exhibitors Visitors at Munich Fabric Start highlighted the event as a key platform for discovering new fabrics and trends. Andrea Sefl from Atelier Gardeur emphasized their focus on innovative denims and prints for basic items. Michael Seiter of Holy Fashion Group noted the trade show's importance for staying ahead in fashion, with a strong exhibitor base. Designer Anna Weber from Luisa Cerano appreciated Bluezone’s trend areas for showcasing the latest denim treatments and styles. Annette Schrewe of Betty Barclay mentioned being impressed by new decorative elements like embroidery, while Birgit Kastner from Marc O'Polo looked for sustainable blends and quality fabrics for Spring/Summer '26.
Exhibitors also praised the event for fostering innovation and sustainability. Helene Smits from Looper Textile Co. highlighted their focus on textile-to-textile recycling, pushing for the fashion industry to embrace a circular approach. Simone Bellucci of Bellucci showcased new shiny laminees and cotton-linen mixes, catering to demand for stretch fabrics in the German market. Marc Puigderrajols Bassols of Tejidos Rebes emphasized the importance of offering organic and recycled qualities. Sarah Jankowsky from Valupa focused on sustainable materials, showcasing durable and compostable accessories. The overall sentiment was one of collaboration, innovation, and a shift toward sustainability across the fashion industry.
