The 56th edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris concluded on a high note, attracting more than 8,500 visitors and strengthening its position as Europe’s top sourcing event for fashion textiles and clothing. Held from February 10 to 12, 2025, at the Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, the trade fair saw a 10 per cent increase in attendance compared to February 2024. Over 1,250 exhibitors from 32 countries showcased their products, making the event a key platform for business connections and industry insights.
Paris as a global sourcing hub
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris has become an essential meeting point for designers, buyers, and suppliers in the fashion industry. The event reinforced Europe’s significance in global fashion, with the top five visiting countries being France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Many international buyers returned after years of market adjustments, highlighting Paris’s resilience in a shifting fashion landscape. While French buyer participation remained stable, the increased international presence underscored the city's enduring importance in global sourcing.
According to Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communications Director at Messe Frankfurt France, the industry is undergoing a transformation, shifting from budget-focused products to higher-quality offerings. “We have redesigned our trade fairs to cater to mid-range market needs, ensuring a diverse, enriched, and cutting-edge selection at competitive prices,” he said. The event provided an ideal environment for productive business discussions and trend analysis.
Growing interest in African sourcing
A major highlight of the event was the growing interest in African textile sourcing. Ethiopian manufacturers made strong connections with European brands, reflecting the region’s increasing appeal as a sourcing alternative. Maryse Mbonyumutwa, founder of Rwandan sustainable manufacturing platform Pink Mango, engaged in promising discussions with European representatives. “We’ve had encouraging conversations with brands looking to collaborate locally,” she stated.
Buyers and exhibitors reported three days of active engagement. Bangladeshi manufacturer NZ Denim met nearly all its European clients, including Celio, OKaïdi, Kiabi, and Jules. “The show allows us to discuss future materials directly with design teams,” said Najam Us Saqib, the company’s R&D manager. One innovation that drew significant interest was the naturally colored cotton, Ackala Coton, showcased during the Econogy Tour, a dedicated program highlighting companies committed to ecological and social standards in the textile sector.
A platform for all market segments
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris welcomed buyers across various market segments, from mainstream brands to haute couture. A materials manager from a major French clothing brand noted that the event provided opportunities to connect with Indian, Turkish, and Chinese suppliers while scouting materials for future collections. Haute couture designers Livia Stoianova and Yassen Samouilov of On Aura Tout Vu also explored options for an upcoming show production. “For a first visit, we discovered some very interesting and creative materials,” they said.
The next edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris is scheduled for September 15-17, 2025, at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. The event will feature key sectors such as Avantex and Leatherworld, continuing its role as a vital marketplace for the fashion industry.
