Source Fashion achieves ‘exponential’ growth as it celebrates successful first day – TheIndustry.fashion

Source Fashion, now the largest garment manufacturing show in Europe, opened yesterday, welcoming a record number of visitors to its fourth edition at Olympia London.

The trade show has experienced significant growth since it first launched in February 2023, with visitor numbers up by 120% since last July.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Source Events at Hyve Group, told TheIndustry.fashion: “We have a unique growth story, since launching the show last year we have doubled down on our purpose, simply to help buyers buy better, it has connected with the fashion community.

“There is a clear need in the marketplace to find responsible manufacturers, and to help retailers and brands build the transparent, responsible, supply chains, behind the beautiful products consumers love.”

As a result, Source Fashion said the event has outgrown its National Hall space and starting next February will move into the bigger Grand Hall space at Olympia London as it continues its growth trajectory.

Currently sectioned by country, from February the show will also be edited by product category, incorporating womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, Source Luxury, and technology and services.

“Our move into the Grand Hall at Olympia London will allow us to continue to build on this growth, fuelling range creation across womenswear, menswear, accessories and footwear and championing, as we always have, responsible production. We will continue to create a place where our community can learn and exchange ideas and drive change within their own businesses,” added Ellingham.

“I truly believe we have created a must-attend event for the retail community, allowing them to create ranges, and work with great partners. July’s show is going brilliantly, but next February in the Grand Hall is going to be even better.”

Source Fashion attempts to provide a platform for the global sourcing community and hundreds of responsible manufacturers and suppliers to connect with buyers, alongside a programme of talks and a sustainable catwalk show.

Day one of the current edition of Source Fashion welcomed a host of brands and retailers, including John Lewis, Jeff Banks London, River Island, The Oxford Shirt Company, Finisterre, Harrods, TJX, and more.

It opened yesterday with a live show crafted by sustainable stylist Rebekah Roy, highlighting the relationship between fashion and nature.

As part of this, Nature’s Patina showcased earthy colours feeling aged by time, with neutral tones on crochet and textured and open knits, while Craft Punk reimagined leather in alternative materials, alongside denim and embroidery reigniting punk looks with attitude and rebellion, and Emotive Nature explored the healing nature of botanicals and florals in a natural fluid context with knitted two-pieces and textured fabrics.

Headline designer Anna Pabissi closed the catwalk with her latest fully biodegradable eveningwear collection, including bold textured quilted gowns, intricate yarn details, voluminous sleeves, and industrial-style metalwork.

Pabissi, who gives second life to antique fabrics by creating one-off statement pieces and uses deadstock textiles for her most flamboyant pieces, also discussed the challenges, inspiration and creativity behind her brand.

Fashion futurist Geraldine Wharry later took to the stage for Future Humanity Systems, where she unpacked the future of the fashion industry’s infrastructure, setting out the plausible and wild card futures for regenerative supply chains.

“With hundreds of responsible manufacturers from around the world and industry leaders sharing their insight and strategies, we’re helping our visitors make their journey into responsible production that little bit easier,” said Ellingham.