Munich Fabric Start

Munich Fabric Start is an exhibition dedicated to selection of trims and accessories and man-made and natural fabrics and textiles for menswear, womenswear, jeans and sportswear and kidswear.

Having attended the MUNICH FABRIC START tradeshow in September 24, I found it to be a highly inspiring and essential event for anyone in the textile and fashion industry. Over the course of two packed days, I witnessed over 1,000 collections from international fabric and ingredient manufacturers, showcasing the upcoming trends for the Autumn/Winter 25/26. The themes of the event, such as resilience, sustainability, and the importance of intuition in design, were evident throughout the displays and discussions.

What stood out to me was how well-organized the event was, despite it being compressed into two days. The restructuring of areas like FABRICS, STUDIOS, and the integration of KEYHOUSE into BLUEZONE really helped create synergies and made navigating the event smoother. There was a definite focus on collaboration this year, especially when addressing challenges like recycling and new EU regulations, which I found extremely relevant for the industry’s future.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the return of trend forecaster Li Edelkoort. Her insights on the trends for Autumn/Winter 25/26, particularly her focus on Parisian elegance as a response to global chaos, really resonated. Her presentation wasn’t just about fashion but about creating a positive, orderly contrast to the disorder we see around us.

One of the stands that impressed me at MUNICH FABRIC START was the HILO stand. HILO`s founder, Sara Diaz innovative approach to yarn production is impressive, particularly the HILO E-Spinner, a compact, electric spinning wheel designed for beginners, students, and children. It’s easy to assemble and offers hands-on exploration of local materials. What really caught my attention was the HILO Spinning Machine, which allows users to create customized yarns on-site using open-source software- perfect for small businesses and educational spaces.

I also spent some time at BLUEZONE, where the energy around denim was palpable. The presentations there emphasized new printing and dyeing technologies, as well as innovative ways to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. The workshops were a nice touch, allowing us to interact with the materials and processes firsthand.

Overall, the event felt crucial not only for staying updated on trends but also for making meaningful connections with other professionals in the industry. It reinforced the idea that collaboration and innovation are key as we navigate the complex challenges facing fashion and textiles today.