The 5 Trade Events the Fashion & Textile Industry Can’t Do Without

The fashion industry is one of the industries to adapt to new technologies the fastest. In the past years, it’s seen the introduction to artificial intelligence, complex automation, rapid data analysis and now even blockchain technology.

Of course, it’s not all shimmer and lights as the threat of environmental collapse is on the horizon and many important conversations are taking place as to how to minimize the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. The following trade events we’ve selected capture the spirit of change and are of great significance worldwide.

What better to begin our fashion journey than Paris, France, where we have Premiere Vision – a twice yearly trade show that’s geared towards the decision makers in the fashion industry. It’s the place for buyers and fashion makers to meet face to face. It’s also the best sourcing platform for all relevant raw materials like yarns, fabrics and leather as well as manufacturing technology. Innovation is at the heart of the event.

Editions create the trends for the following seasons and you have a front row seat. We have to mention the commitment to eco-friendly and responsible tech. One of the most important features of Premiere Vision is the Smart Creation Area, where you get a glimpse of the future of fashion.

The MICAM takes us to Milan, Italy and the incredible world of shoes. As with Premiere Vision, this trade show takes place twice a year and breaks down the trends in women's, children's and men's shoes. It’s the best procurement platform for footwear as it showcases high quality brands and new collections to hit the market. The MICAM also services the leather goods market with an assortment of leather bags, leather outfits and accessories.

Given its status as an Italian institution and Italy’s high value as a fashion market, this trade fair has a big influence all over the world. In attendance are some of the biggest buyers from all over the world, who come to review and acquire new collections.

Over in Frankfurt, Germany, there’s Texprocess – an international trade fair that specializes in all things and technologies related to processing textile and flexible materials. Technical textiles and nonwovens are one of the most durable and versatile textiles with a lot of application not just in the world of fashion. Exhibitors bring to life technological advancements in the processing and manufacture of textile materials. There’s a growing appeal internationally to source new practices and machinery.

The technology on display best represents the future of textile manufacturing. A lot of the programming circles around topics of sustainability, micro production, urban living and the role of digital technologies in the fashion industry. Texprocess also serves the labor market. If you are a newcomer and want to receive guidance or upgrade your skills, there’s a special area for job seekers.

At Texworld in Le Bourget outside Paris, France, textile professionals can look into the trends that shape the modern world of fashion. The international trade show serves the dynamic prêt-à-porter sector and presents the entire supply chain under one roof. Suppliers, buyers and designers mingle together in a dynamic and productive environment. Texworld explores every related group of products such as clothing, fabrics and materials.

Held twice a year, Texworld is the source for what’s eye grabbing right now from colors and patterns to blends and material mixes. The trade show is also home to Leatherworld, which is the leading European platform for the sourcing of leather and related materials. Another great asset is Avantex – a space designed specifically for the exploration of high-tech solutions for the fashion industry.

Last on the list is Index held in Geneva, Switzerland. The international exhibition fully specializes in nonwovens. Exhibitors have a chance to network with influential players in the industry across every single link in the processing chain. These would be nonwovens producers, converters, raw materials suppliers and machinery manufacturers. As such, Index is very much looking into the future. What’s it going to look like. How we’re going to get there.

Nonwovens have a variety of applications, technical and non-technical. Index explores all avenues and impresses visitors with its valuable support program. There are seminars on a number of hot topics such as filtration, sustainability, smart manufacturing, transportation and geosynthetics. The editions put together once every three years are not to be missed.