Source Fashion, Europe's premier responsible sourcing show, opened today, 18th February, at Olympia London, drawing a record-breaking number of visitors. Buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals from global brands like Next, John Lewis, Asos, Harrods, and Barbour attended, seeking sustainable sourcing solutions and new partnerships.
The event features manufacturers from key sourcing regions, including the UK, Portugal, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Nepal. Nicola Kirby, Head of Sourcing at John Lewis, highlighted the importance of the event in connecting with suppliers, particularly for childrenswear and tailoring expertise.
Niren Shah, Owner of Desert Crafts, noted strong engagement with UK and global retailers, emphasizing his focus on English-speaking markets. He confirmed his company’s continued participation in both the February and July editions.
The Source Catwalk Show, held three times daily, showcased key fashion trends Reconstructed, Circus, and Romance along with a sustainable swimwear collection by stylist Rebekah Roy. Designer Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints, closed the show with his new sustainable label, Stuart Trevor, featuring repurposed materials.
Industry discussions on the Source Catwalk and Source Debates Stages tackled sustainability challenges. Nick Reed, founder of Neem London, led a panel on shifting from fast fashion to circularity, with experts emphasizing slow, local manufacturing, durability, and transparency. Jackie Andrews-Udall of Johnstons of Elgin praised wool and silk for their recyclability, while Sarah Jordan of Y O U. Underwear addressed consumer resistance to non-synthetic fabrics.
Another key debate focused on sourcing shifts from Asia to North Africa. Giovanni Beatrice of Forward in Fashion pointed to rising costs in Turkey, positioning Egypt as a leading alternative due to lower wages, duty-free EU access, and reduced environmental impact. Sherin Hosni of Egypt’s Apparel Export Council highlighted Egypt’s efficiency and sustainability in high-quality apparel production.
The Egyptian Pavilion, with 20 exhibitors, showcased the country’s craftsmanship and sustainability. Omar Abdelfattah of El Helal Company emphasized Egypt’s competitive pricing and short lead times compared to Asia, strengthening its appeal to UK and European buyers.
Event Director Suzanne Ellingham celebrated the record attendance and the show's success in fostering responsible sourcing. She praised the open discussions on sustainability and industry challenges, emphasizing Source Fashion’s role in shaping the future of ethical sourcing.
With two days remaining, the event continues to drive impactful conversations and new business opportunities in sustainable fashion.
