"With 1014 exhibitors from 25 countries, Texworld Paris once again asserted their dominance as undisputed leaders of sourcing for fabrics, components, trimmings and materials for the clothing industry. Spread across three halls in September, these remarkable events for anyone involved in creating fashion proved to be a real hub for finding inspiration and for procurement aimed at European and global buyers as a whole."

With 1014 exhibitors from 25 countries, Texworld Paris once again asserted their dominance as undisputed leaders of sourcing for fabrics, components, trimmings and materials for the clothing industry. Spread across three halls in September, these remarkable events for anyone involved in creating fashion proved to be a real hub for finding inspiration and for procurement aimed at European and global buyers as a whole. The commitments made by Messe Frankfurt to encourage expressions of creativity in the major producing countries of Asia or its endeavours to provide greater exposure for companies, which are adopting new approaches as regards sustainable development, have been rewarded this year.

The ranges for sustainable sourcing, especially noticeable this year at Texworld Paris, represented a selection, which is growing in size, of almost 80 suppliers, who offered fabrics with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Organic Exchange, Bluesign, SA8000 or WRAP certifications, as part of a very comprehensive choice of lines and materials.

Special signage this year allowed visitors to identify added environmental value offered by exhibitors, depending on whether it related to eco-friendly or bio-based materials, environmentally friendly processes or certified social standards and fair trade, or all of these advantages together (eco-friendly materials and procedures plus social standards). Similarly, following the “Artisan” circuit, which was first introduced in February and which was packed during this autumn’s show, allowed buyers on the lookout for short runs to find suppliers whose offers matched their requirements and were frequently based on traditional craftsmanship.

As ever, Texworld‘s artistic directors showcased the current styles at the show in two Trends areas, the general Trends Forum and the Sustainable Trends Forum, in order to demonstrate the creative capacity of exhibitors at Texworld Paris. Going by the name Réenchantement, the trends focussed on four themes: Apocalyptic Fascination, Immemorial Spell, Synthetic Dazzle and Astral Ecstasy. Both visitors and exhibitors signalled their approval. It allowed everyone to be organised and to explore the different trends presented at Texworld Paris from a purely creative angle in just one place.

The major players in the clothing sector for their part targeted their searches towards the additional services offered by the 29 exhibitors in the Elite segment. This area once again was a resounding success with buyers, in particular European ones, who recognised the quality offered by the selected exhibitors. These firms, known for their quality, competitiveness, responsiveness and services, are able to provide a response for the most cutting-edge and discerning markets for global fashion designer labels. There were seven newcomers, including six Turkish firms and one Chinese company. This did not go unnoticed by contractors. They were very busy in this area that is particular appreciated by ready-to-wear labels: “a consistent and interesting space that is very suitable for making for high-calibre contacts” explains Omar Kaskas, manager at Kaskas Co.

This blend of competitive and creative approaches was rounded off this year by a series of exhibitions, such as that devoted to the Dinan International Festival for Fashion Designers, where prize winners (Anaël Paris, Daniela Schmid and Damko) showed their collections in a fashion area located between Hall 2 and 3. This extremely busy area also hosted the Replica exhibition, organised around a creative dialogue between students at HEAR and Chinese clothing manufacturers. Supported by the Messe Frankfurt France trade fairs, the design students at Haute École des Arts du Rhin (HEAR) presented the results of their discussions and their work with five Chinese clothing manufacturers, weavers and embroiderers, who were exhibitors at the Apparel Sourcing and Texworld Paris shows.