SOURCE FASHION BUILDS A COMMUNITY FOR CHANGE Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, has concluded another successful edition, welcoming a 32 percent increase in visitor numbers. Now in its 3rd year, the event continues to serve as a vital platform for retailers, brands, and wholesalers seeking ethical and responsible manufacturing partners from around the world. Across the three-day event, sourcing, designing, sustainability and buying teams from John Lewis, Harrods, NEXT, ASOS, Joseph, New Look, Reiss, Gant, Stella McCartney, Fortnum and Mason, French Connection Hunter Boots, Sophia Webster, Lulu Guinness, River Island, The Saville Row Company, Barbour, Channel, Claires, Hunter Boots, Lucy & Yak, ME + EM, Charlies Tyrwhitt, Birkenstock, Boohoo, QVC and Yours Clothing and many more attended. Source Fashion has moved beyond fashion, becoming a hub for industries outside of retail, attracting sports teams, major brands, and businesses such as the NBA, West Ham Football Club and Pepsi seeking high-quality, sustainable clothing solutions. Andrew Xeni, Founder and CEO of Nobody’s Child, commented: “Source Fashion is very meaningful. It represents the grassroots of what our industry should be doing and standing for. We are proud to have some of our suppliers on the show floor – these are the innovators shaping the future of fashion.” Laura Taylor, ESG Manager, Boohoo commented: “Source is a great event to meet suppliers from new regions, watch engaging talks from a variety of fashion experts and network with passionate individuals who are providing innovative products to our industry.” A thought leader in sustainable fashion Beyond sourcing, Source Fashion has become a thought leader in sustainability and supply chain management. The event’s content programme, delivered across two dedicated stages, The Source Catwalk and Source Debate Stage, provided invaluable insights into the future of responsible sourcing. Industry leaders engaged in conversations on sustainability, supply chain risk, international trade developments, legislation, and innovation, while the catwalk stage showcased what’s possible in sustainable fashion and sustainable design from Stuart Trevor. Fashion activist Caryn Franklin MBE shared her thoughts on the show’s impact: “Source Fashion is important to me because it’s where I learn. I can be curious and gain knowledge about areas that aren’t my speciality. Seeing experts like Safia Minney discussing legislation helps shape the future we want. It’s empowering. I’d encourage anyone to attend – not just to source responsibly, but to be part of a community dedicated to making fashion more sustainable.” The final day highlights included How to Long Retail – Fixing the Talent Gap and Empowering the Next Generation in Ethical Fashion, featuring Fiona Bailey, Product Learning and Development Manager at NEXT, and Adele Corbello, Sourcing and Production Manager at Vollebak. They discussed how the fashion industry can build a culture that aligns with values of Gen Z, drives engagement, and tackles talent retention. The conversation focused on fostering the involvement of graduates in the fashion industry to address the talent gap. Emphasising the need for better alignment between academia and the industry. Corbello and Bailey agreed that a collaborative approach – where the industry supports graduates and vice versa – will produce more informed and experienced talent, benefiting both the industry and academia. On The Source Debate Stage, Sasha Mc Farlane, Executive Director at Future-Proof Fashion led the final conversation of the day around the struggle within fashion innovation and the mechanisms needed for a better chance of success. The discussion centered on Project Interlace, a six-month initiative involving seven suppliers to reduce overproduction in fashion by aligning supply chains with demand signals. The project promotes a dynamic supply matrix integrating onshore, nearshore, and offshore production to enhance speed and minimise waste. The debate discussed the need for a more integrated, vertical supply chain and a holistic approach to textile waste. For more information visit www.source-fashion.com ON WITH THE SHOW 9
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