Bluezone

C&A opens sustainable production site in Mönchengladbach

The Futuristic Technology behind C&A’s "Factory for Innovation in Textiles"

21. June 2021

Fashion retailer C&A has announced the opening of its Factory for Innovation in Textiles (“C&A’s FIT”) in Mönchengladbach, Germany, set for autumn 2021. The state-of-the-art production site will initially focus on manufacturing jeans using the latest digital technologies in a carbon-neutral production site. We got exclusive insights into the automation of C&A’s FIT and can’t wait to share it with you!

The German fashion company is working with scientists from Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, the North Rhine-Westphalia Textile Academy and RWTH Aachen University, as well as pioneering start-up companies, on the new development.

FIT will first focus on the production of jeans. The ambitious plan is to initially produce around 400,000 jeans per year in Mönchengladbach, and later it will be 800,000. The first jeans will be available in stores in 2022.

With this opening, C&A is generating new impulses for the textile industry in the middle of Europe. Besides, it makes the bold statement that sustainable fashion must not be a niche product – which is why this manufacturing site is about production in larger numbers.

Betty Kieß, Head of Corporate Communications Europe C&A, exclusively shares with us some examples of automation used at C&A’s FIT:

  1. Fully automated pocket setter: A machine that automatically folds and sews the back pocket while the employee only inserts the fabrics.
  2. Automatic magazine: In the area of ​​warehousing of raw materials, a magazine which automatically stores the materials and returns them to production when required is used. All materials are also digitally inventoried.
  3. Industry 4.0: All machines are designed for Industry 4.0 and can communicate production data with one another.
  4. Decorative stitch carousel: The decorative seam is automatically sewn onto the back pocket by a stitch carousel.

Betty Kieß also tells us that they are working closely with the universities in the field of robotics with the goal of eventually using robots to feed parts into the production.

…definitely exciting news coming soon!

As a long-standing visitor to MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE, C&A will of course be back in Munich in autumn to view and order the collections and innovations of our international exhibitors – we can hardly wait to greet our visitors and exhibitors again at our physical fair under the motto RISE allowed to!

MUNICH FABRIC START
31/08 – 02/09/2021

BLUEZONE
31/08 – 01/09/2021


RISE: Autumn.Winter 22/23

Munich Fabric Start presents the new Autumn.Winter 22/23 seasonal theme: RISE

14. June 2021

Autumn.Winter 22/23 welcomes a new world of connectivity. The guiding theme and dedicated focus for the upcoming edition of Munich Fabric Start celebrates and perpetuates the meaningful connection to unite the industry under the seasonal title ‘RISE’.

A reality bound by a global pandemic stirs the industry to reinvent itself once again. New perspectives bring us closer together and give rise to dreams, visions and collections that brighten and uplift our world. Emotion is infused in our future as we seek out joy and comfort with a warmed sense of connection.

Sensitive and in tune with our surroundings, we are in close touch with our haptic senses as we long for connection on many levels. We are reassured by our analog experiences as we explore the feel and the nature of our tactile world. Be it material or emotional, our textiles reflect a kind of lightness, expressing the joy of celebration and party, we let go and are entertained. A collaborative spirit drives our digital world as we network using 3D technology – we excel our visions, planning and design processes to reach new levels.

With RISE, we strengthen what unites us as part of a global thrivability movement. Holistic and transparent concepts, from fiction to reality, guiding a path towards circular economy, from fiber to fiber. We witness the fusion of nature and technology as hemp becomes the new mainspring for natural fibers and materials. Education plays an important role in the development of anti-greenwashing, climate-friendly visions and inclusion of looks, gender and body shapes, as well as new modular models in order to be able to react more flexibly to the market. All of which embrace the growing feelings that less is more, better quality is more.

We define our limits in order to push beyond them. Pragmatic solutions lead us to discover the joy in reduced colours and collection materials. Thinking beyond what was previously possible. We move forward with digitization, enjoying its advantages with a relaxed ease and assurance we ultimately bring us closer with our natural world.

MUNICH FABRIC START
31/08 – 02/09/2021

BLUEZONE
31/08 – 01/09/2021


Latest Denim News on bluezone.show

Get inspired by the highlights on the new interactive denim platform

20. May 2021

We really can’t wait to welcome you again in person in Munich: BLUEZONE will take place from 31 August – 1 September 2021 as the first physical Denim trade show in 2021 at the Zenith area. Following the seasonal guiding theme BACK TO THE FUTURE, you can expect an incomparable premium portfolio of international weavers, manufacturers and denim innovators who present their latest fabric, accessory and print developments to the denim community.

Until then, the motto will continue to be: collect digital inspiration and information about the denim world, connect with other community members and thus prepare yourself optimally for your visit to the trade fair. This Is also exactly why we created the new lively digital home – for everyone interested in denim and all its facets. With the launch of the progressive Living Page, we offer a completely new experience through an interactive and dynamic approach featuring exclusive denim insights. Learn more about the launch of www.bluezone.show in this blog post.

“True to our BLUEZONE motto ‘denim beyond the seasons’, our special Living Page creates the perfect basis for the live talks and the development of innovative novelties which will be presented at our upcoming BLUEZONE show from 31 August to 1 September 2021”

Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director BLUEZONE

The Highlights and Innovations of the Indigo World

Industry news and stories are shared almost daily on our interactive homepage. In the UNMISSABLE NEWS on the HOME page you will find the latest news that move the industry: published by the market-leading media such as THE SPIN OFF, CARVED IN BLUE, SOURCING JOURNAL, J’N’C, STYLE IN PROGRESS and many more. The future-oriented and most sustainable developments that the entire industry is talking about are collected on THE SHOW page under LATEST DENIM INNOVATIONS. You can find particularly relevant information for your network on the BLUE COMMUNITY page under COMMUNITY NEWS.

The latest collaborations, unique collections, groundbreaking innovations, pioneering voices from the industry: thanks to the UNMISSABLE NEWS and the COMMUNITY NEWS, you won’t miss a thing! Take a look at the MUD JEANS X IKEA collaboration, for example, or learn more about our denim curator and well-known face of the denim industry Panos Sofianos, who talks with TENCEL‘s Michael Kininmonth about the concept of sustainability and its plans for our show in the “BLUE CAST” podcast.

Unique Insider Information: Hot Minutes With, Who Really Is & Bluezone Speed Meeting

What is missing most at the moment? Personal contact, networking with interesting and inspiring personalities, getting to know small quirks and interesting stories!

This is exactly what our unique formats on BLUE COMMUNITY are made for: In the short HOT MINUTES WITH videos, you get to know the faces of the industry on a very personal level thanks to unusual questions. Find out Nicolas Sere‘s greatest dream and whether it has already come true, Stephanie Micci‘s extraordinary favorite song and why Alex Maillet has no plans to move away from Biarritz ever again.

In the 5-minute BLUEZONE SPEED MEETING videos, also available on BLUE COMMUNITY, you have the chance to get to know the innovation drivers in the denim industry. The minds behind global brands, such as Thibault Greuzat or Paolo Gnutti, provide insights into their company DNA and show 5 of their trend-setting developments in detail. See how clever the KT Trims team is in introducing their denim additionals.

WHO REALLY IS… you have probably asked yourself several times when you have heard the name of denim heads like Luca Braschi or Barbara Gnutti. And who is Theresa Walter, the woman who brings our BLUEZONE to life season after season? You can find the answers in exciting interviews on BLUE COMMUNITY.

BLUEZONE wouldn't be BLUEZONE without its Denim Trends!

Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to browse through the BLUEZONE Denim Trend Forum knows that BLUEZONE is much more than a “simple” trade fair for denim fabrics. The trends that inspire buyers, designers and product managers of global fashion brands for their next collections are shown here!

Don’t miss out on this early insight into the upcoming trends from 31 August – 1 September 2021 at BLUEZONE. Before that, you can get an overview of the current visions on BLUE TRENDS. For example, find out from our denim curator Tilmann Wröbel how the current Trend Forecast came about, immerse yourself in the detailed descriptions of the 5 denim topics and let the visionaries inspire you creatively.

#bluezone #internationaldenimtradeshow #denimindustry #sustainablefabrics #deniminnovations #denimmaterial #tradeshow #backtothefuture

ABOUT BLUEZONE – THE INTERNATIONAL DENIM TRADE FAIR

Founded in 2003 as the first of its kind denim dedicated show, BLUEZONE has established itself as one of the most substantial business platforms for the global denim, street and sportswear market. Leading denim pioneers showcase their most recent denim novelties to the international denim and fashion community. With a strong commitment to excellence and a highly innovative approach, BLUEZONE is a key event to present quality materials, share know-how and discover innovations and the latest trends in a unique blue-blooded environment for denim beyond the seasons. Simultaneously and right next to BLUEZONE, the International Fabric Trade Fair MUNICH FABRIC START showcases novelties in fabrics, accessories and prints twice a year so that visitors can source from a varied textile portfolio offered by some 1000 international suppliers. In between the shows, everyone interested in the denim industry is invited to discover news and denim stories on www.bluezone.show. The next BLUEZONE show takes place in Munich from 31 August – 1 September 2021.


Denim Trend Analysis #6: Create

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: Create

11. January 2021

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #6: CREATE

Wild and crazy creative work

A new “creative exaltation”

An explosion of never before seen strong colours, hues and shapes

Key trends “disaster luxury” and “Rugged future” combines smooth designer looks with rebelious accents

It’s all in the creative contrasts

Rugged vs silky, sturdy vs soft, black vs bright colour

Nothing handsome, nothing 100% nice…

A punkish : “God save reality” attitude.

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here.

Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the CREATE trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.

Be curious about the innovations that will be presented at our upcoming shows!


Denim Trend Analysis #5: London Acid Jazz

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: London Acid Jazz

5. January 2021

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #5: LONDON ACID JAZZ

South London bring the new jazzy hipster vibe

A soft and warm theme (in shapes and colours)

World famous (NYC) “Blue note” music label, opens a new area of emotional acid-jazz vibes

Denim hats, ties, shirts, coloured jeans with draw strings…

Cultural mixes

Think artists like: Swindle, Ezra Collective, Corduroy & Nerija

High rises, balloon shaped bottoms

Softened earth tones, Black & White & soft pink for men

Softer & contoured gender neutral shapes & fit

Linen denim or the extreme opposite, “hairy” surface structure

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here.

Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the LONDON ACID JAZZ trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.

Be curious about the innovations that will be presented at our upcoming shows!


Denim Trend Analysis #4: Fast

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: Fast

22. December 2020

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #4: FAST

Diehard revenge spenders continue to surprise the world

“I want everything and now”, no time to lose

The sky is the limit

I want “wow effects”… please entertain me

Me, myself and I,who knows what will happen after

A focus on luxury and its glamorous iconic logos

Bold statements about success in life

Fabrics blended with premium ingredients.

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here.

Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the FAST trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.

Be curious about the innovations that will be presented at our upcoming shows!


Denim Trend Analysis #3: New Commuters

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: New Commuters

18. December 2020

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #3: NEW COMMUTERS

A new world of urban and interurban travellers

A gritty “survivalism” feel

New options for design

Utility pockets fulfil a real need, for masks, gel, gloves…

Make way for useful utility denim product designs

Think commuting in the subway, bus, train, plane…

Smart & trend related utility clothing shopping & popular gatherings

Leisure utility & sartorial utility

Required in Universities & office spaces

Commuting requires us to use fabrics which protect us against microbial and viruses

No gimmicks, only reliable innovation

ACME R&D, legitimate certified results

Anti-microbia innovation – Think PG DENIM > Fuck Microbia or TONELLO > Sanicare

Protective coatings

Protection through innovation in fibers

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here.

Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the NEW COMMUTERS trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.

Be curious about the innovations that will be presented at our upcoming shows!


Denim Trend Analysis #2: Medical Heroes

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: Medical Heroes

16. December 2020

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #2: MEDICAL HEROES

When feeling uncertain we used to call Superman, Batman, Gi-Joe and Arnold Schwazenegger

Doctors and nurses have become the new medical heroes for all

Key products: Aprons, blouses, pencil pockets

Security stitches, triple stitching, reinforcements and aeration holes

Keep it clean

White denim is key!

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here.

Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the MEDICAL HEROES trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.

Be curious about the innovations that will be presented at our upcoming shows!


Denim Trend Analysis #1: Slow

AW 21/22 Denim Trend Analysis: Slow

14. December 2020

The latest developments in the world of denim can be found at BLUEZONE. For the first time our denim suppliers and manufacturers showcased directly alongside all product sections in the main halls of the MOC at FABRIC DAYS, 1-3 September 2020.

The latest Denim Trend Forecast by BLUEZONE explores the seasonal theme HOPETIMISM which stands for hope and optimism – it is a mindset that explores new ways and perspectives during a very challenging time to fulfil new market needs. For this, the BLUEZONE Trend Team has defined the coming seasons with two distinct consumer groups in mind. The first main consumer group is called HOPE which stands for a better world and challenges the way we consume fashion with a significant focus on ethical and sustainable fashion. The second major consumer group is called OPTIMISM which takes a more hedonist approach to denim and fashion, living under the ‘You Only Live Once’ motto.

The 3 trends shaped by HOPE are:

SLOW stands for timeless design where global manufacturing becomes local.
MEDICAL HEROES idolises our new protectors and defines a new era of clean workwear in denim.
NEW COMMUTERS responds to a real need for useful denim to reinvent utility.

The 3 trends shaped by OPTIMISM are:

FAST craves the latest in luxury and statement fashion and denim.
LONDON ACID JAZZ is a creative haven for global streetwear and new cultural influences.
CREATE is an explosion of contrasting textures, fashion shapes, function and colour.

BLUEZONE TREND THEME #1: SLOW

Slow is nice, but less is better than ever

Consumption is ok, but not a craving need

Quality and durability are executed with great care

Timeless jeans and a new take on heritage denim

Timeless design, fit and fabrics

Immunized shoppers demand higher levels of “eco-ethics” and sustainability

Local manufacturing is key as less distance equals less CO2

Global becomes local with new manufacturing concepts

Slow also stands for products which are always changing

Think of new and exciting reasons to morph, up-cycle and customise your denim

From inventory to hype, in fabrics and finalised garments

We see new takes on traditional techniques

Benchmark: Levis Re/Done provides inspiration for customisation and creativity

Fabric combinations: Tweed, fleece, and flannel meet denim

The life span of products are lengthened in the manufacturing stages

Sustainability is achieved through mixing and morphing trend relevant denims

For the first time visitors could enjoy browsing the latest qualities for Fabrics, Prints, Additionals and Denim all in one inspiring space at FABRIC DAYS. To discover the Autumn.Winter 21/22 trend analysis for Fabrics, Prints and Additionals, click here. Take a look through the latest denim colours, finishings and shapes highlighted in the SLOW trend theme as well as labels, rivets, buttons and trims rounding off the BLUEZONE Trend Forum.


MUNICH FABRIC START – A Paradigm Shift Towards Holistic Sustainability

A new level of sustainability, digitalisation, transparency, a growing need for information and the desire to inspire
– that’s what the Spring.Summer 21 season stands for.

The awareness of a new ecology has become one of the strongest social movements. It challenges us to rethink, to take responsibility, to create transparency and to enter into an intensive dialogue.

The MUNICH FABRIC START with BLUEZONE, KEYHOUSE and the individual showcases presented by around 1,000 international suppliers of fabrics and additionals will introduce the Spring.Summer 21 season from 4 – 6 February in Munich. Approximately 20,000 trade visitors will have access to an extensive range of fabrics, additionals, designs, manufacturing services, supported by an informative and inspiring events programme.

The Spring.Summer 21 season is characterised by dynamism, waves and radiance – the guiding theme THRIVABILITY brings enthusiasm, creates excitement, let’s blossom and flourish. THRIVABILITY deconstructs our understanding of fashion and embeds a new, positive way of thinking: aesthetics and people see eye to eye; resources and nature are respected. This creates a new understanding of holistic sustainability and future-oriented entrepreneurial spirit. Spring.Summer 21 answers current market needs and reflects an evolved understanding of values. Knowledge, transparency, quality, responsibility and communication influence the current showcase of innovative product and processes on offer. THRIVABILITY combines the essence of this new era with a classic definition of trends and cultivates an inspiring and progressive direction for materials, fashion and design.

MUNICH FABRIC START HIGHLIGHTS

ASK THE EXPERT – Communication islands with THRIVABILITY experts.
Taking into account the focus on sustainability and innovation driven by THRIVABILITY, a new information concept will be integrated into the Trend Forum at the upcoming MUNICH FABRIC START. At various communication islands in the foyer of the MOC, industry experts will provide impulses and answers to current questions, from the origins of the material to exploring the diverse range of production processes and end garment recycling. Through direct discussions, you will gain valuable know-how, insights into topics and current solutions for both sustainable and innovative processes along the value chain:

CIRCULARITY | FIBERS & MATERIALS | MARKETING & COMMUNICATION | RECYCLING | SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

NEW ICON GUIDANCE SYSTEM
In addition, MUNICH FABRIC START has implemented a newly developed icon guidance system which in the spirit of transparency, identifies the sustainable and technical aspects of all the material highlights presented in the Trend Forums. In this way, visitors can establish these respective and previously hidden properties of textiles and ingredients at a single glance.

FABRICS
AWARENESS AS A DRIVER OF INNOVATION. Around 700 suppliers present their creative new developments across more than 1,000 collections – based on the latest technology innovations and the conscious and conservative use of resources. The fashionable combination of natural and innovative fibres is reflected in numerous new textile qualities including: luminous surfaces, wet gloss looks, soft glazes, colour gradients, transparent qualities, abstract patterns and relief elements. This season, MUNICH FABRIC START once again unites textile producers with a huge range of state-of-the-art fabrics, presenting not only essentials such as cotton, viscose, wool, elastane, lace and linen, but also novelties such as super-stretch silk, recycled polyester, Ecovero-Tencel linen, Naia and Cupro fibre blends or hemp textiles.

ADDITIONALS
TRIMS FOR FUTURE – this is the global motto which represents approximately 200 of the world’s leading international ADDITIONALS suppliers. Fashionable new developments revolve around iridescent surfaces, glowing yarns and electrifying colour applications. The focus is on recycled and sustainably produced products in natural colours. ITL Group will not only show its comprehensive range of products for the first time, but will also launch its C.A.R.E. Collection (Conscious, Affordable, Responsible, Eco-friendly labels) during the upcoming trade fair. Clic sums up these developments: “We have focused on realistic and organic articles that preserve nature both in form and texture”.

ReSOURCE
In a comprehensive forum, the ReSOURCE Area categorises and presents around 800 sustainably produced articles by exhibiting fabrics and additionals producers. “With our ground breaking DryIndigo® technology it is now possible to produce denim with 0% water consumption”, Tejidos Royo describes its latest milestone. Bornemann Etiketten sees the biggest challenge in balancing creativity, sustainability and efficiency, while Dutel focuses on timeless and durable top quality. Lanificio Roma pursues resource saving process solutions with the aim of wasting less and reusing production and consumption waste as new resources.

DESIGN STUDIOS
Natural colours based on sustainable dyeing techniques now determines the colour palettes of the inspiring designs at the internationally renowned, textile designers and trend offices in the DESIGN STUDIOS. The current change in the textile industry is leading to a revolution in the printing and dyeing industry and inspires a revival of natural dyes. Design Union and Primus Pattern also emphasize the simultaneous closeness to nature and diversity of textile prints for Spring.Summer 21.

SOURCING
Ready-made solutions are becoming more and more important and the interest in sourcing providers close to the market is also growing with a focus is on speed and a reduction in complexity. As globally established manufacturing companies in the SOURCING Area, numerous high-quality newcomers such as Easy Invest Solutions or Union 3 Fashion offer comprehensive insights into the entire textile production chain and its reliable procurement management. For Spring.Summer 21, Cascade Enterprises takes its inspiration from nature and returns to the basics in prints, fabrics and silhouettes. Sourcing specialist Fateks Kumas Tekstil offers and processes fabrics made from recycled PET bottles, also to conserve resources.

As the think tank for innovation, KEYHOUSE provides insights into future fabrics, new technologies, smart products & processes, sustainable innovations and alternative material resources, offering and inspiring pioneering concepts. For more information click here.

With over 100 major international brands, BLUEZONE has positioned itself as the initiator of an extraordinary, strong and innovative denim community. The answer to a conscious consumer approach and a growing interest in ready-made solutions that offer revolutionary products, state-of-the-art technological processes and complex functionalities. For more information click here.

KEYNOTES & SEMINARS

At the upcoming MUNICH FABRIC START, there will be a premium event programme featuring impressive panel discussions, polarising keynotes and trend seminars by international experts. The KEYHOUSE in Hall 5 will feature exciting lectures on the various subjects of innovation. The diverse events on offer in the BLUEZONE area of Hall 7 will provide an in-depth insight into the developments in the denim industry, while the ReSOURCE Forum in K3 in the MOC will offer an equally relevant programme on the topics of sustainability, certification and quality seals.

David Shah about „The 10 Design Pillars” – Tuesday, 4 Feb 2020, 10.30am – 12pm
The trend forecaster and publisher of Textile View will deliver the keynote “The 10 Design Pillars”. David Shah presents new perspectives on design influences from Slowbilisation to Hopepunk, from Biophilia to Datascapes.

Fashion Revolution – Tuesday, 4 Feb 2020, 12pm – 1pm
Ariane Piper gives an insight into Fashion Revolution – how the campaign will revolutionize the fashion industry. The viral campaign “Who made my clothes” will once again feature in the trend forums as an installation for transparency in the fashion industry.

Expert panel about „Future of the Textile Value Chain” – Tuesday, 4 Feb 2020, 2pm – 3.30pm
The panel discussion with expert participants on the subject of “Future of the Textile Value Chain” will be moderated by Jana Kern and Alex Vogt from KERN Consulting. The five international experts, including Prof. Dr. Michael Braungart, Hans H. Jung, David Shah, Jan Wilmking and Lauren Zahringer, will discuss the disruption and transformation through sustainability and networking in the textile value chain.

Rivet 50‘s 2020 Vision – Tuesday, 4 Feb 2020, 3pm – 4pm
What will the new decade bring for the denim industry and community? Rivet 50 will lead a discussion between some of the world’s most influential denim characters to discuss their predictions for business, technology and fashion.

Exclusive Trend Seminar by Li Edelkoort – Tuesday, 4 Feb 2020, 4pm – 6.30pm
Arguably the most famous trend forecaster of our time holds an exclusive trend seminar. In an impressive presentation, GREEN WAVE – the Fashion Trends for Spring.Summer 21, as GREEN BOOK – the Recreationwear Trends for Spring.Summer 21, as well as STILLNESS – a Full Colour Forecast for Autumn.Winter 21/22.

„Fashion Activism” Panel by Muchaneta Kapfunde – Wednesday, 5 Feb 2020, 11am – 12pm
FashNerd founder Muchaneta Kapfunde brings together the experts Kresse Wesling, Styliani Parascha, Marta Waydel and Marina Toeters as part of the panel discussion “Fashion Activism: Creating the Fashion of the Future.”

Hessnatur Stiftung about „The way to the green button“ – Wednesday, 05 Feb 2020, 11am – 12pm
Rolf Heimann, CEO of the Hessnatur Foundation, Institute for Applied Sustainability, explores in a lecture the question “How do I prepare my company for certification?”.

„How automation will change the fashion industry” – Wednesday, 5 Feb 2020, 2pm – 3pm
The five experts in technology, David Schmelzeisen, Ralf Schneider, Dr. Thomas Fischer, Jon Zornow and Sabine Kühnl will discuss “Don’t be afraid of robots – how automation will change the fashion industry” in a panel discussion. Automation, digitalisation and localisation are the trends that are reshaping the global fashion market. Is the fashion industry ready to adapt to new standards? What consequences does this have for the current procurement structure, also in terms of social responsibility?

“The data behind today’s winning marketing strategies” – Wednesday, 5 Feb 2020, 5pm – 6pm
Gina Gulberti, VP Digital Marketing at Launchmetrics, explains in her keynote “The data behind today’s winning marketing strategies”.

All dates and the complete events programme can be found here.

MUNICH FABRIC START & KEYHOUSE & SOURCING
04 February 2020 | 9.30am – 6.30pm
05 February 2020 | 9.30am – 6.30pm
06 February 2020 | 9.30am – 4.00pm

BLUEZONE
04 February 2020 | 9.30am – 6.30pm
05 February 2020 | 9.30am – 6.30pm