MUNIQUE Magazine
Back with furore
BACK WITH A FURORE
The organisers of MUNICH FABRIC START on the joy of coming together again,
the challenges of the present and for the future.
the challenges of the present and for the future.
1. The industry is finally coming together again after two years.
From 30 August to 1 September 2022, the MUNICH FABRIC START will be
held without restrictions – What are you particularly looking forward to?
Sebastian Klinder: The answer is quite clear: to finally gather the entire industry in one place again – and with a big impact. With almost 900 exhibitors and 1,500 collections on a total exhibition area of around 45,000 square metres, MUNICH FABRIC START now comprises eight areas: Fabrics and Additionals with international material innovations for all apparel segments, Resource and Sustainable Innovations for innovative developments, Design Studios with fabric designs and novelties for prints on an enlarged area, the KEYHOUSE innovation hub, the BLUEZONE and the new sourcing area THE SOURCE for international, vertical integration.
Frank Junker: To expand as a trade fair in such challenging times is anything but a matter of course. However, we dared to do so and are happy to say: it was important and right. That is why we are all the more pleased to launch THE SOURCE this year. The One Stop Solution for holistic fashion sourcing is being launched for the first time – and was already fully booked far in advance. 65 selected international manufacturing companies will present their offerings from cut-make-trim (CMT) to high-end production there. A cluster of the most important sourcing countries such as Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Bosnia and Vietnam creates a business-relevant mix for risk diversification, the right product mix and for every genre.
Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START; left
Frank Junker, Creative Director MUNICH FABRIC START; right
2. The motto of the upcoming edition is FURORE. What can exhibitors and visitors imagine by this?
Frank Junker: The origin of the word FURORE lies in the Italian language: ‘Far furore’, which means to arouse enthusiasm. We get excited about new worlds, like the metaverse, a new sense of community or innovative biomaterials. But FURORE also stands for a bit of frenzy and anger about all the things that are going on in the world right now. Outside as well as inside our common industry, which we don’t want to close ourselves off to, but want to and will face up to.
Sebastian Klinder: For this season, we expect over 20,000 trade visitors at MUNICH FABRIC START, including designers, product managers and buyers from the textile, fashion, denim, sports and outdoor industries. They all come to Munich to find out about colour and material trends, innovations and current market developments. The trend worlds for Autumn.Winter 23/24 reflect this in a controversy – from almost invisible to maximally striking.
3. Time for an outlook: How will MUNICH FABRIC START
develop and position itself in the future?
Frank Junker: MUNICH FABRIC START is a family business. We are firmly convinced that a trade show can only be successful if everyone pulls together, because only then a trade show does acquire an identity, a soul. That is exactly what our visitors appreciate about us – and that is what we want to maintain. At
the same time, it is time to think bigger, as we have already done this season.
Sebastian Klinder: At MUNICH FABRIC START from 30 August to 1 September 2022, we can already show that we have the courage to exploit our potential
and go beyond borders – and we will continue to do so: with growth, a broader portfolio and the internationalisation of our visitors. We are currently stronger than ever – and we want to build on this.
Discover further industry-disrupting innovations at our upcoming shows:
Vifrex Studio - Experts in Fabrics Design and Production from Barcelona
Vifrex Studio - Experts in Fabrics Design and Production
from Barcelona
An interview with Luigi Maria Cialdini, VIFREX STUDIO
This season we are profiling some of the exhibitors showcasing at MUNICH FABRIC START 2022. We are excited to present you VIFREX STUDIO.
With years of professional experience in the textile sector and the main Spanish retail group, Joan Vilalta founded VIFREX STUDIO in 2017. Located in Barcelona and Istanbul, the company covered all the needs from design, commercial area, planning and quality control, expanding to the vertical production of garments.
Known for the design, production and sale of fabrics, we decided to take a moment with Luigi Maria Cialdini of VIFREX STUDIO to discuss the company’s drive, challenges and newest developments.
You are specialists in textile design; what services does VIFREX Studio offer?
We are a team of fabrics designers and textile engineering. We provide our customers with a personal fabric designer that can help and assist in all the developments, proposing trends and mood boards for their needs.
What would you say your strengths are?
Quick development process starting from trends, colours, and base qualities proposals.
When it comes to sustainability, can you elaborate on your green strategies so far?
All our items meet the highest sustainable standards. We possess all the certifications like OCS, GRS, BCI, and CARE FOR WATER. More than 90% of our last year’s productions were sustainable.
You have a garment production base in Turkey; what do you do differently?
We assist our customers in the entire development process. We can produce for any size Brand, from the big retail chains to the slow fashion brands.
SLCP audited your fabric, and you are JOIN LIFE certified; how important do you think certification is in the Textile industry?
More than 90% of our last year’s productions were sustainable, and Join Life. We believe that the textile industry needs to be committed to the highest social value to improve the earth’s condition.
How important is it to be unique yet still have a recognizable factor in your work?
Being unique and quirky is the key to this business s success. We continually experiment with new colours, bases, and constructions to look attractive. The creative part is where we invest most of our time and effort. We are surrounded by a team of experienced designers always aiming for the newest and best product construction/combinations. Our motto is: YOU ARE THE REASON WE CREATE FABRICS.
Did you face challenges during the pandemic? And how did you deal with them?
We had a lot of time to think and reshape our business model. We concluded that being unique and attractive is the key.
Luigi Maria Cialdini – VIFREX STUDIO
Is it hard to stay innovative?
Not at all; innovation and creation have always been our goals since we started in 2016. Without breaking boundaries, our day-to-day job will be useless.
How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
This could be the tricky part of our business model, but our team of engineers is constantly building new bases and constructions to be commercial and attractive.
What’s next for VIFREX Studio? What direction do you see your company taking in the coming years?
We are about to launch Vifrex Atelier. Our garment studio design centre. We will assist our customers in the development process. Form Fabric to garments.
Come along and meet the VIFREX Studio team at Hall S1 Stand E106.
MUNICH FABRIC START will be taking place from 30st August 2022 until the 1st September 2022.
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The Textile Industry: What to Expect in the Next Five Years
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Discover the latest trends from KEYHOUSE 2023
On more than 1,000 square metres you will find trend-setting Smart Textiles, Future Fabrics and new technologies - be it in terms of sustainability, circular economy, digitalisation, traceability, technology or finishing for the Autumn.Winter 24/25 season.
EACH OTHER
each other - we believe that it will become the decisive factor influencing the trends of the coming season: namely the importance of personal contact, exchange and being there for each other, of listening attentively and looking closely.
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VIII
The new collectionfeatures colourful micro, geometrical designs onone side and organic, abstract shapes on the other.
DMI FASHION DAY LIVE in Munich
FASHION DAYs - The date (July 17, 2023) and the location (MOC Munich) offer guests the opportunity to "kill two birds with one stone", namely, to visit MUNIC FABRIC START and the DMI FASHION DAY LIVE on the afternoon before.lappe zu schlagen“, nämlich die MUNIC FABRIC START zu besuchen und am Nachmittag davor den DMI FASHION DAY LIVE.
BLUEZONE DISCOVERY – Part III
Ctrl+Z, fabricsare made from a pure blend of recycled cottonand polyester with regenerated cellulosic fibers:
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VII
Due to full integration of their production with their own spinning, weaving, dye-works and finishing, they offer everything from fibre to fabric: everything they do is 100% made in Germany. Apart from main articles such as classic woollen fabrics from carded and worsted yarn, they also develop new products.
DESIGN STUDIOS – SPRING.SUMMER 24
Creative handmade prints for fashion and home textiles with painting in various techniques and styles:
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VI
Clothing is increasingly shiftingtowards sportswear by absorbing its technicalityand versatility.
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 V
Soft shades and pastel colors arecombined together with a more linear appeal andaesthetics. Light ground fabrics and texturedstripes meets modern fibers and a pleasant-to-touch hand feel.
Polopiqué - Innovating Textile Production
How Polopiqué has managed to distinguish itself through its innovation
An interview with Rosario Rodrigues
With more than 80 years of experience in the textile industry, Polopiqué is considered to be a leader in the textile industry. The company has managed to distinguish itself by mastering all phases of the textile production process, from spinning, weaving and finalization, to garment and commercialization of high quality products.
MUNICH FABRIC START had the opportunity to have a one on one interview with Rosario Rodrigues on how the Polopiqué has managed to distinguish itself through its innovation.
Polopiqué is an exhibitor at MUNICH FABRIC START 2022 in the new Hall 8 – THE SOURCE.
Already booked out for weeks, THE SOURCE is the new European One Stop Solution for holistic fashion sourcing. 65 selected international manufacturing companies will present their offers from Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) to High End Production. A cluster of the most important sourcing countries such as Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Bosnia and Vietnam creates a business-relevant mix for risk diversification, independent of genre and price level. MUNICH FABRIC START has developed the new Hall 8 with around 2,500 square meters of additional space for this purpose. The recently restored Lokhalle, a listed building directly adjacent to the former MUNICH FABRIC START site, is the perfect location. With its gigantic dimensions and spectacular architecture, it is one of Europe’s largest cantilevered historic steel halls.
The result is a unique new venue for flexible sourcing services and rethought value chains.
How does Polopiqué distinguish itself in the textile industry?
Polopiqué is one of the few complete vertical textile industries worldwide, controlling production from spinning, weaving/knitting and finishing to making high-quality garments. At Polopiqué, we don’t just deliver the garment; we also provide the ideas, the solutions and the designs. We include creativity and design in everything we do.
Why has Polopiqué chosen Portugal for its production?
Polopiqué is a Portuguese family company with decades of tradition in the textile industry. In addition, Polopiqué was created and established in the most relevant geographical area in terms of textiles in Portugal. Therefore, we privilege this know-how and proximity, and we should consider the many benefits of local production in terms of sustainability, agility and quality guarantee.
How does Polopiqué optimize processes to improve the quality of manufactured products?
“Investing in Research and Development activities to constantly adopt new and innovative raw materials and production processes. It is also imperative to stay up to date regarding more agile and ecological modern technology and machinery.”
Polopiqué is a member of the Better Cotton initiative; what does that mean?
Better Cotton is the world’s leading sustainability initiative, presenting the mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment. The better cotton initiative makes global cotton production better for producers, the environment, and the cotton sector’s future. It is about interacting with the whole supply chain to transform how cotton is sourced, ensure the improvement of the working conditions and a higher standard of living for farming communities, and spreading knowledge, support and resources for more sustainable practices in cotton production and other crops.
What are your thoughts on certification used in the textile industry?
We believe it is vital to convey trust and transparency to customers and consumers in their purchase acts to make informed choices. It is also relevant to involve them so that they feel an essential part in choosing brands with better practices throughout the chain of the production cycle.
Did you face challenges during the pandemic? And how did you deal with them?
Yes, of course, and at that stage, we invested in the production of personal protective equipment and products related to medicine and health, proving our ability to adapt to new situations and the flexibility of our team and production processes when developing new types of products.
What’s next for Polopique? What direction do you see your company taking in the coming years?
Continuing to surprise the market with innovations through constant R&D practices, taking advantage of new raw materials and production processes. Also reinforcing the weight and presence in new markets and business areas, namely in home textiles.
How important is it to be unique yet still have a recognizable factor in your work?
Very important. Polopiqué is flexible and proud to find solutions to most of our customer’s requests. Furthermore, by controlling all stages of the production process, we can guarantee higher quality standards and better agility.
This might be also interesting for you
The Textile Industry: What to Expect in the Next Five Years
The focus will be reducing hazardous chemicals, water, and energy in textile production. The industry will place greater emphasis on circular production methods and using recycled materials.
Discover the latest trends from KEYHOUSE 2023
On more than 1,000 square metres you will find trend-setting Smart Textiles, Future Fabrics and new technologies - be it in terms of sustainability, circular economy, digitalisation, traceability, technology or finishing for the Autumn.Winter 24/25 season.
EACH OTHER
each other - we believe that it will become the decisive factor influencing the trends of the coming season: namely the importance of personal contact, exchange and being there for each other, of listening attentively and looking closely.
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VIII
The new collectionfeatures colourful micro, geometrical designs onone side and organic, abstract shapes on the other.
DMI FASHION DAY LIVE in Munich
FASHION DAYs - The date (July 17, 2023) and the location (MOC Munich) offer guests the opportunity to "kill two birds with one stone", namely, to visit MUNIC FABRIC START and the DMI FASHION DAY LIVE on the afternoon before.lappe zu schlagen“, nämlich die MUNIC FABRIC START zu besuchen und am Nachmittag davor den DMI FASHION DAY LIVE.
BLUEZONE DISCOVERY – Part III
Ctrl+Z, fabricsare made from a pure blend of recycled cottonand polyester with regenerated cellulosic fibers:
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VII
Due to full integration of their production with their own spinning, weaving, dye-works and finishing, they offer everything from fibre to fabric: everything they do is 100% made in Germany. Apart from main articles such as classic woollen fabrics from carded and worsted yarn, they also develop new products.
DESIGN STUDIOS – SPRING.SUMMER 24
Creative handmade prints for fashion and home textiles with painting in various techniques and styles:
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 VI
Clothing is increasingly shiftingtowards sportswear by absorbing its technicalityand versatility.
Fabrics Spring.Summer 24 V
Soft shades and pastel colors arecombined together with a more linear appeal andaesthetics. Light ground fabrics and texturedstripes meets modern fibers and a pleasant-to-touch hand feel.
Interview about Pre-Creation, -Action and -Connection in our industry
"Pre-Action"
An interview with Simon Angel, curator of the Sustainable Innovations Forum
Our contact regarding the developments that are groundbreaking for our industry? Simon Angel – Curator of the SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS, which are presented every season at MUNICH FABRIC START. SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS offers a platform for exciting young designers who create extraordinary material developments and rethink the textile world – with these insights you are always one step ahead of the market.
Here is an overview of all SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS of the last seasons >>
Hey Simon, it’s good to see you. How are you?
Actually, I am really busy with the investigation of social impacts – next to the primal impact of this pandemic, we also have the secondary impact on society as a whole and the challenges to our personal selves to deal with. Right now, the personal impact of global challenges is reaching its peak. And yes, whenever the pressure becomes too much, people (and the society) have to dissociate from it in order to ‘save’ themselves or to cope with the challenges. For now, this is resulting in the creation of new realities, ignorance or even denial. We have to ask ourselves what is going on right now. And what is even real, and what’s not? What is the real real? And behind the actual challenges of Covid-19 and climate change, there might be an even bigger challenge: reliability.
This new reality we have to face – how do you suggest we find solutions?
As I just mentioned, there are two keywords that I can really relate to: reality and reliability. I am noticing that we have to unravel these words to the point that tickles our consciousness. Our moral compasses. What are we really fighting for? What are our real problems? To be clear, problems like climate change, consumer behaviour, the oversupply of clothing, Covid-19 and fake news are all big issues. For sure, it’s good and important to clean up this mess, but the solution is not only to clean it up. We have to get to the core, which is: Why did we lose connection to what is real in the first place? We have to find inspiration in that instead of just pointing out the negative aspects.
“We have to get to the core, which is: Why did we lose connection to what is real in the first place? We have to find inspiration in that instead of just pointing out the negative aspects.”
And how do you think we can do that?
I think we have to change the prefix from ‘pre’ to ‘re’… Rethink becomes pre-think. Re-cycle becomes pre-cycle.
Give this thought some time… It’s about pre-acting instead of reacting: we have to do something new to support the next generations and enable them to follow on from us. Reacting will never be inspiring. Responding to toxic things can never be fresh, inspiring, exciting or new. We cannot achieve a better future by relying on the toxic relationships that have already existed – with economics, fashion and other people.
The prefix ‘re’ in reaction or reconnection points out to what has already been there. But: What has already been there was tainted and can no longer help us. So we don’t want to react and reconnect, we want to pre-act, pre-connect, pre-do, pre-dict and pre-create. We need something pure, something fresh in order to make a change. Let’s make new pre-lationships in order to pre-connect with our future generations.
In terms of this year’s sustainable innovations, where can we find parallels to that pre-action?
We aim to focus on the real challenges, the real choices. What do we actually want?
The common goal is to be a real person in a good society with a pure relationship to nature. Our projects show how that can be done, how we can pre-act to make a change.
Motorskins offer a solution to becoming lean and active with the pre-creation of movements and support.
Studio Panorama Fabrics pre-use the substance of light with their project Sunkolor, which incorporates the substance of natural elements – this is how we can be inspired and influenced by nature.
Another example of nature’s support for better fashion is Irene Purasachit’s project Flower Matter and the order of pre-action with nature as a collaborative partner.
With projects and innovations like these, we can respond to the real questions and real solutions and face the challenges that lie ahead in the coming years. We will present these and other SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS to you in detail here on our M/UNIQUE blog in the coming weeks.
A Sneak Peak in our E-Magazine:
Interview on the importance and philosophy of physical trade shows
The Turn Over of the Year - An Outlook
MUNICH FABRIC START about the importance of physical trade shows, company philosophy and the show experience
In the interview with the organisers of the Munich Fabric Start trade shows, Sebastian Klinder and Frank Junker give an insight into the past year, challenging times and new projects to come. The planning for MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE in January 2022 was almost complete, the response from the industry extremely positive – but then the physical trade shows had to be canceled at the end of last year.
What is the current plan for 2022?
SK: The last few months have been extraordinarily dynamic for us and incredibly tough! Having to cancel so close to the finish line with over 700 registered international exhibitors has probably been the most difficult decision in our company’s history. Now we are looking ahead and concentrating fully on the organisation and alignment of the next shows in the first half of 2022. The first independent BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE is planned for May 2022 with an innovative concept. In addition, after a forced two-year break due to Covid-19, VIEW will finally take place again from 21 – 22 June 2022 in the MVG Museum. Followed by, of course and as usual, the combined trade show format of MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE at the end of August 2022.
The cancellation came as a surprise, especially given the enormous support from the industry and the great need for a physical platform. How do you look back on the last few weeks?
FJ: With very mixed feelings. The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride. At a time characterised by a great deal of uncertainty and rapidly increasing infection numbers in Germany and across Europe, we saw it as our responsibility to offer a certain degree of predictability. And also to make a contribution to society, to take on responsibility. The cancellation of a trade show is an absolute nightmare for every organiser. This is unimaginably bitter for the industry as well as for us, our team and our service providers, because we all put a lot of heart and passion into the planning and preparations.
SK: Despite many question marks and uncertainties, we are convinced that we made the right decision. The current situation in Germany and Europe confirms this. The situation simply does not offer a basis on which we can and want to welcome people from 36 countries in Munich or allow trade shows to take place at the level we are familiar with. We bear an enormous economical, but also societal responsibility. And we are not one of those organisers who realise a show at any price. We see ourselves as a trustworthy and reliable industry partner who represents certain values and a certain event philosophy. And we would like to keep them in the long term.
What is this philosophy?
FJ: Basically, we strive to maintain a consistently high level at all our shows, which we are constantly developing and optimising. This starts with the selection of the exhibitor portfolio, continues with the choice of materials or decorative elements and extends to our numerous trade show services on site. At heart, we are a service provider with high standards for our shows and the associated experience. This is a total package. So if we have to cancel certain services due to a pandemic, this overall concept changes and thus also affects our company philosophy. Then we weigh up how high the price is that we have to pay: not only in monetary terms, but especially in terms of image. We have continuously worked on our credibility and esteem as a service provider in the industry in recent years. It is very important to us to keep this position and the associated values.
How do you see the importance of trade shows against the background of the ongoing pandemic and what will the future look like?
“Physical trade shows in the textile industry are irreplaceable and are gaining in importance, especially in the current situation – the pandemic requires a rethink and the ability to adapt quickly with sensible hybrid add-ons.”
Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director of Munich Fabric Start
SK: However, the personal exchange as well as the feeling and seeing of the fabrics and materials are essential for the textile industry without equivalent digital alternative so far. We are convinced that in the course of this year, we will be able to implement the planned shows as physical events without having to make major cuts in our overall concept and the associated hosting philosophy. Because this is the only way we can meet the needs of the industry: a physical platform for your business in an ideal atmosphere and in real life!
“In concrete terms, this means: We will be back! Sooner rather than later and as soon as it is possible again in a responsible manner: with the firm goal of organising our trade shows in the usual variety and with our unique range of services for the industry. This is only possible with cohesion, trust and a lot of flexibility, which is still in demand from all of us.”
Frank Junker, Creative Director MUNICH FABRIC START
Now we are looking ahead and concentrate on the organisation of the next trade shows in the coming months.
The first independent BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE is planned for spring 2022, followed by VIEW Premium Selection from 21 – 22 June 2022 and MUNICH FABRIC START & BLUEZONE at the usual show date from 30 August – 01 September 2022.
We can hardly wait to welcome EVERY.BODY again soon. Until then, we wish you a successful season – and stay healthy.
A Sneak Peak into the E-Magazine content:
The MUNIQUE E-Magazine is online: Your Information & Inspiration for Spring.Summer 23
We miss you - let's stay in contact!
Under “normal” circumstances, we would welcome the buyers and product managers of international fashion brands personally at MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE today and look forward to 3 inspiring days at the show in Munich.
However, we are unfortunately still quite far from “normal” at the moment. The last months have been extraordinarily dynamic and incredibly challenging! Having to announce a cancellation so close to our goal with over 700 registered international exhibitors has been the most difficult decision in the history of our company.
Despite many question marks and uncertainties, we are convinced that we have made the right decision. The current situation in Germany and Europe confirms this since it doesn’t provide a basis on which we can receive people from 36 countries in Munich or organise trade shows at the level we are known for.
Now online:
The MUNIQUE E-Magazine Spring.Summer 23
Especially now, we want to offer the fashion and textile industry a comprehensive basis of inspiration and information for Spring.Summer 23 – with our MUNIQUE Magazine. You normally receive this as a basis for your trade show visit on site and later online for follow-up work. This time, as a pure e-magazine, we are offering you even more editorial content and news from the industry – enjoy reading!
The new MUNIQUE E-Magazine is online now and offers insights into the new season with interviews and guest articles, innovative new materials and the latest product developments from our international exhibitor brands:
What can you expect?
- An interview with the trade show organisers
- News & novelties of the season of the FABRICS, ADDITONALS, DESIGN STUDIOS, SOURCING and BLUEZONE suppliers
- The latest news about the online sourcing platform ReSOURCE – your opportunity to source sustainable materials online at any time
- A landmark article by FashNerd’s Muchaneta Kapfunde on the 2022 technical innovations
- The SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS that will shape our industry
A Sneak Peak into the E-Magazine content:
Now we are looking ahead and concentrate on the organisation of the next trade shows in the coming months.
The first independent BLUEZONE X KEYHOUSE is planned for spring 2022, followed by VIEW Premium Selection from 21 – 22 June 2022 and MUNICH FABRIC START & BLUEZONE at the usual show date from 30 August – 01 September 2022.
We can hardly wait to welcome EVERY.BODY again soon. Until then, we wish you a successful season – and stay healthy.