Conscious brands that want to source accountably need reassurance that their suppliers keep sustainability and transparency at the heart of their business model. With the sustainability market expected to grow by 24 percent annually in the next seven years, according to Meta, sourcing with confidence grows increasingly important—and increasingly challenging.
That’s why retailers, brands and designers are turning to the UK’s Source Fashion, Europe’s newest responsible sourcing fashion show, held July 16-18, 2023 in London. Source Fashion audits its hundreds of international exhibitors as a pre-show critera, giving sourcing and procurement teams, buyers and designers that sought-after assurance in apparel, accessories, textiles, trims, raw materials, yarns, packaging, contract manufacturers and even in-house design services.
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The upcoming July show has already doubled in size to almost 300 exhibitors from its February inaugural edition, providing a growing platform for transparent sourcing. The February show featured over 130 vetted manufacturers from 20 countries including the UK, Peru, Cambodia, Pakistan, Turkey, China, India, Portugal, Hong Kong, Italy, and Greece, attracting nearly 5,000 visitors from leading retailers and brands including John Lewis, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, All Saints, Asos, Ted Baker, Bella Freud, FILA, Fred Perry, Matalan, Monsoon, Stitch Fix, Urban Outfitters, Very Group, and many more, and the July show promises an even broader scope.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better first show,” said Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing of Source Fashion. “We champion responsibility, and sustainability isn’t just an addition to our show, it is our core value. We unite manufacturers practicing environmental, transparent, and fair-trade methods, with buyers looking to source sustainably.”
Exhibitors range from startups to the more established, offering a mix of sustainable companies that support both people and planet. From alternative materials to testing/certification companies, those who exhibited at the February show praised its scope and the commitment of its audience.
“The main point I like about the show is that people come and know what they are here for. It’s not an unskilled crowd and visitors come with intention of doing business,” said Mehmet Peker from Turkish company Aksem.
“Source Fashion has been brilliant,” agreed Louise Shore from V Fraas UK, which also exhibited at the February show. “The industry is challenging suppliers to be more transparent and the opportunity to meet people face to face, show them what we can do and explain our story is incredible. We are a German company that has been going for over 143 years and we have invented a new super-soft polyester. Our factories are ISO certified, environmentally friendly with the key mission of sustainability. Our product offers GOTS, GRS, Woolmark, RWS and many more.”
Exhibitors also have a commitment to the “S” in ESG, such as Yes Helping Hands, a Nepali-based organization that hires people with disabilities. ‘’Our company empowers people with disabilities—they make the product and we sell it—and the profit that we generate is given to our charity, Yes Helping Hands,” said Dinesh Kumar Thapa, the company’s founder, director and CEO. “Our organization stands to support and offer free learning for those who need help. We use all-natural materials and people are really drawn to this as well as our purpose, so the show has been really good for us. The more orders we get, the more people we empower.”
Rounding out the offerings will be an ambitious educational lineup of panels and presentations, in addition to a live catwalk showing that sustainability looks as beautiful as it does.
Source Fashion takes place on July 16-18, 2023, at the iconic Kensington Olympia venue in the heart of London. To attend, exhibit or get more information, click here.
