Source Fashion trade show closes doors to Olympia London on a high

The second edition of Source Fashion, a trade show which showcases responsibly sourced UK fashion, reported success after "so many buyers" flocked to the browse brands on offer. 

Open from 16-18 July, Source Fashion, closed the doors to Olympia London after three productive days combining global networking opportunities, inspirational social enterprise stories and new business connections.

Last year, it was announced that Source Fashion was set to replace Pure Origin trade show in February 2023 as part of a "brand evolution reflecting a new vision for sustainable, ethical, and inspirational material and textile sourcing" and that's exactly what they did.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing at Source Fashion, commented: "The show has welcomed so many buyers from leading retailers and brands, eager to discover new, responsible manufacturers and suppliers.

"The feedback shows that there is a palpable sense of positivity around the continuing growth in the fashion sector. The big question now, is making that growth sustainable and responsible, and that is why Source Fashion is so relevant to buyers, sourcing managers, product developers, technologists, and designers."

During its showcase, Source Fashion welcomed some of retail’s biggest names. This included buying managers, product developers, technologists and designers from the likes of John Lewis, Selfridges, H&M, Lipsy, Lyle & Scott, Joules, FILA, Perry Ellis, ASOS, Burberry, Harrods, Monsoon to name a few.

Jean-Pierre Aguis, Fashion Category Sourcing Manager at John Lewis, said: "The show has been really good, I’ve had some exciting conversations with manufacturers and attended a few talks which were really insightful, this is the second time we have attended Source Fashion and it is a great fashion show.

"I had very interesting conversations with suppliers from Madagascar which is not an area we currently source from, but the products they brought are very impressive so I have taken away quite a few interesting contacts."

Sourcing in Africa was the focus of Tuesday’s content session. During ‘Starting your sourcing journey, what you need to know when sourcing in Africa’, Hibret Lemma - CEO at Hawassa Industrial Park Investors Association - explored the reality that retailers are facing to actively de-risk their supply chains by working with new regions.

The next edition takes place on the 18 – 20 February 2024 at Olympia London. Visit www.source-fashion.com for more information.