'The energy on the show floor has been incredible': Source Fashion celebrates 'record-breaking' opening day

Trade show Source Fashion opened its doors yesterday, 8 July, at Olympia London, welcoming a record-breaking number of visitors.

Buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals from across the globe gathered at the event, with representatives from brands and retailers such as John Lewis, M&S, All Saints, NEXT, Temperley London, River Island, Joules, Lucy & Yak, and Bad Monday.

United by a shared interest in promoting sustainability within the fashion and retail industries, attendees explored a wide range of solutions from a line-up of 250 manufacturers representing more than 22 key sourcing regions, including the UK, Portugal, India, Nepal, Italy, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Türkiye, France and China.

Throughout the first day, the Source Catwalk Show attracted large audiences with collections highlighting three key trends: Electric Nature, Retro Richness, and Creative Joy, each reflecting the season’s themes. Plus, headline partner Reskinned showcased a curated selection of pre-loved pieces, demonstrating how resale, reuse, and repurposing can be both fashionable and relevant.

The Source Catwalk and Source Debates stages also featured various panels and discussions, including TheIndustry.fashion's Lauretta Roberts in conversation with Linda Peddie, COO and CIO of New Look, who shared insights on navigating the challenges of leading a major high street brand through retail volatility, digital transformation, and increasing sustainability expectations.

In another session, Simon Platts (Moderator, SP&KO Consultancy), Nick Reed (Neem London), Charlie Jones (Phase London), and Helena Mansell-Stopher (Products of Change) explored how fashion can challenge the volume-equals-profit mindset and make a compelling case for post-growth business models.

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion said: "The energy on the show floor so far has been incredible. We have welcomed record numbers of engaged purposeful visitors, from independent retailers to global brands, all here to explore new, responsible ways of doing business with new partners.

"What’s really exciting is that this isn’t just a sourcing show, it’s become a space for honest conversations, innovation, and real collaboration. The response to our content shows just how hungry the industry is for transparency and change, and to have honest conversations about how we drive that change together."

Source Fashion continues today and runs until 10 July 2025.