Retail trade show Source Fashion concluded at Olympia London yesterday (15 January), bringing three days of sourcing and collaboration to a close.

The event saw buyers, brands and manufacturers come together to “drive progress across the fashion supply chain”. 

The show saw a 16% increase in visitors and a 12% rise in exhibitors.

Buyers and sourcing teams from across the fashion industry attended throughout the final day, including representatives from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Next, New Look, N Brown, Asos and Boohoo. 

The British Pavilion was a “standout feature” of the show, the event organisers said, “shining a spotlight on UK manufacturing capability and attracting strong interest from brands and buyers seeking locally made, transparent and responsibly produced garments”. 

Source Fashion event director Suzanne Ellingham said, “As we close this edition of Source Fashion, what’s been most exciting is not just the growth we’ve seen, but the direction the industry is moving in. 

“What is really encouraging is seeing the direct action that brands and retailers really are looking to bring production closer to home, this is the first time in a few years that we have felt that this is really happening. 

“Alongside responsible sourcing and manufacturing, there is a growing appetite to address what happens at the end of a product’s life.”

She continued: “Looking ahead, we want Source Fashion to be a place where brands can explore end-of-life materials, deadstock and remanufacturing, supporting circular solutions that create value, jobs and opportunity without relying on volume. 

“That focus on transparency, lifecycle thinking and collaboration will continue to shape how the show evolves into its next edition.”

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