Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show, Source Fashion has announced their exclusive content programme including immersive catwalk shows, insightful seminars led by industry professionals and informative panel discussions presenting and discussing the latest trends, innovations, and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing.
The gateway to the UK fashion industry, Source Fashion takes place on 18th – 20th February at Olympia London putting international manufacturers and suppliers at the fingertips of UK brands.
To see sustainable fashion up close, don’t miss the Source Catwalk by ‘Cult of Fashion’ which opens the content programme on Sunday 18th February and will repeat eight times over the course of the three-day event. Key looks from British fashion designer Patrick McDowell will be joined by a curated presentation of Source Fashion’s global exhibitors highlighting the season’s trends demonstrating that responsible fashion should never compromise on style.
The schedule on Sunday continues with an engaging session from Geraldine Wharry, Fashion Futurist on ‘Fashion Futurology – Macro Trends Redefining the Future Fashion Factory’. Followed by the Directors and Co-Founders of Retail 100 Anna Berry and Sarah Allbright, with an informative seminar on ‘How to source in new regions – a beginner’s guide’. The day will close with an illuminating panel discussion with advice for manufacturers looking to de risk their supply chains by working with new regions and will focus on Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania. The panel will be moderated by Delphine Clement, International Trade Centre, UN/WTO and will include Hibret Lemma, CEO, Hawassa Industrial Park Investors, Association, Irianja Razafimihary, Sales Director, Index OI, Madagascar, Perumal Muthiah, Merchandise Executive, Red Earth, Tanzania.
Patrick McDowell will be in conversation with fashion stylist Rebekah Roy at 2pm. PATRICK MCDOWELL is an independent brand based in the heart of London with sustainability at the core of its ethos. Founded in 2018 by designer Patrick McDowell, the brand has solidified itself as a leading voice on the global fashion stage embodying the designer’s mission for reinventing luxury through a sustainable mindset.
Exploring new sourcing destinations in Africa – Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania, join Delphine Clement, UN/WTO – International Trade Centre (ITC), Hibret Lemma, CEO – Hawassa Industrial Park Investors Association, Irianja Razafimihary, Sales Director – Index OI, Madagascar, and Tejas Shah, CEO – Red Earth as they discuss viable alternatives that balance risk against cost and quality and give you a unique insight into the benefits of building effective, consistent relationships with these regions from day one to ensure success.
The stage on Monday 19th February, will host Jack Stratten, Head of Trends, Insider Trends with a thought-provoking presentation on the power of supply chain storytelling and how this relates to consumer trends with actionable tips and tools to apply to your own businesses.
The afternoon will see an interview with Simon Platts, CEO and Founder of Recomme on UK Manufacturing and getting manufacturing back into the UK, followed by Ian Bell, Manager EMEA from KornitX delivering a must-see session on working with your supply chain to maximise margins and profitability.
The Salvation Army Trading Company will discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the industry, ‘Breaking the cycle – how to solve the landfill crisis’ in an informative session exploring ways to become part of the solution to recycling materials. Continuing this theme, an inspiring panel moderated by Source Fashion Director, Suzanne Ellingham and joined by Charlene Hurlock, Co-Founder, Swoprz and Joe Metcalfe, Founder, Thrift+, will look at ‘Closing the Loop – how fashion marketplaces are contributing to the circular economy’.
The final day of Source, Tuesday 20th February will host a panel discussion titled, ‘All you need to know about sourcing from Nepal and taking advantage of the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme.’ Delivered by UK policy makers, Karen Johnson, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Vijoy Kumar Dugar, President, Nepal Pashmina Industries Association, NPIA and Dhan Prasad Lamichhane, Vice President, NPIA, and moderated by Matthias Knappe, International Trade Centre, UN/WTO, this not to be missed session will tackle how to take advantage of the new legislation.
Join Louisa Mordaunt from I Love My Job and Jo Chidley, Founder of Beauty Kitchen UK for an invaluable panel conversation with Source Fashion’s Director of Sourcing Suzanne Ellingham on Building a B Corp – how, why and is it necessary?
Suzanne Ellingham says, “The Source Fashion stage is a platform to open discussions around the challenges facing responsible sourcing and will welcome many new speakers to the show. We built the content programme around responsible business practices and the factors that stand in the way of achieving this and hope the sessions will educate and inspire.”
For the full schedule please visit www.source-fashion.com/seminars