Source Fashion opened its doors today at Olympia London with record energy on the show floor, as buyers, brands and manufacturers from across the global fashion industry came together to rethink how fashion is made. From strong early attendance and high-quality buyer engagement to a content programme sparking honest, solution-focused debate, day one set a confident tone for a show focused on responsible sourcing, commercial innovation and meaningful industry change.
Strong buyer attendance and purposeful conversations
Day one saw a highly engaged audience of buyers, retailers and sourcing professionals from across the UK and international markets, with representatives from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, ASOS, Harrods, Agent Provocateur, Moss, JustFab, Universal Music Group, Elizabeth Scarlett, Rat & Boa, AYBL Gym and Finest Brands International attending the show to explore new sourcing opportunities and responsible manufacturing solutions. Exhibitors reported strong early interest and high-quality conversations with buyers, including meaningful discussions around long-term partnerships, responsible manufacturing and transparent sourcing, reflecting a continued shift towards more values-led decision-making across the fashion supply chain.
Content driving real industry dialogue
The opening day content programme drew strong audiences across the show’s stages, with packed sessions tackling the most pressing challenges facing the fashion industry, from sustainability and circularity to commercial resilience and responsible growth.
One of the most talked-about sessions on day one tackled the often-overlooked social dimension of sustainability. Speaking on the Source Catwalk Stage at Source Fashion, the panel Addressing the S in ESG – human rights, living wages and supply chain accountability was hosted by Jasmin Malik Chua, Climate and Labour Editor at Sourcing Journal, and brought together senior voices including Matthias Knappe, Head of Unit at the International Trade Centre (ITC), Jane Blacklock, Head of ESG at Passenger, and Safia Minney MBE, Founder and Executive Director of Fashion Declares.
The panel highlighted the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability and fair practices across global supply chains, reflecting on why social factors such as human rights, living wages and worker wellbeing are equally critical to sustainability, yet often harder to measure. Discussion addressed the complexities of implementing living wages amid differing purchasing power and systemic inequalities, while stressing that responsible purchasing practices and long-term supplier relationships are essential to driving meaningful change. Speakers also underscored the importance of ethical auditing, supply chain mapping and embedding ESG strategies into sourcing decisions to create resilient, socially responsible supply chains that protect workers and promote fairness across the fashion industry.
Reflecting on the urgency of the challenge, Safia Minney commented, “After 20 years, things have just got worse. We still have slavery, modern day slavery in supply chains, and our whole economic system is set up to exacerbate the divide between rich and poor. Poverty is violence. It’s a violence that people face every day.” Jane Blacklock emphasised the role of brands in taking practical responsibility through their sourcing decisions, adding, “The most powerful thing you can do is what you do, and do it well, and not exacerbate the issues in what is a really complicated and frankly miraculous supply chain.”
Continuing the conversation from values to viability, another key session examined whether sustainability can genuinely drive commercial success. Cat Salvidge, Senior Textiles Specialist at WRAP, and Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO of Products of Change, led a debate titled Ambition without action – can doing good really drive profitability? The session explored how brands can scale circularity and sustainability while delivering measurable economic and environmental value, emphasising the need for cross-sector collaboration and stronger customer engagement. Speakers and audience members examined the persistent gap between ambition and action, questioning why the industry continues to talk about ‘profit with impact’ while struggling to embed it as business-as-usual. Key challenges raised included cost pressures, risk aversion and legacy business models, with the discussion highlighting the need for clear economic cases, effective incentives, robust infrastructure and supportive regulatory frameworks. The debate concluded that practical strategies and collective action are essential to turn purpose-led ambition into profitable, sustainable outcomes.
Among the standout sessions on day one’s content programme, a fireside chat on the Source Catwalk Stage offered a compelling real-world example of how circular, purpose-driven business models can succeed commercially. Finding the beauty in waste featured Kresse Wesling CBE, Founder of Elvis & Kresse, in conversation with Scott Wimsett, Founder and CEO of Bespoke Banter. The session explored how mission-led brands can build profitable businesses by turning waste into value, with Wesling sharing insights from more than 20 years of experience building Elvis & Kresse around circularity, transparency and social impact. She reflected on how embedding sustainability into everyday decision-making can help brands actively address waste and systemic challenges while creating commercially viable business models.
Inspiration on the catwalk and show floor
The Source Catwalk brought the show floor to a standstill throughout day one, with striking looks, dramatic soundscapes and crowds gathering to watch circular fashion in action. Each showcase created a moment of pause and focus amid the buzz of the exhibition, drawing buyers and visitors together to experience sustainability brought to life on the runway.
The show floor buzzed with activity as visitors discovered new manufacturers, materials and production partners from over 250 exhibitors from 20 different countries reinforcing Source Fashion’s position as a hub for responsible global sourcing.
The energy of day one was echoed by exhibitors, many of whom highlighted the quality of visitors and the intent behind conversations taking place. Andrea Courtney, Founder, Courtney & Co. commented, “The day built momentum from lunchtime onwards, with strong follow-up conversations through the afternoon. We’ve reconnected with existing customers and had a very positive first day. We chose to attend Source Fashion to reach a broader buyer audience, and it’s been good to connect with more serious, commercially focused buyers here.”
Tom Atkin, Fibre 2 Fibre added, “It’s been really positive to meet a number of brands we’re looking to work with. There’s been strong interest in the recycling side of what we do, with people excited to hear our story. We’ve spoken to many sourcing teams on the stand, and also a number of design teams, which has been particularly encouraging. Designers play a key role in material choices, so those conversations have been really valuable. Being able to meet face to face is so important, and Source Fashion is the right place for us to demonstrate both our expertise and our passion for sustainability and circularity.”
Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director commented, “The energy on the show floor today has been incredibly encouraging. We’re seeing buyers and manufacturers arriving with real intent, not just to talk about sustainability, but to make practical decisions about how fashion is sourced, made and brought to market. From the quality of conversations to the engagement with our content and catwalk, day one has shown that the industry is ready to move beyond ambition and focus on meaningful, collaborative action.”
Source Fashion continues at Olympia London until 15th January 2026, with further content, catwalk showcases and sourcing opportunities taking place across the next two days.