This article highlights the most important trade fairs in the Fashion & Accessories sector in Europe, providing a concise overview of their locations, product showcases, and key organizers. These events are essential for industry professionals, buyers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts to explore the latest collections, discover emerging trends, and connect with key players in the fashion world.
A Brief Overview of the Fashion and Accessories Sector
The European fashion and accessories sector is renowned for its creativity, craftsmanship, and diverse range of styles, from luxury fashion houses to independent designers. The industry is characterized by its constant evolution, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a growing focus on sustainability and ethical production practices.
Fashion and Accessories Industry in Europe
The European fashion and accessories industry is a significant contributor to the global fashion market, known for its high-quality products, innovative designs, and influential fashion weeks. The industry faces challenges such as competition from fast fashion brands and the need to adapt to changing consumer demands for sustainability and transparency.
Europe’s Most Important Fashion and Accessories Fairs
Europe hosts numerous prestigious fashion trade shows that attract industry professionals from around the world. Here are ten of the most influential exhibitions:
1- Pitti Immagine Uomo – Florence, Italy
Pitti Immagine Uomo is one of the world’s most important platforms for men’s clothing and accessories, showcasing collections from established brands and emerging designers.
- Date of foundation: 1972
- Period: Twice a year, in January and June
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 18,000 visitors and 1,200 brands in June 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Florence, Italy, Fortezza da Basso
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Men’s apparel, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle products.
- Organiser of the Fair: Pitti Immagine
2- Première Vision Paris – Paris, France
Première Vision Paris is a leading international trade show for fashion professionals, showcasing the latest fabrics, yarns, leather, designs, and manufacturing solutions for the fashion industry.
- Date of foundation: 1973
- Period: Twice a year, in February and September
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 40,000 visitors and 1,970 exhibitors in February 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Paris, France, Paris Nord Villepinte
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Fabrics, leather, designs, yarns, textile machinery, and manufacturing services.
- Organiser of the Fair: Première Vision
3- Milano Unica – Milan, Italy
Milano Unica is a leading trade show for high-end textiles and accessories, showcasing collections from Italian and international manufacturers.
- Date of foundation: 2005 (merger of Ideacomo and Moda In)
- Period: Twice a year, in February and July/August
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 6,000 visitors and 422 exhibitors in July 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Milan, Italy, Rho Fiera Milano
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Fabrics, accessories, and designs for men’s and women’s apparel.
- Organiser of the Fair: Milano Unica
4- Bread & Butter – Berlin, Germany
Bread & Butter is a leading trade show for urban and streetwear fashion, showcasing collections from established brands and emerging labels.
- Date of foundation: 2001
- Period: Twice a year, in January and July
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: The event was previously held in Berlin and Barcelona, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. After being acquired by Zalando, it was relaunched with a new format focused on consumer experiences and industry events.
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Berlin, Germany. Venue varies for specific events.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Streetwear, urban fashion, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle products.
- Organiser of the Fair: Zalando
5- Copenhagen Fashion Week – Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Fashion Week is a leading fashion week in Scandinavia, showcasing collections from Scandinavian designers and promoting sustainability in fashion.
- Date of foundation: 2006
- Period: Twice a year, in January/February and August
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 6,000 guests and 1,000 press representatives in August 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Copenhagen, Denmark. Venues vary for different events.
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Women’s and menswear, accessories, and sustainable fashion.
- Organiser of the Fair: Copenhagen Fashion Week
6- Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid – Madrid, Spain
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid is the most important fashion event in Spain, showcasing collections from Spanish designers and promoting Spanish fashion internationally.
- Date of foundation: 1985
- Period: Twice a year, in February and September
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 35,000 attendees in September 2022
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Madrid, Spain, IFEMA – Feria de Madrid
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Women’s and menswear, accessories, and new designer collections.
- Organiser of the Fair: IFEMA – Feria de Madrid
7- Pure London – London, United Kingdom
Pure London is a leading fashion trade show in the UK, showcasing women’s wear, accessories, footwear, and ethical fashion brands.
- Date of foundation: 1999
- Period: Twice a year, in February and July
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 13,000 visitors and 700 brands in July 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: London, United Kingdom, Olympia London
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Women’s wear, accessories, footwear, ethical fashion, and sustainable brands.
- Organiser of the Fair: Hyve Group plc
8- Supreme Kids – Munich, Germany
Supreme Kids is a leading trade show for children’s fashion, showcasing collections from established brands and up-and-coming designers.
- Date of foundation: 2011
- Period: Twice a year, in January and July
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 250 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors in January 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Munich, Germany, MTC World of Fashion
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Children’s clothing, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle products.
- Organiser of the Fair: Munich Fabric Start Exhibitions GmbH
9- Istanbul Fashion Connection – Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul Fashion Connection is one of the most important fashion events in the Eurasian region, connecting international fashion buyers with Turkish and regional manufacturers and brands.
- Date of foundation: 2013 (formerly known as Istanbul Yarn Fair)
- Period: Three times a year, in February, August, and November
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 30,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors in February 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul Expo Center
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Yarns, fabrics, apparel for women, men, and children, and fashion accessories.
- Organiser of the Fair: ITE Turkey
10- WHO’S NEXT – Paris, France
WHO’S NEXT is a leading international fashion trade show in Paris, showcasing women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, and footwear collections from established and emerging designers.
- Date of foundation: 1994
- Period: Twice a year, in January and September
- Attendance and visit figures for the last fair: Over 45,000 visitors and 1,200 brands in September 2023
- Country, city, venues of the fair: Paris, France, Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre
- Product and service groups within the scope of the fair: Women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, footwear, and fashion-related services.
- Organiser of the Fair: WSN Développement
Conclusion and Brief Evaluation
These ten trade shows represent some of the most prominent gatherings for the fashion and accessories industry in Europe. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new trends and challenges, these events provide crucial platforms for professionals, buyers, and designers to connect, discover, and shape the future of fashion.
