"Over the last few years we have successively expanded the exhibition space. We have supplemented Bluezone with the Catalyzer, the Keyhouse is successfully established as a think tank and now, we will relaunch the ever essential area of Sourcing. With this evolved structure we are focused on the strategic approach of showcasing new fields of inspiration in a unique, exclusive and appropriate setting. We look forward to presenting three trade fair days with an unparalleled range of products and topics, offering the industry many new products, innovative process solutions and cutting-edge material resources," said Sebastian Klinder, managing director Munich Fabric Start.

The trend presentations will take on a brand new form in the MOC. The Resource Area in front of hall 4, area K4, will be extended and establish itself as the centre for sustainable fabrics and additionals with proven expertise and know-how. A special opening will be the Sourcing Area in the newly opened hall 8, directly opposite the MOC. The Keyhouse, as a think tank of Munich Fabric Start, will span the fashion spectrum from technology to sustainability, from digitalisation to new material resources and manufacturing processes, offering a wealth of cutting-edge research projects, inspiring collaborations and high-tech product and process developments.

There will be a new Sustainable Innovations Forum at Keyhouse, curated by Simon Angel. The 'All Related Collab Project' by Bluezone will be an innovative concept for future collaborations and network cooperation.

The HighTex award will be presented for the 7th time at the fair. Munich Fabric Start Innovation Prize will honour outstanding initiatives and commitment in the fields of intelligent process solutions, innovative highlights, biotech, digitalisation and sustainable innovations.

The start of the side event programme will mark the start of the fair on Tuesday of September 3, 'Sustechability – How trends & technology influence sustainability in fashion' with an expert panel. In the afternoon of September 3, Li Edelkoort will introduce the latest shapes, textiles and colours for Autumn Winter 20/21 in an exclusive trend presentation. Providing the first glimpse of the colours for Spring Summer 21 and point to the comeback of casualwear with Recreation.

Beyond Aware, the overarching trend theme for Autumn 20/21 will analyse the multi-layered levels of awareness on different planes of perception – personal, global, regional, mental, rational, emotional and transcendental.

Beyond Aware will call for observation and very responsive reaction to the changes in consumer and clothing habits – one that is dynamic, attentive and bold. Combined with the demand for change in trends as well as values, which is currently manifested in two ideological concepts. On one hand is Bold Expressions for an individual, very enthusiastic lifestyle and fashion style. On the other hand is Forward Ethics for conscious, responsible consumption.

Winter fabrics will feature woolly, new-twist classics, comfort and aesthetics coupled with modern casualness. Most manufacturers will focus their collections on sustainably produced goods and processes. More than 800 international fabric suppliers to be hosted in the Fabrics areas at Munich Fabric Start will demonstrate the versatile and individual ways the trend of sustainability can be understood and translated.

The latest creations for buttons, ribbons, decorative stones, fasteners, lace, embroidery and labels will be presented by over 200 leading international suppliers of additionals and accessories for Autumn Winter 20/21 in the Additionals Area of Munich Fabric Start.

Inspiring print designs and creative energy will be provided by the most important international textile designers and trend agencies hosted in the design studios at Munich Fabric Start on the first floor.

The launch of the Sourcing Area in the new hall 8 of the recently opened Business Club Munich opposite the MOC, will provide direct connection to Munich Fabric Start and Bluezone. Over 80 international apparel manufacturers and producers will be showcasing their services for womenswear, menswear, accessories, corporate, couture and tailored segments among others, at this independent and suitable space thus meeting the growing demand for manufacturing services.

"The idea of this new segment is based on creating an inspiring and efficient atmosphere in a contemporary and high-quality setting. And thus also a unique environment for network communication and work. With the new Sourcing area we can now map the textile supply chain at one location in Munich," said Frank Junker, creative director Munich Fabric Start. The exhibiting companies will include established manufacturers from Portugal, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hong Kong among others.

Awareness of ecologically sustainable certificates and seals of quality is on the rise. With ReSource, Munich Fabric Start has established a broad sourcing platform that provides sustainable solutions for innovative and future-oriented production processes. Supported and established by experts, the forum will offer concrete solutions informing visitors about relevant developments and the latest standards through a series of seminars and lectures, in a bid to bring together potential cooperation partners. In area K3/4 of hall 4, ReSource will be showcasing over 600 innovative articles certified and/or produced in an environmentally friendly way.

In the emerging circular economy of the future, nothing is treated as waste. What is left over from one process becomes input to another, so keeping it circualting. Refibra technology gives a second life to pre-consumer cotton waste from garment manufacturing - which would otherwise be sent to landfills or incinerated - by upcycling it into brand new cellulosic fibre materials for clothing and home products. In a special installation, Lenzing will showcase closed-loop recycling with its complete production process for Tencel x Refibra at the ReSource area. Through personal discussions on site, visitors can learn key details about the respective certificates and seals directly from the responsible certification organisations and institutes.

At the upcoming Munich Fabric Start, there will be an incredibly concentrated and top-class programme of events with exciting panel discussions, polarising keynotes and trend seminars led by international experts such as Li Edelkoort (Trend Union), Muchaneta Kapfunde (FashNerd.com), Natasha Franck (Eon Group Holdings), Pauline van Dongen, Pantone, Swarovski and the pioneers of the All Related Collab Project.

A special highlight will be the panel discussion on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 11.30 am: 'Sustechability – how trends & technology influence sustainability in fashion'. Speakers at the panel will be Li Edelkoort, founder and president of the Parisian trend forecasting agency Trend Union; Michael Stanley-Jones, co-secretary, UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion - United Nations Environment Programme; Tricia Carey, director global business development - Denim at Lenzing Fibers; Natasha Franck, CEO & founder Eon Group Holdings Inc; Erik Bang, innovation lead H&M Foundation; Muchaneta Kapfunde, founding editor-in-chief FashNerd.com. The presenters will be Jana Kern & Alex Vogt of Kern Consulting.

The ReSource Forum at Area K4 in the MOC will host an equally full and highly interesting programme of lectures on the topics of sustainability, certification and quality seals. In addition, the companies exhibiting in the new Sourcing Area hall 8 will provide information on their corporate strategies and services through Company Seminars. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India