Modefabriek Meets… by-bar

In the run-up to Modefabriek’s next edition, a few exhibitors reveal their latest news and plans for the upcoming edition of the fair. For example, Dutch lifestyle brand by-bar Amsterdam started in Germany and France last year. The German agents will also be present at Modefabriek in January. 

What is your news for winter 2024-2025?

Barbara Brenninkmeijer, founder and director of by-bar: "In 2023, we have experienced tremendous growth. We started with two agents on the German market and from the winter collection for 2024 a third agent will be added. We also started with an agent in France. We will start with 60 points of sale in both countries this spring and we will even be available at Galeries Lafayette from spring 2024. That sure is a highlight. We are strengthening the company internally to be able to handle this growth. The team has expanded, we have a new logistics partner and a new ERP system. We hope to reap the benefits of this in 2024. Next year we will be celebrating our 15th anniversary, and the label is now strong and solid."

What is the ultimate woman according to by-bar in 2024?

"Feminine, authentic, open-minded, down to earth, independent and aware of her impact on the world. It's more about lifestyle than about age. My seventeen-year-old daughter's friends like the brand, but my mother's friends wear it too. Every woman is allowed to stand out in her own way, and we want to inspire her, bring joy and give her confidence. Everything is aligned and there is love in every product and in everything we do. That's what we often hear from customers and that's the power of by-bar."

What progress have you made in the past year in terms of sustainability?

"We are in the process of becoming B Corp certified. That process will take several months. That was one of our goals and we included it in the professionalisation exercise over the past year. Sustainability has always been an important theme for us. We strive to minimize our impact. We work with more and more sustainable materials and styles that last longer than one season. Furthermore, we have been transparent about the production process from the start. We have strong long-term relationships with our suppliers, often family-owned businesses, so we are well aware of what goes on at the production sites. We have drawn up a Code of Conduct, which has been signed by our suppliers. We consider fair, safe and healthy working conditions important, also for our own staff in the Netherlands. Relationship is our highest priority, with anyone: from consumers and retailers to suppliers."

What are you going to show off at the upcoming edition of Modefabriek?

“We will be there as we are. Our collections make the stand and not the fuss around it. There is a nice old counter in the stand, and we present the collection on a row of mannequins. And most importantly: we are there to meet everyone. Because in the end, that's what it's all about: the collection and the people."

Who do you hope to meet there?

"Modefabriek is always a great time to see and talk to our loyal customers. In addition, it is always nice to meet new potential partners and interested parties. We see more and more German customers at the fair and our three German agents are therefore also coming to the fair. We hope to meet new German retailers there." 

Written by Rosita van der Kwaak