Modefabriek summer 2023: International, Full of Optimism and Colour

On Sunday 9 and Monday 10 July 2023, retailers, buyers, and other fashion professionals from different countries gathered at the Amsterdam RAI to seek inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2024 buying season. More than 400 brands presented their new collections at Modefabriek. The focus on internationalization was evident by the diverse range of visitors; in addition to Dutch fashion professionals, many German and Belgian retailers and buyers attended the Amsterdam trade fair.

Optimistic Colours

Inspiration was abundant at Modefabriek; visitors couldn't miss the colours and trends on display. When entering, everyone was greeted by large ribbon installations predicting the colors of SS24: peony pink, cobalt blue, bright orange, and sorbet yellow, bringing a wave of optimism for the upcoming year.

These color installations were part of the Trendforum, a central area at Modefabriek where visitors immersed themselves in the future of fashion.

Here, they encountered all the colours, silhouettes, materials, prints, shapes, and must-haves for the upcoming season. Six major trends were highlighted in a larger-than-life fashion. The "Unorthodoxy" trend showcased constructed tailoring and soft, powdery tones, while the "Regroup" trend emphasized the growing importance of upcycling. The "Solace" trend focused on a return to simple, sustainable, and high-quality fashion.

Summer Event

The growing significance of sustainability was evident at The Sustainable Stop, featuring 24 trendy sustainable brands like Kings of Indigo, Komrads, O my Bag, and Tomo Clothing. A new addition this season was the focus on vintage, in collaboration with De KLOFFIE Markt, a curated vintage market from Amsterdam that invited various vintage resellers to showcase their finest pre-owned items at the fair. This collaboration highlighted the undeniable place vintage has taken within the fashion industry, and it is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as trend master David Shah affirmed during his talk. Vintage is here to stay, as proven by the successful two days of the fair.

There was also ample attention given to emerging fashion talent at Modefabriek. The Young Entrepreneurs Platform (YEP) showcased the new collections of eighteen upcoming fashion designers, including 18C Jewelry, founded by a young entrepreneur creating jewelry from recycled components and quirky objects, and Lena Mae, a Belgian designer specializing in wardrobe essentials for women. Additionally, The Fashion Gallery presented over 20 high-end brands such as Dutchess, Femmes du Sud, Bruuns Bazaar, Mads Nørgaard-Copenhagen, and Ruby Tuesday, with models flaunting the most stunning looks. "It was a delightful summer event with fantastic brands and an ongoing fashion show," describes Karin Vink from Femmes du Sud. "The positive vibe and the increasingly international character of the attendees were great." Lastly, children's fashion was showcased in the Drive Inn Junior area, featuring 26 leading children's fashion collections from labels like Antony Morato, Blue Rebel, Levi's, K-Way Junior, Sofie Schnoor Girls, and Guess.

The Best Forecasters

Attendees of Modefabriek had the opportunity to gather inspiration during talks by renowned trend forecasters such as David Shah and Jan Agelink. One significant conclusion drawn by David Shah was, "Macrotrends are over, there are only various micro-trends." In other words, there are multiple smaller trends coexisting in fashion. Shah emphasized the importance of understanding what resonates with your target audience, as authenticity and community are more crucial than ever. This sentiment was echoed by social media expert Pelpina Trip, who conducted a masterclass on creating social videos using your phone.

Once again, Modefabriek proved to be an essential start to the buying season, providing a wealth of high-quality information and inspiration that guides you into the upcoming season and provides a foundation for trends and the latest developments.

This edition was versatile, vibrant, and inspiring thanks to all the interesting trends, talks, and masterclasses, offering the best resources for a fair that brings together the most beautiful labels and the coolest stores. All in all, Modefabriek has once again demonstrated its status as the most relevant fashion trade fair in the Benelux!