Modefabriek W23/24: Diverse, busy and colourful

Diverse, that's how you could describe this edition of Modefabriek in one word. As trendwatcher David Shah and forecaster Mehtap Güngörmez discussed in their Talks: everything can coexist in the future. Young talent, established order, sustainable labels, men's, women’s and children's fashion. In the end, at Modefabriek it's all about one thing: the shared love for fashion. 

On Sunday 22 January and Monday 23 January it was a busy and familiar arrival of retailers, buyers and other fashion professionals. As optimistic, colourful and decked out as ever, the atmosphere was there from the first hour.

In addition to the familiar areas with more than 450 men's and women's fashion brands, there were a lot of specials on the program for this season in which important themes within fashion were discussed. Young entrepreneurship (Young Entrepreneurs Platform), sustainability (The Sustainable Stop), trends (Trendforum and The Colour Shop) and even children's fashion (Drive Inn Junior). The mission of the edition was clear after a look at the map. Fashion is celebrated again, in all its diversity! 

Upon entering, the Modefabriek visitor was surprised with a bombastic play of ribbons from ceiling to floor, where they could collect six colours with an empty colour card and the help of Modefabriek hosts. Another nice guideline for compiling the new collection for next season was the new Trendforum, where the 8 biggest fashion trends and colours for W23/24 were visualized. From maximalism and hyper-realistic colours to the Flourish trend, which is about (restoring) contact with nature; there was something for everyone. 

In the Talks, these trends were further contextualized. For example, trendwatcher and founder of VIEW Publications David Shah unraveled his thoughts to the public; ofthe rise of Asia, the dominant influence of Gen Z, everyone's obsession with 'the I' and the gender revolution to the conclusion that soon the micro trends will win out over the macro trends and the whole world will become more feminine. Arno Kantelberg noted the same thing in his presentation. The style pastor concluded that in addition to feminine influences, men's fashion is influenced by the military: the bomber coat that he still saw on Pitti Uomo in all kinds of forms and the long (leather) overcoat that gives instant prestige to the wearer. Trendforecaster and menswear expert Mehtap Güngörmez mainly said: fashion is no longer a system that is determined from above and is more than ever about feeling. 

This feeling was also transferred to the exclusively designed platform of The Fashion Gallery: here more than 20 high-end boutique brands like Bruuns Bazar, Femmes du Sud, Mads Nørgaard - Copenhagen, Stieglitz and Tiger of Sweden showed their new collections. During the day, walking models showed the key pieces of these internationale labels to the beats of the DJ.

This edition there was also an area for kidswear, a new collaboration with, as the name suggests, Drive Inn Junior. In a specially designed area, children's labels including Guess, Petit by Sofie Schnoor, Blauer.USA, Diesel, Someone and Like FLO showed their new looks. Both the brands and the visitor seemed to agree with each other; 'next edition again and then expanded'! The ambition is there. 

Sustainability is high on the agenda of Modefabriek and deserves attention. This was on display on the centrally located platform The Sustainable Stop, where 45 sustainable collections validated by RethinkRebels were shown. In this area, with independent brands such as Kings of Indigo, Woolish, Far Afield, J Label, Brava, LangerChen, MYoMY and Armedangels, you can be sure: this design is made of sustainable materials under sustainable conditions. 

It was pleasantly busy at the Young Entrepreneurs Platform (YEP), a carefully compiled selection of innovative and emerging entrepreneurs. This edition, House of NK, the cheerful vintage & upcycled streetwear brand Saint Muze and Lichting winner Ruben Jurriën (with his ready-to-wear collection) were given a place in the central hall and managed to attract many visitors to their stands. 

Modefabriek is versatile. And that is exactly what Modefabriek – the most relevant fair in the Benelux – has shown again this edition. It was vibrant, inspiring, full of trends, talks, masterclasses, and the most beautiful labels for the nicest stores. 

See you next edition on July 9+10!