Together again! Modefabriek reunites fashion industry: top attendance at 2022 edition

After more than 2.5 years and four fashion seasons online, Modefabriek is back in its full glory! At the 2022 edition of Modefabriek on 10 and 11 July, all fashion professionals came together again to be inspired for the new purchasing season. "During the pandemic, we noticed how important it is that you meet in this industry and that you can see and feel products in real life in an intimate way," says Modefabrieks CEO Caroline Krouwels about this first live and very successful edition.  

More than 420 new collections, full aisles with enthusiastic visitors, a diverse program full of know-how and sustainable insights for the future. 

New experience 

Fashion professionals from all over the Benelux came to Amsterdam for Modefabriek. There was a feeling of optimism and euphoria: finally together again with other professionals, seeing and feeling the collections of well-known and new brands. And that’s exactly what this edition of Modefabriek was all about: a focus on a new experience. It was bustling on the full aisles and stands, and at the same time the visitors were positively surprised by the more compact and intimate design that made Modefabriek clear and more personal. 

Well-known elements returned in combination with new ones, such as the collaboration with The Fashion Gallery: a specially designed area, where 12 boutique women's labels showed the key pieces from their collections. It was a great success, says Karin Vink of The Fashion Gallery. One to repeat next edition:

"Sharing together leads to great results. Happy retailers who are going to start the new buying season inspired. For the next edition we hope to bring together even more like-minded labels in order to surprise buyers again." 

Authenticity 

In addition to all the new collections, visitors were inspired by the various well-attended Talks and Masterclasses. Ashlee Janelle spoke about the importance of finding personal authenticity and how this not only underlies trends but also creates brand authenticity. Rubia Heyer deepened the theme further showing how to create an authentic social media presence as a brand or retailer. What are your main goals, what values do you stand for and what story do you want to convey? 

According to social media expert Kirsten Jassies, the best way to share your story online is through short videos on social media. Creative visualiser Ronny De Vylder showed in his talk “The Art of Looking” how retailers have to work harder to get their customers out of their seats because they have now become spoiled with the benefits of online shopping. And stylist Hannah van Well gave great styling tips for your store identity.  

Future-proof  

There is one common denominator within the various trends; sustainability is more relevant than ever. How to approach this as a brand and retailer was discussed during Talita Kalloe's masterclass on sustainable storytelling and in the interview with creative director Barbara Guarducci. The advice to fashion retailers from trendwatcher David Shah? Consumers are no longer impressed by novelty but prefer to use their purchasing power to bring about positive changes in the industry. 

Fashion brands with a strong focus on sustainability were on display at The Sustainable Stop – the new area for responsible brands and fresh independent labels with good design. 

Finally, new talent was also supported on the Young Entrepreneurs Platform. Full of curiosity, visitors walked past the various stands to discover the designers who are shaping the fashion of the future.  

Modefabriek is back and offered More Than Mode. It's about discovering new brands, getting inspired by new insights and above all meeting again to do business. Together again!