Source Fashion concluded its three-day international sourcing extravaganza in London, linking manufacturers, designers, and buyers from around the world.
In a successful debut in its new home, Excel London, the show welcomed buyers, brands and manufacturers from across the global fashion industry with a shared focus on building more resilient, transparent and commercially successful supply chains.
The three-day event brought together more than 305 exhibitors from 19 countries, saw an increase in footfall and a 20 percent increase in high-value buyers with a personal budget responsibility in excess of 250,000 pounds.
The show attracted buying teams from brands including Next, John Lewis and Debenhams Group.
The move to Excel London enabled Source Fashion to host its largest edition to date, attracting the most international visitors it had ever had.
British manufacturing emerged as one of the defining themes of this season's show. Live demonstrations, practical workshops and conversations across the exhibition showcased the breadth of UK manufacturing capability.
Exhibitors reported strong buyer engagement, new business opportunities and growing international interest in British production.
Live features including The Factory by ApparelTasker gave visitors the opportunity to experience manufacturing first-hand, demonstrating the craftsmanship, technical expertise and transparency behind modern garment production.
British manufacturer Knitster Director Emma McClelland said it was its first time at Source Fashion and the event exceeded expectations.
“We've had conversations with some really significant customers, including Harvey Nichols, alongside a fantastic mix of established brands and emerging businesses,” she explained.
McClelland said it was a brilliant opportunity to challenge perceptions and showcase what UK manufacturing can deliver.
Across the three days, Source Fashion reflected an industry increasingly focused on implementation rather than aspiration. Discussions at the event included exploring AI, supply chain resilience, British manufacturing, transparency, circularity and the commercial realities shaping sourcing decisions today.
Elizabeth Scarlett’s, Operations Director, Charlotte Morley said Source Fashion combined supplier discovery with genuinely valuable industry insight.
“It's a great place to hear different perspectives, learn from experts and have conversations that you don't often get elsewhere,” added Morley.
Source Fashion Event Director Suzanne Ellingham said this edition marked an important milestone.
“We've become much more than a sourcing exhibition, we are a global platform where manufacturers from around the world connect with buyers who are looking for resilient, responsible and commercially successful sourcing partners,” explained Ellingham.
“Importantly, we’ve created an increasingly valuable international stage for British manufacturing, giving UK manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their capabilities alongside the very best in the world, and not only showcase but win the orders that will allow them to grow with us.”
Source Fashion will expand its textiles offering and welcome new international pavilions from Sri Lanka and Jordan at its next show in January.
