Source Fashion January 2026 kicked off day one of its three-day show with strong early attendance, and organisers noted that buyers, brands, and manufacturers from across the globe came together to rethink how fashion is made.
Source Fashion event director Suzanne Ellingham said: “The energy on the show floor today has been incredibly encouraging. We’re seeing buyers and manufacturers arriving with real intent, not just to talk about sustainability, but to make practical decisions about how fashion is sourced, made and brought to market.
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“From the quality of conversations to the engagement with our content and catwalk, day one has shown that the industry is ready to move beyond ambition and focus on meaningful, collaborative action.”
Attendees included buyers, retailers and sourcing professionals from across the UK and international markets, with representatives from Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Asos, Harrods, Agent Provocateur, Moss, JustFab, Universal Music Group, Elizabeth Scarlett, Rat & Boa, AYBL Gym and Finest Brands International.
The live content sessions featured a discussion on the social dimension of sustainability which included Matthias Knappe, head of unit at the International Trade Centre (ITC), Jane Blacklock, head of ESG at Passenger, and Safia Minney MBE, founder and executive director of Fashion Declares.
While another session explored the link between sustainability and commercial success. There was also a fireside chat on how to turn waste into value with Kresse Wesling CBE, founder of Elvis & Kresse, and Scott Wimsett, founder and CEO of Bespoke Banter.
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By GlobalDataCourtney & Co. founder Andrea Courtney commented: “The day built momentum from lunchtime onwards, with strong follow-up conversations through the afternoon. We’ve reconnected with existing customers and had a very positive first day. We chose to attend Source Fashion to reach a broader buyer audience, and it’s been good to connect with more serious, commercially focused buyers here.”
Fibre to Fibre’s Tom Atkin added: “It’s been really positive to meet a number of brands we’re looking to work with. There’s been strong interest in the recycling side of what we do, with people excited to hear our story. We’ve spoken to many sourcing teams on the stand, and also a number of design teams, which has been particularly encouraging. Designers play a key role in material choices, so those conversations have been really valuable. Being able to meet face to face is so important, and Source Fashion is the right place for us to demonstrate both our expertise and our passion for sustainability and circularity.”
