Munich Fabric Start has concluded in Munich after three days of trading, reporting stable visitor numbers and strong exhibitor satisfaction despite a challenging market environment.

Held at the MOC Munich and incorporating the show-in-shows Bluezone, Keyhouse and The Source, the event welcomed buyers and industry professionals to explore around 1,000 collections from international fabric and accessory manufacturers. Across the halls, high-quality fabrics and accessories were presented alongside international denim expertise and innovations spanning the full textile value chain.

Florian Klinder, managing director of Munich Fabric Start, said the outcome could be summed up in two words: “Solid” and “optimistic”. He added that, in difficult economic conditions, the fair’s role as a reliable meeting point for key market players becomes even more important.

The overarching trend theme for Spring.Summer 27 was Pleasure, positioning optimism, creativity and enjoyment as a counter-reaction to uncertainty. Trend forecaster David Shah of View Publications encouraged visitors to resist pessimism and complacency, while MFS trend experts Volker Orthmann and Katharina Majorek of o/m Collective highlighted the surge of creative energy currently emerging in the fashion sector.

Colour, prints and texture were identified as the major drivers for the season. Karin Schmitz from Peclers Paris pointed to a renewed appetite for colour after a period dominated by pragmatism and neutrality, while industry representatives described increased confidence in bolder palettes, surface interest and more expressive pattern directions. Buyers and brands cited a broad range of emerging print themes, including stripes, florals, paisleys, geometrical designs and playful animal motifs, alongside lightweight, transparent and flowing fabrics for blouses and evening looks.

While trend inspiration remained central, commercial realities were also in focus. Exhibitors noted heightened price sensitivity and margin pressures, particularly in the German market. However, several participants reported that the quality of visitors and customer engagement exceeded expectations, with brands and retailers using the event to identify new products and secure developments for upcoming seasons.

Regulatory change, digitalisation and circularity were also prominent topics throughout the programme. Discussions addressed the Digital Product Passport, AI, compliance requirements and data consistency, with speakers warning that many companies are still unprepared for the scale of transformation expected from 2026 onwards.

Keyhouse showcased applied technologies and system solutions designed to improve transparency and accelerate circular models, including authentication tools and take-back systems for resale and recycling. In the Sustainable Innovations Forum, research-led projects explored sustainability through cultural, sensory and systemic approaches. Among the highlighted developments was a collaboration between Dirt and Loads Collection on the first Demeter-certified textile collection, described as a milestone for applying Demeter standards to textiles.

At Bluezone, denim trends for Spring.Summer 27 centred on the concept of “imperfect perfection”, blending functional minimalism with emotional, handcrafted details and innovative surfaces. International denim manufacturers presented new collections featuring stretch technologies, water-free approaches, natural colours and resource-saving production processes. Industry voices noted Bluezone’s value as a concentrated sourcing and working environment, bringing together a high proportion of key suppliers in one place.

Organisers also reported that the restructured hall layout improved visibility and synergies between sourcing, design, technology and sustainability, creating clearer navigation and more opportunities for collaboration across the fair.

The next edition of Munich Fabric Start, The Source, Bluezone and Keyhouse for Autumn.Winter 27/28 will take place from 14 to 16 July 2026, followed by reVIEW Premium Selection on 8 and 9 September 2026.

www.munichfabricstart.com