Even though the fairs ended for many visitors in a real shitstorm on thursday - because that is the perfect description of Hurricane Friederike - as heavy gusts of wind, snow and rain caused delays and cancelled trains and flights, the trade fairs were extremely positive. This also applies to the makers of the green trade fairs, which were held for the first time at the Kraftwerk.
In the past, several trade fairs took place in Berlin’s Kraftwerk. Whether it was Bread & Butter for a short time or Show & Order for a long time, the spot is event and fashion tested. After the Premium Group and Frankfurter Messe announced their cooperation, the extraordinary location in the heart of Kreuzberg is now the new home of the green trade fairs: Greenshowroom/Ethical Showroom as well as the forums #FashionSustain and #FashionTech.
And the move served the events very well. They were particularly easy to reach, a restful fact after crossing half of Berlin on the way to the radio station last summer. The shuttle connection of the location to Premium and Seek/Bright was also particularly successful. What had been announced in the past, especially theoretically, actually took place in practice this time. This possibility made it even easier for visitors to switch between the various shows. Thimo Schwenzfeier, Messe Frankfurt, was particularly pleased about this, as well as about the foot traffic and atmosphere: "The exhibitors are very positive about the new location, which was well attended from the outset. We are very pleased with the positive development that the cooperation with Premium has brought for us."
The content of the concept was also round and successful, as expected. Many old acquaintances were there and also some exciting newcomers were to be discovered, such as Re; Code from South Korea or Ecostories from Germany. Unfortunately, a number of large and important exhibitors such as Recolution and Knowledge Cotton Apparel, who had chose to show at Panorama or Innatex format at Panorama this season, were missing.
Under the roof of the Kraftwerk, #FashionTech took place for the first time on the first day of the fair on the top floor. Again there was a program with top-class speakers from companies such as AlphaTauri, Zalando, Highsnobiety, MCM Holding, Wrad and Outfittery to name but a few. The airy location was always well attended and the topics encouraged an exchange of ideas on fashion and technology, in the speaker lounge and at the booths outside. Interesting developments included Red Bull with Alpha Tauri and Taures, Nanogy with its wireless heating technology, AMD with a project on technology in clothing and Wrad with its graphite-based dyeing technology g_pwdr.
Just one day later, the new #FashionSustain event was held. The event also met the expectations of visitors and organizers. The panel with Vaude, Primaloft, Q-Milk, Lenzing, EcoPaxx, DSM and an exciting lecture from the food sector by Verena Bahlsen provided input on material innovations. Ecoalf founder Javier Goyeneche and Pyua founder Timo Perschke, who have their products manufactured mainly from recycled PET, also made presentations. Goyeneche has even set up his own initiative for this purpose and uses plastic bottles and fishing nets from Thailand and Korea, which he processes directly onsite.
We have compiled our highlights and most interesting innovations for you here:
Best cotton innovation:
Jackybeng waterproof cotton fabric. The fabric is made of yarn-dyed cotton. The 2000 water column comes from the fact that the fabric is so densely woven. In addition to an outdoor jacket, a special highlight of the application is a down jacket made of pure cotton fabric. A true must-see!
Best comeback:
Denim brand Kuyichi has returned to the German market. After the Dutch label withdrew from Germany some time ago, it was shown for the first time at a trade fair with the team around Peter... Welcome back!
Best newcomer:
Re; Code from South Korea was a special discovery at the fair. The label specializes in upcycling and creates new parts from deadstocks that are otherwise burned and non-marketable airbags, some of which still tell the story of their origins. Worth seeing!
Best sustainable performance/outdoor outfit:
Top marks for the most sustainable outfit were clearly awarded to Vaude, who exhibited for the first time at the fair and presented its new Green Shape Collection, at which it developed over two years with various suppliers such as PrimaLoft and Lenzing. The result is a fleece from Tencel as well as recyclable zippers, just to name a few highlights. The material innovations resulting from the collaboration and processed in the collection were also presented at #FashionSustain.
Best streetwear/prints:
Dedicated showed cool prints for women and men.
Best sneakers:
The Portuguese label Nae also relies on upcycling with styles from useless airbags.
Best bag collection:
Continew makes bags, wallets and other accessories from discarded car seats, airbags etc. That's not new in itself, but the result is a clean, clean and stylish futuristic look.
Read also:
For more information on trade shows check out DFV Group’s expocheck.com.
