Munich Fabric Start sees slight dip in visitor numbers at anniversary edition

Thirty years of Munich Fabric Start: The recently concluded edition, held from July 14-16 at Munich’s MOC alongside the satellite shows Bluezone, Keyhouse, and The Source, marked a landmark anniversary. Around 650 international exhibitors showcased their latest collections, material developments, and colour trends for the Autumn/Winter 2027/28 season.

For this edition, the team led by managing director Florian Klinder further refined the trade fair concept, consolidating the show into three halls and the atrium. The compact layout ensured short routes and focused business discussions.

As ever, the spectrum spanned the entire textile value chain, ranging from fabrics and trimmings to denim creations, and extending to cutting-edge innovations and sourcing solutions.  Although visitor numbers were around 8% lower than at the previous event, the organisers reported- citing various exhibitors- that the quality of discussions and business contacts was high.

Visitors included designers, product managers, and buyers from numerous international premium and mainstream brands such as Akris, Bogner, Brax Leineweber, Drykorn, Bugatti, Angels, C&A Buying, Peter Hahn, Cecil, Closed, Comma, Dior, Alberto, Alpha Industries, Baldessarini, Betty Barclay, Gerry Weber, Hiltl, Strellson, Hugo Boss, Juvia, Lodenfrey, Luisa Cerano, Maerz Muenchen, Marc Cain, Rich & Royal, s.Oliver, Sportalm, Talbot Runhof, Marc O’Polo, Mey & Edlich, Porsche Lifestyle Group, Riani, and Wilvorst.

In addition to Germany, trade visitors came from Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia, China, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, the UK, Canada, and the US.

“Munich Fabric Start is more than just a trade fair. It is a home for the textile industry. I’m happy to quote my father, who founded the fair 30 years ago. For me, too, it’s like a family. And alongside business, trends and innovation, it is above all the sense of community that sustains the fair- even in challenging times,” commented managing director Florian Klinder on the anniversary edition. 

The anniversary edition once again underscored what sets the trade fair apart: the combination of business, innovation, and continuous development- underpinned by a strong community- serving as a platform for business, inspiration, and knowledge transfer. 

The Klinder family has shaped this development since 1996 and has consistently adapted the trade fair to the demands of the market. Despite fewer exhibitors and visitors, it was once again evident that Munich’s importance as a trade fair venue for the industry remains undiminished.

“What’s the alternative? No more trade fairs in Germany? No! We have to make the best of it,” said one exhibitor. The next Munich Fabric Start is scheduled for January 20-22, 2027.