Trade Fair Report: Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris draws 7,000 buyers as innovation and craftsmanship take centre stage

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris closed its 57th edition on a high note, attracting more than 7,000 buyers across three days, according to organisers Messe Frankfurt France.  The fair presented 1,300 garment and textile companies from 35 countries.

Held from 15 to 17 September 2025 at the Parc des Expositions in Le Bourget in Paris, the fair saw particularly strong attendance from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany. Visitor numbers were up 25% compared to the July 2024 edition, with organisers attributing the increase to the decision to return to the event’s traditional September slot.

Attendance was also more evenly spread across the three days, supported by a redesigned layout. Two halls were devoted to product offerings and one to services, complemented by networking spaces, relaxation areas and trend forums. The setup was intended to encourage connections while providing a more accessible stage for new ideas.

 

For the first time, exhibitors were almost equally divided between textiles (Texworld Paris) and finished garments and fashion accessories (Apparel Sourcing Paris).

“This evolution reflects buyers’ needs,” explained Julien Schmoll, Marketing and Communication Director at Messe Frankfurt France. “Brands are increasingly outsourcing not only production but also design, seeking suppliers who can deliver turnkey collections: creative, high-quality, competitively priced products, especially in the mid-range and premium segments.”

With 1,300 exhibitors, including those in the Avantex sector, the event strengthened its position as Europe’s leading sourcing fair. Several international manufacturers sought to expand their European presence, including Hong Kong-based knitwear producer Wing Ka Shing, which manufactures in DongGuan, China. Currently selling more than 80% of its products to US brands, the company is seeking to diversify into Europe to avoid US import tariffs.

“We came to showcase our products and connect with European buyers,” said the company’s Sales Manager, who noted strong interest from Spanish fashion teams.

The Near Sourcing Hub, organised with Messe Frankfurt partner FourSource, spotlighted suppliers from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Portuguese knitwear manufacturer FashionTeam, one of eight companies exhibiting on-site, reported keen interest from French and Spanish buyers.

“They don’t come to us for the price – they come for the service: quality, fast turnaround and flexibility,” said CEO Soames Rudowski. A further 28 suppliers presented samples digitally via QR codes linked to FourSource’s B2B platform.

The Initiatives area at the entrance to Hall 4 highlighted exceptional creativity. Pasari Textiles of India demonstrated traditional hand embroidery, while the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce presented contemporary Turkish designs. Students from LISAA Mode produced live knitwear and crochet pieces, and the China Textile Innovation Centre (CTIC) showcased designs from selected Chinese manufacturers.

Innovation was also at the forefront.

Avantex Paris served as the fair’s innovation hub, with around 30 participants presenting technologies for sustainable fashion. The show was divided into three areas: the HUB for services and solutions, the Designer HUB for studios and agencies, and ReSources, curated by Textile Clothing Business Labs (TCBL).

A busy programme of debates and round tables tackled themes such as artificial intelligence, circularity, bio-based materials and new consumption models. One of the highlights was the Bio Fashion Innovation Day, organised by TCBL, which presented advances in eco-design and localised production.

In addition, Messe Frankfurt’s Econogy Tour introduced visitors to exhibitors engaged in verified CSR initiatives, part of its wider Texpertise Econogy framework.

GoldenEye Smart Vision claimed the top prize at the Avantex Fashion Pitch 2025 for its AI-powered textile quality control system, which detects defects, improves production efficiency and reduces waste.

A “special prize of the heart” was awarded to Green Worms, an Indian micro-enterprise that collects and recycles local waste, creating sustainable employment for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“By recognising GoldenEye and Green Worms, we are celebrating innovative solutions that address major challenges, from digitalisation to sustainability,” said Claudia Franz, Director of Brand Management at Messe Frankfurt, and Julien Schmoll of Messe Frankfurt France.

Winners will receive financial support, exhibition space, business coaching and international visibility. With 11 projects competing, the competition reaffirmed its role as a launchpad for sustainable fashion start-ups.

Meanwhile a TikTok Shop debuts live shopping at the fair this season with a Global Selling Product Selection Event, where influencers hosted live shopping sessions featuring exhibitor products.

“We wanted to give our exhibitors the chance to explore this new distribution channel and learn from it, as retail continues to evolve,” said Frédéric Bougeard, President of Messe Frankfurt France. TikTok Shop, launched in France in March, already has more than 21 million users.

Looking ahead to 2026

Organisers have announced that the next spring–summer edition of Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will take place from 2 to 4 February 2026 at the Parc des Expositions, Paris–Le Bourget. 

The February 2026 edition is expected to feature a more curated offering aligned with market demands, confirming its role as a key date in the international fashion sourcing calendar.

Photos courtesy of Messe Frankfurt France

Interior Design Fair|: Decorex 2025 returns to Olympia London October 12 - 15

Decorex 2025 returns to Olympia London from 12–15 October, reaffirming its place as the premier event for luxury interiors, craftsmanship, and design innovation.

Organisers promise an inspiring showcase, bringing together the latest collections, immersive features, and thought-provoking discussions that make Decorex a must-attend for interior design professionals.

This year, more than 280 exhibitors will unveil cutting-edge collections from leading brands. Highlights include Homeplay’s Serengeti Living, which explores the seamless integration of technology into interiors; Castrads’ vintage-inspired radiators in collaboration with Soho Lighting and Hyde House; luxurious sofas from Sofas & Stuff; and Olive & Barr’s Shaker-inspired kitchens. Alongside these, hundreds of brands will present the finest in textiles, wallcoverings, lighting, accessories, furniture, flooring, and more.

The much celebrated Making Spaces feature returns with a fresh line-up of artisans demonstrating live craft techniques and sharing insights into the future of craft. It’s a vibrant celebration of creativity and provenance, featuring makers showcasing their skills in metal work, ceramics and textiles. 

'Mother Dearest' by Carl Fox - A London based artist who blends traditional techniques of marquetry and parquetry with modern aesthetics. His work often explores texture and pattern through meticulous craftsmanship.

From over 200 entries received, 14 artisans were selected by the Decorex 2025 Making Spaces Committee that hand-picked their favourite makers, providing the chosen artisans with a unique and exclusive opportunity to showcase their craft to Decorex’s interior design audience. 

Art creation by Fiona McTaggart, an artist and surface pattern designer who
uses hand-dyeing and derailed illustration to create layered, evocative surfaces.

Each artisan will be demonstrating their craft live at Decorex, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the making process and the stories behind their work.  These exclusive one-hour sessions, led by talented artisans, offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in hands-on creativity. Each workshop provides an interactive opportunity to learn directly from masters of their craft, all within a dedicated space.  

Pamela Print will be teaching two Table Loom Weaving workshops in the Making Spaces area

Pamela Print is returning to Decorex showcasing a new collection of artworks, interior accessories and fabrics, handwoven using naturally-dyed fibres and waste yarn. "Colour in Nature" is an exploration of natural hues found in our environment, highlighting the need for more dialogue surrounding non-toxic art and fabrics in the contemporary home and interior space.  Print will be exhibiting and demonstrating alongside four highly-skilled makers from last year's Making Spaces cohort: Hanny Newton, Lara Pain, Valerie Wartelle and The Marchmont Workshop.

To view the programme and full line-up of artisans, click HERE.

For networking and relaxation, visitors can enjoy the Decorex Bar, designed by Lucy Mayers for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. This year’s design evokes a rich autumnal garden, blending classic English elegance with immersive, contemporary flourishes.

Tulo Adẹkọ́

The VIP Lounge, curated by Adẹkọ́ & Co., offers a sanctuary of sensory design and storytelling. Titled Palomino, the space takes inspiration from the iconic Paris Olympia Hippodrome of 1886 and the theatrical spectacle of Bertram Mills’ circus, reimagined by Adẹkọ́’s founder and director, Tulo Adẹkọ́.

Visitors will look forward to the Design Talks Programme, with over 100 expert speakers. tTis year’s talks explore topical subjects from scaling design businesses to championing regional artisans. Expect practical insights, bold ideas, and lively debate across four days.  

Sam Fisher, Decorex Event Director

Sam Fisher, Decorex Event Director, comments:  “This year’s lineup of speakers and topics is truly exceptional, reflecting the latest trends and innovations in our industry. We’ve curated a diverse range of sessions designed to inspire, educate, and engage—from thought-provoking keynotes to educational panels. I’m particularly excited about the inclusion of emerging voices in the design community, who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.”

Click HERE for the talks programme.