The green fashion industry demonstrates assertiveness and creativity – that is the conclusion of the 55th INNATEX, which ended on the evening of January 20th in Hofheim-Wallau near Frankfurt am Main. At a time when there is talk of a multiple crisis, the industry is relying on strategies such as collaborations (Maison Labiche), the involvement of customers (Loveafair Shop), and unique selling points, for example in the form of specially developed materials (Ucon Acrobatics, Bamboo Belgium , Hempage). Many of the measures contribute to the motto TOGETHER of this winter edition of the international trade fair for sustainable textiles.
“Full blast on INNATEX”
“We notice that the industry is going through a jolt,” sums up Alexander Hitzel, project manager at INNATEX. “The number of visitors is increasing again. The exhibitors had a lot of appointments and the atmosphere was great. The industry is coming together – especially here, where brands and buyers gather in concentration. What the participants appreciate about INNATEX is that the trade fair has remained stable, fair and reliable since the pandemic and offers a framework in which they can experience community. One exhibitor called it ‘full pipe at INNATEX’.”
IFH Cologne about stationary retail: Real experiences are important now
A highlight of INNATEX was the trade association expert panel on Monday. Olivia Dahlem (Quartier Frau), Marion Käfer (Lumiies), Dr. Eva Stüber (Institute for Retail Research Cologne), Jost Wiebelhaus (Frankfurter Laufshop) and Silvio Zeizinger (Hesse Trade Association) spoke with moderator Cheryll Mühlen (Editor-in-Chief of Textile Communications, J’N’C Magazine, Green Knowledge) about “Best Practice from Retail: Challenges with active customer loyalty and other measures.”
“The crises will not go away for the time being, and the best way for retailers to respond to this is to have the courage to develop new concepts,” recommends Dr. Eva Stüber. “The community is at the top. By this I don’t just mean dialogue on social media, but also enabling people with the same interests to meet in person. Points of contact can be very specific topics or hobbies. On Monday in the expert panel we heard about the running meeting at the Frankfurt running shop, the rosé evening at Quartier Frau and the love of pets from Lumiies. Anyone who offers customers an on-site setting in which they can have a good time and exchange ideas creates real experiences, identification and emotions that stay in their memory. In the age of digitalization, this is an important value. It’s our goal to move things forward!”
Fall/Winter 2025/2026: Escape to the country, statements, knits made from natural fibers
In autumn/winter 2025/2026, high-quality, sometimes coarse knitwear is making a significant comeback, be it in the form of dresses, skirts, sweaters or generous sweaters (Alma&Lovis, Näz Fashion, Rifo Lab, Kero Design). Emotional and ironic statements such as “It is what it is” (recolution), “Amour Toujours” (Maison Labiche) or simply “happy” (ethletics) counter the zeitgeist. The longing for the country and idyll is now added as a counterpoint to the long-running urban wear. Patchwork vests made of denim (Kings of Indigo, Maison Labiche), clothing in the style of traditional costume, made of wool as well as jacquard (Stapf) and accessories made of raffia (Ikiala) are popular. The sneaker market is becoming more colorful in all colors from pink to neon yellow (Genesis, ethletics).
A dealer shared his perspective on INNATEX: “It is fascinating that this trade fair, which we considered a small eco-fair a few years ago, has now become our most important contact point,” says buyer Andy Bule from the Mina Store in Frankfurt. “We spend all three days at INNATEX and write orders non-stop. The brands are just here.”
On February 23rd and 24th, 2025, the INNATEX showroom in Bern will round off this season with around 50 labels.