Whether it’s huge amounts of waste in the global south, disregard for human rights or a high carbon footprint – the fact that the fashion industry as a whole needs to act more ethically is nothing new. Green Fashion presents solutions. Alexander Hitzel, project manager of INNATEX – International Trade Fair for Sustainable Textiles, in an interview.
Mr. Hitzel, what’s new at INNATEX from January 20th to 22nd, 2024?
The focus is always on the over 250 brands that are tirelessly committed to better fashion, even in these stressful times. Once again there are exciting exhibitors exhibiting for the first time, including Näz and Kiwistories. Both show that chemical- and plastic-free fibers do not contradict the spirit of the times – on the contrary.
We are also looking forward to brands that we have known for years, including Vaude, Lanius, Knowledge Cotton Apparel, Recolution, People Wear Organic, Melawear, Mazine and Disana.
What other topics are in the foreground?
We are currently working at full speed on creating the program. To this end, we are once again cooperating with our partners from the Hessian Trade Association, the Fashion Changers and Greenstyle Munich. For example, we are looking forward to the specialist panel where experts will discuss recommerce. Reselling fashion makes sense, but only under certain conditions. We’ll find out how good recommerce can be successful and a business model on the Monday of the trade fair.
On the other two days, the audience can also look forward to lounge talks and other highlights such as curated tours. INNATEX always focuses on innovative solutions and visions as well as new interpretations of tradition. Both supposedly diametrically opposed trends provide ideas for a future worth living.
The fashion trade fair landscape in Germany is thinning out. Are large events still appropriate?
Our two levels, each with over 5,000 m² of gross space, were quickly booked to capacity. This shows that “trade fair” is still an important platform. For us in Hofheim-Wallau it’s not about haute couture, which of course has its place, but rather about direct business. In a down-to-earth setting, the specialist audience can research and order, directly compare collections, have focused discussions and meet experts in person. This will not work any other way in the future and will therefore remain contemporary – as long as there is a sustainable offer, because only sustainability meets this requirement.
What else makes INNATEX unique?
Our diversity and atmosphere, I would like to say, remain unmatched. At INNATEX, brands come together with a wide variety of concepts – whether women’s wear, HAKA, kidswear, accessories or shoes for all generations and needs. Active wear brands meet classic knitwear, newcomers meet trailblazers, influencers meet standard setters. That’s just wonderful. And because everyone contributes to a fantastic, family atmosphere, we love INNATEX. After all, it has been a reliable, recognized entity for over twenty-five years.