September traditionally marks the beginning of the fashion business year, uniting the industry’s key players across continents. In just a few weeks, trade shows in Asia and Europe set the rhythm for upcoming seasons, bringing together sourcing giants, designer showcases, and retail innovations. Sustainability, digital transformation, and nearshoring dominate the agenda, reflecting how the sector adapts to shifting global demands.
Asia: The Strength of Shanghai and the Spirit of Tokyo
The season opened in Shanghai with Intertextile Shanghai, held from September 2 to 4. With over 4,000 exhibitors and nearly 100,000 visitors, the event confirmed the city’s role as a powerhouse of the textile industry. Dedicated spaces highlighted traceability and digital solutions, making clear that technology is now central to sourcing.
Almost immediately afterward, Tokyo staged Tranoï Tokyo on September 3 and 4. Hosted at Yoyogi Stadium, it gathered 250 brands, most of them international. Unlike Shanghai’s scale-driven focus, Tokyo blended fashion with culture, offering runway shows, live performances, and even a Franco-Japanese literary café. Together, the two events showed Asia’s dual role: one of mass production and another of creativity and cultural exchange.
Madrid: Nearshoring Meets Latin American Flair
In Spain, KM0 Moda on September 8 and 9 highlighted the growing importance of local production and Iberian suppliers. Shortly after, Momad returned with fashion, footwear, and accessories from 19 countries, featuring established European names like Cacharel and Ragno.
Madrid also strengthened ties with Latin America, presenting Colombian initiatives and emerging designers. Later in the month, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid, running from September 17 to 21, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a refreshed program, bridging trade and creative expression.
Milan: Europe’s Fashion Fair Capital
Italy once again confirmed its position as Europe’s most concentrated hub of fashion fairs. Across September, Milan hosted events for footwear, leather goods, accessories, textiles, fibers, and contemporary womenswear. Each show attracted international participation, underlining Milan’s unique ability to unite creativity, business, and raw material innovation in one city.
Istanbul and Paris: Rising and Established Hubs
Between Asia and Europe, Istanbul emerged as a competitive production hub. The Texhibition Istanbul, held from September 10 to 12, highlighted fabrics, yarns, and denim, appealing to European buyers seeking speed and flexibility outside Asia.
Paris, meanwhile, upheld its reputation as a global fashion capital. The city opened with Who’s Next from September 6 to 8, followed by Texworld, Première Vision, and NRF’25 Retail’s Big Show. The season concluded with Tranoï Paris and Première Classe in early October, connecting sourcing, retail, and high-end design in a single narrative.
