Summer Edition RE-SET: Modefabriek Bursting with Fresh Energy

Still buzzing from the vibrant energy, we’re looking back at part two of the big Modefabriek RE-SET. The summer edition on 6 & 7 July was a true experience, not only thanks to the stunning industrial setting at TAETS Art & Event Park on the Hembrugterrein in Zaandam, where Modefabriek spanned multiple buildings and an enormous outdoor area. But equally thanks to the universally positive mindset, the exceptional contributions from participants, and the quality of the TALKS program.

“This is the path Modefabriek can build on,” was the frequent refrain. “This vibe, these opportunities. If we do it together, we’ll have a truly top-level trade show for the entire Northern European region.”

Grasping the times

Our beautiful industry has been thoroughly shaken in recent years, and that shake-up has now become the permanent reality. Everyone craves calm, clarity, a sense of security, but we also truly need renewal, wonder, and the fun factor. Caroline Krouwels, Modefabriek’s director, captured it perfectly when introducing the talks with Lidewij Edelkoort: “We live in a time of great change, so Modefabriek wants to focus extra attention on interpreting those changes. It has never been more important to get a grip on the times, to understand where trends come from and where they’re leading.” The trend talks for SS26 called for both action and intuition: “Turn everything on its head. Make it happy, make it sweet. Follow your instinct, and ditch the cynicism!”

Going big and being seen

Pand 41, a large gallery space on the waterfront, proved the perfect spot for Mark and Felice de Lorme of Penn&Ink N.Y. to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their ‘love baby’. No campaign shots on the walls this time, but intimate photography of their fashion family. Mark says: “Normally I’m not so visible, but this moment feels really special. On Sunday night we served 150 plates of paella, it was a big party. This is how I want to do it from now on,” he says about this RE-SET edition of Modefabriek. “If we work together, we can really make this a huge success. We’re sticking our necks out, to inspire the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs.” 

Summum also decided to go big with its own café. A centrally located building turned out to have just the right facilities for it. “Style over matter,” says Maurits van Lier, because while there was a strong edit of the collection on display, it took second place. “When we skipped Modefabriek last summer, our customers immediately called us out. Now we’re all the happier to be back. A good fair only works if you do it together. You can never be successful alone.”

Jansen Amsterdam also deliberately chose an extra festive gesture with a Marie Antoinette-worthy banquet table at the front of its stand in The Studio. “It had to be Instagram-worthy, and above all really welcoming,” says Peter van ’t Veen. “That’s who we are, people want to be nourished by inspiration.” He’s emphatically pro-Modefabriek. “We believe in collegiality and representing your sector. Moving forward together, stronger together, earning together.” Like many, he also sees opportunities: “Germany’s market has slumped, so we’re seeing far more German and even Swiss customers here now.”

Staying true to yourself and each other

Another 'trend' that radiated everywhere was brands’ (sometimes rediscovered) self-confidence, their pride in and loyalty to themselves and to their business partners—that’s the magic ingredient. Suzanne Schaffer-van Riensven of Aimée the Label beams in her stand in The Studio: “I think I grew five centimetres. What a fantastic fair! Truly an amazing venue. We’ve never served so much coffee, had so many new inquiries, so many international visitors, and such great chats with our neighbours.” She’s brimming with positivity. “We’re sticking to our own DNA. We’re both commercial and genuinely fashion-forward, that’s what we hear a lot.” 

A little further on, the vibe at Knit-ted is equally upbeat. “We’ve been loyal exhibitors at Modefabriek for over ten years. It’s our perfect season kick-off, the first contact with our customers, and every time we meet new ones too,” says Victor van der Linden. “Our German agents were especially busy, Sunday in particular saw a lot of extra visitors from Germany. The mood at this summer edition is really inspiring.”

At The MUZA, two cool industrial floors full of beautiful boutique labels. Esther de Haas and Pauline Vellema of Gustav are proud of what they’ve been doing with love for 16 years: “Creating beautiful things to make women shine. We’re really here for the brick-and-mortar store, where everything revolves around customer attention.”

A new location always comes with a learning curve, but the energy, inspiration, and atmosphere far outweighed any teething issues. The same goes across the aisle at Italian label Même Road. “Customers are really looking for something new again, that was much less the case a few seasons ago,” says agent Vivienne Hayer. “I’m really happy.”

Renewal. Yes! And keep doing what we do best. Together! That’s the bottom line. On to the next Modefabriek.