30 years of Modefabriek: a jubilee edition filled with inspiration, connection and creativity

Thirty years ago, Modefabriek opened its doors for the very first time. Since then, the trade show has grown into a key meeting place for retailers, brands and fashion professionals from the Netherlands and abroad. During this year's anniversary edition at the sunny TAETS Art & Event Park in Zaandam, that was once again evident. Over two inspiring days, everything revolved around new collections, meaningful encounters and looking ahead to the next season.

From the moment the doors opened, the industrial waterfront venue buzzed with positive energy. Visitors moved effortlessly from brand to brand, gathered in the Event Garden for coffee or lunch in the sunshine and discovered inspiring presentations, activations and new collections throughout the grounds. Between appointments, spontaneous conversations unfolded everywhere, all centred around the future of fashion.

A tour through Modefabriek

Walking the show floor, one thing quickly became clear: today's trade fair is about much more than showcasing collections. Behind every stand is a story, a brand identity and a unique way of presenting it.

At 10DAYS, the stand was transformed into a gallery, complete with campaign imagery, interior pieces and even a signature scent. As Myon Veenendaal explains: "Every season we try to think differently. We've created cardboard stands, VR presentations, and this time we wanted to build a gallery. It worked out really well."

Circle of Trust also believes brand experience is becoming increasingly important. According to Danielle Panhuijsen, visitors are paying much closer attention to the way brands present themselves. "This edition we really wanted to show ourselves in a different way. Beautiful materials, fresh colours and plenty of attention to detail. We can clearly see that brand experience is becoming more important."

The same philosophy was reflected in WHO IS SHE? at MUZA by COCO Maison. Rather than traditional exhibition stands, visitors stepped into carefully curated worlds where fashion, jewellery, interiors and lifestyle came together, presenting collections through storytelling and experience.

New collections, new opportunities

Beyond inspiration, Modefabriek continues to be a place where relationships are strengthened and new opportunities arise. For many brands, the fair remains an important moment to reconnect with existing customers while introducing themselves to new retailers.

Deblon Sports looks back positively on the renewed layout of the exhibition. According to Marjon Muijskens and Emily Flier, the new setting perfectly reflects the evolution of the brand. "We've become much more of a fashion brand than purely a sports brand, and visitors really notice that."

At Aaiko, the atmosphere was equally optimistic. Vera van der Meer and Jeanette Tesselaar noticed particularly strong reactions to the new silhouettes, colours and overall presentation. "The sailor theme, the blue tones and poppy red have been received incredibly well. The new balloon silhouettes are really standing out too."

For Minus, a trade fair is all about balancing inspiration with commercial success. Floor Gruts explains: "At the fair we deliberately present a mix of commercial pieces and trend-driven styles. That way we inspire our existing customers while surprising new retailers at the same time."

One of the newcomers this season was Kings of Indigo. The sustainable denim brand exhibited at Modefabriek for the first time and saw the fair as the ideal platform to introduce itself to a wider retail audience. Nicolaas van der Meer describes the brand's current momentum: "Kings of Indigo is really taking off at the moment. We're growing rapidly, investing heavily in innovation and our collections. Modefabriek is the perfect place to introduce new retailers to that story."

Para Mi is also seeing growing international interest. Alongside loyal customers, the brand is increasingly building new relationships beyond the Dutch market. As Nick Heessels explains: "Of course we're here for our existing customers, but it's always exciting to meet new retailers too. We're definitely noticing growing interest from abroad."

For MAC Jeans, however, one thing remains at the heart of every successful trade fair. As Lydia van Egmond puts it: "Ultimately, it's the valuable conversations and new connections that make a trade fair successful."

Newcomer Tiffosi also looks back positively on its first participation. According to Rick Mauriks, the event exceeded expectations and the Portuguese brand sees plenty of opportunities to continue growing within the Dutch market.

More than a trade fair

Modefabriek has become much more than a place to showcase collections. Throughout the venue, activations and interactive experiences created an inspiring atmosphere. Summum's iconic Ferris wheel during the Parade of Wonders became one of the show's biggest eye-catchers, while the Event Garden once again proved itself as the social heart of the event, where visitors gathered between appointments to connect, relax and exchange ideas.

The Mediterranean-inspired JC Sophie Brasserie was another popular meeting place. Richard and Joanette van der Mark believe initiatives like this make all the difference. Richard and Joanette van der Mark believe initiatives like this make all the difference, creating more atmosphere and a richer visitor experience.

That philosophy was perfectly reflected by PENN&INK N.Y, which immersed visitors in the world of Bonjour New York, Hello Paris. Through an expansive presentation, a signature fragrance and exceptional hospitality, the brand demonstrated just how important experience has become. As Mark de Lorme explains: "Of course you want to show your collection, but above all you want to inspire people." According to him, that is exactly where the strength of Modefabriek lies. "When you build on your own strengths and work together, you can achieve incredible things."

Here’s to the next 30 years

After two inspiring days, exhibitors and visitors alike look back on an edition that captured everything Modefabriek has stood for over the past three decades: new collections, meaningful encounters and a healthy dose of creativity. From established brands to exciting newcomers, and from inspiring presentations to spontaneous conversations on the show floor, positive energy could be felt everywhere. 

Thirty years after its very first edition, Modefabriek continues to do what it does best: bringing the fashion industry together, encouraging the exchange of ideas and inspiring the future of fashion. Thank you to all exhibitors, visitors and partners for celebrating 30 years of Modefabriek with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to the winter edition on 24 & 25 January 2027 at Expo Greater Amsterdam!