Positive outlook filled with expectant anticipation

The atmosphere at the 28th edition of Modefabriek was exceptionally energetic. With its 600-plus high-quality labels and a versatile and varied side programme of experimental attractions, #28 brought in even more visitors than before. The 18,250 fashion-lovers who attended were eagerly anticipating the coming season and looking forward with undivided optimism. The growing interest from the Belgian retail market was noteworthy, thanks in part to the ground-breaking Belgian Platform.

Essential highlights

The undisputed highlights on everyone’s lips were the catwalk shows from 10 feet, ikks and strellson, the dance show by MET jeans and the show dictionary, with a dazzling act by performer Waylon. The spectacular, grand opening show by the promising designers at Cutting Edge and Next also attracted major attention and drew large crowds. Displays included the colourful graphic designs of Belle Sauvage, innovative kaleidoscopic art by Leonie Smelt, the lovely, pure aesthetics of the collection sets from Sober, the inspiring work by renowned designer Martin Bergström and the ground-breaking androgynous designs from Maldador.

The denim laboratory created an absolute visual and interactive denim experience. Visitors to the *limited *and* industry* denim and jeans segments were blown away by ingenious denim creations and rugged, innovative experiments.

Drawing viewers in, the installation from 'Belgium presents... curated by Label' offered a starring role to two modern dancing models from lingerie label and cult icon La fille d’O. The provocative label was the pivotal point among the imposing photography of Sonny VandeVelde, impressive portraits of Belgian model Hannelore Knuts, and refined Belgian fashion from designers like Walter van Beirendonck, Dirk van Sane and Lenny Leleu. Another climax for many visitors was the Modefabriek social function, where a huge crowd enjoyed drinks and conversation Its dynamic, casual atmosphere and packed dance floor made ‘*THE*BORREL’ an appropriately fun conclusion to the successful first day of the event.

The highlights were a striking backdrop to this successful 28th edition of the Modefabriek, where media, retailers, agents and designers converged enthusiastically. The views expressed by various stand holders concur.

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‘It seems as though the negative atmosphere of the recent crisis period has vanished. The visitors were exceptionally positive, almost exuberant,’ says Boris Janssen, who represents the Psycho Cowboy brand, among others.

Stylist Bastiaan van Schaik, who organised a live photo shoot at Modefabriek, mentions the fashion show by the Cutting Edge and Next platforms as a fantastic initiative. ‘Retailers are generally less familiar with the avant-garde designers. Modefabriek has an combination of new and established labels, drawn from diverse segments, that successfully brings together all the different fashion disciplines to create a comprehensive overall impression.

‘The Limited segment was an inspiring mix of brands,’ says Olcay Gulsen, owner of the Supertrash brand. She did a lot of valuable networking and met lots of new contacts at the 28th edition of Modefabriek.

Alex Jansen, who represents brands like Nudie Jeans and Cold Method, says: ‘It is important to me that my brands tell a story. Modefabriek is perfect for that.’

I see Modefabriek as a hugely professional platform. Our visitors were interested and serious,’ according to Humberto Tan.

'I met many retailers from other countries,’ says Twan van der Laar - agent for Hunkydory and others. ‘There were people from the north of Europe, from Sweden, but also many Belgians. That may also have been due to the Belgian platform, which brought along many of our southern neighbours.’

‘It surprises me how many professionals from various aspects of the fashion sector came together at Modefabriek,’ says designer Julien Brennecke from the Belgian label Monsieur Bul.

All that positive energy was felt most strongly at The Borrel, the party held after the first day of the Modefabriek. 'It started at 6 that evening,’ says Bastiaan van Schaik, ‘and half an hour later everyone was dancing. It was incredibly fun, as if everyone was back to carefree enjoyment of all the beautiful things that fashion is.’