Europe has a strong business tradition in textiles, design and fashion. Enterprise Europe Network's Federica Leonetti explains what will be on-trend in 2018 for ambitious small businesses in this creative and innovative sector.
Orange is the colour: Modefabriek Amsterdam shines bright in January
For designers with international ambitions, head to Amsterdam on 21-22 January for Modefabriek. This bi-annual fashion event welcomes over 19,000 fashion professionals from across the world and showcases more than 500 labels. Besides the exhibits, product launches and catwalk shows, you can take part in EU FashionMatch 7.0. FashionMatch is a simple way to meet potential business partners and expand your network. Pre-register your meetings and bring three items of your collection to show during the meetings. Start your new year with a good resolution and register now!
Find your summer style in Italy
The third edition of Torino Fashion Week will take place from the 27th June - 3rd July 2018. As well as business to business matchmaking, Torino Fashion Week offers fantastic learning opportunities for entrepreneurs with a passion for fashion. You can choose from a variety of workshops and training sessions with international experts. The hot topic for 2018? Fashion technology: innovation, smart textiles and digitisation. Find out how you can make the most of these new fashion trends.
Finally, showcase your talent! With a whole week of catwalk shows organised specifically for small businesses and young designers, Torino provides the whole package for ambitious fashion entrepreneurs. It's simply a great place to learn, network and exhibit.
The full programme will be out in early 2018, so keep your eyes open and register early.
Explore international collaborations
The Enterprise Europe Network has a group of 22 experts working across Europe to support small businesses with international ambitions in the textile and fashion industries. They use their network and sectoral expertise to build international business partnerships. They can connect you to the right people to grow your business. They also provide advice on everything from intellectual property protection to sources of finance.
For instance, if you have a disruptive idea in the fashion and consumer goods industry, check out the WORTH Partnership Project. This EU-funded initiative aims to establish connections between fashion design, manufacture, craft and technology.
Talk to your local Enterprise Europe Network partner for more ideas on your best path to international expansion.
Federica Leonetti is an Enterprise Europe Network adviser based in the Unioncamere Piemonte in Turin, Italy. Working with a team of colleagues across Europe, Federica leads the Network’s efforts to create business opportunities for companies in the textile and fashion sectors. In 2016, they organised 15 international business matchmaking events reaching more than 1,000 companies all over Europe. So if you're looking for some support to grow your business, they can help. Get in touch with your local Network contact point!