Trade shows are the epicenter of the fashion world, bringing together up-and-coming designers, established designers, fashion buyers and sellers, and others in the industry—all in one place.
If you’re a retailer looking to bring the latest trends to your store, a wholesaler looking to connect with potential buyers, or even a fashion guru looking for New York fashion agencies to help you land your next dream job, fashion trade shows present indispensable opportunities to network, find merchandise, form new partnerships, and much more.
Trade shows are especially important in the constantly evolving world of fashion, allowing industry professionals to access the latest designs. Whatever your connection to fashion—whether you’re a designer, buyer, seller, wholesaler, or retailer, here are some of the top trade shows of 2016 not to be missed.
Sourcing Trade Shows
These essential sourcing trade shows will connect you with factory reps, sample makers, printers, and production-industry pros from around the globe.
TexWorld USA
What: Top-quality fabrics and cutting-edge apparel from all around the world are showcased at TexWorld. Known as North America’s largest sourcing event, TexWorld USA provides the ideal forum to meet directly with a broad range of manufacturers from North America, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions around the world.
Where: July 12-14
When: New York
SOURCING at MAGIC
What: Representing more than 40 countries, SOURCING at MAGIC links you to the entire global supply chain. The event attracts designers, brands, and retailers from every corner of the world. Find the latest colors, materials, and emerging technology at SOURCING at MAGIC. Registration is free.
Where/When: Las Vegas (August 15-17), and New York (July 17-19)
Premiere Vision New York
What: Touted as “the global textile event for North American fashion professionals,” Premiere Vision has 125 registered exhibitors. The event focuses on colors, trends, and fabrics. Materials showcased at this event include silk, Pima fabrics, leathers, and more.
Where: New York
When: April 12-13
Kingpins Show
What: Only a select list of vendors makes the invitee list at this trade show of top brands. The organizers have kept the event relatively small-scale since Kingpins’ inception in 2004 to maintain an atmosphere that encourages networking and relationship-building. Denim, sportswear (and anything that can be worn with denim) are the focus of the show.
Where: New York
When: May 11-12
Runway Fashion Shows
Couture Fashion Week
What: Now in its 24th season, this three-day event presents a series of couture fashion shows by designers from around the globe, inviting everyone in the industry, from top designers to retail headhunters in New York City. Each show lasts around 35-45 minutes, showcasing the hottest couture apparel and accessories and providing first-class entertainment for attendees. Even if you don’t make it to all the fashion shows you can still rub elbows with industry pros at the event’s swanky after-parties. More than 100 exhibitors are already on the list, so prepare to see quite a few options.
Where: Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, NYC
When: September 9-11
Fashion Trade Shows for Sellers
Don’t miss these opportunities to meet fellow designers, land new wholesale accounts, get press, and meet with sales and marketing-focused pros in the industry. Make sure your look book and wholesale line sheet are ready to share at these events.
EDIT
What: A professional trade show exclusively for fashion retailers, EDIT features advanced contemporary and luxury collections for women, including accessories and footwear. EDIT creates a forum for both established and emerging designers of premium womenswear for both buyers and brands.
Where: NY (Javits Center)
When: September 18-20
Designers & Agents
What: An independent trade fair for thousands of retailers across the globe, attendance at Designers & Agents is a must for relationship-building between designers and buyers. D&A shows are pre-edited, art-directed, and merchandised for maximum discovery.
Where: Los Angeles
When: June 6-8
Accessorie Circuit/Fraiche Circuit
What: This long running fashion exhibition has been showcasing women’s accessories, footwear, handbags, scarves, belts, gift items, and designer and fine jewelry since 1987. Held three times a year, Accessorie/Fraiche runs concurrently with Intermezzo Collections.
Where: NYC (Javits Center)
When: May 2-4
Capsule
What: Known for its small and intimate shows, Capsule brings together the finest apparel and accessory brands from all over the world. Capsule’s 10 shows per year take place in three different cities, drawing forward-thinking artisans, style leaders, and fashion devotees from near and far.
Where: Las Vegas, New York
When: July 10-12 (New York Men’s), August 15-17, 2017 (Las Vegas), September 17-19, 2017 (NY Women’s Accessories, and NY Women’s RTW)
Coterie/TMRW/Sole Commerce
What: Coterie brings together global designers of women’s apparel and accessories with top retailers. TMRW showcases the work of contemporary designers, and Sole Commerce is dedicated exclusively to footwear with leading domestic and international retailers. Both TMRW and Sole Commerce are held within Coterie.
Where: NYC (Javits Center)
When: September 18-20
AccessoriesTheShow
What: Touting itself as “the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplace for juried accessories,” ATS showcases the work of both established and emerging designers. You’ll find new trends and updated classics at ATS.
Where/When: New York (May 2-4, July 31-August 2, and September 18-20), and Las Vegas (August 15-17)
Agenda
What: Agenda has grown from a satellite show representing 30 brands in 2003 into a 1,000-brand, six-show, three-city event series today. Showcasing diverse and creative lifestyle products, Agenda brings buyers, brands, investors, distributors, and media together from around the world.
Where/When: Long Beach (June 29-30), Miami (July 18-19), and Las Vegas (August 15-17)
Tranoi New York
What: Fusing European avant-garde with American cotemporary casual, Tranoi New York is on the cutting edge of fashion, showcasing the latest trends.
Where: NYC
When: September 17-19
MAGIC
What: Attracting more than 60,000 industry insiders at its biannual trade shows, Magic is the place to be for fashion industry professionals. Find the latest trends for men, women, juniors, and kids of all ages. MAGIC brings together top brands and designers, tastemakers, and power buyers.
Where/When: New York (July 17-19) and Las Vegas (August 15-17)
Atelier Designers
What: A showcase of international fashion collections of womenswear, jewelry, and accessories exclusively to the wholesale trade. Atelier represents more than 100 studio designers at its three annual trade shows.
Where: NYC
When: May 1-3
Pool
What: Representing some of the most hip, vibrant, and creative designs in the marketplace, expect to discover unique and highly interesting items at Pool. Retailers of all sizes will find boutique-ready fashion and accessories and one-stop shopping opportunities.
Where: Las Vegas
When: August 15-17
Trade Shows Showcasing Men’s Fashion
Capsule
What: Presenting the latest in men’s fashion from designers like Wonderland, I Love Ugly, and Muttonhead, Capsule’s New York Men’s show is a must for men’s fashion aficionados.
Where: NYC
When: July 10-12
Dallas Men’s Show
What: Every aspect of fashion is featured here, from beauty and fragrance to fitness and accessories.
Where: Dallas
When: July 24-26
Don’t miss these upcoming fashion shows and the opportunities they provide to network, build partnerships, land signature accounts, and discover the latest in fashion trends.
For over 15 years, The Fashion Network has recruited the most talented and qualified candidates for our clients in the fashion and retail industries, and we’ve helped countless job seekers find their dream jobs in fashion. Our team of seasoned fashion and retail job recruiters will find the perfect match for you—whatever your needs.
