Day two of Source Fashion, Europe’s responsible sourcing show at Olympia London, continued to connect the world of fashion sourcing and opened up discussions on legislation and sustainable practices within the industry.
Sourcing and sustainability managers, heads of product development, buyers, merchandising directors, heads of design, and garment technologists from leading brands and retailers attended today, including Lulu Guinness, ASOS, Pretty Lavish, Birkenstock, Lucy & Yak, Oxford Shirt Company, French Connection, Aspinall’s, River Island, West Ham United, Sahara London and ME+EM.
Amie Benton, Buyer at Pretty Lavish, and Hannah Cooper, Buyer at Pretty Lavish, commented: “We have come to fill the gaps in our supply chain. We mainly work with Far East countries such as China, so we are here looking for more short-lead sourcing.
“It is always good to have sources closer to home and to spread risk as much as possible. We also want to be more reactive in the season. We are looking for womenswear and menswear across all product categories. We find it useful to visit shows, especially here in London.”
Catherine Loader, Sustainability Manager, John Lewis said: “It’s great to see sustainability embedded as part Source Fashion. From the speakers to the suppliers – I was impressed with how sustainability is incorporated throughout the exhibition.”
Content was at the top of the agenda today, with engaging debates and insightful talks focusing on the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion.
A highlight from today’s show was an inspiring Fireside Chat with Stuart Trevor, Founder of AllSaints and STUART TREVOR. Lauretta Roberts, Co-Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief at Industry.fashion spoke with Trevor about his career as he shared his journey from studying fashion at Nottingham Trent University to winning a student Menswear Design Award and working for Reiss and Paul Smith.
Trevor discussed the creation of AllSaints, which launched at Paris Fashion Week, selling over £2 million in its first season. He is now launching his new brand, STUART TREVOR, which focuses on upcycling vintage military garments, with an emphasis on sustainability and customisation.
“The rise of fast fashion and mobile phone use has brainwashed consumers into believing we don’t have enough. We all have wardrobes full of clothes that we don’t know what to do with. I work only with used clothing and customise them. We make on demand, so there is no waste.
“Trevor went on to talk about sustainable fashion practices and the importance of repurposing old stock. He believes that Gen Z is the future: “I believe it’s all about Gen Z— most only wear vintage clothing. I think the barometer is swinging the other way, and more brands will realise that.”
The STUART TREVOR bespoke collection is brought to life each day on the Source Catwalk showcasing his signature craftsmanship and innovation.
Following the morning’s catwalk presentation, Andrew Xeni, Founder of Nobody’s Child, and Graeme Moran, Associate Editor at Drapers, discussed the need for greater transparency in retail supply chains, highlighting the inefficiencies of overproduction and unsustainable buying practices. Retailers often over order to secure lower costs, yet much of the stock goes unsold, leading to financial and environmental waste. Xeni commented that manufacturers should challenge retailers on sales expectations to improve stock management, reduce waste, and achieve long-term savings. They also addressed the growing need for brands to balance overseas and local sourcing in response to supply chain disruptions and economic instability.
The discussion underscored sustainability as an industry expectation rather than a passing trend, yet many businesses still prioritise cost over resilience. Moran and Xeni argued that legislation should be seen as a framework for positive change rather than a restrictive force. They encouraged businesses to proactively reassess sourcing decisions, have open conversations, and integrate sustainability into their core strategies rather than waiting for regulatory mandates.
Next on the Source Catwalk, Lauretta Roberts, Co-Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of TheIndustry.fashion, led a panel discussion with Simon Platts, Founder of SP&KO Consultancy, and Mark Sumner, Textiles Programme Lead at WRAP, on the balance between growth and sustainability in fashion. Sumner stressed the need to separate business growth from environmental harm by adopting practices that minimise social and ecological impact. Platts highlighted how the traditional fashion model is outdated and how new technologies and consumer awareness can support more responsible growth.
The panel agreed that businesses must take a long-term view, considering sustainability as part of their overall strategy. They discussed the role of legislation in encouraging brands to adopt more sustainable practices, the increasing interest in recommerce, and the need for brands to embrace circular business models to retain value and reduce waste.
At a time when sustainability challenges in fashion demand urgent action, industry leaders Safia Minney MBE, Founder and Executive Director at Fashion Declares!, and Oliver Scutt, Senior Associate at Bates Wells, joined forces on the Source Debates Stage to explore the role of legislation in driving meaningful change. Minney discussed the industry’s slow progress despite decades of efforts. With global fashion production soaring to over 100 billion items per year—most of which are non-biodegradable—she emphasised the necessity of legislative intervention to prevent environmental and social harm. Scutt discussed the complexities of current and emerging regulations, from the EU Green Deal to the UK’s Modern Slavery Act. He discussed the importance of using the law as a force for good, ensuring that businesses committed to sustainability are not penalised while others continue harmful practices unchecked.
Their discussion reinforced the urgency of coordinated action, calling on businesses, policymakers, and consumers to push for stronger legal frameworks that hold corporations accountable. As fashion faces mounting regulatory pressures worldwide, the audience agreed that industry-wide collaboration is needed to influence and shape the future of sustainable fashion.
Speaking about the success of day two Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Fashion, said: “What has been fantastic to see is the amount of conversation around the challenges that the industry as a whole faces, particularly around sustainability, sourcing, and legislation (or lack of). What we have created is a platform where the community feels that they can participate in the debate. It’s incredible that industry-leading experts are willing to give their time to those who truly need it—that’s what has stood out as Source Fashion has grown. There is a real sense of community; people don’t just come to buy from a new source, but to learn and what we’ve created is a safe space for buying, and for meaningful conversations.”
