Survey of the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2024/25

Survey of the European yarn fairs for autumn/winter 2024/25

The European yarn fairs for the autumn/winter 2024/25 season were well attended and, in most cases, there were increases in the numbers of exhibitors and visitors to the fairs compared with the editions for the previous season. However, there was a consensus among the organisers that the numbers of exhibitors and visitors are unlikely to ever reach the levels seen before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The European yarn fairs have undergone significant transformations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred by the evolution of digital platforms which enable events to be hosted online. Many event organisers have been exploring the potential of hybrid events, and it is expected that the adoption of hybrid and online events will persist well into the future. Several key trends in colour and design were presented at the European yarn fairs for the autumn/winter 2024/45 season. In terms of design, the colours for the season comprise warm and vibrant earth tones and--by way of contrast--understated neutrals, reflecting shades found in nature. In terms of fibre type, noble animal fibres are popular in the designs of collections for the season, and alpaca, cashmere, mohair and wool in particular are key. Also popular in the designs of collections for the season are plant fibres, and yarns made using organic cotton are especially prevalent. In addition, fancy yarns are abundant, and "high-drama" trimmings and innovations in next-generation sequins are prominent.