ISPO Textrends Award: More than just an award
ISPO Textrends Award: More than just an award
Published: 15 July 2024
Recognition of innovation, performance, and creativity gives textile and apparel manufacturers a boost on the global scene, not just at ISPO Munich but continuously throughout the year.
Over a decade of developments
Entering into its 11th year, come November, ISPO Textrends will once again present new materials and trims for the sports and outdoor sector for Fall/Winter 27/28.
The injection of creativity has been a privilege to see. The idea of ISPO Textrends is to connect the supply chain, enabling material suppliers to be trend-ready when their customers come calling. Now, there is a meeting of minds: when buyers come, suppliers are ready to react with existing innovations and established bestsellers.
So, what’s the appeal of ISPO Textrends?
What is unique about ISPO Textrends is that the forum, encompassing ten sectors for the winter season, has been selected by an international jury of textile experts. This meeting of minds combines approximately 200 years of working in the international textile field.
The judging process - What’s different?
This is a blind jury meeting; each application has the details of the product, but there is no information on the company involved. Judging is done purely on merit in creativity, performance, sustainability, and overall function and tactility.
The newly-launched ISPO Textrends Apparel Award
Launched last year on the 10th Anniversary of ISPO Textrends, the ISPO Apparel Award offers manufacturers that produce for many established brands a platform to showcase their skills, especially with the automation of the industry becoming so prevalent.
The Trendbook - Timeless sourcing at your fingertips
Not to sound biased, but I have to say that the trendbook is one of the best sourcing tools that is timeless. As a textile trend consultant, I reach for the present and previous trendbooks, flicking through them to trigger inspiration and direct sourcing.
More of a coffee table book for textile aficionados, the macro photos of all the fabrics selected by the jury are the closest in terms of structure and definition that you will get to the real thing.
The marketing support
Gaining recognition for a development by receiving an ISPO Textrends award somewhat endorses a product on the international scene. It isn’t just for exhibition at ISPO Munich; the clout it carries gives kudos to a company.
Every awarded company receives the photographs included in the trendbook to use for their in-house marketing. Also included are stickers illustrating the product's position and sector. These tools are used for in-house social media coverage and press releases. The Südwolle Group, winner of Best Product for Base Layer, has recently utilized support from ISPO Textrends to create great posts on LinkedIn.
For those companies winning Best Product, a trophy is the prize. Traveling globally to textile mills, I am always shown a trophy room. No matter how far from home, it is always reassuring to see an ISPO Textrends trophy or two. My recent visits to Bosideng and Unitex highlighted how they value the feedback and accreditation from the jury in their trophy rooms.
Individual applications and group applications are received. Two fiber giants, Sorona and Cordura, present new developments on behalf of their customers, supported through applying. Once the results are released, the awarded products feature in further marketing through in-house and additional exhibitions.
The Forum at ISPO Munich
Over the last decade, the ISPO Textrends forum has become the springboard of sourcing. Weaving around the organic-shaped display tables, touching and feeling the products inspires. Introducing new products, performance aspects, and finishes, the table surfing also leads visitors to companies they might not have been aware of.
The forum works as an introduction to specific products and highlights a mill’s capability. With all the product information and booth location visible, visitors sourcing textiles at ISPO Munich can use it as the core of connecting with existing suppliers and new ones.
What are you waiting for?
The application is now open for ISPO Textrends and the new Apparel Award. This is your chance to launch new innovations into the market, gain visibility, and set new standards for sportswear. By highlighting cutting-edge designs and sustainable practices, the awards drive industry-wide advancements.