Master Lab - International fashion fairs and sales channels

For fashion brands, breaking into international markets can feel daunting. Is there a single approach to finding buyers, driving sales, and expanding your network at global fashion fairs? Join our Master Lab to find out!

In this one-day Master Lab, you’ll gain first-hand insights from top European fashion fairs in the morning, with presentations from key industry leaders. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into three essential topics to help you succeed internationally: how to prepare effectively for a fair, what actions to take beyond the fair to break into global markets, and how to approach the right agents. By the day’s end, you’ll have the tools to position your brand at leading fairs and identify the best strategies for international growth.

Program

Morning Session: Explore the international fair scene with representatives from CIFF (Copenhagen), Premiere Classe (Paris), De Modefabriek (Amsterdam), and WHITE (Milan). Each will offer unique insights, including branding tips, buyer connections, and sales strategies.

Afternoon Session: Select two out of three sessions to finalise your strategy.

Speakers of the morning session

• Shane Stennicke-Rønsholdt - Commercial Director (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair)

With a career spanning global brands like Bestseller and L’Oréal, Shane brings profound insights into brand positioning and international sales strategies. He’ll share the evolution of CIFF, Northern Europe’s premier fashion fair, and discuss their focus on connecting brands with the right buyers and providing top-tier digital and marketing support. Shane will also cover how CIFF’s innovative approach—through live performances, digital platforms, and curated brand experiences—can maximize your brand’s visibility and impact.

• Sylvie Pourrat - Development Director of the WSN group (Premiere Classe)

Sylvie has over 25 years of experience in the global fashion accessories sector and currently guides strategy at WSN Développement, the force behind Premiere Classe. As an expert in high-end accessories, Sylvie will walk you through Premiere Classe’s selection process and how to prepare your brand for success at this globally recognized event. Her insights will focus on matching your brand’s style with the fair’s exclusive audience and using effective tools to guarantee a productive, results-driven experience.

• Caroline Krouwels - CEO (Modefabriek)

Founder of CK Concepts and a creative force behind the luxury department store De Bijenkorf, Caroline brings her vision and expertise to Modefabriek, one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for creative fashion brands. She will detail how Modefabriek serves as a meeting ground for fashion brands and buyers, and how the fair’s vibrant, creative atmosphere can propel your brand toward the right connections. Caroline’s presentation will focus on understanding Modefabriek’s target audience and the fair’s unique value in helping brands like yours stand out.

• Brenda Bellei Bizzi - CEO (WHITE Milano)

As CEO of WHITE Milano, Brenda Bellei Bizzi leads one of the fashion industry’s most innovative and avant-garde platforms, a showcase known for its dedication to sustainable and pioneering fashion design. Brenda’s background with firms like KPMG and Arthur Andersen, combined with her leadership role in AEFI (Association of Italian Exhibition Organizers), has made her a strategic leader in fashion fairs worldwide. She will provide an inside look at WHITE’s curated selection process, emphasising how it supports emerging brands, experimental designers, and sustainable fashion. Brenda’s talk will give you actionable insights into positioning your brand for WHITE’s audience of international buyers and trendsetters.

Afternoon session

In the afternoon you can join 2 out of 3 session:

• Preparing for Your Fashion Fair Visit - Astrid Lefèvre
  ​With 20 years of experience in the fashion industry between Paris and Antwerp and an impressive portfolio that includes Chloé, Burberry, Kenzo, Collectors Club, and MSGM, Astrid Lefèvre has established herself as a leading sales expert and mindset coach. During Astrid's session, she’ll share essential strategies to help you prepare effectively for international fairs, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity to expand your brand’s reach.

• Beyond the Fair: Steps to Break into International Markets - Michiel Somers
  Michiel Somers, founder of the sustainable fashion brands Castart and Our Sister, brings firsthand experience from attending international fashion fairs and expanding his brand globally. Known for his entrepreneurial insights, Michiel will dive into essential actions beyond fair participation that are key to breaking into international markets.

• Working with an Agent: Do’s and Don’ts - Arezou Rahimian Motlagh
  With over 12 years of experience in the Dutch fashion industry, Arezou Rahimian Motlagh has built a stellar reputation as a trusted guide for emerging designers and brands entering the Dutch market. As the founder of Showroom 11 in Rotterdam, she draws on her expertise as a buying manager and her comprehensive knowledge of the fashion chain—from production to branding—to help brands achieve sustainable growth. Known for her personal and honest approach, Arezou prioritizes quality and long-term relationships. In her workshop, she’ll provide actionable insights into market entry strategies and successful collaborations. Showroom 11 is dedicated to creating lasting value in the Dutch fashion landscape.

For whom?

This is an event for growing and mature designers, entrepreneurs and company employees working in the fashion industry (clothing & accessories), who are selling internationally or who have the ambition to enter a new market. We expect your fashion company to have been active for at least three years.

Practical info

• Format: Group sessions + one-on-one talks
• Includes: Lunch and networking drinks
• Cost: €120 (excl. btw)

Language: This event will be in English.
Register today and take a significant step toward growing your brand globally!