Talks & expertise
– this it the programme at the X58
SATURDAY, 18 July
09:30 – 16:45 (all day)
Toolbox Sessions (German)
Retail Summer Camp
A day full of inspiration
The specialist trade changing faster than ever. New customer needs, digital channels and economic challenges call for fresh ideas and practical solutions. The Retail Summer Camp at INNATEX brings together retailers, industry experts and innovative concepts – compact, inspiring and immediately actionable.
Information & RegistrationSATURDAY, 18 July
16:00 – 17:00
Award Ceremony | Outdoor Area (Tent)
Design Award for Sustainable Collections by VDMD
The VDMD honours brands with the “Design Award for Sustainable Collections by VDMD”. This year, Vaude, Jan ‘n June, Wote and Sweersocean are receiving the award for their collections, which combine design excellence with environmental responsibility. The association brings together designers from the fashion, textile, interior design as well as accessories sectors across Germany, creates visibility and provides advice.
Speakers: Dr. Jürgen Janssen (Rat für Nachhaltige Entwicklung), René Lang (VDMD, Netzwerk für Mode.Textil.Interieur.Accessoire.Designer.innen e.V.)
SUNDAY, 19 July
11:00 – 11:30
Talk (German) | Talk Area
The power of collaboration
“Let’s do something together” – or: collaboration rather than stagnation
New reach, a new product, sharper positioning or simply the boost that drives the business forward – for many successful companies, collaborations are an integral part of their business. Whether with athletes, artists, NGOs, or other brands: the possibilities span across sectors and are almost limitless. This talk focuses on what brands need to bear in mind and which measures will help them move forward.
Guests: Henry Canton (Mazine), Jan Thelen (recolution), Livia Henne (Komana), Pauline Marie Treis (Jungle Folk)
Moderation: Mirjam Smend (Studio Mirjam Smend)
SUNDAY, 19 July
15:00 – 15:30
Talk (German) | Talk Area
FROM A LOW TO A POSITIVE IMPACT
How a clear commitment supports a brand, helps it evolve and makes it commercially successful – from recycled fishing nets to the partnership with Materra and regenerative cotton – that is the focus of this talk with Ecoalf. The iVN explores what regenerative cotton actually is, how it differs from organic cotton, and what it means for the industry. Inspiration for anyone who wants to know where sustainable fashion is heading and what it means to stay true to one’s principles.
Guests: Tomas Schmidt (Ecoalf), Heike Hess (iVN International Association of the Natural Textile Industry)
Moderation: Mirjam Smend (Studio Mirjam Smend)
MONDAY, 20 July
11:00 – 11:30
TextilWirtschaft-Expert-Talk (German) | Talk Area
WHAT COMES AFTER “SUSTAINABLE”?
EmpCo sets new standards starting September 2026
“Sustainable,” “eco,” “climate-neutral” – many familiar terms won’t hold up under the new EU directive. But cracking down on greenwashing shouldn’t tip into greenhushing. So how will brands and retailers communicate credibly and safely going forward? Ronja Hüttinger (Strategy & Communication Consultant, BAM! Bock auf Morgen) and Kirsten Reinhold (Textilwirtschaft) discuss what’s changing – and why EmpCo is also an opportunity.
Guest: Ronja Hüttinger, Strategy & Communication Consultant (BAM! Bock auf Morgen)
Moderation: Kirsten Reinhold (Textilwirtschaft)
MONDAY, 20 July
14:00 – 15:00
Presentation (German) | Talk Area
From the rack to the screen
Fashion reels with AI videos
A dress on a hanger doesn’t sell itself. What if a single photo of your collection could be the start of something completely new? Artificial intelligence turns it into videos that catch the eye on Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest… and eventually end up in your customers’ wardrobes! No film crew, no studio, no need for a degree in technology. You already have everything you need – your collection and an idea.
Speaker: Marie Christine Reiter (KI with Marie)
Some talks will be held in German, but you are always welcome to join in, take part in the discussion, ask questions or approach the experts directly. Thank you!
All talks from INNATEX 52 onwards are available as a podcast episode for you to listen to:
INNATEX podcast







