MUNICH – Performance Days is expanding its Creative Area format for the Spring 2026 fair which takes place 18-19 March in Munich. The functional fabrics event is looking to add a stronger design-led element to its established focus on performance materials, sustainability and sourcing compliance.
The Creative Area was first introduced at the Autumn edition and is now being further developed through a collaboration with TheCube Archive and Luca Zanatta, head of fabrics and materials research at Diesel. The organisers said the space is designed to connect archival garments and vintage performance-wear with current material innovation, helping visitors see how new fabrics translate into product design.
Clarissa Stadelmann, head of product at Performance Days, said the aim was to integrate fashion more structurally into the event’s concept by linking seasonal material themes to curated archival pieces. The organisers said this approach is intended to create a more direct connection between textile innovation and design application.
Performance Days said the move does not reposition the show as a fashion fair. Instead, the Creative Area will offer an interface between functional material development and creative interpretation, at a time when brands face rising regulatory and transparency demands and are under pressure to identify reliable sourcing partners.
The Creative Area will also work alongside the Trend Forum and Fashion Tables, where material themes for the coming season are translated into design directions. Themes highlighted include checks, devoré effects, garment dye inspired surfaces and denim looks reworked in lightweight functional constructions.
More information is available on the Performance Days website.
