Being held from July 13-17, 2021, the London Textile Fair features 170 exhibitors representing brands from around the world. To comply with coronavirus regulations, the number of exhibitors was limited – to less than half of January 2020's complement of 470, reports Drapers Online.

Pre-show visitor registrations for the event exceeded 3,500 – compared with the 4,000-4,500 expected at the last show – demonstrating the industry's appetite for returning to in-person trade shows following a hiatus of almost 16-month.

Upon entering Islington's Business Design Centre in north London, attendees were immediately met with colorful displays of print designs and vintage garments on the ground level. The bulk of the trade show is being held on the upper level, where more than 100 textiles and accessories manufacturers are represented.

Brands from across Europe are well represented by their agents, as are suppliers from the US, Hong Kong and Pakistan. Adherence to coronavirus restrictions is a definitive element of this year’s show with countless hand sanitizers dotted around the venue, and hazard tape on the steps of the centre's staircase delineates a one-way-system, and encourages visitors to socially distance.