Crooks and Candy at Source Fashion London: Finding What’s Next
In July 2025, the Crooks and Candy team headed to Source Fashion London, held at the iconic Olympia Exhibition Centre. Known as Europe’s premier responsible sourcing show, the event brought together over 250 audited manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders from around the globe.
As a brand that values limited runs, premium craftsmanship, and individuality, attending Source Fashion was more than just networking—it was about discovery, alignment, and future-proofing how we create.
Why Source Fashion Mattered to Us
🧵 Scouting Ethical, Small-Batch Manufacturers
We connected directly with vetted suppliers from Turkey, Portugal, Bangladesh, and Italy—countries known for their textile heritage. Each exhibitor at Source Fashion is fully audited for responsible sourcing, fair labor, and environmental standards, aligning with Crooks and Candy’s long-term commitment to transparency and sustainability.
This gave us the chance to explore smaller, high-quality production partners ideal for limited-edition streetwear drops—something we’re deeply committed to as a brand that refuses mass production.
🧶 Discovering Next-Level Materials
We were especially drawn to the innovation coming out of Portugal and India—manufacturers offering organic cotton blends, heavyweight brushed fleece, low-impact dyes, and water-saving treatments. These innovations could shape the future of our hoodies, tees, and tracksuits, giving our customers better quality with lower impact.
We also explored eco-friendly trims and biodegradable packaging options—key components as we expand our sustainability goals.
💬 Live Conversations with Real Makers
There’s a difference between email threads and real, face-to-face conversations. At Source, we were able to sit down with factory owners, ask the questions that matter, and see the passion behind their work. These aren’t just transactions—they’re relationships. And in streetwear, where storytelling matters, those relationships translate into better product, better alignment, and better value for our customers.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Sourcing
Source Fashion isn’t just a sourcing event—it’s a platform for ideas, collaboration, and culture. The show’s seminar series featured talks on:
- Circular design and closed-loop production
- Digital traceability in global fashion
- Scaling sustainability in independent fashion brands
For Crooks and Candy, these conversations validated our direction and gave us insight into how we can scale while staying grounded in our vision—not just for hype, but for legacy.
What’s Next for Us
Our visit to Source Fashion gave us:
- New supplier relationships for sustainable materials and trims
- Updated sourcing options for smaller batch orders
- Fresh inspiration for fabric textures, color treatments, and packaging
- A renewed commitment to build Crooks and Candy’s future with intention
As we design our upcoming collections, you’ll start seeing the influence of what we explored—refined fabric feel, bolder finishes, and a stronger link between quality and responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Source Fashion London proved to be more than a trade show—it’s a hub for brands looking to build smarter, source better, and lead with purpose. For us, it was a necessary stop on our journey toward elevating Crooks and Candy—not just as a streetwear brand, but as a long-standing force in global fashion.