Europe’s most celebrated fashion trade show is back. Who’s Next Paris 2026 will open its doors from September 5 to 7, 2026. This three-day event takes place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, one of the most iconic exhibition venues in the world. It brings together buyers, designers, journalists, stylists, and trend forecasters from across the globe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For fashion industry professionals, this is more than just a trade show. It is a seasonal ritual. Additionally, it is a place where business meets creativity and where the next wave of fashion trends takes shape.
Event Overview: What Is Who’s Next?
Who’s Next is Europe’s leading fashion and lifestyle trade show. It has been running since 1994 and takes place twice a year, once in January and once in September. The September edition focuses on autumn and winter collections. It is therefore a key event for buyers planning their next-season inventory.
The show presents ready-to-wear, accessories, jewellery, beauty, and lifestyle products. It covers both mainstream fashion and emerging sustainable brands. Over the years, it has grown into an essential stop on the global fashion trade calendar.
The event is organised by WSN Development and co-located with Bijorhca Paris and Interfilière Paris. This makes it a truly comprehensive showcase of the fashion and accessories industry.
Dates and Venue
Mark your calendar. The September 2026 edition runs from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, 2026. The venue is Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
The exhibition grounds are large, modern, and well-equipped. Doors typically open at 9:30 in the morning and close at 19:00 each evening. However, on the final day, the show closes earlier at 17:00. Visitors should plan accordingly to make the most of their time.
The Porte de Versailles metro station sits directly beside the venue. Multiple bus and tram routes also connect the site to the rest of Paris. Therefore, getting there is straightforward whether you are travelling from central Paris or from one of the city’s airports.
Who Attends?
The audience at this event is wide-ranging. Around 50,000 visitors are expected across the three days. The majority of attendees are trade professionals. Approximately 70 percent of visitors are retail buyers, department store representatives, multi-brand shop owners, and e-commerce operators.
However, the event is not limited to buyers alone. It also welcomes:
- Fashion journalists and editors
- Stylists and trend forecasters
- Buying office representatives
- Fashion school students and educators
- Brand agents and licensing professionals
- Retail technology and innovation specialists
This diverse mix of attendees creates a rich environment for networking, deal-making, and discovery.
Exhibitors and Brands
The September 2026 edition is expected to feature around 1,200 French and international brands. These brands span a wide range of categories, including women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags, jewellery, scarves, beauty products, and lifestyle accessories.
Past exhibitors have included both established names and emerging designers. The event is particularly known for introducing new talent to buyers who are actively looking for fresh labels to stock.
Additionally, the show includes several curated sections that group exhibitors by theme, style, or market positioning. This makes it easier for buyers to navigate the floor and find the brands most relevant to their clientele.
The co-located Bijorhca Paris show adds a dedicated jewellery dimension to the event. It is the only international trade show exclusively focused on the jewellery market. Together, these shows create a complete one-stop destination for fashion and accessories buying.
Key Sections and Highlights
The show is divided into distinct sections, each serving a specific part of the industry.
IMPACT: Sustainable Fashion
Since 2019, Who’s Next has hosted the IMPACT section. This area is dedicated to sustainable brands and eco-conscious solutions. It brings together labels that prioritise ethical sourcing, recycled materials, fair labour practices, and transparent supply chains.
Sustainability is no longer a niche concern in fashion. Therefore, the IMPACT section has grown significantly in recent years. For buyers who want to align their stock with consumer demand for responsible fashion, this section is a priority visit.
TRAFFIC: Retail Innovation
TRAFFIC is the section dedicated to solutions for retailers and fashion brands. It covers technology, marketing tools, visual merchandising, and business services. This section is particularly useful for shop owners and brand managers looking to improve how they operate and sell.
Conferences, Masterclasses, and Forums
The event programme goes well beyond browsing stands. A rich schedule of conferences, masterclasses, and forums runs throughout the three days. Topics typically include trend forecasting, retail strategy, digital transformation, sustainability in fashion, and consumer behaviour.
These sessions attract speakers from leading brands, research agencies, and retail organisations. They provide attendees with insights that go beyond what can be found on the show floor.
Fashion Trends to Watch at the September 2026 Edition
The September edition of Who’s Next traditionally previews autumn and winter trends. The 2026 edition is expected to reflect several directions that have been building across the fashion industry.
Texture and tactility are gaining ground. Designers are exploring rich fabrics, unexpected material combinations, and three-dimensional surface details. Colour palettes for autumn and winter are expected to balance deep, moody tones with surprising pops of warmth.
Functional fashion continues to rise. Pieces that work across multiple occasions, from the office to social settings, remain a priority for buyers. Versatility is a key selling point.
Conscious consumption is reshaping how collections are built. Smaller, more deliberate ranges are replacing mass volume. This reflects a broader shift in how both brands and consumers approach the fashion cycle.
Tickets and Registration
Who’s Next Paris is a trade-only event. It is not open to the general public. Only registered industry professionals can attend.
Registration is completed online through the official Who’s Next website at wsn-events.com. Entry for qualified trade visitors is generally free, though registration must be completed in advance. Organisers verify professional credentials as part of the process.
Exhibitors who wish to book a stand should contact the organiser directly through the official stand request form. Stand space is limited and books up well in advance. Therefore, brands interested in exhibiting at the September 2026 edition should begin the process as early as possible.
Visitor Tips and Travel Guide
Attending a major trade show requires planning. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most from your visit.
Register early. Online registration opens months before the event. Completing it early avoids last-minute complications and confirms your place.
Book accommodation in advance. Hotels near Porte de Versailles fill up quickly during trade show periods. Staying within walking distance or a short metro ride of the venue saves valuable time.
Plan your schedule. With thousands of brands and multiple events running simultaneously, it is impossible to see everything. Review the exhibitor list and session programme before you arrive and prioritise accordingly.
Wear comfortable shoes. The exhibition halls are large and you will cover a lot of ground over three days. This is practical advice that makes a genuine difference by the end of day two.
Bring business cards. Networking is a central part of the experience. Having physical cards ensures that new contacts can reach you after the event.
Conclusion
Who’s Next Paris 2026, running from September 5 to 7, is one of the most important dates in the European fashion calendar. The show brings together around 1,200 brands and 50,000 visitors at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. It covers the full spectrum of fashion and accessories, from mainstream ready-to-wear to sustainable and innovative labels.
The event offers buyers, designers, and industry professionals a concentrated three-day opportunity to discover trends, build relationships, and plan their next season. With dedicated sections for sustainability and retail innovation, it addresses the priorities shaping fashion today. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning for another edition, preparation is the key to making it count.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Who’s Next Paris 2026?
The September 2026 edition takes place from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France.
Is Who’s Next open to the public?
No. The event is a trade-only show. Only registered fashion industry professionals, including buyers, agents, journalists, and stylists, are permitted to attend.
How do I register to attend?
Registration is completed online through the official website at wsn-events.com. Trade visitors with valid professional credentials can register for free, though registration must be done in advance.
What kinds of brands exhibit at Who’s Next?
The show features around 1,200 French and international brands covering women’s ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, jewellery, beauty, and lifestyle products. It also includes sustainable and eco-conscious labels in the IMPACT section.
What other shows run alongside Who’s Next in September?
The September edition runs alongside Bijorhca Paris, an international jewellery trade show, and Interfilière Paris, which focuses on materials and accessories for lingerie, swimwear, and sportswear.