Catalyst Club Brings Fashion and Denim Industry Leaders Together in Amsterdam
Following its debut in Florence, the networking initiative held its second chapter at Molen Van West during the Kingpins Show, focusing on industry collaboration, knowledge exchange and guidance for young professionals.
Catalyst Club brought together international fashion and denim industry professionals at Molen Van West in Amsterdam during the Kingpins Show. Following its launch in Florence in June, the initiative's second gathering focused on building connections across the supply chain, encouraging open discussions and sharing insights to support the next generation of industry professionals.
Catalyst Club Expands Its Industry Networking Initiative to Amsterdam
Catalyst Club is an initiative designed to encourage interaction among professionals across the fashion and denim industries through informal conversations and the exchange of perspectives. Its approach centres on creating opportunities for brands, buyers, supply chain participants and young talent to connect outside conventional business meetings.
After its debut at Soko's headquarters in Florence last June, the club held its second gathering in Amsterdam alongside the Kingpins Show, an international event for the denim industry.
The Amsterdam chapter took place at Molen Van West, a historic site featuring a windmill dating back to 1631. The windmill is described as the last remaining part of Amsterdam-West's old industrial area. The location provided the setting for discussions about industry relationships, shared experiences and future opportunities.
Soko and Kingpins Representatives Welcome Participants
The event attracted guests from different countries and sectors of the fashion supply chain.
Matteo Urbini, CEO of Soko, the event sponsor, and Vivian Wang, CEO of Kingpins Show, the event partner, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for open conversations beyond formal business settings.
Urbini said: “We wanted to create an event capable of sparking sincere dialogue. The intention is to offer a space where people can connect naturally and realize that every single conversation can become the catalyst for real change across the entire industry.”
Roundtable Focuses on Advice for Emerging Fashion Professionals
A structured roundtable formed a central part of the gathering, bringing together representatives from different parts of the fashion and denim supply chain, including production and brands.
The discussion centred on the question: “If you were a catalyst for a young mind entering our industry today, what would be your top DO’S and DON'TS for them?”
Participants shared professional experiences and practical guidance for people beginning their careers in the industry. The conversation also addressed the role of personal perspectives, experience and empathy in supporting emerging talent.
Building Connections Across the Fashion Supply Chain
Catalyst Club's approach focuses on bringing together people with different professional backgrounds and experiences to encourage dialogue and potential collaboration.
The initiative aims to create an environment where industry participants can exchange ideas beyond their usual business interactions. Through its gatherings, the club seeks to strengthen relationships across the fashion and denim value chain and provide opportunities for conversations that may contribute to future industry developments.
The Amsterdam event marked the initiative's second chapter following its Florence debut, continuing its focus on personal connections, knowledge exchange and engagement among established professionals and the next generation of fashion industry talent.