Read on FashionNetwork.comWho's Next 2026: A Reimagined B2B Fashion Hub Energizes Paris Market
The B2B fashion event Who's Next returns to Paris from January 17-19, 2026, in a completely reinvented format by the WSN Group. Centered at Porte de Versailles, the new 'Room 0126' concept unites five major trade shows—Who's Next, Bijorhca, Shoppe Object Paris, Salon International de la Lingerie, and Interfilière Paris—into a cohesive marketplace. This strategic timing, just before Paris Men's Fashion Week, aims to meet the immediate needs of multi-brand retailers with a clearer product separation and an immersive, hotel-themed layout designed to enhance the buyer experience and support independent retail businesses.
The Parisian fashion calendar receives a significant boost in January 2026 with the return of the pivotal B2B event, Who's Next. Scheduled from January 17 to 19 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center, this edition marks a strategic reinvention by organizer WSN Group, positioning itself as a crucial marketplace just days ahead of the prestigious Paris Men's Fashion Week. This convergence is designed to energize the wholesale fashion market by offering retailers a comprehensive sourcing and inspiration platform at a key moment in the buying cycle.
The New "Room 0126" Collective Concept
In a major structural shift, WSN has consolidated five distinct trade shows under a single, unified banner named "Room 0126" within Hall 7. This move brings together Who's Next, Bijorhca, Shoppe Object Paris, Salon International de la Lingerie, and Interfilière Paris. The initiative responds to the evolving needs of multi-brand retailers who now build assortments around complete silhouettes. For Who's Next specifically, the winter edition introduces a clearer separation between ready-to-wear and accessories, facilitating a more efficient buying process. Frédéric Maus, CEO of WSN, emphasized the group's commitment, stating the event offers independent retailers "far more than a trade show: a place for exchange, learning, inspiration, and the creation of a business model that fully suits them."
Reimagined Layout and Buyer Experience
The physical space of Hall 7 has been completely transformed into an imaginary hotel, a scenography designed to guide visitors through a thematic journey. The layout begins with a lobby and progresses through suites dedicated to materials, jewellery, design, and accessories, culminating in a rooftop area for fashion and beauty. This innovative structure aims to clearly delineate different product worlds and simplify navigation for buyers exploring the expanded offering. The redesign supports WSN's growth from organizing two events annually a decade ago to twelve today, reflecting its expanded role in the fashion ecosystem.
Key Exhibitors and Market Trends
The consolidated show attracts a significant roster of brands, highlighting current market directions. Several established players are consolidating their presence, including DK Company with its Ichi and B Young lines, La Fée Maraboutée, and Shaft, which is expanding its premium denim offering. Notably, Save The Duck will use the platform to introduce its new womenswear line. The event also captures the shift of consumer-facing concepts toward wholesale, exemplified by new entrants from retail like I Am Active Studios. In spaces like Brut Icon, curated selections such as Outré's distinctive wardrobe confirm the market's growing appetite for brands with assertive and unique identities.
Focus on Sustainability and Professional Development
Aligning with industry priorities, the Impact and Neonyt Paris hub serves as a dedicated platform for responsible fashion. For three days, it will host committed designers, researchers, upcycling experts, and material innovation studios. Activities include presentations by Fashion Green Hub, live podcast recordings by La Seconde Vintage on second-hand topics, and workshops like an on-site upcycling session organized by the HURIYA association. Complementing this, the WSN Academy offers a robust programme of support for retailers. Housed in a bar-library space, it provides 30-minute masterclasses and one-on-one meetings with experts covering topics from digital communication and AI in commerce to financial management and new regulations, addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by independent store owners today.
Conclusion
The January 2026 edition of Who's Next represents a strategic evolution for the B2B fashion sector in Paris. By uniting five trade shows into a cohesive, experience-driven marketplace and aligning its timing with the broader fashion week schedule, WSN Group is creating a powerful hub for business, trend discovery, and professional education. This reimagined format not only streamlines the buying process for retailers but also reinforces Paris's position as a central nerve center for the global fashion industry, offering a comprehensive view of the value chain from material sourcing to finished product and retail strategy.
