Mandatory expects the third edition to be their most ambitious to date. “We’re building on the experiences from the first two editions, as well as our understanding of the industry – while also refining the overall experience for both brands and visitors.”
What are your expectations for the upcoming edition of Mandatory?
We expect the third edition of Mandatory to be our most focused and ambitious yet. Building on insights from the first two editions and our deep understanding of the industry, we’ve refined the overall experience for both brands and visitors. This year, we’ve worked specifically on strengthening the international perspective in collaboration with local players, and on improving flow and the setup for commercial meetings.
What characterises the brands you choose to include?
We work with a curated approach, where we focus on quality, identity, and relevance – not just popularity. It’s not about the size of the brand but about its ability to contribute something honest, bold, and distinctive to the overall experience. We aim for a balance between established names that draw attention and new brands that can challenge the status quo and drive progress.
How does your collaboration with NuORDER by Lightspeed work in practice?
Our partnership with NuORDER connects the physical and digital experience in a way that creates value across the entire value chain – not just during 5–7 August. In practice, it means that all participating brands gain access to a professional and intuitive B2B platform that streamlines the buying process with transparency and data-driven insights before, during, and after the show. It raises the professional standard and aligns with the industry’s expectations in 2025.
How do you balance the goal of being a commercial platform with contributing to the industry and the creative community?
It’s a constant and deliberate effort, but we don’t see those ambitions as contradictory. We believe good business and creative integrity can – and should – go hand in hand. Our mission is to strengthen the entire ecosystem around fashion and design, and that takes both business acumen and cultural awareness.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Mandatory in light of current developments in the fashion industry?
The industry is undergoing transformation, shaped by sustainability, digitalisation, and shifting consumer behaviour. For a platform like ours, it’s about being responsive, agile, and value driven. We must dare to take a stand and create space for brands that think differently. We believe Mandatory can help shape the future – not just follow it.
Facts
When: 5–7 August 2025
Where: Øksnehallen, Halmtorvet 11, 1700 Copenhagen