Catalyst Club Brings Fashion Industry Leaders Together in Amsterdam

Following its debut in Florence, the networking initiative hosted international fashion and denim professionals at Molen Van West during the Kingpins Show.

Catalyst Club, an initiative focused on building meaningful connections across the fashion and denim industries, held its second gathering in Amsterdam during the Kingpins Show. Hosted at the historic Molen Van West, the event brought together international industry professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Designed as a “real-life social network”, Catalyst Club aims to encourage conversations beyond screens and conventional business meetings. It creates an informal setting where brands, buyers, manufacturers and emerging talent can connect and discuss the industry’s future.

From Florence to Amsterdam

Catalyst Club launched in Florence last June at Soko’s headquarters. Following its debut, the initiative moved to Amsterdam for its second gathering alongside the Kingpins Show, a key event for the global denim community.

Each Catalyst Club chapter takes place at a distinctive location that encourages open conversation. For the Amsterdam edition, the organisers selected Molen Van West, a historic site featuring a windmill dating back to 1631.

The location reflects the importance of preserving heritage while exploring new approaches to the future. This theme also connects with the industry’s wider focus on responsible practices and sustainable development.

Creating Space for Open Conversations

The Amsterdam gathering welcomed guests from across the international fashion supply chain. Matteo Urbini, CEO of Soko, the event sponsor, and Vivian Wang, CEO of Kingpins Show, the evening’s partner, welcomed attendees.

Both highlighted the value of stepping away from formal business settings. Informal interactions can encourage more open discussions, strengthen professional relationships and create opportunities for new ideas.

Matteo Urbini, CEO of Soko, 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.”

Round Table Focuses on the Next Generation

A key feature of the event was a structured round-table discussion focused on supporting young professionals entering the fashion industry.

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?”

Industry leaders from different parts of the supply chain, including production and brands, shared personal experiences and practical advice. The conversation encouraged participants to reflect on professional challenges, industry expectations and ways to help emerging talent navigate their careers.

By bringing different perspectives into one discussion, the session aimed to connect industry experience with the needs of the next generation.

Human Connections as a Catalyst for Change

Catalyst Club is built on the belief that people and their experiences can inspire progress across the fashion industry. By bringing professionals together in relaxed, unconventional spaces, the initiative aims to encourage collaboration beyond traditional networking formats.

The Amsterdam edition continued this approach, placing meaningful conversations at the centre of industry engagement. Its message is clear: a single conversation can spark new ideas, strengthen relationships and help shape a more collaborative future for fashion.

For more information, visit Catalyst Club.