For three days, from August 29th to 31st, the international bag, leather goods, and luggage industry gathered in Offenbach for the 164th edition of ILM. Orders were placed, discussions took place, and networking occurred in a market environment still characterized by consumer restraint and cautious spending. Nevertheless, the organizers noted a significantly more positive overall sentiment than in recent years.
The trade fair organizers are particularly pleased with the international reach of the event. "We're seeing a significant increase in international visitors," says Managing Director Arnd Hinrich Kappe. After just the first two days, visitors from 59 countries traveled to Offenbach, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia, and Japan. However, the final report does not provide a definitive total number of visitors.
Good contacts, cautious orders
The exhibitors also gave a predominantly positive assessment. Arun Spitthöver from Secrid reports: "Our expectations and hopes were met." In addition to numerous regular customers, the company was also able to gain several new customers.
Christiane Brunk, Managing Director of Braun Büffel, offers a somewhat more reserved assessment. "Perhaps the orders are a bit smaller, but overall we are satisfied and enjoying the trade fair," she says. For Brunk, the ILM remains a fixed date in her calendar: "For me, the ILM is always a bit like coming home."
The example of Flynka shows that the sheer number of visitors isn't the deciding factor for all exhibitors. "Five to ten good customer contacts are enough for us," explains Tobias Tilinski. In a previous event, one contact even led to a listing with a large group.
Max Antwerpes of Got Bag describes the ILM primarily as a working trade fair: "People come here with a clear agenda and their checklist; business is done." At the same time, he appreciates the personal exchange: "For me, the ILM is partly like a class reunion."
Color and decoration are returning
Fashion trends in Offenbach are also changing. After several seasons dominated by minimalist designs and "quiet luxury," spring/summer 2027 will see a return to bolder styles. Color will play a more prominent role, with glitter, charms, and pendants adding more decorative flair to bags and accessories. The jelly trend will also be more prominent in collections next summer.
In contrast, functionality remains a key driver of innovation in travel luggage. Front-opening concepts, add-on modules, and convertible models, including suitcases with backpack functionality, are intended to create new purchase incentives.
ILM Award makes a comeback
Among the highlights was the return of the ILM Award, presented for the first time since 2019. In the "Best in Product" category, Deuter won with a convertible 90-liter duffel bag, ahead of Cabaia and Jost. Leder Maurer took first place in "Best in Retail," followed by the Henschel Modehaus Group and Leder Spahn.
In addition to the order process, talks, trend presentations, and networking became more of a focus. Trend researcher Karolina Landowski, for example, addressed the growing desire for "human-made" products in the age of artificial intelligence – an approach that is particularly relevant for leather goods with their emphasis on material, workmanship, and craftsmanship.
Trade fair director Kappe sees the atmosphere as a sign of a changing attitude in the industry: "Those who are here want to shape the future and say: Things are moving forward." The next ILM will take place from February 13 to 15, 2027 in Offenbach.
