What the Exhibition Industry has Learned from Fashion

Fashion has always been a visual expression of societal values, attitudes, belief systems, and cultural expression. People often use their style or fashion sense to convey desired traits about themselves. For example, people can dress professionally to convey power or wear soft, flowing lines to show softness and kindness.

Sometimes fashion is intentionally used to make a statement, other times, it is a natural projection of a person's personality. Exhibition stands, like fashion, are visual communicators. However, where fashion can convey a person’s personality, an exhibition stand is designed to capture and convey brand identity. At trade shows, competition is fierce, and so like the fashion industry, exhibition stand designers have got to work hard to make a statement! In this blog, we will explore what the exhibition industry has learned from fashion.

Monochromatic Colour Schemes

2024 was the year of monochromatic colour schemes, using a design palette with variations of a single colour or hue! In fashion, this trend is perfect for when you’re in a rush, or don’t know what to wear, but still want to look chic and put together. Layering items is easy as the colours always complement each other, and the final look feels chic and cohesive.

In the exhibition industry, a monochromatic stand is perfect for brands with just one brand colour! Typically an exhibition stand looks most impactful if you’ve got three colours to work with - a base brand colour, text colour and a third to separate elements. For brands with just one colour, it can be difficult to make the same impact. Monochromatic colour schemes assist as they make it possible to create visually impressive stands while maintaining a uniform, sleek look that aligns with brand colours.

Colour Blocking

Want to make a statement or stand out from the crowds? Colour blocking is the way. Colour blocking is a design technique that uses contrasting or complimentary colours in large sections.

The exhibition industry thrives on colour blocking! This technique offers the perfect opportunity to create drama, grab attention, create a memorable look, and stand out from competitors. Colour blocking can use the entire graphic landscape, or, it can involve pops in showcases that draw the eye to exciting new products.

Boho Chic

Beautiful boho chic is back, and we’re not angry about it! Bohemian fashion is one of the most individual, beautiful and carefree styles. The 60s and 70s were the height of boho chic, during the hippie movement, but the style has seen significant revivals since the early 2000’s with resurgences continuing into 2025! Though bohemian style roots ebb and flow through trends, they maintain popularity.

At first thought, you might wonder how this precious style could transfer into the world of exhibitions, but for some brands, this style is perfect!

Gemporia Craft sells crafting supplies and tools, for a variety of crafts including jewellery making, sewing and knitting! Their stand captures the boho-chic edge while still professionally communicating the brand to a corporate market.

Pretty Pastels

In 2024 pastels were prominent in fashion, and Powder Pink and Ice Blue have already been the top colours on runways in 2025! Like the boho chic style, pastels have an airy, lighthearted feel that people just love.

Though pastels have always held a firm space in fashion, their newfound popularity could be due to a new awareness of colour seasons. Soft Summers and Light Spring palettes thrive on pretty pastels and the newfound drive to “find your palette” has placed these colour seasons in the limelight. Nonetheless, we love pastels, and we’re happy to see them finding their place in exhibitions and trade shows, creating positive associations with brands.

Go Bold with Gold

Alongside pretty pastels, richer hues like marigolds, oranges, champagne and gold are seeing popularity in 2025 fashion collections. These colours are being used to elevate an outfit, add a touch of luxury and make statements.

In exhibition stand design, pops of champagne can elevate a showcase, hinting at the luxury of the products on offer!

Minimalism

Though we absolutely adore the other fashion trends, sometimes minimalism is the way! Simplistic fashion designs often give an air of timelessness that more complex pieces cannot replicate. This same principle applies to exhibition stands. The simplicity can strip back a brand, allowing the most significant values to shine through!

Summing Up

As fashion trends evolve, we expect them to continue impacting branding styles on exhibition stands and even in-person branding. As seen through trends like monochromatic colour schemes, colour blocking, and the revival of styles such as boho chic and pastels, both industries share a common goal: to communicate identity and values visually. By embracing these trends, exhibition designers can enhance their stands' appeal and create memorable experiences for visitors.