Set to meet growing demand for deluxe fabrics and bespoke services due to Chinese consumers’ rising purchasing power, a wide range of European-designed apparel fabrics will be on display at this year’s Autumn Edition. With the fair taking place from 28 – 30 August 2023 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), Hall 5.1’s SalonEurope, Premium Wool Zone, and Verve for Design are expected to be high-traffic zones. In addition, multiple country and region pavilions and group pavilions have confirmed their participation to grasp the opportunities arising from the fair’s numerous buyers. Meanwhile, fairgoers can fulfil further upstream sourcing at the co-located Yarn Expo Autumn in Hall 8.2.
This year’s Salon Europe will feature quality fabrics and accessories suppliers from countries including Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Türkiye and the UK. One key exhibitor is AG Cilander, Switzerland, an innovative producer of high-quality shirting materials. Their collections are comprised of new trends and quality designs, as well as work clothing and basic items for everyday use.
Speaking at the recent Spring Edition, Ms Laora Argu Ell Es, Textile Director, Lesage Paris SAS, said: “Our objective for exhibiting is to learn and understand the Chinese market as it is full of potential. It is important for us to meet as many prospective buyers here as possible, and connect with our agents and introduce our best fabrics to them. Our target visitors are high-end Chinese buyers.”
Wool is one of the strong growth sectors of the domestic market. At the Spring 2023 edition, a record-high 32 exhibitors showcased at the Premium Wool Zone to cater to Chinese buyers’ rising standards and their desire for top European wool fabrics. Repeated exhibitor, Mr Bob McAuley, President of HMS International, parent company of Hudders field Fine Worsteds, commented on the trend: “There’s been a dramatic growth in wealth, and in the high-end clothing industry in China. In men’s tailored clothing, business is very much face-to-face and experiential, and it’s been important to be able to see our customers again and to showcase our collections.”
At the upcoming edition, local brands visiting the Premium Wool Zone will be able to source superior wool fabrics from the continent to create modern and internationally influenced garments. This zone’s featured exhibitor is Linton Tweeds, the UK, which strives to provide the world’s leading clothing brands and fashion designers with the best tweed fabrics. To maintain high standards, all fabrics are designed and woven at the supplier’s in-house workshop in Carlisle.
Located in the same hall (5.1), Verve for Design will feature creative textile pattern designs from around the world, with designers pioneering trends for the upcoming seasons. Featured exhibitor, Les Dessines, France, offers a collection of hand-drawn, colourful patterned fabrics that are made in France with eco-friendly inks. The studio presents its collections for fashion and furniture in Paris, New York and Shanghai.
With domestic and international brands constantly on the lookout for something different, unique elements are important for suppliers to stand out. Founder & CEO of the aforementioned company, Ms Marine Julienne Rose Faure Bergeret, commented: “We specialise in designing hand-drawn patterns for kidswear, ladieswear and backpacks. Our booth has been really crowded throughout the three-day fair, especially with foreign visitors. We have received a lot of orders onsite.”
A number of country and region pavilions from Hong Kong, India, Italy (Milano Unica), Japan, Korea, and Taiwan will be featured in the International Zone at Halls 4.1 and 5.1. In addition, group pavilions led by some of the industry’s largest firms including ECOCERT, Hyosung, Korean Textile Center, Lenzing, LYCRA, OEKO-TEX and Sorona®, will display a wide range of cutting-edge synthetic fibres and yarns.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition will be held concurrently with Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC, and PH Value.
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2023 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com.
