CHIC Autumn 2026 Draws 61,824 Trade Visitors as China’s Fashion Industry Strengthens Global Links
Shanghai fashion fair featured 738 exhibitors across 53,000 sqm, with international buyers, brands and suppliers driving sourcing and business connections
CHIC Autumn 2026, held from 25 to 27 August at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai, attracted 61,824 trade visitors and brought together 738 exhibitors across 53,000 sqm. The event highlighted the continued transformation of China’s apparel and fashion industry, with international participation, digitalisation, intelligent manufacturing and evolving consumer demand shaping the three-day fair.
With exhibitors from Italy, the UAE, Korea, Japan and India, along with buyers from 17 countries, CHIC Autumn strengthened its role as a platform connecting China's fashion market with international brands, buyers and supply-chain partners.
CHIC Autumn 2026 Highlights China’s Fashion Market
The 2026 autumn edition featured eleven exhibition segments:
- CHIC SELECTED
- Accessories/Footwear/Bags
- CHIC Men’s
- Denim World
- CHIC Winter’s
- Outdoor & Sports
- CHIC Impulses
- CHIC Worldwide
- Digital Fashion
- CHIC Women’s
- Chinese Style
The segments reflected developments across the apparel industry, including changing consumer preferences, e-commerce, digitalisation, intelligent manufacturing and internationalisation.
“CHIC Autumn 2026 demonstrates the dynamism of China’s fashion industry and the growing importance of international exchange for its future development. With 61,824 trade visitors, buyers from 17 countries and strong feedback from our international partners, this edition confirms our commitment to continuously strengthening CHIC as a global business platform. Our goal is to provide international brands with concrete access to the Chinese market while supporting Chinese brands in their expansion into international markets. CHIC connects markets, people and ideas – turning these connections into new business opportunities.”
Chen Dapeng, President of the China National Garment Association and CHIC
International Participation Gains Momentum
International participation was a key feature of CHIC Autumn 2026, with exhibitors from Italy, the UAE, Korea, Japan and India joining the event. Buyers from countries including France, Italy, Turkey and Brazil also attended to explore sourcing opportunities and establish business connections.
The Italian delegation included 14 exhibitors, mainly womenswear brands, along with two accessories companies and one menswear brand. According to Mr. Verdani, head of the Italian delegation, Italian apparel and accessories have strong appeal in China, with the delegation planning to bring more Italian brands to CHIC Spring 2027.
For UAE streetwear brand GUAPI, the autumn edition marked its first participation. CEO Mr. Bryan described the experience and results positively and confirmed the brand’s return for the March 2027 spring edition.
The participation demonstrates CHIC’s growing two-way international role, connecting overseas companies with the Chinese market while providing Chinese brands and supply-chain businesses with greater access to international markets.
CHIC Worldwide Supports Market Entry
The CHIC Worldwide area continued to provide international brands with opportunities to understand and enter the Chinese market. The platform supports market information, channel development and connections with potential retailers, buyers and business partners.
China’s apparel market also continues to show growth. Between January and February 2026, apparel retail sales by large-scale enterprises increased 10.7% year-on-year, while online apparel retail sales rose 18%.
Consumer demand is becoming increasingly diverse, spanning premium products, niche design, sports and outdoor categories, individualisation and contemporary interpretations of Chinese culture.
Against this backdrop, CHIC Worldwide provides international brands with access to market insights and connections across China's social media, content, e-commerce and physical retail ecosystem.
CHIC Matching Connects Buyers and Suppliers
Business matchmaking remained a major focus of the event. Four dedicated matchmaking programmes were held on 25 and 26 August, including:
- Fashion Business Brand Matchmaking Event
- Taobao Apparel Brand Matchmaking Event
- Two Overseas Apparel Brand Business Matchmaking sessions
Around 70% of buyers participating in the dedicated overseas apparel brand matching session were first-time CHIC Matching participants. Buyers arrived with specific purchasing requirements, allowing exhibitors to connect directly with relevant sourcing demand.
International buyers also highlighted the quality of products and manufacturing, innovative materials and processes, sourcing efficiency and professional matchmaking.
Business Programme Brings International Retail Perspectives
CHIC Autumn 2026 also featured eight Business Trend Sessions covering developments such as AI-powered fashion design, digital transformation, e-commerce models, customer retention, growth opportunities and international expansion.
German fashion e-commerce company ABOUT YOU participated in a dedicated session titled “Pan-European Fashion E-commerce Platform: Overcome Challenges of Going Global with ABOUT YOU.”
The session examined opportunities and challenges for fashion companies expanding across European markets and provided Chinese fashion businesses with an international retail perspective.
Other sessions explored AI applications in fashion design, digital transformation, overseas expansion, future growth opportunities and compliance.
Chinese Style Gains Dedicated Platform
For the first time at an autumn edition, Chinese Style was presented as a dedicated exhibition area. The segment showcased contemporary interpretations of Chinese aesthetics, cultural references and craftsmanship.
The area reflected the growing use of traditional Chinese design and craftsmanship by a new generation of designers and brands, combining cultural references with contemporary fashion concepts.
Brands including SAINT JOY, SIGO, MAY D.WANG and ZIVGREY demonstrated different aspects of China's fashion landscape, spanning heritage, specialised manufacturing, new retail concepts and international ambitions.
China’s Apparel Industry Moves Beyond Manufacturing
Feedback from international buyers indicated a growing interest in China's apparel industry beyond traditional sourcing. Buyers highlighted product quality, innovative materials and processes, craftsmanship and design capabilities.
The development reflects China's broader shift from its established manufacturing strength towards greater emphasis on brands, design and international market development.
CHIC aims to support this transition by connecting international companies with Chinese partners while providing Chinese brands and suppliers with access to international buyers, media and overseas markets.
CHIC Spring 2027 to Focus on “THE WAY”
The next edition, CHIC Spring 2027, will take place from 10 to 12 March 2027 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai under the theme “THE WAY.”
The spring edition will focus on the directions shaping the future of fashion, with attention to brands combining cultural depth, technological innovation and sustainability.
CHIC also plans to expand its targeted international buyer programme, with increased focus on delegations from Europe, the Americas and RCEP countries. Cooperation with international partner organisations, Chinese embassies and consulates is expected to support greater international participation.
Event Details
CHIC Spring 2027
Date: March 10–12, 2027
Venue: National Exhibition & Convention Center, Shanghai
Theme: “THE WAY”