Intertextile Shenzhen 2025 Wraps Up, Reflecting South China’s Dynamic Fashion and Textile Innovation
Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and Yarn Expo Shenzhen concluded successfully on 13 June at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian), underscoring South China’s strength as a center of textile and fashion innovation. The event featured creativity, collaboration, and highlighted trends and technologies that drive the industry forward. For the first time, the show introduced two thematic zones – Fashion Gallery and The Closet – and hosted fringe programs offering insights into digital fashion and sustainability. Held alongside PH Value and BIRD Fashion Fair, the event welcomed nearly 40,000 visits from 64 countries and regions.
“It is clear that South China continues to thrive as a major hub for fashion production and design,” said Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. She emphasized the region’s responsiveness to e-commerce trends and demand shifts, with highlights including diverse sourcing options and integration of AI-based solutions. Shea added that the show created a business-enabling platform across the value chain, while also delivering expert knowledge through its forums.
The Fashion Gallery featured a wide array of womenswear, casualwear, functional wear, sportswear, lingerie, and niche fabrics. Meanwhile, The Closet showcased green fashion, sustainable fur, and breakthrough works by emerging designers from the SFAA, Mint Studio, and HKFF. Products highlighted included recycled textiles, organic fabrics, sustainable dyes, enzyme-washed denim, and advanced silk techniques – all blending tradition with modern technology.
Technology and AI were central to the fair’s innovation themes. The Digital Application Trend Forum focused on complete digital transformation in apparel, with speakers from Shenzhen Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Promotion Association and HKRITA sharing insights. The Intertextile Forum, themed “Supply Chain Restructuring: Digital Intelligence-Driven Resilient Breakthrough,” explored how the industry is adapting to economic realities using digital tools.
Over 650 exhibitors from countries including France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the US, and Vietnam participated. Dedicated zones from Japan and Korea showcased high-end textiles. Domestic exhibitors from regions like Shaoxing, Huzhou, Shengze, and Fujian highlighted their regional strengths. VIP buyers from Adidas, ASOS, AX, Levi’s, Lululemon, Sidefame, Puma, Zara, and others visited the event.
Exhibitor Quotes:
“I believe South China, particularly Shenzhen, has a strong market for fashion, especially for women's apparel. My experience at Intertextile Shenzhen has been very productive, and we've seen a diverse range of customers, primarily from China, but also from Europe. This year feels busier than last edition, with a stronger visitor flow, which is encouraging. I
plan to return for the Shanghai fair in September, as it's a great opportunity to connect with brands and customers alike.”
Mr Michael Lee, Sales Manager, Policarpo, Italy
“We ethically use fur in textiles and garments, ensuring all parts are repurposed, with recycling options available. Exhibiting at Intertextile Shenzhen allowed us to educate industry players about the sustainable and ethical aspects of modern fur production. We enjoyed strong interest from visitors, encouraging collaborations and expanding our network in ladieswear and menswear. The fair's setting was ideal for connecting with potential clients in South China, opening doors for innovative applications.” Mr William Sun, Chairman, Hong Kong Fur Federation, Hong Kong
“This year's fair shows significant advancements compared to last year, thanks to innovation and quality, as well as a larger number of visitors at our booth, primarily from Shenzhen. The domestic presence is strong, and I believe this exhibition has the potential to grow in importance over the coming years. I see opportunities for our products to stand out due to our advanced processing techniques. AI has been gaining prominence recently, and I recognise its potential, which I may explore in the future.” Mr Jay Hwang, General Manager, SK TEX Co Ltd, Korea
“We are showcasing AI technology solutions for clothing and textiles. As a research institute focused on AI, we develop innovative applications for clothing testing and fashion design. AI significantly improves efficiency in traditional processes, simplifying and accelerating tasks. During the fair, we noticed strong interest from visitors and met potential partners. we are satisfied with our results here in Shenzhen. Most enquiries came from domestic customers, including fabric manufacturers and designers, particularly interested in our AI design solutions.”
Mr Justin Ko, Senior Marketing Officer, Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design (AiDLab), Hong Kong
Visitor Perspectives:
“I have had a fantastic experience at the fair after nearly 10 years, noticing impressive advancements in quality. My company specialises in slow fashion, focusing on women's luxury wear with sustainable fabrics. I've discovered great suppliers from Japan and Korea, particularly for recycled polyester. I'm excited about the potential of digital solutions and social media to enhance storytelling in the industry. I'm actively sourcing innovative and sustainable materials like alpaca and cashmere for my winter collection, and I’m optimistic about the coming days.”
Ms Jo Singh, Creative Director, Jo Kilda, Singapore
“I'm thrilled to be here at the fair for the second time, exploring the vibrant fashion scene in Shenzhen. My role is to connect suppliers with customers, and I’m actively on the lookout for high-quality scarf fabrics to share with my clients. The exhibitors at this edition have scaled in quality, displaying a remarkable variety of styles and materials. I’ve already found some fantastic items from China that I’m looking forward to present. Shenzhen is truly a hub for fashion, bustling with innovative brands and suppliers.” Mr Dominic Yee, General Manager, Dommy Inc (Member of The Korean Chamber of Commerce in China Hangzhou), Korea
Speaker Highlights:
“I decided to participate in the seminar this year because I'm deeply invested in fashion and retail. I believe it's crucial to discuss the entire supply chain – from textiles to design –
especially as we enter a new era of innovation like 3D digital fashion. My goal is to inspire others to think differently about their processes. By sharing insights and experiences, speakers and participants alike contributed to a vibrant dialogue about the future of fashion in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Ms Olivia Lee, Founder, LIVVIUM, Hong Kong
(Speaker at Reimagining Fashion Through AI, Identity & Immersive Commerce – From Avatar to Aisle – How Digital Fashion, 3D Assets, and AI Tools Are Shaping the Next Generation)
“The textile and garment sectors are increasingly adopting AI and digital applications, which I discussed today. AI enhances efficiency in supply chain management, stock optimisation, logistics, quality control, and recycling technologies. It optimises the entire product cycle, reducing waste and helping manufacturers add value while achieving long term cost savings. Intertextile Shenzhen is an ideal platform to present these technologies: situated in the Greater Bay Area, a hub for garment manufacturing and emerging designers.”
Mr Derek Lai, Senior Engineer, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Hong Kong
(Speaker at the 2025 International Textile Industry Digital Application Trend Forum)
The event, held in conjunction with Yarn Expo Shenzhen, BIRD Fashion Fair, and PH Value, was organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT), and the China Textile Information Center.
Next event:
Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn – 2 to 4 September 2025 in Shanghai.