Asia’s most comprehensive trade fair for apparel fabrics and accessories is gearing up for its biggest Spring Edition, due to take place from 16-18 March.

Over 3,000 exhibitors from around the world have already confirmed to partake in Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, which runs in March at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

The fair’s organisers are continuing their efforts to ensure buyers can easily access their target products in the new venue, and as such, a number of pavilions and product zones will feature.

Exhibitors

This year’s International Zone is housed in hall 7.2, while domestic exhibitors are in halls 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2. Domestic and international denim exhibitors are grouped together in Beyond Denim (hall 7.2), while Chinese and overseas accessories suppliers are located in hall 8.1.

A relatively new addition to hall 7.2 is the France Zone, which expands in size this year after a strong debut showing at the 2015 Spring Edition. Some of France’s leading suppliers have already confirmed to take part, including Malhia Kent with its fabrics for luxury pret-a-porter and haute-couture, as well as high-end lace and embroidery producer Solstiss Sarl.

Malhia Kent exhibited at last October’s Autumn Edition, where Mr Aris Arakelian, Commercial Manager, commented: “We are attending to learn more about the Chinese and Asian markets, and to discover new customers we don’t get the chance to meet elsewhere. This fair is very exciting; it’s huge and lots of people are visiting our booth.”

The France Zone is located inside SalonEurope, which is the destination to find high-end apparel fabrics and accessories producers from Europe. Some of the leading brands returning to the fair this year include Miroglio Textile from Italy, Turkey’s Soktas Tekstil and Liberty Art Fabrics from the UK. And a highlight for many buyers at the fair is the Milano Unica Pavilion from Italy, which this year features around 100 of Italy’s textile producers showcasing their latest collections for women’s wear and men’s wear.

Asian pavilions

If SalonEurope is the home of premium, high-end offerings, then the Asian country and region pavilions are the place to find a range of innovative offerings. Organised by Japan Fashion Week Organization, the Japan Pavilion returns with over 20 exhibitors, while the Korea Pavilion – with more than 70 participants – features a large selection of man-made and functional fabrics to cater the strong demand for Korean products.

One of the largest zones at the fair is the Taiwan Pavilion – organised by the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF) – which houses over 50 exhibitors of accessories, cotton, denim, embroidery, jacquard, knit, lace, polyester, spandex and wool blended & woven fabrics suitable for mass to luxury markets. Rounding out the pavilions from Asia are the Pakistan Pavilion featuring cotton fabrics for casual wear and jeanswear and organised by the Commercial Section, Embassy of Pakistan, and the Texprocil (The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council) Pavilion from India.

Concurrent fairs

The year 2016 sees the addition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition to the line-up of concurrent fairs held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics. Taking place in hall 5.2, it is complemented by Yarn Expo Spring in hall 5.1, CHIC in halls 1, 2, 3 and 4.1, and PH Value in hall 1.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2016 is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.

www.intertextileapparel.com