The 2024 Autumn Edition marked the show’s 30th anniversary by drawing nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, and welcoming over 100,000 visitors, with international visitors up 29%. This momentum carried into 2025’s Spring Edition, hosting nearly 95,000 visitors from 131 countries and regions, a 17% rise.

As one of the industry’s largest sourcing platforms, Intertextile Apparel continues to anchor global trends through its diverse zones, including Accessories Vision, Beyond Denim, Functional Lab, and SalonEurope. The 2024 edition also debuted Econogy Hub, dedicated to sustainable solutions, and the Digital Solutions Zone, in response to rapid advancements in AI, blockchain, and IoT redefining supply chains – enhancing traceability, slashing waste through 3D virtual sampling, and optimising logistics via predictive analytics.

The Digital Solutions Zone and its related seminar category have subsequently emerged as key options for exhibitors like Quaternion, Shima Seiki, and Symmpix showcasing innovations such as AI-driven demand forecasting, 3D virtual sampling (reducing fabric waste by up to 30%), and digital product passports for ethical sourcing.

Meanwhile, China’s ascent as a global leader in custom clothing production has fuelled demand for luxury fabrics, with individuals and brands increasingly prioritising unique, tailored garments that reflect personal style and craftsmanship. Capitalising on this trend, the previous Autumn Edition’s Premium Wool Zone – synonymous with heritage and excellence – and the Milano Unica Pavilion hosted 50 premium wool exhibitors within SalonEurope, including iconic names such as Abraham Moon & Sons (UK), Albini (Italy), Cavallo 1886 (Italy), and Scabal NV/SA (UK), showcasing their top-quality European cloth to meet the soaring demand from Chinese buyers.

The Premium Wool Zone is also moving with the times. With the newly-introduced Functional Suiting Display Area set to make its second appearance at this year’s Autumn Edition, exhibitors can further showcase related materials’ increasing potential and versatility.

Verve for Design – the hub for emerging trends in patterns and prints

It has become a magnet for China’s thriving fashion scene, where fresh talent seeks distinctive patterns to elevate their creative vision. Spotlighting studios including Atelier Mineeda (Japan), Longina Phillips Designs (UK), and PHN Studio (Argentina), the zone bridges global creativity with dynamic local demand. Ms Lucia Mu, Pattern Consultant at PHN Studio, noted: “Intertextile’s visitor flow is exceptional. We’ve connected with domestic and South American clients seeking sustainable designs – many have merged our eco-focused patterns with their own fabrics to create impactful collections.”

This autumn, the zone will offer designers and studios from across the globe unparalleled access to apparel manufacturers and emerging brands eager to source innovative prints.