As demand continues to grow in the Chinese textiles industry for premium European products, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics –Spring Edition 2015 will once again showcase the leading apparel fabrics and accessories suppliers from there in SalonEurope and the Milano Unica Pavilion. Over 2,000 domestic and international exhibitors are expected to take part in the fair this year across 100,000 sqm of exhibition space, twice the size of the 2014 Spring Edition.

With a move to a new venue this year – the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) – overseas suppliers will be located in the International Zone in hall 7.2, Chinese suppliers in the Domestic Exhibitor Zone in halls 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2, and both local and international accessories exhibitors in the Accessories Hall located in the East Hall. A number of new and returning highlights can be found in the International Zone including SalonEurope, which will once again play host to a large number of high-end apparel fabrics and accessories suppliers from Europe. Within SalonEurope is a country pavilion from Portugal, the Germany and France zones, and the Milano Unica Pavilion from Italy.

The Milano Unica Pavilion has developed a reputation for showcasing only the best of the best from Italy, and this year is no exception. Around 120 producers will present their latest collections of premium apparel fabrics and accessories for ladieswear and menswear. Making a repeat appearance at the Spring Edition is the Portugal Pavilion, organised by Associacao Selectiva Moda, which will feature over 10 exhibitors this year showcasing high-quality shirting fabrics. Also in SalonEurope is the France zone, which after a strong showing at the Autumn Edition 2014, makes its debut at this year’s fair.

Premium Wool zone debuts at Spring Edition

Also appearing for the first time at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition is the Premium Wool zone. Exhibitors from Italy and the UK will showcase their premium, high-end wool products suitable for suitings and ladieswear in this zone. As the middle and upper classes in China continue to expand, wool is one of the sectors of the domestic market with the strongest growth and future prospects.

The inclusion of this debut area comes in response to the positive experience by exhibitors at last year’s Autumn Edition. Bower & Roebuck & Co Ltd from the UK was one such exhibitor, and Mr Ronald Hall, Managing Director, explained: “We plan for substantial growth in China in the future as the suitings segment is growing here. There’s a focus on design, quality and heritage now in China which we can take advantage of.”

PH Value and CHIC fairs to take place for first time concurrently with Spring Edition in Shanghai

Four events will take place concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, including PH Value for the first time after it was held together with last year’s Autumn Edition. Previously known as the China International Knitting Trade Fair, PH Value showcases a wide range of knitted garments including sweaters, underwear, swimwear / beachwear, sportswear, T-shirts and more. In addition, CHIC, the 23rd China International Fashion Fair will also take place concurrently for the first time with Intertextile Shanghai, and features men’s, women’s and kid’s wear, casual and sportswear, leather, fur and down wear, fashion accessories and more. Messe Frankfurt’s Yarn Expo Spring also returns again, ensuring both exhibitors and buyers can get more out of their sourcing trip to Shanghai.In addition to these three fairs, Planet Textiles 2015: The Sustainable Textile Event will be held on the second day of the fair (19 March), and is organised by Ecotextile News and Messe Frankfurt to address the crucial issues on sustainability in the global textiles sector. Speakers from the Karolinska Institute, VF Corporation, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, bluesign technologies and the Adidas Group are already confirmed to take part.