After three days of operations, the fair concluded on August 29. It has reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s most significant sourcing venues for clothing, textiles, and accessories as well as a vital path forward in the face of recent structural upheavals and industry difficulties. Fashion’s upcoming seasons will be defined by goods and solutions displayed by nearly 4,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, with a renewed emphasis on digitalization, sustainability, and usefulness. More than 100,000 visitors (2023: 95,000) from 115 nations and regions greeted them at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The 29% increase in foreign purchasers this edition marked back-to-back increases after overseas visitors doubled in the spring. Additionally, the number of guests who stayed for two or more days increased by 15%.
At the end of the exhibition, Ms. Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., gave a speech and stated: “We have been excited to share that, although Intertextile is the greatest sourcing hub for apparel textiles globally, it is much more than that. Global industry players come here looking for ideas and inspiration for the ever changing textile market. This fair has evolved over the course of 30 years to keep up with the times. As a result, we recently launched the Econogy Hub and Digital Solutions Zone and expanded the fringe program to include talks by top experts on topics ranging from generative AI’s role in textile design to testing compliance.
“Our exhibitors understand this need for change, and their cutting-edge, creative, and sustainable offerings strongly complemented the themes at our fringe events,” Ms. Shea went on. Whether showcasing regenerated functional fabrics, organic buttons, or all-in-one traceability platforms, the variety on show was astounding. Without the exceptional efforts of our pavilion organizers, our supporting organizations, countless exhibitors, buyers, and speakers—all of whom have actively contributed over the past 30 years to making this the premier fair for apparel textiles—none of this would have been possible.
Highlights of the 240,000 square meter exhibition area were the openings of the Malaysian and Uzbek pavilions. The Japan Pavilion made its 21st appearance[2], Milano Unica appeared for the 20th time, and the Korea and Taiwan Pavilions commemorated more than 25 years at the show, among the seven returning pavilions from Asia and Europe.
Leading knitting machines, design software and systems, a range of AI solutions, and more could be seen in the new Digital Solutions Zone at the expo. Econogy Hub, the rebranded version of the fair’s long-running All About Sustainability zone, featured 36 exhibitors, three display zones, and an ecoBoutique in addition to other sustainable providers dispersed throughout the fairground. In the meanwhile, the numerous product zones of the fair showcased the newest denim, accessories, fabric patterns, practical fabrics, premium wool, and more.
The organiser of the Japan Pavilion, Ms Mutsuko Tatsukami, Planning Director Textile Div., Japan Fashion Week Organization, commented: “Japan has such wide-ranging fabrics from top to bottom. It is important for Japanese companies to exhibit at Intertextile Apparel to develop their Asian markets, and they feel it’s more efficient to be grouped together in the Japan Pavilion. Our Japan Trend Corner serves as a gateway to all of the booths and helps attract buyers. Seasonal trends mean it is very important to be here for S/S and A/W.
