Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Continues To Grow

The 2006 edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, now in its 12th year, will be held Oct. 25-28, 2006, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai. Organized by the Hong Kong-based Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., the Sub-Council of Textile Industry and China Textile Information Centre, the show is now the largest in the Intertextile group of exhibitions. Gross exhibition space in 2006 totals 80,500 square meters.

Messe Frankfurt reports 45,137 visitors from 101 countries and regions attended the show in 2005 to view the products of 1,532 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions. A jump in exhibitor numbers is reported for the 2006 edition of the show, a fact attributed in part to brand-name accessory companies - such as Swarovski, Coats and Bemis - taking part in the show.

"We believe this trade fair to be the most representative fabric fair for the textile and garment industry in China," said Georg Nussdorfer, vice president, operations, Swarovski. "It has large exposure to trade people and offers Swarovski the right platform to build upon our brand awareness and image in the textile and garment industry, especially amonst manufacturers."

Product groups covered at the show include: cotton, wool, silk, linen, ramie, man-made fiber, knitted and coated fabrics; lingerie and swimwear fabrics; functional fabrics; printed fabrics; fibers and yarns; embroidered fabrics and lace; accessories; textile-related CAD/CAM/CIM technology; and design and styling agencies.

The show also will feature national pavilions from countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey.

Four out of the seven halls at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will feature forums showcasing colors, shapes, patterns and textures for next season's runways as predicted by the Interstoff Asia Directions Committee and China-based apparel trend company Fabrics China. New for 2006, Fabrics China will design a special forum highlighting the latest trends and styles in accessories.

"Accessores are one of the most important sectors in the apparel textile industry," said Katy Lam, director of trade fairs, Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong. "They are not just a basic item anymore. They can change the look and feel of products and are becoming increasingly trendy. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is one of the leading and most varied textile fairs in Asia and is the perfect place to showcase accessories products, as well as textiles."

September/October 2006