The 21st edition of Spinexpo, the international fair for fibres, yarns and knitwear held in Shanghai’s World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center from 12-14 March, exhibited an unprecedented level of energy, sophistication, and satisfaction on the part of the visitors as well as the exhibitors, according to organisers.

10,560 designers, buyers, and decision makers from both international and regional brands and manufacturers attended the fair to collaborate with the 180 exhibitors from 15 countries. The attendance at the show remains stable, with a slight increase, session after session. Overseas visitors amounted to 26%, with 513 visitors from Japan, 437 from Hong Kong - visitors from China showed a spectacular increase from Beijing/North China, which doubled compared to the September session. According to the organisers it underlines the direction towards better knitwear and style which we have publicized during this session.

“Spinexpo combines European heritage with the Asian future,” explained Karine Van Tassel, founder and organizer of the fair. “China and the countries of Southeast Asia are changing rapidly; spinners are investing in design and hiring European designers, and knitters are becoming overseas designer manufacturers rather than just exporters. Our spinners from Europe and South America find themselves perfectly well-fit within this new level of sophistication.”

Ms. Van Tassel also announced the launch of a new Spinexpo office for Southeast Asia, to be based in Bali. The creation of a new customs system between the ten countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to offer opportunities for the region’s clothing and textile industry.

Sophie Steller, the fair’s Creative Director, explained the new approach taken to trends in the General Forum for Spring/Summer 2014: “Fashion is not about a theme, but is individually driven; and yarn is the hero,” declared Ms. Steller. “We are in a moment of fashion freedom,” added Ms. Van Tassel. “Fibers are not confined to a certain concept… we can have casual cashmere, or dressy denim.”

Entitled Evolutions, the display created a succession of ambiences organized in tonal colour families and pop-up trends. Yarns were provided by the exhibiting spinners and interpreted by Ms. Steller and her studio, with garments realized by knitwear manufacturers Brilliant Global, Shanghai Xinnuo, and Shenzhen Meilian.

In addition to the General Forum, a marketing area offered further inspiration via yarns and knit downs provided by the exhibitors, with a special display devoted to mohair and alpaca fibres. A collaboration with Nottingham Trent University resulted in an inspiring collection of student designs rendered in yarns from participating spinners; and an ethereal collection from NTU’s recent Lace:here:now exhibition contemplated new ideas for the manipulation of yarns and fibres.

Also new for this edition of Spinexpo was the Knitwear Pavilion, featuring fourteen leading creative knitwear manufacturers from China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.

“Growing sophistication on the part of the spinners is leading to more sophisticated knitwear,” explained Ms. Van Tassel. ”While we have always had knitters mixed in with the spinners, we felt they needed more visibility.”

“This new sector helps Spinexpo better achieve the overall presentation from raw materials to finished products,” commented Tang Zhufa, chairman of GTIG Hubo, one of the leading vertical spinner/knitters. The Knitwear Pavilion will also be an important part of the upcoming New York edition of Spinexpo, which will include a special collaboration with machine and software provider Shima Seiki.

The 5th edition of Spinexpo New York will now take place from 16-18 July at the Metropolitan Pavilion, featuring a new look and stand concept, along with fibres, yarns, knitwear, wovens, and trends for Autumn/Winter 2014/15. According to Yarns & Colors Manager Carlo Marinoni, the timing of Spinexpo New York is good for getting a jump on the fall season.

“By coming to Spinexpo, we can see both new and old customers. It is one of the best ways to communicate and build our image,” said Zhou Xiaotian, Director/General manager of spinner Zhejiang Xinao.

“All our customers come to the New York show,” commented Brilliant Global’s Senior Vice President, Ravi Bhojwani. “It allows us to spend a lot of time and to see the spinners with them. Spinexpo is the show for 90% of the sweaters produced in the world.”

Shanghai 22nd session will take place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre on September 3-4-5, 2013. “Multiple projects are ‘in the air’ and we can already forecast a fully booked show,” organisers said.

www.spinexpo.com