Stretching across the apparel textile spectrum, from fibres to garments, nearly 1500 exhibitors representing 16 countries and regions showcased textiles with applications appropriate for every occasion at the recent Intertextile Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China.

Combined with Yarn Expo Shenzhen, DPARK (Fashion Design), and PH Value, the fair received over 22,000 visits, with buyers hailing from more than 60 countries and regions. As such, the three-day show, held from 6 -8 November 2023 at Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, proved to be an important gateway for China-global textile trade.

Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is seen by many in the industry as an effective supplement for the Autumn Edition held in Shanghai, with key players drawn to the former’s Greater Bay Area (GBA) location, stronger focus on ladieswear, and numerous Asian exhibitors and buyers.

Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, expressed her satisfaction at the industry’s regathering in South China: “The GBA, particularly Shenzhen, is one of the world’s most important textile regions, in terms of manufacture, export, and consumption, and also a hub for new technology. This intersection was key to attracting a record number of exhibitors to this edition, with high-quality, on-trend, and sustainable elements in evidence across the show floor and at our business-friendly fringe programme.”

Fairgoers benefitted from the ecological and innovational insights afforded by over a dozen seminars, forums, and discussions, while booths contained a wide variety of ladieswear, accessories, functional wear, and more. “As well as fabric suppliers, upstream and downstream exhibitors are crucial to this fair’s ongoing success. One of this edition’s most exciting developments was the successful debut of the Garment Zone, which we are looking forward to building on next year,” Ms Shea added.

With much to explore across the 75,000 square metre fairground, key players in attendance included overseas visitor delegations from the Malaysia Knitting Manufacturers Association and the European American Chamber of Commerce, as well as the China Super-Buyer Delegation representing ANNIL, EEKA Fashion Group, Gloria, Supin, TITIKA Active Couture, and more. Additional VIP buyers included AIGLE, EVISU, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour, with over 200 business matching meetings taking place onsite.

Strengthening partnerships and forging new connections

“Shenzhen is one of the next key markets that we want to develop. We have brought a range of new fabrics specifically developed for the domestic market. This fair continues to attract quality Chinese customers, including exporters, niche brands, and online shops, who are increasingly demanding sustainable and functional textiles, and a wide range of fabrics. Very target-oriented in sourcing, the customers in this market segment are quite different from those we met at Intertextile Apparel in Shanghai. Therefore, Intertextile Shenzhen is a crucial channel for us to expand our connections with new clients,” explained Mr Zheng Wang, International Division Sales Dept, Sunwell Co Ltd, Japan.

“Shenzhen is a fashion city; therefore it benefits us that garments can be showcased at this show, which is more focused on ladieswear. Our target is to sell fabrics and garments, especially in the Chinese market. We are showcasing warp knit fabric, circle knit fabric with high gauge microfibre, and our outerwear and innerwear apparel range. Functions include recycled yarn, water management, quick dry, antibacterial, and anti-odour. Most brands are moving towards recycled, biodegradable, and bio-based products,” said Mr David Chan, Director, PT. WinnerSumbiri Knitting Factory, Indonesia.

Buyers benefitted from wide range on offer

“As a fashion designer based in Shenzhen, I mainly design luxury women’s clothing, with two primary lines – traditional Chinese and office style. This city is important for business and products in general, as there are so many factories close by, and the fairground has extensive resources and information for designers. I have found very interesting products at this fair; professional items I could not imagine even existed. It is well organised, from yarns to accessories, and I probably have to come back tomorrow to see more fabrics,” said Ms Ran Yang, Owner, Sanpidama Fashion Design Company, China.

“We manufacture scarfs and shawls in Türkiye, and we are the biggest buyer of Chinese products. For the last five years, we have been selling women’s apparel fabrics as well, with one store each in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. At this show, there are so many exhibitors, such as trading companies, dyeing companies, printing factories, with different kinds of fabrics, all of them suitable for women’s clothing. There is a wide variety of companies here who have not attended Intertextile Apparel in Shanghai before,” added Mr Selahaddin Çoka, Marketing Manager, Asude Textile Scarf Industrial CO LTD, Türkiye.

Industry experts shine spotlight on sustainability and technology

“Intertextile Shenzhen covers the GBA, and is very closely connected to Hong Kong, which is a global fashion sourcing hub. It’s important for us to connect with the industry and our partners here, and to introduce our latest innovations. Our panel discussion will explain how we can collaborate to develop meaningful solutions to enhance industry sustainability. Key aspects include waterless technology; wastewater treatment; how to reduce carbon generation during production; how brands can support sustainability in their business; and most importantly educating the younger generation,” articulated Dr Gloria Yao, Director, Project Development, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited (HKRITA).

Held concurrently with Yarn Expo Shenzhen, DPARK (Fashion Design), and PH Value, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; Messe Frankfurt (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Center.

Upcoming shows

- Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies

28 February – 1 March 2024, Ho Chi Minh City

- Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition / Yarn Expo Spring

6 – 8 March 2024, Shanghai

- Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition / Yarn Expo Autumn

27 – 29 August 2024, Shanghai

Intertextile Shenzhen Website