For the 5th time now FASHION CHINA will be held at the Intex Shanghai exhibition centre from 9 to 11 September 2003. Unlike other exhibition events cancelled on account of SARS, FASHION CHINA will remain on course. Asia is set to continue its stable growth; the Asian Development Bank (ADP) forecasts a 5.3 % GNP growth for the entire region this year and  5.9 % for 2004. The regions in South Asia spared by SARS post even higher growth rates estimated at 6.1 % in 2004 (2003: 5.70 %). When China joined the WTO the country undertook to remove its trade barriers. This is why Chris Patten, the EU commissioner for foreign relations, expects positive effects for European exports to China.

180 fashion brands will use this fashion fair designed according to European standards, FASHION CHINA, as an efficient platform. The brand portfolio of the fair boasts such renowned names as René Lézard, Betty Barclay, Basler, Camel Active and Globetrotter from Germany, the Italian designer labels P.A.G. Italia, Loredana, Pozzi and Azulero from France. Australia flies its flag with Seduce, the USA will be represented by the Betty Boop and LeeCooper brands. All segments of fashion for women, men and kids will be offered at the fair featuring exhibitors from 10 nations: China, Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the USA.

A large number of exhibitors such as Betty Barclay, Basler, Kanz, Lemmi Fashion, Pampolina, Globetrotter, Loredana, Pozzi and Tricot Chic now run fully operational agencies in Asia in order to achieve their set goals speedily. The Chinese agency Giada Fashion Co., for example, is based in Shanghai and successfully distributes Italian kids’ fashion via corners and shops all over China. The fair uses the sales teams of these agencies to intensify existing contacts and recruit new customers.

China’s new elite of fashion manufacturers will also be present at the fair. Exhibitors include Septwolves from Jinjiang, Hengwei from Guangdong, Dayang Trands from Dalian, Fapai Group from Wenzhou, Progen Group from Ningbo, Famory Group from Guangdong, Aiymei from Fenghua, Sunfed Fashion from Dalian, Lanqi Industrial from Shenzhen and Hempel International from Hangzhou.

Dynamism and powerful trends in denim and urban wear: Septwolves Jeans sets an example for denim wear. Septwolves Industry Corp. have built a reputation as the “King of Jackets“. Their authentic fashion products are the results of continuous investment in manufacturing equiment, marketing resources and own international design centres in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Their purist workwear look draws on inspirations from army surplus and cowboys. Patina is the dominating characteristic of the fabrics in various finishes used for their sportswear and denim wear.

Just as remarkable are the activities undertaken by Tony Wear; they currently use their know-how to push the export campaign of Camel Active, the casual lifestyle brand in China. Their unmistakeable aim is to raise brand recognition levels in China thereby generating demand for this sporty brand.

Top-Level Design

Mark Cheung, China’s probably most well-known and influential designer, and Wang Xinyan, considered the No. 1 designer, are guaranteed to cause a stir. The two designers already attracted a lot of attention in the past when launching a joint project. Mark Cheung has an international feel to him and has already won laurels with the US labels Oleg Cassini, A. J. Bari and the French label Alyce Designs. In China his label is the yardstick for unparalleled fashion luxury. Wang Xinyuan looks back on 30 years of experience and has built a solid reputation as a “Show Master“. His “Wind“ show staged on the Great Wall five years ago will always be remembered. FASHION CHINA will now provide the platform for the second cooperation of these two unique designers.

Event Factor Fashion & Fair

The grand shows presented by designers Mark Cheung and Wang Xinyun are guaranteed to become fashion highlights. By boasting these names FASHION CHINA also moves up in the “ranking“ of the Chinese society which will be well represented among the high-calibre guests of this show.

Further fashion performances will be provided by daily fashion shows such as the Trend Show or the Fashion China Trend Show International Brands. Models will be presenting “live on stage“ the collections from Jieshiben, YAMI and Yoentri Cashmere.

Nothing but information will be offered by the seminars. The Paris-based trend bureau  CARLIN will cover the latest trends and directions for men’s and women’s wear in two workshops. Additional seminars entitled “Inspiration Source for Fashion Creation“ will give an overview of, and insights into, the latest creative developments with a special focus on prints.

A discussion forum – sponsored by the China Fashion Weekly (trade journal) – will describe successful ways of targeting high-end fashion markets in China. The meeting scheduled with major Chinese buyers who first assess the potential success of exhibitor collections on the Chinese market and then discuss the results with all participants is expected to convey  particularly valuable expertise.

Since 1995 the IGEDO COMPANY has been represented in the Asian region and in China. Through the Asian boom, the Asian crisis and the China boom substantial experience has been gained which can be used to the benefit of exhibitors and buyers. The Igedo Shanghai Office and Jasmine Consulting represent the Igedo Company in China providing assistance in all marketing issues and problems related to brand launches. In China “Fashion Fairs by IGEDO COMPANY’ have developed into a quality trademark.