The keywords that were trending at "Intertextile Shanghai Apparel & Fabrics - Fall 2014" were "eco," "denim," and "design."
In particular, the "All About Sustainability" zone gave a glimpse of the global wave of sustainability hitting the apparel industry. The zone featured exhibits from manufacturers that use recycled and natural materials, as well as 35 other companies, including sustainability consulting firms. There was also an "Education" zone that provided information on sustainability knowledge and industry trends, and an "ecoBoutique" zone that displayed ready-made products. "At Messe Frankfurt, we have been focusing on sustainability for about six years. Our presentation at last year's fair was well-received, so this year we expanded the scale of the fair by 148% in pursuit of an even more sustainable business model. By showcasing not only the materials themselves but also the production process and final products, we are making proposals to all producers in the apparel industry. With improved quality and reduced costs due to technological advances, we are confident that this is a field that will continue to develop," said Bernd Müller of Messe Frankfurt, the fair's organizer. The same initiative is also planned for the spring fair in March next year. Chori will be exhibiting from Japan, showcasing their sustainability efforts in the dyeing process and functional materials made from a blend of cellulose-based triacetate. At ecoBoutique, the US-based Unifi exhibited sportswear made from 100% recycled polyester, as well as winners of the EchoChic Design Awards, organized by the NGO Redress in 2011 with the aim of promoting sustainable fashion.
Blue Sign Technologies, headquartered in Switzerland, is a consulting firm that proposes sustainability measures for product production processes. Its unique bluesign certification standards have been adopted by various companies. According to the company's Asia representative, outdoor and sportswear manufacturers are already actively working on the initiative, but interest is also growing among apparel companies.
At an international conference on the apparel market in China and Southeast Asia held during the event, representatives from various organizations pointed out that amid concerns about slowing growth in the Chinese apparel market, eco-friendly and organic products are gaining attention as a breakthrough. In response to the recent surge in demand for textile design in China, the "Verve for Design" zone, which brings together design studios, expanded by 56% from last year. Twenty-one design studios from Italy, Spain, the UK, Australia, and other countries participated. "For Chinese brands to grow into high-end, global brands, they need high-quality designs with a strong personality. Artistic designs that combine prints and embroidery, as well as designs that follow Western trends, are popular," said British design studio Circleline. Despite setting higher prices than competitors, their booth was a success from the first day. The studio also plans to enter the Japanese market in the future. The "Beyond Denim" space also expanded by 25% in response to the recent surge in demand for denim. The new hall, designed by the French NellyRodi Agency, showcased the latest denim design trends and processing techniques.
