China’s leading fashion trade event, CHIC 2025 (September), will return to the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from September 2 to 4. Positioned as the most significant platform for the country’s apparel industry, the fair will once again unite over 800 fashion companies and brands across the entire textile value chain with an expected footfall of more than 60,000 professional buyers from China and abroad. The upcoming edition, themed ‘Fashion Picnic in Autumn’, promises a creative and relaxed setting to foster networking, innovation, and trend discovery while presenting Spring/Summer 2026 collections.
Nine themed zones highlight industry trends
CHIC 2025 (September) will cover more than 50,000 square meters across the North Entrance Hall and Halls 2.1 and 3 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, featuring nine themed exhibition zones that reflect the latest fashion innovations and market trends. These include CHIC Selected, which showcases quality-driven market leaders; CHIC Impulses, focused on designer-led collections; Denim World and Sports Outdoor, highlighting active and casual wear; Tailoring Journey, dedicated to formalwear and suiting; Fashion Tech, presenting technological advancements in textiles and apparel; and The Wardrobe, Unique Specialties, and Accessories/Footwear/Bags, offering a wide range of fashion products across categories.
Each thematic area is tailored to make navigation intuitive for buyers and help brands gain targeted visibility. The structured approach enhances both the visitor experience and business effectiveness.
A Picnic inspired setting for business and creativity
The autumn edition of CHIC adopts its “Fashion Picnic” concept not only in theme but also in design and layout. Natural elements, relaxed seating areas, and creative installations will evoke a picnic-like environment, fostering open conversation and exploration. Interactive formats such as industry salons, trend showcases, and networking events will drive dialogue on key issues shaping the global fashion market. The show aims to be both a commercial hub and a source of creative energy, providing a platform for mutual inspiration, collaboration, and future-oriented thinking.
CHIC is also renowned for its high-impact matchmaking formats. During its spring 2025 edition, the fair recorded over 165,000 trade buyers, 55 per cent of whom were first-time visitors. With more than 1,000 matchmaking sessions already facilitated in the past, the upcoming autumn event will continue offering tailored B2B networking, tapping into new markets and channels to expand brand reach and visibility.
Knowledge sharing and digital integration
Adding to its value, CHIC will host CHIC Talks a series of expert-led seminars and workshops that bring together top-tier professionals, brands, and associations to share insights on innovation, sustainability, retail evolution, and consumer trends. Complementing these are the CHIC SHOWS, where fashion labels and national organizations will present their latest creations through dynamic runway presentations, showcasing the creative pulse of the season.
On the digital front, the CHIC WeChat Mini Programme continues to serve as the fair’s central tool for engagement. It offers streamlined services such as registration, business matching, live stream access, and exhibitor directories, making it essential for participants navigating both the physical and digital facets of the event.
CHIC 2025 blends business with inspiration in a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere. As the fashion world prepares for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, this Shanghai showcase promises to be a pivotal gathering point for shaping industry futures.
Prior to CHIC, the Bird Fashion Fair will take place from June 11 to 13, 2025, at the Shenzhen Exhibition and Convention Center, providing another important platform for fashion industry engagement in China.
