"The recent edition of CHIC held from September 27 to 29, in Shanghai, was attended by over 58,400 visitors from all sectors of the trade. Commenting on the exhibition Chen Dapeng, President, CHIC Shanghai and Executive Vice President, CNGA says, "The meaning of ‘Made in China’ has changed. The focus of the Chinese apparel industry has shifted from quantity to quality, innovation and upgrading are key factors in the competitiveness of fashion brands in response to market changes."

The recent edition of CHIC held from September 27 to 29, in Shanghai, was attended by over 58,400 visitors from all sectors of the trade. Commenting on the exhibition Chen Dapeng, President, CHIC Shanghai and Executive Vice President, CNGA says, "The meaning of ‘Made in China’ has changed. The focus of the Chinese apparel industry has shifted from quantity to quality, innovation and upgrading are key factors in the competitiveness of fashion brands in response to market changes."

This edition featured 719 exhibitors from 825 brands across 14 countries who presented new S/S ’19 collections. China’s most famous sportswear brand Li Ning impressed with a fashion show, at the At the Sustainable Development Zone.

Hi-fashion with comfortable casual wear

CHIC Shanghai presented 10 clearly structured trade fair segments covering the entire spectrum of fashion and lifestyle: Urban View, New Look, Impulse, Fashion Journey, Heritage, Secret Stars, Bags & Shoes, CHIC Young Blood, Superior Factory and Future Link.

The Urban View section featured over 60 exhibitors including E-Fashion Town supported by the China National Garment Association. Other noteworthy exhibitors included the world-famous couture designer Guo Pei and Supin who presented a collection for the Globetrotter comprising comfortable casual wear combined with travel gadgets such as neck pillows and teapots.

The Kid’s Paradise section displayed leading brands such as eton kidd, which focused on school uniforms, among others; xtep- kids, which incorporated many Chinese elements into its kidswear collection; Beijing Jiaman Dress Co which displayed brands like Hush Puppies, Hazzys and Souhait; Solocote which presented trendy down jackets for kids.

Italian brands make a splash

The Fashion Journey sector included companies and brands from Italy, France, Norway, the UK, Poland, Australia etc. Italy recorded the largest European group participation with 10 men's and women's accessories brands like Collirossi, Giovanni Fabiani, Fabiani, Mychoice, Sara Kent, Primigim, Made in Italy, Thierry Rabotin, Tr1, Thierry Rabotin Couture and Tiffi showcasing their products.

Norwegian shoe brand Swim attracted attention with loafers, rain boots, umbrellas and bags and the UK brand UKPiers with hand-sewn classic men's shoes. Buenos from Australia enthused with exclusive women's shoes in the finest lamb leather, made in Turkey.

Sales and networking opportunity

More than 120 brands used CHIC as a network and sales platform. Hennessy Bear expanded its customer network and found new agencies. Hasuptam bagged an order worth €30,000. Stetson and Ruediger Accessories expanded their distribution network; Future Link offered solutions for an efficient and sustainable garment production, led by exhibitors Suntole, Anok And Hikari.

CHIC as a service partner provided information about current market developments through CHIC Talk which discussed topics like: Big data, iFashion Cloud, retail evolution and trend analysis. CHIC Shows presented the International Brands' Show. CHIC Matching focused on the management of purchasing/trade key accounts.