Apparel Sourcing Paris trade fair registers more than 100 newcomers

The 9th Apparel Sourcing Paris trade fair to take place at Paris have made a new record in registration, passing the 400 exhibitor level, which represents a 40 percent rise in attendance compared to the 289 exhibitors in September 2014. The show promises to be out of the ordinary, said Michael Scherpe, CEO of Messe Frankfurt France.

More than 400 exhibitors from all over the world are expected, among which 100 newcomers will represent Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Turkey and Vietnam. The event is consolidating its position as Europe’s premier world garment sourcing event.

Visitors to Apparel Sourcing Paris appreciate the added value of quality and originality. Knits are showing the strongest growth, with more than 35 new manufacturers, such as Anjuman Garments (Bangladesh), BLR Knits (India), Thai Son S.P (Vietnam), Sanyang Cashmere Textile (China) and others, who are focusing on highly diverse collections of circular and cut and sewn knits for men, women and children. Unstructured garments continue to develop, with 29 businesses, among which are Kimberley Apparels Ltd. (Bangladesh), Monarch International (Hong Kong) and Thien Nam JSC (Vietnam), to name but a few.

As for sleeved pieces, in high demand from winter purchasers, the segment will welcome 25 new manufacturers, among them Apex International (India) and New Zeenat Textile Mills (Pakistan). Among the newcomers in sportswear, very fashionable collections by Kreateks Tekstil (Turkey) and Alphabeta (South Korea) are waiting to be discovered.

Accessories always attract more exhibitors. Newcomers such as Ningbo Kingshi (China) and Rashish (India) are aiming to attract buyers with traditional, fashionable pieces in quality finishes.

The dedicated Shawls&Scarves section numbers three newcomers among its 21 exhibitors: Porostar (China), K.U.M. (India) and Shengzou First Garment & Necktie (China). The collections on offer will be highly market- oriented, displaying particular skills, such as hand embroidery, vegetable dyes and digital printing. The extent of the product ranges, from simple cotton to baby cashmere, is noteworthy.

Made to measure deserves a special mention as a it is still a strong trend in sourcing for customised dresses and unstructured garments at competitive prices, because consumers are becoming more and more demanding, searching for original products worthy of old-fashioned tailoring, without abandoning their existing budget. From bespoke R&D to an industrial scale, this solution provides European brands and designers with an attractive developmental focus.

Made to measure had a modest debut at last year’s fair and is coming back in force, represented by seven companies: Ai Xin Dao, Dalian Faric Garment, Ningbo LS Lace, Ningbo EJJ Knitting Garment, Sendi, Shanghai Leads Enterprise and Wujiang Silk Garment.

On the whole, the manufacturers at this event will be offering collections intended for the entry-level and midrange women’s and children’s market. In the case of men and accessories, there will be many premium collections on offer alongside more affordable collections – a sign that brands and buyers are now increasingly making up their collection purchases at attractive prices and with more sophisticated, more expensive pieces.

Brands are now putting their faith in elaborate limited edition collections as lead products.

The fair will feature a national pavilion for the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), with ten exhibitors: Babeeni, Diep Duong, Garment 10 Corporation, Hai Phong Xhan, Hoa Tho Textile, International Fashion, Lewave, Resources Garment, Thai Son S.P. and Thien Nam Investment & Development JSC.

They will be offering accessories, casualwear, unstructured garments, bottom pieces, business wear, formal wear, children’s wear and denim for men, women and children, mainly targeting entry-level and mid-range buyers. Hand embroidery aimed at OTC and top-of-the range brands deserves a special mention. Many brands are being attracted to Vietnam because of the quality and the sourcing solutions which the country and its businesses can offer thanks to free trade agreements with Europe (Eurasian Economic Union – EAEU).

In other respects, Vietnam has become the world’s fourth-largest exporter of textile products on the basis of its first-quarter figures: US$ 12.18 billion and a year-onyear rise of 8.2% in exports to the EU, according to the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). To better appreciate the enthusiasm for Vietnam, a seminar on “the Vietnamese textile and clothing sector: a prosperous, competitive industry” led by Jean-François Limantour , a specialist in both sourcing and Vietnam, is scheduled for Wednesday 16 September at 10.15 hrs.

The trade fair has a full programme, featuring four seminars and numerous fashion shows to reveal the specialities of exhibitors from participating countries.

The seminars on sourcing, apart from the above-mentioned one on Vietnam, will feature two other highly interesting topics: “European garment sourcing in 2015: suppliers, products and markets” and “Garment sourcing management and alternative strategies for industrial offers.” They will enlighten visitors, particularly product and supply chain managers, on the decisions to be taken to optimise sourcing.

On the subject of corporate responsibility, the association Wellmade will present “Trends in sustainable development”, which will provide professionals with information on new innovations and the development of certification.

The fashion shows, a showcase for skills, will allow visitors to evaluate the exhibitors’ products, shown off to their best effect by the artistic director responsible for the programme. Seminars concentrating on countries and types of product are scheduled during the four days. For example, on Tuesday, the theme will be China, unveiling the flagship products of manufacturers from the Shaoxing region. Vietnam and Pakistan will have their turn on Wednesday.

In the case of accessories, two fashion shows will be dedicated to the products featured in Shawls&Scarves, on Monday and Thursday. Visitors will discover the latest developments by manufacturers of shawls and scarves.

The couturier Eymeric François will show his Black Desire collection on Wednesday at 15.00 hrs to mark fifteen years of his fashion house. As for young designers, the finalists in the 2015 Frankfurt Style Award competition will reveal their creations at midday on Monday.

The Apparel Sourcing Paris trade fair is all set to kick off from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 September 2015 at Paris Le Bourget.