After the huge success of International Textile Fair’s maiden edition, the second season of the two-day ITF kicked off on Sunday with a marked increase in European exhibitors. The ITF was inaugurated by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, second vice chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event began with 150 exhibitors from 20 countries. ITF is seeing the participation of apparel brands, local and international buyers, textile traders, fashion designers and design studios.

The fair in its first season hosted 15 Italian companies which has increase to the current season, where 40 Italian textile manufacturers are taking part.

The fair expect to see over 10,000 visitors with a concentration on buyers and traders based in the Middle East. Designers find the fair beneficial as they have the opportunity to source small quantities of fabric directly from the source.

The Fashion Talks have received a good response from both buyers and designers, eager to get insight on international trends. Experts from international agencies Pantone, Peclers Paris, Promostyl and Nelly Rodi along with local institutions like Khawarizmi International College and the Islamic Fashion and Design Council will talk about colour and trend forecasts for 2016.

The ITF is the region’s premier event focusing on textiles and clothing. This event attracts some of the world’s largest manufacturers of fabrics and leading print design studios, offerings buyers, distributors and designers the opportunity to view a large range of textiles from the most prestigious global mills.