At the recent Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, European exhibitors were represented well as SalonEurope had put up a number of zones. These included Germany, Turkey and Portugal pavilions. In addition, SalonEurope also had the Mailano Unica Pavilion, hosting some of the most prestigious textile companies from Italy. Speaking about the demand and interest in high-end Italian products, Alessandra Pieralli from Milano Unica exhibitor Furpile Idea SpA says, “China is attracted to Italian fashion style and influenced by Italian creativity.”

There is plenty of potential for further growth, particularly in the high-end market. As luxury fabric maker Lanificio Faliero Sarti points out, “We have seen a slight improvement in the Chinese market but it has to grow a lot more to become really interesting for women’s high-end fashion,” said Owner Mauriziio Sarti.

Besides the Italian brands at SalonEurope French ribbon and trim specialist Satab too attended to generate new business leads in China. “Chinese buyers were looking for different styles including ones that reference the atmosphere of Paris in black, grey and white,” summed up Fashion Division Manager Agnes Colombet.