From June 11 to 13, 2025, Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics 2025 and Yarn Expo Shenzhen were successfully held in Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Futian, one of China’s leading apparel manufacturing cities.
Attracting nearly 40,000 visits from 64 countries and regions, the event underscored its global reach while being held concurrently with PH Value and BIRD Fashion Fair. The strong turnout reaffirmed South China’s growing status as a global hub for innovation in the textile and fashion industries. This year’s edition stood out for its wide-ranging material offerings, as well as cutting-edge proposals focused on AI, digital transformation, and sustainable supply chain solutions, solidifying the event’s role as a powerful international business platform.
Future-Forward Fashion Zones from Shenzhen
Among the highlights of this year’s show were two newly launched themed zones that captured the industry’s future-oriented momentum.
The first, Fashion Gallery, presented a diverse selection of materials spanning womenswear, sportswear, functional apparel, and lingerie. Exhibitors included forward-thinking research institutions such as AiDLab and the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, showcasing a creative intersection of fashion and technology.
The second zone, The Closet, served as a stage for sustainable innovation. Organizations such as the Sustainable Fashion Apparel Association (SFAA), Mint Studio, and the Hong Kong Fur Federation unveiled a variety of eco-conscious products, including organic and recycled fabrics. Traditional craftsmanship was reimagined through advanced techniques, with standout items such as mud-dyed silk and enzyme-washed denim demonstrating the fusion of artisanal heritage and modern innovation.
A New Horizon for the Apparel Industry Through AI and Digitalization
Running alongside the exhibition, the Digital Application Trend Forum focused on full-process digitalization, spanning from design and planning to production and logistics. Institutions such as the Shenzhen Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Promotion Association and the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) took the stage to share real-world applications of AI in process optimization, sustainable logistics strategies, and global technology integration.
The Intertextile Forum, under the theme “Supply Chain Restructuring: Digital Intelligence-Driven Resilient Breakthrough”, tackled how companies can balance flexibility and sustainability amid shifting market conditions.
In addition to digital transformation and sustainability, the show also explored emerging themes such as identity redefinition and immersive experiences using 3D avatars and AI-driven tools. These discussions reflected the industry’s increasing interest in how technology can reshape both creative expression and consumer engagement in fashion.
Olivia Lee, founder of LIVVIUM and a speaker at the show, shared her perspective from Hong Kong: “ I believe it’s crucial to discuss the entire supply chain – from textiles to design – especially as we enter a new era of innovation like 3D digital fashion. My goal is to inspire others to think differently about their processes. By sharing insights and experiences, speakers and participants alike contributed to a vibrant dialogue about the future of fashion in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Premium Materials and Global Collaboration Take Center Stage
With over 650 exhibitors participating, the show featured a strong international presence, including brands and manufacturers from Japan, Korea, Germany, and Italy. Notably, the Japan and Korea pavilions drew considerable attention for their offerings in recycled textiles and high-performance fabrics, with active buyer-supplier engagement throughout the fair.
Leading global brands such as Adidas, ASOS, Levi’s, Zara, Lululemon, and 6ixty8ight were among the attending buyers, seeking partners across every stage of the supply chain—from sourcing to product development. The event also welcomed major buying groups, including the Singapore Fashion Council and the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, underscoring the expanding regional cooperation across Asia.
Michael Lee, Sales Manager at Italian company Policarpo, reflected on the event, saying, “I believe South China, particularly Shenzhen, has a strong market for fashion, especially for women’s apparel. My experience at Intertextile Shenzhen has been very productive, and we’ve seen a diverse range of customers, primarily from China, but also from Europe.”
William Sun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Fur Federation, shared his positive experience, noting, ”Exhibiting at Intertextile Shenzhen allowed us to educate industry players about the sustainable and ethical aspects of modern fur production. We enjoyed strong interest from visitors, encouraging collaborations and expanding our network in ladieswear and menswear. The fair’s setting was ideal for connecting with potential clients in South China, opening doors for innovative applications.”
Justin Ko, Senior Marketing Officer at AiDLab, commented on the growing demand for intelligent solutions in fashion: “We are showcasing AI technology solutions for clothing and textiles. As a research institute focused on AI, we develop innovative applications for clothing testing and fashion design. AI significantly improves efficiency in traditional processes, simplifying and accelerating tasks. During the fair, we noticed strong interest from visitors and met potential partners. we are satisfied with our results here in Shenzhen.”
Wilmet Shea, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, also shared her thoughts as the show concluded:
“It is clear that South China continues to thrive as a major hub for fashion production and design, with thousands of fashion brands across various segments. The market is evolving rapidly, driven by trends in e-commerce and consumer demand. This was evident throughout the fair, particularly in the diverse fabric sourcing options and the integration of digital AI solutions that cultivated collaboration and innovation. We are proud to have created a business-friendly platform for stakeholders across the value chain, while also providing a stage for experts to share valuable insights on innovative topics.”
The next edition, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition, will take place from September 2 to 4, 2025, alongside Yarn Expo Autumn at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
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