Premiere Vision – Shanghai 2011

27 10 2011

Today, October 27th I planned to attend the Premier Vision (PV) tradeshow in Shanghai which I believed to be from October 26 – 27, 2011.  As I did previously I searched the dates on Google, and below is a few of the long list of links in regards to the show:

PV listings for Shanghai fair

The first link was for a 2008 show, so I decided to click the tradeshowalerts listing as it appeared to have the 2011 dates correct, which they claim are October 26th and 27th.

PV Tradeshow alerts listing

I didn’t know where the Sofitel Pudong was so I decided it would be best to call the hotel and inquiry about directions to their hotel.  The location seemed obscure so I decided to ask if the Premiere Vision fair was at their hotel.  They advised me that their hotel is no longer a Sofitel, it is now a JinJiang Hotel and they did not have the PV fair at their hotel.   So back to Google I went to look for another source for my search.

PV Events Eye Listing

The EventsEye.com listing said the event was on October 26th and 27th, 2011 but the venue was different, they said the fair was at  Shanghai Exhibition Center which seemed more in line with a fair.  But I was confused how to reputable sites could have different information.  At the bottom of this website they had a link to the fair, so I decided to click and get the right information.

Premiere Vision website

I found out the show had already past, the dates were October 20th and 21st.  I also found it was held at a different venue from the previous listings, the venue is the Shanghai International Convention Center.   It is funny how their website says “RIGHT TIME / RIGHT PLACE” in big bold letters.  Its like they know the other websites have the wrong dates and address.

As an industry professional wanting to attend the fair I was disappointed to discover I had missed the fair.  But I was delighted that I didn’t spend the day in taxi’s trying to find a fair that had already past.

In regards to the above three listings you need to get your game on if this really is your business.  Premiere Vision my search was for “premiere vision shanghai dates” you should be the first listing… You should also let the other websites now the proper information about your show as it is misleading and not good for business.

Successful sourcing from Shanghai!!!


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Savvy Sourcing

21 07 2011

Below is the front cover and article I wrote for the summer, 2011 edition of City Weekend, Shanghai Home & Office.  All about sourcing and finding reliable suppliers.

Making History, Summer 2011

The Easy Life, Savvy Sourcing Article

Below is the full unabridged aritcle:

In order to find the most reliable, long-term supplier for your needs, you first need to define your scope, distribution, cost/retail price targets, and relationship expectations.  Once you define your needs, you will need to:

  • Search Online
  • Network, ask others in your industry
  • Attend Tradeshows
  • Travel to your ultimate supply chain country to source suppliers
  • Work via an Agent, Trading Firm, or Wholesaler
  • Buy direct from factory/supplier

The easiest and most difficult way to start looking for suppliers is online research, sourcing sites, blogs, and industry publications.   Sourcing sites are great, but on most sourcing sites suppliers are listed at the top of the search based on how much money they pay, not which has been in business the longest, or has the most successful track record, or relevant product to your needs.

Networking by attending industry related events in your community, talking to industry leaders online via blogs

Another option is traveling to the ultimate country which you want to source from; attending industry related sourcing trade fairs, best to go industry specific shows.  You can find about relevant fairs by searching online by product name, country and trade fair.  You can also speak to others within the industry.

Well traveling to your ultimate supply chain country you can hold in-person visits to the factory/supplier to verify and check out their systems, procedures, ethical, social responsibilities, and product quality.  Remember that what you see is not always what you get.  If you choose to do an audit yourself you will need to build your own internal requirements.   Alternatively you can hire a 3rd party like SGS, Intertex, Veriatas, or another industry specific established and trusted 3rd party who specializes in your industry to validate the potential suppliers systems, procedures, ethical, social responsibility.

You will now need to choose the type of relationship you are looking for?  That means are you looking to deal directly with the factory/supplier?  Utilize an Agent, Trading firm, or Wholesaler who can look after factory communication, production management, quality control, and shipping.  Depending on your purchasing quantities it is best to start buying through a wholesaler to validate the business and build your volumes.  Once you start to establish a sizeable order it would be best to go through a reliable and trusted agent or trading company to initial purchase your goods or materials as they can reduce your expenses by overseeing your production and deliverables.  Once established most business professionals prefer to deal direct but it is a fact agents and trading companies have a value hence why Walmart, Nordstroms, Costco, H&M, Zara and many other large institutions still utilize agents or trading companies because they recognize the value and importance.

In closing it is important to plan your business from the end product back to the raw materials, fully understand the product cycle, timelines, ethical and social responsibilities along the way and the costs of everything.  Look at the cost to do it yourself (employee salary, travel, time, expenses, trial and errors) vs. the cost of buying wholesale, via trading company or agent.  In regards to time requirements it can take as long as 6 to 12 months to create a product from concept to delivery at retail level, depending on your business (brand, wholesaler, or retailer) and product type.   One last comment if you are really good (H&M and Zara) and avoid being nitpicky (perfectionists) you can reduce this timeline to 6 – 12 weeks.

Jeffrey Clark has been building brands, importing and exporting products from Asia, Europe, North, Central and South America since 1989.  Jeffrey is based in Shanghai, China; more can be seen on his blog, http://jeffreyliving.com/ or on his B2B garment supply chain platform at http://sourcetheglobe.com/.


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Spin Expo, March 2011

10 03 2011

I am writing about the first and second day of 17th edition Spin Expo that is at the Pudong Expo in Shanghai from March 8 – 10th, 2011.  As mentioned previously the Spin Expo is one of the greatest shows in the apparel industry and is the best show for yarn and fibers in the world.

This edition was different for me and my partner as we both are now involved with the fair.   It was quite an experience to be involved with set up, preparation and show opening.  I know now why this is such an amazing fair, the show founder, creator and visionary is Karine Van Tassel who has been actively involved in the garment industry for over 30 years.  Karine has gathered top talents from around the globe to work on her team to ensure that top exhibitors, supplier and industry professionals get the most out of the three-day fair, but it goes beyond three days with lots of complementing tools and value added services.

The show opened at 9:30am to a mad rush of attendees wanting to check out the trend area and meet with exhibitors… It was like the opening of a store or mall at sale season with the long que (line-up) outside to get in.

early bird gets the worm... first few minutes after opening

Upon entering industry professionals were greeted by the amazingly large trend area with developments from leading global stylists, designers, and suppliers which were divided into four themes and one-well being area, see below for more photos.

Information counter

Colour/Color story

All the themes were about the future, starting with Modernism, Indulgence, Optimism and Contradiction,  The themes all had colour stories, fabric inspirations and silhouette predictions for the future of course.

Future Modernism

Future Modernism - Fabric inspirations and possibilities

Future Modernism - Story board, silhouette, fabric and colour

Future Modernism - Women's silhouette inspirations

Future Modernism - Men's silhouette inspirations

Future Indulgence

Future Indulgence - Men's Inspirations

Future Indulgence - Women's inspirations

Future Indulgence - Women's Inspiration

Future Indulgence - Men's inspirations

Future Optimism

Future Optimism - Fabric inspirations

Future Optimism - The optimistic styles

Future Optimism - Poppy and fun

Future Optimism - Stylish and comfortable

Future Optimism - Angular and colour blocked

Future contradiction

Future contradiction - Representatives of Contradiction

Future contradiction - South of France

Future contradiction - Casual and cool

Future contradiction - I want this ONE... cable knit cardigan

The well-being area was separated into four areas which are highlighted in the pictures below.

Natural processes - Indigo

Luckily I had four pieces featured in the indigo display that I was involved with for sourcing, creative and development, see below for more detail, so if you need help in this area you know who to call.

Natural Indigo Dye shirt, I still can't believe this item was never produced

Natural Processes - Herbs and spices

Natural Processes

Water processes

The show itself was a great success with over 4000 unique visitors and 5500 entries on the first day and over 4000 unique visitors and 7800 entries on the second day.  From the morning to the close of the first and second day the fair was busy.  Below are a few photos from select booths at the fair.

Prime position, this booth was always busy

Taking notes and writing orders

Getting down to business

Full house

Creative conversations

Back in the trend area is was very busy with many people collecting information on silhouettes, fabrics and colours for future seasons:

Fabric and silhouette inspirations

Fabric inspirations

WGSN, StyleSight and the Spin Expo Intelligence team gave live seminars on future trends and predictions in the knitwear industry.

WGSN Presentation

Stylesight Presentation

Spin Expo Intelligence for Exhibitors

If you require any additional information on the Spin Expo fair and what’s in store for the 18th edition this September, 2011 please send me an email at Jeffrey@SpinExpo.com.  You can also check out the 3rd edition in New York this July 18, 19, and 20th, 2011.


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Categories : Garment Sourcing, Tradeshows

Canton Fair – November 2010

14 01 2011

This post is in regards to the canton fair (apparel portion) which ran from October 31st – November 4th, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.

As usual it was difficult to find a last-minute hotel and airfare to Guangzhou during the fair, so it was a costly trip ($1,000 USD for air and hotel from Shanghai) for one person and two nights.  I arrived into Guangzhou on the afternoon of the 1st and I was immediately thrown into the chaos of Guangzhou after leaving the airport.  There was no order with the taxi line at the airport, and when you finally got a taxi it was all about the negotiation of the cost of the ride to your destination.  No meter was in effect, it was all about who was going to pay the highest price or who could I charge the highest price too.  Finally after 15 minutes of negotiation I got a taxi that agreed to charge me by the meter.

Fair Grounds - One building of many

I spent two days at the fair, November 2nd and 3rd.  The first day I took the pre-arranged 8:30am hotel bus to the fair which made for an enjoyable ride.  Upon arrival at the fair, I proceeded through a fenced area and made my way to the registration area.  Thankfully I had brought my badge from a previous Canton fair which made registration swift.  Last year I did not bring my badge and had to wait in a long line and then once at the counter I had t show proof that I had been invited to the Canton fair to gain entrance.  Since I did not bring my badge I also had to pay for the re-issuing of my badge.  This year I made sure I brought my old badge.

Upon entering the fair there was a swarm of people in the main hallways.

Main aisle way, connecting buildings and halls

I arrived at the fair before 9:00am prior to the fair opening so I waited patiently in line for the area I wanted to visit to open.  Once it opened everyone rushed in but most booths were still closed.

9:00am, fair and hall opening

Once the doors opened and the people dispersed the aisle ways for apparel manufacturers and suppliers was brisk.

The apparel aisle way at noon

Many aisle ways had Yellow tape and bumps on the floor which highlighted the large cabling that ran underneath the carpet.  This made the show look cheap and not so professional.  The cable was an inconvenience to many who walk the aisle ways.

Aisle way troubles

This year I experienced the same issue I experienced at the previous (2009) Canton fair.  The Canton fair used to be one of the leading fairs for sourcing of garment manufacturers and suppliers of fabrics of trims.  But now it is a brand fair, which highlights Chinese brands looking to expand domestically and internationally.

Floor stickers on most aisle ways

I also noticed that atleast six suppliers I meet with were not the same company as the name advertised on their booth.  The company in the booths expressed to me that they had purchased the booth from the vendor (exhibited on the booth) to exhibit at the fair.

Another major issue as the day got closer to a close many people (exhibitors) were looking for an afternoon nap, some took up hiding behind their product, and others went to chairs away from their booth.

Apparel area - afternoon nap (2:45pm)

Accessories area - afternoon nap (1:50pm)

In conclusion I find the canton fair is no longer a leading sourcing fair for apparel makers, fabric and trim suppliers.  It was disappointing to walk up and down many isles to find limited resources.  If you are looking for Chinese brands this maybe a fair for you to attend.

Happy and successful sourcing from Guangzhou, China


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Categories : Garment Sourcing, Tradeshows

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Fair

28 11 2010

I am writing about the Intertextile trade fair that was held in Shanghai, China from October 19 – 22, 2010.  The show was held in conjunction with the Cinte Techtextil China Fair which ran in one hall (W5) from October 19 – 21.  The Intertextile fair was held in ten other halls (W and E) in two buildings at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

This was my fourth time attending the Intertextile fair since moving to China in 2008.  Thankfully I planned my return flight from Toronto and New York to Shanghai on October 18th (arrival on 19th) so I could attend the fair on the 20th through 22nd.

I decided to take the subway as there was a new station (line 7, Huama Road) that recently opened that went directly to the Expo centre.  The subway was brisk on the 2nd day but crowed on the third and final day.  The travel time (40 minutes one-way) was comparable depending on the traffic and the cost savings was 8rmb vs 80rmb by cab from Xintiandi (return).  For most the subway is about convenience, minimal lines, minimal delays, no bargaining, or difficulties with explaining directions or location.

The second day of the fair I arrived at 10:00am and needed to register, thankfully there were now two registration areas and the one I choose was closer to the subway station and hall W5.  The other was 5 halls (15 minute walk) away between hall W and E and was the main registration area.  Picture below from the secondary registration area:

Intertextile Fair Registration

It was particularly nice to see that no cameras or mobile phones were allowed in the fairs as well they had really high fencing in case some decided to climb over to cut into line.  I think it was unnecessary but amusing. Once I got through the fence maze I was inside the registration area but was redirected back outside to the other side where I needed to fill in the registration form.  See below photos from the registration form counter and the line up once you completed the registration form.

Registration Area

Outside line up to submit registration form

Once I completed the form, I decided to look for alternatives to the half hour line to submit my registration, so I went back inside and spoke to some staff and was allowed to check in quickly as an international attendee, from registration entrance to the show entrance it took seven minutes.

Fair Entrance - badge scanning

Once in the hall I quickly located the area where I could pick up and show directory and map in exchange for two business cards.  At that point I decided it would be a good opportunity to catch the view from upstairs looking over the show floor:

Photo from the show floor

Now it was time to find fabrics for my clients as per their very specific needs.   For the next three days I walked endlessly up and down every isle of interest looking for the one needle in the haystack.  Thankfully I found a hundred potential suppliers, see below photos of some of the fabrics I selected for the client’s needs:

Woven shirting - 80x80, 140x120

Woven shirting - double-faced 40x40

Woven shirting - water brushed 80/2x80/2, 160x90

Woven shirting - Two sided brushed 32x32, 90x80

Knit shirts – Polyester Linen

Woven bottom - Right hand twill, Cotton, Polyester, Spandex

Woven outerwear - Polyester, 50Dx50D, 185x106

Woven Outerwear - Nylon, Polyester

Woven outerwear - 100% Nylon

Knit outerwear - 100% wool

Knit outerwear - 100% wool

Knit jacket - Acrylic Wool

Woven outerwear - Wool, Nylon

Woven outerwear - Wool, Nylon

Knit jackets - 100% Wool

Throughout the show I noticed multiple areas that highlighted country, fabric and trim trend areas.  It was enforced that there was no photography allowed, and security staff were on hand to make sure you were not taking pictures.  Thankfully during the show I stopped by the show office and got a media badge (photography allowed) and was allowed to share the photos below with you:

Japan Fashion Week (JFW) - Japan Creation

JFW - Garment inspirations

JFW - Garment inspirations

JFW - Theme inspirations

JFW - Fabric inspirations

Intertextile - Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 Fabric trends

Intertextile - Layers of time fabric trends

Intertextile - Fabric trends (no photography sign)

Intertextile - Fabric trends

Intertextile - Northern shelter garment inspirations

Intertextile - Trim Trends

Intertextile - Trim trends

Throughout the show lots of people were looking for a place to rest, sleep or eat below were a few options with attendees and exhibitors seizing the moments away:

Outdoor bench - fresh air or smoke?

Indoor seating - Rest or sleep

Indoor seating - sleepy time

All in all the Intertextile show is one of the most informative fabric shows in Asia.  I find that the Shanghai show is usually twice the size of the Beijing show.   If you are making clothes and buying fabrics this is a great fair to attend.  If you are unable to attend make sure you send someone on your behalf.

Happy fabric sourcing from Shanghai, China.


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Spin Expo, Sept 2010, Hong Kong Polytechnic University Fashion Show

16 11 2010

Immediately after the Santoni Fashion show there was another show highlighting the designs of students and teachers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.  I decided it would be best to stick around as I had a great front row seat.

The show started off as a colorful and imaginative with lots of cutouts, imagery, and prints.  But then became dark and gloomy before the crisp White and light Grey techno inspirations hit the floor.  Then the runway changed again to an eclectic look followed by a feminine male, contemporary female and finished with futuristic look.

Below is a review of the show:

 

Featuring Spin Expo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Runway

My Cloudland by Libra Tang

Survival of the Fittest by To Kwok-wai

Runway

Antoni Gaudi by Cass Chow

Sempiternal by Jessica Lo

Animal Instinct by Victoria Cheung

BIO-Synthesis by Natalie Yau

Mercurial Femininity by Charlotte Ma

Runway Finale

All in all it there was a gamma of looks with varying fits, styles, finishes and looks… there was something for everyone.  I was hoping to list the designer names to each and every runway above, but that quickly became a F/T job, so instead if you would like to know who the designers were, please click here: HKPU Programme Rundown v2

Always the best from Shanghai to you… Peace, Love, and Happiness


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Spin Expo Sept, 2010 Santoni Fashion Show

8 11 2010

On the first day of Spin Expo I noticed that they were having regular fashions shows, and I attended the Santoni fashion show.

The fashion shows were held in one of the tents and I got there early so I was lucky to get a seat in the front row, below are some images from the show:

Preparation for the show

Runway

Runway

Runway

Runway

Runway

Runway

Runway finale

I was impressed by the show and after-wards I headed to the 3rd floor to the Santoni booth to see and touch their products.  I also meet with management; we discussed machinery costs, product development, processes, and machinery placement.  It was an educational and informative session but they are missing the boat on execution and placement.

I tried to point out the obvious but it appeared as management would rather have the old and comfortable over a new perspective and idea, strange since the machinery is revolutionary.


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Spin Expo, September 2010

12 10 2010

Where to start…  hum this a question I usually don’t ask but today and since the show it has been my reality… how many parts should be in this blog?  Part I, Part II, Part III, etc… These days it is starting to feel like I don’t have enough time so unfortunately I will not be able to share everything with you.  If you would like an in-depth overview or have a specific product or business need you can contact me directly.

This post is about the Spin Expo that was held at the Pudong Expo in Shanghai from September 7th through 9th, 2010.  As last year’s expo was my highlight trade fair, I was excited about the show and wanted to be there early for the opening day but was delayed until noon time.  It was a beautiful and extremely hot (35c+) Shanghai summer day.  Upon arrival I noticed tents on both sides of the expo and a sign pointing to the direction of the entry.

Pudong Expo and registration sign

I then walked stage right til the next tent but I was advised that was not the entrance and I was told to continue around the corner til I got to the registration which was outside in the heat.   It was sweltering hot and everyone around was sweating, including me.

Form registration

Badge collection, ID verification

After getting my badge I quickly proceeded to the tent for a quick glimpse of what was in store.  Upon entry I was quickly stopped by a hulking security guard who didn’t like my badge placement, he requested that I move it from my bag to my neck.  I was not quick enough to jump and he was getting angry by the second, when I finally moved it, he looked at me like I was lucky he let me in.

Now past the hulking security guard I could proceed into fantasy land.  The room was full of developments, swatches, and stories which was a great delight to see.

Fabric trends

Fabric Trends

Hanging Fabric Trends

Accessories Developments by Carruthers Associates

Accessories Developments by Carruthers Associates

Developments by Sophie Stellar

Developments by Sophie Stellar

Developments by Sophie Stellar

Knitwear Development with metal string

Developments by Sophie Stellar

Developments by Sophie Stellar

Developments by Sophie Stellar

The first day I spent the whole afternoon on the ground floor in lah lah land and chatted with product developers, trending companies, exhibitors and attendees about all the excitement and joy, then before I knew it the show was over…. Thankfully only for the day, the next morning I made sure I was back at the show earlier as I still had allot to see.

On the second day I went back to the inspiration floor for another look at what I possible missed and then I was off to the 2nd and 3rd floors.  On the second floor there were great inspirations and suppliers to be found, see below images of products.

knit developments - cotton

knit developments - cotton

knit developments - cotton

Knit developments - super wash wool

Knit developments - cashmere

Knit developments cashmere with sequins and beads

The mop look - cashmere

Gradient - acrylic, wool, poly

knit developments - mercerized wool, metallic

On the third floor the heat was on as the air conditioning units were not working well and many people were complaining and sweat talking or walking.  On the positive side the show vibe was incredible; many suppliers had taking the lead and highlighted their own product, fabric and color trends and invested more dollars into their branding (Corporate, Booth) and execution.   Then there were other suppliers who went half way and then forget about what they were doing so they were not as well represented.  Those booths that went the distance had a constant buzz and attention throughout the show.   See images from the show floor:

Supplier Trends

Kint Developments - Acrylic, Alpaca

Bubble developments

Pima Cotton, Top Wool

Superfine Merino Wool, Cashmere

Extra Fine Merino Wool

Fine Merino Wool, Low Piling Acrylic

Extra Fine Merino Wool, Bamboo

Knit Developments

Knit Developments

Knitwear Developments

Knitwear Developments - Warp

Wool, Acrylic

Wool, Polyester

Supplier Trends

Supplier Trends

Supplier Trends

Exhibitor LOve

Exhibitor LOve

Models on the floor

All in all this is one of the best fairs to attend in Asia and most likely the world.  If you are the business of knitwear make sure you don’t miss this show.  If you can’t attend make sure you have someone on the ground looking out for your needs and wants. On my first day at the show I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to chat with the founder of the show and her passion and intelligence exudes out of her every word.  She is a talented woman who has a great team; I look forward to working with her in the near future.

Always the best and happy knitwear sourcing from Shanghai, China.

Jeffrey


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Ningxia Buying Mission (Lingwu) Cashmere Industrial Park – Part III

27 09 2010

This is a continuation from the afternoon of the 2nd day of the Ningxia Buying Mission.  After a fabulous lunch we were back on the bus and heading to the Cashmere Industrial Park to check on a few yarn, knitting, and garment making operators.

It was a large of group of buyers led by delegates, factory general managers and VIP’s, see below photo from the parking lot:

Buyers, Delegates, General Managers, and VIP's

We arrived into the first factory which was spotless with pristine machines churning out the cashmere fibers (Goat hair) to yarn.  Below are photos from the animal fiber conversion to the final products:

Cashmere Fiber Machines

Cashmere fibers in the Machine

Cashmere Fiber Machine

Cashmere fiber being bagged

Cashmere Fiber Churning

Colored Fiber Collection

Endless technology for yarn

Non-stop efficiency

The final product - Cashmere bedding

The Final Product - Cashmere dress

The Final Product - Cashmere sweater/jacket

We then went to our second factory which was again spotless with pristine machines which was converting the yarns to final products:

endless Cashmere yarn machines

Purple Cashmere yarn made just for you

Magical world of Cashmere

Cashmere production line - finishing

Attaching the seams, one needle at a time

Cashmere production - quality control light box

The final product - Cashmere sweater

The final product - cashmere sweater

All in all in was a fabulous educational and enlightening day… meeting a good group of people and seeing the world of how cashmere is made… and that there are actually a few Cashmere Industrial Park’s in the world.

Happy Cashmere sourcing from Northwest China…


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Ningxia Buying Mission (Lingwu) Opening Ceremony & Fashion Show – Part II

15 09 2010

On the 2nd day of our Ningxia Buying Mission we were up early again for breakfast and a 7:30am departure for our one hour bus journey to Lingwu for the opening ceremony of The Third Ningxia Lingwu International Cashmere Expo and China (Lingwu) International Fashion Design Contest.

We arrived into Lingwu on a beautiful and sunny Saturday to a gala Red Carpet entry with a long line of spectators cheering, clapping and shaking hands.  See below photos from the reception:

Red carpet welcome reception -Lingwu, China

Student welcome with noise makers and flowers

Students shaking hands with guests

Worker reception - welcoming new business

At the end of the Red Carpet there was a traditional Chinese marching band welcoming the guests, see below photo:

Chinese Marching Band

In front if the seating was a live Dragon performance, see photo below:

Chinese Dragon Performance

Below is a photo from the stage with delegates and guests who gave a brief introduction of the region and industry.  Below that is another photo of the many rows of guest seating.

Stage - Delegates and Guests

Lingwu, China Expo Guests

After 20 minutes of speeches in the heat, the delegates celebrated the opening of the show.  Fireworks, smoke clouds, and pigeons were sent into the sky, see below photo:

Opening Lingwu Expo

After the opening ceremony we were given a coupon which entitled the guests to a free gift (beautiful cashmere/wool scarf from Philosofie)  which we collected back at the entry of the show.  Then we loaded back on the bus and went to the  hall for the opening ceremony and fashion show of the China (Lingwu) International Cashmere Design Contest 2010.

Lingwu Fashion Design Contest Delegates

The show was beautifully orchestrated, and I enjoyed the experience thoroughly.  It was like a miniature project runway, where 24 students and independent designers submitted their cashmere designs for a runway presentation.  The designers worked with select cashmere suppliers on all the finished products.

China (Lingwu) International Cashmere Design Contest 2010

This is where and when I recognized I needed a professional camera as my point and shoot did not do the show justice.  My apologies in advance for the poor quality of these images.  If you would like to sponsor me with a proper camera let me know?  In exchange I can give you a name mention and advertising on the blog which gets thousands of hits.  Now back to the fashion show and the great execution of the show, the contestants, the materials, the stage, and more.

Designer: ZHANG Le, Theme: Double Poppy

Designer: YIN Hongmei, Theme: Cashmere Awakening

Designer: ZHU Shengwei, Theme: From Tradition to Novelty

The only men's collection by Designer: TIAN Hongbo, Theme: The Way of Presentation

Designer: LUO Hui, Theme: Square & Round

Designer: WANG Wencao, Theme: Urban Code

Designer: ZHANG Yuwen, Theme: Habit & Life

Designer: ZHAO Weiwei, Theme: Capriccio

Designer: CHENG Yingfen, Theme: All in One

Designer: NIU Zhengyu, Theme: Cashmere- Blue

Designer: ZHU Yilin, Theme: Urban Neon

Designer: BAI Xue, Theme: Jackstraw in Cornfield

Designer: ZU Hui, Theme: Distant Nobility

After the fashion show there was a performance from a traditional flute player and an acrobatic saxophonist.

What will they think of NEXT?

Amazingly good

After the performances is was back to the fashion show awards and announcement of the runners-up and winner.

Runners up and the first prize winner

After the fashion show we went for a fabulous lunch that was put on by the hosts.  After lunch we went to visit a Cashmere industrial park, you will have to wait til Part III for that post.

All in all in was a great opening ceremony and even better fashion show.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to experience both.  I look forward to seeing future shows.  If you have any direct interests, please send me a message otherwise you can leave your comments below.

Cheers with much success from Northwest China…

At the end of the Red Carpet there was a traditional Chinese marching band welcoming the guests, see below photo:


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