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!!!

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 3^rd party like SGS, Intertex, Veriatas, or another industry specific established and trusted 3^rd 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/.

We started the journey in the early morning (7:00am) and as you got closer to the burial grounds there was plenty of traffic and people making the climb up the hill…

Swarms of cars and people making the trek

Once you got onto the pedestrian only road there was an abundance of vendors selling snacks and flowers…

Colorful floral display, fruit and snacks with plenty of consumers

The burial grounds were well organized plots, with pathways for people to climb and visit a special burial.  Below is a photo from the bottom of the hill.

View of the hillside

The next challenge was to make the hike up the hill to Kit’s mother’s burial… It was hugely rewarding journey

Once we reached the burial it was a ritual to give fruits, flowers, light incense, and burn silver paper that was folded.

RIP "Rest in Peace"

Paper burning

"View from above"

After the prayers and ritual is what time to hike back down the hill and head for lunch…

"The decent"

There were plenty of other families that surround us and were doing the same… many tears were shed and prayers said allowed… everyone bowed to the burial… It was great and enlightening experience.  Thank you to Kit and her relatives for the hospitality, openness and for sharing the experience.

Love is life… life is LOVE

I would like to apologize to everyone I touched for the impolite burp; I am now back on the path of enlightenment, health, happiness, and drive…   sharing my wealth of information, intelligence, passion, understanding of business and life.  I hope to resume posts this month and will continue to share my true life stories from around the globe.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and acceptance.

Peace, Love and Harmony

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 18^th 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.

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 1^st 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 2^nd and 3^rd.  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

Village Life - Dongguan

I wrote the English version and have made requests for translation in Chinese (simplified and traditional) to Chinese nationals who are business professionals and friends, I will add to this document as I receive.  You can also submit your Chinese translation to the comment area or send it directly to me.  If you do add to the comment area it would be appreciated if you could give a brief (one sentence) background on yourself (occupation and location) as an introduction.

To all readers as I expressed I wrote this document in English so if there are any variances please refer to the English but please remember “This is China” so everyone is allowed to acknowledge, adapt and change as they see fit.

Moving product - Wuzhen

In my journey to China I have chosen to specialize in fashion manufacturing and retail.  I am here to provide solutions and results for businesses and people.

Local Transportation - Keqiao

This is CHINA is about a growing nation with demands and needs like no other.  Many attempt to come here to thrive but only a few actually survive. Why?  Well one major reason is China is different, it is not the same as most other countries.  Many come with their own ideas and philosophies that are proven in their country but again as I hear from my local Chinese friends and colleagues, “This is China”

Cardboard Recycling - Shanghai

What is meant by “This is China” is one major rule… Acknowledge, adapt and change, play by our rules and policies or leave. We (China) have an economy of 1.3 billion and growing, maturing and we have a different process of controlling and fueling the economy.   We (China) have learnt from many great and successful economies and have acknowledged, adapted and changed what we want to suit our people and our nation, “This is China” we do business our way.  Get used to it or leave. We don’t need you “This is China”.  Please don’t honk your horn as we are not listening!!!

One thing that always blows me away is the ignorance of many that conduct business within China.  They don’t pay attention to one major fact “This is China” and the way we (Chinese) think, communicate, and do business is different.  You are our guest and you will need to acknowledge, adapt and change or leave.

Saving FACE, China and Chinese are very proud, to some pride can be seen as arrogance.  For those this is ignorance. Saving face, this applies to everyone who is involved.  It amazes me how many big multi nationals, countries, and small companies come to China and demand China to change.  Those that do forget “This is China”, this is our country, our nation, our people, our policies, our laws, and our language.  We (Chinese) ask you to respect the above and beyond and play by our rules in our country or don’t play.

Could you imagine a world if everyone “Saved Face” and respected the country or company they were in. Or are you one of those people or companies that demand that everyone change for your needs?

Again “This is China” please respect our country, companies, and people…  We (Chinese) ask you to acknowledge, adapt and change when you are in our country if you would like to do business in China.

In many ways, Chinese people are the same, we as humans share brains, emotions, feelings and illnesses.  We share the same seven deadly sins – wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony.  We share the five senses, sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

In business we (businesses) only exist, grow and prosper if there is a profit.   But one thing that is majorly different is “this is China” we do things our way.

China is a county made up of 1.3 billion people with strong beliefs and attitudes.  There are thirty-eight spoken dialects and three written.  The country is the largest in the world by population and is the fourth largest in the world by mass.  In the next five years it will be the number ONE economy in the world. The fact is China is growing and will be a dominant figure in the future of the world.

This is China… We welcome you to our land, our country and our people.  But please respect our beliefs, attitudes and actions.  This is China we do it differently. Acknowledge, adapt, change or leave.

In closing I am here (China) with my life partner we share the same philosophies, ideas and beliefs.  We are here to acknowledge, adapt and change.  Between us we speak four languages and have over 30 years work experience.  We live, breath and adapt in China.  We are available to provide you with guidance and advice as it pertains to life and business in China as you need but since this is China we are not cheap but we are excellent  We look forward to seeing you in or outside China.  But wherever it is please be considerate as “This is China”

Only the best from China to YOU

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 18^th (arrival on 19^th) so I could attend the fair on the 20^th through 22^nd.

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 2^nd 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

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.

Xintiandi Style Runway Setup

After walking the runway, I decided to check out the mall… It looks fancy, sharp and classy.  I am sure it is expensive but the major challenge in Shanghai these days are there are many malls opening this fall alone.  The Xintiandi Style mall appeared to be 80% full with tenants but there were only a few people wondering throughout with most of the people not carrying bags from recent purchases.

Today I was back in Xintiandi for lunch and noticed further developments with the stage and decided it would be best to ask a staff member when the show would begin.  I was advised the show would begin at 2:00pm and it now was 1:40pm, so I decided to stick around to catch the action.  One problem is I had no camera with me, so the photos you are about to see are from my iPhone 3.

Xintiandi Style - View towards the new mall and stage

Xintiandi Style - Runway street crossing

VIP Entrance Staff and Security

The drinks that no one touched

VIP Sitting and Center Stage

Harley Davidson - Ride On - Show Opening

The Models - Kids take to the runway

Models - Son and Mom

Models on Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

Models - Runway

The Runway from a models perspective

The show was long and after 20 minutes I decided it would be best to get back to work and share the action with you.

Always the best from Xintiandi in Shanghai to you…

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