Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

After welcoming nearly 95,000 visitors from 131 countries and regions (2024: nearly 90,000 from 116), curtains closed for the global apparel flagship on 13 March, signalling a successful end to the international Spring / Summer 2026 sourcing season for apparel textiles and accessories. As buyers crossed paths with over 3,100 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), a wide range of industry players was represented onsite and optimistic about future business. Key highlights included the Spring Edition debut of Econogy Hub; the spring show’s largest-ever Japan Pavilion, Hong Kong Pavilion and France Zone; 13 Econogy Talks seminars; and two new display areas for functional fashion.

Ms Shea continued: “Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics is a platform that offers opportunities to the entire industry, no matter the size of the company, where they’re from, or the type of product, and the fantastic participation of returning and new exhibitors and visitors this spring demonstrates their votes of confidence.”

From fashion fabrics and accessories and functional fashion, to sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, prospects for the industry’s future were on show across the show’s seven halls. In addition to a host of domestic exhibitors grouped by product end use, the fair gave a platform to seven country and region pavilions and zones (France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Türkiye), three group pavilions (Ecocert, Korea Textile Center, and Lenzing), and seven featured zones (Digital Printing Zone, Digital Solutions Zone, Econogy Hub, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design).

Compared to the previous Spring Edition, there was an overseas exhibitor increase of nearly 15%, with a more than 50% return rate, while over 100 suppliers made their debuts in the International Hall. Beyond showcasing at their booths, exhibitors submitted visual-tactile samples to not only the Intertextile Directions Trend Forum, but also to two new display zones: The CUBE (Functional Lab), and the Functional Suiting Display Area (Premium Wool Zone).
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

The 60th edition of JEC World 2025 marked a new milestone as the largest JEC World ever, attracting over 45,000 professional visits from 94 countries, 29 per cent coming from France, with 27 regional and national pavilions and hosting more than 1,350 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and a very strong increase in business relationships as part of the JEC business meetings programme.

After three days of intense business interactions, expertise sharing, and knowledge exchange, JEC World 2025 reaffirmed the pivotal role of the composites industry in building a more sustainable future. Under the unifying theme ‘Pushing the Limits’, the event showcased the extraordinary versatility and innovation of composite materials that continue to redefine lightweighting, performance, and design possibilities for an increasing number of applications.

With more than 600 new products and innovations launched during this year’s show, JEC World remains the best place to introduce new developments to the global market. The JEC Composites Innovation Awards recognised 11 collaborative achievements, reflecting the industry’s dedication to providing new solutions for all application sectors of composites.

For its 8th edition, the JEC Composites Startup Booster competition, now firmly established as the leading competition for start-ups in the advanced materials sector, rewarded 3 companies from Netherlands, Spain and the US for their impressive market potential.

The Live Demo zone was particularly visible on the show floor and well attended over the three days. This feature, highlighting automated and robotised processes, including large-scale additive manufacturing technologies, together with more than 100 machines available on exhibitors’ booths, made the JEC World experience unique. 59 per cent of the exhibition space has already been booked for the next edition, which will take place from March 10 to 12, 2026.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) raincoats shall be classified under HSN 3926 as plastic articles and attract a goods and services tax (GST) of 18 per cent, the West Bengal Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) recently ruled responding to applications filed by Dollar and Aristocrat brands.

PVC, being highly durable and water-resistant, is an ideal material for crafting raincoats as protective outerwear.

Aristocrat argued that PVC raincoats are functionally made as protective outerwear and must be included under HSN Code 6201 as apparel articles.

Aristocrat’s counsel referred to a ruling by the Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR) in the case of NZ Seasonal Wear Pvt Ltd that categorised similar PVC raincoats under HSN Code 6201, acknowledging them as textile garments due to their composition and intended use.

The West Bengal bench noted that synthetic polymer PVC is covered under Chapter 39 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975. It stressed that the chapter notes of Section XI, which deals with textile articles, exclude materials that are categorised under Chapter 39, according to media reports from the state.

Even though PVC raincoats serve as protective outerwear, their composition and manufacturing process make them plastic articles instead of textile garments, the bench ruled.
 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

The full spectrum of apparel textiles will be apparent across seven halls of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition, one of the largest meeting places for the global industry. At the flagship fair, taking place 11 – 13 March, over 3,100 exhibitors are set to showcase fashion fabrics and accessories; functional fashion; sustainability; and digital transformation, while these themes will be echoed at the show’s fringe programme.  

International and domestic exhibitors showcase selections across 190,000 sqm

The International Hall (5.1) will give a platform to exhibitors from 25 countries and regions, with new exhibiting countries including Bangladesh, Belgium, Egypt, Sweden, and Thailand. Featured zones include the Digital Solutions Zone, Econogy Hub, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone, SalonEurope, and Verve for Design. In conjunction with the hall’s featured zones and standalone booths, there will be various European and Asian pavilions and zones, as well as group pavilions from leading companies.

Across the fairground, domestic suppliers will be grouped by product end-use, with categories including Accessories Vision (Hall 1.2); Beyond Denim (7.2); ladieswear (5.1, 7.1 & 8.1); suiting and shirting (6.1); dyeing auxiliaries, functional wear and sportswear (6.2); as well as casualwear, synthetic leather and fur, lingerie, and children and infants wear (7.2).

It will take place alongside Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, CHIC and PH Value at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

 

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Pearl Academy, India’s leading institution for creative education, made its grand return to London Fashion Week in partnership with Fashion Week & The City (FWTC).  Four remarkable designers from Pearl Academy showcased their work for the first time at one of the fashion industry’s most iconic events. This opportunity represents a key milestone for Pearl Academy, strengthening its role as a driving force in aligning developing talent with global exposure.

Held at St. John Church, Hyde Park, the Pearl Academy Show was more than just a runway presentation—it was a statement, showcasing the institution’s unique pedagogy that nurtures complete creative professionals, seamlessly blending technical expertise with bold artistic vision. As fashion becomes increasingly global, the need for exposure on international platforms has never been more critical, and Pearl Academy is at the forefront of bridging that gap for its students and alumni.

The Pearl Academy Show at London Fashion Week highlights the institution’s steadfast commitment to fostering the next generation of design innovators who are shaping the future of fashion. Through a focus on mentorship, hands-on training, and industry collaborations, Pearl Academy equips its students with the skills and global exposure needed to excel in the ever-evolving fashion world.

As fashion continues to evolve, Pearl Academy’s presence at London Fashion Week reinforces an important truth—Indian design talent is no longer merely participating in global conversations; it is leading them. This showcase is more than a milestone—it represents a movement, solidifying Pearl Academy’s position as a global leader in creative education.