Autumn edition of China’s largest fashion and lifestyle trade fair closed successfully

The guiding theme of the Autumn edition – the “Autumn Picnic” – added a distinctive touch to the fair: in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, business, creativity, and lifestyle merged into one inspiring experience. The picnic metaphor stood for exchange, community, and openness, highlighting the communicative and innovative spirit of the fair.

“CHIC is far more than an exhibition – it is a strategic hub where the future of the fashion economy takes shape. With the Autumn 2025 edition, we demonstrated that China’s apparel industry continues to show innovation, resilience, and global appeal, even in a challenging environment. International brands find here the right partners, distribution channels, and market opportunities", said Chen Dapeng, Vice President, China National Textile Council; President, China National Garment Association and CHIC

CHIC Exhibitors

The autumn fair presented the full spectrum of the industry: intelligent manufacturing, digital supply chain solutions, production processes aligned with ESG criteria – environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and transparently managed – and over 100,000 SKUs (product variants). Innovations ranged from outdoor and streetwear to silk and cotton to avant-garde designer collections.

CHIC IMPULSES

CHIC Autumn 2025 also highlighted the global relevance of Chinese designer labels. Several brands that have already showcased at prestigious platforms such as Pitti Uomo in Florence presented their collections in Shanghai, underscoring how Chinese design has firmly established itself on the international stage. Labels such as May D. Wang and other representatives of a new creative generation combine craftsmanship with innovative concepts and cultural identity. With their dual presence – in Florence and Shanghai – these brands exemplify the growing interconnection of the global fashion world, while positioning themselves as key drivers of inspiration for the Chinese market.

CHIC HIGHLIGHTS

Further key highlights included lifestyle-oriented apparel and sportswear, which emerged as clear growth categories from market leaders such as Zhangzhen Jeans, Zhijin County Batik Embroidery, and Muye Zhanfang. “Guo Feng” (national style), embraced by younger generations as an expression of cultural confidence and national pride, was prominently represented by Shang Jiu Kai, Jixiang Yijia, Yinyou, and Guopu. Technological innovations attracted strong attention, with smart production equipment, 3D printing, and AI solution providers such as PSAI, ARGUS, CHAOJIHUI, and FEILIU TECH showcasing the industry’s digital edge. Denim specialists including Ange, Muundim, Morning Grazing, and Yizhuo underlined the continuing relevance of jeanswear, while outdoor and sports leaders like Aovat, Engellya, Day After Day, Calemur, and Vstarry highlighted the sector’s dynamic development.

CHIC Worldwide - Market Potential for International Brands

CHIC Autumn 2025 clearly highlighted that China’s fashion industry has evolved from a production base into an innovation leader. For international brands, this presents distinct opportunities:

+ Authenticity and quality remain crucial – “Made in Europe” continues to enjoy strong reputation.

+ Digital presence on Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, and Xiaohongshuis essential.

+ Agile supply chains and flexible production secure competitive advantages.

+ Cultural sensitivity and local adaptation strengthen brand acceptance.

Although the number of international exhibitors has declined since the pandemic, CHIC remains firmly committed to the global market. This September, Italian delegations with five companies and eight brands once again underscored the fair’s role as a bridge for European firms entering China. Demand was particularly strong for lifestyle-oriented fashion and high-quality products reflecting the “old money” aesthetic. The feedback from international exhibitors was unanimously positive. CEO Fabio Sopranzetti, CEO of Franco Giazzi Srl (Italy): “We are very satisfied with the Autumn edition and will return for CHIC Spring 2026.” Raffaele Vedani, CEO of Cinzia Caldi (Italy) emphasized: “CHIC is the most professional fashion fair in China. The organizer’s services were excellent.” For Mauro Lore, CEO of Blanca Luz (Italy) it was the first time attending CHIC – “a great success”, he said, adding that he will definitely return next year. Catia Saetti, CEO of Karma (Italy), highlighted the strong impression left by this edition, while Carlo Secca of Confezioni Pango SpA (Italy) stated: “We are very satisfied with CHIC 2025 Autumn and look forward to even greater results.” From Germany, Tina Ayasse, CEO of Studio Ayasse GmbH, attended CHIC for the third time and once again benefited from valuable business contacts, even securing a local agent – proof, as she noted, that the fair “truly delivers results.”

CHIC Visitors

With a total of 60,977 professional visitors from 83 countries and regions, CHIC once again confirmed its role as the leading business platform for China’s fashion and textile industry. Among them, 58,891 visitors came from within China, while 2,086 international visitors attended the show, including 1,571 from Asia, 239 from Europe, 87 from Africa, 85 from North America, and 53 from Oceania.

The international appeal of CHIC was further highlighted by its distinguished roster of VIP visitors. Global retail giants such as SHEIN, JD, Galeries Lafayette, and SKP met with leading Chinese brands including JNBY, Ellassay Group, Jiangsu Yalu Group, and Guangzhou Exception Clothing Co., Ltd.. Innovative platforms and technology companies such as Taobao Tian Group (including Tmall, Taobao, 1688), Ju Hu (Beijing) E-commerce Co., Ltd., FMG Fashion Dynamics Group, and Star Partner (Beijing) Media Culture Co., Ltd. also seized the opportunity for exchange. The line-up was further enriched by creative labels and manufacturers like Ailiye Fashion Co., Ltd., Suzhou Furui Silk Co., Ltd., Qingdao San San De Jiu Clothing Design Company, Zhejiang Qiaodun Clothing Co., Ltd., as well as international brands such as KAPPA. This unique mix of global players, dynamic e-commerce actors, and innovative brands underscores CHIC’s role as an indispensable business hub and trend barometer for the fashion industry.

CHIC Infotainment

Sustainability was another central focus: CHIC Autumn 2025 established a dedicated Sustainable Innovation Zone in the North Hall, presenting pioneering products and hosting the 2025 Circular Stewardship Fashion Conference. The program brought together experts and enterprises from China and abroad – among them the National Development and Reform Commission, the Delegation of the European Union, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, UNEP, Lenzing Group, Decathlon, and Nike. Discussions revolved around how to build a closed-loop industrial chain for textiles, solve core challenges of ESG value symbiosis, and exchange best practices from leading global cases such as the EU’s regulatory frameworks and China’s localized circular economy models. Key topics included material innovation, consumer behavior shifts, and carbon footprint accounting.

Business Services & Mobility

Over 60 tailored business-docking events, trend forums, and immersive live experiences provided efficient platforms for networking and knowledge exchange.

As mobility partner, Didi Chuxing supported visitors with real-time route planning, one-click bookings, and seamless connections between the fairground, hotels, and transport hubs – ensuring maximum efficiency and an enhanced visitor experience.

Global Framework, Market Trends, and Consumer Behavior

Global trade conditions also played a role at CHIC Autumn 2025. While US trariffs continue to pose challenges, Chinese companies are countering with cost optimization, digitalization, efficiency improvements, and AI-driven innovation. Many are also strategically establishing factories in Southeast Asia and Africa, yet China remains the core hub of production, with unrivalled strengths in large-scale customization – as exemplified by Dayang Group in the tailoring sector.

At the same time, the fair underscored how China’s fashion industry has evolved from a manufacturing base into an innovation leader. For international brands this opens clear opportunities: authenticity and quality remain decisive, with “Made in Europe” highly valued, while digital presence on Tmall, JD.com, Douyin and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is now essential. Agile supply chains and flexible production secure competitiveness, and cultural sensitivity with local adaptation further strengthens market acceptance.

“Despite a challenging economic environment CHIC is the central platform where the future of the global fashion economy is shaped. It is here that partnerships are built, supply chains redefined, and innovations brought to market – an indispensable meeting point for everyone aiming to succeed in China and beyond. Fashion has always been an expression of culture and identity. CHIC brings this diversity together, creating a space where creativity, community, and international collaboration open new perspectives. With every edition we build bridges between markets, brands, and people. Especially in times of global change, CHIC proves that innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration are the keys to growth and competitiveness", is the concluding statement of Chen Dapeng, Vice President, China National Textile Council; President, China National Garment Association and CHIC.

Next date:

CHIC March: 11 - 13, 2026, National Exhibition and Convention Center| Shanghai