Handmade know-hows are quite hot
Launched in 2015, Avantex Paris is a tradeshow dedicated to high-tech and fashion offering innovative products and services of the industry, from advanced materials to augmented retail. Avantex assembles high-tech companies, fashion designers and directors around innovative textiles. Fibre2Fashion spoke to President Michael Scherpe before Avantex Paris, that was held from February 11-14, about the innovative fabrics, materials, components, products and services at the show's eighth edition.
Which are the most popular and revenue generating shows under The Fairyland for Fashion?
There is not one in particular. Our shows are made and organised for a specific market. Each fair focuses on the expectations and needs of their own market.
This is the 8th edition of Avantex Paris. How has the show evolved over the years?
Avantex Paris is evolving very well. As you must know, this trade fair was launched because we felt the consumers wishes' for reconciling their wardrobe with the changing society in which they live. The fair is a kind of laboratory on the future of fashion and in that sense the visitors can find many trails for their projects. This prospective angle of the fair is a driving force that led to the setting up of a strong network of fashion leaders, researchers, designers and industrials. Of course, the fabric or materials offered is still the core of the fair. The Indian firm, Reliance, will be showcasing an array of its woven materials for sportswear made in recycled GRS polyester, for example.
What was the main theme for Avantex Paris 2019 February edition?
There is never one theme but several. For the February edition we are pleased to welcome back Avanprint, a space dedicated to digital printing with Italian company MS Printing. 3D printing and design, reducing waste and new perspectives on sustainable textile should be the main focuses.
What top three market trends you see in apparel, apparel sourcing, innovative materials, and denim?
1. More sustainability and more traceability.
2. Service is a sought-after value addition. This is the reason we dedicated our service sector to all the fairs of Fairyland for Fashion.
3. Distinctiveness. Collections needs to have something special, even if it is not much. That's why we settled the handmade trail throughout the fairs. Handmade know-hows are quite hot now, because as little as they can be used, they bring sense to an outfit.
Where is the application of smart fabrics increasing?
I think in the audio-visual market. Clothes that will be able to manage your smartphone as the Jacquard programme of Google with Levi's, or be able to show what's on your screen, as a map for example. Fabrics including lights and 3D design are becoming common on catwalks.
What is the USP of shows under Messe Frankfurt France? How are they different from the other Messe textile shows?
Messe Frankfurt France is aiming to make the actors of the worldwide textile/clothing/leather and more meet. Our fairs are made with the Messe Frankfurt's know-how and the group is organising more than 100 fairs per year. Our fairs are held in Paris-they have this extra fashion flavour that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Our asset remains in the selection of our exhibitors. It is the largest sourcing range of companies specially adapted to fit the international export trade. We also have a genuine hallmark: our varied programme of conferences (that follows the news of the relevant sectors) and catwalks (enlightening the offer of our fairs).
Which countries have strong representation at Avantex Paris?
China has always had a strong presence because this is how the global fashion world is operating, but India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, the Netherlands and Portugal are regulars. This edition, Turkey is strengthening its offer with nearly 100 companies. Ethiopia and Cambodia-usually quite rare-are participating this time. Ghana should be here for the first time.
Besides China, which are the major apparel sourcing destinations for French buyers?
According to the IFM Observatory for textiles: Europe, Pakistan, Turkey, India. For clothes: Bangladesh, Italy, Turkey, India, Maghreb, Vietnam and Cambodia. According to CNC (National Centre of Leather): For shoes: Italy, Vietnam, Portugal, Indonesia. For leather goods: Italy, Spain, Vietnam, India.
What were the top innovative fabrics and sustainable products displayed at Avantex Paris?
For all the fairs, Messe Frankfurt avoids putting any statement on the collection of our exhibitors. They are selected, of course, and innovation and sustainability are often represented. Most companies are coming up with recent developments and researches-quite difficult to know in advance what they will effectively show. Our teams and the visitors discover them at the fairs. However, you can download from our website a Sustainable Sourcing Itinerary with all the exhibitors.
What new disruptions and innovations were discussed at Avantex and Avant Print?
New processes that bring more sustainability and less waste are major themes for innovation. New ways to make new materials as well. Pure technology is less on the frontline as companies need more time for new development. Let's not forget that the time for coming up with ideas and the time needed to make them a reality is not the same. But technology is strong in the digital printing sector and more focused on real customisation. The Taiwanese weavers at Avantex have a very interesting concept. Their researches combine technology and sustainability, which is quite a challenge.
How has virtual technology impacted the trade show business?
Nothing will replace a face-to-face meeting or seeing and touching samples. But we are developing our social media to give quicker and reliable information.
Which markets are the most accepting of latest technological innovations?
I think that all the markets are working on technical innovations. For example, a co-design with consumer affects the entire chain from the fabrics to the delivery without forgetting manufacturing.
What was the number of exhibitors and visitors at the show?
There were 1,200 exhibitors.
What percentage of apparel and fabrics displayed at Avantex are sustainable and ethically produced?
We encourage sustainability and ethical products. But once again, we don't have precise statistics before the fair. We discover them during the events, like the visitors do. (HO)
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