Texworld Istanbul convinces visitors with variety and location

The first edition of Texworld Istanbul, held 4th to 6th November at Istanbul's Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, got off to a successful start: The fully booked show welcomed more than 5,200 visitors and 115 exhibitors from ten countries and regions, namely China, Taiwan, Turkey, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia and France.

“The first edition of Texworld Istanbul has been a success and this success is only the beginning. Turkish fashion labels are looking for a larger variety and different qualities of fabrics to meet increasing domestic demand. Given the fact that Turkey is one of the most important textile nations in the world, we believe that the upcoming editions of Texworld Istanbul will welcome even more exhibitors and visitors to Turkey,” said show director Diğde Eşki.

Using Turkey's strategic location between Europe and Asia

After Texworld Paris and Texworld New York, show organizer Messe Frankfurt expanded its portfolio to Turkey, taking advantage of Istanbul's strategic location to attract buyers and professional visitors from Turkey and surrounding regions, including the Middle East and the Gulf States, Central Asia, Russia, Eastern Europe and North Africa.

“Turkish apparel exports have more than doubled since 2000. And Istanbul is clearly a sourcing hub right between Asia and Europe. This is why Messe Frankfurt, the global leader in textile fairs, has now brought the world of fashion fabric manufacturing to Istanbul,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt.

Thus, Texworld Istanbul included all product groups that are part of Messe Frankfurt’s apparel fabric brand events around the world. Exhibitors presented cotton, embroidery and lace, knitted fabrics, wool and wool blends, silk and silky aspects, functional fabrics, linen, prints, design offices, accessories, fibres and yarns and denim.

Among the international exhibitors, Pakistan presented cotton and functional fabrics and Taiwan blended fabrics, knitted and functional fabrics for leisurewear and sportswear. India, South Korea and Indonesia focused on embroidery and lace as well as silk and silky aspects. Additionally, Turkey, South Korea and Taiwan offered knitwear products and Taiwan, India and Pakistan presented fibres and yarns in a separate product group area.

With 46 companies, China accounted for the largest country contingent at the fair, followed by Taiwan with 14 companies. “During the exhibition, we had the chance to meet wholesalers and manufacturers, and one of the reputable fashion brands Koton visited our stand. We had visitors from Turkey and Eastern Europe as well and had met the right business contacts for professional buyers. The first Texworld Istanbul surpassed our expectations,”concluded Deer Cai, foreign trade salesman at Hongtai China Co. Ltd.

Puneet Mahajan, president for international marketing at Indian fabric manufacturer Bombay Rayon Fashions Ltd., was also happy with the outcome of the fair, especially because he achieved his goal of meeting visitors from Turkey and Europe. “We met some new contacts in the exhibition and will attend Texworld Istanbul again in April 2015,” he confirmed.

European exhibitors were also satisfied with the outcome of the fair. “We had amazing responses and several new business contacts. During the three days, we were always very busy. We had no time to walk around the fair. We look forward to attending Texworld Istanbul in 2015 again,” said Stephan Kluth of Hemmers Itex Textil Import Export GmbH from Germany who met suppliers from Turkey, Greece, Eastern Europe and Russia and buyers such as Marks & Spencer.

The Trend Forum, designed by Texworld art directors Louis Gérin and Gregory Lamaud, presented trends with a clear focus on Turkish colours and styles. “As on the other Texworld fairs in Paris and New York, the first Texworld Istanbul was a true trend spot. Our trend presentation was packed and we had a great selection of fabrics and accessories from participating exhibitors. Also, Istanbul has been a fantastic location with its vivid lifestyle and wonderful fashion boutiques,” said Gérin.

The next Texworld Istanbul is slated for 7th to 9th April 2015 at the same location and due to the success of the premier, will now be held twice a year in line with other apparel fabrics fairs such as Texworld Paris and Texworld USA.

Photos: Texworld Istanbul