From August 25 to 27, 2026, CHIC Autumn 2026 (China International Fashion Fair) took place at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai. Welcoming 61,824 trade visitors and 738 exhibitors across 11 sectors, including CHIC Men’s, CHIC Women’s, Denim World, Outdoor & Sports, Digital Fashion, and Chinese Style, the fair reaffirmed its role as a key business and sourcing platform for the apparel industry.
Leadership vision: connecting global markets
“CHIC Autumn 2026 demonstrates the dynamism of China’s fashion industry and the growing importance of international exchange for its future development," said Chen Dapeng, president of the China National Garment Association and CHIC. "With 61,824 trade visitors, buyers from 17 countries, and strong feedback from our international partners, this edition confirms our commitment to continuously strengthening CHIC as a global business platform. Our goal is to provide international brands with concrete access to the Chinese market while supporting Chinese brands in their expansion into international markets. CHIC connects markets, people and ideas, turning these connections into new business opportunities.”
Expanding International scope & delegations
The international scope was particularly evident in this edition. Italian Delegation comprised 14 exhibitors (mainly womenswear, alongside accessories and menswear) led by Mr. Verdani, who highlighted the strong appeal of Italian products in China and confirmed plans to expand the delegation for Spring 2027. UAE streetwear brand Guapi made a successful debut at the fair and confirmed its return for March 2027. CHIC serves as a two-way link: it enables international brands to access the Chinese market while simultaneously offering global visibility to Chinese brands and supply chain partners.
CHIC Worldwide: guiding entry into the Chinese ecosystem
With CHIC Worldwide, the fair further strengthened its dedicated platform for international companies. The segment is designed to guide overseas brands through the complexities of entering the Chinese market (omnichannel retail, local e-commerce, and buyer matching). The Chinese fashion market shows strong fundamentals (+10.7% year-on-year growth in large-scale enterprise retail sales and +18% online retail growth in early 2026), with consumers increasingly seeking niche designs, outdoor gear, and contemporary interpretations of Chinese culture.
Four dedicated matchmaking sessions took place during the event (Fashion Business, Taobao Apparel, and Overseas Apparel Brand Business Matchmaking). 70% of participating international buyers took part in CHIC Matching for the first time. Global buyers and brands (including Vespucci SAS from France, Primabotti BY from Belarus, Emporio Sirenuse from Italy, Skytex Group from Spain, and Rosemary Hazır Giyim Tekstil from Turkey) commended the sourcing efficiency, product craftsmanship, and innovative materials showcased.
Business programme & global e-commerce perspectives
The transformation of the apparel industry was also reflected in the accompanying business programme. Eight Business Trend Sessions addressed major industry topics such as AI-powered design, digital transformation, and new e-commerce strategies. A particular international highlight was the participation of German fashion e-commerce player About You, which shared insights on pan-European expansion, offering valuable retail perspectives for Chinese companies targeting global markets.
Chinese Style: contemporary identity and commercial growth
Presented for the first time as a dedicated area at an autumn edition, Chinese Style brought together contemporary interpretations of traditional Chinese aesthetics and craftsmanship. This shift highlights the evolution of the Chinese apparel sector from traditional manufacturing toward brand building, design innovation, and commercial maturity on the global stage.
The upcoming spring edition will be held from March 10 to 12, 2027, in Shanghai. Centered on the theme “The Way”, it will focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and cultural depth, while expanding buyer delegation programs from Europe, the Americas, and RCEP countries.
Next Edition
CHIC
March 10 – 12, 2027
National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)
Shanghai
