CHIC Spring 2026: innovative formats and international participation
Chinese platform plays increasingly crucial role
The spring edition of CHIC Shanghai – China International Fashion Fair was held from 11th to 13th March 2026 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. With 1,291 exhibitors and a total of 1,335 brands from eight countries and regions (Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Australia, India and Hong Kong), the fair once again confirmed its standing as one of Asia’s most important fashion platforms. Spread over 117,200 square metres of exhibition space, the event brought together international brands, Chinese companies, buyers and industry professionals. CHIC not only serves as an ordering platform for the Chinese market, it is also increasingly establishing itself as a strategic meeting point for international cooperation and the global positioning of Chinese brands. Among the over 160,000 trade visitors to CHIC Shanghai were buyers from China’s leading retail platforms and groups, including representatives from JD.com, Douyin and Shein, as well as luxury department stores and retail groups such as Beijing SKP.
The profile of visitors was further enriched by the presence of buyers and representatives from fashion brands such as Aimer, Urban Revivo, Fabrique, Chuu and Uooyaa. The trade show was organised into several themed halls, each representing different segments of the fashion industry, allowing buyers and trade visitors to easily find their way around the exhibition. In Hall 1.1, CHIC Women’s presented a broad spectrum of womenswear, from high-street collections to designer brands. This segment is particularly aimed at retailers and platforms looking for new brands for the Chinese market. Alongside this, Chinese Style showed how traditional Chinese design elements are integrated into contemporary fashion concepts. Designers and brands have reinterpreted historical silhouettes, textile techniques and cultural motifs, combining them with modern cuts and international trends. The Chinese fashion industry remains one of the world’s largest markets for textiles, clothing and fashion retail. In addition to its strong manufacturing base, the domestic consumer market continues to grow in importance, with an increasing focus on brand identity, design and lifestyle concepts.
Hall 2.1 shone a spotlight on outerwear and accessories, the real growth drivers in the premium segment. One standout exhibitor was top milliner Hatters’ Hub, founded by Jeffrey Sun, one of the most influential figures in the industry: his offering lays down a benchmark for high-end headwear. Hall 3 explored lifestyle and innovation with a focus on Outdoor, Kids and Digital Fashion. There was a strong international component at CHIC Worldwide, where the Italian Hall showed off the Made in Italy style of 12 companies. Menswear and new talent featured in Hall 4.1, while the North Hall hosted streetwear by CHIC Young Blood, an incubator for under-35 talents. Accompanied by area manager Liu Yan, our editorial team visited, among others, the stands of brands such as A.New-Studio, Soarin and Shootbrands, names that had already made their mark at Pitti Immagine Uomo in the special China Wave area. Their collections, which combine oriental aesthetics and avant-garde concepts, are helping to redefine global trends and confirm Shanghai’s central role in emerging fashion.
At the same time, more and more Chinese brands are expanding internationally and positioning themselves on global fashion markets. Platforms such as CHIC Shanghai play a crucial role in bringing together Chinese companies, international brands and global distribution partners. With its combination of international participation, structured exhibition segments and a comprehensive programme for the sector, CHIC Shanghai Spring 2026 once again shows that it is a key platform for business development, discussion on trends and international networking in the fashion industry.