The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) will accompany a group of British textile companies to Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics from 27-29 August, and highlight the incredible talent, innovation and quality that define British design and manufacturing.

Discover British Textiles at Intertextile Shanghai in August 2024

The exhibitors include premium mills, manufacturers and merchants such as Abraham Moon (pictured above), Alfred Brown, Kenneth Mackenzie, Linton Tweeds, Mallalieus, OMC England, Scabal, Schofield & Smith and the Celtic Weaver, alongside creative print studios and surface specialists such as Fairbairn & Wolf Studio. Testing house Intertek Group will also be present alongside trend forecaster WGSN.

Linton Tweeds

The show will offer a platform for international buyers to explore the UK textile sector’s tradition, innovation and creative flair.

UKFT’s stand, which will showcase a wide array of samples from UK firms including wool textiles, waxed fabrics, tartans, kilt fabrics, fancy fabrics, silk, linen and buttons, is located in Hall 5.1. The stand features samples from firms including Alfred Brown, Bower Roebuck, British Millerain, Clissold, Courtney Button Company, Fox Flannels, Halley Stevensons, Harris Tweed Hebrides, House of Edgar, Laurent Garigue, Liberty Fabrics, Linton Tweeds, Lochcarron, Magee, Maison Henry Bertrand, Mallalieus, Marton Mills, Moon, Pongees, Spence Bryson and Stephen Walters. Visitors can learn more about the UK textile industry and watch a new film that tells the story of great British style underpinned by tradition, quality and craftsmanship. ‘UK Fashion & Textiles: It’s what we’re made of’ brings to life the innovation, responsibility and ethical practices that lie at the heart of our ethos.

Abraham Moon

The UK apparel and textile industry is renowned for its rich heritage, cutting-edge design and commitment to sustainability and innovation. At Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, we will highlight the latest trends, sustainable fabrics and revolutionary technologies that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of UK brands. Expect to see a stunning array of fashion-forward collections that blend tradition with modernity.

Fairbairn & Wolf Studio

Paul Alger MBE, Director of International Business at UKFT, said: “The UK textile industry stands out in the global market, especially in China and Asia, due to our emphasis on quality, innovation and unique British style. Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to merge tradition with contemporary trends, offering products that are not only stylish but also ethically produced. This commitment to excellence and sustainability resonates well with consumers in these markets, helping us build strong, lasting relationships.”

Mallalieus

Follow UKFT on Instagram @ukftorg for more information on the companies exhibiting at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics this season, or click on the link below to find out more about our international tradeshow activity:

UKFT GLOBAL BRANDS 

Why designers and brands love working with British fabrics

UK fabrics are highly sought after by the world’s most prestigious designers, tailors and fashion brands as the starting point for their collections, while our homegrown flair for printed, woven, knitted and embroidered textile design blends creativity with commerciality.

Heritage and tradition:

• Deep-rooted history in textile craftsmanship.
• Preservation of traditional skills and techniques.
• Association with iconic fabrics like Harris Tweed and flannel.

Quality and craftsmanship:

• Impeccable craftsmanship and quality assurance.
• High standards in production resulting in durable and reliable fabrics.
• Unique character and authenticity embedded in the fabrics.

Innovation and adaptation:

• Continuous innovation within established producers.
• Adapting traditional techniques to create modern and sustainable textiles.
• Embracing new materials and blends while maintaining quality.

Sustainability and ethical production:

• Focus on sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials.
• Localised production contributing to lower carbon footprints.
• Commitment to ethical production methods.

Provenance and local sourcing:

• Strong emphasis on locally-sourced materials.
• Celebrating regional mills and their specialised, high-quality outputs.
• Contribution to maintaining and supporting local economies and craftsmanship.

Timelessness and cultural value:

• British fabrics are celebrated for their timeless appeal.
• Embody a sense of cultural heritage and historical significance.
• Highly valued for their distinct character and aesthetic appeal in fashion and accessories.

Versatility and practicality:

• Suitable for a wide range of applications, from high fashion to practical outerwear.
• Renowned for versatility, particularly in materials like wool which offer natural, unmatched qualities.

Discover British Textiles at Intertextile Shanghai in August 2024