28th International Apparel Federation (IAF) World Apparel Convention kicks off in style in Oporto, Portugal "The power of brands and the value of fashion is very much alive" ~ Harry van Dalfsen, IAF President The 28th IAF World Apparel Convention was officially opened this morning by IAF President, Harry van Dalfsen and ATP President, João Costa.
This year, the international fashion convention is jointly organized by IAF and it's Portuguese member association, Associação Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal (Textile and Clothing Association of Portugal), ATP, in Oporto (Portugal). Fashion Business in a Changing Environment will be highlighted in four sessions over two days. - Economic Session: general economic outlook: Asia, Europe, Latin America, USA; opportunities in emerging markets; how to position a brand in a new market - Supply Chain Session: sourcing developments, integrated planning, logistics, cost cutting, sustainability - Technology and Innovation Session: innovation in digital solutions for fashion business, new ways of attracting consumers, web sales and mobile shopping, e-commerce models - Fashion Retail & Consumer Behavior Session: market developments in major fashion markets, branding, cross channeling In his opening speech, van Dalfsen shared his views on the current economic climate and the influence it has on the fashion industry: "…fast growth in emerging markets creates many opportunities, to replace lost sales in the US and European markets. … it creates opportunities for manufacturers to build their own brands. A revolution in the use of internet, as a sale and as marketing medium, presents apparel brands and retailers with a fantastic opportunity to reach consumers". He stressed that the IAF, which aims to build bridges in the apparel chain, is unique in that "… the essence of the IAF is a platform, where buyers and producers meet on an equal basis. Building bridges across continents helps to build bridges between the shop floor and the factory floor. The better these bridges are built, the better the chance that our industry delivers the right product to consumers, at the right time." The 28th IAF World Apparel Convention is being held in the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa on 26 and 27 September. On 28 September a group of international fashion professionals will also visit Factories and Technology Centers as part of the IAF Study Tour.
