The three-day show will focus on the three key themes of design and trend, marketing strategy and technology, all from an international perspective, and will have a special focus on "bodywear" fabrics.

The Feature Pavilion for Bodywear Fabrics is Messe Frankfurt's latest initiative to help visitors keep up with trends in the world's apparel market place, said Katy Lam, general manager of textile fairs for Messe Frankfurt, host of the show.

Fabrics designed for bodywear face unique challenges as consumers demand function, style and comfort, all at a reasonable price.

For lingerie, today's consumers prefer natural fabrics such as cotton, silk and wool, but blended with man-mades or synthetics to give them added value such as softer and lighter feel, exhibitors said.

In the Chinese mainland, where foreign brands have a big share in the lingerie market, 300 million bras are sold each year. The market is currently undergoing massive growth, 50 percent of current outlets have sprung up in the past three years, according to Messe Frantfurt.

Qiu Rong, managing director of Suzhou China Dragon Textile Co. Ltd told Xinhua that compared with last spring show, at least one third fewer buyers came to the show.

Featuring stretch lace band, his company has developed unique designs for the show.

Stanley Wang from Foshan Huafeng Textile Co. Ltd said his company has developed 100 percent bamboo fabric which feels soft and skin friendly. He expected the bamboo fabric to have a good outlet.

In a related development, Nelly Rody from Nelly Rodi SA, France, said pure and simple will be a trend in the future, adding short shirts are expected to prevail next summer.

Just like trend of jewelry design, tiny flower designs are expected to be witnessed in next year's fashion, she predicted.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2003)