During the 27th IAF conference last week in Mexico "Transformation of Fashion Business" was the main subject.
An increasing number of brands in the fashion industry are moving production back from low-cost workshops in Asia and other parts of the world, back to their own countries and regions.
The fact that efficiency and fastness became more important than pricing, is good news for long-suffering countries in the apparel manufacturing sector, which shed thousands of jobs in the last recession. On the other hand, suppliers in China experience the expanding volume of local markets, which offers them new opportunities.
This is one of the trends that was concluded during the 27th World Apparel Convention 2011 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where high ranking speakers from all over the world touched upon actual and future developments in sourcing strategies and retail concepts. They answered questions how creativity and innovation can shape a positive business environment for the fashion supply chain.
Since the convention was held in Mexico, focus was also put on actual developments in the Mexican Apparel Industry. The importance of this industry in Mexico’s economy was showed in the presence of Mexico’s Minister of Economy, Mr. Bruno Ferrari Garcia de Alba, who opened the conference.
Next year’s IAF Convention will be held in Oporto (Portugal) from September 24th – 28th.
