Italian fashion accessories to be on display at Expo Centre Sharjah from May 29

Fashion enthusiasts from across the region expected to flock to the four-day Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates Exhibition in search of the latest trends and styles UAE's fashion aficionados can expect to go on a massive shopping spree during the coming edition of the Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates exhibition.

Displays at the event will include authentic and high quality Italian made bags, handbags, duffel bags, packs in different materials, ties, small leather goods, leather accessories, costume jewellery, natural cosmetics prepared from Sardinian herbs, fashion accessories and costume jewellery in Murano glass, gifts and fancy goods, men's bags, fabrics, silverware, leather belts, table and bed linen.

The four-day exhibition will be hosting some of the best-known names from the Italian fashion industry.

Among the brands and companies participating in the event are Biro by Telaio 2000 s.a.s., Capodieci, Cattaneo Cravatte srl, I M Centopercento Italiano - Iplace, Enrico Pucci di Puccinelli e Paoli snc, Gianfranco Sisti, Giorgio G, Cristalli Armonici di Loretta Persicheti, Herbae Sardiniae, Jean Claude di Gorrieri Gino, KOKI di Casoli Maurizia, Mood Indigo di Bazzocchi Anna, Nason Studio, Ornamenta di Fiorella Ralli, Parquet Aprile, Pierattini Goup di Filippo Pirattini, Redo Florence - V.M. Preziosi Firenze, Sapaf Societa' Artistica Pelletterie Affini Firenze, Un' Arte Antica di Spatola Francesca, Vanity Jewels SRL, Vitanuova sas di G. Andorlini & C., and Volitiva.

'The Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates Exhibition will be a one-stop shop for the region's, particularly UAE's, fashion conscious and enthusiasts,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

'The exhibition is the only one of its kind in the region and visitors can expect to find a wide range of authentic and high quality Italian made fashion accessories and other related items under one roof. The exhibition will also be ideal to visit for the region's retailers who are looking at sourcing Italian fashion items,' added Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

The Italian fashion industry boasts of 70,000 companies and 700,000 professionals with annual revenues exceeding 48 billion euro. Several well-known Italian fashion houses are evincing keen interest in the Middle East region due to its demographics and booming economies.

Approximately 60 percent of the people in the region are below the age of 25 while almost 50 percent of the population are women and serious shoppers. Within the UAE, the retail sector has been experiencing phenomenal growth, largely due to tourism and a growing population. Retail sales in Dubai have been growing at 20 percent to 30 percent a year.

Besides fashion accessories, the Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates will also be exhibiting furniture, furnishings, interior décor items, and food products and services.

The Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates is being jointly organised by the Italian Trade Commission in Dubai, Artex, the Italian Industry & Commerce office in the UAE, and Expo Centre Sharjah, with the support of ACARI, Italian Ministry of International Commerce, CNA, Confartigianato, and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

The exhibition will be open for public and trade visitors from May 29 - June 1, 2007, 4 pm to 9 pm daily. For trade visitors, it will be open exclusively from May 29 - 31, 2007, from 10 am to 1 pm.