Italy to introduce leather and fashion brands in the Middle East through MOTEXHA Spring 2005

Zippo (best known for their iconic lighters) and Sirena luxury Italian leather handbags, PretaPorter and Giorgio Fabiani, manufacturers of glamourous footwear, Larioseta, exclusive distributor of Moschino, Iceberg and Les Copains fashion brands and Grand Italia, high-end designers of evening wear are among the new brands seeking Middle East partnerships to gain a foothold in the region's expanding retail sector. The brands will be featured in the show's EuroTrendz pavilion, a launch pad for European fashion labels in the region.

EuroTrendz will also introduce fashion label Com8 urban wear from Paris, founded by French rap star Joey Star. Com8's trendy 'hip-hop' image has gained popularity with show biz and music stars such as Mariah Carey. Spanish trade group Cabildo Insular de Tenerife will also be supporting the show with four new brands.

Geoffrey Booy, Director, IIR Exhibitions, the show's organizers stated, "EuroTrendz is a 'one-stop shop' to the best of what Europe has to offer - the pavilion houses beautifully finished European brands in the mid- and high-fashion segments. We have seen a 300 percent growth in EuroTrendz since is first launch. This year, the pavilion will house several leading Italian exhibitors looking to expand their operations to the Middle East, as a result of a shift in consumer buying patterns towards branded and premium quality goods."

"As the region's largest fashion and textile trade show, MOTEXHA seeks to support this trend by providing a forum for exhibitors to meet with large retail groups and entrepreneurs. We have also introduced daily 'LaunchPad' trade fashion shows so visitors can get a first hand feel of the clothing and accessories on display," added Booy.

The European Union is the world's largest trader in textiles and clothing (T&C) products, as well as the world's biggest exporter of textile products and second largest exporter of clothing products. Italy is a strong contributor to this statistic - in 2002, Italy was the world's third largest exporter of textile products after China and USA.

The Italian clothing and textile industry epitomizes Europe's commitment to producing quality garments, with its emphasis in innovation, style and finish. The industry is strongly export-oriented, and more than 60 percent of the total turnover achieved is thanks to foreign markets.

Managing the Italian pavilion at MOTEXHA Spring, Alessandra Mainardi of Degas International commented, "Exhibitions such as MOTEXHA are an important element of trade promotion plans to widen the market for Italy's clothing and footwear brands. The show has built credibility as the largest voice for the lucrative Middle East sector and we look forward to building new relationships in the region."

MOTEXHA Spring 2005 is being held between April 11 and 14, 2005 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.