São Paulo – Brazilian fashion is attracting the attention of the Arabs. For the 37th edition of the Women’s Fashion Meeting, scheduled to take place in the city of São Paulo starting on June 30th, four buyers from the United Arab Emirates have contacted the organisers in order to attend the event. “They are mostly seeking everyday clothing, prêt-à-porter and beachwear,” said the director of the event, Sarah Vaintraub.
Two of the Arab buyers took part in the meeting two editions ago and, according to Sarah, are coming back this year and bringing along new colleagues. For this edition, more than 20 international buyers are expected to come from the United States, Italy, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile and Angola.
The meeting, which brings together 115 exhibitors from Brazilian states such as Minas Gerais, Goiás, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, will introduce visitors to their new spring-summer releases in the party, beach, casual, fitness, and accessories segments. The event’s organisers are expecting the Women’s Fashion Wear to generate 15 million reals (US$ 7.5 million) in business deals.
According to Sarah, the event is promoted in foreign countries by embassies and consulates. The presence of Arabs at the event is still small, but the director believes that it may grow. “Brazilian women’s fashion is beautiful, and very well regarded abroad,” she said. In each edition of the event, the number of visits by foreign buyers varies from 20 to 25. “It has been a constant, and many of them close deals,” she added.
The event, which should attract over 10,000 visitors, features exhibitors who are prepared to meet both the domestic and foreign demand. The Erê Bijou costume jewellery company, based in the state of Minas Gerais, for instance, is taking part in the event for the ninth time. Last year, the small company manufactured 4,000 items to meet the demand from the meeting. Another company that has already exhibited at the fair and will participate once again is Patrícia Bonaldi, for party wear. In the last edition, the brand increased its production to cater to orders placed during the event.
For this edition, two brands from the state of Santa Catarina, Carmurana and Palme Brasil, are betting on expanding their sales during the fair, and will showcase items geared at the leading retail chains and multi brand stores in the country, and also at international buyers. The event will continue until July 3rd at the Frei Caneca Convention Centre.
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37th Women’s Fashion Meeting
Date: June 30th to July 3rd
Time: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the last day)
Place: Frei Caneca Convention Centre
Address: Rua Frei Caneca, 569 – Cerqueira Cesar, São Paulo
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
