São Paulo – Importers from Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates were invited by the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan) to participate in the “Alto Verão Carioca” (Rio High Summer) exhibit, a fashion event that starts today (16) and ends on Friday, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. According to figures disclosed by the organisation, 70 Brazilian buyers and eight foreign ones should visit the showrooms of 40 brands in Rio as well as fashion hubs in the state.
According to the international operations manager at Firjan, João Paulo Alcântara, a representative of brand Glow, from Lebanon, which has two shops, and one from the Emirates, from Ginger & Lace, based in Dubai, which has three shops, should participate. Both companies are interested in female fashion, beach fashion and accessories.
Alcântara added that the Glow representative does not yet import from Brazil and is participating in an event in the country for the first time. "He works mainly with Italian products," he said. The idea is to present the Brazilian industry and design for the shop to expand its purchase channels.
Ginger & Lace, in turn, imports clothes in the Osklen and Cecília Prado brands from Brazil. In this case, according to Alcântara, the objective is to provide incentives for the brand to expand imports. The suggestion of inviting the company came from a supplier.
“Alto Verão Carioca” is not just an isolated fair, according to Alcântara, but "involves the entire city". Visitors choose the showroom or atelier they want to visit and are accompanied by an organisation guide. The event is at its third edition.
Brazil exported the equivalent to US$ 32 million in textile products and garments to the Arab world last year, according to figures supplied by the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (Abit). There was reduction of 2% in comparison with 2007.
*Translated by Mark Ament
