The 105th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags closed up offering the volume fashion sector “the best international hub to do business and build relationships”, organisers said.
The shows saw around 8,000 attendees, and over 1,000 brands with exhibitors from 44 countries, reflecting the internationalisation, diversity and innovation on offer.
We saw new Summer 2027 collections, and even the debut of Artificial Intelligence runway shows!
Giovanna Voltolini, Group Exhibition Manager at Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, said: “Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are like an interactive map, enabling us to read the increasingly rapid shifts in global trade in real time, reposition partnerships strategically and find new balances within supply chains.”
The diversity of products on display also stood out: collections varying in quality, design, materials and manufacturing techniques, exploring the vast world of casualwear, performance and childrenswear, and embracing forward-looking solutions such as 3D printing and advanced manufacturing processes.
Angela Wu of Max Group, Product Manager for the Italian brand ASH, attended Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags to identify suppliers beyond Chinese production. She added: “Today’s challenge is capturing the attention of younger consumers, who are exposed to an overwhelming online offering and define their purchasing behaviour there. Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are ideal for this: the offer is broad and diverse in both price and quality.”
The AI runway shows were an absolute novelty, allowing buyers to first see fashion items worn by virtual models and then experience them physically at the stands. For the fair, continuing to offer technological innovation experiences is essential in supporting distribution and the entire value chain in interpreting change and identifying emerging opportunities.
Added to this, the Trend Highlights area, the Market Focus sessions, Expo Riva Nights and the Area Showcase continued to impress visitors at the 105th edition, with an increasingly rich and engaging experience, full of insights, inspiration and networking opportunities.
Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, added: “Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are the expression of a collective intelligence involving exhibitors, buyers, associations, experts and professionals from all over the world. In this edition, we have provided a concrete demonstration of our ability to respond and remain proactive, focusing on three key directions: increasing internationalisation, innovation as a growth driver for the entire supply chain, and new ways of telling product stories.”
