Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai – China’s biggest trade event for kids’ fashion – has opened to kids fashion industry players.

The event runs until Friday, July 24 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China.

More than 65 children’s fashion brands are exhibiting, from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Sweden, the UK, US and beyond. Participating brands include Barefoot Dreams, Bibi, Cececo, Devilollipop, Desigual, Dickies, Dr. Apple, Ecobibi, Farg&Form by Kidstopia, Finn+Emma, Four-Lads, Manila Grace, Martin Marietta, Rockin’ Baby, Schwartz and more. They showcase a complete overview of children fashion and accessories (ages up to 16 years).

Gal-la Calaf, sales manager of Spanish fashion brand Desigual says the children’s fashion market is booming in China.

“Chinese parents are more brand-conscious, looking for more fashionable clothes for their children. With the relaxation of the one child policy and the growing middle class, the market here is booming. We are bringing our latest collections here to Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai to meet with potential partners.”

Athena Gong, GM of the event’s organiser UBM China (Hangzhou), says the category is continually driven by China’s next-generation parents.

“They are fashionable and want their kids to look stylish as well. They are looking for comfortable yet chic apparel and accessories for their babies and kids.

“We are building a platform for international and domestic children’s fashion brand owners, distributors and investors to meet and do business with the key players of China’s kids fashion industry. From the Kids Fashion Design Contest to the Trend Zones, we want to help the industry set the trend for the season. We will continuously provide good service for brand owners and buyers and help boost China’s children’s wear industry,” said Gong.

Highlights of Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai include:

* Kids Design Contest Awards/Gallery: Launched in February 2015, the Kids Fashion Design Contest has received 942 entries from worldwide aspiring designers and 20 designers have been short-listed. Their collections are on display and are featured in the Kids Fashion Show.

* Kids Fashion Design Kids Fashion Shows: The world renowned kids fashion brands including Babi Boo, Deseason, Desigual, Lesha, Maya, Pencil Club, Tuc Tuc and more take center stage and showcase their latest collections.

* Trend Zones: Supported by Peclers Paris, the trend study organisation, the hot color, patterns and materials are illustrated in this area for industry people to spot 2016/2017 Autumn/Winter fashion trends. It’s showcased under four themes ¨C “Preppy College”, “Leisure”, “Trendy” and “Girly”.

* Kids Fashion Museum: A display of collection of baby and children’s apparel from China’s ethnic minorities.