Createx 2024 closed showing an encouraging outlook for entrepreneurs in the textile industry for clothing

The sixth edition of Createx, the Textile Industry Exhibition for Clothing, has concluded successfully. The event brought together the entire value chain of the sector for three days, attracting more than 8,300 visitors who were part of a platform for networking, generating business opportunities and accessing new markets for national entrepreneurs in the supply chain, inputs, textiles, machinery, a complete wholesale package and cross-cutting services with the entire range of goods and services for clothing manufacturers, importers and retailers.

The event organized by Corferias and the Colombian Chamber of Clothing and Related Industries took place within the framework of an optimistic outlook for the sector, since the size of the fashion market in Colombia shows significant growth, according to data from the Fashion Observatory, which maintains that in January 2024 the size was 2.73 billion pesos, 7.8% more than in 2023.

Guillermo Criado, general commercial manager of Telas de Patprimo and president of the Colombian Chamber of Clothing and Related Industries, says: "This fair has had a significant impact on the local and regional economy. We have facilitated important trade agreements and collaborations between companies, which will boost growth and innovation in the textile and clothing sector."

Entrepreneurs who participated in Createx took advantage of the event as a strategic platform to increase the recognition of their brands. Both exhibitors and visitors were immersed in a dynamic environment where they could explore and compare the offers of their competitors. This exchange allowed for a thorough evaluation of the offer, identifying areas of opportunity for business growth.

Commenting on the exhibitors and visitors, Lilian Conde, Project Manager at Createx, said: “We are very pleased with the quality of the exhibitors this year, who have presented an impressive range of innovative and high-quality products that reflect the latest trends in the textile and apparel industry. In addition, we have had a great turnout of visitors this year, which demonstrates the continued interest in our fair. The diversity of attendees, from emerging designers to major fashion companies, has greatly enriched the experience for everyone involved.”

Highlights of the fair 

Environmental impact 

In this new edition, Createx positioned itself as a key event that not only promotes innovation and collaboration in the clothing industry, but also highlights the potential and excellence of Colombian companies that implement actions to reduce waste and processes in the clothing industry, so that through their initiatives they are contributing to improving the sustainability of the Colombian textile sector, promoting responsibility and environmental awareness.

Business roundtable 

The fair was the setting for meetings to promote the growth of participating businesses. Corferias, together with ProColombia as an institutional ally, held a business roundtable where companies and professionals from the textile and fashion sector were able to connect, leaving projections of closing deals worth USD 855,468 in which international buyers participated, prioritized in Latin America and the Caribbean, representing countries such as: Colombia, Costa Rica, the United States, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

 

Regional presence

In its role as a meeting point for the national fashion ecosystem, Createx played a fundamental role in driving the national economy through the presence of regional Colombian companies, which represent the diversity and wealth of the industry at a national level. On this occasion, more than 30 regional companies were present, representing departments such as: Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca and Santander.

Catwalks 

On the other hand, within the programming of the agenda of activities, there were three catwalks, which combined fashion and sustainability, concepts promoted by the fair. The catwalks were headed by the designer Mónica Fonnegra, the academic program of Fashion Design of the ECCI University and Quiromar, a company specialized in the manufacture and commercialization of business supplies.

Finally, one of the highlights of the event was the presence of the Museo de Trajes, which participated with a model costume display consisting of 24 pieces, enriching the experience of the attendees, offering knowledge, creative inspiration, trend analysis and educational opportunities. In addition, the historical and cultural contribution of the Museo del Traje provided a relevant historical and cultural context for the textile and clothing industry.