Due to popular demand, here are more photos from CHIC.

I received a lot of feedback from my pictures from the CHIC show. So here's the last batch of it.


Below are pictures from the jewelry section. Bling Bling!



Not sure what they are selling but the cabin concept is pretty neat.

Chinese CHIC models

Here are pictures of models from the CHIC2008 clothing show (China International Clothing & Accessories Fair) in Beijing. Very innovative use of models. The above is half of the 20 models for this showcase. Below shows the other half. 20 sexy woman on stage at once, how can you go wrong.






This was a very interesting show. The walkway is a semi circle that wraps around the audience. Good mix of kids and adults. This brand doesn't even have an English name which is rare.

The following are pictures from a brand called "Style Hong Kong". Very creative name eh.

As there is a archetype of the Western cover model, (blond, blue eyes, big smile, curvy body) there's also an archetypical Chinese model. It is skinny, gentle, soft, dark eyes, with youthful soft make-up and a small smile. I see this on magazine covers everywhere in China. Just like in the West I can't really tell the cover models apart here either.





The models walked in zig zag patterns so everyone can see. Also smart use of badges that have the name of the item. This will help people place orders by reviewing their photographs.




Guys model too. Maybe they aren't too popular or maybe it's me selective photographing.




A kids brand called SSXY. Is it me or does this feel wrong?!?

These kids are so cute. They have been trained so well too. Very professional.

This last brand is my favourite use of models. There is a scene of six or seven models. They are all still. Then once every minute or so one of the models gets up and walks around showcasing their outfit. Then the model goes back to the original still position while in a little while another model gets up. I like this because it tells a story and the movement creates drama and interest. With only one model it guides your attention.

CHIC, bigger than MAGIC

CHIC clothing show (China International Clothing & Accessories Fair) is China’s version of MAGIC. MAGIC is North America's largest clothing show where buyers and sellers meet. To compare the two I would simply describe it as this: Las Vegas is known for excess and larger than life but the Chinese did build the Great Wall!

The CHIC 2008 is China’s premiere clothing show and it’s already on its 16th show. It is the first event to be held in the New China International Exhibition Centre (NCIEC) with over 100,000 square metres. This was held from March 28-31, 2008. The NCIEC is Asia’s largest exhibition centre which started work in late 2001. It will host some of the Olympic Summer 2008 events. As I stare from outside it reminded me the Tian'anmen square with its large open space and wide structure. It conveys a sense of majesty and drama.

As I entered and started walking around I was quite taken away with the exhibits. This by far eclipses the show at MAGIC. The displays and areas were not that much larger than at MAGIC but the pure creativity and ingenuity was just spectacular. While at MAGIC it was one rectangular booth with wall enclosures and slightly different placements of table and chairs, each CHIC booth had a different theme and completely different layout with the table and chairs built into the theme.

This exhibit shows the non use of rectangular space. Two levels with a Greek island seashore villa theme.

This is Hazzys, a high end Chinese brand. Went with the simplicity design.

Nice concept in creating a 3D space.

The Chinese likes to knock off western brands. Does the Goldrooster logo reminds you of some other western brand?

Even the western brands were here like PONY. Let’s say they brought their close minded thinking MAGIC booth with them.

Kobron’s theme is an airport. Live models posing for pictures and showcasing their shirts all day long.

Simple concept manikins on the top level with vertical sliced photos on the bottom matched with the black shows a very powerful and authoritative feel.

I will post more amazing pictures. Stay tuned!

This is Beijing? The Summer Olympic 2008 city?

Beijing is a depressing city. Right as I got out of the gates of the railway station at midnight, I raced with the thousands of other travelers to the street to catch a cab. At every turn I was harassed with solicitors. With a frown and a beaten down posture sadly holding a pamphlet as if they were bagging for change or showing a picture of their lost child. Instead it’s for a hotel or another service of some sort.

It looked more like a car pileup then a taxi line.

Finally I got to the cab area after brushing off eight or nine solicitors, but it is the same here. I can see a sea of cabs inches apart fighting for passengers. It looked more like a car pileup than a taxi line. Even then hustlers approach me and try to negotiate a fixed rate double or triple the actual cost of the trip.

As I was traveling during the day I got a better look at Beijing. It was a rainy day and I thought the poor visibility was caused by mist of the morning dew but only to realize it was the smog. All the buildings were tattooed in pollution and dirt, its windows bleeding with rust. Everywhere I look I see only grey rectangular buildings with grey rectangular balconies with grey rectangular doors and grey rectangular signs. The epitome of functional design with no respect paid to aesthetics. This reminds me of those Chinese food restaurants called something like “Wong’s Lucky Star Fast Yummy Tasty Fine Dining Chinese Food”

There is 48,000 sqm of exhibition space and over 1,100 exhibitors from 14 counties and regions.


I am here for the Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics Fair March 27 - 29, 2008. It is China’s bi-annual gathering of fabric producers showcasing their latest technology and development. There is 48,000 sqm of exhibition space and over 1,100 exhibitors from 14 counties and regions. This is held in the old China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC). As you expected the CIEC consisted of large rectangular windowless buildings that looks like movie studios but the white pristine texture added a sense of cleanliness.

As I strolled around the fair I noticed a large exhibitor with bamboo stalk design. As I spoke to the agent I realized they mainly make their products out of nylon with only one bamboo nylon fabric. Bamboo is used very often for décor and design in the Chinese culture. I noticed this especially for restaurants. As I asked around I noticed not many Chinese fabric producers know of bamboo and even the information agent was perplexed about the fabric and couldn’t direct me to the any particular area. I did however meet a couple of suppliers that had a small offering of bamboo fabric.

...the most innovative use of bamboo is from a silk fabric company.

However the most innovative use of bamboo is from a silk fabric company. They developed a very nice silk bamboo composition fabric. I always liked the delicacy of silk but was worrisome of its fragility. With the bamboo it adds durability and softness while maintaining the sheen and airiness of silk. I can already think of a product this would be perfect for!