The International Apparel Federation is a politically neutral global association, open to entrepreneurs and executives from the apparel chain worldwide.  Its membership includes national clothing associations and companies whose core business is sourcing, designing, development, manufacturing, distribution, and retailing of apparel products. In addition the IAF welcomes, as associate members, educational institutions and companies that supply textiles, accessories, equipment, technology, and services to the apparel industry. The IAF is a worldwide knowledge network that collects and disseminates information, statistical, benchmarking and otherwise, on developments in apparel design, manufacturing, distribution, sourcing, trade and technology.

The IAF is already preparing for its 28th IAF World Apparel Convention. This event will be held in Oporto, Portugal (24-28 September 2012) and is co-organized together with IAF member 'Associacão Têxtil e Vestuário de Portugal' (ATP) Time schedule: - Mo 24 Sept: IAF golf tournament - Mo 24 Sept: Board of Directors dinner - Tu 25 Sept: Executive Committee & Board meeting - Tu 25 Sept: General Assembly - Tu 25 Sept: Opening IAF Convention, welcome dinner and designer fashion show - We 26 Sept & Th 27 Sept: 28th IAF World Apparel Convention More information about the venue's, hotel, partner & social program, speakers and sponsorship opportunities will be online soon under the section 'Conferences'. If you have any questions please direct them to Ms. Mariet Solle | solle@iafnet.com

IAF President Harry van Dalfsen during the opening ceremony of the 27th World Apparel Convention in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The 27th World Apparel Convention was officially opened on 14th October in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Mr Harry van Dalfsen, President of the IAF, especially welcomed Mr. Marcos Cherem, President of CANAIVE (the Mexican Apparel Industry Association), for his hospitality of hosting this Convention together with their 35th CANAIVE Congress, as well as Mr. Bruno Ferrari, minister of Economy of Mexico. The theme of the Convention is Transformation of Fashion Business. The program of the Convention that is going on right now, includes speakers and forums on subjects like creative styling, the impact of economic developments, social networks, virtual dressing, and will end by the 2011 IAF Designers Award Fashion Show.

The IAF will hold its 27th World Apparel Convention 2011 in Mexico. The theme of the convention will be TRANSFORMATION OF FASHION BUSINESS

The world has dramatically changed over the last 3 years. Economical, financial and political developments  have also influenced our fashion business worldwide. What was for sure for a long time is not necessarily the case for the near future. In some parts of the world the economy is booming whereas in other regions economic growth is slow with consumers hesitating to buy our products. Production prices in some sourcing areas are going up, shortage of raw materials is another issue causing pressure on profits. Global responsibility can no longer be denied in a globalized fashion world.

What are the effects of all this on our business strategies? During the 27th IAF World Apparel Convention in combination with the 35th CANAIVE Congress high ranking speakers from all over the world will touch upon actual and future developments in sourcing strategies and retail concepts. They will answer questions how creativity and innovation can shape a positive business environment for the fashion supply chain.

Join us in Puerto Vallarta from 13-16 October, 2011, and get ready for the future!

These are the 4 subjects of the sessions:
- sourcing
- retail
- innovation
- design

Registration for all IAF Convention parts will go via CANAIVE office. CLICK HERE to register!

In Frankfurt the IAF had some good meetings. One of them was with ITMA,  the International Exhibition of Textile Machinery. The IAF will support ITMA and in return they offer all IAF members a discount of €70,- for a 8-day visitor badge. This preferential rate is valid till 15 August 2011. In addition, a free Barcelona public transport pass will be provided for each order. ITMA has partnered leading industry organizations to introduce a series of conferences and interactive sessions designed to enhance your experience at ITMA 2011. Make the most of your trip by registering for these top events. For more information visit http://www.itma.com/eventGlance.html. You can also download the digital ITMA 2011 visitor leaflet from this link: http://www.itma.com/visitorsDownload.html     If you wish to use the €70,- discount please send an e-mail to Mr. Erik Nep (nep@iafnet.com)

_{(Alexandro Faes - Mexcostura, Marcos Cherem - President CANAIVE, Harry van Dalfsen - President IAF, Han Bekke - Secretary General IAF)}

Breaking news!

This year’s convention of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) will be held from October 13th-October 16th, 2011, in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. The 27th edition of this prestigious event will take place in combination with the 35th congress of the Mexican apparel association, the Camara Nacional Industria Vestido (CANAIVE).

IAF President Harry van Dalfsen and CANAIVE President Marcos Cherem recently signed a memorandum of cooperation in Mexico City to join forces in order to make both events successful. The theme of the convention will be “Transformation of Fashion Business”. High ranking speakers from all over the world will touch upon actual and future developments in sourcing strategies and retail concepts. They will answer questions how creativity and innovation can shape a positive business environment for the fashion supply chain.

The general assembly of IAF is planned for Thursday October 13th, whereas the convention will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October. With the IAF International Designer Award fashion show the convention will be closed.

From October 16th-19th IAF and CANAIVE will organise an optional study tour to apparel factories in and around Guadalajara.
More information about the convention and study tour to be expected in the coming weeks via www.iafnet.com

To watch the video clip of the 26th IAF World Apparel Convention in Hong Kong please click HERE