The first phase of the China Leisure Wear Expo (CHCW) marked a significant milestone in the professional internationalization of China's apparel industry. From October 27 to 29, 2000, as the world was still celebrating the turn of the millennium, a new wave of excitement emerged in Shaxi, a small town in Zhongshan, Guangdong. The 2000 China Leisure Wear Expo brought together over 200,000 visitors from more than 20 countries and regions, making it a landmark event in the Chinese fashion calendar.
For the first time, brands from the U.S., UK, Japan, France, the Netherlands, and even North Korea showcased their casual wear collections on Chinese soil. Notable highlights included Zhang Zhaoda’s "Yoyo Nostalgia" collection, Liu Jiaqiang and Zhao Yanlun’s performances, the introduction of iconic brands like Crocodile and Stegosaurus, and the "Top Ten Chinese Fashion Designers’ Casual Wear Show." The Sixth China “Model Star†Competition also added to the cultural vibrancy of the event. Shaxi, once a quiet town, experienced a powerful fashion awakening.
The expo acted as a catalyst for the development of China’s casual wear industry. Within just one year, more than 100 new garment enterprises were established in Shaxi, laying the foundation for a comprehensive leisure apparel industry system. By 2001, there were nearly 480 textile and garment manufacturers, a large convention center, a machinery equipment market, multiple professional markets, and over 3,200 stores nationwide. The number of local leisure clothing brands exceeded 60, and total sales reached 5 billion yuan. Shaxi earned its reputation as the birthplace of casual wear, with the phrase “Casual Clothes Look Shaxi†echoing across the country and beyond.
The second session of the service fair emphasized themes of “innovation, strength, and internationalization.†It saw an increase in scale, quality, and professionalism, expanding its market influence. The event was recognized by authoritative media as one of the “National Top Ten Fashion Expositions.†According to research by the China Chamber of Commerce, Shaxi accounted for 7% of the national casual wear market, earning it the top spot in 2001. It was officially recognized as a key production base for casual wear in China.
The second service fair further expanded its scope, featuring five distinct zones: Domestic Pavilion, International Pavilion, Hong Kong & Macao Pavilion, Fabric Pavilion, and Garment Machinery Pavilion. Over 20 countries participated, showcasing major global brands like LEE, CK, and GAP, as well as renowned domestic labels such as Minsen, Septwolves, and Semir. This edition truly became a global gathering for casual wear brands, highlighting its growing influence.
Specialization remained at the core of CHCW. The second service fair took a significant step forward in this direction, featuring events like the “Shaxi Leisure Cup†Model Star contest, press conferences by top Chinese designers, fashion brand showcases, design competitions, and expert forums on industry trends. These activities demonstrated the event’s high level of professionalism.
Internationalization was another key goal. The third service fair made great progress toward this objective. With the use of modern exhibition mechanisms, the organizers partnered with agencies in Hong Kong, Macao, Europe, and the U.S. to attract international brands, with 28% of the 900 booths occupied by foreign exhibitors. At the opening party, renowned designers like Marcel Malone, Susanna Weaver, and Mott Sapa Sae shared their latest concepts alongside Chinese designers Zhang Zhaoda and Wu Xuewei. This cross-cultural exchange created a dynamic platform for dialogue between China and the global fashion community.
In recognition of its contributions, Shaxi received the “Outstanding Contribution Award for Promoting the Development of China’s Casual Wear†from the China National Garment Association and the China National Garment Designers Association. It was also named “China’s Casual Wear Town†by the China National Textile and Apparel Council and the China National Garment Association.
By the end of the first phase, the China Leisure Wear Expo had successfully completed its journey toward specialization and internationalization, setting a strong foundation for future growth.
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