The 29th edition of the annual show – one of the biggest and most important in all of Latin America – is expected to draw some 1,800 foreign buyers from 60 countries as well as 13,000 national buyers and sellers. Sponsors expect trade-show deals in excess of US$313 million.

Some 510 exhibitors will occupy 11,600 square meters of space at Medellin’s Plaza Mayor, while the adjacent Teatro Metropolitano will host presentations by experts from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana on emerging demographic, cultural and fashion trends.

Exhibitors include those from India, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Singapore, Italy, the United States and Colombia, according to Inexmoda.

Colombia's textile, fiber and clothing exports continued to grow in 2016, exceeding US$458 million, with major destination markets including the USA, Ecuador, Mexico and Brazil, according to Medellin-based industrial trade association Andi.

Meanwhile, Colombian national consumption of clothing and footwear through October 2016 grew by 5.5% year-on-year, hitting COP$10.5 trillion (US$3.49 billion), according to a joint study by Raddar and Inexmoda.

Textile and clothing manufacturers also are adopting new technologies including digital graphics; this year’s Inexmoda will feature 15 companies showing such manufacturing techniques.

Another highlight: special “Denim Day” events on January 25, which will include presentations by Medellin-based textile giants Coltejer and Fabricato.

“At Coltejer, we’re developing textiles that respond to demanding life-styles, with clothing that can be used over long periods and diverse activities including work, shopping or Yoga classes,” said Coltejer commercial director Monica Betancur.

“Because of these diverse uses, we’ve developed fabrics with high elasticity, excellent feel and form, and which also can serve special functions such as repelling water and controlling body humidity,” she added.