Among the glittering names at Moda Shanghai, to be held in Shanghai from 3-5 September, 2003 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, will be Escada (Asia) Ltd. The Munich-based fashion house, founded in 1976 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley, has built Escada into an international brand representing elegance and femininity, quality and individuality.

Escada is constantly evolving and at Moda Shanghai will be showing fashion acessories from its Escada Sport and Laurel labels as well as the Escada brand.

The Escada Accessories Collection for Fall/Winter 2003/2004 features bags, shoes, belts and chains. The four main themes of the collection are: Lucertola, a soft, very feminine line in soft cream, cognac and brown shades; Lupino, offering an unusual combination of materials and colour; Lupessa, using snake and suede, pony skin and glove-soft calf skin for this almost classic line; and Sera, featuring shimmering materials, Swarovski crystals and other glamorous touches.

Capitalising on the booming leisure market, Escada Sport answers the increasing demand for high-quality clothing for sports and weekend wear. For Fall/Winter 2003/2004 soft calf skin and fleecy real furs lend a special touch. Soft, large bags are setting new casual trends and handbags made from white or violet-coloured antique soft leather, with integrated round clasp or with shoulder straps, in rectangular or pouch-inspired shapes are a highlight of the collection.

The Laurel Collection for Fall/Winter 2003 presents a melange of glamour and casual looks. The sophisticated ’40s and ’80s, Casual Cocooning and Ethnic Style are the dominant themes. Buyers will see cosmopolitan and ethnic influences. An all-knitwear theme is something new for Laurel with knitted cardigans, ponchos and accessories combined with casual denims.

The inclusion of the Escada brands in Moda Shanghai speaks volumes for the increasing sophistication of the China market and the role played by Moda Shanghai in developing that market for its exhibitors.