Representatives from award-winning brands and organizations speak at the 6th China National Garment Association Awards at the Century Theater in Beijing on March 28, 2010. [China.org.cn]

Outstanding garment brands were honored at the 6th China National Garment Association Awards at the Century Theater in Beijing on Sunday. Winners included well-known brands Erdos, Tonlion, K-boxing and Metersbonwe.

The awards marked a more cheerful moment for the garment industry, which suffered during the financial crisis last year from plummeting exports and weakened domestic demand. According to World Apparel, China produced 40 billion garments in 2009, a 13-percent decrease from 2008. Exports declined 12 percent to 3.5 billion garments, while domestic spending on clothes increased two percentage points less than in 2008.

Only large companies increased production, leading to a reorganization of the garment industry. As smaller companies were forced to shut down, large companies were able to grab more resources, concentrating the industry more on big market players.

But one newcomer stood out at the awards. Vancl, the online clothing retailer that was founded three years ago, was honored for its innovation. Its operations, completely based online, reflect a new trend in the garment industry where the Internet plays a significant role.

List of winners

Most stylish brand: Eachway

Innovation award: Vancl

Most potential brand: Tonlion

Best quality brand: Aimer

Strategic planning award: K-boxing

Marketing award: Peacebird

Best industry promoter: Organizing Committee of China (Dalian) International Garment & Textile Fair

Best foreign brand: Muji (Japan)

Best technology promoter: Zhejiang New Jack Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.

Public choice: Erdos

Most valuable brand: Anta

Most accomplished brand: Metersbonwe