Kiiya to expand Alvanon, the Apparel Fit Expert

08 Nov '11

4 min read

The world's foremost apparel fit expert, Alvanon, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Kiiya, Japan's leading fit form supplier, to distribute Alvanon's patented soft memory foam AlvaForm technical mannequins to Japanese fashion brands and retailers. '

Under the terms of the partnership agreement Kiiya will also have access to Alvanon's global 3D human shape database, the largest in the world, enabling it to supply geographically targeted morphological data to Japanese apparel companies wanting to export into the US, Europe and China.

Kiiya is working with Alvanon to develop a soft form version of Kiiya's popular Japanese bodies. This will allow Japanese fashion companies to use a soft skin-like product while they design and fit for a Japanese consumer. The fit forms will be duel branded 'Kiiya by Alvanon'.

The agreement will give Alvanon instant presence in the lucrative Japanese market and is the latest step in its drive to expand its international business. The company recently launched a new European standard AlvaForm range to help international brands make 'better fitting' clothes for consumers across the UK and Europe.

Alvanon will manufacture the Japanese fit forms at its wholly owned 50,000sq ft production and distribution facility in Dongguan, China. AlvaForms supplied to Kiiya will be constructed of a soft memory foam that exhibits similar properties to human tissue making them an ideal tool for designing and fitting clothes.

Jeff Cheung, general manager, Alvanon Asia explained: “We are delighted and honoured to be working with Kiiya. Japan has distinct language and cultural differences and Kiiya's experience and local reputation will help us to quickly establish a successful business presence in the region.

In turn we will work closely with Kiiya to supply and apply the very latest technical mannequin innovations and consumer shape research to its brand and retail customers operating in Japan and the global arena.”

Kiiya tested the Japanese market response to the soft AlvaForms at the recent Japan Fashion Week's International Fashion Fair. Kazuo Hamada, president, Kiiya explained: “Japanese customers saw the soft skin-like fit forms as innovative and interesting.

"We will offer our brand and retail customers the soft forms alongside our successful hard forms. We anticipate that Alvanon's soft forms will be a popular choice and will have a significant impact on the way clothes are designed and fitted in Japan.”

Established in 1919 Kiiya is Japan's most established and successful supplier of 'hard' technical fit forms and retail display mannequins. In addition to supplying its products to Japan's premier brands and retailers, Kiiya works with Japan's top fashion schools including Bunka and Sugino.

Through its three integrated divisions, AlvaInsight, AlvaForm and AlvaBlock, Alvanon offers practical solutions that enable its clients to achieve fit consistently and continuously from design through to consumer.

More Apparel/Garments News - Japan...