Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer will take place from 3 to 6 July, 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). In its 19th edition the fair will introduce exciting new elements and present a great variety of finished garments, designer collections and fashion accessories, providing platform for both trading and design inspiration for industry players.



As the world's 2nd largest exporter of clothing, Hong Kong is a major trading hub for the garment industry. Total exports of clothing and clothing accessories from Hong Kong in 2011 amounted to USD 24.44 billion, an increase by 2% year-on-year. This is a good result given the lackluster global economic environment.


With its status as a global sourcing hub in Asia, Hong Kong attracts trading houses and major retailers-buyers from American and European department stores,discount stores, specialty chains, mail order houses and important designer labels. They come to source not just traditional fashion items and accessories,but also products targeting emerging market segments such as the teenager market, the male market, the silver market, as well as eco-friendly products and garments.


Last year, Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer attracted over 1,300exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. It is expected that this year's fair will continue to attract exhibitors from different parts of the world, and strengthening the event's proven effectiveness in serving the garment and fashion design industry.


Hong Kong Fashion Week is zoned to provide maximum exposure for different sectors of the industry. Among them are three new zones, namely Salon of Scarves & Shawls, World of Youth Collection and Fashion Jewellery Feast,which serve the latest trends and current market demand.

Salon of Scarves & Shawls will bring together a huge array of items including silk squares, wool ponchos, evening wraps, knitted scarves, pashminas, embroidered stoles and many more.


World of Youth Collection highlights the profusion of looks for the young market one of the most vibrant sectors in fashion today.


Fashion Jewellery Feast will focus on trendy, hip pieces designed to bring an extra touch of style to outfits.


Joining hands with the new zones, two zones that made a very prominent debut in January at Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter will return: Denim Arcade, Handbags Select, will be joined by other zones, namely Brand Name Gallery, featuring premium, high-end brands; International Fashion Designers' Showcase, which focuses on collections from top talents; Fashion Gallery, showcasing trendy garments; and Garment Mart, catering to mass market fashion. Other featured zones cover Bridal & Evening Wear, Infant & Children's Wear, Intimate & Swim Wear, World of Fashion Accessories, Fabrics & Yarn, Sewing Supplies.


Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer is the region's premier sourcing and marketing hub as well as its platform for information exchange and trend preview. Exhibitors will enjoy maximum exposure for brand building and promotion by participating in fashion parades which will be staged throughout the fair period. Buyers can learn from a series of seminars featuring presentations by international trend-forecasters and key fashion business leaders covering the coming trends in fashion and lifestyle, as well as current hot topics such as Reducing Textile Waste through Sustainable Design and Key Style Trends for 2013. A networking reception will be organised to help industry players expand their business network.


This article was originally published in "The Stitch Times", June, 2012.