Interst off Asia Essential, Hong Kong's only specialist fashion, functional and eco textile trade fair, opens from 3 - 5 October 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention &Exhibition Centre. Showcasing the latest fashion, functional and eco textile sand accessories, the three- day event occupies 9,000 sqm of trade space and offers visitors insight into the latest trends and innovations in the world of fabrics.


Sustainability is at the heart of this year's event as, for the first time ever, show organizer Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd teams up with Textile Exchange, Eco textile News and Planet Textiles to organize the 2012 Sustainable Textiles Conference, which takes place in conjunction with the exhibition on 4 and 5 October. The event will bring together key players and industry leaders to tackle the issue of sustainability in textiles.


Attendee scan expect to acquire knowledge, while also contributing their own expertise,through a series of plenary and breakout sessions designed to address the-specific needs of those within the industry. Topics up for discussion are designed to accelerate sustainable business practices across the board and include innovation in investment and finance, industry alignment on environment, and social impacts and solutions.

Show organizers anticipate the conference to be the premier event of the year for those involved in textile sustainability. Wendy Wen, Trade Fair Director for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: "Interstoff is an important industry platform for buyers worldwide and with garment export in Hong Kong up by two percent in 2011, it is clear the city maintains its position as a sourcing hub in Asia. With this in mind, it's the perfect opportunity for us to address the important issue of sustainability in textiles at our Hong Kong show."


La Rhea Pepper, Managing Director of Textile Exchange, adds: "This year's conference will provide the foundation for attendees to engage in productive conversations aimed at making positive changes across the industry in terms of adopting sustainable business practices. We are pleased to give them the opportunity to share their ideas and play a role in shaping tomorrow's solutions."


Autumn/Winter 2013/14 trend forecast at show


International textile and trend expert Ms Sachiko Inoue from I.S. Planning Japan will present the Autumn/ Winter 2013/14 apparel fabric trends at Interstoff Asia Essential - Autumn running from 3 to 5 October 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.



Interstoff Asia Essential is organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd which also created the Directions Trend Committee featuring some of the world's top fashion trend forecasters from major fashion capital cities, including Ms Inoue from IS Planning (Tokyo), NellyRodi Agency (Paris), Elementi Moda (Milan) and Doneger Creative Services (New York).

Chief Designer for this season's trend forecast, Kai Chow, Creative Director for Doneger Creative Services led the committee and has interpreted the coming season's fashion point of view through a series of seamlessly connected themes using colour, texture and mood as follows:


  • Bedrock - A mix of earthy neutral tones and subdued maroon and mossy colors, with a focus on binding boucle, basket weaves, fibrous and woolly fabrics.

  • Illusion - A range of romantic and dream-like pastel colors with a focus on shiny, floral jacquards, soft knits, soothing mohair and fluid silk with textured weeds.

  • Masquerade - A rich and dramatic gem stone palette evoked from deep dark colors, with a focus on taffeta, lacquered jacquards, matelasse and burnished brocade, coated fur and plush velvet.

  • Revolution - Bright and vivid palettes: bold chartreuse, fire engine red, cobalt blue and sizzling red orange, mixed with black and brown colors, with a focus on colour blocked and compact jerseys, multicolored tweeds, vibrant plaids and checks and multi-functional plush.


Commenting on the Autumn/Winter 2013/14 apparel fabric trends, Ms Sachiko Inoue from Tokyo's IS Planning, who directs the on-site trend forum display said: "It is based on the overall concept of 'mixing and balancing sensibility' with two key words 'key' and 'door', entering the four trend sections named 'Bedrock', 'Illusion', 'Masquerade' and 'Revolution'. We hope that visitors will enjoy our display as in each section they will experience different scenes from natural basics and whimsical fancies, to mysterious darkness and vibrant fusion."


This article was originally published in The Stitch Times magazine, October, 2012.