Fashion Week opens with more than 1,100 exhibitors

08 Jul '08

4 min read

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2009 has attracted a record 1,153 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, as well as buyers and industry players from around the world keen on checking out the latest clothing products and fashion trends.

The show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is being held from 8 to 11 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Seven group pavilions, from the Chinese mainland, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan, are taking part, as is an exhibitor from first-time participant the Netherlands.

The four-day fair showcases a broad array of fashion, accessories and garment-related products, including apparel and handbags, shoes, fashion jewellery and fabrics.

They are displayed in nine theme zones: Fabrics and Yarn Zone (new), Emporium de Mode, Infant and Children's Wear Zone, Spice Arena, Body and Intimate Wear Zone, Bridal and Evening Wear Zone, Fashion Gallery, Garment and Accessories Mart and International Fashion Designers' Showcase.

Speaking at opening ceremony, Vincent Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, said that the exports of clothing and clothing accessories last year rose by a moderate 1.8 per cent, to US$28.77 billion (HK$224.4 billion).

“The sluggish US economy has inevitably affected our industry,” he said. “But Hong Kong garment companies are experienced, resilient and blessed with the flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.”

The challenging outlook of the US market is, however, compensated by the growth from emerging markets. Mr Fang said: “Growth in Hong Kong exports to the emerging markets is encouraging, with Argentina, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia and Turkey all recording more than 20 per cent growth from last year.”

During the fair period, seven fashion shows and eight special-topic seminars will be staged. One of the highlighted shows is the Hong Kong New Fashion Collection Award, which encourages Hong Kong companies to work with designers from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland in building brand collections.

Held for the eighth time, it features nine contestants competing for three awards: the Casual and Jeans-wear Category Winner, the Party and Evening-wear Category Winner and the Overall Winner.

“Diversity in Action” by Hong Kong New Design Force Under the theme of “Diversity in Action”, a group of young Hong Kong designers and artists will celebrate the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games with a fashion show (10 July) and an art and graphics exhibition (8-11 July). The creative promotion is being held during Fashion Week to grab the attention of global buyers.

In all, 16 Hong Kong fashion designers will showcase more than 100 new outfits in three styles: Super Sport, Dynamic City and Sports Go Arty on 10 July. The collections include sportswear and stylish outfits infused with modern and artistic elements.