More than 12,000 buyers from 71 countries and regions attended the four-day 24th Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer.
There was “considerable” growth in the number of buyers from Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines and the US, reports the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
Twenty events at the fair included fashion shows, trend-forecasting seminars, buyer forums and a networking reception.
“As well as being a sourcing platform for the industry, Hong Kong Fashion Week is also an important marketing channel for exhibitors with their new products and fashion projects,” says HKTDC deputy-executive director Benjamin Chau. “It also provides an opportunity for industry professionals to gather the latest market intelligence.
“Though the internet and social media are gradually becoming mainstream promotion channels, fashion trade fairs are still a dominant platform for face-to-face business negotiations, exchanging market intelligence and showcasing new collections.”
Meanwhile, the HKTDC will continue to offer its four-in-one integrated marketplace – trade fairs, the HKTDC Online Marketplace (hktdc.com), product magazines and a mobile app that helps fashion companies reach global buyers anywhere at any time.
During the fair, the Italian Trade Commission Hong Kong and Assocalzaturifici (Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association) jointly organised The Seduction of Footwear: Italian Glamour exhibition featuring 50 styles of classic women’s shoes.
Assocalzaturifici president Annarita Pilotti says Hong Kong and China together represent Italy’s fifth-largest export market in terms of value. Italian export volumes to the mainland rose 2.3 per cent last year while exports to Hong Kong grew 3.5 per cent.
New technology
Apart from unveiling fashion trends, seminars covered technology developments. At its New Generation of Merino Innovation – Wool Denim Wear & Wool Sneakers seminar, the Woolmark Company introduced its latest denim fabric and related application techniques.
Business and sourcing opportunities were a major part of the week. US buyer and first-time visitor Kakoli Chakraborty Mehra says she found exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, India and Korea matching her needs, while Thai buyer Thailand Sukanya Sutthivisetpong of Thanulux she is now negotiating with six suppliers from China, Hong Kong, India and Korea with initial orders estimated at US$50,000.
A regular Hong Kong exhibitor, MsEnvy, showcased silk womenswear in 230 styles this year, attracting new buyers from Australia, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and Taiwan, says MD Jun Wong.
Two extra zones were launched at the event. In the Fashionable Sportswear zone, Hyperbola Textile from Taiwan showed its first range of sportswear, yoga wear and functional wear.
Fashion e-commerce platform Meilishuo.com from China attended the fair for the first time to source women’s collections. Senior operations director Liu Ding says she negotiated with a Korean exhibitor to source activewear and beachwear, expecting to place orders of up to 500 pieces in each style.
Nearly 100 showcases and 400 products featured in the Small Orders zone, for orders of between five and 1000 pieces. About 2700 buyers visited the zone with nearly 4700 business connections being established.
About 1100 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions featured at the show.
Meanwhile, the second edition of Centrestage, a platform for Asian fashion brands and designers, will be held from September 6 to 9.
