Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

The Fabrics & Yarn Zone debuts this year to reflect the demands of the market, and will showcase cotton, embroidery, functional fabrics, knitted fabrics, linen, ramie, lingerie fabrics, man-made fabrics, silk, wool, plus various fibres and yarns. The new zone offers buyers greater choices. Together with Body & Intimate Wear Zone, Bridal & Evening Wear Zone, Fashion Gallery and Garment & Accessories Mart, the special zones offer many bright opportunities to tap into the latest trends in the fast-paced fashion world.

A new zone is to be added to Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/ Summer to celebrate its 15th anniversary. Running from July 8 – 11, 2008 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the fair will present the latest products, trends and market intelligence. More than 1,100 exhibitors from world-wide will gather and form the perfect sourcing platform for the fashion industry.

Emporium de Mode, Infant & Children’s Wear Zone and Spice Arena, all of which kicked off last year, will make a welcome return. Emporium de Mode presents a host of spectacular designs in elegant, refined surroundings for those looking for something special. Spice Arena gathers the latest “must-have” accessories in the world of fashion, including headwear, footwear, ladies’ scarves and handbags. Infant & Children’s Wear Zone caters to a growing market where quality and following fashion trends are equally important.

At Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer, fashion industry people from around the world will witness the talent of Hong Kong fashion designers. The highlight of the fair, the Hong Kong New Fashion Collection Award 2008 is organised to encourage Hong Kong enterprises to start their own collections and brandnames by working more closely with designers. There are three categories in the Award: Party & Evening-wear, Contemporary Day-wear and Casual & Jeans-wear. The collections are judged by the marketability, use of fabrics, application of technology, creativity and workmanship.
 

The show, featuring the shortlisted finalists’ outfits, will be staged on the third day of the fair. The finalists will be competing for the best collection award from each of the three categories, along with the “Overall Winner Award”. The importance of the fair is reinforced by the internationalism of the visitors. Last year, more than 17,000 fashion buyers from 94 countries and regions visited the event.

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer is where business takes place. Mr Joseph Antal, managing director of Antalok Merchandising Pte Ltd, Hungary has visited the fair since 1989. “There are always good possibilities here. I can always find something new. I can see the trends and the new colours. I would say about 15-20% of our yearly business comes from this fair,” said Mr Antal. Ms Beatrice Alvares, buyer of Nanni Design Corp, US, has been visiting the show for four years. “I go to other fairs in Asia but I like this one best because I’m more successful here in finding what I want. There’s better quality and a greater variety of designs. And the organisation of the fair is fantastic,” said Ms Alvares.