31st October, Singapore - Singapore Fashion Week 2006 (SFW06) kicked-off into its 19th annual instalment, this event showcase a series of comprehensive fashion-related trade exhibitions and trade shows featuring the latest designers' collections, brands/ labels and swimwear apparel from the region.

"Costing more than S$2 million to mount and produce, SFW06 is the gateway to Asia, bringing together the most established designers/ labels and renowned international buyers for the trade show here in Singapore, marked on the world's fashion calendar," says Mr Benny Pua, Chairman of SFW06. "One of this year's key initiatives under the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf)'s industry development plan is supported under the Singapore government's Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD programme) to enhance the competitiveness of the industry."

To further strengthen Singapore's position as a regional fashion hub, SFW06 brings together important international trade exhibitions featuring the gamut of fashion apparel -from swimwear and intimates to ready-to-wear and high fashion collections featuring numerous brands and labels in several fashion shows under one roof. With Singapore's excellent connectivity and infrastructure supporting the sourcing, distribution and supply chain functions of the region's apparel industries and connecting them to the rest of the world, this event offers exclusive business-to-business opportunities for all.

"SFW is a flagship event of the region's garment and fashion industry. Working with the industry, IE helps to link up local and even regional manufacturers and designers with buyers from around the world - further entrenching our position as a regional fashion hub even as we extend our global reach. Providing the opportunity to showcase Singapore and the region's design and wares to international and regional buyers is another of the event's value proposition," says Mrs Tan Li Lin, Director, Lifestyle and Business Services, IE Singapore. "For instance, as a result our facilitation through SFW 2005, three Singapore designers were talent-scouted by TaFf's US-based partners. Following the success of this pilot project, we are glad that TaFf has plans to replicate it for Korea, Taiwan and Europe in SFW 2006."

"SFW06, with support under the LEAD programme, open markets and offer new and more business opportunities for our industry players," said Mr Chow Tat Kong, Group Director, Enterprise Development of SPRING Singapore. "We hope that through this platform, our local designers and manufacturers will get the opportunity to network with international buyers and have their designs and products showcased for better access to international markets," added Mr Chow.

Other programmes continue to feature Singapore and regional fashion businesses and designers at different stages of their development. These offer important assistance and useful information to budding undergraduates, fledgling new businesses and even established designers looking to expand regionally and globally.

Exhibitors, participants, designers and trade visitors can expect a diversified and interactive platform to maximize their exposure within and beyond their industry circle and open gateways for more business opportunities.