Brisk Business at Trendsetting Fair

Buyers and suppliers flocked to Hong Kong for the 50th edition of HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in mid-January. The four-day fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC), attracted nearly 13,000 buyers from 78 countries and regions.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “The fashion industry is facing many challenges against the backdrop of the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Mainland China and changes in product-sourcing and retailing patterns. The HKTDC continues to help exhibitors expand their network and connect with buyers from emerging markets. Among markets outside Hong Kong, this edition of Fashion Week saw the highest buyer attendance from Mainland China, Indonesia and the US, showing that the sourcing sentiment in both mature and emerging markets has remained unaffected. Among emerging markets, buyer attendance from Russia recorded a satisfactory increase. The results also highlight the fact that, despite economic uncertainties, global buyers still value Hong Kong’s position as an unrivalled sourcing hub for global fashion traders and retailers.”

Keeping Track

To stay competitive, industry players were eager to join information-sharing events during Fashion Week. These included “The Visionary Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2020” presentation by leading international fashion forecaster Fashion Snoops, as well as seminars exploring issues such as sustainable development in the fashion industry, the cotton market outlook and the latest cotton textile technologies.
Addressing the challenge of rising costs and smaller orders, first-time exhibitor iGarment (Hong Kong) Ltd showcased its iGarment cloud-based Job Order System that covers everything from sample development to production progress and shipping.
Connie Wong, iGarment Marketing Manager, said: “During the first two days of the fair, we met with more than 100 buyers, exhibitors and designers from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Southeast Asia who are very interested in our services. To understand their needs, we’ll arrange them to visit factories that adopted our system.” Due to the overwhelming response from buyers, iGarment has decided to return to the fair next year.

Urszula Tomaszewska-Kisło from Poland visited the event for the first time. She operates 30 shops in Poland together with an online store selling clothing under her own brand. The Polish buyer said the show deepened her understanding of current fashion trends and believed it was a good platform for sourcing high-quality goods. “I have found four potential suppliers of clothing and garments here. I placed an onsite order for US$10,000 worth of women’s sweaters offered by a supplier from Mainland China,” she said.

Budding Labels

The show featured four fashion parades.
FASHIONALLY Collection #13 showcased the latest collections from three Hong Kong designers: Yeung Chin (brand name: YEUNG CHIN), Jane Ng (brand name: phenotypsetter) and Alee Lee (brand name: ALEE LEE). The designers all studied at the Alternatif Fashion Workshop in Hong Kong.
The FASHIONALLY Presentations, staged by Hong Kong fashion website FASHIONALLY.com, showcased the design concepts and 2019 Fall/Winter collections of three local designers: Arto Wong (brand name: ARTO.), Jason Lee (brand name: YMDH) and Carrie Kwok (brand name: CAR|2IE – main picture). Unlike conventional runway parades, these three presentations featured the designers’ works through theatrical storytelling. The stage design, props and story sequence, all carefully orchestrated by the designers, created a unique and stimulating experience for the audience and buyers alike.

The HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter again featured a Corporate Fashion and Uniforms zone, which had made its debut in 2018. The World of Fashion Accessories also returned by popular demand, bringing together fashion items ranging from shoes and bags to fashion jewellery, scarves and shawls, all under one roof. New in 2019, The Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd showcased its latest shoe designs with a fashion parade. Special product zones such as Fashionable Sportswear, Thermal Clothing, Bridal & Evening Wear and Intimate Wear & Swimwear also featured their latest designs. Incorporating designs from more than 60 international designers, the International Fashion Designers’ Showcase presents masterpieces from around the globe.
YDC Opens for Application
The HKTDC has organised the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) since 1977, to unearth talented local designers. This year’s competition will be held during CENTRESTAGE in September, and is now open for application.

Related links
Hong Kong Fashion Week