EXPANDED HONGKONG FASHION WEEK BOATS OF 1,300 EXHIBITORS

Prospects were very sunny for this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer, thanks to an 11% growth in exhibitors, with almost 1,300 taking part in the fair. What is particularly encouraging is increased participation from places such as India, Indonesia and Taiwan. The World of Fashion Accessories zone registered a very impressive 35% growth to 107 companies, while the Sewing Supplies and Fabrics & Yarn zones have also posted good increases in exhibitor numbers. These uplifting statistics underline the fact that Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer has evolved into a very meaningful platform for buyers to conduct one-stop sourcing, encompassing finished garments, designers labels, fashion accessories and raw materials. A growing number of exhibitors - 1,300 - at the 17th Hong Kong Fashion Week looked forward expectantly to some 5,500 decision making level buyers from as many as 70 countries, opened on 3 August 2010 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Hong Kong Fashion Week featured exhibitors from 21 countries and regions and four group pavilions from India, Macau, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. The mainland pavilion features group exhibitions from Hangzhou, Jiaxing, Ningbo, Shaoxing and Wenzhou. "For decades, the Hong Kong garment and textile industry has attracted buyers from all over the world because of its outstanding manufacturing craftsmanship and flexible trade and sales services," said Vincent Fang, Chairman of the HKTDC's Garment Advisory Committee. "Hong Kong fashion designers are trendsetters who understand the market," he added. "The ultimate advantage of Hong Kong is its ability to reach the massive market on the Chinese mainland," said Fang, noting that the fair is an outstanding sourcing and marketing platform for local companies. Fang also predicted that Hong Kong Fashion Week will help exhibitors reach out to global buyers to win more orders. As always, a number of product zones were set up to ensure that exhibitors are able to introduce their products to potential buyers in a well-organised and customised setting. These zones included: Fabrics & Yarn - for wide array of fabrics, fibres and yarns, including functional fabrics such as cotton and linen, high-performance fabrics, lingerie fabrics, man-made fabrics, knitted fabrics, as well as silk, wool, ramie, and embroidery. Infant & Children's Wear - for clothing for little ones for all occasions. Bridal & Evening Wear - for unique and beautiful apparel and accessories for men and women to complete that special occasion. Fashion Gallery - for high-end, designer pieces for those who want nothing but the best. Garment Mart - for high volume and value pieces with mass market appeal. Garment Mart - for high volume and value pieces with mass market appeal. Sewing Supplies - for must have tools of the trade for all designers and manufacturers. International Fashion Designers' Showcase - for cutting edge designers to showcase their collections, discuss their work and potential business opportunities.