Hong Kong fashion week kicks off with 1,400 exhibitors

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Jan 15, 2019

The 50th edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week started its four-day run on Tuesday, with both local and international designers and brands expected to showcase their latest collections for the fall/winter 2019 season.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong fashion week takes places in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The "largest of its kind in Asia," according to the HKTDC, this year's fair will attract some 1,400 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions.

In 2018, the fashion week drew 14,000 buyers from 76 countries and regions, "reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a key sourcing hub for global fashion traders and retailers," said the HKTDC in a press release.

The latest edition comes at a time of major industry hurdles for the region. Event numbers could be affected by the ongoing trade conflict between the U.S. and Mainland China. However, fast changes in sourcing and retailing in the region make it an important event for those wanting to understand brands and retailig in the zone; high exposure to emerging markets and design quality two major themes of the conference.

As for exhibitors, manufacturers will also be able to showcase their latest technologies to add value to products sourced by buyers.

"Hong Kong Fashion Week is poised to remain as the ideal platform through which the industry can promote the latest products and exchange the latest information on fashion and market trends," said HKTDC deputy executive director, Benjamin Chau.

As per previous years, Hong Kong fashion week hosts several themed zones ranging from garments, designer labels and products and clothing accessories, to trade services and new production technologies in fashion.

The World of Fashion Accessories returns in 2019, showcasing shoes and bags, fashion jewellery, scarves and shawls, while a new addition is the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear's fashion parade, highlighting shoe designs.

Fashionable Sportswear, Thermal Clothing, Bridal & Evening Wear and Intimate Wear & Swimwear all feature at the event too, while some 60 designers from different countries and regions, will take part in International Fashion Designers' Showcase, presenting fashion from around the globe.
 
Finally, six Hong Kong fashion designers will take part in "Fashionally Collection #13". These include Arto Wong (brand name: Arto), Jason Lee (brand name: YMDH) and Carrie Kwok (brand name: Car|2ie).

A separate slot for forums and Q&A's will also be scheduled in for participants wanting to better understand the industry in Hong Kong and surrounding geographies.

Hong Kong fashion week fall/winter 2019 takes place from Jan 14-17, 2019.