Hong Kong Fashion Week runs July 4-7 with a renewed focus on apparel and textile sourcing as its organizers gear up to launch a new runway-themed event come September.
Despite its name, Hong Kong Fashion Week is basically a trade show. In recent years, it had limited success in trying to transition itself into more of a fashion event with a series of group runway shows of local brands and designers. Last season, Taylor Swift’s clothing line staged a show in a bid to boost its profile in the Chinese market. Now the event is going back to its trade roots.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which organizes the event, said it is expecting 1,200 exhibitors to set up shop at this edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week. Exhibitors deal in several categories including apparel, accessories, eyewear, textiles and handbags.
This edition of the show will also feature a smattering of graduation shows from local fashion schools and a series of talks on trends, sustainability and business topics. Some of Kansai Yamamoto’s printed fabric innovations for Epson will be on display, which could prove to be a highlight.
This fall, the HKTDC will launch a new event called Centrestage to give Asian brands a platform for runway shows and showcase new design talents. It runs Sept. 7-10 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organizers plan to make it an annual event to complement Hong Kong Fashion Week. They are still in the process of recruiting brands and designers to participate at Centrestage.
