Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2008 and World Boutique, Hong Kong 2008, opened today, the twin fairs showcasing the latest looks from more than 1,700 exhibitors to trade visitors from all over the world

A glam gown captures the attention of (left to right) TDC Executive Director Fred Lam, HKSAR Executive Council member Victor Lo, and TDC Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung at the grand opening, today, of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2008

Cutting the stylish ribbon at today's joint opening ceremony of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/ Winter and World Boutique are (left to right): TDC Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung; HKSAR Executive Council member Victor Lo; and TDC Executive Director Fred Lam

January 14, 2008 - Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2008, Asia's largest fashion fair, opened today featuring 1,490 exhibitors from around the world. The fair continues through January 17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

World Boutique, Hong Kong, which runs concurrently with Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, has attracted 366 brands and 255 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions. The two high-style fashion fairs are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC).

Speaking at today's opening ceremony, Andrew Leung, Chairman of the TDC Garment Advisory Committee, said that the twin fairs are must-attend events on the international fashion calendar. "The latest designer and brand collections are on display, and exhibitors from all over the world are showing what's hot and happening in their markets," said Mr Leung.

Following last year's success, Emporium de Mode, the Infant & Children's Wear Zone and Spice Arena are again being staged. Infant & Children's Wear Zone caters to greater buyer interest in this market sector. Emporium de Mode spotlights premium clothing with exquisite designs, while Spice Arena offers a vast range of fashion accessories.

Joining them are four well-established theme areas: the Body & Intimate Wear Zone; Bridal & Evening Wear Zone; Garment & Accessories Mart; and Fashion Gallery, which spotlights high-end global fashion.

The TDC has organised 71 missions with nearly 3,400 buyers from around the world for Fashion Week, along with 70 missions and close to 2,400 buyers for World Boutique. Among them are buying representatives from a wide variety of fashion brands and leading chain stores and distributors, including: Australia's Zip Fashion House and Pacific Brands; Brazil's Lojas Renner; Canada's Marie Claire Boutique; Japan's Indepp Co Ltd and Mitsukoshi; Italy's Lotto; Spain's Mango and Cortefiel; and the United States' Walmart.

The 39th Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter features exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, with Israel participating for the first time. There are also group pavilions being hosted by the Chinese mainland, India, Korea, Macau and Taiwan.

Dedicated to fashion brands around the world, the 6th World Boutique showcases the latest fashion brand collections, including apparel, watches, shoes, fashion jewellery, home fashion and lifestyle products. Countries and regions taking part include Hong Kong, Australia, the Chinese mainland, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan and the US.

Alongside fashion shows and parades, the TDC has organised a variety of seminars to provide industry players with the latest market intelligence. Hot topics this year include fashion directions, colour and fabric trends and branding strategies, as well as business opportunities in the US and Korean fashion markets.

Joining Mr Leung at today's opening ceremony were Victor Lo, member of the Executive Council of the HKSAR, and Fred Lam, Executive Director of the TDC.

A major global sourcing hub for clothing, Hong Kong's apparel industry outlook is promising. Exports of clothing and accessories increased by 1.8 per cent, to US$26.3 billion (HK$205 billion), in the first 11 months of 2007, with the US, the United Kingdom and Germany the top three markets.

Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest
Another fair highlight of the two fairs is the January 14 staging of the 31st Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2008. This year, 18 contestants are competing in three categories: Casual and Jeans Wear; Contemporary Day Wear; and Party and Evening Wear. Six prizes will be awarded, including the winning prize from each category: City Magazine Prize, sponsored by City Magazine; the Most Innovative Collection, sponsored by the YD Alumni Club; and the Overall Winner Award.

Two leading players from the international fashion world have been invited as this year's VIP judges: Maria Luisa Trussardi, President of Finos SpA, the financial holding of the Trussardi Group; and the renowned Japanese fashion designer Tsumori Chisato.

For more information
Please contact the TDC's Media and Public Affairs Department:

Helen Chung		Katherine Chan
Tel:		Tel:
Email:		Email:

Fair Websites
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: http://hkfashionweekfw.com
World Boutique, Hong Kong: http://worldboutiquehk.com

About the TDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 offices worldwide, including 11 in the Chinese mainland, the TDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and Asia. The TDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, visit www.tdctrade.com

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