Hong Kong Gears Up For This Month’s Fashion Week

	Speaking at today’s press conference, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau said that Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter and the concurrent World Boutique, Hong Kong, will welcome some 1,800 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions from 19-22 January
	More than 650 international fashion brands will participate in World Boutique, setting a new record. (From left:) Hong Kong fashion designer Philip Chu, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau and Audi Hong Kong Managing Director Reinhold Carl attend the press conference
	Local fashion designers join representatives from leading brands such as 2%, Aquascutum, i.t and ZALORA at the press conference
	The Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2015 presented by Audi Hong Kong will showcase latest designs of Hong Kong design duo Eri Chu and Philip Chu, Loris Diran from New York, Swedish designer Lars Wallin and award-winning Wang Yutao from Beijing
	Make-up demo by M.A.C HK Senior Artist Ryuko Lau
	Model Louis Wong showcases the work of Hong Kong design duo Eri Chu and Philip Chu (right) at the press conference
	From left: Fashion models Wu Ting Ting, Mikki Yao, Rosemary Vandenbrouche and Louis Wong
	Mikki Yao models a gown by Swedish designer Lars Wallin
	Rosemary Vandenbroucke presents designs by Loris Diran from New York

8 January 2015 - The fashion world is gearing up for the first major trade event of the year in Hong Kong later this month. The Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter and the concurrent World Boutique, Hong Kong, will run 19-22 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fairs adopt the theme of Light Me Up. Automobile manufacturer Audi Hong Kong is the title sponsor of the curtain-raising Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2015 on 19 January.

The build-up to Fashion Week shifted into top gear today with a press conference and fashion parade at the Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. Speaking at the event, Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC said: “The Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter will be held alongside World Boutique, Hong Kong, providing a one-stop sourcing and exchange platform to global fashion buyers.

“It is an ideal platform for the industry to showcase the latest products as well as to find inspiration. More than 650 international fashion brands will participate in World Boutique, setting a new record.”

The two fairs will welcome some 1,800 exhibitors from some 27 countries and regions including first-time participants from Greece, Finland, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa and group pavilions from Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia. The Finland-Hong Kong Trade Association and the Thailand Textile Institute will also organise new group pavilions to participate in the exhibition. The two fairs expect 116 buying missions from 43 countries and regions, consisting of 5,750 buyers from 4,000 companies.

Fantastic Fabrics

This year a variety of novel and functional fabrics will be on display during Fashion Week. The Taiwan Sweater Industry Association will present its sweaters that use nanotechnology to generate and retain warmth so as to increase body temperature by two degrees centigrade or more. The 13^th World Boutique, Hong Kong features local and international brands including 2%, MOISELLE, Shanghai Tang and ZALORA as well as Aquascutum from the United Kingdom while MARCCAIN of Germany will be the single largest exhibitor.

On Show

More than 30 fashion shows, including the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza 2015 presented by Audi Hong Kong, will be showcased in World Boutique, Hong Kong  which features such local and international designers as Hong Kong design duo Eri Chu and Philip Chu, Loris Diran from New York, Swedish designer Lars Wallin and award-winning Wang Yutao from Beijing.

Special guests at today’s press conference were local designer Philip Chu and Audi Hong Kong Managing Director Reinhold Carl.

"By supporting the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, we aim to bolster support for local and Asian designers as they expand their influence and creativity overseas, celebrating the part they have played in shaping Hong Kong's identity as a global fashion hub,” Mr Carl said. “Moreover, as bespoke, cutting-edge design is a mark of success in fashion, harmony between timeless design and personalised style personify the Audi brand; like those who strive to push the boundaries of design, Audi too seeks to redefine luxury as part of the brand's commitment to "Vorsprung durch Technik", and search for the avant-garde."

Young Talent

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2015, organised by the HKTDC, reaches a climax on 20 January with the 16 finalists showcasing their design creations on stage at the HKCEC, competing for four award categories: Contemporary Day-wear Group, Party & Evening-wear Group, Best Accessories Design Award and Overall Winner. H&M Creative Advisor Margareta van den Bosch of Sweden will be the VIP Judge, while 10 recent winners of the contest, who have started their own labels, will participate in Fashion Week and World Boutique, Hong Kong.

Public Day

World Boutique, Hong Kong will open its doors to the public (aged 12 or above) on the final day of the event (22 Jan) from 9.30am to 5pm. Public Day activities include Swinging 60’s by 90’s Vintage Fashion Parade co-organised with the Hong Kong Design Institute, Chic Fashion Upcycling Demo, Makeup Demo by M.A.C Hong Kong Senior Artist Ryuko Lau, celebrity entertainment events fully supported by Metro Radio, fashion parades and lucky draws. The public will have a chance to purchase the latest fashion items directly from the design companies during the Public Day.

City of Fashion

A city-wide “Hong Kong In Fashion 2015” promotion is under way across the city to highlight Hong Kong’s design talents and raise the profile of the Fashion Week and World Boutique activities. The promotion includes money-saving discounts as well as games, workshops, displays and exhibitions at various venues across Hong Kong.  Details are available at http://hkinfashion.hktdc.com.

Websites

Fashion Week: http://hktdc.com/hkfashionweekfw/
World Boutique: http://hktdc.com/worldboutiquehk/
Hong Kong in Fashion: www.hktdc.com/hkinfashion   
YDC: http://www.fashionally.com

Videos

Fashion Extravaganza 2015:

 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBrAaPzPW6UpY2bwG_GQUTTopACA1coxY

Media Enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe Kainz     Tel: (852) 2584 4216           Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

About the HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.