"The recently concluded Fashion Access and Cashmere World attracted over 10,000 international visitors from 85 countries during the three-days. Around 227 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions including well-known international brands such as Otto Kessler, LSR International, Cerutti – Massimo Cerutti, Simpson London, Regal, Impression Imtopia, as well as young enterprises and start-ups participated at Fashion Access. They were really impressed by the kind of products and services on display. This exhibition special as the Cashmere World returned after 18 months. It was inaugurated among others by William Fung Kwok-Lun, Group Chairman, Li & Fung, who delivered an insightful speech on the importance of cashmere industry."
The recently concluded Fashion Access and Cashmere World attracted over 10,000 international visitors from 85 countries during the three-days. Around 227 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions including well-known international brands such as Otto Kessler, LSR International, Cerutti – Massimo Cerutti, Simpson London, Regal, Impression Imtopia, as well as young enterprises and start-ups participated at Fashion Access. They were really impressed by the kind of products and services on display. This exhibition special as the Cashmere World returned after 18 months. It was inaugurated among others by William Fung Kwok-Lun, Group Chairman, Li & Fung, who delivered an insightful speech on the importance of cashmere industry.
Buyers give positive feedback
At Fashion Access buyers seek finished while simultaneously visiting APLF for leather, materials and trend inspiration. More than 50 buyers from 21 countries were introduced to a large number of suppliers matching their needs. As STL, Spain said, “I have been visiting the show since 2011 and almost half of my suppliers were found here at Fashion Access. This edition is better than before in terms of quality of suppliers. Also, it is nice to see a variety of fashion hardware and components suppliers in APLF – Materials+.” Similarly, Nicoli Shoes, Dubai, averred, “I own 16 shops in Dubai, focussing on high-end and luxury women’s shoes and bags. Fashion Access is a focused trade show, which makes it a serious trading platform. I am able to meet China and Hong Kong footwear suppliers with competitive prices. I can also visit APLF for leather.”
Exhibitor Wannasu from Thailand explained, “We chose Fashion Access as our first trade exhibition since we launched our brand to be known outside Thailand. We have been approached by several buyers. We took advantage of APLF Leather & Materials+ to source new, better quality leather, material and metallic components.”
At Fashion Access, buyers can find OEM suppliers in the specially designed Sourcing Zone and brands in both Brand Avenue and Design Street. The trade fair is increasingly becoming an incubator for young brands such as Federico Vignato, a company founded one year ago by a young couple who use it as a test bed for their products & services. They are also one of the ‘Best of APLF’ awards winners for their creative ladies' bag designs. Alma Law, Co-founder, Frederico Vignato, says, “We have been approached by several brands and bag manufacturers who have complimented us and given us valuable advice. For a newly founded company, these encouragements coming from professionals are priceless.”
Knowledge sessions
Is the digitisation of footwear production and retail inevitable? Question like this and many others were discussed in depth by experts from across the footwear industry at the fourth Global Footwear Retail Conference (GFRC) sponsored by Tencel and ISA Tantec and co-organised by APLF and the Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA). Like other industries, footwear too is facing retail challenges including how to adapt to rapid consumer demand shifts and how to develop and implement speed to market strategies. From 3D printing micro-factories installed in stores to big data analysis and face recognition, new technologies are being introduced at all levels of the industry.
The second day of Fashion Access was for recogning and rewarding the creativity and craftsmanship of young designers and companies. Three winners were selected for the Design-A-Bag Online Competition while 11 companies were given the Best of APLF Awards (BOAA) for their innovative products or applications. Winners of the Design a Bag competition included Hong Kong-based designer Chan Tak Kei, for her playful, imaginative jellyfish bag and Singaporean Ho Kuan Teck for its triangle, 8 shaped, smart ladies handbag.
Among the winners of the BOAA, Simpson London’s hand-stitched, traditional bridle-finish vegetable-tanned leather collection was awarded the Best Bag & Small Leathergoods Collection for its classic and simplicity while in the Best Men’s Footwear Collection Numero Uno was awarded for its hybrid, innovative athleisure collection. The next edition of Fashion Access and Cashmere World will take place in Hong Kong from March 13-15, 2019.
