This September’s Fashion Access is once again set to be the must-attend international fashion fair for high quality bags, footwear, leather goods and accessories. This major event on September 25 - 27 will showcase 2014 spring-summer collections and will collocate with the fourth edition of Cashmere World, the international annual trade fair and forum for the cashmere and noble fibres industry.

MARKET OUTLOOK

A recent report by PWC and the EIU forecasts that the gap in demand for fashion and apparel between Asia and the West is set to widen substantially over the next 3 years, with demand across Asia growing 3.8% this year. Established fast fashion brands are expanding rapidly in Asia but face stiff local competition. In China, consumer demand and clothing spend are forecast to rise aggressively throughout 2013-2016, with online apparel retailing becoming an important market segment.

KEY SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES

Meanwhile, Fashion Access (organised by APLF) continues to dominate the B2B fashion industry calendar, while Cashmere World (co-organised by UBM Asia and CFNA) offers various product sectors of the cashmere industry, from raw materials to finished products. Its visibility has increased significantly since re-launching in Hong Kong.

Together, these events represent outstanding sourcing opportunities for the fashion industry. Gathered together for 3 days will be top level contract manufacturers, buyers from upscale department stores and chain stores plus many new, active players. For example, bags suppliers occupy around 60% of Fashion Access, strongly reflecting the industry demand for bags.

To date, 5 country pavilions have already confirmed participation in Fashion Access, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan along with 27 new exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia and the Philippines. New to Fashion Access this September is the Indonesian Pavilion, organised by DGNED, the Directorate General for National Export Development, which provides market research, advice on export procedures, licensing requirements and financing for Indonesia’s exporters.

FASHION AVENUE

Fashion Avenue is a high-visibility section of Fashion Access dedicated to exhibitors with new and rising international brands. New exhibitors such as J.Fry Di Gandino Elisa from Italy and Lexus Exports Private Ltd. from the UK offer fashionable products with high quality and sensible prices. 

A Philippines pavilion will be presented for the first time, organised by CITEM, the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions. CITEM is the export marketing arm of the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry and will be bringing more than 20 exhibitors.

TRENDS

A key feature of Fashion Access is the range of special events linked to the upcoming fashion season. The Fashion Trends Space allows a sneak preview of next season’s must-have items and the Material Trends Space showcases colours, textures and materials. This year’s programme also includes dedicated Trends Seminars and DressUp! Runway Shows.