A new ‘invitation only’ fashion event launched in Hong Kong today, revolutionizing the way in which local and international fashion brands approach Asia’s emerging markets.

Removing the oft-encountered mass-market factory element so prevalent in Asian fashion events, The HUB will showcase over 100 carefully vetted brands from around the world until 30 August and strategically link them with over 3,000 of Asia’s leading buyers and retailers who will be in attendance.

An opportunity for expanding fashion brands to meet one on one with key decision-makers, The HUB is also hosting a series of educational seminars designed to support and assist them as they navigate their route into China and beyond.

The HUB is a new branded bi-annual fashion fair taking place in Hong Kong from today until 30 August at AsiaWorld-Expo. It is set to become a highlight of the annual fashion calendar and a trend-forecaster for Asia’s style-savvy as it directs the new wave of international fashion brands launching into the region.

This year’s inaugural line-up includes, among others, British heritage brands Barbour, Sunspel and Henri Lloyd, local designers Johanna Ho and Moustache, up-and-coming labels Jupe by Jackie, Ruby Sees All and Private White VC, and international household name Desigual. Key multi-brand boutiques, department stores and retail operators attending include Lane Crawford, Harvey Nichols, Club 21, Imaginex, Bluebell, YGM and Metersbonwe.

Spearheaded by two of Hong Kong’s most influential fashion insiders – Peter Caplowe and Richard Hobbs – The HUB is the answer to a clear gap in the market for high-quality, reputable networking events for the fashion industry in Asia.

Industry veterans, fashion label founders and now co-founders of this unique exhibition, Caplowe and Hobbs are steering the future of fashion in Asia, using their unique experience to navigate Hong Kong’s local talent and selected upwardly-mobile international brands into the rapidly growing emerging markets.

Both men have a rare insight into the changing face of fashion across Asia as well as the changing nature of the various regions’ consumers, making them well-equipped to lead new brands as they launch into previously unchartered territories.

Throughout the three day exhibition the co-founders have also positioned a seminar point within the hall, inviting those interested in breaking into the lucrative Asian market to listen to speakers from leading Asian-based firms as they share their market knowledge.

Traversing the crucial subjects of business, retail, marketing, trend forecasting, legality and finance, speakers will include such key players at InvestHK, PwC, Ogilvy & Mather, UKFT and WGSN.

In addition, ‘success stories’ Le Saunda, Dfuse and Outsign Lab will also be speaking about their own journeys, offering a fresh take on the sometimes daunting prospect of retailing in Asia by people who have experienced it firsthand.

Mr. Andrew Davis, Associate Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, HKSAR attended the show’s opening Press Conference earlier today. He commented: “I would like to congratulate The HUB on its Asian opening.

"Hong Kong is a leading retail and trading centre for fashion in Asia. Our city's proximity to the region's major markets including Mainland China should provide leverage for The HUB to reach out to exhibitors and attendees in this part of the world.”

Speaking on the event, Mr. Richard Hobbs said: “The HUB is welcome, positive news for the fashion industry in Asia.

"At a time when people are hearing that China’s growth is slowing, this event is evidence that international brands are not reconsidering their Asian expansion plans but are eager to learn more about the industry and how their brands can be a part of it; they are actively seeking information on how to benefit from the continued significant increases in consumer-driven growth in the region”.