Industry players encouraged to join Fashion Access in HK

CEBU, Philippines - Organizers of Fashion Access, the international trade fair for head-to-toe fashion in Hong Kong, is inviting industry players to participate in the event on September 28-30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

One of the highlights of the event is a half-day fashion access forum, which aims to help exhibitors and buyers stay on top of key issues shaping the fashion world today and keep participants up to date of the fast-changing and competitive industry, according to a press statement sent to The FREEMAN by the Fashion Access secretariat.

Topics to be explored at the forum include business opportunities for footwear in China, sustainable fashion and post-crisis trends in consumer buying and behavior. Top industry executives from Puma and Global Footwear Partnerships have confirmed top speak in the event.

While the focus is on footwear, even those specializing in other products such as bags, accessories and apparel could find the forum topics relevant to their respective sectors.

"These are times of great opportunity for all fashion sectors as new markets are opening throughout Asia, and established ones in the West are rapidly evolving," said Perrine Ardouin, Event Director of the organizers APLF.

Confirmed speakers at Fashion Access Forum 2010 include Mr. Peter T. Mangione, managing director, Global Footwear Partnerships, who will take a comprehensive look at global footwear retailers and how footwear entrepreneurs can better understand market opportunities and realities in the China market.

Mangione brings 30 years of experience in the footwear sector. Until 2009 he was President of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, the largest shoe trade association in the United States.

Approaching the sector from an eco-friendly perspective will be Dr. Reiner Hengstmann, Global Director SAFE Supply Chain for PUMA. Hengstmann was closely involved in developing PUMA's 'clever little bag' that does away with the outer shoe box.

"The key was to produce something sustainable yet also highly marketable," said Dr Hengstmann. It emphasizes PUMA’s position as a reliable, responsible brand - and profitable too.

Fashion Access exhibitors will feature new collections for spring-summer 2011. The event takes place twice a year in Hong Kong and offers a wide range of trendy and sensibly-priced bags, footwear, small leather goods, apparel and fashion and lifestyle accessories.