Buyers clamour for Hong Kong Fashion Week

Australians were out in force at the recent Hong Kong Fashion Week.
Merino Australia and Ae'lkemi were among the 45 firms leading the charge for a buying mission organised by the TCF Resource Centre Western Australia (TCFWA).
Attracting retailers, manufacturers and designers from Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, organisers pined for a week of fierce networking and buying.
Speaking prior to heading to Hong Kong, TCFWA manager Carol Hanlon said the event was a great way for buyers to build on new opportunities.
"I find that Hong Kong is a great starting point for all buyers wishing to see what is available. Hong Kong has so many agents working from there and English is widely spoken; this makes sourcing for small businesses easily accessible."
Already in its third year of operation, Hanlon said the mission has always allowed buyers to source new trims, accessories, manufacturers or build on relations with existing buyers.
"It's also a great networking event with many industry people from around the world attending the event," she added. "There are a number of parades and seminars and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has organised a few social events for the buying mission this year as well."
Ae'lkemi designer Alvin Fernandez said he looked forward to the event after speaking with designers who had attended previous years.
"I really want to source some fabrics and trimmings from Hong Kong this year. I've heard that they have the most amazing resources there; lots of variety and a huge amount of materials. It's supposed to be really full-on and intense."
Another buyer, who did not want to be named, said they had not attended previous years and "wanted to see where the market is at and see what's happening at the moment in Hong Kong". The event was held over four days, from July 11 to 14.