Among the seven trade events in Hong Kong, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the end of last month, was the launch of NEXT@Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle, a new highlighted zone organised by the HKTDC, reports Sue Marks, GiftsandHome.net.
The area was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials, a ground-breaking initiative which saw exhibitors demonstrating the synergy of creative design, advanced material properties, smart technology, biodegradability and upcycling techniques.
Among the exhibitors was Robbi Zidno Ilman, co-founder and coo of brands Myel and Mylea, whose products include gift-led small mushroom (mycelium) leather goods and fashion. Gift items include passport holders, wallet, ID card holders, purses, wallets and keyrings, as well as plush items. “It was a very good show for us,” Robbi told GiftsandHome.net. “It was invaluable to get feedback from so many buyers and visitors about our mushroom leather.”
Also exhibiting at the show was Vilasine Churat, founder and ceo of Munie,whose products range from apparel to gift and home décor, with everything made from water hyacinths. “The yarn is hand woven on the loom by local communities,” explained Vilasine. “We met up with international retailers and distributors at the show, with our products attracting a lot of interest.”
Elsewhere at the show, designer Min-a-Kim founder and ceo of Mr Dori Studio in South Korea, showcased character glassware, coasters, bottle openers, keyrings and glassware. “We’re here to expand the brand internationally,” she confirmed.
Also looking for global retailers was Thomas Ric, founder and ceo of Pigmentarium, and Marek Vaculcik, founder and ceo of design-led glassware company Artiseme, both from Prague. “We’re currently distributed in 23 countries and 75 stores around the world. We exhibited at the show to find additional international distributors and partners, particularly in the US and Asia,” highlighted Tomas, whose eight fragrances and incense sticks are stocked in concept store Platform in London’s Marylebone. “Incense is booming,” he explained, “with our Bon Voyage products inspired by different countries around the world.”
In all, seven large scale trade events were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), covering lifestyle products and licensing opportunities, attracting some 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions.
Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, which celebrated its 40th anniversary, recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers and Fashion InStyle drew over 11,000 buyers. Also taking place were the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC).
Sophia Chong, HKTDC deputy executive director, commented: “The seven major events held by the HKTDC in late April brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions. The HKTDC remains committed to promoting cross-sector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”
In the gifts and premium market, respondents believed cultural gifts (17.6%), tech gifts (17.0%) and fashion accessories (16.9%) had the most growth potential.
The seven concurrent events this year, spanning gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging and IP licensing, helped to foster cross-industry collaboration for exhibitors and buyers.
All events adopted the EXHIBITION+ online-offline integrated model, enabling buyers to continue discussions with exhibitors online during and after the fairs, extending business interactions beyond the physical event.
Above: Robbi Zidno Ilman, co-founder and coo of brands Myel and Mylea, whose products include gift-led small mushroom leather goods and fashion.
