Although visitor numbers fell at the recently concluded Interfiliere Hong Kong, mainly due to the close-by Chinese New Year, it was made up with visitors from newer countries visiting the show.
This edition of Interfiliere Hong Kong saw over 130 exhibitors exhibiting diversified selection of fabrics and materials from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South East Asia as well as Europe.
Multifaceted sustainability projects and seminars on the two days of the show drew visitors from UK, France, Germany, China, Japan, India, United States as well as Hong Kong.
“The show also witnessed visitors streaming in from newer countries like Kenya, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam,” a press release from the organisers revealed.
“The continuous development of South East Asia for sourcing and manufacturing is becoming more and more visible; there was a remarkable progression in the visitors from the Philippines and Vietnam,” they said.
According to the organisers, the show witnessed growth in visitors from South Africa and doubling of visitor numbers from Japan and tripling of those coming from New Zealand and Australia.
This edition of the show saw a special focus on the sportswear section which includes yogawear and leisurewear.
The Chinese New Year, which fell on February 19 this year, had an impact on the presence of Mainland Chinese visitors.
As most companies resumed work early March, they sent smaller teams to the show, which reduced the number of Chinese visitors.
The show also saw a decrease in visitors from Eastern Europe and Baltic States as well as France; however a majority of leading brands from the intimates and swimwear sector travelled to the show.
The Eco-showcase zone in collaboration with the French Knitwear and Lingerie Federation gave visitors an insight into the current issues in the textile industry and the solutions that are currently offered.
The “Day & Night” themed trend forum and the “Feminine Sports” fashion show that took place around the forum were the trend attractions of this edition.
Visitors and exhibitors also enjoyed the prototype fashion show showcasing creative sport inspired outfits created by the students of the Polytechnic University and OEM manufacturers Lico and Tengfei.
Those creative designs were made by the students of Shih Chien University of Taiwan with the show also presenting the Playful Reflections installation from Mon Leung, head designer of Pioneer Elastic (HK).
At this edition, Jos Berry and Jennifer Wigham from Concepts Paris and Edith Keller from Carlin International brought visitors their trend seminars for Autumn/Winter 2016/17.
