S’pore fashion industry aims high with inaugural Asia Fashion Exchange
Posted by Lucky on Jan 13, 2010
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s fashion industry is going global with its inaugural Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX). The five-day event will bring together local and international designers, retailers and consumers.
Andrew Phua, director of Tourism, Shopping and Dining, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The big four fashion weeks are all in the Western countries and we hope that with this platform and initiative, we’ll be able to work with the private sector to provide an East-West fashion exchange platform for industry professionals, designers, models and the media.”
The event is supported by International Enterprise, SPRING Singapore, and the Singapore Tourism Board in a bid to boost the local fashion scene.
Tan Soon Kim, deputy director, Business Services and Lifestyle, International Enterprise Singapore, said: “One of the key things that consultants identified was the need to have a holistic event that features all three components – trade, consumer and also designer development. And that’s how the whole concept of the Asia Fashion Exchange was born.”
The industry wants to make a red-carpet comeback following the discontinuation of the Singapore Fashion Week in 2009, with 50 exhibitors stemming from India, Thailand and Indonesia. They hope to appeal to buyers from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the US.
There are four events under the AFX umbrella – The second Audi Fashion Festival, the Asia Fashion Summit, Blueprint, and a fashion design competition.
Mr Phua added: “From a tourism perspective, there are two prongs – from a leisure perspective with consumer events such as the Audi Fashion Fest, it actually positions Singapore as a premium lifestyle destination, anchoring on fashion.
“And for the business-to-business conference, for example the Asia Fashion Summit and Blueprint, I think it further entrenches Singapore as a BT MICE destination.”
One of the trade-driven initiatives is Blueprint 2010, a three-day exhibition and sales event to be held at the F1 Pit Building. There, 13 Singapore labels and designers from Asia and the UK will be able to connect with up to 100 retail buyers from the international scene.
There will also be events for consumers, with showcases from international labels like Raoul and “alldressedup”.
The fashion frenzy begins in April. – CNA/vm
source:http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1030198/1/.html
