A plethora of fashion-industry retailers, designers, entrepreneurs and many more descended upon these shores for an exchange of ideas, thoughts and concepts recently at Audi Fashion Exchange 2014.
The Asia Fashion Summit 2014, into its 5th year, saw fashion experts from across the globe sharing their experiences as they gave valuable insights into the business of fashion. The Asia Fashion Summit 2014 ran over a course of three days from May 15-17 which included a one-day conference followed by a two-day workshop. The event was also held in conjunction with the Asia Fashion Exchange. The theme for this year’s event is Asia’s Business Perspective and was held at the Suntec City Convention Centre.
As with past events, this year’s conference wasn’t short of interesting and engaging speakers. One particular speaking dignitary that stood out was South Korea’s Rick Yoo, Managing Director, Lotte Global Fashion Division.
Lotte is arguably the biggest name in Korean fashion retail business. Amongst other things, Mr Rick Yoo also shared valuable insights into the Hallyu (Korean wave) trend and how its success has shaped the Korean fashion retail climate. His light-hearted anecdotes on the habits of the Korean shopper drew smiles and laughter from the audience. His engaging (and entertaining even) presentation garnered the full attention of those who were lucky enough to be present.
Korea is fast becoming a fashion-forward nation; a fact that is acknowledged worldwide. The global interest in all things Korean is set to rise even further and transform the country into the Asian fashion capital of the world, if it hasn’t already. Mr RickYoo’s speech certainly cemented Korea’s reputation as a leader in the fashion industry and gave a sneak peek into what the future of fashion may hold for the nation.
Departmental stores have been around for generations and some have even become synonymous with a nation’s growth.
One such example is Robinson’s Singapore. Robinsons Singapore has been around since the time of our forefathers. Since it’s early beginnings in 1858 (then known as Spicer and Robinson), the brand has evolved and etched itself permanently in our hearts. Mr Franz Kraatz, Managing Director, Robinsons Singapore spoke about the store’s recent revamp and offerings that’s enabling it to stay relevant to today’s shoppers. It was heartening to learn that despite the fiercely competitive retail fashion industry, Robinsons Singapore is still standing strong, truly deserving of its iconic status.
Both Mr Rick Yoo and Mr Franz Kraatz certainly gave plenty of insights into the business of fashion though their individual brands. Indeed throughout the one-day conference, the audience were made privy to a host of useful information on topics that covered the fashion business spectrum. From global trends in 2014 to tips on creative e-commerce strategies, those in attendance were inundated with the know-how and how-to when it comes to the business of fashion.
Speakers representing brands such as Zalora Group, Galleries Lafayette Indonesia, WGSN APAC and many more each shared their expertise and knowledge which was appreciated by all present. The two-day workshops that followed also proved to be a hit with participants.
The Asia Fashion Summit 2014 was indeed a rousing success not only for its organisers but also those who were in attendance. As with its predecessors, this year’s event will linger on long enough in hearts and mind until the next one.
BLUEPRINT Tradeshow and Emporium 2014
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The fifth edition of BLUEPRINT Tradeshow and Emporium held from 15 to 18 May at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomed close to 12,000 visitors at both its fashion tradeshow and consumer shopping event.
The BLUEPRINT tradeshow is Asia’s only fashion tradeshow featuring Pre-Spring collections from more than 200 of the best emerging designer brands in the world. During the weekend, the tradeshow also opened its doors to consumers through BLUEPRINT Emporium, Asia’s Defining Shopping Destination with more than 200 womenswear, menswear and accessory brands from around the world. The public turned up to get their hands on limited edition samples and sales merchandise, most of which are not commercially available in Singapore.
Visitors were also treated to dynamic runway shows presented by the best designers at BLUEPRINT 2014.
Participating brands included abcense and FABITORIA from Taiwan, Bitching and Junkfood from United Kingdom, j a n | s o b e r from Indonesia, Morphe from India, NATALIEBCOLEMAN from Ireland, RÊVASSEUR, Depression, Pauline Ning and Ange Révolte from Singapore, ROGGYKEI from Japan, SVETLANA KUSHNEROVA from Kazakhstan, J KOO and ZÊ QUUN from Korea, AL’ Manita from Thailand, and Phuong My from Vietnam.
