Hong Kong's Cashmere World - window on luxury fashion and fibres. Next event October 7 - 9 2015.

The third annual Cashmere World trade fair and Forum held in Asia’s fashion hub of Hong Kong concluded on 27 September and was deemed a success by organisers at UBM Asia and China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA).

The fair was held along side FASHION ACCESS, also organised by UBM Asia.

Among the international exhibitors at Cashmere World (representing Afghanistan, China, Mongolia, India and Indonesia) Indian and Chinese exhibitors were particularly satisfied with the exposure the fair had provided for them and their wide range of products.

Mr Tarrlochan Singh, Proprietor of Geetanjali International from New Delhi stated, “We made contacts from Mongolia and Italy and have developed clients from past shows.  Cashmere World is a business platform and allows the customers to get to know us – and us to know them.”

Another New Delhi exhibitor Parminar Singh, General Manager of Old Village Overseas noted, “We will return to Cashmere World next year and also we want to exhibit at Fashion Access in March 2015.”  Old Vilage displayed a wide range of cashmere and blended fashion scarves including some 200 designs, and had received visitors from Chile, Spain and Canada, 

Inna Lee, Sales Manager of Viction (Inner Mongolia) Cashmere Co., Ltd from Northern China, a returning exhibitor, said, “We are satisfied with the fair as it is a dedicated business platform for selling our products internationally”.

Katherine Jin, Business Executive of Ningxia St. Edelweiss Cashmere Products Co. Ltd., also from Inner Mongolia commented, “Hong Kong is an excellent place to meet our international customers as Cashmere World is a focused business platform. We offer contract manufacturing of all types such as cashmere accessories – gloves, hats, scarves, shawls, etc.”

Also pleased with the show was Batsalkhan Gankhuyog, Manager of Export Sales Department from Goyo LLC in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, who added, “We offer OEM and have received buyers mainly from Europe who require contract manufacturing.”

Present for the first time at Cashmere World was the Thailand Textile Institute which was promoting a unique project funded by the Thai Royal Family with an objective of reinvigorating the Thai silk industry by combing cashmere imported from Mongolia with Thai silk to create exclusively designed and luxury garments.

The Director of the Technology Department, Dr. Chanchai Sirikasemlert (pictured above speaking at the Forum) noted that most of the promotion to-date for this project has been carried out within Thailand and that Cashmere World was the only international business platform where it had been presented.

As the Moderator of the Cashmere World Forum, Alessandra Cocchi, had stated, “Cashmere World Forum is a window on to the latest information about the industry”.

Taking into account the wide range of styles, quality, designs and services offered by the trade fair participants, the Cashmere World trade fair was also to be considered a window on fashion products made in cashmere and other fine fibres.  

Perrine Ardouin, Event Director, said there was a steady but not overwhelming flow of international buyers who kept exhibitors on their toes and more importantly, it was the professional quality of the buyers that lent even more credibility to this already well-established event at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

It is the dedicated and exclusive nature of Cashmere World that attracts buyers and designers. For example – buyer Vivian Chang of Crush Collection based in Shanghai came to Cashmere World “looking for design and colours for the upcoming season as well as seeking a supplier so as to manufacture her designer garments.”

For participants more interested in the scientific and technical aspects of the cashmere industry a full report will soon be published on the Cashmere World Forum website. 

The next edition of Cashmere World will be held from 7- 9 October 2015 at the same venue, accompanied by the Cashmere World Forum.

For fair details, please contact:

Ms. Perrine Ardouin, Event Director

Email: perrine.ardouin@ubm.com

Sock Club London launched with products that celebrate English Heritage

A couple of questions for quintessential modern men with a soft spot for their soles.

Do you care about what goes between your own feet and a pair of shoes?  Do you care for it so much that you want to join a club that addresses your passion?

If your answer is yes to the above, you may want to join the Sock Club London for like-minded sock-lovers who care also about their English heritage.  

First and foremost, for the launch of the Sock Club London, the brand has collaborated with three English Heritage brands, starting with Pantherella for its first Made in England collection of limited edition socks.  

These socks  are manufactured in the Pantherella factory in England (established since 1937), and sold exclusively on the Sock Club London web store.  The socks feature hand-linked toe seams for superior comfort.  Made with superior long staple Egyptian cotton, the yarn is woven with nylon to ensure that the socks are both comfortable and durable.   

Sock Club London socks feature club logo as well as club motto: "No Apologies", "No Regrest".

Sock Club London has added their touch through the colour choice, embroidery, collaboration foot transfer and rider ticket. 

Also launched is a new limited edition Globe-Trotter Luggage for club members to hold their precious Sock Club socks.  This with Globe-Trotter Luggage on this exclusive and extremely limited edition sock case* 

This 13-inch case (32 x 24 x 12 cm weighing 1.2Kg) is manufactured in the Globe-Trotter factory in England.  Features include ivory leather trim and a contrasting orange interior.

The uniquely constructed and hand-made case comes with a drop-in shelf insert, comfortably holding 12 pairs of socks secured by a webbing strap.   It can also be used to carry other items aside from socks and for maximum flexibility the shelf unit can be removed. 

A premium leather luggage tag with dual Globe-Trotter and Sock Club London branding is included. This luggage tag has a hidden compartment for an address, business or membership card.

The GLOBE-TROTTER heritage brand was established in 1897. Their timeless products are made in Hertfordshire using original manufacturing methods.  Over the last 100 years their client list has included Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Kate Moss, Daniel Craig, and others.

Another English heritage brand that Sock Club London has partnered with is Fox Umbrellas.  The limited edition umbrella is manufactured in the Fox Umbrella factory in England. It is made on a 25” steel frame, with a nickel tip cup engraved with the Sock Club London logo on one side; and ‘No Apologies, No Regrets’ (the motto of the club) quoted on the other side.  The handle is cased in luxurious black leather, and has contrast white stitching. The umbrella is approximately 36” in length.  The canopy is made with a high-grade 100% polyester water repellent fabric. The exterior is black, and interior orange, Sock Club London ‘Club Colours’.

Sock Club London is currently promoted via their website, and also through attendance at London based showcases and exhibitions, such as at Best of Britannia 

held at London’s Clerkenwell last week.   Interested in the Sock Club London products or joining the club (or gifting the membership), click HERE to go to their website for details. 

3D printed jewellery and decorative homewares from In-Spaces

IN-SPACES is a new London design studio and retailer that features an experimental concept, blending the inspiration of nature with modern technology for its unique collection of homewares, gift accessories and jewellery collection.

As spotted at recent London 100% Design and Top Drawer trade fairs, the British brand’s new jewellery collection caught my attention because the range was created with cutting-edge 3D printing and experimental techniques.  

Taking inspiration from architecture and nature, the Jeneaulle Black Collection is made in black nylon with a matte finish.  While the design boosts contemporary lines with a free-flowing spirit, the pieces are flattering yet incredibly lightweight. 

Using the same technique there are also intricately 3D printed photo frames featuring fluorescent ornaments in the shape of flowers and other structures such as butterflies and hummingbirds that can be removed and perched on the frame wherever we like.

The complex process involves the development of algorithms that enable the transfer of the magnolia tree to be printed, creating a textured aesthetic.

The two photos immediately above and the one below are by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect, taken at the 100% Design trade show at London's Earl's Court.

The decorative elements can even come in gold finishes.  In-Spaces can alter and customise the designs to suit individual taste. 

 Also featured at 100% Design was a mirror design with similar 3D design elements as the picture frames.  The mirror sample on show features a lit-up back light, demonstrating the many possibilities of the design concept.

All products are sold on the In Spaces website, as well as in their new London showroom at 3 Tottenham Street, Fitzoria, London, W1T 2AF.

Best of Britannia highlights wide range of British brands, including products for cycling enthusiasts

Best of Britannia organisers are celebrating the best of British brands and craftsmanship.  The event - which is currently held at the historic Farmiloe Building in Clerkenwell, London - is open to the public and lasts until 3rd October featuring a diverse range of British products made exclusively in the UK. 

Antony Wallis, Creator of Best of Britannia, comments: “It is a very exciting time to be a British designer and manufacturer - the London 2012 Olympics, the Golden Jubilee, and now with the arrival of Prince George, brand Britain is experiencing a major boom.”

With the launch of a new website to coincide with the exhibition, Antony has announced that the event will be expanded to Manchester as well next year.

Best of Britannia brings together a broad range of industries and sectors, including interiors, furniture, lighting, food, drink, clothing, jewellery, accessories, footwear, sports, outdoor recreation and automotives.   

While the iconic Mini is a classic representative of the British brand, cycling has in recent years become one of the nation's favourite sports and its growing popularity as a means of transport is highlighted by the fact that many of the exhibitors’ at Best of Britannia are featuring products related to the bicycle and quality-conscious cyclists.

The 150-year-old Brooks England for one, based in Smethwick, West Midlands, showcases a wide selection of cycling accessories, including leather saddles expertly crafted in their own factory using traditional machinery as well as stylish and functional bags for bicycles.

Carradice of Nelson based in Lancashire uses a selection of materials including waterproof cotton, duck fabric, thick leather and limited edition Harris Tweed for a wide range of bicycle bags, 

These Carradice bags feature cast metal fixings, military grade cotton webbing and leather binding. 

Chapman, a company founded as a manufacturer of fishing and shooting bags, has over the years become well-known for authentically British made shoulder bags, luggage and accessories. 

Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Chapman's Troutbeck shown above is its original fishing bag which is now designed to carry a laptop as well as fish.  Note also the bright colours on offer in the new collection.

On display at Best of Britannia are the Moulton bicycles which are manufactured in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, and are recognised as superior to conventional cycles due to the combination of space-frame construction, innovative suspension and small wheels with improved handling, ride and performance.

Also on display are new design brand Cycloc - simple storage systems for hanging up bikes and keeping accessories neatly.

 

They look so effortless and at the same time elegant and space-saving.  All products are available on the Cycloc website.

Meanwhile Big Tomato Company features illustrations of bicycles, gears and saddles on their mugs and cutlery holders, all made at their factory in Stroke-on-Trent.

Asian and European leather goods brands won best awards at FASHION ACCESS September trade fair

Exhibitors at the FASHION ACCESS international trade fair have been recognised for their excellent product designs by winning four Best of APLF Awards (BOAA) at the FASHION ACCESS September 25-27 2014 trade fair.

The BOAA winners are:

Best Small Leathergoods - Saturday Morning and Night, Korea

The award was presented to Saturday Morning and Night for its new vision for small leathergoods, with its sleek lines, smart use of futuristic materials, and "the perfect combination of practicality and fancy", said the judges.

Best Men's Footwear - Deshi Shoes Company Limited, China

Deshi Shoes won the award for its line of men’s shoes that bore a interesting mix of classic, urban and sporty elements. Tasteful touches of colour, be it in the linings, laces or soles, give the collection its own image and personality.

Best Bags - Antony Group Srl, Italy

Antony Group was given the award for its python bags, under its Silvano Biagini brand, that presented a new view of luxury, mixing simple silhouettes with original components and artfully coloured skins. Judges said the line was both classic yet youthful with a fresh appeal.

Best Footwear Collection - Guangzhou City Quangsheng Shoes Company Limited, China

This award is for the company’s complete range of women’s shoes, offering sporty to sophisticated styles.  Judges found their vast collection has a modern feminine spirit, with clean lines, with striking accents and first-class materials.

According to UBM Asia's event director Perrine Ardouin, FASHION ACCESS is "a must-attend" international fashion fair for head-to-toe fashion, featuring high quality leather products such as bags, footwear, small leather goods, fashion accessories, travel wares and leather garments.  It is held twice a year and has been successfully run in Hong Kong for more than 30 years. 

The next FASHION ACCESS event will take place March 30th to April 1st at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.  

Neon luxury British trainer brand launches Kick Starter campaign; garnering support

New brand of luxury British trainer - Neon -  is now officially launched with a Kick Starter campaign.  The brand had a soft launch at the Scoop International fair in London in January this year, and now fashionistas and trend leaders can head to the on-line campaign (by clicking HERE) to pledge and reserve their own pair of NEONs before the trainers go on retail sale in October.   

A select number of NEONs, in all of the colours of the debut collection, are on offer, as well as the limited edition,  gold ‘Magic Dust’ NEONs (these will also be available on the website from launch but for a limited time only.)  Finally, the campaign will also incorporate the opportunity to order men’s NEONs in 3 key colours, again not something that will retail in October.

Neon caught my eye at Scoop because of its stylish design for a trainer, and also unique colour concept that the entire shoe, including the wedge, is a single block colour using sumptuous leathers throughout.  Very much on trend, its autumn/winter collection features a range of rich colours as well as metallic options.  You're spoiled for choice.

Stylish design aside, these luxury trainers are also manufactured here in the UK, each pair is made to order and the Kick Starter campaign is the first step to getting production  under way.  The Northampton-based, family-run factory that manufactures NEONs is one of the oldest shoe factories in the UK, dating back to 1908.  On the NEON website you can follow how trainers are produced by true artisans and are a tribute to quality UK manufacturing.

Head designer and managing director at NEON, Sarah-Jayne Newey, comments: “The time is almost here to launch the ‘Our Girl Rules The City’ debut collection to the public and we’re very excited.  We’ve had excellent feedback so far and we’re confident that our luxury, British, one-colour trainers will be a huge success across the board.
“We decided to start with a Kick Starter campaign as a way to get production going with one big push.  All of our trainers are made to order in our Northampton factory and it’s important for us to start production off with a big order and really get the factory going with NEON.  We’ve had fantastic support so far and the campaign is also another way for us to give back to our supporters.  The campaign will see our debut collection available at a lower than retail cost, as well as a limited edition  skin on offer and a limited edition menswear option.”  

The debut collection will launch on the NEON website  in mid-October.   

Master weaver demonstrates the making of Jan Kath's Erased Heritage Rug at Decorex

Jan Kath's Erased Heritage rug designs demonstrate a unique combination of classical Italian and traditional oriental ornamental rug features with distressed effects.  At first glance, one would think the rugs are ancient and have faded in parts.  In fact, the faded effect is its unique design feature that makes the rugs appear at once aged and yet contemporary.

By using the highest quality of materials, such as Tibetan Highland wool, fine Chinese silk, cashmere and nettle fibres, the rugs are hand-made by highly skilled weavers using a traditional high density hand-knotting technique - from 100 to 450 knots per square inch. No two rugs are the same.

On hand to meticulously demonstrate such technique is a seasoned master weaver from India at the Decorex show currently held at London's Syon Park until September 24.   He is making in front of your eyes Jan Kath's Erased Heritage Tabriz Canal Arial rug using the hand-knotted technique.

Jan Kath, along with Michaela Schleypen whose work is inspired by nature), are two world-renowned rug designers represented by FRONT London which has a 200 sq. metre showroom in Mayfair.

Photos by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.