The global leather industry may be changing, but it is also booming and expanding into new exciting - and profitable - markets. That was the clear message from the twin APLF exhibitions, APLF - Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MMT) and Fashion Access (FA) recently held in Hong Kong, over 28 - 30 March 2007.
With the traditional leather industry merging into the vast international apparel and fashion industry both MMT and FA focus increasingly on providing market intelligence, fashion and trend forecasting, and drawing in a far wider selection of buyers than ever. Networking opportunities across a whole range of related industries are opening up as never before. New players are coming into this sector, often younger and representing a whole range of businesses which were not previously major purchasers of leather or leather related products.
The ebullient mood was characterised by the Fashion Access Party, held in a Hong Kong night club. The event was packed, and by a largely young crowd. The highlight of the evening saw Mr Paul Charron, Chairman Emeritus of fashion giant, Liz Claiborne, present prizes to winners of APLF's hugely popular Design A Bag Competition.
From the word go regular APLF attendees noted the changes. This year the three day event was heralded in with a fully-fledged fashion show. This featured an entire collection designed especially for the event by Hong Kong-based fashion designer Ika Butoni. The show served also as the opening ceremony for both MMT and FA.
Fashion trends, 'trendy' parties, more competitions: this is the mood - this is the trend - for APLF and a resurgent leather and fashion accessory industry.
