French management expertise and Chinese manufacturing efficiency give lingerie specialist TNT Fashion Group a revealing edge in global markets.
Established in Hong Kong in 1990, the French company uses Hong Kong as its sourcing hub for fabric and accessories at competitive prices. The company's fast turnarounds meet the needs of its various markets. Clients throughout Asia and Europe rely on TNT to deliver fresh designs quickly and efficiently.
Denis Despretz, director and founder of TNT Fashion, said Hong Kong’s easy accessibility to suppliers is a major advantage. "Hong Kong is a hub for international companies, which gives quick and easy access to materials and accessories," he said. "This means we can access the latest collections from worldwide suppliers, which speeds up our processing system. Having a quick and efficient base in Hong Kong is a huge advantage for our customers."
Global brands
TNT Fashion supplies medium- to high-end brand names and lingerie chain stores, including Orcanta of France, women’secret of Spain and Yamamay of Italy.
Mr Despretz has no plans to relocate to the Chinese mainland, even though his cost base might be cheaper. "Hong Kong offers quality, reliable suppliers, and we are assured that the materials sourced here are at least up to European standards."
In terms of health and the environment, the important Oko-Tex 100 and future REACH standards’ certification system for using chemicals in textiles – increasingly required by global brands – is much more easily obtained in Hong Kong, which complies with European standards.
Mr Despretz does, however, use the mainland for its cost-effective production. TNT owns its own factory in Guangdong and also uses a network of local partners as subcontractors. The arrangement is convenient and cost effective, he noted. "Our entire supply chain is nearby, so garments can be produced very fast and at a quality standard that is assured."
Fast turnaround
TNT Fashion has more than 20 employees in Hong Kong, including four French designers. In the sourcing business having direct contact with designers and buyers in Europe is essential, according to Mr Despretz. Hong Kong, with its cultural mix of East and West, makes it easy to suggest new items to match the latest trends.
"Design expertise is also a must," he continued. "Having European designers in Hong Kong means they can liaise with the Chinese team directly."
Hong Kong is also efficient in terms of services, communication, IT and everything needed for easy processing, Mr Despretz added. "There are no barriers to doing business in Hong Kong, which gives one peace of mind."
The founder of TNT Fashion is pleased to have chosen Hong Kong to set up his business. "Fashion can be a crazy industry, but it doesn’t seem so here. Living in Hong Kong, I enjoy an easy, peaceful life, while also enjoying the efficiency of a dynamic business city."
