For Immediate Release
1 April 2011
Buyer Enthusiasm Sparks Busy APLF Trade Events
Several interesting observations about this 2011 series of APLF exhibitions, Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T), and Fashion Access (FA), which were co-located with the annual apparel conference, Prime Source Forum.
The main talk of the fairs was the increase in price of raw materials, with leather prices being the highest since 1996. Much of the rise in costs was attributed to a series of climatic factors that reduced supply availability. However, the atmosphere of the fairs was upbeat, and the mood of the exhibitors and visitors was very positive.
As well as more than a 20% increase in exhibitors compared to 2010 in MM&T, both MM&T and FA got off to a busy start on Wednesday, 30 March for its 27th year. Bustling visitor traffic was evident from the first hour.
And from an exhibitor’s point of view, Filipino hand-crafted footwear company PLV Trading’s Pamela Villaneuva said, "The best part is the number of orders we get."
"We have met many customers from Asia and Europe and from all over the world," said Mr. Saturo Taki, Director of the Export Division of Cledran Co. Ltd., one of the Best of APLF Award winners this year and an exhibitor in FA.
Another highlight of the fairs was the Design-A-Bag Online Competition award ceremony. Marie Cabirou of ESAA Duperre, France, the overall competition winner was delighted with the contacts she made and winning this prestigious award. Head judge and creative director for the competition, Jayne Esteve Cure said, "I was thrilled with this year’s competition; it was infused with energy, enthusiasm and vibrancy." She added, "We are also moving the competition towards a more fashion-orientated theme, as evidenced by the overall winner from the Super Fashion category."
And co-located, the sixth Prime Source Forum took place over two days, starting with a tremendous talk from Edwin Keh (former COO of Wal-Mart Global Procurement), setting the scene and tone for the rest of the forum. The event also had vigorous debates on sourcing, challenges, competition, labour issues, and retaining talent.
APLF - MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY (MM&T)
Exhibitors from all sectors of the leather, footwear and fashion accessories related industries are present showcasing products from raw materials and hides to semi- and finished-leather, and from chemicals and tannery machinery, to synthetic materials and components. Featured prominently at MM&T are upcoming fashion trends recognizing that the leather sector is today an integral part of the global fashion industry. The spring-summer 2012 colours will be presented at the Materials Trends Space. Up-coming fashion trends in colours, designs and materials feature strongly in this dynamic lifestyle event under the slogan ‘Total Look Fashion’. International exhibitors and buyers hailing from all five continents can browse more than 600 exhibitors including 106 companies participating for the first time. They offer lifestyle products including bags, footwear, luggage and travelware, leather garments and accessories. Consumer trends seminars and workshops provide industry professionals with opportunities to network. At the March 2011 fair fashion trends for fall-winter 2011/12 will be displayed at the Fashion Trends Space. For fair details, please contact: Ms Perrine Ardouin, Event Director Email: Perrine.Ardouin@ubm.com For media enquiries, please contact: Ms Pauline Chiu, Assistant MARCOM Manger Email: Pauline.Chiu@ubm.com APLF Limited 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: +852-2827-6211 Fax: +852-2827-7831 Website: www.aplf.com - End -
ABOUT APLF LIMITED
APLF Ltd is a joint venture between SIC Group and UBM Asia. For over two decades, Hong Kong-based APLF Ltd has been providing the global leather and fashion industries with its most important meeting and trading place.
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