Fashion Philippines goes to Hong Kong expo

MANILA, Philippines - In its bid to bring locally made products closer to the buyers, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), brings Fashion Philippines to Fashion Access Hong Kong 2013 on Sept. 25-27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center to showcase the country as the premier source of chic, stylish and high-quality fashion pieces.

Fashion Philippines seeks to showcase the country’s artisanal skills that merge age-old craftwork with modern techniques to produce distinct Filipino products. The Philippine participation will also feature Manila Wear, a group of select Filipino fashion designers whose creative energies are redirected toward the development of new and refreshing designs of apparel and accessories using indigenous materials.

“This maiden Philippine participation in Fashion Access aims to re-establish the country as a top-of-mind destination for quality fashion pieces. Expect a colorful presentation of the Philippine fashion scene with Manila Wear designers Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Adante Leyesa, Dennis Lustico, Arnel Papa, Anne Saguil and Ken Samudio who will showcase only the best locally made fashion pieces that reflect the Filipino’s attention to intricate detailing and exceptional handiwork,” says CITEM executive director, Rosvi C. Gaetos.

Through Fashion Access, the Philippines can expand its market for fashion accessories with various countries participating in the event. In 2012, Asia became the Philippines’ top trading partner for fashion accessories with trade amounting to US$206 million or 34.39 percent of the total Philippine accessories exports.

The Philippines and Hong Kong have enjoyed robust trade relations over the years. Hong Kong accounted for 9.6 percent of the country’s total exports – placing Hong Kong as the Philippines’ fifth largest trading partner in 2012.

For more information about CITEM and its events, visit www.citem.gov.ph.