Dorion Ho- produced knitwear for international brands like Donna Karin and Calvin Klein  and his very own label, Doriano

Vivienne Tam- Vivienne Tam is a leading designer fashion house founded in 1984. The Company produces, designs and markets women’s contemporary apparel distributed in major department stores, specialty stores and independent boutiques throughout the U.S. The Company also has a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region with over 25 freestanding stores and in-store boutiques. The Vivienne Tam brand’s unique positioning – designs that meld the aesthetic and feminine mystique of Asia with the spirit of the modern world – is well recognized in both the U.S. and Asia.

http://www.viviennetam.com/vt.html

Pacino Wan- designs women’s coordinates, denim and knitwear under the labels: Pacino Wan, Pacino La Grande Aventure Du Jean  and Idees et Silky

 Pacino at Fashion Week 2008

Christina Yu- After developing private label work for international labels like Shanghai Tang, G.O.D. and Anteprima, she created her own label Ipa-Nima. Her celebrity clients include Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, HRH Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Shakira Caine, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Braxton, Yasmin Le Bon, Rebecca Gayheart, Sherilyn Fenn, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cate Blanchett, Jill Hennessy, Renee Fleming, Denise Rich, Kelly Osbourne, Martha Stewart, Bai Ling, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung and Faye Wong.

For more brands & designers visit: http://fashion.tdctrade.com/brand_main.asp

-Private labels, in essence, have become an increasingly effective marketing tool among garment retailers. In order to differentiate as well as upgrade the image of their products, major retailers have started to put a stronger emphasis on their own labels. Renowned retailers such as H&M, Marks & Spencer, Orsay, Palmers, Pimkie, Springfield and Kookai have owned their private labels. As consumers desire to have private labels on everyday garments like jeans, accessories and T-shirts, the doors are also open to the supply of these clothing items to private label owners.

- Increase in online shopping: Online shopping is increasingly popular in overseas markets

-Growing interest in China’s domestic market: The rapid expansion of mainland’s economy has attracted great interest of Hong Kong clothing companies to explore its clothing market. Today, China’s apparel market is the world’s third largest, behind only the US and Japan. Going hand-in-hand with the market expansion, Chinese consumers are becoming more fashionable and brand-conscious. This is especially true among the urban young adults (from 18 to 25 years). Many of them favour international brands. Half agree that “foreign brands are higher quality than local brands,” compared with an average of 15 percent across all other age cohorts, according to a McKinsey report on apparel in China.

Fashion Trends among Hong Kong Products & the World’s:

-Formal dressing: While casual wear accounts for the bulk of clothing sales, a general trend towards stricter corporate dress codes has led to a rising demand for formal dressing, particularly suits.

-Teenager market: One of the major driving forces of clothing market appears to be the teenagers in the coming years, particularly in the US. Despite limited budget, they still look for clothing that is different and unique.

-Silver market:  Elderly people constitute a major market segment called ‘silver market’. Supported by savings, social security benefits and pensions, many elderly people have rather strong spending power. A survey conducted by the Japanese government also shows that people who are 60 years old an above possess almost three times the financial assets of those in the 40-50 age group.

-Plus-size market: The plus-size market continues to grow. Some renowned brands have already responded to the trend by offering merchandise of larger size; these companies include Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

-Easy-care clothes: Clothes made of stain-resistant and wrinkle-free fabrics are well received in the market. It is estimated that over a quarter of apparel is now made of easy-care fabrics, and its popularity is expected to continue.

-Eco-friendly clothes: Consumers are more concerned about global issues on the environment, such as the use of oils and chemicals to make synthetic fibers, and clothing treated with dyes and chemicals.

 http://www.hktdc.com/main/industries/ipclot.htm

·        Hong Kong is the world’s second-largest clothing and apparel exporter after Mainland China. With innovative design and quality products, the local industry has successfully established an up-market image worldwide.

·        1,607 establishments hiring 23,976 workers as of September 2007

·        Strengths of Hong Kong’s fashion cluster consist of their strong managerial skills, is experienced in international trade and supply chain coordination. It is also adopting advanced manufacturing and information technology which is seen as essential to future competitiveness.

·        Hong Kong’s total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 2% in the first 11 months of 2007. While Hong Kong’s re-exports of clothing grew by 12%, domestic exports plummeted by 29%.

·        A few well-established local manufacturers have entered into the retailing business, either locally or in overseas markets. Some well-known manufacturing retailers include Baleno, Bossini, Crocodile, Episode, Esprit, G-2000, Giordano, JEANSWEST, Moiselle and U-2.

·        Examples of Hong Kong designer labels have been sold in renowned department stores overseas such as Bloomingdale’s, C & A, Harrod’s, Isetan, Macy’s, Marui, Mitsukoshi, Nieman Marcus and Seibu.

 http://www.hktdc.com/main/industries/ipclot.htm

Members of the Cluster:

·        The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)-To enhance Hong Kong’s “cutting edge”, we have the funding support from Innovation & Technology Commission, HKSAR Government. HKRITA is also supported by institutes, companies and associations in the textile and clothing industry in Hong Kong, mainland China and other countries. HKRITA is hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Their core competencies include textile technology, textile chemistry, apparel technology, fashion and textile design, textile management, quality management, marketing, merchandising, and fashion retailing.

·        Clothing Industry Training Authority- Was established in September 1975 and their main goals are:

-to provide training courses for the clothing industry

-to establish and maintain industrial training centre’s

-to assist in the placement of persons completing training courses

-to make recommendations with respect to the rate of levy

·        Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC)- TDC is the global marketing arm and public service hub for Hong Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service exporters. Their activities are especially geared to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the chief drivers of Hong Kong’s trade.TDC, ‘World Boutique, Hong Kong’ is the first independent event in Hong Kong dedicated to promoting designers’ collection and brands from around the world. Also organised by TDC, ‘style Hong Kong’ is to give overseas’ visitors and buyers a flavour of the excellence and value of Hong Kong products.

To see some current fashion events occurring in Hong Kong please go to : http://www.clothingtraining.org.hk/

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Fashion events that take place in Hong Kong include:

To see more fashion trade fairs please visit: http://hktradefairs.hktdc.com/

• Hong Kong Fashion Week

What? Displays the latest creations from Asia’s hottest designers and is is split into two sections: the Fashion Gallery (displaying high fashion, designers’ collections and brand name labels from Hong Kong and overseas) and the Garment & Accessories Mart (exhibiting a vast array of goods for the mass market). Taken as a whole, the fair covers the latest collections of over 700 exhibitors representing 12 countries and regions.

Where? Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

When? July.8-11 ,2008

Who? International designers are displayed in seven pavilions representing the Chinese mainland, India, Korea, Macau, Thailand, Europe and Taiwan.

• Interstoff Asia Essential (Spring) – The Home of Cutting-Edge Textiles

What? This event includes trend forums, functional fabrics demonstration areas, fashion shows, and a 3 day seminar program focusing on design trends, marketing strategy and technology.

Where? Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

When? Took place on March 12-14th

Who? Garment and textile manufacturers, trading companies, garment and textile buying agents, garment and textile buying offices, designers, department store/chain stores, mail order companies, and wholesaler/retailers.

http://www.texindex.com/exhibitions/detail.asp?Id=335

• Undergarment Materials and Production Analysis

Where? Clothing Industry Training Authority Kowloon Bay Training Centre

When? This event will go on for consecutive weeks between, March.7- May.9, 2008

Who? Is organized by  the Clothing Industry Training Authority.

• Training Course on Manufacture and Quality Control of Knitted Fabrics – Introductory Course.

Where? Clothing Industry Training Authority Kowloon Bay Training Centre

When? March.27 to May.15 2008

Who? Organized by the Clothing Industry Training Authority

·       Challenges in Colour Technology 2008

Where? The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

When? March.28, 2008

Who? Organized by the The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel

·       The 86^th Textile Institute World Conference- “Fashion & Textiles: Heading Towards New Horizons”

What? The guiding theme of the conference will focus on updated information of research and development activities in the fashion and textile industry.

When?November.18- 21, 2008

Who? The following areas are invited: Fibre and Polymer Materials, Fashion and Textile Design, Processing Technology, Clothing Science and Technology, Innovative Textiles, Marketing & Retailing, Trading and Compliance, Technical Textiles and Resource Management companies.

·        Bangkok International Fashion Week

What? BIFW08 is presenting fashion shows in the theme of “Summer Colorful Collection,” focusing on vivid colors to express the fun and liveliness of the summer season. The fashion week event will help Thai designers to present their latest collections, and to welcome the summer months, and this year brands presenting at BIFW08 are L’Oreal Professionnel, Asava, Theatre, FASH, Kunitar & 8E88, Pichita, 27 November, Greyhound, Tops & Bottoms by Phuket Mermaids, NAGARA, and Flynow.

Where? Siam Paragon

When?  Took place this year on Sunday, March.20- 23rd.

Who? The event is sponsored by CitiBank, Singha, MTM (Audi), L’Oreal Professionnel, L’Oreal Paris, The Nation Group and Harper’s Bazaar, all keen supporters of Thailand’s developing fashion industry.

• Emporium World Fashion Showcase 2008

What? The event is divided into four parts: runway shows, special fashion showcases, seminars and fashion parties. The seminars will be led by industry gurus who will share their knowledge and experience with Thai fashion students, the press and interested members of the public.

Where? Emporium Shopping Complex

When? It was held this year from January 31, 2008 to February 2, 2008

Who? The “Emporium World Fashion Showcase 2008″, which features the latest designs from Chanel, Chloe, Fendi, Kenzo, Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino, aims to promote the country’s image as a leading Asian fashion hub.

• Bangkok International Leather Fair/ International Fashion Fair:

What? Leather Products, Shoes & Bags, Accessories Garments and Textiles

Where? BITEC -Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition

When? 27 – 31 August 2008
Trade days : 27 – 29 August 2008 (10.00 – 18.00 hrs.)
Public days : 30 – 31 August 2008 (10.00 – 20.00 hrs.)

The official website: http://www.thaitradefair.com/fairin/biff08/

·        Export Garment Fair 2008

What? Will include casual wear, city wear, children wear, outer wear, fashion accessories and silk & batik.

Where? Exhibition Hall -Department of Export Promotion on Ratchadapisek Road

When? Usually One Week in October every year (No date known yet for this years’ exhibition)

Who? Organized by Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA)

For other Thailand Fashion Shows please visit: http/www.thailandfashion.net/index.php?id=76

The Ryerson Fashion School Website:  http://www.ryerson.ca/fashion/

Events:

Ryerson Fashion Week-Entitled Paramnesia-April 6-10: the designs are produced by both third year fashion-communications and feature collections from fourth year graduating design students.

Original Sin (which is the 2nd & 3rd year student fashion show) takes place April 6th and 7th, with an admission of $15.00. Ignite is dedicated towards graduating fashion communication student designs on April the 7th and people are able to attend without an admission fee. Lastly, Mass Exodus, is produced by third year fashion communication students and feature the collections from fourth year graduating design students.

Seneca College

Fashion Arts Program:

The Seneca College three-year Fashion Arts program offers specialty studies in the design and production of menswear, womenswear, knitwear and production. Design, pattern making, clothing construction, fashion history, production technology, draping, textiles, and marketing are all fully covered. Field placement, guest lectures and field visits keep students in constant touch with the industry. Seneca graduates find career success throughout the industry as designers, pattern makers, sample makers, production assistants, and fashion entrepreneurs.

Fashion Business Program

The Fashion Business program educates students for careers in the fashion retail industry by combining studies in business fundamentals with fashion theory. Curriculum is delivered from both a theoretical and practical perspective depending on subject content. Students gain real store management experience at the program’s on-campus clothing store in their second year of the program. Beyond classroom laboratory work, lectures and guest speakers, students learn “in the field” by way of field trips, volunteering at industry events, and by completing a required Work Study component of the program.

Events:

Refining Design Gala on April.10, 2008 at the KoolHaus to celebrate Seneca’s 40th anniversary. This is an opportunity for Seneca’s Fashion Art students  demonstrate over 10,000 garments, Cosmetic and Technique Management students to display their makeup artistry, as well as the Floral Design students will be able to fill the venue with their floral creations.

http://www.senecac.on.ca/cms/media/newsdetail.jsp?mediaID=139

International Academy of Design & Technology

Fashion Design:

IATS Fashion Design program is an intensive, two year course of study aimed at preparing grads for a career in the design, creation, and marketing of fashion. First year students are introduced to the development and construction of apparel, the fundamentals of design, and the sourcing and use of textiles. In their second year the program combines these hands-on skills with a variety of creative design projects. They will be introduced to the commercial side of the fashion design world as well as to industry-standard computer applications and the knitting machine.

Fashion Marketing & Merchandising:

This program is prepared for students for the opportunity to combine both their creative talents and business savvy. The Fashion Marketing & Merchandising faculty, as working professionals, share their experiences and expertise about the marketplace. The program introduces students to the various aspects of the fashion industry including marketing, visual merchandising, buying, styling, public relations and event planning. The diversity of the curriculum encourages the students to explore a multitude of career paths.

Events and news are not available on their website.

George Brown College

Fashion Techniques and Design

Fashion Techniques and Design program at George Brown College focuses on the sewing and drafting skills used in the fashion industry. The program simulates, as closely as possible, the industry’s standards, practices, and facilities. Students use industrial machines to sew garments. They learn the essentials of pattern making and pattern grading. Course-based registration will give you more flexible options. Elective computer courses give students the opportunity to make markers and draft patterns on computers using leading-edge technology.

Fashion Management

The Fashion Management program at George Brown College focuses on what we call “the four Ms” – Marketing, Merchandising, Manufacturing and Management – as they apply to the fashion industry generally and to apparel specifically. Students are introduced to the concepts of developing, producing and marketing a product, from initial concept to retail sale. Students analyze and test garments in our textile lab, create private-label fashion lines on storyboards, examine and choose the most effective and efficient manufacturing processes, and assess essential marketing and merchandising principles. Students also obtain first-hand experience in the student-operated fashion store on campus.

Fashion Business Industry

Two-Year Diploma – Graduates demonstrate technical skills that cross all industry positions as well as the knowledge necessary to navigate the management side of the fashion industry or alternately to be ready to begin their own small business. Qualifying graduates may continue their studies in the International Fashion Development & Management (Postgraduate) program. Through various courses students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basic technical and related components of fashion with a greater focus on managing fashion at the “small” business level.

International Fashion Development and Management (Postgraduate) 

The one-year post-diploma (with work placement) program provides students with the knowledge to work in the fashion industry in the global environment. World trade issues, import/export practices, and business structures that affect and are affected by a firm’s global participation are reviewed.

Events:

·        Signatures 2008 Annual Fashion Show-April.24 at the Berkeley Church

·        Fashion Works08- a networking event where the public can mingle with outstanding graduates, current students, top industry partners and faculty.

http://www.georgebrown.ca/fashionstudies/news.aspx

Humber College:

Fashion Management

Throughout the program, you will engage in analyzing a series of business and management scenarios for which you will prepare recommendations and solutions. In years three and four, you will work toward your specialization. This is your chance to gain practical skills through applied projects, such as developing business plans for real companies and working on industry-linked assignments. You will have the opportunity to develop processes and products from the idea stage through to execution. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and a network of industry professionals.

Fashion Arts

Areas of focus include marketing, store planning and merchandising, brand management, cosmetic marketing, event planning and retail buying. Students also learn fashion trend forecasting, sales techniques, and colour and styling analysis, while attaining basic knowledge of fashion product knowledge, cosmetic application, and science and fashion promotion. These skills are then applied to product launches, planning merchandise assortments, styling fashion shoots, and the production of fashion events.

Events:

A Night of Enchantment at Berkeley Church –April 16, 2008

Thailand stands out for its stylish and practical design, and the combined employment of state-of-the-art technology and master craftsmanship for its production.

General Information/News:

• Branded produced in Thailand For US and EU markets include: Victoria Secret, Brunet, Triumph, Saint Michael, Marks & Spencer (which has now been discontinued)
• Thailand is the 12th largest textile and garment exporter. In 2006 their export value was $ 6.8 billion (US)
• Fashion institutes in Bangkok include; Accademia Italiana, Alliance Francaise, Bangkok International Fashion Academy, Chanapatana Institute of Fashion Design, Kalawin Fashion School, RafflesLa Salle & Texila Fashion School
• In 2005 a project called Bangkok Fashion City was planned to The Fashion City project aims to establish Thai designers in the world of international fashion and provide a platform to develop Thailand’s garment industry in the high-value-added end of the business. (http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/10/business/thai.php)
• Recently their has been s new emphasis on quality high-end products as well as branded products that have  raised the standard of the Thai textiles and garments industry overall by raising the production quality and “standards for lower cost, low-end items”. Thereby open up more opportunities for trade and investment.

·        For more information regarding fashion designers and brands from Thailand please visit:

·        http://www.thailandfashion.net/index.php?id=119

Members of the Thai cluster:

• Bangkok Fashion Society-Bangkok fashion society is a non profit organization, formed by a group of Thai designers and boutique brand owners who share the same vision and belief in order to improve the standard of design and quality of Thai fashion product to meet with the world’s standard. There are countless brands/designers which are a part of this organization, including; They are Anurak, Good Mixer, Greyhound, Issue, Nagara for Jim Thompson, Kloset, Muung Doo, Sarit, Senada, Stretsis, Theatre and Zenith.
• FDTA- Fashion Designers & Traders Association Thailand
• Thailand Textile Institute-The Thailand Textile Institute was established by virtue of a cabinet resolution of October 15, 1996, at the initiative of all textile associations in Thailand, endorsed by the Ministry of Industry. All parties involved shared the goal of forming an autonomous organization to focus the development of the potential of the Thai Textile Industry for Thailand’s sustained competitiveness in the global textile market.
• The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA)
• The Association of Thai Textile Bleaching, Dyeing, Printing and Finishing Industries (ATDP)
• The Thai Synthetic Fiber Manufacturer’s Association (TSMA)
• The Thai Weaving Industry Association (TWIA)
•  The Textile Merchants Association (TMA)
• The Bobae Garment Association (BOBAE)
•  The Thai Textile Manufacturing Association (TTMA)

AVRIL LAVIGNE:

Canadian singer, Avril Lavigne is launching her new clothing line, called Abbey Dawn. It will be a junior lifestyle brand that will combine authentic rock n’ roll with a feminine edge.

http://www.thestar.com/article/310181 

SIENNA MILLER:

Twenty8Twelve (which was named after Sienna’s birthday: December 28) is titled “An Anthology of Rebellion” and is described by the designers (both her and sister) as a collection with an neutral yet eccentric style mixed with a Dickensian London vibe all rolled into one. It will be sold exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada and priced competitively aimed towards Canadian women who are both young and hip shoppers but also the mature woman who wants fine tailoring.

http://www.ellecanada.com/Fashion/default/twenty8twelve-sienna-s-hot-new-fashion-line-n239391p1.html

MADONNA: 

The first fashion collection designed by Madonna will hit Swedish apparel firm H&M outlets worldwide, including Toronto, Canada. The highly anticipated “M by Madonna” line includes scarves, evening dresses and super-skinny pants, which are one of Madonna’s signature looks.

http://toronto.fashion-monitor.com/news.php/fashion/2007030211madonna-fashion 

The rest can be found at:

 http://www.celebritybrands.net/category/fashion-line/ 

TIGER WOODS:

Nike Golf has announced plans to add a new collection to its golf clothing brands – the new Tiger Woods Platinum Collection of Nike golf clothing. “Tiger came to us and said that he wanted something that represents a new level of sophistication – apparel that performs and looks good on and off the course,” said Doug Reed, Nike Golf’s global director for apparel and footwear. It features a brand new concept–“no sew” technology that is supposed to reduce weight and bulk in places like plackets, sleeves and collars, and gives the simple knit shirt a sleek, modern look.

ROD STEWART:

The 62 year old celebrity is releasing a rather sober collection of T-shirts and tracksuit tops for men and women, bearing the rocker’s image. Even toddlers get a dose of Rod with a special baby suit and official ‘Rod Stewart Panties’. KATIE HOLMES:Katie plans to introduce The Katie Holmes for Armani collection in Spring 2009 that will be comparable in price to the Armani ready-to-wear line. The line will take an upscale approach with quality clothing  but will  be  less expensive than Armani Privé.

BEYONCE (DENSTINY’S CHILD GROUP MEMBER):

RACHEL BILSON:

The TV show, “ OC” star Rachel Bilson,  has teamed up with DKNY to design her own junior sportswear label named ‘Edie Rose’. The fashion forward line, named after two women who inspired by Bilson while she was growing up, will kick off this September with a 15-piece collection of sporty jackets, sweaters, T-shirts, coats, dresses and skinny and straight-leg jeans.