The 9th International Symposium of Intimate Apparel, was organized by the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently. The idea was to promote the exchange of the latest knowledge and development of intimate apparel among academics.
The event was supported by world’s leading lingerie and beachwear trade show organiser Eurovet, The Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association (HKIAIA), Intimate Apparel Journal, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), Cotton Incorporated, Society of Dyers and Colourists Hong Kong, Textile Institute Association (Hong Kong), as well as The Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel. Under the theme ‘The New Frontier of Intimate Apparel’, the symposium discussed latest trends and development in the global lingerie market. It also sharpened the industry’s competitive advantage to develop its future business and marketing strategies.
The symposium was officially kicked off by Prof John Xin, Chair Professor and Head of ITC, and Mrs Rita Wong, Vice Chairman of HKIAIA and Managing Director of Cerie International.Distinguished local and overseas lingerie experts shared their insights and experience on the new marketing development in the intimate apparel industry. How should brands and retailers position themselves for the new market requirements? What does the educator do to meet the market need. These were some of the topics discussed along the sidelines.
In line with the symposium, three workshops were conducted. Terri Meichner Fisher, President/ CEO of Platinum Coast Retail Consulting, shared her views on ‘Panoramic View of the Intimate Apparel and the Athleisure Market in the US’. Prof. Andrew Sia, Publisher of Intimate Apparel Journal, spoke on ‘South Asia & Southeast Asia Country Reports – The Perspective from an Industrial Veteran’; and Spike Ngai, Manager, Technical Marketing, Supply Chain Marketing Asia of Cotton Incorporated, talked about ‘Opportunities to Use Advanced Cotton’.
Established with strong industrial support in 2005, the Ace Style Institute of Intimate Apparel of ITC is the first lingerie institute in the Asia Pacific. Over the years, the Institute’s research has reaped fruitful results and gained international reputation.
