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BIFF & BIL 2014: Showcases latest global fashion trends

KEY BIFFBIL2014 Select 1.2 Final CS3 1BIFF&BIL 2014, ASEAN's biggest trade forum for fashion and leather products was held from March 12 to 16, 2014 at Challenger Hall 1-2, Impact Muangthong Thani. The fair had an international feel as 700 booths put up by manufacturers.

Visitor turnout cascade
Thailand’s political unrest took a toll on the number of visitors to the event this time as BIFF & BIL 2014 saw a 15 per cent fall in the number of visitors this year. Yuttna Silpsarnvith from TGMA (Thai Garment Manufacturers Association) revealed that political problems and demonstrations were the main reasons for low turnout. “This is better than what we forecasted at 20 to 30 per cent less,” said Silpsarnvith. In fact, Hong Kong government issued a notification saying it is critical and hence did not want their people to visit the fair. “It was a difficult situation to deal with,” Silpsarnvith pointed out.

Locals were lesser in numbers however, there was an increase in foreign visitors KEY BIFFBIL2014 Select 1.2 Final CS3especially suppliers. Japanese customers came in large numbers and 12 Japanese brands put up booths for the first time. These brands came with an intention to expand to Thailand and Asia so they scored really well. This is the first time they were looking at a change in their consumer bases. “They intend to come back with more than 20 booths next time. Korea has also expressed its desire to increase its presence. This year they had eight booths but next year they will come with more textiles and want to expand here,” added Silpsarnvith.

Emerging talent at BIFF & BIL
Designers’ Room project dominated the event. As a part of this project, new designers showcased their talent. It supports emerging talents whose ambition is to become accomplished fashion designers and build global fashion brands. The project aims at offering a new generation of Thai fashion designers to develop their capabilities and have trade opportunities as well as acquire experience in marketing. Members of Designers’ Room are recognized by their creativity, strong design aesthetic and distinctive character.

AFF promotes Asian lifestyle
The AFF conference was another major highlight of the event where six countries viz. China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were invited to hold fashion shows. David Wang, Chairman, Asia Fashion Federation Singapore Committee explains, “The main objective of AFF (Asian Fashion Federation) is to promote Asian style and that is not just fashion but lifestyle. The West has been influencers of fashion for a long time but Asia would be next. And we are trying to make Asia the next powerhouse. This will take time because you can’t change perceptions overnight.” Wang further added, “We feel that even though western fashion is looking to East, they are looking away from traditional fashion sources like New York, Paris, Milan. We are trying to promote Asian styles here.” 

AFF started with China, Japan and Korea and Singapore followed by Thailand and Vietnam. Wang says they would like to have India on board as well as it has a rich culture and a variety in textiles. “Indian designers do a fantastic job however, we have had no Indian association or designers approach us as yet. We have designers from Indonesia and Philippines, so we are considering those countries next,” added Wang. 

Apart from the annual fashion showcase, AFF also organizes seminars which usually revolve around the fashion industry and latest techniques. It tries to analyze what customers want. The fair also held an ‘Elderly Fashion Exhibition’ featuring clothes, footwear, bags and other products, Hotel Lifestyle Exhibition featuring items such as uniforms, footwear and beddings, and a seminar on 2014-’15 trends for leather products by experts from Italy. Additionally, there was business-matching to help manufacturers discover partners and build networks with potential buyers from ASEAN and other countries. More than 31 companies indicated their readiness to take the ‘Small Lot Orders’ to accommodate buyers making orders with small quantity yet with wide variety of product designs and custom-made quality. Manufacturers participating in this program had booths bearing the ‘SOOK (Small Order OK)’ logo. 

 
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