New Product Launch Ceremony for Innovative Collaborative Products Created by Ten Premium Brands X Hong Kong Designers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – The New Product Launch Ceremony of The 3rd edition of the “ReMIX · Yesterday’s Future, Invent Tomorrow!” (ReMIX) Creative Business Partnership Programme (“ReMIX”), organised by the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong (IDSHK), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the Lead Sponsor, was successfully held at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley. To commemorate the occasion, the organiser invited Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour, and Mr. Ball Cheung, President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, to officiate at the ceremony. This edition’s “ReMIX” successfully paired up ten premium brands and ten Hong Kong design teams to form ten teams, creating a total of 51 collaborative products.
Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell (front row, fifth from left), Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. Ball CHEUNG (front row, middle), President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, the Assessment & Advisory Panel of the 3rd Edition of ReMIX Creative Business Partnership Programme, the ten premium brands and ten Hong Kong designers, sponsors and supporting organisations are attending the New Product Launch Ceremony.
The 3rd ReMIX has attracted premium brands from Hong Kong, including Leung So Kee, afontane, Laws Knitters, Fotomax, BAST, Momax and INFINITE, as well as first-time participants from a food brand, namely Koon Wah, and a retail brand, namely LOG-ON. Other first-time participant include Easily Home which is a brand from other city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The wide participation of different brands proved that the programme has successfully created more collaboration opportunities for designers to develop new creative collaborative products. These products cover different categories, ranging from smart furniture, modular furniture, lighting, pet home products, leisure products, snacks, umbrella to personal accessories, creating synergy for the local design community and the wider business community in the GBA.
ReMIX aims to connect and promote business collaboration between local professional designers and premium brands, and to enhance the image of the local creative market through cross-industry synergies and brand influence strategies, as well as to promote the recognition and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s creative services, products, and industrial design in the market. ReMIX was launched under the sponsorship of CCIDA (formerly known as Create Hong Kong) in 2021 and now in its third edition. To date, about 100 creative collaborative products have been successfully launched. While the cumulative number of participating brands and design teams continued to grow over the past three editions, ReMIX also provides more product promotion and overseas exchange opportunities to these brands and design teams.
Mrs. CHO LAI Suk Ha, Lowell, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, expressed her gratitude to the Hong Kong Industrial Designers Association for organising ReMIX again and congratulated the ten participating teams for successfully launching their new collaborative products under the 3rd ReMIX.
Mr. Ball CHEUNG, President of the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, spoke on behalf of the organiser at the New Product Launch Ceremony, “I am delighted that through ReMIX , we are able to promote the contributions of Hong Kong industrial designers and showcase the charm of innovative products from Hong Kong. This initiative has not only expanded the development potential of local designs and brands but has also enhanced their momentum for growth. In the long run, this will significantly contribute to the innovative development of Hong Kong’s economy. This edition’s ReMIX has a record number of collaborating Hong Kong brands and design teams, and for the first time, a GBA brand outside Hong Kong participated, reflecting the spirit of cooperation in the GBA.” Hashtag: #ReMIX #IDSHK #香港工業設計師協會 #創意商業夥伴計劃
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong
Founded in 2002, Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong (IDSHK) aims to promote the state-of-the-art and professional practice of Hong Kong’s industrial design (ID), and to leverage its status. Over the years, IDSHK has been committed to promoting and striving for the rights of industrial designers by enhancing their competitiveness, providing themwith industry-related knowledge and promoting exchanges with local, the Mainland and international professional organisations. IDSHK has successfully established collaborations andstrategic alliance partnerships with industrial bodies and education institutes and is continuing to support industrial design education.
IDSHK grasps the pulse of the society and technology evolvements with innovative ideas to provide members with updated relevant knowledge and connections to keep pace with the times. Gather all parties’ strength and cooperate to create a brilliant future design prospect.
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Evidencing Leadership in Sustainability in Textile Industry
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – Texhong International Group Limited (“Texhong International” or the “Group“; HKEX stock code: 2678), one of the world’s largest suppliers of cotton yarns, was a speaker at the COTTON USATM Sustainability Seminar organised by the Cotton Council International (“CCI”), which was attended by more than 150 guests representing international brands and USCTP members, on 19 September in Hong Kong, underscoring its commitment to and industry leadership in pushing for sustainability and the recognition it enjoys for its efforts in enhancing supply chain transparency and traceability.
In addition to the welcome remarks from Mr. Garrett McDonald, Director of U.S. Agricultural trade office at US Consulate General Hong Kong and Macau, and Mr. Bosco Law, Chairman of Textile Council of Hong Kong Ltd., guests also heard Mr. Steve Dyer, Chairman of Cotton Council International, sharing his view on the outlook of the US cotton and global cotton markets.
Mr. Dyer voiced concern about cotton consumption facing major challenge today from man-made fibres like polyester not biodegradable. Apart from taking hundreds of years to degrade completely, the microplastics broken down from such materials are ending up in drinking water and food, with some studies saying people could be swallowing a credit card’s weight of plastic every week. Thus, it is crucial for people to think about how their choices of clothing and materials could impact the environment and the world, and that is where cotton and cotton production come in with sustainability, traceability, and carbon footprint topping the list of emphasis worldwide.
Ms. Sarah Hong, Executive Assistant and Marketing Director of Texhong International Group, said, “We are honoured to be invited by the CCI to share our experience and efforts on sustainable development. As a world-leading cotton yarn manufacturer as well as a global citizen, Texhong International recognises that it has responsibilities beyond delivering high-quality products and services, thus has strived also to ensure its operations have beneficial impacts on the environment and also society. Over the years, the Group has worked closely with top tier fibre suppliers to explore sustainable and accountable materials, and has taken effective actions to promote circular economy for textiles. Additionally, as the largest user of U.S. cotton in the world, we take traceability very seriously, and have developed an internal raw material traceability system that helps us track the inventory and production process, providing customers with a comprehensive package of relevant documents. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with our supply chain partners to contribute to sustainable development of the industry and create value for all stakeholders.”
Texhong’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its procurement practices, with the majority of cotton purchased meeting rigorous sustainable planting standards, accredited by organisations such as U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Cotton LEADS, BCI, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), GOTS, and OCS. The Group carries out on-site traceability audits regularly and actively promotes to supply chain partners measures to reduce pesticide use and adapt to climate change. The comprehensive approach has ensured all operations of the Group comply with relevant laws and regulations, and at the same time align with the Group’s sustainability goals.
CCl is a non-profit trade association that promotes to the world U.S. cotton fibre and manufactured cotton products under the COTTON USA trademark. In the past more than 60 years, CCI has collaborated with spinning mills, fabric and garment manufacturers, brands, retailers, textile associations, etc. to facilitate use of U.S. cotton, and it reaches more than 50 countries now. The COTTON USA™ Sustainability Seminar gathers key US cotton customers and global sourcing offices, including AEO, Gap, PVH, Puma, Hugo Boss, Next, Target, Lululemon and Ralph Lauren, to exchange views on global cotton supply and demand, and latest sustainable developments in the cotton and textile industry.
Hashtag: #TexhongInternational #COTTONUSA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Texhong International Group Limited (stock code: 2678.hk)
Founded in 1997 in Hong Kong and listed on the HKEX in 2004, Texhong is one of the largest cotton yarn suppliers in the world. The Group is principally engaged in the production and distribution of quality yarns, grey fabrics and garment fabrics, in particular high value-added core-spun yarns. Since its establishment, the Group has grown rapidly and has over 5,000 customers in the PRC and overseas, with a sales network covering the PRC, Vietnam, North America, Europe, Brazil, Turkey, Bangladesh, Japan and South Korea, etc. The Group has production bases in the PRC, Vietnam and the Americas, respectively.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – A delegation led by Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan is on a four-day visit to London (September 25-28, 2024), the second leg of an overseas trip to strengthen ties with European businesses and cultivate enhanced co-operation, especially in financial services and innovation and technology.
Addressing approximately 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals at the annual Hong Kong Dinner, Mr Chan underlined the enduring economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom (UK). He also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” arrangement, which includes the implementation of common law, respect for the rule of law and ensuring a friendly business and investment environment.
Hong Kong welcomes European businesses and talent to explore opportunities in the city and advance co-operation.
“We recently enacted legislation allowing a simplified extension of commercial, residential and industrial leases well beyond 2047. Hong Kong’s leases are written in common law language, and the legislation makes clear that our legal heritage is built to last. So, too, is our pro-business, pro-investment environment,” he said. “We continue to levy no capital gains tax, no goods and services tax, no value-added tax, no withholding tax on dividends and interest, and no digital services tax.”
Mr Chan went on to point out the many positive changes in Hong Kong. The city’s economy, for instance, has shown robust growth and is now home to some 2,700 single family offices. Its IPO market is the fourth-largest globally this year thus far, and its innovation and technology ecosystem is continuously expanding, with good progress made in attracting key technology companies, he added.
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivers a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Dinner in London.
Welcoming British businesses and talent to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said he looked forward to maintaining connections with different sectors in the UK and advancing co-operation for mutual benefit.
While in London, the delegation will participate in a series of events to share the latest developments and advantages of Hong Kong.
Brand new activities integrating cultural, heritage and natural offerings in two distinctive local neighbourhoods
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – “Design District Hong Kong” (#ddHK) creative tourism project, organised by the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong, is set to return this winter, continuing its exploration in Tsuen Wan and taking on the discovery of the captivating area of Sha Tau Kok. Curated by Number 2, a brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will take place from December 2024 to February 2025, integrating creative elements with the cultural, heritage and natural offerings of the two neighbourhoods and leading visitors to discover the distinctive characteristics there.
Tsuen Wan: A Spectacular Destination Worth Exploring Twice or More
Tsuen Wan is an emerging destination for immersive travel, attributable to its multi-faceted characters evolved in an organic manner. It is where history meets creativity, intangible cultural heritages mixed with chic lifestyle, and vibrant cityscape immersed in natural scenery. #ddHK will continue its unfinished exploration of the neighbourhood last year, and extend its reach to enchanting places including heritage sites and country parks.
Sha Tau Kok: A Hidden Gem for Hong Kong Tourists
Sha Tau Kok is a township in the northeastern-most part of Hong Kong adjacent to the Mainland. It has been a Frontier Closed Area with restricted access for decades, but when it was progressively opened up for tourism in recent years, many visitors have been immediately attracted by the lesser-known history, culture and natural elements there. Apart from its unique attractions, Sha Tau Kok is also where tourists may easily access to the stunning nearby islands and villages, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, by water-borne transport. #ddHK will embark on a new journey to lead visitors to delve deeper into the offerings in this mysterious frontier township.
Tourism Experiences Curated by a Global Line-up of Creative Units
Continuing its mission to create new travel experiences through design and creativity, #ddHK will bring together a lineup of seven creative units from overseas, the Mainland and Hong Kong to inject creative elements into various venues in Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok in the urban, heritage and natural settings. In addition, through crossovers with cultural and creative hotspots, heritage sites, nature attractions and local delicacies, an array of immersive visiting routes will also be introduced for visitors of different interests. The collaborating creative units include animation artist Coolman Coffeedan (USA), interactive public art and design studio ENESS (Australia), multi-disciplinary artist En Iwamura (Japan), floral installation artist Kiki Ji (The Mainland), contemporary artist Louis To Wun (Hong Kong), artist and illustrator Vivian Ho (Hong Kong), and knot designer Zoe Siu (Hong Kong). (Please refer to the Appendix for brief biographies of the creative units.)
Through cross-sector collaboration, #ddHK will also curate a series of exciting activities filled with local flavour, including themed guided tours, cultural and eco workshops, live performances, weekend markets, and many others, throughout the event period. Tourists and locals alike are invited to explore and experience the infinite possibilities brought by the two lovely neighbourhoods. Stay tuned for further information and event announcements to be made by the curatorial team in the near future.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK)
Design District Hong Kong (#ddHK) is a creative tourism project that celebrates authentic culture and creativity and livens up unique neighbourhoods in Hong Kong through design elements. Launched in 2018, #ddHK has transformed different neighbourhoods into new tourism destinations filled with characteristics, and has become a well-acclaimed creative cultural tourism project. A brand new #ddHK event themed “Creative Journey · Infinite Discovery” will be held from December 2024 to February 2025, leading visitors from around the world to immerse themselves into two diverse, distinctive and captivating neighbourhoods, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Creative elements will also be injected to highlight the unique charm of the two places.
Lao Red Cross Boosts Blood Services: A Lifesaving Leap Forward. (Photo supplied)
The Lao Red Cross-National Blood Transfusion Service (LRC NBTS) project, implemented by the National Blood Transfusion Institute (NBTI) with support from the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), has achieved remarkable progress in its third year.
On 13 September, the Implementation Management Committee (IMC) convened to assess the project’s developments and chart future directions. Co-chaired by Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of NBTI, and Binita Poudel, SRC Country Representative, the meeting brought together representatives from the LRC Headquarters, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NBTI, and various other sectors.
In the first half of 2024, thanks to the support of the Swiss Red Cross, the project successfully collected 35,540 blood units, surpassing 91 percent of its target.
Key activities during this period included annual planning workshops, community blood donation campaigns, and behavior change communication training. A significant accomplishment was the achievement of AABB certification for the NBTI, demonstrating its commitment to providing safe and high-quality blood transfusion services.
The AABB, or Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, is a globally respected organization that establishes rigorous standards for blood facilities. Achieving AABB certification signifies that a facility meets or exceeds stringent quality and safety benchmarks, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of its blood products.
Looking ahead, the project is set to focus on enhancing blood service quality management, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships in the remaining months of 2024. Key initiatives will include finalizing standard operating procedures (SOPs), conducting internal inspections, providing refresher training, and pursuing AABB certification for additional facilities.
While significant achievements have been made, the NBTI acknowledges the need for ongoing improvements in various areas. These include expanding the voluntary donor base, enhancing blood service quality, improving infrastructure, ensuring financial sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with international stakeholders.
The NBTI faces several challenges, including the increasing strain on the blood transfusion system due to the growing number of thalassemia patients, the need to maintain and expand AABB accreditation, and the underutilization of plasma.
Thalassemia Care in Laos: Evolving Needs and Challenge
Although blood donations have steadily increased to over 80,000 annually, 40 percent of this blood is allocated to thalassemia patients, necessitating a higher absolute volume of blood donations to meet the growing needs of this population.
Also, the post-COVID era has witnessed a troubling rise in replacement donations, particularly in Vientiane and the southern region of Champassak, where voluntary donations have experienced a sharp decline.
Enhancing Blood Safety in Laos: Quality Assurance and Future Priorities
While the pursuit of AABB accreditation has led to notable improvements in blood quality at the NBTI in Vientiane, expanding this accreditation to regional and provincial centers remains a critical challenge. This expansion is anticipated to be more straightforward in regions under the jurisdiction of Luang Prabang, Sayaboury, and Vientiane provinces compared to the southern regions.
Proposed Solutions for Strengthening Blood Safety and Thalassemia Care in Laos
To address these challenges, it is proposed that the Ministry of Health develop a comprehensive strategy focusing on testing and counseling for thalassemia, which currently accounts for 40 percent of the blood supply needs
Increasing the number of blood collections and boosting the percentage of voluntary blood donations will be essential steps in this endeavor.
Overall, the LRC NBTS project has made substantial strides in enhancing blood transfusion services in Laos. By tackling the challenges of rising demand for blood transfusions and promoting voluntary donations, the project aims to further strengthen the national blood service and ensure the availability of safe blood products for all.
Supported by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) again and premiering the enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1
Collaborating with cross-disciplinary tech trailblazers, Avery Dennison, Genesis-One and ZERO10, to unleash the synergy of digital fashion
Featuring digital fashion creations from all together 6, Hong Kong and international designers from 25 Sep to 1 Oct
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – Originating in Hong Kong and resonating worldwide, FabriX’s influence has gracefully crossed borders. After its successful international debut at London and Paris Fashion Weeks in 2023, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow returns to the global fashion epicenter, Paris, once again this year.
Established in 2022 by PMQ with the support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA, formerly CreateHK), FabriX was conceptualised as a platform for Hong Kong’s visionary fashion designers to unveil their digital fashion creations on virtual runways around the globe. Since then, FabriX has evolved into a global platform, marking our presence at two of Europe’s most prestigious fashion weeks in 2023.
The mission is clear: to emerge as the definitive Digital Fashion Hub and Curated Marketplace, where innovative artistry meets commercial potential. FabriX is committed to weaving a future where digital fashion is a seamless part of everyday life by foresting connections and collaboration with global digital fashion communities, industry associations, fashion houses, tech innovators, key influencers and the media.
This year, FabriX supported by Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) once again to present the Digital Fashion Roadshow at Paris Fashion Week 2024, from 25 September till 1 October 2024 at the Palais de Tokyo. Join us and experience FabriX’s unique phygital fashion curation and stay connected with FabriX on social media for exclusive updates and content.
FabriX is curated by a team of experienced creative drivers lead by Shin Wong, FabriX Project Director along with Designer’s Curator, Declan Chan, exploring the best tech partner in the world, with the unlimited support by William To, Executive Director of PMQ, bringing a new dimension to the virtual fashion experience.
Enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1 premiers in Paris
At the heart of the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Paris Fashion Week 2024 is the FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk, where visitors can effortlessly try on, capture selfies and pre-order digital fashion pieces – including exclusive made-for-Roblox avatar outfits. Premiering in Paris, the enhanced Kiosk 2.0.1 comes with improved features from new technology collaborators. AR enabled mirror and photobooth hybrid allows users to digitally try-on items, collect their digital outfit photos and directly acquire their favourite digital fashion items on online platform. With a truly immersive “See Now – Try Now – Buy Now” shopping experience, fashion retail is redefined through digital pixels. Prepare to be captivated by this immersive phygital fashion retail experience, showcasing the breathtaking ideation from Hong Kong to the world.
Collaborating with tech trailblazers to reshape digital fashion
FabriX is collaborating with some of the most innovative tech trailblazers, each striving to push boundaries and offer ground-breaking tools and solutions, and together we aim at creating exponential synergy which allows digital fashion to go further and beyond.
(In alphabetical order)
Avery Dennison, Embelex
Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimise labour and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.
Avery Dennison’s @Embelex product portfolio includes apparel branding labels and tags digitally enabled with NFC or RFID technologies, as well as software applications that bridge the physical and digital to enhance consumer experience.
As part of the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2024, Avery Dennison has provided NFC-enabled digital woven badges for the featured designers. These custom-designed badges can be triggered using NFC-enabled smartphones to connect to specialised digital content and information, offering new opportunities for engagement with buyers, guests and the media at Paris Fashion Week 2024.
Genesis-One
Genesis-One by Virtual Touch is transforming the fashion industry with its innovative virtual stores, online-to-offline selling platform and digitalisation services. By offering a comprehensive digital ecosystem, Genesis-One empowers fashion creators to establish their brands without the high upfront costs and complexities of production, logistics and inventory management. With advanced 3D and AI-enabled design tools, an integrated marketplace and a pre-order system, creators can easily design, produce and launch products directly to the market.
This fully-automated, on-demand model delivers efficiency and sustainability – allowing creators to focus on design, marketing and crafting unique customer experiences for their brands. Exclusively for the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2024, physical versions of selected digital fashion pieces and FabriX merchandise are now available for online purchase
ZERO10 is a pioneering tech company focusing on advanced augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) try-on solutions that bring interactivity, engagement and innovation to fashion, entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Their proprietary AR Mirror software transforms digital screens into powerful business tools, offering virtual try-on capabilities that enhance consumer engagement, collect valuable customer data and improve in-store sales conversion. With the technological support by ZERO10, the designers’ physical creations can now turn into virtual outfits.
DREESX
Leveraging their experience and tech know-how, DRESSX once again, transformed the new FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2024 designer’s roster and their designs into a collection of Roblox avatar outfits, allowing users to rock their favourite digital fashion pieces in-game.
6 international designers showcasing their signature designs
This year, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow brings together remarkable creations by 6 international designers: PONDER.ER, Wilsonkaki hailing from Hong Kong; and Bianca Saunders, Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner and Paolina Russofrom.
(In alphabetical order)
Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders brand gained international acclaim, debuting at London Fashion Week and later at Paris Fashion Week in January 2022. The brand continues to produce two collections annually and participates in various collaborations.
Known for innovative silhouettes and craftsmanship, Saunders often explores body mapping through bespoke prints. She views clothing as a dynamic expression, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach. Rooted in her British Caribbean identity, Saunders’ designs reflect the rich tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations.
Charles de Vilmori
Charles de Vilmorin launched his own label in 2020 by posting several images of his creations on Instagram, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive, dreamlike hand-painted motifs.
Known as ‘The Yves Saint Laurent of Gen Z’, his designs were praised by Christian Lacroix. Fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier, also sponsored him as an on-schedule guest at haute couture week in January 2021. At the age of 24, he was appointed as the creative director at Rochas two weeks after the show.
In 2023, de Vilmorin took on several high-profile projects such as being the president of the fashion Jury of the 38th edition of the Hyères International Festival and the Artistic Director of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas. In 2024, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection and collaborated with Moet & Chadon and chef Yannick Alléno in designing the Moet restaurant in Paris.
Florentina Leitner
Created in February 2022, the brand is the eponymous label of Austrian designer Florentina
Leitner. She graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and worked for Dries van Noten before launching her label.
With a vision to create a bold,fun and vibrant brand for all ages, the brand is characterised by distinctive 3D flowers, floral prints, textile combinations and feminine details – promising to
evoke smiles, and lift moods at every turn. She and her team strive to construct immersive experiences that transport you into a uniquely imaginative world.
Paolina Russo
Paolina Russo seamlessly merges futurism and nostalgia through community-driven craft and innovation. From their London-based studio, Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard combine artisanal methods with industrial production, creating a fusion of traditional crafts and modern technology. By distilling the essence of craftsmanship, they propel it into new, contemporary directions.
Their work modernises and challenges traditional crafts such as knitwear, natural dyeing and wood carving – resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that blends folkloric tradition with futuristic innovation.
PONDER.ER
PONDER.ER by Alex Po and Derek Cheng challenges gender norms with thought-provoking gender-fluid designs that stimulate self-exploration. By dismantling conventions and embracing diverse choices, the label reinterprets contemporary classics to defy rigid preconceptions of fashion and gender behaviour. Prioritising comfort, their collections spark conversations while showcasing a vibrant spectrum of aesthetics. In 2024, PONDER.ER was shortlisted as a semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
Wilsonkaki
Wilsonkaki is the namesake label of designer Wilson Yip, which was inspired by a simple yet relatable mishap – forgetting to zip up the fly. The label is known for poetic creations that exude hypermodernity – constantly questioning conventions, rethinking reality, and reinterpreting everyday wardrobe with an experimental approach. He garnered much praise in the industry by working with singers and celebrities in Hong Kong and was honoured as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch in 2021.
A pale-yellow T-shirt with coastal print by Wilsonkaki will be available for try-on, and open for pre-orders at the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2024 for the first time https://www.genesis-one.co/fabrixworld/creation. Come and immerse in this exclusive phygital fashion retail experience, showing our support to a Hong Kong designer.
FabriX phygital merchandise available and ready for order
FabriX “Phygital” special edition T-shirt, hoodies and cap will be showcased, and open for pre-orders at the Paris roadshow. The T-shirt was exclusively released in conjunction with FabriX’s showcase at ComplexCon Hong Kong earlier this year, marking the festival’s debut outside the US. Hoodies come in 2 designs created by budding homegrown talent Tom Cheng, featuring prints with Hong Kong elements while the classic baseball cap showcases the FabriX logo and the tagline ‘Fashion Meets Future’.
‘FabriX 2024 – Digital Fashion Roadshow: Paris’
Date:
25 September – 1 October 2024
Time:
10AM – 6PM
Venue:
SPHERE, Palais de Tokyo, 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FabriX
Leading the Digital Fashion Revolution from Our City to the World
FabriX isn’t just showcasing the future of the fashion industry – we are building it. Launched in 2022, we are a launchpad for the world’s hottest fashion designers and brands, providing a platform to unveil and monetise their most innovative digital fashion creations.
Our success story began in Hong Kong, but our influence has gone global. After an electrifying FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at London and Paris Fashion Weeks in 2023, we are setting the stage ablaze at ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 – the festival’s much-anticipated debut outside the US. These experiences has paved the way to even greater possibilities.
Our vision? To be the leading curated marketplace of all things Digital Fashion worldwide, by connecting the industry’s top tech partners, designers, brands and thought leaders. Together, we are shaping a future where digital fashion becomes a part of everyday life, through gaming platforms and other emerging applications. Imagine a Digital Fashion Hub where innovation and artistry meet commercial opportunities. That’s FabriX.
About PMQ
Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s SoHo district, PMQ is the landmark of creative and design industries housing over 100 Hong Kong emerging designers. In 2014, PMQ was revitalised and transformed into a creative hub with a variety of design studios showcasing a wide array of design products including fashion and accessories, gifts & premium, homeware, and small furniture as well as other lifestyle goods and creative products. PMQ has now become an interactive platform for supporting up-and-coming creative talents and fostering a community of patrons and lovers of creativity, design, and heritage. It is also one of the popular venues in town for international design, arts, and cultural events from Hong Kong and around the world.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 September 2024 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (NIA), along with five partners from both the public and private sectors: Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the Royal Thai Embassy Stockholm, Techsauce, and the Thai Startup Association (TSA), co-hosted the launch of the “The Scaleup Impact! Thailand – Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program” in partnership with Epicenter. This program aims to elevate Thailand’s startup ecosystem to a global level, focusing on connecting Thai Impact Tech startups with the global market through an intensive acceleration process to create innovations that meet global market demands, the launch event was graced by Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen Director-General, Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation).
NIA and Thai Embassy in Stockholm partner with Epicenter
H.E. Mrs. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Thailand to Sweden, stated, “One of the primary missions of the Royal Thai Embassy Stockholm and the Thailand and Nordic Countries Innovation Unit (TNIU) is to promote proactive economic diplomacy driven by innovation and sustainability. Sweden is renowned as an ‘Innovation Powerhouse,’ a global leader in innovation, and a hub for successful unicorns. The key to success lies in accessing opportunities and a startup ecosystem that fosters global growth. Therefore, the Embassy, together with leading government and private sector organizations in Thailand’s startup ecosystem, has initiated this ‘flagship project’. This project is a true integration of planning, budget, and project support. Through the Scaleup Impact! program, the Embassy has partnered with Epicenter (Stockholm) which specializes in accelerators for startups, to open doors of opportunity from Thailand to Sweden, the Nordics, and the global market.”
The Ambassador further stated, “In today’s rapidly changing world, new challenges require innovative solutions and collaboration across all sectors. Startups are key drivers of innovation and can create significant impact quickly. I encourage entrepreneurs committed to developing sustainable innovations to join this program. I firmly believe in the potential of Thai startups and that we can leapfrog from being ‘soonicorn’ to unicorns.”
Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Suwonsichon, Director of the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), stated that “PMUC, through the Global Partnership project, places great importance on enhancing the international competitiveness of Thailand’s private sector. This is achieved through international network collaborations involving universities, research institutions, government agencies, and private sectors from both Thailand and foreign countries. These networks collaborate on research and innovation, facilitating technology transfer from foreign countries and/or the dissemination of domestically developed technologies to international partners. This is done in a targeted manner to meet the specific needs of the country, aiming to strengthen the Thai private sector’s ability to bring research and innovation to the global market.”
Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thongchai added, “For this project, PMUC is delighted to support Thai entrepreneurs, particularly Deep Tech startups, in accelerating their growth. By connecting them with Swedish entrepreneurs, we aim to provide them with a foothold in the global market. This is a crucial mechanism that empowers Thai entrepreneurs to enhance their international competitiveness and access larger funding sources, enabling them to distribute their products and services worldwide.”
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), stated, “As the driver of Thailand’s innovation landscape, NIA is committed to fostering exponential growth among Thai startups to enable them to enter the global market, especially Sweden. Sweden is renowned for its robust startup ecosystem and is a leading global innovation hub. This collaboration under The Scaleup Impact! Thailand – Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program aims to nurture 12 Thai startups in the Impact Tech sector that can create positive social and environmental impacts. The program focuses on connecting Thai startups with the global market through knowledge exchange and expertise from leading Swedish entrepreneurs and investors who excel in innovation and have produced numerous successful startups. The Impact Tech sector is of particular interest to Nordic investors. This 6-month program, running from September 2024 to March 2025, includes various activities such as workshops on determining Objectives and Key Results (OKR), expert talks, and business matching to enhance the skills and networks of Thai startups for global competitiveness. Additionally, these startups will have the opportunity to present their business plans in Sweden at the Thailand Pitch Day 2025 in March 2025.”
Dr. Krithpaka further stated, “Beyond opening doors for Thai startups to new markets and fostering unlimited growth opportunities, this project enables startups to access resources, networks, and the rapidly
growing European market. This will facilitate sustainable growth and future global leadership, aligning with NIA’s goal of propelling Thai startups onto the world stage.”
Early-stage startups with innovative technologies in the ImpactTech sector, such as Smart City Solutions, Green Energy, Climate Tech, Creative Industries, HealthTech, FoodTech, and FinTech, who are seeking to expand into international markets are invited to apply for the “The Scaleup Impact! Thailand – Sweden Global Startup Acceleration Program”. Applications are now open from 10 September to 30 September 2024. You can register through Epicenter Accelerate Thailand Cohort 2024/25 (confetti.events) or scan the QR code below.
Hashtag: #NationalInnovationAgency #NIA
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