Hong Kong:Shah Capital becomes largest investor in Symphony

 

Shah Capital Fund became the largest institutional investor in Hong Kong-based Symphony Holdings this week. Symphony Holdings is a marketer and licensor of sports and recreation footwear and apparel, with stakes in worldwide consumer brands like Pony, Haggar, Speedo, Mango, Helly Hansen, Berghaus, JFT Holdings (Toyota Tsusho) and controls about two-percent of the worldwide athletic shoe market.

"The current market conditions have created significant investment buying opportunities in China,” said Himanshu Shah, president and chief investment officer of Shah Capital Management. “As you look at markets from a global perspective, Symphony Holdings has tremendous growth opportunities and is in a premier position to be a Gateway to China for Western sports, activewear, and fashion brands.”

“We are pleased to see Shah Capital as a large investor in Symphony Holdings,” said Dr. Ting Ho, executive director of Symphony Holdings.

“We look forward to working with them in a constructive manner to enhance value for all stakeholders.

“Symphony Holdings is a tremendously undervalued franchise with many underlying operational strengths,” said Shah. “We have been following the company for more than three years, and believe fits perfectly into our investment strategy.” 

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India:Saris to be on centre-stage of global fashion wear

 

A project to put saris on the centre-stage of fashion wear has received an approval from World Bank. The five-stage plan has been implemented by Asian Heritage Foundation, will launch saris in global markets with a unified brand called JIYO!

The Asian Heritage Foundation will popularize 118 ways of sari draping, apart from imbibing the modern designs. The JIYO brand will also comprise furnishings, handicrafts, health and food products.

About 20 JIYO! clusters, covering over 20,000 artisans will be set up in 4-5 states including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The nationwide campaign that intends to bring the glory of saris back, will also involve celebrities, who will endorse the saris.

The weavers will receive assistance from designers of international repute, who will polish up their skills, so that it can meet global consumer expectations. The sari will perfectly fit in the modern scheme of fashion, pointed out, Ms. Rita Kapoor Chisti, who is an expert herself in sari making in India.

While interacting with handloom weavers from traditional sari making areas in Andhra Pradesh, she said, “If somebody wants to show off, she can do it in style in saris”, but was also saddened by the extinction of the few popular sari-making crafts.

The Asian Heritage Foundation also has planned out a biannual international collection of saris, named вЂ1001 Saris’, along with Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF). To attain this objective, clusters in different parts of the country will be identified by the lead teams.

Indian saris have huge demand in the market, but in order to meet requirements, the designs, only need to be changed, said an expert.

As part of the initiative, the foundation will work with the weavers in places recognized for designs, such as Srikalahasti, Pochampally, Uppada, Ponduru, Siddipet and Dharmavaram.

Alike initiatives are also being framed out to popularize handicrafts and ethnic foods of Andhra Pradesh at national and international levels.
 

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Germany:GLOBAL SHOES back on course for growth

 

GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing is back on course for growth. After the global economic climate put another clear damper on the fair in March exhibitors are now returning to Düsseldorf. Some 380 of them will feature in Hall 8a and 8b of the Düsseldorf exhibition centre from 11 to 13 September.Comparedwith the previous year’s event this still constitutes a drop of 15% but over the March event an impressive 34% plus.

GLOBAL SHOES therefore once again underlines its significance as a leading fair for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and volume suppliers. Joint stand exhibitors from such countries as Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore have opted for Düsseldorf again this season after dipping out of the March eventdue to the world economic crisis. India’s Council for Leather Exports (CLE) is now also recommending its shoe manufacturers to participate at GLOBAL SHOES again.

“After a turbulent start to the year the situation in the world footwear business appears to have settled a little.Many producersare looking to the future more optimistically again,” explains Kirstin Deutelmoser, Director at GLOBAL SHOES. “We are obviously delighted that our exhibitors are opting for Düsseldorf again. Manufacturers who have otherwise hung back with trade fair participations are showcasing their products at GLOBAL SHOES. But they know they can do real business in Düsseldorf because all key European volume buyers attend the fair.”

The fair’s around 380 exhibitors from 21 countries will again be presenting a wide range of women’s, men’s, children’s and sports shoes through to casual and wellness footwear. Commenting on this Kirstin Deutelmoser says: “GLOBAL SHOES is a representative reflection of the volume market business. Virtually all key suppliers will be attending in September.” Strong market suppliers include the likes of Novo Model Scoop (Israel), Michel X (Hong Kong), Cortina China, Studio 56 and Allied Champion (all from China), JC Concept and A&A Mad Mad (both from Malaysia), Eurowind (Taiwan), Euromax (France) and RAM Fashion (India).

The forthcoming GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessoriesand GLOBAL SHOES – leading trade show for sourcing will be held at the DГјsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 11 to 13 September 2009.A total of 1,145 exhibitors from 42 countries will be presenting their latest shoe and bag collections (correct as of:20/08/2009).On show at GDS will be 1,800 collections for Spring/Summer 2010 plus trends for the current season. 

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Brazil:Consuls Project to take personalized information about Couromoda

 

One of the most ambitious in initiatives of Couromoda is the Consuls Project that will that will take to the footwear retail market in all the States of Brazil and countries in Latin America information on Couromoda 2010.

They are 27 commercial representatives of the footwear and accessories, with full knowledge of the Brazilian retail market that will take personally the message about the fair; anticipated information, tips about the market, travelling packages and plenty information will be conveyed in a clear and personalized format.

In Latin America, the program will be focused in markets such as those in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Peru.

With this project, Couromoda is enhancing the important relation of confidence and professionalism between commercial representatives and retail clients; in addition, it offers the whole market more and better business and growth opportunities.  

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UAE:Fashion Arabia features 15 runway shows

 

Fashion Expo Arabia and Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East present over 500 companies, brands and designers at ADNEC – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 26 - 28 October 2009.

A selection of exhibitors include: A.N.C.I. Servizi Srl - Italian Footwear Manufacturers Association - Aanchal Chanda – Abhishek - Akhesa - Alas de Icaro, S.L. - Aleanto Collezioni s.r.l. - Aleph Trade - Artisan Life Ltd - Ayyappa Enterprises – Balizza - Barcarola – Baruni Couture - Barutti - Berkemann - Blue Lotus - Bright Lady - Bugatti - Calonge - Calzados Firos Italianos S.A. de C.V. - Carla Ruiz – Carolina Fabrics Ltd - Carrybag Paris - Carta e Costura - Casa Moda – Casa Mondo - Children's Fashion Europe - Colettee Enterprises Pte Ltd - Costas Faliakos - Cuadra - DAJA AG - Daniel Hechter by Erich Rohde GMBH - Erifilli Nikolopoulou - F.A.P. Italia Srl - Falah Handicrafts - Fashion Group - Fashionmatica srl - Fitz Made in Italy - Fitzroy S.R.L. - France Mode - Franco Cuadra - Frango Nicolas - Gaspard Yurkievich - Golda - Groupe PHL - Hamlet Designer S.r.l. - HCM Exports - HEPO SA - Hit at Joe - HSY Hassan Sheheryar Yasin - IHS International Ltd. - Industria de Colcados Wirth Ltda.

- Ines De Castilho - International Trade Agency Jaap Rijnbende - Kurt Rommelfanger GmbH - Italian Trade Commission - J. Arggido - Jakabel Ltd - Jessica Halabi - Jolie Dame - Kali Orea - Karen Ritzi - Katrims Industrial Co. Ltd - Kennel und Schmenger Schuhfabrik GmbH – Ki.Ko - Klass Act (Outlets) Ltd T/A Kurt Muller - Kyri Retail Ltd - Lady's Fashion Co. Ltd Fortune Eternity Int'l Ttrading (H.K) Co. Ltd – La Villa Moda - Larioseta Spa - Lawung Ltd - M/S Naseeb Fashions - Mantola Couture – Marieta - Melina Pispa - Millstream Clothing Company Pvt. Ltd - Mywalit.com S.r.l. – Nexus Trading - Only For U Designs Pvt Ltd – Paolo Santini - Parchbeck - Peter Kaiser - Pulicati Pelleterie Di Pulicati Carlo - Quiet Riot – Rabi Z - Raidy Boer – Reynu Taandon - Ro. Di. Group s.r.l. - Rocio Ltd - Rohde by Erich Rohde GMBH - Roseleaf Lingerie Ltd - Sakina M'Sa - Samson SAS - Sara Triana - Sarl Cuir Pistache – Sartori Sartori - Sharin – Sohad Accouri - Sorelle - Sotto Voce Accessories - Souk Khan Al-Kh

alili Co. - Spinel - Strenesse - Studio M Due Barbara Pedini - SugaPlum – SUUF - Swarovski Middle East Fze - Swati Exim Pvt. Ltd - TekStyle Magazine Alf Agency Ad & Pr – Tina Salomone - Toby - Unique Collection - Viyolet Tekstil Konfeksiyon Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi – Vogue International - WES Worldwide - Woongjin - Yes Virginia - Yin Made in Italy – Zufi Alexander and many more.......

Join leading international companies in this exciting trade exhibition featuring over 5,000 qualified buyers from accross the Middle East.

Fashion Arabia also features 15 runway shows presenting internationally acclaimed designers from Europe and The Middle East. 

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Singapore:Nuance-Watson & SK-II launch Skin Signature Series

 

Nuance-Watson (Singapore) and prestigious skincare brand SK-II launched the Skin Signature Series with with a mega promotion that started on June 30.

The six week promotion for the worldwide travel retail exclusive generated nearly USD 1 million in sales despite a recessionary period with passenger numbers on the decline. Sales far exceeded expectations and achieved a remarkable growth versus last year. This is the second time Nuance-Watson (Singapore) and SK-II have successfully teamed up for a global initiative of this sort.

The SK-II Skin Signature Series with Oli-Vityl and its three-step beauty regimen helps enhance one’s skin power, i.e. the skin’s natural ability to withstand stress and maintain its texture, radiance and firmness for sustainable beauty from within.

Skin Signature Moisturizer, an essential moisturiser, is the first step to boosting one’s skin power from within with its powerful cocktail of Oli-Vityl, Signaline and Pitera. Delivering a dose of actives to amplify skin power is Skin Signature 3D Refining Mask, a unique two-piece stretchable mask. The line-up further includes Skin Signature Cream-in Foundation that providesa beautiful finish for skin while working on enhancing skin power.

This latest break-through technology series was launched togetherwith the brand’s award-winning Facial Treatment Essence in all of Nuance-Watson (Singapore) Perfumes + Cosmetics stores with massive visibility in terms of store display and communication. As expected, the Skin Signature Series was purchased largely by locals and mainland Chinese whose purchases accounted for more than half of the promotion’s total sales.

Quite effortlessly, SK-II maintained a stronghold on its No. 1 ranking in the cosmetics category in July with the successful introduction of this Skin Signature Series. Says Jorge Rodriguez,Category Manager of Nuance-Watson Singapore, “We were apprehensive initially as there was no leverage on any PR campaign since this was a worldwide launch exclusively with us. Traffic was also weak because of the recession. But we decided to go for it and we are definitely glad we did!” 

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Hong Kong:New boutique from Nuance-Watson & Bally at HKIA

 

Nuance-Watson (Hong Kong) and Bally have jointly unveiled the newly refurbished Bally boutique at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) located in Terminal 1 East Hall. The boutique offers customers the full range of men’s and women’s shoes, bags and ready to wear, all designed by Bally Creative Director Brian Atwood renowned for bringing Bally’s rich heritage up to date with stylish, modern allure.

The new Bally store concept supports the principle of creating effortlessly elegant spaces that evoke a sense of sophisticated calm. The natural colour palette of the Bally store plays with the contrast of light and dark surfaces and textures. Brushed bronze displays featuring smoked mirror backdrops are punctuated with sumptuous flint suede shelves and platforms; beautifully showcasing the product. Natural oak hardwood floors are enhanced by rich brown velvet rugs with leather trim. Soft natural boucle fabric sofas, low leather tables with and small square table lamps are used to create a welcoming setting that ensures a truly memorable shopping experience.

The new store was officially opened by Ms. Alessandra Piovesana, Nuance-Watson (HK) Regional Managing Director, North Asia; Mr. Mimmo Mariottini, Bally Global Travel Retail Director; Ms. Eva Tsang, Airport Authority HK General Manager, Retail & AdvertisingBusiness; and Ms. Clarice Au, Nuance-Watson (HK) General Manager,Operations.

In conjunction with the celebration of the boutique re-opening, a special exhibition of Bally’s 19th century archive shoes, all specially brought in from Switzerland, is running in store until mid of September 2009. It offers a wonderful and rare opportunityfor airport customers to see these truly remarkable displays for the first time in any airport in Asia. Debuting with the grand opening event, there was also a sneak preview of Bally’s new Autumn / Winter Collection.

Ms. Alessandra Piovesana said, “We take pride to have establishedBally as one of the all-time best-selling mainstream luxury labels at HKIA and have been meeting our customers’ expectatioinsever since we introduced the brand in 1998. The winning of the new luxury boutique concession among severe competition reflects the commercial success of the brand and it was the best reward of the past ten years of our hard work and dedication to growing the brand at HKIA, with the support of Bally and the Airport Authority. We are committed to continue to satisfying customers in partnership with Bally and ascertain the best exposure and return for the brand at our airport.”

Nuance-Watson (HK) and Bally have enjoyed a long and fruitful working relationship which dated back to the premiere of the brand at HKIA in 1998. Over the years, Nuance-Watson (HK) has achieved remarkable sales performance for Bally. Today, the Bally boutique at HKIA is No. 1 in sales among all Bally travel retail stores worldwide. The new boutique underlines both companies’ commitment in growing the business at HKIA and surpassing travelers’ expectations in airport shopping enjoyment. 

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