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Style SavvyFashion & Fashion Accessories
Classic or cutting-edge, fashion and fashion accessories from Asia redefine chic and hip for the stylish set Well-designed fashion and fashion accessories flatter looks and play up charms. Cashing in on these traits is the long suit of Asian manufacturers, whose keen eye for style ensures endless funky creations. One example is Keen Max Trading Co Ltd, which specialises in scarves and shawls that are popular in Europe, Australia and Asia. "In-demand fabrics include wool, silk and cashmere, but we also use cotton, linen, viscose and furs such as rabbit," observes Marketing Officer Janet Chung. A beaded scarf in a black-and-white pattern is a popular seller for the company, which has also recently introduced a collection of women's hats. "Our hat range is a growing area of the business and we are continually expanding our product offerings," Ms Chung says. One hat from Keen Max that is expected to be popular in winter 2008/2009 is model HB0366. "The hat is lightweight, has a 100% wool exterior with cotton lining and is available in brown or black," Ms Chung advises. "The standard size is 56.5cm, which fits most people, but we can provide other sizes." The hat also boasts a flower motif, which can be detached and worn as a brooch. "We expect this particular model to be in demand in Korea and Japan as these markets are very fashion conscious," notes Ms Chung, insisting that wearing hats has been a growing trend in the past two years. Top styles Hats are also the focus for accessories company Breeza Knitting Inc, whose vast selection includes model BC8029. "It's a unisex hat in a fedora style that is available in a number of colour combinations, such as gold/silver and green/blue with black lurex detailing," says Product Manager Ingrid Yan. Made from polyester and available in all sizes, the hats are priced from US$1.50-3.00 each FOB Shanghai. "It is a popular style and can be worn all year," Ms Yan notes, adding that the company creates many versions of the fedora based on customer-generated ideas. "In addition to lurex models, fedoras featuring a plaid pattern in black, white, grey and beige will also be strong sellers as this pattern is forecast to be the next big thing," Ms Yan reckons. Europe is Breeza Knitting's biggest market for such hats, although it also sells well in the US. Its clientele includes supermarket chains, retailers, chain stores and distributors. "We often develop up to 60 new patterns for each customer, which is one of our competitive advantages," Ms Yan remarks. The company's other main product line is scarves made from acrylic, polyester, cotton, silk, angora, viscose and linen. "Another of our unique strengths is our winter range of hand-knitted scarves and hats, which our customers in Europe and Japan always order," claims Ms Yan. Each product takes approximately two weeks to make, and to keep up with demand the company outsources most of the knitting. Designer labels Working with up-and-coming fashion designers to bring unique and trendy items to its customers is a forte of LD & EXBU Co Ltd, which currently acts as a distributor for the Doii range of coats. The label's collection for spring/summer 2009 includes a black-and-white floral coat made from 100% cotton (exterior and lining) with polyester sequin detailing and large buttons. "This coat is just one of a growing range featuring different material patterns and colour combinations. Customers can also choose their own combinations from colour swatches," says Director Hayley Kiel. "The coats are unusual and feature a classic shape that is flattering to the wearer. They are popular in the US, Europe and the Middle East." With sizes 38-42 available, the coats are unit-priced from US$300-700 FOB Incheon. Besides distributing apparel, LD & EXBU also produces such accessories as eelskin bags. Waist lines Specialising in belts is Ho Cheuk Kee Belts Mfy Ltd, which introduces 40-60 new designs each season. Among hot sellers for the coming autumn and winter are model 12547 featuring a crocodile-skin look and an iron/aluminium buckle with detailing, model 12489 sporting a suede-look plait, and model 12408 with a rhinestone-detailed buckle. "All these belts are made from PU," says Manager Ho Chi Tat. "They come in a variety of colours, but for the autumn and winter seasons darker colours are more popular." About 4cm wide, the belts are available in the standard size (first hole 65cm and last hole 80cm), although clients can request a specified size. "Our belts are designed in-house and design inspiration comes from magazines, fashion trends and clients," Mr Ho advises. Clearly, buyers sourcing from Asia can rest assured they are getting fashion and fashion accessories that will certainly prove a hit with trend-savvy end-users. TEXT BY VICKI WILLIAMS FAST FACTS
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