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Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 13:04
Millennials shaking up fashion and lifestyle market
By Prime Sarmiento in Hong Kong
Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 13:04 By Prime Sarmiento in Hong Kong

Global Sources 2018 Spring Gift and Home Show, which has been renamed the Lifestyle Show, was held at AsiaWorld-Expo. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

A new generation of consumers is changing the fashion and lifestyle market. The millennials — those born between 1980 and 2000 — have come of age during the rise of the digital age and globalization. This has created sets of behaviors and experiences different from their parents’, according a report issued by New York-based investment bank Goldman Sachs Group.

The millennials’ affinity for technology, wellness and sustainability has given rise to new fashion and design trends. The millennials, for instance, are key drivers behind the rise of casual sportswear which is better known as athleisure — a portmanteau of “athletic” and “leisure”. Their fit and active lifestyle often sees them wearing yoga tights, sneakers and down jackets outside the gym.  It’s the same lifestyle that has led to the rise of smart apparel and accessories. These fashion items have fitness tracking features which can help wearers improve their performance in a specific sport.

Sustainable and ethically produced products likewise appeal to the more socially-conscious millennials. This is why several companies have been producing and marketing goods made of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic — even old clothes. Manufacturers who use animal testing are demonized — as millennials opt instead for cruelty-free and ethically produced goods.

The millennials’ huge spending power — and the trends this has spawned — is in fact one of the key highlights at one of the world’s leading product sourcing expos which will be held this week.

At the Global Sources Fashion Show and Global Sources Lifestyle Trade Fair, which will be held Oct 27-30 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, international buyers will have the chance to view designs curated by millennials. They can view them at special areas featuring up-and-coming products and designers.

A buyer looks for ideal products in the Design Gallery at the Global Sources 2018 Spring Gift and Home Show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The Young Designers Corner will display designs crafted by fashion school students at  Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and the Savannah College of Art and Design Hong Kong. The Rising Designers Corner will showcase works by startups and new designers.

Thousands of verified suppliers across Asia will also set up booths to showcase fashion, gift items and homeware. 

Some of these products on display are included in the Analyst’s Choice. This collection, curated by Global Sources’ analysts, comprises cool and innovative products. These include board shorts made from recycled fabric, flame-retardant polyester children’s sleepwear, knee-sleeve infuser with copper for pain relief and an anti-theft zipper sounds alarm. Attendees can get a glimpse of Analyst’s Choice products by watching fashion parades during the event.

The Fashion Tech Zone is in response to the growing demand for smart wear. Visitors to the zone can watch exhibitors who will conduct demos of tech-enabled sports apparel and accessories.

But, more than just a venue for sourcing products and meeting potential buyers and suppliers, the trade expo is also a platform for business learning. Several experts have been invited to discuss fashion and product design trends, new technology applications and best practices in sourcing at forums that will be held during the expo.

One of the forums will feature renowned world color factory Pantone. Pantone will present color trends for the fall/winter of 2019. New York-based trend forecasting firm Fashion Snoops will be hosting the Trends Forum where participants will learn more about the apparel and accessories trend for the spring/summer season in 2019. 

The Global Sources Summit, acclaimed as the “Best Amazon Conference” at Seller Awards 2017, will teach intermediate and advanced Amazon and e-commerce sellers how to source from Asia more effectively, and sell online more profitably.

Buyers attending the event can download the GlobalSources.com app and use it to shortlist exhibitors, find booths, take pictures and contact exhibitors after the show. They can also subscribe to the “At the Show” online newsletter which publishes daily reports.

prime@chinadailyapac.com


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