Press

The region has long been a crucial industry player, particularly in terms of retail and manufacturing. This year, both established and emerging APAC markets, including India, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, were reported as top priorities for fashion executives. But the Chinese market, usually reliable as a top source of revenue for luxury brands, has made numerous headlines declaring it a victim of consumers' declining demand for luxury (though analysts are hopeful its luxury scene is positioned for a slight turnaround in 2026).

We can’t talk about the rise of Asia’s presence in the global fashion conversation without the mention of Hong Kong. One of the earliest port cities to assert its doubly-influential presence in both the East and West spheres, Hong Kong was once at the forefront of all things innovative and multicultural before the advent of the Internet and ease of travel; it was where art, music and films celebrated tradition and innovation in equal measures.

We can’t talk about the rise of Asia’s presence in the global fashion conversation without the mention of Hong Kong. One of the earliest port cities to assert its doubly-influential presence in both the East and West spheres, Hong Kong was once at the forefront of all things innovative and multicultural before the advent of the Internet and ease of travel; it was where art, music and films celebrated tradition and innovation in equal measures.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region continues its advance as a leading Asian fashion design hub with the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, from Nov 22 through Dec 7, following its successful debut last year.

Hong Kong’s fashion and luxury sector is preparing for an invigoration — with the recently established Hong Kong Fashion Fest designed to position Hong Kong as a premier fashion and design hub in Asia. At the Asia Fashion Leaders Forum in Hong Kong, BoF’s president Nick Blunden sat down with regional and global business leaders to speak about the opportunity and market reality of the region.